Tim May and Ken Gordon, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State is investigating whether several of its players traded signed memorabilia for tattoos and perhaps other favors from the owner of a Columbus tattoo parlor, actions that could put their eligibility for the Sugar Bowl and beyond in jeopardy. Update: Five players, including Pryor, will be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for accepting illegal benefits. but all five will be eligible for the Sugar Bowl.
Eleven Warriors: The two minutes that brought down the Ohio State-Arkansas line in Las Vegas sportsbooks.
Matthew T. Hall, San Diego Union-Tribune: Crews worked overnight to try and pump water out of Qualcomm Stadium, site of Thursday night's Poinsettia Bowl.
Brad Rock, Deseret News: After a beatdown loss to Boise State, it's time for Utah to get in the Pac-10.
David Jones, Harrisburg Patriot-News: Temple may have made a big mistake in hiring Steve Addazio as coach.
Tommy Deas, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama officials say there is nothing outlandish about the university paying thousands of dollars to upgrade facilities at an Orlando high school where the Crimson Tide will be practicing for the Capital One Bowl. The school is home to Hasean Clinton-Dix, a safety who has given Alabama a commitment, and Dee Hart, an all-purpose back who has been reported to be wavering on his commitment to Michigan.
Jordan Blum and Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate: The NCAA is requesting additional information from Louisiana State regarding self-reported recruiting and benefits violations involving its program. Plus, starting tailback Stevan Ridley has been ruled ineligible for the Cotton Bowl. The Tigers are appealing the NCAA's decision.
Bill Kline, Allentown Morning Call: Joe Paterno needs to call it quits after the 2011 season.
Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News: Here are the biggest locks of the bowl season.
Jon Solomon, Birmingham News: Auburn is cashing in on a new apparel agreement with Under Armour that the university values at $27.45 million in cash and products over seven years.
Sports Media Watch: The Humanitarian Bowl suffered a decline in ratings and viewership. Same for the New Mexico Bowl. Ratings for the New Orleans Bowl were up 86%, but still low.
Angelique S. Chengelis, Detroit News: Michigan plans to open the Big House for 50-yard-line weddings, corporate events and parties. Plus, transporting the Wolverines to Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl is a massive undertaking.
Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News: Phony Express: Southern Methodist is 2,000 tickets short of filling its 10,000-ticket allotment for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl on the Mustangs' home field. Army has about 500 remaining tickets of its 10,000-ticket allotment.
Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press: Michigan has sold about 7,000 of its 12,500-ticket allotment for the Gator Bowl.
Richard Connelly, Houston Press: Texas Bowl officials announced that more than 60,000 tickets have been sold for its game featuring Baylor and Illinois. Last year's game between Navy and Missouri drew a record 69,441 in 71,000-seat Reliant Stadium.
Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times: Mike Price says he plans to return to the Texas El Paso sideline in 2011.
Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun: Maryland has sold its allotment of 8,700 tickets to the Military Bowl. Plus, the school has hired DHR International to aid in its search for a coach.
Kevin Van Valkenburg, Baltimore Sun: Terrific piece on the former Maryland beat writer's relationship with Ralph Friedgen.
Don Markus, Baltimore Sun: Just hire Mike Leach — and pray it's the right move.
Steve Yanda, Washington Post: Friedgen is keeping his emotions in check despite losing his job.
The Big Lead: The five most overpaid assistant coaches.
Joshua Kinder, Manhattan Mercury: Bill Snyder is trying to teach his Kansas State Wildcats about the dangers of a different Manhattan.
Nolan Weidner, Syracuse Post-Standard: Syracuse has suspended a starting defensive tackle and reserve linebacker for the Pinstripe Bowl.
Aaron Wilson, National Football Post: John Harbaugh on Jim Harbaugh: "I think he wants to stay at Stanford."
Dustin Dopirak, Hoosiers Scoop: New Indiana linebackers coach Mark Hagen said he never used negative recruiting tactics against the Hoosiers when he was employed by Purdue.
Tony Krausz, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: If you're headed to the Sun Bowl, here are some travel tips from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press: B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State’s leading receiver, will miss the Capital One Bowl because of a broken foot.
Chase Goodbread, Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban isn't quite sure what to make of new NCAA legislation that allows for coaches to be suspended for secondary violations of recruiting rules.
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