Reporters' Notebooks

Brian Davis, Dallas Morning News: Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione is once again defending himself over an off-the-cuff August joke about Oklahoma's NCAA problems. The teams play Saturday in Norman and Sooner coach Bob Stoops (wink, wink) says he won't remind his players about the wisecrack.

Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal: Nevada's Chris Ault said some of his players were at a weekend Halloween party when a fight broke out that eventually led to the shooting deaths of three people. Ault said he believed none of his players was involved in the fight or the shooting.

Brett Vito, Denton Record-Chronicle: North Texas defensive back Dominique Green filed a complaint with the Texas chapter of the NAACP accusing the North Texas coaching staff of racial bias.

Kevin Donahue, Fanblogs: Notre Dame won't be playing in a bowl, but it will still rake in approximately $1.3 million as part of its agreement with the Bowl Championship Series.

Glenn Guilbeau, Shreveport Times: Louisiana State quarterback Ryan Perrilloux has not been arrested for anything, but he was not allowed to practice with the team after his name surfaced in connection with a barroom brawl. A look at the police report. Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey did practice and is expected to play against Alabama.

Jeff Metcalfe, Arizona Republic: Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter is wearing a brace to protect his sprained right thumb (throwing hand), but says he will play against Oregon.

Rich Kaipust, Omaha World-Herald: Quarterback Sam Keller's Nebraska career is over after he suffered a broken left collarbone in the loss at Texas. Joe Ganz gets the start against Kansas.

Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State backup quarterback Xavier Lee has been suspended for two games for what Bobby Bowden called a "violation of academic policy."

Scott Cacciola, Commercial Appeal: Defensive end Greg Hardy, the Southeastern Conference leader in sacks, has been suspended by Mississippi Madman Ed Orgeron.

Kate Hairopoulos, Dallas Morning News: Southern Methodist's Phil Bennett says he is not bitter, only disappointed over being fired. Plus reaction from elite alumni, including Craig James.

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times: USC quarterback John David Booty, who sat out the last three games because of a broken finger, is on track to start against Oregon State.

Chris Foster, Los Angeles Times: UCLA has lost tailback Kahlil Bell for the season because of a torn ligament in his right knee. Athletic director Dan Guerrero also turned up the pressure on Karl Dorrell. "I will be very interested to see how we finish the season. And you can use that," he said.

Jim Polzin, Capital Times: Cool story about Wisconsin's Ben Strickland, who walked on, earned a scholarship, then gave it to fellow walk-on Steve Johnson. Thanks to Jason!

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Washington running back J.R. Hasty, who left the team last week, is returning to the Huskies.

Bleacher Report: A Kansas-Arizona State matchup in the Bowl Championship Series title game? It could happen.

Charlie Weis and the Chocolate Factory: Yes, what a wonderful name for a site. A look at the SEC names of the week. Thanks to Grant!

John Canzano, Oregonian Stadium : A first-hand account of a wild scene Saturday in Oregon's Autzen Stadium pressbox, where an angry Colleen Bellotti, the wife — or former wife, we are not clear on this — of Mike Bellotti goes after the columnist.

One More Dying Quail: Erin Andrews speaks! An interview with the Wiz's favorite sideline reporter. Note to Erin: The Wiz, speaking on behalf of his readers, invite you to a Q&A.