By RON HIGGINS, Scripps Howard News Service
Running game key for Vols vs. Gators
It was early in the second half last week, as Tennessee's offense began to get juiced by its running game against UAB, that senior running back Arian Foster stormed to the sideline.
Vols' Crompton must step up vs. Gators
The most misleading statistic of all heading into Saturday's annual Tennessee-Florida showdown in Knoxville is the fact that the Vols lead the Southeastern Conference in total offense, averaging 457 yards per game.But if you ask any Big Orange backer what worries them the most entering Tennessee's SEC opener, it's an offense led by an inexperienced quarterback.
SEC coaches go younger on recruits
MEMPHIS -- The question was simple and direct to Florida football coach Urban Meyer.Would Meyer actually try to get a commitment from an eighth-grade prospect, something Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie has already done?"Depends how fast he can run the 40," Meyer said with a laugh at the annual SEC spring business meetings.He was kidding. Sort of.
SEC coaches go on mission
DESTIN, Fla. -- When the NCAA passed a rule forbidding head football coaches from going on the road to recruit in the month of May, Southeastern Conference coaches Tommy Tuberville of Auburn and Mark Richt of Georgia didn't head to the golf course.
Personal life questions dog McFadden
Recent conversations between NFL teams and former Arkansas football coach Houston Nutt concerning former star RB Darren McFadden eventually all head in the same direction.
Michigan State's Izzo straps 'em up at NCAA time
Everything you need to know about the mindset of a Tom Izzo-coached Michigan State basketball team -- which plays Memphis Friday in the NCAA South Regional semifinals in Houston -- dates to the Spartans' 2000 national championship season.Izzo, infuriated that his team was uncharacteristically out-rebounded in a loss to Ohio State, decided it was time for a toughness injection.
Free throw guru has his eye on Memphis
University of Memphis basketball coach John Calipari probably wouldn't know Ed Palubinskas if he stood next to him on the free-throw line.But Palubinskas, documented as one of the world's best shooting teachers, knows all about Calipari.
New Vols coordinator knows results matter
OK, so maybe Dave Clawson doesn't know the pressure of big-time NCAA Division 1-A football yet.After all, Tennessee's new offensive coordinator just began his first Vols practice as spring ball opened Tuesday in Knoxville.
In SEC football, its five strikes and you're still not out
Did you know that many college head football coaches -- particularly in the Southeastern Conference -- train for the priesthood in the offseason?Apparently, coaches like Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer, LSU's Les Miles and Alabama's Nick Saban believe they have to save every serial knucklehead on their teams.
SEC East recruiting answers
Have all the football staff changes at Tennessee doomed the Volunteers to an average recruiting year? Will Florida ever find a great tailback? Is the magic already gone for Steve Spurrier at South Carolina?
