John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Friday:

• Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that you should vote Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain for the Heisman.
• Gary Laney of The Advocate writes that special teams has been a big part of LSU’s success.
• Tommy Deas of the Tuscaloosa News reports that Alabama will change-up its red-zone offense.
• The Tennessean’s Joe Biddle writes that  Florida’s Brandon Spikes did the right thing.
• Geoff Calkins of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes that quick decision led to Lane Kiffin fun.
• Austin Ward of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that Tommy West’s joke upset Tennessee players.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Rolando McClain for Heisman?’

Anthony Grant

SEC links for Thursday:

• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register reports that crowd of 10,245 shows up for Anthony Grant’s first game at Alabama.
• Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that Georgia AD Damon Evans still made his point while backing Mark Richt.
• Randy Rosetta of The Advocate writes about the challenge facing LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.
• Tommy Deas of the Tuscaloosa News writes that Alabama wants to improve its downfield passing game.
• Jeff Lockrige of the Tennessean reports that Vandy back Warren Norman is running for league’s top freshman.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Anthony Grant makes Alabama debut’

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Seth Emerson of The State writes that SEC basketball is rising up.
• Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean reports that Vandy’s A.J. Ogilvy is already battling injuries.
• Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Lane Kiffin has just signed his contract.
• Speaking of Kiffin, he says Alabama is better than Florida.
• Tony Barnhart of the AJC thinks it’s time to have a serious discussion about officiating.
• Mark Wiedmer of the Chattanooga Times Free Press asks if Tennessee is ready to rip Tide?
• Chase Goodbread of the Tuscaloosa News reports on Mark Ingram’s Heisman hopes.
• Mike Herndon of the Mobile Press-Register writes that pitfalls are still possible for Florida, Alabama.
• Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that the real Gene Chizik is still standing.
• Gary Laney of The Advocate writes that LSU wants to go deep.

Here’s a chart showing how SEC quarterbacks having done this year throwing the ball game-by-game.

Notice how poorly passers have fared against Alabama. Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett completed just 12 of 35 throws against the Crimson Tide. UK’s Mike Hartline was 17-of-31, but threw three interceptions. Ole Miss’ Jevan Snead was dreadful, completing just 11 of 34 passes for 140 yards with four interceptions. Saturday night, South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia completed less than 50 percent of his passes, going 20-of-46 for 214 yards without a touchdown and with one interception.

Click on the “more” line to see the chart.

Continue reading ‘SEC passers game-by-game’

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AP Photo/Beth Hall

SEC links for Friday:

• Robbie Nieswanger of the NW Arkansas Morning News writes that Arkansas basketball wants to bury the negativity.
• Gary Laney of The Advocate reports that LSU’s Tasmin Mitchell relishes his repeat role.
• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun writes that frontcourt is key for Florida basketball.
• Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News writes that Alabama basketball is committed to up-tempo.
• In The State, Ron Morris writes on Stephen Garcia’s daunting challenge at Alabama.
• Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News thinks Mark Richt is starting to look like Tommy Tuberville.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Arkansas hopes to negate the negativity’