Cutcliffe on hot seat after 10-win season

That's the nature of coaching football in the SEC.

Last year, Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe led the Rebels to their most successful season in 40 years. The Rebels went 10-3 and finished No. 13 in the final Associated Press poll. Cutcliffe was rewarded with a raise and contract extension.

Now, there's speculation whether he will return for a seventh season as Ole Miss' head coach.

"Obviously, this season has been disappointing, but the important thing is for Coach Cutcliffe and I to get together soon after the final game and not only to look at the season but also the program," Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone told the Clarion-Ledger prior to a 27-24 loss to LSU on Saturday night. "And then make whatever adjustments need to be made, whether it's policy issues or procedure issues or human resource (staffing) issues."

Ole Miss (3-7) closes its season against arch-rival Mississippi State on Saturday.

Two SEC schools already have coaching vacancies. Florida coach Ron Zook was fired - effective at the end of the season - following last month's loss to Mississippi State. South Carolina coach Lou Holtz announced last week that he would resign at the end of the season.

Kentucky second-year coach Rich Brooks also has been under fire. The Wildcats will enter Saturday's game against Tennessee with a 2-8 record.

Croom Blasts Officiating: SEC officials already have been criticized for crucial missed calls in the Florida-Tennessee and Alabama-LSU games, but no SEC coach has been as outspoken about officiating as Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom was after a 24-21 loss to Arkansas on Saturday.

"There was no officiating out there," Croom told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. "I'm not looking for anybody to hand us anything. I just want things to be even.

"I know I'll get fined and I'll pay it. Our kids are fighting hard and this is not the first time this happened."

Croom criticized a number of calls, including two in which Mississippi State players were ruled out at the 1-yard-line when he thought they scored.

Holtz Takes Blame: After a 29-7 loss to Clemson, Holtz took the blame for South Carolina's disappointing finish - three losses in the past four games.

"Three straight years, we went (down) because of our (lack of) toughness," Holtz told The State newspaper. "It's not the players' fault. They were tough before.

"It was my fault. Didn't work them hard enough. Didn't get in the I (formation) enough. Didn't pound them enough. Didn't have an I-fullback, should have found one."

Jones Makes Impression: Croom said last week he thought Arkansas senior quarterback Matt Jones would have a better shot in the NFL as a wide receiver. Jones, who completed 18 of 27 passes against the Bulldogs, changed Croom's mind Saturday.

"Guys say he won't play quarterback in the pros - I was one of those guys," Croom told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. "Oh, he'll play. He knows how to win. He made some incredible throws."

Taking A Chance: Alabama coach Mike Shula was heavily criticized for punting on fourth-and-short in a loss to Arkansas. He got burned for taking a chance against Auburn.

With a fourth-and-1 from the Auburn 48, the Tide's Kenneth Darby was stopped for no gain against the Tigers, who then drove 52 yards for a touchdown to take a 21-6 lead. Darby, who was slowed by ankle and stomach injuries, gained only 19 yards on 14 carries.

Another Vote For Auburn: Alabama defensive end Wallace Gilberry doesn't have a top-25 vote but he does have an opinion.

"You don't go undefeated for nothing," he told the Birmingham-News. "I would give (Auburn) my vote.

Norwood Hits 1,000: Mississippi State running back Jerious Norwood, who rushed for 109 yards against Arkansas, now has 1,026 rushing yards for the season.

Quotebook: You might have wondered if South Carolina's dreadful showing against Clemson would make the job less appealing to Steve Spurrier, who's expected to be named as Holtz' replacement.

"I don't know," South Carolina running back Demetris Summers said. "It might give him second thoughts about it."

Decision Time: Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said after Saturday's victory over Florida State that he and Zook won't discuss whether Zook will coach the Gators' bowl game until today or Tuesday.