Idaho Statesman: Move over Boise State. Eastern Washington plans to install an artificial red playing surface before the start of the 2010 season. The team's colors are red and white. "There is no doubt that one of Boise State's claims to fame has been their blue turf and like it or dislike it, it has certainly brought them a tremendous amount of notoriety," athletic director Bill Chaves said. "In a similar vein we have a tremendous opportunity at Eastern to do the same by differentiating ourselves with the red turf while providing a superior playing surface."
Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal: Nevada coach Chris Ault will be at risk of losing his job if the 2010 season is not an improvement on 2009, multiple sources have told the newspaper. According to the sources, athletics director Cary Groth told the 63-year-old Ault that his team must contend for a Western Athletic Conference championship and not have an embarrassing performance in a bowl game or his 26th season could be his last.
Michelle Bearden, Tampa Tribune: Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden will preach before the flock of the Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa on Super Bowl Sunday. "He's always put his family and faith before football," senior pastor Ken Whitten said. "We want to give him his due and thank him for a job well done."
John Hunt, Oregonian: Police have arrested a 20-year-old Eugene man in connection with the brawl late Saturday night that seriously injured Oregon kicker Rob Beard.
Lance Zierlein, Houston Chronicle: The first of his scouting reports from the Senior Bowl. Former Cincinnati standout Tony Pike is showing that he's the best quarterback on the North roster.
Dugan Arnett, Lawrence Journal-World: New Kansas coach Turner Gill's contract will pay him $2 million a year over the next five years. He will be the fifth highest-paid coach in the Big 12.
Dave Hooker, Knoxville News Sentinel: The coach of Maplewood (Tenn.) High offensive lineman James Stone said neither he or the player cared for former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. "Flat out, nobody liked Kiffin," Ralph Thompson said. "I didn't like Kiffin. James didn't like Kiffin." He added: "Pretty much everybody else on the staff, we thought were not personable and weren't in it for the kids. If they would have stayed, James definitely would not have reconsidered Tennessee. And that's a fact."
Brian Perdue, Orange County Register: An email from recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron was sent to alumni and other USC boosters asking for a $200 donation to join the Trojan Club. The reason? Recruiting.
Stephanie Condon, CBS News: The Tim Tebow controversy continues to spin out of control. Sarah Palin is the latest to weigh in on the Super Bowl ad.
Matt James, Fresno Bee: Fresno State's turf was in horrible shape at the end of last season, but it looked immaculate compared to what the Bulldogs played on in the New Mexico Bowl.
Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun: Maryland and Notre Dame are negotiating for a possible 2011 game at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Redskins.
Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser: Washington is making a recruiting haul in Hawaii. The Huskies could end up with six players from the 50th state.
Elliott Almond, San Jose Mercury News: Quarterback Tavita Pritchard, a senior who played his final football game for Stanford last month, is joining the basketball team. He was four-year starter as a swingman in high school.
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