Reporters' Notebooks

Brett McMurphy, Tampa Tribune: South Florida is unlikely to investigate allegations that linebacker Ben Moffitt had nearly every paper written for him by his wife and sister-in-law during his five years at the school.

Ian R. Rapoport, Birmingham News: The newest trend: buyout clauses in the contracts of assistant coaches. We kid you not.

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: The Big 12 has grudgingly won back some national luster with a 5-3 record in postseason games. All of the games and victories came against Bowl Championship Series-affiliated conference opponents. No other conference can make that claim.

Jimmy Burch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Things should only improve for the Big 12 in 2008, when 10 of 12 league teams — including all eight of this year's bowl squads — return their starting quarterbacks.

Stewart Mandel, Sports Illustrated: A playoff? Forget about it. The best bet for the BCS is a plus-one game.

Ryan E. Smith, Toledo Blade: Ohio State has one clear advantage over Louisiana State. The Buckeyes' team colors could be the difference, according to the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Tim May, Columbus Dispatch: If history tells us anything, it pays to be the underdog in the BCS title game.

Dave Curtis, Orlando Sentinel: Is the BCS the best way to determine who can compete for the national championship? And if not, is there enough support around one plan that can solve everything?

Dave George, Palm Beach Post: On Monday, all this BCS mythology will be replaced by fact, and sometimes that's even crazier.

Bryant-Jon Anteola, Fresno Bee: With 17 starters returning, Fresno State could be next in line as the Western Athletic Conference team that makes a run at a coveted BCS game.

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