The Wiz of Odds

Report: Bowden Expected to Step Down Tuesday

Bobby Bowden, 80, is expected to announce his resignation as Florida State coach on Tuesday, according to a report in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Bowden met Monday morning with university president T.K. Wetherell and athletic director Randy Spetman, then spoke at his weekly booster luncheon.

"[Tuesday] we're going to meet again and have an announcement whether or not I'll be here at Florida State [and] continue another year," Bowden said when he took the podium.

Reporters questioned Bowden after he addressed the boosters, and the coach was asked if he would return in 2010.

"I'll make that decision," he said.

Jimbo Fisher will replace Bowden, the first head coaching change at Florida State in 34 years.

Reporters Notebooks

Sports Radio Interviews: Cincinnati's Brian Kelly tells WKNR in Cleveland that he is already receiving inquiries from real estate agents in South Bend. "Everyday it's a flood. I get real estate cards and it's crazy. [Things like] I want to be your new real estate agent in South Bend."

Bob Weineke, South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame made it official, firing Charlie Weis as coach. The story was first reported by the New York Daily News.

Mike Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops said definitively that he is not going to Notre Dame to replace Weis. "What I am saying is I am going to be at Oklahoma next year, so I can't be in two places at once."

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star: Mark Mangino, who brought Kansas to the Orange Bowl two seasons ago, deserves a mulligan on this season.

Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register: Alabama tailback Mark Ingram, says he will be ready to play in Saturday's game against Florida after injuring his left hip against Auburn. "I just kind of bruised it in the game, but it's getting better every day. So I'll be ready for Saturday, most definitely."

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times: After what happened Saturday night at the L.A. Coliseum, the UCLA-USC rivalry will never be the same.

Scott Bordow, East Valley Tribune: The Pacific 10 is trying to find video of the punch Arizona State freshman linebacker Vontaze Burfict threw at Arizona long-snapper Ricky Wolder after Saturday’s game at Sun Devil Stadium. Thanks to Sports By Brooks, which has frames of the punch.

Mike Kern, Philadelphia Daily News: This week's fraud five includes a dishonorable mention to Florida State, which kicked a field goal on the last play of the third quarter at Florida when it trailed, 30-0.

Turning the Clock Back 14 Weeks

Now that Notre Dame has put the finishing touches on a 6-6 regular season, this seemed like a good time to check the accuracy rate of Lou Holtz's preseason prediction for the Fighting Irish.

Latest Example of Official Having a Hand in Gator Win

The surprise is that the referee didn't dust Tim Tebow off before sending him back to the huddle. Thanks to Stan!

Snapshots of Week 13

A look at the week that was from the terrific TV Tan Line.

Week 14

There are 18 games left in the season, and 17 of them will be played this week, starting with Thursday night's biggie between Oregon State and Oregon at Eugene. The Ducks open as 8-point favorites.

Thursday's other game has Arkansas State at Western Kentucky. The Red Wolves are favored by 10.

On Friday, Ohio plays Central Michigan in the Mid-American Conference title game at Ford Field in Detroit. No line has been posted.

On Saturday, Florida is a 5-point favorite over Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game in Atlanta. Texas is favored by 15.5 over Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game in Arlington. Georgia Tech and Clemson meet for the second time in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game in Tampa. The Yellow Jackets, who won the first meeting, 30-27, on Sept. 10, open as a 1-point favorite. The Big East title will be decided in Pittsburgh, where the Panthers play host to undefeated Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is favored by 1.

Here are the opening lines for Saturday's other games: South Florida at Connecticut (-7.5); West Virginia at Rutgers (pick); Fresno State at Illinois (-3); San Jose State at Louisiana Tech (-16); New Mexico State at Boise State (-44); Arizona at USC (-8); California (-6) at Washington; Florida Atlantic at Florida International (-2), Houston (-1) at East Carolina (Conference USA title game) and Wisconsin (-13) at Hawaii.

For the latest numbers, click here. For complete TV listings, visit Matt Sarzyniak's Sports.