Reporters' Notebooks

Don Walker, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: With the sophistication of a political campaign, the Big Ten Network has launched an Internet and telephone effort designed to put pressure on cable providers to carry the fledgling channel.

Mike Baldwin, Oklahoman: Oklahoma State receiver Artrell Woods is unlikely to play this season after surgery following a weight room accident.

Mark Tupper, Decatur Herald & Review: Is Illinois defensive coordinator Vince Okruch, who is taking a "temporary leave of absence for personal reasons," going to miss the entire season?

Tony Barnhardt, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Toughest schedule in the Atlantic Coast Conference? That honor goes to Florida State.

850 The Buzz: Back by popular demand, the 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference helmet schedule, now available in a new, improved PDF format.

Lucinda Coulter, Tuscaloosa News: Two Alabama players face misdemeanor charges after an altercation in front of The Legacy, a bar along the University of Alabama strip.

Ray Melick, Birmingham News: Alabama coach Nick Saban is seemingly showing up everywhere, even though his contract limits the number of public appearances.

Ian R. Rapoport, Birmingham News: Notre Dame doesn't appear to be interested in playing Alabama.

Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: Work is progressing on the $35.9 million addition to Boise State's Bronco Stadium, with completion scheduled for July 2008.

Darren Sabedra and Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News: Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby talks about firing Walt Harris and hiring Jim Haubaugh. He also says Harbaugh is "not a loose cannon."

Joseph Person, Columbia State: Troubled South Carolina freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia, arrested twice within his first two months on campus, vows to stay out of Five Points’ bars and nightclubs.

Two mystery links today. Here and here.

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