Reporters' Notebooks

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Seven of the top 11 toughest schedules this season were played by teams from the Pacific 10 Conference. Plus, Slick Rick Neuheisel gave a wide-ranging radio interview to a Seattle station and apologized for having lied about interviewing for a job with the San Francisco 49ers in 2003 when he was Washington coach.

Brett McMurphy, Tampa Tribune: The wife of former South Florida linebacker Ben Moffitt, who did her husband's schoolwork on her computer at the Sumter County appraiser's office where she is a data specialist, will have to reimburse the county.

Kyle Hightower and Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: Central Florida's Kevin Smith has reversed field and the nation's leading rusher will give up his final season of eligibility and turn pro.

Adam Kilgore, Washington Post: Division I-AA shows the argument for playoffs isn't all academic.

Brad Rock, Deseret Morning News: Should Louisiana State have been playing for the national title with two losses? Should Ohio State have been playing for the championship at all? Should Britney Spears be sterilized?

Dick Weiss, New York Daily News: Teams from the Southeastern Conference are now 9-0 in bowl games against Ohio State.

Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate: It's crystal clear. Louisiana State is the nation's preeminent program.

Bill Livingston, Cleveland Plain Dealer: Ohio State's new SEC ghost is as gruesome as last year's goblin.

Detroit Free Press: Who has the upper hand, the Big Ten or the SEC? The two conferences have squared off 17 times in the postseason over the past six seasons, with the Big Ten holding a 9-8 edge.

Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News: Texas A&M and Texas have agreed to move their annual game back to Thanksgiving night.

Dave Dye, Detroit News: Michigan State's Mark Dantonio puts no stock in recruiting analysts.