In a perfect world, Alabama’s comeback win over LSU would have been enough for the masses. But once again, a blown call by SEC officials has taken center stage, says Andy Staples.

(more)

Florida and Texas are safe this week, with byes keeping them free from college football’s UpsetFest 2009. And No. 5 Boise State plays a Division I-AA team at home, a sure win for the Broncos.

But the other seven top 10 teams go on the road today, and the big guys know the perils of spending a few hours in a strange environment.

“Every stadium you go into,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said, “is a decided advantage for the home team.”

Here’s a ranking of the seven road teams, from most in danger of losing to the safest:

(more)

Could the Gators really repeat without Tim Tebow? Andy Staples tackles that million-dollar question.

(more)

GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Let me paint the picture for you: at some point Saturday, as time wound down in The Beatdown That Wasn’t, Nick Saban sat and watched from the comfort of home and saw this:

Florida, exposed.

USC, exposed.

(more)

Think hosting South Carolina is a good spot for Georgia to bounce back? Our Upsets to Watch for Week 2 have other ideas.
(more)

Kentucky reported a secondary rules violation to the NCAA involving a former program assistant, a source close to the Wildcats told Sporting News.

In early July, Bilal Batley visited the UK practice gym to speak with a player regarding an academic matter, the source said. While there, he was seen gathering rebounds for one of the players. The university determined it should be turned into the NCAA as a secondary violation.

An Oklahoma graduate, Batley worked several years at John Lucas’ training center in Houston and joined John Calipari’s staff at Memphis last fall. He resigned his Kentucky position last week to return home to Houston because of a family illness, the source said.

(more)

Alabama’s offense is still dangerous with new QB Greg McElroy at the helm, writes Cory McCartney.

(more)

ATLANTA – There’s nothing complicated about it, really. If you can’t beat ‘em, copy ‘em.

Here is your 2009 version of Alabama football, everyone. Don’t be shocked by the orange and blue hue to it.

Life is different these days at Alabama. The big wins haven’t left, but the days of caveman offense have been supplemented by – deep breath, Tiders – the spread option.

(more)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida wide receiver Andre Debose may need surgery to correct a hamstring problem that has bothered him since practice began.

(more)

Dan Werner has seen the best of times — and the worst — at Florida. Now he hopes he can help right the ship, Jeff Goodman says.
(more)

Five true freshmen are among the possible starters for the Tennessee Volunteers when they open Sept. 5 against Western Kentucky.

(more)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A stellar performance by Jonathan Crompton in Tennessee’s scrimmage wasn’t enough for him to lock up the starting quarterback job.

(more)

NEW YORK (AP) — As Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators prepare to make a run at their third national title in the last four seasons, the defending champions have already made some history.

(more)

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Jacksonville State quarterback Ryan Perrilloux has been suspended for the season opener at Georgia Tech for violating team rules.

(more)

Sporting News is counting down its top 100 college football teams for 2009, featuring one team each day leading into the season opener Thursday, Sept. 3.

Greg McElroy has never had a problem being patient. Already a thoughtful player, he used his time on the sidelines to be more strategic.

That’s what he did for three years behind future Missouri star Chase Daniel at Southlake Carroll (Texas) High. He did so again as Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson rewrote the record book.

The junior is done waiting. A quarterback battle between McElroy, the athletic redshirt freshman Star Jackson and strong-armed walk-on Thomas Darrah never materialized.

Coach Nick Saban all but named McElroy the starter after spring, and he’s reportedly having a strong preseason camp.

“Everybody knows who our players have the most respect for,” Saban said. “(McElroy) has shown that he’s far and away our best quarterback right now.”

(more)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference has issued a revised policy for media outlets covering the league’s sporting events.

(more)

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Mark Richt isn’t ready to predict the winner of Georgia’s tailback competition. He won’t even predict that one winner will emerge in the effort to replace first-round draft pick Knowshon Moreno.

(more)

If you don’t know these names, you will. Andy Staples identifies this year’s top impact freshman.

(more)

Ohio State coach Thad Matta had a great month on the recruiting trail. That’s one of 10 things Jeff Goodman learned in Las Vegas.
(more)

Someone dared not vote for Tim Tebow as All-SEC? Horrors! But CFN says Ole Miss’ Jevan Snead might just become a better QB.
(more)

The NCAA can play dumb, but it’s exploiting players for profit even if their names aren’t “in the game,” Mark Kriegel says.
(more)

While other coaches evaluate recruits, Bruce Pearl is in Israel with Team USA in the Maccabiah Games. But Pearl has no regrets, says Gary Parrish: He’s enjoying the long-awaited stint.










(more)

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn players say there’s no mistaking coach Gene Chizik is serious about discipline on the team.

(more)

At a time when colleges and universities across the country are cutting sports programs and slashing budgets, even those athletic programs in better financial shape are trying to identify ways to reduce costs during the current recession.
(more)

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — The Auburn Tigers are lagging in one recruiting regard: early verbal commitments.

(more)