John Clay's Sidelines

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun writes that time is now for Florida’s young receivers.
• George Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel grabs his Purrell and writes that Urban Meyer is making too much of flu issue.
• Doug Segrest of the Birmingham News writes that if Florida stumbles, the SEC has Lane Kiffin to thank.
• David Climer of the Tennessean writes that Florida wasn’t able to trick wise old Monte Kiffin.
• Mike Strange of the Knoxville News-Sentinel says numbers show Lane Kiffin is a conservative lean.
• Joe Person of The State reports that South Carolina has a Top 10 itch to scratch.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports that Ole Miss is concerned about USC’s Eric Norwood.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Florida, Florida and more Florida’

Report out of Gainesville is that Florida head coach Urban Meyer held six players out of practice Tuesday because of flulike symptoms.

According to AP, missing practice were linebacker A.J. Jones, defensive back Josh Evans, receiver Justin Williams, offensive lineman Shawn Schmieder, running back Mike Gillislee, and defensive end Earl Okine.

Linebacker Brandon Spikes (Achilles tendon) and wide receiver Deonte Thompson (hamstring) also did not practice.

David Jones of Florida Today reported that “Florida linebacker Ryan Stamper, when talking to media on Tuesday night, coughed into his hand and laughed as a reporter jumped out the way. He was just joking. He isn’t sick. But Florida’s battle with a flu bug is getting less of a joking matter with each passing day. Gators coach Urban Meyer said six more Gator were sick and missed practice.”

(AP Photo/Andrew Cutraro)

Media Approval Ratings returns with Bob Davie, the ex-Notre Dame coach who will be doing the color for ESPN2 on the Kentucky-Florida game Saturday night. The handsome Davie will be teamed with is regular partner, Mark Jones.

So what say you on Bob Davie, thumbs-up or thumbs-down?

Previously: Gary Danielson – Brent Musburger – Kirk Herbstreit – Todd Blackledge – Brandon Fisher – Brent Carney – Dan Rieffer – Rob Bromley – Alan Cutler – Kent Spencer – Dave Baker – Mary Jo Perino – Mike Cameron – Chris Cross – Dick Gabriel – Larry Glover.

Here was my AP college football ballot for this week, compared to how the vote turned out (I know, I have Clemson too high):

John Cox at Thorough-Graphics has sent a long a better picture of the “Billy G.” bumper sticker I posted last night, plus a new one. They’re available at his office for $5 each, by the way, or you can get five for $20.

Rivals.com National Hoops Report is reporting that Stacey Poole will make his college choice announcement between UK and South Carolina at 5:30 p.m. Thursday on ESPNU.

It’s confirmed by his AAU team.

Big Blue Links for Tuesday:

• Herald-Leader’s Valarie Honeycutt Spears reports that UK is paying $30,000, plus monthly fees, for John Calipari to join Lexington Country Club.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L reports that Kentucky must avoid early KO against Florida.
• H-L’s Mark Story on Kentucky’s uphill battle.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger reports that Stacey Poole could be a Cat soon.
• Chris Rodgers of Palmetto Sports reports that Poole will make decision very soon.
• Seth Emerson of The State reports that South Carolina knows it trails on Poole.
• Lawrence Journal-World reports that Adreian Payne will visit Kansas on Oct. 31.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Stacey Poole could make choice today’

SEC links for Tuesday:

• Writing for the Mobile Press-Register, Paul Finebaum says that it was Lane Kiffin, not Nick Saban, who proved that Urban Meyer is mortal.
• Mike Strange of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Kiffin is again critical of Meyer.
• Jeff Schultz of the AJC writes that Meyer is also ranked No. 1 in excuses.
• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun reports that Florida is going back to basics.
• Mark Bradley of the AJC gives five reasons why Georgia should demote Willie Martinez.
• Gentry Estes writes in the Huntsville Times that Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett is a mighty challenge for Bama.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Meyer, Kiffin still throwing verbal jabs’