THE SCOOP
Steve Spurrier just can’t help himself.
The coach who once chided fans for leaving Williams-Brice Stadium early had a different take this week.
“We are fired up that (Saturday’s game against Kentucky) is another sellout. We appreciate our fans buying the tickets, and I want to say this: I can’t criticize our fans if they leave early. I appreciate you buying the tickets,” he said. “I know sometimes I go to a ballgame here on campus and I leave before it’s over, too, because I like to beat the crowd out.”
But … with Spurrier, there’s always seems to be a but.
“Now the students, I think they should stay,” Spurrier said. “They got nothing else to do all night except party around a little bit. They are going to be up half the night or all night anyway. So, students, sing the alma mater with us.”
Student complaints generally are about the shuttle service back to campus, high concession pricing and the need for a reward program for staying. There’s also the problem with poor cellphone reception at large stadiums that cuts into social-media time on smartphones.
So now students will be given loyalty points on their student ID cards if they pick up a coupon at the end of games. The points will help determine future ticket availability.
ON THE MOVE
Robert Nkemdiche’s move from defensive end to tackle at Ole Miss could well happen again.
A freshman star from Grayson High, he shifted from defensive end to tackle against Alabama, but did not record any defensive stats.
“He did fine,” coach Hugh Freeze told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. “He made a few mistakes; so did everyone else. I think he graded out at 82 percent. He only had a few (missed assignments). … He’s a very strong, tough guy to move around. He played really solid for a game of that magnitude. To be a true freshman, he did really well.
“We thought it was best for that game. Some of it depends on injuries and who’s able to go full speed and not. We’ll continue to look at where it’s best to put him week to week.”
BULLETIN BOARD
“They’re real physical; I think they’re a little chippy. They’re a little dirty. So we’re going to have to be ready for it all this week. I just see, from film, a lot of stuff after the play, especially with the center (Travis Swanson). … He makes you want to do something to him. We’re going to have to try to keep our temper and keep cool on that.” — Florida defensive tackle Damien Jacobs on playing Arkansas.
QUOTABLE
“We’re in pursuit of a national championship just like anyone in the SEC and across the country. I think (coach) Bret (Bielema) gives us a chance.” — Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long, who increased Bielema’s assistant-coach salary pool by $700,000 to lure him from Wisconsin, where Bielema was frustrated by routinely losing assistants over low pay.
BY THE NUMBERS
38:58 Time of possession for Florida's offense, No. 1 in the nation with the No. 2 team nearly 2 1/2 minutes behind and 15 minutes more than fast-paced Oregon. The Gators are running the ball 70 percent of the time and averaging 211 yards rushing per game.
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