Sports - Colleges

Monday, Nov. 02, 2009

Dixon named SEC Player of Week

The Southeastern Conference named Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon, Auburn cornerback Walt McFadden and Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis as its players of the week.

Dixon rushed for a school-record 252 yards and two touchdowns in State’s win over Kentucky. It’s the SEC’s highest total this season.

Auburn’s McFadden tied a career-high with five tackles and returned the first of two interceptions for a touchdown against Ole Miss.

Sturgis won special teams honors after kicking a career-long 56-yard field goal and making a 44-yarder in Florida’s win over Georgia.

Arkansas guard Mitch Petrus was offensive lineman of the week while Auburn end Antonio Coleman won defensive line honors. Tennessee defensive back Janzen Jackson was freshman of the week.

@BR Body bold Lede colon:Vandy QB out for season: Vanderbilt has lost starting quarterback Larry Smith for the final three games with a partially torn left hamstring, and that means Mackenzi Adams will make his first start this season Saturday night against top-ranked Florida.

Coach Bobby Johnson said Monday that an MRI revealed some tearing in Smith’s hamstring. Smith pulled up at the end of a 35-yard run in last weekend’s 56-31 loss to No. 10 Georgia Tech. Johnson said Smith would be out at least four weeks, and Vanderbilt (2-7, 0-5 Southeastern Conference) wraps up the season Nov. 21 against Tennessee.

“This is a pretty significant injury,” Johnson said.

Adams replaced Smith and was 12 of 22 for 152 yards to finish the game. This will be the redshirt senior’s first start in a year since he started against Florida in a 42-14 loss. Johnson called it a plus that Adams was able to play more than three quarters against Georgia Tech.

Auburn safety released from hospital: Auburn strong safety Zac Etheridge has been released from the hospital two days after suffering a neck injury against Ole Miss.

Coach Gene Chizik said Monday that Auburn’s medical staff is confident that will make a complete recovery. Chizik did not release details of the nature of Etheridge’s injury.

The junior is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Etheridge was hurt Saturday when he collided headfirst with teammate Antonio Coleman early in the game. He was strapped to a backboard before being taken off the field and gave a thumbs-up on the way out.

Richt says Cox to stay as UGA’s starting QB: Georgia coach Mark Richt has announced that Joe Cox will continue as starting quarterback for the Bulldogs.

Richt released a statement Monday saying staff members unanimously decided that Cox gives the team its best chance to win. Still, he said sophomore Logan Gray will get some playing time at quarterback this week.

There were questions about Cox’ position after he was booted from a 41-17 loss to top-ranked Florida on Saturday after throwing three interceptions.

Gray also struggled, throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown.