Reporters' Notebooks

Joseph Person and Ron Morris, Columbia State: South Carolina officials are willing to work with Steve Spurrier on tweaking the admissions process, but are not inclined to accept athletes simply because they meet minimum NCAA standards. Although a compromise likely will be reached, expect some rough times ahead.

Jeff Carroll, South Bend Tribune: Rebuild? "God strike me dead if I use that word," Notre Dame's Crewcut Charlie Weis said during media day for fall practice.

Heather A. Dinich, Baltimore Sun: Is Navy now snubbing Maryland? Maryland is interested in adding Navy to its schedule in 2010, but a Navy official said the Terrapins already had their chance to face the Midshipmen — last December — and turned their noses up at it.

Jim Moore, Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Year 3 in the Tyrone Willingham era is already wearing thin — another season of no fun and no felonies. But there is hope.

Mike Pegram, Indiana Rivals: Comcast Midwest Division president Bill Connors gives his side of the dispute involving the Big Ten Network. Thanks to Pierre!

Eric Lacy, Detroit News: The top five most meaningful games this season involving at least one Big Ten team.

Dirk Facer, Deseret News: Utah has reached an agreement to play Michigan in Ann Arbor to open the 2008 season.

Tamar Ben-Yosef, Arctic Sounder: It's full speed ahead in Barrow, where installation of 60,000 pounds of artificial turf is set to begin. The Whalers' first game is scheduled for Aug. 17. Thanks to John!