SEC West notebook

Posted 6:45AM on Thursday 25th November 2004 ( 20 years ago )

ALABAMA: Alabama could benefit from South Carolina's decision to turn down a postseason bid. The Crimson Tide could potentially get a choice between the Music City and Independence Bowls, since Alabama and South Carolina were expected to fill the SEC's sixth and seventh bowl slots. ``It's an unprecedented situation,'' said Larry White, Alabama's associate athletic director and director of media relations. The Independence Bowl has a payout of at least $1.2 million; the Music City Bowl's payout is at least $780,000. The outcomes of two other games could factor into the Tide's postseason destination. Arkansas could become bowl eligible with a win over LSU, and if Tennessee beats No. 3 Auburn in the SEC championship game, the league could have two teams in the Bowl Championship Series. The latter scenario could put Alabama (6-5) in the Peach Bowl. The Tide, which ended the season with a 21-13 loss to Auburn, is just happy to be participating in the postseason for the first time in three years after enduring NCAA sanctions. ARKANSAS: Some Razorbacks seniors are doing some soul-searching this week as they contemplate what could be their last game in the Cardinal and White. An upset over No. 14 LSU on Friday would qualify the team for a bowl and earn them the right to play one more game. A loss, and they make the trip back to Fayetteville to turn in their equipment for the last time. The senior class at Arkansas (5-5, 3-4 SEC) is the smallest in recent memory after several would-be members elected to leave school a year early for a shot at pro careers. It includes some popular players fans would love to see one more time, among them defensive end Jeb Huckeba, receiver Steven Harris and quarterback Matt Jones. Coach Houston Nutt credits senior leadership with helping keep a young Razorback team together this year. ``I'm very appreciative of them and want them to go out the right way,'' he said. AUBURN: Offensive coordinator Al Borges was restrained when talking to NFL scouts about quarterback Jason Campbell before the season. He's much more adamant now: Campbell, he says, can play at the next level and should be a Heisman Trophy contender. ``When I talked to the NFL scouts early in the year, I said this kid's really got a chance but I want to take him through some games,'' Borges said. ``I had one foot up on the soap box; I've got both up now. ``I'm screaming from the mountaintops. This kid has what it takes to play in that league. He can pass. He's also athletic enough to get out of jams. He's got enough football sense to handle any offense. God knows, he's proven that.'' Indeed, Campbell is on his fourth offensive system for No. 3 Auburn, but has flourished under this one like none other. He has become one of the nation's top-rated passers with a career year, passing for 2,137 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Campbell has completed 68.5 percent of his passes. Borges isn't shy about promoting his quarterback for the Heisman either. ``Tell me who's playing better,'' he said. ``I'm talking what they're asked to do. You've got to remember, he isn't throwing 40 passes a game; we don't do that. Who's playing better? Who's led their team? Who's had the largest margin of victory? ``That's all him, and it's not just the passing. The passing is the thing that everybody notices, but the thing that Jason does is he gets you in and out of good and bad plays on a consistent basis every single game.'' LSU: Coach Nick Saban has lost plenty of sleep over the past four years worrying about Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones. The lanky, versatile athlete throws well, scrambles, runs the option and even plays on the basketball team. He had one of his greatest moments as a football player the last time LSU played in Arkansas two seasons ago. The Tigers needed a victory at Arkansas to capture the SEC West and led late in the game, but Jones marched his team downfield in the final minute and completed a game-winning touchdown pass. MISSISSIPPI: Five Rebels starters have missed practice time before this week's Egg Bowl. Bill Flowers, the team's second-leading receiver, said he sprained his right ankle when he stepped on another player's foot this week during practice. Flowers has 29 catches for 349 yards and with two touchdowns. Among others who have been out include cornerback Trumaine McBride, who missed Tuesday's workout to attend a funeral. Offensive tackle Bobby Harris (ankle, knee), defensive end Corvelli Haynes (shoulder) and safety Kelvin Robinson (shoulder, ankle) did not practice. Coach David Cutcliffe hasn't decided if those players will play for Ole Miss, which has lost four straight entering Saturday's game against rival Mississippi State. ``Some guys have been able to give it a go and push through it and some guys are still out right now,'' Cutcliffe said. ``A lot can change by Saturday. We'll have to wait and see.'' Two other nicked-up starters played through their injuries Tuesday: Defensive end Cory Robinson (shoulder) practiced in a yellow precautionary jersey while cornerback Travis Johnson (hamstring) went full speed in light contact drills. MISSISSIPPI STATE: Coach Sylvester Croom has been reprimanded by SEC officials after he was critical of the officiating in last week's 24-21 loss to Arkansas. Croom, visibly upset near the end of the first half, angrily confronted a game official at halftime after the Bulldogs had the ball inside the 1-yard line but failed to score. Twice, the Bulldogs were ruled out of bounds near the goal line, and Croom also was angry with how the officials managed the clock. He said after the game that ``there was no officiating.'' The league office issued a statement reminding Croom that he shouldn't publicly criticize officials, and threatened him with a suspension if he does it again. After a few days to cool off, Croom backed off his strong comment. ``I have assured (commissioner Mike Slive) that it will never happen again as long as I am coach here,'' Croom said. ``I respect the commissioner greatly, and regardless of what happens with the officials right or wrong I will not comment on it out of respect for him.''

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