Brandon George, Dallas Morning News: Mike Leach is taking his case to the people. The Texas Tech coach has hired a media relations consultant to help repair public perception caused by his derailed contract extension negotiations. Kim Davis of Lubbock-based Nomiss Communication has helped organize a rally for Leach on Tuesday and she expects several hundred people to assemble between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in front of Tech's athletic offices.
Angelique S. Chengelis, Detroit News: Quarterback Steven Threet, who started eight games for Michigan last fall, is leaving the program. "I do not yet know where I will continue my collegiate career and will have no further comment until that decision is made," he said. Threet began his college career at Georgia Tech before transferring to Michigan.
Rachel Gallegos, Iowa City Press-Citizen: The daughter of former Iowa State coach and current Florida assistant Dan McCarney was arrested late Saturday after allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register: Did Alabama's Nick Saban violate NCAA rules in speaking with Memphis receiver prospect Keiwone Malone, who became the first player to commit to the Crimson Tide's class of 2010? Malone's high school coach says Saban didn't violate the "bump" rule. Link to Memphis Commercial Appeal story on Malone's commitment and column detailing possible violation (second item).
Andy Staples, SI.com: Re-ranking the top 10 classes of 2006 based on on-field production and potential for further production in the next two seasons. Missouri, Oklahoma State, Mississippi and Texas Tech were vastly underrated.
Rob Moseley, Eugene Register-Guard: Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount said his indefinite suspension from the team stemmed from missing winter workout sessions.
Al Jones, Biloxi Sun Herald: Southern Mississippi running back Damion Fletcher was arrested late Sunday night for discharging a firearm at his off-campus apartment. Fletcher, the Golden Eagles' career rushing leading with 4,201 yards, posted bond Monday morning.
Lansing State Journal: Michigan State is raising ticket prices. One fan is posts a comment, saying, "I for one am not going to pay to see the likes of Montana State, Central & Western Michigan. I understanding playing one of these type of games, especially versus the MAC, but come on the scheduling is becoming absurd. Play teams with some national repute and I will go along with the prices increases." The game against Montana State marks the first time Michigan State will play a Division I-AA opponent. Notre Dame, USC, UCLA and Washington will remain as the only teams to have never played a I-AA opponent since the NCAA adopted the divisional setup in 1978.
Kansas City Star: Always tough Furman, coming off a 7-5 season in Division I-AA, has been added to Missouri's schedule. The Paladins visit Columbia on Sept. 19.
Tyrone Gayle, The Tiger: Jacoby Ford, a receiver for Clemson, overtook fellow two-sport standout Trindon Holiday of Louisiana State for the fastest time in the nation when he blazed his way to a time of 6.52 seconds in the 60-meter dash during a Feb. 6 meet in Blacksburg.
John Adams, Knoxville News-Sentinel: The daily Lane Kiffin update: Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton stands behind his choice to lead the Volunteers. "This is a coach who has a plan, and he's confident in his plan."
Michael Carvell, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia's Mark Richt promised to attended the graduation of signee Chris Burnette if the offensive lineman became class valedictorian, but it turns out that NCAA rules will prevent Richt from attended the ceremony.
Steve Berkowitz, USA Today: Even college coaches aren't exempt from furlough programs. Arizona State's Dennis Erickson will lose $20,800 of a scheduled $450,000 because of a 12-day furlough he must take between Feb. 2 and the close of the school's fiscal year, June 30.
Christopher Ross, Duke Chronicle: Work has started on $5 million worth of renovations to Duke's Wallace Wade Stadium.
Joseph Goodman, Miami Herald: Florida offensive lineman Carl Johnson was arrested for allegedly violating terms of a restraining order.
Kevin Donahue, FanBlogs: A look back at the 2008 preseason Associated Press poll.
Lauren Boyer, Centre Daily Times: The slogan "We are Penn State" had its beginning in 1946, when Penn State voted unanimously to cancel a scheduled game against then-segregated Miami rather than play without its two black players, Wally Triplett and Dennie Hoggard.
BCS Reform: The site's goal is to be a "grassroots alliance of college football fans and former players joining together to lobby Congress to pass legislation to implement college football playoffs." Thanks to Tim Stephens of On Campus.
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