Reporters' Notebooks

Curt McKeever and Brian Christopherson, Lincoln Journal Star: That was fast (and no doubt planned days before). Tom Osborne was named Nebraska's interim athletic director. Coach Bill Callahan, when asked if he'd consider resigning: "No."

Rich Hoffman, Philadelphia Daily News: Joe Paterno can't even answer this simple question: Is Austin Scott, charged in a sexual-assault case, still on the team?

Tim Bella, Daily Skiff: Texas Christian receiver Walter Bryant was allowed to play last Saturday against Stanford despite being arrested for assaulting his wife three days before the game. He was still on the team Tuesday until finally being suspended by coach Gary Patterson. Thanks to Sports By Brooks.

Kevin Sherrington, Dallas Morning News: Coaches continue to benefit from an arms-race mentality in college sports, making it difficult to have sympathy for those coaches on the hot seat.

Tim Woods, Waco Herald-Tribune: Baylor coach Guy Morriss suspended offensive line/tight ends coach Eric Schnupp, who was cited for disorderly conduct-reckless exposure after allegedly urinating on the side of the bar at Scruffy Murphy’s, a local watering hole. Thanks to Mike!

Jeff Carroll, South Bend Tribune: Jimmy Clausen is headed to the bench. Crewcut Charlie Weis says Evan Sharpley will be Notre Dame's starting quarterback against USC.

Enjoy the Enjoyment: It appears Tyrone Willingham teams are not good at second-half adjustments.

Carter Strickland, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu, who booted the game-winning field goal at Vanderbilt, returned home to find that burglars had ransacked the place and stolen almost everything of value. Plus, running back Kregg Lumpkin has knee surgery. He could return for a bowl game.

Jon Wilner and Jonathan Okanes, San Jose Mercury News: California's Jeff Tedford defended his decision to go for a touchdown with 14 seconds left against Oregon State instead of kicking a field goal that would have forced overtime. And freshman quarterback Kevin Riley says his decision to run was instinct.

Laurence Miedema and John Ryan, Mercury News: Hawaii's June Jones called the turf at San Jose State's Spartan Stadium "atrocious" and "an embarrassment for a Division I field." San Jose State officials then announced that the field is being reseeded.

Wendell Barnhouse, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: A look at the craziness of the first half of the season and what to expect during the stretch run.

Paul Strelow, Columbia State: A bye week gave heated Clemson fans a chance to cool down.

Mark Tupper, Decatur Herald & Review: Illinois' Ron Zook will be getting a handsome pay raise and three-year contract extension.

Dick Harmon, Deseret Morning News: Is Brigham Young ready to put on another strong run in the second half of the season?

Michael McGuffee, Tampa Tribune: Florida State's Bobby Bowden is urging fans to be color coordinated.

Doug Zaleski, Muncie Star Press: The NCAA levied harsh penalties against Ball State, citing major violations in connection with its textbook loan program for athletes.

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