John Clay's Sidelines

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’

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.

Houston Nutt at Arkansas.

SEC links for Tuesday:

• In The State, Joe Person writes about the aggressive official who put a shoulder to Carolina’s Stephen Garcia. Story features nice photos of the incident.

• In The Advocate, Randy Rosetta tackles the same official from LSU’s perspective.

• Rick Cleveland writes in the Clarion-Ledger about the emotions likely to be stirred by Houston Nutt’s return to Arkansas.

• In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Bob Holt writes that Nutt is whistling Dixie.

• In the Gainesville Sun, Robbie Andreu writes about Florida’s home-run threats.

• In the AJC, Chip Towers writes that Georgia will face several two-headed monsters in LSU.

• John Adams writes in the Knoxville News-Sentinel that even without Mt. Cody, Alabama is a huge test for Tennessee.

• The News-Sentinel also reports that Tennessee is picked to win the SEC in basketball.

• In the Gainesville Sun, Kevin Brockway writes about Billy Donovan’s fresh hoops options with the Gators.

• In the Birmingham News, Charles Goldberg writes that Tommy Tuberville finally goes on offense — about health rumors, program problems, etc.

• Maurice Patton writes in the Tennessean that Vandy hopes that Duke presents opportunity for sixth win.

• Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick writes that the regular season in college football is never regular.

SEC links for Thursday:

• Nate Allen of the NW Arkansas Times offers that the Tommy Tuberville/Bobby Petrino example shows that coaches should go with what they know.

• Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that after a poor start, the Arkansas defense is improving.

• Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News writes that Nick Sabans’ love of power backs has contributed to Alabama’s success on offense.

• But David Brandt in the Clarion-Ledger writes that Ole Miss is ready for Bama’s smashmouth attack.

• Drew Edwards of the Knoxville News-Sentinel says that Phil Fulmer is thanking supporters during UT’s 2-4 start.

• But John Adams, columnist for the News-Sentinel offers that Sylvester Croom could play terminator to Fulmer’s job security.

• Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News will stir up Vandy fans, saying that Commodores coach Bobby Johnson would be a good fit for Clemson.

• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes that Vandy needs to locate some offense in order to beat Georgia.

• Charles Golberg of the Birmingham News reports that Auburn linebacker Tray Blackmon is out for the season with a cracked bone in his right wrist.

• In The State, Joe Person writes that South Carolina receiver Jason Barnes is coming into his own.

• In The Advocate, Randy Rosetta writes that LSU’s backups on offense are waiting to contribute.

• Kyle Veazey in The Clarion-Ledger writes that Mississippi State continues to try new things on offense.

• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun writes about the Florida basketball team, which starts practice Friday.

SEC links for Saturday

• Seth Emerson of The State writes that Carolina receiver Kenny McKinley is a Sharpe shooter.

• Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun writes that fans should be ready for anything in tonight’s crucial LSU-Florida tilt.

• Randy Rosetta of The Advocate writes that it’s boom or bust for Tigers and Gators.

• John Adams of the Knoxville-News Sentinel writes that Tennessee’s history at Sanford Stadium is not enough for the Vols.

• Tim Tucker of the AJC writes that the odds are in Georgia’s favor.

• Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News says that with Tony Franklin gone, gone, gone, Auburn may go back to an ol’ fashioned running game.

• Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky writes that either hiring or firing Franklin will go down as Tommy Tuberville’s biggest mistake.

• Tommy Hicks of the Mobile Press-Register has some advice for Auburn’s new play-caller, Steve Ensminger: Run the ball.

• Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that Auburn and Arkansas are both wondering which trends will hold up today.

• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes that Vandy’s magic number stands at one.

• The Tennessean’s Joe Biddle warns that Mississippi State could give Vandy pain.

• Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger writes that State is starting a seven-game season.

SEC links for Friday:

• Mark Bradley makes the case in the AJC that Georgia better beware Fulmer’s struggling Volunteers.

• David Climer of the Tennessean argues that Tennessee won’t fire Fulmer.

• Joe Person of The State writes that no quarterback news is good news at South Carolina.

• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun offers 10 reasons why Florida-LSU is a big game, but not a rivalry game.

• George Morris writes in The Advocate that getting pressure on Tebow will be key for LSU.

• Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News reports that quick-trigger Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has turned to veteran assistant Steve Ensminger in hopes of turning around the Tiger offense.

• Wally Hall in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette contends that Tuberville has “shown nothing but class” in the Tony Franklin firing.

• Bryan Mullen at the Tennessean reports that Tennessee safety Eric Berry takes Georgia personally.

• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean makes the case that depth is the reason Vandy is 5-0.

• Kyle Veazey writes in the Clarion-Ledger that Mississippi State hopes to douse Vandy’s fire.

SEC links for Thursday:

Updated with new links at 8:40 a.m.

The big news of the day is Tony Franklin’s firing at Auburn. Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News writes that Franklin told co-workers that Auburn “told me to get lost.”

Over at the Mobile Press-Register, Evan Woodberry reminds us that less than 24 hours before the Franklin firing, Tommy Tuberville had said it would be a “major disaster” to make a change in mid-season.

Jeff Hood of the AJC reports that at least one Auburn commitment says he plans on being a Tiger.

Also in the AJC, Tony Barnhart asks five questions about Tuberville and the Franklin firing.

In the Birmingham News, Ray Melick writes “you got to know when to fold ‘em.”

Tom Murphy at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette writes that Arkansas’ offensive letdowns have Bobby Petrino seeing red.

In some basketball news, Seth Emerson at The State says new coach Darrin Horn is keeping promises to a minimum.

David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger takes a look at replay, and its affect on the flow of the game.

Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger points out that after returning five interceptions for touchdowns last year, Mississippi State is looking for its first pick-six this season.

In The Advocate down in Baton Rouge, Joe Macaluso reports on new basketball coach Trent Johnson’s talk to the local Rotary Club.

Mark Bradley writes in the AJC that the Georgia O-line is seldom Out-standing.

John Adams of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes about the black could that has been hovering over Georgia.

Robbie Andreu points out in the Gainesville Sun that special teams have been important in previous LSU-Florida games.

AP has a story that LSU player who promised to take out Tim Tebow now apologizes.

Maurice Patton in the Tennessean writes about the little things that have staked Vandy to its 5-0 start.

Also in the Tennessean, columnist Joe Biddle wants the real Tennessee to please stand up.

SEC links for Wednesday:

Ron Morris, columnist for The State in Columbia, writes that Steve Spurrier shows he has a bit of the genius left.

David Climer of the Tennessean makes the case for Bobby Johnson as SEC Coach of the Year through the season’s halfway point.

Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News writes that both Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville and Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino claim they are past the Jetgate scandal. You remember, that’s when then-Louisville coach Petrino secretly interviewed for Tuberville’s job when Tuberville still had the job at Auburn.

Wally Hall tackles Jetgate for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The AJC’s Mark Bradley writes that Georgia’s Stafford is more than your average John.

Goldberg also reports that it was a different Tony Franklin at Auburn’s practice Tuesday.

Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean writes that the Tennessee offensive line is in the line of fire.

Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun writes that with LSU coming to town, The Swamp is getting ready for another shot in the dark.

In the AJC, Tim Tucker reports that injuries have forced Georgia to shuffle its linebackers.

Randy Rosetta of The Advocate examines whether LSU running back Charles Scott should be in the Heisman discussion.

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.