John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Tuesday:

• In the NW Arkansas Times, Terry Wood writes that John Pelphrey is putting passion back into Arkansas basketball with a capital P.
• In the Clarion-Ledger, Kyle Veazey reports on Mississippi State’s out of Western Kentucky.
• In the Orlando Sentinel, David Whitley writes on Tim Tebow.
• In the Gainesville Sun, Pat Dooley reports that Percy Harvin’s ankle is 90 percent for BCS title game.
• Also in the Sun, Robbie Andreu writes on Gator back Brandon James, who is looking to break out against OU.
• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register writes that Alabama will look to a stable of capable quarterbacks in the spring.
• Also in the Press-Register, columnist Tommy Hicks examines whether Florida is too fast for Oklahoma.
• In the Tennessean, David Climer writes that Utah deserves votes for No. 1 after beating Bama.
• In The State, Joe Person reports that South Carolina defensive star Eric Norwood will return for his senior season.
• In The Advocate, Gary Laney previews LSU-Utah.

SEC links for Sunday:

• In the Gainesville Sun, John Patton reports on Nick Calathes’ star turn in Florida’s win over N.C. State.
• Also in the Sun, Robbie Andreu writes on how Florida defense sees the Oklahoma offense.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Mike Griffith reports that Bruce Pearl is down on Tennessee’s defense after loss at Kansas.
• Also in the News-Sentinel, Mark Packer writes that price tag makes UT’s gamble large.
• In The Advocate, Gary Laney writes on LSU’s basketball win over Southeast Louisiana.
• In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Bob Holt reports on the Razorbacks in over North Texas.
• In the AJC, Tim Tucker writes that Tennessee is coming after Georgia recruiting ace Rodney Garner.
• Also in the AJC, Mark Bradley wonders if Georgia might be pre-season No. 1 again next year.
• Yet again in the AJC, Chip Towers reports on Georgia’s hoops loss to Missouri.
• Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky writes that the biggest prizes slipped away from Alabama.
• Also in the News, Ian Rapoport reports that star Alabama tackle Andre Smith announces his intentions to turn pro.
• In the Tuscaloosa News, Cecil Hurt writes that loss of Smith was not only reason for Sugar Bowl loss.
• In the Tennessean, Vandy takes apart UMass.
• In the Clarion-Ledger, David Brandt writes that Ole Miss hopes to ride its Cotton Bowl win into next year.

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Nate Allen of the NW Arkansas Times reports on Arkansas’ upset win over No. 4 Oklahoma.
• Also in the Times, Brandon Marcello reports on the lift the Hogs received from ex-grid star Marcus Monk.
• Times columnist Terry Wood writes that the Hogs go chin-to-chin, and pull out the win.
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist Wally Hall writes on Arkansas freshman Courtney Fortson.
• In The State, Seth Emerson reports on South Carolina’s fifth straight loss to Clemson in men’s basketball.
• Randy Rosetta writes in the Baton Rouge Advocate that for LSU it all comes down to stopping Georgia Tech’s option.
• In the Tennessean, Maurice Patton writes that Vandy football is trying for a historic finish.
• Also in The State, columnist Ron Morris writes on Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia.
• Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that new Auburn offensvie coordinator Gus Malzahn is not Tony Franklin 2.0.
• In the Mobile Press-Register, Paul Finebaum writes that Auburn’s fall and Alabama’s rise were the top stories of 2008.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, John Adams writes that SEC bowl prospects appear mixed.
• In the Tennessean, Bryan Mullen reports that Tennessee center Wayne Chism’s availability is iffy for the Kansas game.

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, who took an elbow to the face in win over Rice last week.

SEC links for Tuesday:

• Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that the Razorbacks are stepping up in class tonight to face No. 4 Oklahoma.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Wayne Chism plays a terrific game before being carried off on a stretcher in Tennessee’s win over Louisiana-Lafayette.
• Also in the News-Sentinel, John Adams writes that J.P. Prince’s return was a slam dunk.
• In the NW Arkansas Times, Nate Allen reports that Arkansas’ backup guard Jason Henry is out after knee surgery.
• Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News reports that Alabama’s star offensive lineman Andre Smith has been suspended from Sugar Bowl for improper contact with an agent.
• Gentry Estes of the Huntsville Times writes on the Tide’s giant loss.
• In the Tuscaloosa News, Tommy Deas writes that even without Smith, Utah is not taking Bama lightly.
• Randy Rosetta of the Baton Rouge Advocate writes that from all appearances John Chavis will be LSU’s next defensive coordinator.
• Ron Morris of The State writes that having fun is supposed to be part of the bowl experience.
• Also in The State, Seth Emerson writes on a former Darrin Horn recruit who brings a twist to the South Carolina-Clemson hoops rivalry.
• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes that the Music City Bowl is leading Vandy’s D.J. Moore to a crossroads.
• Thomas Stinson of the AJC writes on the mystery that is Georgia running back Caleb King.
• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun writes on Chandler Parson’s bumpy ride.
• In the Montgomery Advertiser, Jay G. Tate reports that new Auburn offensive boss Gus Malzahn promises a different spread offense.

SEC links for Monday:

• Maurice Patton reports in The Tennessean that Music City Bowl ticket sales are down 25 percent from last year.
• The State columnist Ron Morris writes that South Carolina is watching its budget, even at the Outback Bowl.
• Also in The State, Chris Dearing reports on No. 1 UConn’s win over South Carolina in women’s hoops.
• In the Tennessean, Bryan Mullen writes on UT’s Dennis Hopson and the quest to match effort with talent.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, John Adams reports that Tennessee gets its Prince back tonight.
• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun reports on Florida’s win over Winthrop in men’s basketball.
• Brockway also writes about the sophomore surge from Gator center Alex Tyus.
• Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News reports on Auburn’s hiring of Gus Malzahn to be offensive coordinator.
• Jay G. Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser also writes on the Malzahn hire.
• Mobile Press-Register Columnist Randy Kennedy writes that the SEC’s reputation is at stake in bowl games.
• Jim Mashek of the Biloxi Sun-Herald reports that Ole Miss is trying to shake off the rust in Dallas.
• In the Baton Rouge Advocate, Randy Rosetta writes on the future of LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee.

