Michael Barnes, St. Louis Globe-Democrat: Texas’ draw to the Big Ten is not seen as favorably by the university as a possible jump to the Pacific 10 would be. Yes, the current television deal would be greater in the Big Ten, but many view the Pac-10 as the next conference to go the route of owning its own network outright. The Pac-10 can provide the media centers of the West Coast, along with a similar climate and potential rivalries (Texas vs USC every year anyone?).
David Brandt, Clarion Ledger: The Mississippi student body decided it wants to have a say in the school's search for a new mascot. Out of 3,366 votes cast, 2,510 were in favor of the student body having a voice in finding a replacement for Colonel Reb, who was removed from the field as Mississippi tried to shy away from racially divisive stereotypes. There were 856 no votes.
Austin Ward, Knoxville News-Sentinel: Tennessee won't be paying its new staff as much as the old one. Salaries for coach Derek Dooley and his staff will total $4.525 million. Former coach Lane Kiffin and his staff accounted for $5.325 million in salary in 2009.
Christian Boone, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Vanderbilt signee Rajaan Bennett called 911 to alert police his family was being held hostage before he was shot to death last week.
Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Priority No. 1 for Tommy Tuberville at Texas Tech is developing a top-notch defensive line. "The one thing you have to have to be successful and to win championships is you have to play good defensive line. That doesn't mean you have to have great players."
Lonnie White, FanHouse: It's a college football tradition. Once a school turns things around on the field, major problems off the field are sure to follow. That has been the case for many recent powerhouse programs since the 1980s and it holds true today. Oregon, for example.
Ashley Meeks, Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State's stadium was targeted by Texas El Paso taggers early Tuesday morning. "UTEP" was spray-painted in black on the NMSU logo on the east side of the stadium. The same abbreviation, plus a drawing of a penis, was left on a wall near a trash receptacle.
Tom Murphy, Whole Hog Sports: Arkansas is raising ticket prices. All home games against Southeastern Conference opponents in Fayetteville will be $55. There will be an additional $10 charge on tickets to games in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser: Even with a 10% decline, Hawaii led the Western Athletic Conference in average attendance for a third consecutive year.
Greg Auman, St. Peterburg Times: Attorneys for South Florida and former coach Jim Leavitt met for nearly six hours in mediation Saturday, though no resolution has been reached between the university and its coach of 14 years.
Jon Solomon, Birmingham News: Auburn running back Eric Smith claims engineering student Decari Jenkins threw the first punch during an incident last August. In a federal court counterclaim last week, Smith denied "each and every material allegation" in Jenkins' civil lawsuit, which claims Jenkins suffered from post-concussion syndrome after being assaulted by Smith and two unidentified Auburn players.
Walt Belcher, Tampa Tribune: Former Central Florida defensive tackle Michael Lynche is among the 24 finalists on "American Idol."
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Former USC fullback and NFL standout Mosi Tatupu has died. He was 54.
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UT to the Pac 10 could happen, but no way as an equal partner. The TV viewing audience that UT would bring dwarfs any of those schools sans USC. Remember, its about people watching your product, not just simply existing in your area.
Posted by: yumtoad | February 24, 2010 at 09:00 AM