John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Sunday:

• ESPN.com’s Pat Forde writes that Oklahoma and Florida are two runaway trains headed for a collision.

• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun reports on Florida’s title wave.

• Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi writes that Florida’s Tim Tebow is man of his word.

• Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley writes that winning without Harvin was a special feat for Florida.

• The Birmingham News’ Ian Rapoport reports on the lows of Alabama’s loss to Florida.

• Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick writes that Alabama handled the pressure of the loss like champs.

• Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky reports that Nick Saban feels responsible for the Alabama loss.

• Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt writes that for Alabama, this one will sting for sometime.

• Orlando Sentinel columnist David Whitley was in Kansas City reporting on Florida’s next foe, Oklahoma.

• AJC columnist Mark Bradley writes that Florida’s greatness prepares for another title.

SEC links for Saturday:

• Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi writes that the SEC title game is a face off for the ages.

• The Tuscaloosa News reminds us that Alabama-Florida has created some lasting images.

• News columnist Cecil Hurt writes that Bama must prove itself once again.

• Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley writes about how like Urban Meyer, Nick Saban has thrived in year two.

• The Gainesville Sun also has a video with Dooley, and his special guest Cecil Hurt, discussing the SEC season in review.

• Knoxville News-Sentinel columnist John Adams writes about the colliding styles in the SEC title game.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: SEC title game’

SEC links for Thursday:

• Mike Herndon of the Press-Register writes that Texas Tech’s Mike Leach sits atop Auburn wish list.

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  Tommy Tuberville

  Evan Woodberry of the Mobile Press-Register looks back on the Tommy Tuberville reign at Auburn.

• Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger tackles speculation that Tuberville could be headed to Starkville as Mississippi State’s next coach.

• In the Montgomery Advertiser, Jay G. Tate gives more Tuberville details.

• Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News quotes Bama’s Nick Saban as saying he guesses he’s just a 5-7 away from suffering the same fate as Tuberville.

• On ESPN.com, Ivan Maisel writes that Tuberville ouster merely echoes other SEC changes.

• At CBS Sportsline, Dennis Dodd writes that Auburn is again looking for a great coach — just like the one it had.

• Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley writes that Florida football is looking out for No. 1.

• Mike Organ of the Tennessean reports on Vandy’s embarrassing 19-point home loss to Illinois-Chicago.

• Knoxville News-Sentinel columnist Mike Strange writes on Tyler Smith’s historical triple-double in Tennessee’s win over UNC-Asheville.

• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports that Ole Miss couldn’t hold on, and ends up losing to visiting West Virginia.

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Dave Hooker writes in the Knoxville News-Sentinel that Phil Fulmer says he’s not thinking about other jobs, even as rumors put him as a possibility at Clemson.

• In the Gainesville Sun, Robbie Andreu writes that Florida is doing some serious streaking.

• In The State, Joe Person wonders if South Carolina’s stout defense can stop the Gators surge.

• Tennessean columnist David Climer writes that North Carolina coach Butch Davis would bring some much-needed discipline to Knoxville.

• Also in the Tennessean, Maurice Patton writes that Vandy is feeling the pressure of needing just one more win.

• In the AJC, Chip Towers writes that Georgia coach Mark Richt believes his skill players are the best the Bulldogs have ever had.

• In the Huntsville Times, Evan Woodberry writes that Auburn would love to break its two-year losing streak to Georgia. The Tigers wouldn’t mind just getting an SEC win, too.

• Paul Finebaum of the Mobile Press-Register, and his radio show, claims that Nick Saban has put LSU fans in a world of hurt.

• Richard Davenport writes in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that a USC running back is thinking of transferring to Arkansas.

• Here’s a new one: Randy Rosetta writes in The Advocate that LSU is now working on making tackles after its quarterback throws interceptions. And Jarrett Lee has thrown plenty of interceptions.

• Kyle Veazey writes in the Clarion-Ledger that Mississippi State has a case of the fourth-down blues.

SEC links for Monday:

Chip Towers of the AJC reports that Georgia coach Mark Richt is defending his defense and coordinator Willie Martinez.

Towers also reports that the Bulldogs will have to contain another mobile quarterback this week.

Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes that penalties cost Vandy in its blowout loss to Florida.

John Patton of the Gainesville Sun writes that Tim Tebow got into Florida’s act on Saturday.

Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that Nick Saban put his friends, team first in Bama’s win over LSU.

Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register reports that Saban didn’t think the Tide played well Saturday.

Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean writes that downtrodden Vols will use bye week to heal.

Same thing at Arkansas, where Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the Razorbacks are ready for a break.

John Adams of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that as far as the Tennessee coaching search goes, getting it right is alll that counts.

Joseph Schiefelbein of The Advocate reports that Jarrett Lee is still LSU’s starting quarterback, but that freshman Jordan Jefferson will play.

SEC links for Friday:

Chip Towers writes in the AJC that, coming to Kentucky, Georgia may change its backup back.

Towers also writes that Brandon Wood is back in Georgia’s defensive line rotation after serving a suspension for a DUI.

Kevin Scarbinsky, for the Birmingham News, travels to Baton Rouge where he finds that LSU fans have been waiting with mixed emotions for the return of Nick Saban.

The Baton Rouge paper, The Advocate, sent Scott Hotard to Tuscaloosa to do a story on Saban.

In the Huntsville Times, Mike McCarter writes that Saban still has fond memories of a late LSU booster.

At CBS Sportsline, Dennis Dodd writes that Nick Saban is writing a new chapter in Alabama’s storied history.

Tennessean columnist David Climer writes about the inevitable rumors that will accompany the Tennessee coaching search.

Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean writes that Tennessee could not afford, from an economic standpoint, to keep losing football games.

Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes about what Tennessee is looking for in a new coach.

Over at Mr. SEC, Jimmy Hyams writes about the Tennessee coaching search.

Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun writes about Florida’s success in the Red Zone.

Maurice Patton writes in the Tennessean that Vanderbilt needs to turn its turnover battles around.

Terry Wood of the NW Arkansas Times writes about the passing skills of the Arkansas basketball team.

AP reports that study shows number of African-American coaches is lowest in 15 years.

SEC links for Thursday:

Joe Schiefelbein reports in The Advocate that LSU coach Les Miles denies ever calling Nick Saban “the devil.”

Clarion-Ledger columnist Rick Cleveland writes about Mississippi State fans who want Sylvester Croom gone.

Tennessean columnist Joe Biddle writes that UNC coach Butch Davis is the best fit for Tennessee.

Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun writes about Jai Lucas decision to transfer from Florida.

Ian Rapoport writes in the Birmingham News that Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson’s goal is to beat LSU and Auburn.

Mike Herndon writes in the Mobile Press-Register about Vanderbilt wide receiver George Smith, who after surviving a life-threatening illness, has reached out to a Mobile family.

In The State, Joseph Person writes about South Carolina’s Marvin Sapp, who is making the most of his senior season.

Bob Holt writes in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that John Pelphrey is putting a lot on his Arkansas guards.

Knoxville News-Sentinel John Adams writes that her love of practice and her young team keep Pat Summitt spry.

Robbie Andreu writes in the Gainesville Sun that the Florida secondary has made a nice recovery.

Mark Bradley writes in the AJC that Georgia Tech’s 7-2 season has been better than Georgia’s 7-2 season.

SEC links for Wednesday:

Ian Rapoport writes in the Birmingham News that Nick Saban can’t help but get emotional about his return to Baton Rouge.

Paul Finebaum writes in the Mobile Press-Register that decision day is near for Auburn and Tommy Tuberville.

Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that just like Tommy Bowden, Phil Fulmer got Nicked.

In the AJC, Jeff Schultz asks if Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford has already made up his mind about going pro early.

Also in the AJC, Mark Bradley writes that timid Georgia failed to embrace its potential.

Joseph Schiefelbein writes in The Advocate that LSU is looking for playmakers.

In the Tennessean, Bryan Mullen writes that Tennessee’s problems had been buidling before Fulmer’s dismissal.

Also in the Tennessean, David Climer writes that Fulmer had let his guard down.

ESPN, through various services, says Butch Davis, David Cutcliffe and Steve Spurrier all say they have no interest in Tennessee.

Young basketball Razorbacks learning the do’s and don’ts, writes Bob Holt in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Drew Edwards writes in the Knoxville News-Sentinel that Tennessee is dealing with the shock and trying to move on.

SEC links for Monday:

Nick Saban

Tony Barnhart writes in the AJC that we could be headed for the best SEC Championship Game ever.

Alson in the AJC, Tim Tucker writes that Mark Richt is “sick” about Georgia’s loss to Florida.

Robbie Andreu writes in the Gainesville Sun that Florida is just focused on reaching Atlanta.

In the Huntsville Times, Gentry Estes writes that now Alabama is No. 1, the Tide can turn attention to Nick Saban’s return to Baton Rouge.

Randy Rosetta writes in The Advocate that LSU is in the spoiler role.

Doing double duty, Rosetta also writes that it won’t be a normal week for Saban or Les Miles.

Cecil Hurt writes in the Tuscaloosa News that Alabama is shaking the November blues.

Kevin Scarbinsky writes in the Birmingham News that Tommy Tuberville suggests the end of his tenure could be near.

In his blog, Clarion-Leger columnist Rick Cleveland weighs in on Tuberville.

Joe Person reports for The State that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier thinks injured quarterback Stephen Garcia will be ok.

In the midst of Tennessee’s turmoil, Phil Fulmer is trying to stay strong, writes the Tennessean’s Bryan Mullen.

John Adams writes in the Knoxville News-Sentinel that Tennessee fans are happy to offer suggestions for a new Vols coach.

Brandon Marcello writes in the NW Arkansas Times that newcomer Montrello McDonald is making a good first impression with the Razorbacks.

Nick Saban

SEC links for Monday:

• Kevin Scarbinsky writes in the Birmingham News that Alabama is too good not to return to Atlanta.

• Tommy Hicks of the Mobile Press-Register concurs that the SEC West title is coming back to Bama.

• Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times gives all credit to Nick Saban.

• Kyle Veazey writes in the Clarion-Ledger that Arnil Stallworth  has become a valuable weapon for Mississippi State.

• Robbie Andreu writes in the Gainesville Sun that Florida has no shortage of motivation for its showdown with Georgia.

• Chip Towers writes in the AJC that neither Georgia nor Florida is anxious to discuss last year’s celebration controversy.

• In The State, Chris Dearing writes that Tennessee and South Carolina share some of the same struggles.

• Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean writes that embattled UT coach Phil Fulmer says he still has the support of his players.

• John Adams writes in the Knoxville News-Sentinel that losing David Cutcliffe was Tennessee’s deepest cut.

• Also in the News-Sentinel, Mike Strange writes that Tennessee’s tough times have competition.

• Also in the Tennessean, Maurice Patton writes that the numerous SEC bowl tie-ins give Vandy a shot.

• Randy Rosetta writes in The Advocate that LSU is considering a new quarterback.

• In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Bob Holt writes that a pair of closes losses have frustrated Arkansas.