John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Thursday:

• Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Bruce Pearl thinks Tennessee’s seniors have the talent for a great ending.
• Mark Wiedmer of the Chattanooga Times Free Press writes that Tyler Smith has Vols excited.
• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun reports that Billy Donovan is looking forward to Florida’s season.
• Joe Person of The State writes on South Carolina’s now-star receiver Alshon Jeffery.
• Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that change will be tough for Mark Richt, but not for Paul Johnson.
• Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald reports that some Bulldogs are in off-the-field trouble.
• David Jones of Florida Today reports on a Florida gymnast arrested for storing nine guns.
• David Paschall of the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that Georgia’s Richard Samuel is having trouble meeting expectations.
• Ray Melick of the Birmingham News thinks the NCAA should leave its trash talk on the field.

• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register writes that SEC players and coaches have had to deal with emerging media.
• Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean reports that Vanderbilt will stick with Larry Smith at quarterback.
• Ryan Malashock of the NW Arkansas Morning News writes on Arkansas’ Jerico Nelson.
• Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel compares Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett to Florida’s Tim Tebow.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports that Ole Miss’ secondary has proven to be a strong suit.