Reporters' Notebooks

Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: In a wide-ranging interview, former West Virginia standouts Steve Slaton, Darius Reynaud and Vaughn Rivers talk about everything from Rich Rodriguez's move to Michigan to losing to "a below-average" Pittsburgh team.

Commercial Appeal: Memphis president Shirley Raines made it official, accepting a subcommittee's recommendation against building an on-campus football stadium.

Adam Jones, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama president Robert Witt has postponed plans to expand Bryant-Denny Stadium because of the challenges of raising money to pay for it during an economic slowdown, i.e. recession.

Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register: An Alabama offseason marked by assistant coaching turnover and off-the-field issues finally gives way to actual football on Thursday.

Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal: Nevada linebacker Kevin Porter, who would have been a senior this fall, has been forced to quit because of injury.

Shannon Shelton, Detroit Free Press: Michigan State's Mark Dantonio: "Last year was about earning respect, handling adversity, not coming apart and unraveling. This year has got to be about finishing."

Brian Christopherson and Lori Pilger, Lincoln Journal Star: The judge recused herself in the sexual assault case involving Nebraska offensive lineman Andy Christensen because she knows the alleged victim.

Pete Bosak, Centre Daily Times: A felony charge of aggravated assault against Penn State defensive tackle Phillip Taylor was thrown out by a district judge who bound lesser charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment over for trial in county court.

Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News: A busy spring for former Penn State running back Austin Scott, who is preparing for the NFL draft and a trial for rape charges.

Susan Shroder, San Diego Union-Tribune: Thomas Williams, a former San Diego State quarterback under Don Coryell, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess firearms equipped with silencers as part of a plea deal and was sentenced to five years in prison.

And last but not least, thanks to Andy Gray of SI on Campus and FanNation for listing the Wiz among his five favorite sports blogs. Andy, the check should arrive in three-to-five business days....

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