SEC News and Notes: Georgia Banged Up, Clowney, Florida, Mizzou Defense
By Ben Nielsen
Sep 21, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel reacts with wide receiver Bud Sasser (21) and running back Marcus Murphy (6) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Missouri defeats Indiana 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Here are a few links and tid bits around the SEC heading into week seven of the college football season.
GEORGIA RECEIVER SHOULD BE BACK “AT SOME POINT THIS SEASON”
Injuries have been crushing for the Bulldogs so far this season. In last Saturday’s game against Tennessee, Georgia lost receiver Justin Scott-Wesley and running back Keith Marshall to season-ending ACL tears. Todd Gurley is still has an ankle sprain that could keep him out for this the Missouri game, and safety Tray Matthews is also doubtful this week with a hamstring problem.
Good news is Michael Bennett, who also suffered a knee injury in the Tennessee game, may be back this season after undergoing a minor surgery this past week.
Michael Bennett is expected to return to the team "at some point this season", Georgia says. Bennett had surgery today on his knee.
— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) October 8, 2013
This is exceptionally good news when considering Malcom Mitchell is out for the season as well.
But as for the game against Missouri, Georgia looks to be without their two top running backs, three top receivers, and their starting safety.
MIZZOU DEFENSIVE LINEMEN ON THE LOOSE
Todd Palmer of the Kansas City Star provides this story on the early success of Missouri’s defensive line.
An excerpt:
"“If you study the film on Michael Sam, his tenacity, his physicalness — I wish I had better adjectives and was an English major — but he has a passion and love for the game that has always been there,” Missouri defensive coordinator Dave Steckel said. “Now, all this hard work over time along with his focus is really paying off.”"
Mizzou will need that pressure to slow down Aaron Murray in Athens.
TYLER MURPHY HAS TRANSITIONED WELL INTO STARTING ROLE
When starting quarterback Jeff Driskel went down with a broken leg many assumed Florida’s chances for a SEC East title went down with it. But through the first three games Murphy has looked pretty good leading the offense.
The question now is if he can sustain the success against LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida State.
“I’ve been criticized a little bit for calling Tyler a ‘manager.’ That’s the greatest compliment you can give a quarterback,” coach Will Muschamp said. “Tom Brady is a great game manager. It’s about converting third downs. It’s about completing passes. It’s about getting your offense in and out of the right runs, the right protections, taking the ball to the right spot, taking care of the football, scoring points, moving your team, your team having confidence in you. That’s one of the greatest compliments you can have as a quarterback is a game manager. A guy that does what he’s supposed to do. I don’t know where that became a bad word in the coaching profession.”
JADEVEOON CLOWNEY IS COMMITTED TO PLAYING FOR SOUTH CAROLINA
There has been some discussion to whether or not Jadeveon Clowney is truly giving his best effort for the Gamecocks. Some feel Clowney is taking it easy to prevent injury so he can stay healthy for the NFL draft. Clowney says he has not given up on his team.
From ABC News:
"“Let me say this about Jadeveon, if he never plays another snap, we all should be thankful and appreciative that he came to South Carolina,” head coach Steve Spurrier said. “We’ve won 26 games, two 11-2 years, the greatest seasons we’ve had in 120 years.“So none of us need to be upset at Jadeveon. None of us.”"