John Clay's Sidelines

SEC links for Wednesday:

• Gary Laney of the Baton Rouge Advocate previews tonight’s LSU-Mississippi State clash.
• Also in The Advocate, Joseph Schiefelbein writes that rematches provide tests.
• Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger writes that Mississippi State doesn’t need any pep talks.
• Clarion-Ledger columnist Rick Cleveland writes that LSU’s Trent Johnson has been one good hire.
• In his Open Mike blog, Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi wants to know if its too early for Tennessee to fire Lane Kiffin.
• In the AJC, Mark Bradley writes that Vince Dooley says Kiffin has “a lot to learn.”
• Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean reports that Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton claims that Kiffin is contrite for overstepping his bounds.
• Meanwhile, in the AJC, Michael Carvell reports that Kiffin is blaming one recruiting loss on grandma.
• Also in the Tennessean, Maurice Patton reports that Vandy’s Jamie Graham has given up basketball for football.
• Evan Woodbery of the Mobile Press-Register writes on Auburn’s Rasheem Barrett and his old-school jumper.
• Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times writes that SEC may expect few NCAA basketball invites.
• In The State, columnist Ron Morris wants some baseball jerseys retired.
• In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Mike Griffith writes that Tennessee must rebound against Georgia.
• Also in the News-Sentinel, Mike Strange looks at the SEC’s top freshmen.

SEC links for Saturday:

• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun reports that Florida’s defense will face a tough test in Tennessee.
• In the AJC, Tim Tucker reports on Georgia’s preparations for its first game without Dennis Felton.
• Roger Clarkson of the Athens Banner-Herald blogs that erasing Felton’s memory is a bit premature.
• Tommy Deas of the Tuscaloosa News reports on the battle of the interim coaches.
• Bryan Mullen writes in the Tennessean that the home has not been sweet for Tennessee, of late.
• John Adams of the Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that SEC wars continue over coaches, recruits.
• Also in the News-Sentinel, Mike Strange writes that Tennessee is finally on the basketball map.
• Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes that Vandy is keeping spirits up despite losing streak.
• Gary Laney of the Baton Rouge Advocate writes that LSU hopes to continue its good play.
• Also in The Advocate, Joseph Schiefelbein writes that Trent Johnson is already a big part of LSU’s history.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Florida puts defense to the test’

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.