Jacksonville's future debated

There has been talk that to be fair to Georgia, the annual Florida-Georgia football game in Jacksonville, Fla., be rotated between Jacksonville and Atlanta. The Georgia folks contend that playing in Jacksonville isn't that neutral.

"I think it would be a shame," said Florida coach Urban Meyer of putting the game every other year in Atlanta. "I understand Georgia's concern. But this game is like the Oklahoma-Texas Red River Shootout (in Dallas). There's only a couple of games like this (Florida-Georgia in Jacksonville) that exist. It would take away from the uniqueness of the rivalry."

Georgia coach Mark Richt had said he wouldn't mind seeing the game in Atlanta, but said on Wednesday his feelings on the subject had gotten blown out of proportion.

"Somebody asked me if Jacksonville was truly a neutral site, and I don't know if it or not," Richt said. "All this stuff needs to come up when the contract comes up (for renewal). I might not even be here when the contract rolls around."

Meanwhile, Jacksonville city officials said there are several changes meant to lessen binge drinking and diffuse raucous crowds associated with pre-and post-game festivities at The Jacksonville Landing, from moving a stage with live music to the streets to asking Landing merchants to serve drinks in smaller cups.

But while the city and the two universities have changed their strategies over the past few years to make the game safer, the number of battery arrests between Alltel Stadium and The Jacksonville Landing has remained relatively constant, according to statistics from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

In 2004, there were seven battery arrests, followed by four in 2005 and seven again in 2006, according to the sheriff's office.

Florida officials say the steady number of battery arrests doesn't mean new safety measures like Sideline Student Safety Zones aren't working, and say there's no proof that students from Florida or Georgia were involved in any of the fights.

But the father of Tom Brown, the 23-year-old Florida student who was beaten to death near The Landing after becoming separated from friends after the 2005 game, said the statistics prove what he's known all along: That Jacksonville is a dangerous atmosphere for the game.

"I'm tired of seeing people go to this game to get beaten up or killed," said Tom Brown's father, whose name is also Tom Brown. "You'd think the university would have learned a lesson. If a number of people are getting beat up every year no matter what you do, I think there's a problem."

Injured Cats: Two of Kentucky's key offensive starters have been downgraded to doubtful for Saturday's game against Mississippi State game, coach Rich Brooks said Thursday.

Running back Tony Dixon and wide receiver Keenan Burton have both seen limited action in practice this week and likely won't play for the No. 14 Wildcats (6-2, 2-2 SEC).

"It doesn't look good for Keenan and Dixon," Brooks said. "We won't make a decision probably until either Friday night or Saturday morning."

With the team banged up, Brooks said the onus will fall on some backups to perform well in expanded roles.

"Obviously we're dealing with health issues, but just like in past weeks, we need other people to step up with more playing time or more significant playing time," he said. "We need them to do a good job."

Freshman running back Derrick Locke and junior middle linebacker Braxton Kelley are two of the players who will see increased playing time Saturday. Brooks said that Locke will probably get the start at running back if Dixon is unable to play.

Kelley will start at middle linebacker in the absence of Micah Johnson, who underwent minor surgery earlier this week. Kelley and Johnson have been sharing snaps all season.