Sportsbooks have reopened the Georgia-Auburn betting line, a sign of general confidence in Auburn Tigers QB Cam Newton playing tomorrow against the Georgia Bulldogs. Multiple media outlets are also reporting Newton is expected to play. I’m aware this post led with Vegas over newspapers.
AL.com says he will start, “barring any last minute decision to the contrary.” As in, any last minute phone call from the NCAA, which appears to be the only thing that can derail Newton’s run. Radio host Paul Finebaum tweeted a report from AuburnUndercover.com that Newton “is expected to start,” but do with that what you will.
Cecil Hurt of TuscaloosaNews.com told Finebaum “these things wrap up in a year or two” — as in, not a week after they break. If the NCAA’s continental drift-paced case against the North Carolina Tar Heels is any indication, Newton might be ruled ineligible for the 2012 SEC Championship Game days before the world ends. He will be mired in an ugly quarterback controversy with Los Angeles Jaguars QB Tim Tebow (total drag that they signed him too late) at the time, but will appreciate the NCAA’s diligence.