Reporters' Notebooks

Andy Staples, Tampa Tribune: Southeastern Conference official Wally Hough, who was criticized on several blogs — including this one — for his association with a Florida booster club, says his affiliation had no bearing on his job as an official. Hough, who acknowledged being president of the club in the past, said it was incorrectly reported that he president when South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier spoke to the group.

Randy Peterson, Des Moines Register: The Big Ten becoming the Big 12? Conference commissioner Jim Delany, on a barnstorming tour to promote the Big Ten Network, said his league could be looking at adding a team, perhaps Rutgers or Syracuse.

John Helsley, Oklahoman: Oklahoma and Notre Dame have agreed to a two-year series beginning in 2012.

Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press: Michigan athletic director Bill Martin is being sued by radio broadcaster Dave Shand, who alleges Martin used his influence to get Shand fired from WTKA in Ann Arbor.

Roger Clarkson, Athens Banner-Herald: Alabama coach Nick Saban had to navigate a mob of about 100 fans, several sporting Bear Bryant-style houndstooth hats, to get through a hotel lobby and into the conference room to speak with reporters at the SEC media days.

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Ten years ago, Steve Spurrier made news with a $2 million a year contract at Florida. Now there are five coaches in the SEC making at least that much.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times: The Pacific 10 Conference is viewed as USC and the Nine Dwarfs (see Les Miles), but this season it can do something about it.

Rick Bozich, Louisville Courier-Journal: Former Michigan State coach John L. Smith has settled in Louisville for now.

Jeff D'Alessio, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: In case you were wondering, here are Erin Andrews' five favorite hangouts in Atlanta.