John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Friday:

• Wally Hall of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that the Kentucky game has big consequences for Arkansas.

• Huntsville Times columnist Billy Bryant writes that Auburn recruits face uncertainty.

• Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News writes that Auburn basketball hopes return of Barber and addition of guards will mean a turnaround.

• Ready of not, South Carolina and Clemson two new leaders, writes Ron Morrris in The State.

• The AJC matches the Big 12 vs. the SEC.

• Mike Strange of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that it’s in Alabama’s interest to win big.

• Maurice Patton in the Tennessean writes that Vandy’s Mackenzi Adams has stayed patient and now has another chance

• Bryan Mullen in the Tennessean writes that right now Tennessee is less confident than Vanderbilt.

• Kyle Veazey writes in the Clarion-Ledger that Tennessee and Mississippi State have a lot in common.

• Cecil Hurt writes in the Tuscaloosa News that Bama faces a challenge on the line.

SEC links for Tuesday:

Evan Woodberry of the Mobile-Press Register reports that Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has muzzled offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. I know from personal experience that’s hard to do. Of course, cynics would suggest that defenses have not had much trouble muzzling Franklin’s offense.

Paul Finebaum writes in the Press-Register that it is Tuberville, not Franklin, who created Auburn’s problems.

Over at CBS Sportsline, Dennis Dodd has a bad feeling about Vanderbilt.

In The State, Joe Person examines Steve Spurrier’s mastery of Kentucky. You may not have heard this, but UK has never beaten Steve Superior.

Jimmy Hyams writes on Mr. SEC that the Big 12 has surpassed the SEC in football.

Robbie Andreu writes in the Gainesville Sun that Urban Meyer understands the fans frustration with the Florida offense, but he sees improvement on the way.

Ray Melick of the Birmingham News asks if Nick Saban will ever smile. The Bama coach replies that grins aren’t in while the season is still going. Bama pride will be a body of works, says the Nickinator.

Drew Edwards in the Knoxville News-Sentinel reminds us that Tennessee should receive a boost from the return of punter Brandon Colquitt. After all, the Vols’ putrid offense has required quite a bit of punting thus far.

Maurice Patton of the Tennessean says that if Chris Nickson can’t go at quarterback, Vandy is confident in backup Mackenzi Adams. In fact, it was Adams who directed the Commodores win over Auburn.

Chip Towers reports in the AJC, or Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that it is a beat-up bunch of Bulldogs preparing for Tennessee.