Reporters' Notebooks

Jay G. Tate, Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn receiver Tim Hawthorne said he's lucky to be alive after a one-vehicle accident Sunday morning. One of his friends was not so lucky.

Molly Yanity, Seattle Post Intelligencer: Running back Michael Houston, who allegedly stole a taxi after being picked up from a strip club in October, has left the Washington Huskies.

Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: West Virginia's Steve Slaton on recovering from surgery to repair his right wrist: "I'll be 10 times better without [the broken bone]."

Bill Koch, Cincinnati Enquirer: An analysis found that nearly 40% of Cincinnati boosters who bought football tickets didn't use them. Bearcat home games averaged 20,373 fans last season. Only Duke (19,580) ranked lower among teams affiliated with the BCS.

Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune: Illinois coach Ron Zook might be trying to change the perception he is lax in disciplining players. He just booted two players off the team (registration).

Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald: New Miami coach Randy Shannon is laying down the law in regard to firearms. Any player caught with one is done playing for the Hurricanes (registration).

Rick Scoppe, Greenville News: Troubled South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia won't be participating in spring drills.

John Ryan Casey, Arizona Daily Wildcat: Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama has a court date Friday on a charge of minor in possession of alcohol. Thanks to EDSBS.

Eric Peterson, Ames Tribune: Iowa State will honor its 1977 Peach Bowl team and wear throwback uniforms in its game against Iowa. Game-worn helmets, jerseys, pants and socks will then be sold in online auctions.

Mike Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says he is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback, but freshman Keith Nichol, who is already enrolled, is in the mix.

Rich Kaipust, Omaha World-Herald: A year ago, quarterback Harrison Beck was the future of Nebraska football. Now he's gunning for the starting job at North Carolina State.

Joe Drape, New York Times: When facing the NCAA, the best defense is a legal team. Thanks to the Sports Economist.

Associated Press: The Southeastern Conference reached a five-year deal with XM Satellite Radio to air football and basketball games.

Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman: Idaho has finally filled out its schedule with a game against Northern Illinois. The Vandals will also install a new playing surface in the Kibbie Dome.