The Wiz of Odds

Alvarez: No Texas on Initial Big Ten List

Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said a firm hired by the Big Ten did not list Texas among potential candidates for expansion.

"In our initial study, there wasn't anything on Texas," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

That's not to say that the Longhorns might be added. But if that is going to happen, it had better happen soon because Alvarez said Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany could make a recommendation to university presidents this summer.

Reporters Notebooks

Gary Klein and David Wharton, Los Angeles Times: University president Steven Sample, athletic director Mike Garrett, former coach Pete Carroll and running backs coach Todd McNair were among the members of a USC contingent appearing before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions. Missing was Reggie Bush, who was in Vancouver to attend the Winter Olympics. Carroll and McNair spent much of the afternoon portion of the hearing fielding questions about allegations related to Bush, according to sources who requested anonymity.

Lance Williams, California Watch: Amid a fiscal crisis that has the University of California facing a $150 million budget deficit because of cuts in state aid, the school is committing $320 million to renovate aging Memorial Stadium. Thanks to Ben Maller.

Scott Carter, Tampa Tribune: If you have $1.6 million and need a place to live, former South Florida coach Jim Leavitt's house is on the market.

Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: It's considered a no-brainer that Pittsburgh should accept if invited to join the Big Ten because of the financial stability it could provide, but there's as much a gamble in leaving the Big East as there is in staying.

Rick Nauert, Psych Central: New research finds that members of a group or team will work harder when they're competing against a group with lower status than when pitted against a more highly ranked group. Thanks to Get The Picture.

Jim Schaefer, Detroit Free Press: A lawsuit filed by a Michigan alumnus accuses the Board of Regents of violating the state Open Meetings Act, which puts restrictions on how and why such public bodies can meet in private. The Regents met Feb. 3 to discuss the NCAA probe into the football program.

The Blog for College Baseball

College baseball. The players don't throw helmets and bats, kick dirt on home plate or argue with umpires. Yes, the kids still respect the game.

The season starts today, meaning it's time to give a shameless plug to the College Baseball Blog, run by our buddy Brian Foley. He started the site in 2005 during the College World Series, and it has become the ultimate source for college baseball news and notes from around the nation. Check it out!

Syracuse's Archbold Stadium: The Story of '78

A 28-minute documentary on the last game played in Syracuse's Archbold Stadium, as told by players, coaches and fans. It was created by Gordon Brookes and Erick Ferris. The Wiz gives it two thumbs up.

The film features interviews with Tom Coughlin, Floyd Little, Art Monk, Joe Morris, Bill Hurley, Craig Wolfley and Dave Jacobs.

Lane Kiffin and Sarah Palin — Bridges to Nowhere?

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle says he stands in awe of USC's Lane Kiffin.

"The man has become a celebrated coach without doing anything. There's nobody quite like him. Or is there?

"I was talking with KNBR's Brian Murphy, who mentioned that Kiffin is exactly like another public figure who skyrocketed to national prominence despite an almost complete lack of credentials, but with confidence bordering on arrogance. Assets: Nice hair, gift of gab, refusal to be deterred by being in over one's head in terms of job qualification.

"Yes, Kiffin is the Sarah Palin of sports."

Reporters Notebooks

John Hunt, Oregonian: Oregon running back LaMichael James, who is facing five misdemeanor charges stemming from a fight with his girlfriend, will be required to wear an electronic surveillance ankle bracelet as part of his release agreement.

George Schroeder, Eugene Register-Guard: It started last September when LeGarrette Blount punched his way off the field in Boise. It continued Wednesday with the arrest of LaMichael James. Is Chip Kelly's Oregon program out of control?

Brent Schrotenboer, San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego State said it will investigate the phone records of the search committee that was commissioned to find a new athletic director in an effort to identify who "leaked" candidates' names to the Union-Tribune during the interview process. Thanks to Mike!

David Hale, Bulldogs Blog: A look at which Bowl Championship Series conference teams really have the huevos to challenge themselves routinely in nonconference play. USC tops the list. Thanks to Get The Picture.

Matt Melton, Statistically Speaking: An examination of the past five seasons in the Atlantic Coast Conference shows how the mighty (Florida State) have fallen.

Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh senior safety/linebacker Elijah Fields has been dismissed from the team. Fields had issues throughout his career, but his dismissal came after he posted a video on this Twitter page of himself partying with friends and apparently drinking alcohol. Link to Twitpics said to be from Fields.