Reporters' Notebooks

Ian R. Rapoport, Birmingham News: In an attempt to control bowl speculation, the Southeastern Conference has imposed a gag order on bowl chairmen, executive directors, and spokesmen until after Saturday's games.

Scott Cacciola, Memphis Commercial Appeal: In the coaching hire of the offseasion, it took Houston Nutt and Mississippi less than six hours to agree on a four-year deal worth more than $7.4 million.

Pete Pelegrin, Miami Herald: Florida International, losers of 23 in a row, is offering free admission to Saturday night's game against North Texas, the last college football game to be played in the Orange Bowl.

Evan Woodbery, Mobile Press-Register: Auburn plans to review security procedures after cornerback Jerraud Powers was bitten by a police dog late in the fourth quarterback of the Iron Bowl. Video link.

Eagle in Atlanta: Who says it's difficult to beat a team a second time? A little research shows otherwise.

Tom Kirkendall: Tulsa officials have filed a complaint with Conference USA over a halftime performance by Rice's marching band that took a jab at former Owl and current Golden Hurricane coach Todd Graham.

Michael Murphy, Houston Chronicle: Houston's Art Briles interviewed with Baylor but at the end of the day said he was "still proud to be a Houston Cougar."

Heisman Pundit: Tim Tebow holds a slim lead over Darren McFadden in this week's Heisman Trophy straw poll, with Chase Daniels lurking in third.

Chip Brown, Dallas Morning News: The loser of the Big 12 title game between Missouri and Oklahoma is likely headed to the Cotton Bowl.

Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News: Standout Missouri freshman Jeremy Maclin, who originally committed to Oklahoma, said he changed his mind in part because Sooner coach Bob Stoops "never came to my house."

Terrance Harris, Houston Chronicle: Texas A&M is catching heat from the Black Coaches Association for its quick hire of Mike Sherman.

Natalie Meisler, Denver Post: Sonny Lubick's departure from Colorado State was difficult to the end.

Brian Bennett, Louisville Courier-Journal: Thursday night's Rutgers-Louisville game is a matchup of teams that have fallen short of expectations.

Bryan Strickland, Durham Herald-Sun: Former Duke coach Ted Roof on what advice he'd give his successor: "Make sure you get all the facts and ask all the questions walking in the door. Look back at the 30-year history. A lot of coaches have come and gone. They need to take a look at every part of the program."

Michael Klitzing, North County Times: San Diego State coach Chuck Long was given the dreaded vote of confidence by athletic director Jeff Schemmel.

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