Reporters' Notebooks

Ken Tysiac, Charlotte Observer: A team from the Atlantic Coast Conference hasn't played in the Bowl Championship Series title game since 2000, but officials point to the recent NFL draft for a validation of the quality of play in the league. Miami athletic director Paul Dee says the Hurricanes' move to the Orange Bowl should help revive the program, which is a disappointing 12-13 the past two seasons.

Jeff Call, Deseret News: Running back Manase Tonga, who was Brigham Young's second-leading rusher in 2007, has been ruled academically ineligible for 2008.

Tom D'Angelo, Palm Beach Post: Florida State's Preston Parker could be back on the field this fall if his attorney can get a felony charge for carrying a concealed firearm reduced to a misdemeanor.

Greg Wallace, Anderson Independent-Mail: Clemson showed clear confidence in Tommy Bowden by extending his contract after Arkansas came calling last fall. But, if he can’t get the job done with this group, many will wonder why.

Joseph Person, Columbia State: Steve Spurrier on his team: "We're like our mascot. The gamecock is an animal ... that fights until it's dead. The Gamecocks, we dang sure aren't dead yet. We have a lot of fight in us going to next year."

Nick Williams, Tampa Tribune: Florida offensive lineman Matt Patchan was shot in a shoulder during an incident Friday night. He is expected to make a full recovery. Thanks to the Bull Gator.

Tennessean: Sales of season tickets for Vanderbilt games are up nearly 18% from this time last year.

Ryan Finley, Arizona Daily Star: Arizona's Mike Stoops plans to move fall training camp out of Tucson for three or four days to give his team a break and generate interest in nearby towns.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Sophomore receiver Tray Herndon has been granted his release by Minnesota. He had 22 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown in 2007.

Gutty Little Bruins: Video of Slick Rick Neuheisel schmoozing recruits at UCLA's spring scrimmage.

Eleven Warriors: Jason Simmons, a former captain at Ohio State who was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of sexual battery.

Andrew Martin, Ohio State Lantern: Ohio State fans need to get a life.

To bypass registration, go to Bug Me Not. Here is today's great mystery link. Thanks to Randball.

And this note: If you've been touched by the devastating cyclone in Myanmar, the tornadoes in Oklahoma, Missouri and the Midwest, storms in the Southeast, wildfires in California & Florida and earthquakes in China, not to mention the everyday needs in our own communities, please check FanBlogs or EDSBS for the Charity Bowl, where you can show your team colors.