Big East 'open' to talk Pitt, 'Cuse leaving early

Big East Commissioner John Marinatto says his league "might be open to a discussion" about allowing Syracuse and Pittsburgh to join the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2013 football season. 1329247587

Column: A real chance for change in the BCS

LSU fans had all but disappeared into the New Orleans night by the final minutes of last month's dreary BCS title game, leaving en masse when they figured out a team that couldn't get past the 50-yard-line wasn't going to magically find a way to cross the goal line. They weren't alone, with people across the nation abandoning their TVs in hope of finding something even remotely more interesting.

Big Ten exploring 4-team playoff

The Big Ten, which helped squash the notion of a four-team playoff to crown a national champion in college football several years ago, is taking another look.

Stanford LB Shayne Skov arrested for DUI

In a rarity for a prestigious academics university that prides itself on a higher standard, Stanford had a player get into trouble with the law.

Pats fans disappointed by loss reminiscent of 2008

It was like 2008 all over again for disappointed Patriots fans who watched as their team lost Sunday to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl for the second time in five years.

Ohio State's Meyer defends recruiting practices

There must have been a lot of interesting give-and-take when the Big Ten football coaches met at the conference offices on Friday.

Pitt will play in ACC's Coastal

Pittsburgh will join the Atlantic Coast Conference's Coastal Division in football, the league announced on Friday.

Tressel back on campus as Akron vice president

Through it all, Jim Tressel never lost his charm.

La. Tech RB Duplessis dies, autopsy pending

Louisiana Tech running back Tyrone Duplessis died Thursday morning after medics responded to an emergency call at his off-campus apartment.

Weis brings together unique staff at Kansas

Dave Campo gives off a grandfatherly vibe when he walks into the homes of potential recruits.

Saban stocks up, DGB stays home

Every coach claims to have a great national signing day. Nick Saban actually does - every year.

Attrition alters look of signing day's classes

Tyrell Higgins didn't even plan to redshirt, let alone end his Texas career prematurely.

UCF football

Receiver Dareen Owi hopes to catch on with UCF Knights

Dareen Owi’s career was overshadowed at Norland, but UCF uncovered a jewel by recruiting him.

Battle of Florida

Bobby Bowden’s team chops down Howard Schnellenberger’s at Battle of Florida

Bobby Bowden’s North team took it to former rival Howard Schnellenberger’s South team in the first Battle of Florida game.

IN MY OPINION

Monday’s Alabama-LSU sequel even less exciting

Nine times out of 10, sequels are a bad idea. That’s why Herman Melville had the sense not to write Moby Dick Jr.: The Next Generation. Nor do we need Louisiana State vs. Alabama II.

Orange Bowl

Orange Bowl matchup between West Virginia and Clemson features two juiced offenses

West Virginia and Clemson will bring to South Florida exciting, high-powered offenses led by dual-threat quarterbacks.

In my opinion

LSU-Alabama rematch bolsters case for having playoff setup

College-affiliated football’s oligarchy serves us reruns to decide a national champion. Will The Staple Singers perform Let’s Do It Again before the anthem? In this sequel, instead of Biggie Smalls, Kansas City Mac, Bootney Farnsworth and 40th Street Black, we’ve got The Mad Hatter vs. Little Nicky.

Former Gators coach Urban Meyer reportedly new coach at Ohio State

Urban Meyer, the former head coach at the University of Florida who led the Gators to a pair of national championships, has accepted a job to coach Ohio State, ESPN reported Monday morning.

In my opinion

Miami Hurricanes’ Al Golden vague about future; UM should sweeten contract

University of Miami football hardly requires a game to make headlines. The program made news this week first for what won’t be happening, then for what its former players didn’t do and Tuesday for what coach Al Golden didn’t quite say.

In My Opinion

‘We are Penn State’ evokes a range of emotions

John Amaechi was in Washington the other day, about to give a speech to the CEOs of various Fortune 500 companies, when the man introducing him to the room made the mistake of uttering a few sordid syllables.

IN MY OPINION

Linda Robertson | Don’t allow pay-for-play to fool you

Nick Saban makes $5.9 million. Mack Brown makes $5.1 million. John Calipari makes $4.6 million.

Sunday Focus | College football rankings

UM, UF, FSU's problems sign of times?

For the first time in 29 years, Miami, Florida and Florida State are out of college football’s Top 25 rankings.

Sunday focus | College football conference realignment

Conference call: Who is going where? When? And why?

College football is undergoing a radical facelift — mostly money driven — with seven of 11 FBS leagues moving members and more possible.

UM

Miami freshmen Chickillo, Dorsett meet the press

Celebrated freshmen Anthony Chickillo, a defensive end, and receiver Phillip Dorsett talked to the media for the first time this week. Both are expected to get substantial playing time, especially if suspensions are handed down by the NCAA.

UF

Florida Gators' Brantley to be ready

Quarterback John Brantley is still experiencing soreness in his back, but coach Will Muschamp does not expect his status to be in doubt for the season opener next Saturday. Brantley practiced Tuesday but sat out Wednesday’s scrimmage for precautionary reasons.

FSU

FSU returns to practice

On Friday — Florida State’s second-to-last day of camp — the Seminoles grinded out a full-pad practice on the Al Dunlap Practice Fields.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Report: Former UM coach Randy Shannon won't join Maryland staff

Former University of Miami football coach Randy Shannon turned down an offer to become defensive coordinator for the Maryland Terrapins, the Baltimore Sun reported.

DISCOVER ORANGE BOWL

VT's Wilson, Exum will miss first quarter

Virginia Tech running back David Wilson and free safety Antone Exum will be held out of the first quarter of Monday's Orange Bowl against Stanford for curfew violation.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

The Herald's All-Florida Team

With seven in-state universities - enough to form a conference - competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision, the Sunshine State can make an argument as the nation's college football capital. Texas might boast the most FBS programs, but Florida is where the champions call home. UM, FSU and UF have combined to win nine national titles since 1983.