Reporters' Notebooks

Marcus Nelson, Palm Beach Post: Florida Atlantic's Howard Schnellenberger is disputing comments attributed to him about the toughness of the Texas Longhorns.

Scott Dochterman, Cedar Rapids Gazette: The woman who has accused two former Iowa players of rape exchanged text messages with one of the defendants hours after the incident.

Gary Klein and David Wharton, Los Angeles Times: A door that was closed on Joe McKnight's right hand sent the USC running back to the emergency room with two injured fingers.

Angelique S. Chengelis, Detroit News: Michigan's Rich Rodriguez has put red blocking dummies in practice with Ohio State logos attached at the contact point.

Greg Stoda, Palm Beach Post: Miami's Randy Shannon can recruit, but now comes the Ron Zookian inquiry. Can he coach?

Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: Winning has never been more critical because fans who are struggling in a failing economy no longer have the money to support a loser.

Cecil Hurt, Tuscaloosa News: An Alabama-Virginia Tech game in Atlanta to open the 2009 season is closer to reality now that Brigham Young has become a likely replacement for the Crimson Tide on Tulane's schedule.

Joseph Goodman, Miami Herald: Move over Nick Saban, you have competition in magazine cover department. Tim Tebow is on the front of Men's Fitness.

Heisman Pundit: Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter's chances of winning the Heisman are slim, but a website has been started to help boost his campaign.

John Werner, Waco Tribune: Former Penn State defensive tackle Phil Taylor said he plans to transfer to Baylor.

Jake Schaller, Colorado Springs Gazette: Concussions likely have ended the playing career of Air Force tight end Steve Shaffer.

Stephen Tsai, Honolulu Advertiser: Brent Rausch is expected to be Hawaii's starting quarterback in the opener against Florida.

Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Wisconsin tailback Lance Smith was sentenced to 20 days in jail on charges of battery and disorderly conduct.

Detroit Free Press: Michigan has started a fund-raising drive to help the family of offensive lineman Elliott Mealer. A car accident killed his father, David, and Mealer's girlfriend, Hollis Richer, and left his brother, Brock, paralyzed.

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