Reporters' Notebooks

John Henderson, Denver Post: A former minister-turned-stress-management-counselor, an astrophysics professor and an infectious disease scientist. And don't forget the MBA, the political scientist at the Air Force Academy and the math prof. These are the people who help determine which teams play in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Eric Hansen, South Bend Tribune: For the second time in two weeks, an idle team jumped Notre Dame in the polls.

Manny Navarro, Miami Herald: Miami's Larry Coker: "What do [we] have left to play for? [We] have pride to play for." (registration).

Tim May, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State will re-sod the Horseshoe for the second time in just over a month.

Thayer Evans, New York Times: Sorting out the mess that is often referred to as the BCS. Plus, a look at the top eight teams with a shot at the title game and the week ahead.

Chris Dufresne, L.A. Times: How crazy of a weekend was it? Temple now has a longer winning streak than USC.

Scott Wolf, L.A. Daily News: USC's chances of getting back in the BCS title game rest somewhere between slim and none.

Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle: California in the Rose Bowl? A few second thoughts for Golden Bear fans ready to book that trip to Pasadena.

Tom Dienhart, Sporting News: He's handing out the Week 9 hardware.

Doug Segrest, Birmingham News: Snapshots from the weekend that was, starting with a look at the Heisman contenders.

Jim Mandelaro, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: A funny story about muddy shoes costing Bo Schembechler a recruit. Thanks to Kevin!