Tuesday Links (12/30)

I was sitting outside at a local establishment with some friends last night and overheard several Michigan State fans discussing the game. Here were the following tidbits they had to offer:

-- "I just hope we lose by less than 40."

-- "I don't think we have any chance."

-- "The only way we can win is if Georgia gets stuck in their hotel."

See what this bad economy has done to the poor people of Michigan? No confidence at all.

In any case, here's a bit of reading for you to kick off your Tuesday. Don't forget I'll be chatting live today at noon at macon.com/ugachat. Feel free to submit a question any time in advance, too. Come on, don't make me beg.

-- Tim Tucker has a nice piece in this notebook about kicker Blair Walsh's season. This appears to represent an end to Walsh's self-imposed media blackout. Good to have you back, Blair.

-- The lovely and talented Jay Adams has a cool story on Asher Allen and his outgoing personality.

-- The triple option rap is now no longer the dumbest thing Georgia Tech has done this year. They gave out rings to commemorate their win over Georgia.

-- The Chattanooga Times Free Press tries to pin down the best run Knowshon Moreno has made in his two seasons at tailback.

-- Georgia's hoping a little extra practice helps solve its tackling problems this week.

-- Michigan State is thrilled to be getting a key player back for its bowl game.

-- The always informative T. Kyle King tells you all you'll need to know about the Michigan State offense.

-- Michigan State's head coach is likely to gain some brownie points with Sen. Blutarski over at Get the Picture as he counters Mark Richt's playoff push with some reasons why the bowl system works.

-- The Orlando Sentinel recounts the first meeting between Matthew Stafford and Michigan State's Brian Hoyer.

-- The Kansas City Star compares the potential draft value of Stafford vs. Sam Bradford.

-- The Charleston Post and Courier catches up with Jon Richt, who is ready to finish up his first season in the college ranks.

-- Bad news for Bama fans: Andre Smith won't be playing for the Tide against Utah.

-- Two weeks after interviewing for the head coaching job at Auburn, Patrick Nix is now among the unemployed.

-- Longtime Tennessee assistant John Chavis will be the new defensive coordinator at LSU.

-- And finally, I'm still really enjoying this.