Spanning the globe on a Monday morning. …
From Athens, this week’s Ole Miss opponent, Georgia, went from “soft” with its defense to “hard-nosed” in a surprising 17-9 win over Florida. As a result, the Bulldogs moved up to No. 7 in the AP Top 25, No. 6 in the USA Today coaches poll and in the BCS rankings. …
From Baton Rouge, a year ago this was billed as the Game of the Century. This year it’s hard to imagine LSU beating Alabama, even though it’s a matchup of top-five teams Saturday night at Tiger Stadium. LSU won the regular season meeting 9-6 in overtime in Tuscaloosa last year. Glenn Guilbeau of Gannett Louisiana writes that the Tigers will have a chance at an upset in spite of their sub-par passing game if they’re on top of their defense and running games …
Auburn fell to 1-7 after a humbling 63-21 loss to Texas A&M Saturday night. In the two days that followed Auburn coach Gene Chizik says he’s focused on helping the Tigers get a win against New Mexico State this week and has not commented on his job status. Chizik says he may give his true freshman a shot at the starting quarterback job this week. …
From Chattanooga, Derek Dooley and the Vols are off to an 0-5 SEC start for the third time in his three years as coach. Dooley says Tennessee can still have a really good season. …
From Columbia, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier believes the nasty knee injury suffered by his top running back, Marcus Lattimore, will not be career-ending. …
Denham Springs, La., native, Mississippian since 1989 with a stop in Meridian before arriving in Tupelo. Daily Journal beat writer since 1996, covering Ole Miss since 2002. Proud Northeast Louisiana alum. Follow me on Twitter @parrishalford and listen to Kory Keys and myself daily with The Ole Miss Beat on Rebel Sports Radio.
