John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Thursday:

• Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Tennessee football has gone Lil Wayne.
• Wes Rucker of the Chattanooga Times Free Press writes about Tennessee and Lil Wayne.
• Mike Griffith of the News-Sentinel reports that Vols’ basketball player Josh Tabb has withdrawn from school.
• Ray Melick of the Birmingham News writes that Mike Slive needs to step up control of the SEC family.
• Evan Woodbery of the Mobile Press-Register reports on the Gus Malzahn-Houston Nutt reunion.
• Joe Person of The State revisits David Reaves’ switch from South Carolina to Tennessee.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Tennessee goes Lil Wayne’

SEC links for Monday:

• Tim Tucker of the AJC reports that Georgia has lost a second starter to a season-ending injury.
• Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean writes that Vandy’s injuries are beginning to take a toll.
• Joe Person of The State reports that South Carolina defensive tackle Nathan Pepper could be out 2-3 weeks.
• The Advocate reports that LSU running back Richard Murphy has a serious knee injury.
• John Adams of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that Florida’s Urban Meyer has plenty of respect for Kiffin — Monte Kiffin.
• Dwight Collins of the Gainesville Sun reports that ex-Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer says Lane Kiffin needs to back up off-season talk.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Injuries starting to take their toll’

SEC links for Wednesday:

• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports that Ole Miss freshman was asked to re-take the ACT, and passed.
• Writing for the Mobile Press-Register, Paul Finebaum says Alabama is now expected to dominate.
• Mark Wiedmer of the Chattanooga Times Free Press writes that UT coach Bruce Pearl let his private side show.
• Wes Rucker of the Times Free Press reports that now Lane Kiffin will meet his mentor.
• Chris Low of ESPN writes that now the real fun begins for State’s Dan Mullen and Auburn’s Gene Chizik.
• Evan Woodbery of the Mobile Press-Register reports that Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan didn’t like the pace of his offense.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Ole Miss freshman re-takes ACT’

SEC links for Monday:

• Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun writes that playing Florida means more than money to Charleston Southern.
• David Jones of Florida Today writes on Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes.
• Chris Low of ESPN talks to Auburn starting quarterback, and Elizabethtown native, Chris Todd.
• Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean writes that Vanderbilt is pinning its hopes on its defense.
• Jeff Schultz of the AJC writes that if the ACC wants to get noticed, it better step up against the SEC.
• Doug Segrest of the Birmingham News writes that Phil Fulmer could be a coach in waiting.
• Charles Goldberg of the News writes that since Gus Malzahn has been given leeway to succeed, Auburn could have a better offense.
• Kevin Scarbinsky of the News writes on Nick Saban’s new contract at Alabama.
• Joe Person of The State writes on the South Carolina running game.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Charleston Southern sees more than a payday’

Bryce Brown

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that the NCAA is investigating eligibility of Tennessee’s star freshman running back Bryce Brown.
• Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that ex-UT basketballs star JaJuan Smith has been arrested on assault charge.
• Mark Bradley of the AJC picks every SEC game, one or two correctly (his words).
• Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News reports that Auburn coach Gene Chizik vows he won’t interfere with offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan.
• Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News writes that Nick Saban is pushing harder as Alabama’s camp nears end.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports that replacing Jerry on defense a challenge for Ole Miss.
• Seth Emerson of The State writes that D.J. Swearinger’s work ethic is opening eyes at South Carolina.
• Randy Rosetta of The Advocate reports that LSU’s linebackers are coming full circle.
• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun reports on Jon Bostic’s early start at Florida.
• Peter Kerasotis of Florida Today writes on late ex-Florida coach Charley Pell.

SEC links for Friday:

• Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News details how the SEC will have wall-to-wall television coverage next seasons.
• John Adams of the Knoxville News-Sentinel predicts that an SEC basketball rebound is on the way.
• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun writes that Billy Donovan is excited for new Alabama coach Anthony Grant.
• Jeff Schultz of the AJC writes that togetherness won’t play in the SEC.
• Mike Herndon of the Mobile Press-Register writes that Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is preaching balance.
• Joe Schiefelbein writes for The Advocate that its time for new magic with LSU baseball.
• Ron Morris of The State writes about how South Carolina baseball turned around its season.
• Joe Person of The State has a Q&A with South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman.
• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean reports that playing second fiddle is wearing on Vanderbilt baseball.
• Rick Fires of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that the Razorbacks are cautious heading into NCAA play.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger writes that Ole Miss wants to break the CWS barrier.

SEC links for Wednesday:

• In the Orlando Sentinel, columnist Mike Bianchi predicts that Oklahoma will regain its big-game name.
• Also in the Sentinel, however, columnist David Whitley predicts a big Gator victory.
• In the Gainesville Sun, Robbie Andreu examines what makes the Gators go.
• Mark Rosner of the Austin American-Statesman reports on Arkansas’ win over No. 7 Texas.
• Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean reports that Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl tears up his team’s defense on eve of the Vols rematch with Gonzaga.
• Also in the Tennessean, Beth Rucker reports that Pat Summitt is not worried that TV caught her halftime pep talk.
• The AJC reports that its decision day for Georgia football stars Stafford and Moreno.
• In the Birmingham News, Charles Goldberg reports that Auburn has hired ex-Duke head coach Ted Roof to be defensive coordinator.
• In the Birmingham News, Ray Melick writes about new Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s high-octane ways.
• Even Paul Finebaum in the Mobile Press-Register admits new Auburn coach Gene Chizik is gaining steam.
• Kevin Scarbinsky in the Birmingham News writes that Charles Barkley gave Auburn a bad rap.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Drew Edwards reports that Tennessee recruits are getting first look at the full Monte Kiffin.
• In the Tennessean, Maurice Patton reports that Vandy sees quality in its football recruiting class.

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.