SEC sits officials over missed calls

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. The SEC has suspended officials from Saturday's Arkansas-Florida game after the crew was involved in its second controversial call of the year.
Referee Marc Curles' crew called a personal foul on Arkansas defensive lineman Malcolm Sheppard during the fourth quarter as the Gators were rallying for a 23-20 victory. The league said there was no video evidence to support the call.
The same group of officials called the Louisiana State-Georgia game this month, which included a late unsportsmanlike conduct penalty the league said shouldn't have been called.
The SEC said the crew will not be assigned to officiate as a crew until Nov.14.
Elsewhere
ALABAMA: After South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier pointed out that Alabama's Leigh Tiffin used white tape to spot kicks during last week's game, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban says his kickers won't use tape to mark where balls will be placed for field goals and extra points.
The NCAA rule states "no material or device shall be used to improve or degrade the playing surface or other conditions and give one player or team an advantage."
N.C. STATE: Freshman cornerback Rashard Smith's knee injury is similar to the one quarterback Russell Wilson suffered during the Papajohns.com Bowl last season, coach Tom O'Brien said.
Smith, a starter who's out for the season, won't require surgery and should be ready for the start of spring practice, O'Brien said.
OKLAHOMA: Heisman winner Sam Bradford has called off a scheduled news conference at which he planned to discuss his future after injuring his throwing shoulder.
SOUTH CAROLINA: The Gamecocks do not expect starting tight end Weslye Saunders to play Saturday against Vanderbilt because of an injured ankle that kept him out of the win against Kentucky. OBSERVER NEWS SERVICES
Source charlotteobserver.com