John Clay's Sidelines

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.

SEC links for Friday:

• Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is reporting that ex-U of L coach John L. Smith is headed to Arkansas to work for his old offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino.
• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun reports that Florida loses Percy Harvin, but keeps Brandon Spikes.
• David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports on decision of Ole Miss’ Greg Hardy to stay in Oxford.
• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes that the nation is ignoring SEC basketball.
• But in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Mike Strange writes that the league is full of surprises.
• Peter Cox of the AJC reports on Georgia women’s coach Andy Landers picking up his 800th win.
• Jon Solomon reports in the Birmigham News that proposed early signing period in college football is likely to fail.
• Ray Melick of the News writes that it’s time to save college football coaches from their own madness.
• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register reports that another Alabama assistant is leaving, this time for Tennessee.
• Dan Fleser of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports on the Lady Vols win over Mississippi State.
• In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Wally Hall writes that Arkansas must strike a balance to succeed.

SEC links for Saturday:

• In the Baton Rouge Advocate, Gary Laney writes that its a wide-open race as SEC play begins.
• In the Tennessean, Maurice Patton writes that Vandy is healthy, ready to go.
• Also in the Tennessean, Bryan Mullen writes that Tennessee is shifting its focus to SEC play.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Mike Griffith reports that UT’s Tyler Smith is doubtful for Georgia game because of a bone bruise on his knee.
• The State has five questions for South Carolina basketball coach Darrin Horn.
• In the NW Arkansas Times, Nate Allen previews Arkansas’ SEC opener against Mississippi State.
• In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Wally Hall writes that Jimmy Dykes’ professionalism covers his love of the Hogs.
• In the Clarion-Ledger, David Brandt reports that Ole Miss guard David Huertas returns to Florida with a target on his back.
• In the Birmingham News, Ian Rapoport reports that Alabama running back Glen Coffee is passing up his senior season to turn pro.
• In the Montgomery Advertiser, Tim Gayle reports that defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is leaving Alabama for Clemson.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: SEC hoops wide open’

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 Friday:

• Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky asks why couldn’t Auburn get along this way before Tommy Tuberville walked away.

• Mike Herndon of the Mobile Press-Register reports that Auburn has a list of coaching candidates.

• Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times wonders if it won’t be tough for Auburn to find a coach who wants to compete in the ultra-competitive SEC.

• Press-Register columnist Randy Kennedy wonders how Auburn is going to top Tuberville.

• Chip Towers of the AJC talks to ex-Auburn offensive lineman and current Georgia assistant Rodney Garner, the recruiting whiz, who says he’d love Tigers’ job.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Can Auburn top Tuberville?’

SEC links for Monday:

• Drew Edwards of the Knoxville News-Sentinel tracks down reports that Monte Kiffin will join his son at Tennessee as defensive coordinator.

• Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes about Tennessee’s loss to Gonzaga in finals of Old Spice Classic in Orlando.

• In the AJC, Tim Tucker reports that Georgia coach Mark Richt will not fire embattled defensive coordinator Willie Martinez.

• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun writes that Florida hopes a hobbled Percy Harvin can play in SEC title game.

• Tennessean columnist David Climer writes that Tennessee may be home to a Kiffin family reunion.

• News-Sentinel columnist John Adams writes that plenty of kid coaches, like Kiffin, have experienced success.

• In our own Herald-Leader, Jerry Tipton writes about UK forward Josh Harrellson.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Kiffins to reunite at Tennessee’