Reporters' Notebooks

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times: USC quarterback Mark Sanchez dislocated his left kneecap and could be out for the opener against Virginia, perhaps longer. Mitch Mustain, a transfer from Arkansas, becomes the starter.

Bill Koch, Cincinnati Enquirer: Quarterback Ben Mauk lost his appeal for a sixth season of eligibility at Cincinnati.

Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune: Stephen Pamon, the Big Ten official whose history of bankruptcy, casino gambling and child abuse was detailed in a Yahoo! Sports article late last year, will not work any more games for the conference.

Bob Lutz, Wichita Eagle: Ron Prince has a new contract, but is Kansas State headed in the right direction? The Wildcats went to a bowl in 2006, then finished 5-7 last season, giving up an average of 49.5 points in the final four games.

Nate Keys, The Post: Ohio offensive lineman Mike Eynon won the second tier of the Ohio Lottery Mega Millions, worth $250,000. After taxes, Eynon will receive $172,500. The NCAA views the lottery as a game of chance (such as a raffle) and winning it is not in violation of any rules.

Rick Scoppe, Greenville News: South Carolina fans will be able to keep their season tickets for a price. They must donate an additional $25 to $395 per seat annually under a plan approved by the Board of Trustees.

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Washington announced a 10-year extension of its deal with Nike. The new deal is worth a guaranteed $35 million.

Ken Tysiac, Charlotte Observer: North Carolina State has placed a bronze statue of a snarling wolf in Carter-Finley Stadium, and players will touch the statue as they run onto the field.

Barton Deiters, Grand Rapids Press: Michigan running back Kevin Grady pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated.

Adam Jones, Tuscaloosa News: A tip of the cap to Tyrone Prothro, who is graduating from Alabama. The electrifying Prothro suffered a grisly compound fracture of his left leg in 2005 (photo link comes with a warning).

Larry Williams, Charleston Post and Courier: And a tip of the cap to Ray Ray McElrathbey, who is graduating from Clemson with a degree in sociology.

Here is today's mystery link. Thanks to Ken, we think. ...