SEC links for Saturday:

• Gary Laney of The Advocate writes that it’s a physical group of Washington State Cougars that visit LSU today.
• Dave Link of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that Tennessee’s J.P. Prince has been testing his injured ankle.
• Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley writes that Florida football has overcome injuries all season.
• Mobile Press-Register columnist Tommy Hicks writes that the SEC is playing for pride and BCS title this bowl season.
• Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News writes about hits and misses with the new Gene Chizik staff at Auburn.
• Tim Tucker of the AJC reports that key Georgia assistant has turned down Auburn to stay in Athens.
• Brandon Marcello of the NW Arkansas Times writes that Arkansas coach John Pelphrey is praising freshman guard Rotnei Clark.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger writes that Ole Miss star Greg Hardy makes a loud arrival at the Cotton Bowl.
• Knoxville News-Sentinel has that Lane Kiffin plans to attend Sunday’s game between his former employer, the Oakland Raiders, and his father’s soon-to-be former employer, the Tampa Bay Bucs.
• The Tennessean, via AP, writes on Pat Summitt’s growing coaching tree.

SEC links for Friday:

• In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Bob Holt writes that John Pelphrey feels Arkansas is right on schedule.
• Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick writes that on Christmas morning, everybody wins.
• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register writes on the Utah kicker who enjoys celebrity status heading into the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.
• In The State, Seth Emerson writes that the Outback Bowl will make history for some South Carolina players.
• Bryan Mullen writes in the Tennessean that tough pre-conference schedule is preparing the Vols for future.
• Also in the Tennessean, Maurice Patton writes that Christmas travel pays off for Vanderbilt.
• In The Advocate, Joseph Schiefelbein writes on LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.
• In the Gainesville Sun, BCS bowl losses don’t bother Oklahoma.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, reports from the NFL say Lane Kiffin tried to hire Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates.
• Marc Weiser writes in the Augusta Chronicle that a shopping spree awaits Georgia.
• In the AJC, Michael Carvell writes that Matt Stafford’s NFL decision is impacting Georgia’s recruiting.

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley looks at 10 teams in need this football post-season.
• Knoxville News-Sentinel columnist John Adams gives his Christmas wish list, including Swamp repellent for Lane Kiffin.
• Also in the News-Sentinel, ex-Vol calls Phil Fulmer “two-faced.”
• Seth Emerson of The State reports on South Carolina’s pounding of Presbyterian in hoops.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger writes that because of injuries, freshmen have had to fill roles at Ole Miss.
• Also in The State, Joe Person talks to ex-Gamecock Ryan Brewer about his Outback Bowl heroics.
• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean reports that Vandy’s football players have returned home before coming back to Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
• Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that Arkansas is using hustle, muscle on boards.
• Scott Hotard of The Advocates writes on the big impression being made by big LSU tackle Herman Johnson.
• Jay G. Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser writes on Auburn’s win over Alabama State on Monday.

SEC links for Tuesday:

• The AJC has Georgia’s bad, bad loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
• The top Gainesville Sun story on-line is how ex-Gator and Olympic medalist Dara Torres, age 41, is posing for a new 2009 calendar.
• Also in the Sun, Kevin Brockway writes that Florida had to survive a rally to beat Georgia Southern.
• In the Clarion-Ledger, Kyle Veazey reports on MSU’s Jarvis Vernado’s string of three straight 20-point games.
• Also in the Clarion-Ledger, Ole Miss whips Florida A&M.
• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean reports on Vandy’s basketball win over Furman.
• In The Advocate, Gary Laney reports on LSU’s win over McNeese State.
• Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean reports that Tennessee hopes to get injured J.P. Prince back next week.
• In The State, Joe Person reports that a South Carolina professor is calling for better oversight after Emmanuel Cook is ruled ineligible for bowl game.
• Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick writes that bowl games mean paydays for players.
• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register writes that Alabama seniors want to cement legacy.
• In The State, an ex-South Carolina player punches Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn.

SEC links for Monday:

• In the Knoxville News-Sentiel, Mike Griffith writes that freshman and Kentucky native Scotty Hopson is starting to raise Bruce Pearl’s hopes.
• Also in the News-Sentinel, Dan Fleser writes on the Tennessee Lady Vols’ overtime win over Stanford.
• News-Sentinel columnist John Adams writes that freshman Shekinna Stricklen is catching on fast for the Lady Vols.
• In the Gainesville Sun, Kevin Brockway writes that Florida freshman Kenny Kadji is also starting to catch on.
• In the Tuscaloosa News, columnist Cecil Hurt writes that Bama bowl opponent Utah is not an extension of Florida.
• Randy Kennedy writes in the Mobile Press-Register that Gene Chizik can still make an early splash at Auburn.
• Derek Oxford reports of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Missouri’s upset of Arkansas in women’s hoops.
• Rob Keys of the NW Arkansas Times reads the cards around the SEC.
• In The Adovcate, Joseph Schiefelbein reports that LSU knows its safeties will play a key role against Georgia Tech option offense in the Chic-fil-A Bowl.
• In the AJC, Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford might stop and think before going pro considering that the Lions are 0-15.