Associated Press
The college football notebook …
GREENSBORO, ó Three Virginia players have won weekly awards from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The league on Monday named Cavaliers running back Cedric Peerman, tackle Eugene Monroe and defensive end Matt Conrath as three of the award winners.
Joining them are North Carolina linebacker Quan Sturdivant and kicker Casey Barth, and Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan.
Sturdivant returned an interception 32 yards for a game-changing touchdown in the Tar Heels’ 29-24 victory over Notre Dame. Barth kicked three field goals.
ALABAMA
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ó Nick Saban really couldn’t enjoy watching Texas and Oklahoma play, because he was too busy figuring out how he’d defend and counter what the teams were doing.
Don’t jump to any conclusions, though. No. 2 Alabama’s coach wasn’t preparing for a potential matchup in the national championship game that he more than anybody understands is a long way from happening. It’s just the way his mind works.
“It’s really hard for me to enjoy watching the game,” Saban said. “You look at it too much like a coach.”
After a bye week, the Tide (6-0, 3-0 SEC) returns Saturday against Mississippi (3-3, 1-2), and Saban is hoping his team can steer clear of the upsets that have shaken up the top of the rankings in recent weeks.
VANDERBILT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ó Bobby Johnson is switching starting quarterbacks following No. 22 Vanderbilt’s first loss of the season, hoping Mackenzi Adams can give the Commodores’ offense a much-needed boost.
Johnson pulled Chris Nickson in last weekend’s 17-14 loss at Mississippi State after the quarterback was intercepted early in the fourth quarter.
SEC AWARDS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ó Arkansas tailback Michael Smith, Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes and South Carolina return man Captain Munnerlyn have been honored by the SEC.