John Clay's Sidelines

(AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)

SEC links for Monday:

• Paul Gattis of the Huntsville Times reports that the SEC is the class of the NFL draft, again.
• Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that, by NFL draft standards, Tennessee’s talent hit a historic low.
• Hooker also profiles new Tennessee football assistant Ed Orgeron.
• Wally Hall of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that Arkansas basketball fans demand improvement.
• Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky writes that Auburn is just glad Matthew Stafford is gone.
• Seth Emerson of The State reports that South Carolina had seven players drafted, most since the draft was shortened to seven rounds in 1994.
• Tim Tucker of the AJC reports on the rest of the Georgia draft after Stafford.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Conference rules NFL draft — again’

SEC links for Monday:

• Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that UT gets commitment from juco point guard.
• Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky on new Bama basketball coach Anthony Grant.
• Ian Rapoport of the News reports that Grant says Bama was his first choice.
• Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times writes that Grant made quite an entrance.
• Tommy Hicks of the Mobile Press-Register writes that opportunity knocks for Gant, Tide.
• Tommy Deas of the Tuscaloosa News writes that Grant is eager to take Tide to next level.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: UT gets point guard, Bama gets Grant’

SEC links for Monday:

• In the Tennessean, columnist David Climer writes that Tenneessee’s downward spiral could cost the Vols an NCAA Tournament slot.
• Mike Griffith of the News-Sentinel writes that Bruce Pearl wants his struggling Vols to play more as a team.
• In the News-Sentinel, Dan Fleser reports on the Lady Vols’ win over Mississippi State.
• In the News-Sentinel, John Adams writes on Lady Vol Kelley Cain, who is playing through pain.
• Michael Carvell of the AJC reports that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier told a top Georiga prep quarterback he is nowhere close to retiring.
• Ray Melick of the Birmingham News writes that ex-Alabama offensive lineman Andre Smith, who skipped out on the NFL Combine, has now been introduced to the real world.
• Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that Alabama and Tennessee are waging an uncivil war in Memphis.
• In The Advocate, Randy Rosetta reports on LSU baseball’s sweep of Villanova.
• In the Gainesville Sun, Edward Aschoff reports on Florida’s sweep of No. 8 Louisville in baseball.
• Also in the Sun, John Oesher reports that Percy Harvin expects to play wide receiver in the NFL.
• Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean writes that D.J. Moore could be Vandy’s next first-round draft pick.
• In the NW Arkansas Times, Derek Oxford writes that the Arkansas women have set a school record for consecutive league wins in basketball.
• Chris Dearing of The State writes on South Carolina baseball’s opening weekend.
• Also in the Times, Nate Allen writes that effort does not equal victories for Arkansas men.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger writes on Ole Miss’ big man in the middle.

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.