From around Conference USA . . .

* Tulane has settled its quarterback question. Scott Elliott will open for the Green Wave against Mississippi State Sept. 8.

First-year head coach Bob Toledo tapped Elliott, a junior, earlier this week. Based on his play during the spring and the first eight days of preseason drills, Elliott won the job over sophomore Anthony Scelfo, redshirt-freshman Kevin Moore and true freshman Joe Kemp.

“It’s not like he has a lot of experience, but we wanted to make a decision,” Toledo said of his new signal caller. “We wanted to do it within the first 10 practices, and that’s about what we did. (Elliott) needs a lot of reps now to get used to what we’re doing and to get comfortable with the first group. He has proven from spring practice and 10 practices this fall that he is worthy of it.

ALABAMA

The mother of Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille isn’t happy. Jean Castille said her son “did absolutely nothing wrong” when he was arrested by Tuscaloosa Police Department for disorderly conduct, Simeon told his mother he was horsing around with teammates on “The Strip,” an area of stores and nightspots on University Boulevard near campus. Jean Castille said police approached the group of young men and asked if they were about to fight each other. Simeon responded “no,” that these were his teammates. “The next thing he knows he’s cuffed and in jail for disorderly conduct,” she said. “This officer wouldn’t listen to him. They begged him. … He wielded his authority like a bully.” Castille, 21 and an All-SEC performer, was booked into Tuscaloosa County Jail at 3:30 a.m. Sunday and released on $500 bond at 4:25 a.m. He was charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of no more than $500 and no more than three months in jail. His preliminary court date has been set for Aug. 27, five days before the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Western Carolina. Tuscaloosa police spokesman Capt. Greg Kosloff said the TPD stands behind the actions of the arresting officer.

ARKANSAS

The Hogs took Monday off, but Arkansas coach Houston Nutt was happy some reserves who stepped forward in Saturday’s scrimmage. Sophomore running Michael Smith ran for 50-yard touchdown. Freshman linebacker Ryan Powers had five solo tackles one (-1) for loss. Freshman cornerback Brandon Barnett had a 39-yard interception return.

AUBURN

Third-team quarterback Neil Caudle is working to rehab a separated throwing shoulder. He’s exercising with a stretch band along with manual resistance work with trainers. Caudle agreed with Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville that he’ll be back in three to four weeks. Read the rest of this entry »

Monday from the Murphy Athletic Complex . . .

* The Tiger receivers continue to impress as preseason camp enters Week 3. In Monday’s practice, Earnest Williams caught at least three passes of 20 or more yards. Junior college transfer Steven Black and junior Carlton Robinzine had receptions of 20 yards, too. Freshman Cam Baker, who’s been getting multiple reps at receiver, had a solid seven-yard gain on a third-and-7 situation.
West said the position has been one of the most consistent during camp. About the only critique he had was pointing out the receivers could play the deep ball a little better.

* A sign things are getting a bit serious as the season-opener approaches . . . West will close Wednesday’s scrimmage to the general public.