SEC report: Nov. 26

Arkansas (5-5, 3-4 SEC) is 17-0 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock under coach Houston Nutt. An upset also would keep the season alive and qualify the team for a school-record seventh-consecutive bowl game, which would give Nutt's teams a post-season appearance in each of his years as head coach.

Players have talked of both streaks - and their desire to extend them - all season, but especially over the past month.

"That's how it's been the last three games. We know we have to beat LSU to keep our hopes alive," said quarterback Matt Jones.

Jones will likely be a key to whether Arkansas wins. Known for his deceptively fast, elusive running, he has been hampered for the past month, first by a groin injury and more recently by a pulled hamstring.

But he has shown an ability to make up for lack of mobility. Against Mississippi State last week, Jones played as a drop-back passer instead of rolling out with an option to throw or run. He ended up 18-of-27 for 215 yards.

LSU (8-2, 5-2) coach Nick Saban said no team can afford to discount Jones because of injury because the senior finds a way to win games, like he did by engineering a last-minute drive to beat the Tigers 21-20 two years ago.

"I don't know if there is a single player who has done more for his team and their success than Matt Jones has done the past three years," he said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for that and I think our players do as well."

Jones and other players said considering what's at stake, they're glad to be playing in Little Rock.

Said senior defensive end Jeb Huckeba: "A lot's on the line, but we're excited about it. When you go down there, you know those fans are going to play every play with you."

Ole Miss has five starters hurting entering Egg Bowl Five Ole Miss starters have missed practice time before Saturday's Egg Bowl against Mississippi State.

Bill Flowers, the team's second-leading receiver, said he sprained his right ankle when he stepped on another player's foot this week during practice.

Flowers has 29 catches for 349 yards and with two touchdowns.

Among others who have been out include cornerback Trumaine McBride, who missed Tuesday's workout to attend a funeral. Offensive tackle Bobby Harris (ankle, knee), defensive end Corvelli Haynes (shoulder) and safety Kelvin Robinson (shoulder, ankle) did not practice.

Coach David Cutcliffe hasn't decided if those players will play for Ole Miss, which has lost four consecutive games entering Saturday's game against rival Mississippi State. Both teams are 3-7, 2-5 in the SEC.

"Some guys have been able to give it a go and push through it and some guys are still out right now," Cutcliffe said. "A lot can change by Saturday. We'll have to wait and see."

Two other nicked-up starters played through their injuries Tuesday: Defensive end and former Central High School standout Cory Robinson (shoulder) practiced in a yellow precautionary jersey while cornerback Travis Johnson (hamstring) went full speed in light contact drills.

Croom reprimanded by SEC over comments on officials Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom has been reprimanded by SEC officials after he was critical of the officiating in last week's 24-21 loss to Arkansas.

Croom, visibly upset near the end of the first half, angrily confronted a game official at halftime after the Bulldogs had the ball inside the 1-yard line but failed to score.

Twice, the Bulldogs were ruled out of bounds near the goal line, and Croom also was angry with how the officials managed the clock. He said after the game that "there was no officiating."

The league office issued a statement reminding Croom that he shouldn't publicly criticize officials, and threatened him with a suspension if he does it again.

After a few days to cool off, Croom backed off his strong comment.

"I have assured (commissioner Mike Slive) that it will never happen again as long as I am coach here," Croom said. "I respect the commissioner greatly, and regardless of what happens with the officials - right or wrong - I will not comment on it out of respect for him."

Alabama gets boost with South Carolina's decision Alabama (6-5) could benefit from South Carolina's decision to turn down a postseason bid.

The Crimson Tide could potentially get a choice between the Music City and Independence bowls, since Alabama and South Carolina were expected to fill the SEC's sixth and seventh bowl slots.

"It's an unprecedented situation," said Larry White, Alabama's associate athletic director and director of media relations.

The Independence Bowl has a payout of at least $1.2 million; the Music City Bowl's payout is at least $780,000.

If Tennessee beats Auburn in the SEC championship game, the Tide could play in the Peach Bowl.

- COMPILED FROM WIRE REPORTS