Reporters' Notebooks

Tim Gayle, Montgomery Advertiser: Looks like Nick Saban is suddenly about 10 scholarship players over the limit. How will the Alabama coach handle the problem? "That's not something we're going to address publicly or make a public issue," Saban said, "or is it something I think anybody needs to be worried about." Thanks to Stephen!

Mark Maske, Washington Post: A version of the minority-interviewing rule that was the catalyst for the NFL to diversify its head coaching ranks has been adopted by major college football. Thanks to EDSBS.

Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: Construction on a $35.9 million expansion to Boise State's Bronco Stadium is on schedule despite a snowy winter.

John K. Wiley, Associated Press: Only three emails sent to Washington State president Elson Floyd last fall urged the firing of Bill Doba as coach.

Jonathan Martin and Ken Armstrong: A lawsuit over the University of Washington's response to an alleged rape by former Husky Roc Alexander, a freshman on the Rose Bowl-winning 2000 team, has been revived.

Mark Alesia, Indianapolis Star: The Big Ten Network will issue payments of $6.12 million to conference members this year, but officials and fans are growing impatient over the lack of TV contracts with cable companies.

Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh, which drew an average of 33,316 last fall for home games, wants to improve its season-ticket base to 50,000 this fall and is lowering prices.

Bill Koch, Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati expects to receive a decision from the NCAA this week on whether quarterback Ben Mauk will be granted another year of eligibility.

Brian Bennett, Louisville Courier-Journal: Louisville and Memphis will renew their rivalry with a Friday night game (Oct. 10) in Memphis.

Mike Knobler, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Anthony Allen, who led Louisville in rushing last season, might transfer to Georgia Tech. A decision is expected in May.

Kevin Scarbinsky: Birmingham News: Hey Auburn, don't give up football yet.

Larry Brown Sports: A terrific and funny story from Terry Bowden on how he battled his father Bobby over a recruit.

Jim Galloway and Bob Kemper, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Republican lawmakers in Georgia are upset that the state issues alumni vanity plates for Florida, Clemson, South Carolina, Auburn and Alabama. They want to issue plates only for states that will do the same for graduates of Georgia schools. Thanks to Get The Picture.

Jeff Cochran, Athens Banner-Herald: Our apology, this one fell through the cracks. Quarterback Jon Richt, the son of Georgia coach Mark Richt, signed a letter of intent to play at Clemson.