Reporters' Notebooks

Jake Trotter, Oklahoman: Hours after Oklahoma recruit Herman Mitchell was shot to death in Houston, a Sooner fan started to raise money to help cover the cost of the funeral. But after raising $4,500, he was told to stop by Oklahoma officials because his actions would constitute an NCAA rules violation.

Allison Sherry, Denver Post: Ralphie, Colorado's 1,300-pound mascot, is nearing the end of her prime, and officials are raising funds to bring on board another Ralphie.

Ed Miller, Virginian-Pilot: Virginia, which has ventured west of the Mississippi only 13 times in 119 seasons, will leave a day early for its opener at Wyoming.

Kathleen Kreller, Idaho Statesman: Winning has a hefty price, as some longtime Boise State fans are finding out.

Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News: Texas coach Mack Brown was given a fat raise.

Bryan Mullen, Tennessean: Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, who we're told has lost "quite a bit of weight," lost some out of his wallet. He donated $1 million to the university.

Ronnie Woodward, Raleigh News & Observer: East Carolina's Rob Kass, the projected starting quarterback, will be suspended for the opener at Virginia Tech.

Eric Crawford, Louisville Courier-Journal: Is Louisville SEC-ready? The Cardinals are, and they should show the world by scheduling some powerhouse teams from the powerhouse conference.

Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News: How conferences are working to keep their officials away from scandal.

Associated Press: Notre Dame defensive lineman Derrell Hand, arrested last month on a misdemeanor charge of propositioning a prostitute, was suspended for three games by Crewcut Charlie Weis.

Jeff Overley, Orange County Register: Former USC quarterback Todd Marinovich has been charged with felony drug possession and resisting a police officer.