Reporters' Notebooks

Josh Margolin and Ted Sherman, Newark Star-Ledger: More trouble at Rutgers, where auditors found the athletic department subsidized the travel costs of boosters and other VIPs who accompanied the Scarlet Knights on charter flights to bowl games the past three years. This came at a time when the university was hiking tuition and cutting academic budgets.

C.L. Brown, Louisville Courier-Journal: Louisville has suspended backup quarterback Matt Simms for four games because of a violation of team policy. Simms is the son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms.

Tom Keegan, Lawrence Journal-World: One huge problem with Kansas' beautiful new practice fields: anybody can watch practice, including spies.

Joe Ovies, 850 The Blog: Virginia is banning all signs at its athletic events. From “Go Cavs!” to “Fire Groh!” to "SportsCenter Is Next." Officials want a “positive game-day environment.”

Heisman Pundit: Is this the start of a Heisman deluge for the Southeastern Conference?

Moisekapenda Bower, Houston Chronicle: Rice's marketing efforts for its opener against Southern Methodist include a cook-off, a keyboardist, climbing walls, balloon animals and face painting. Houston mayor Bill White will serve as an honorary coach and conduct the ceremonial coin toss and furniture impresario Jim McIngvale will be recognized for his advertising contributions.

John Helsley, Oklahoman: How close was Bob Stoops to taking the Iowa job 10 years ago? "If Iowa really wanted me, it would have been there and present there, too, before the interview. It wasn't. So you live and learn." Plus, what qualities got Stoops the Sooner job and a timeline of his hiring.

FanHouse: Oklahoma is making life difficult for former receiver Josh Jarboe, who has transferred to Troy.

Bryan Mullen, Tennessean: Tennessee tight end Brandon Warren, a transfer from Florida State, was cleared to play this season by the NCAA.

Tom Kubat, Lafayette Journal and Courier: Purdue running back Jaycen Taylor is lost for the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee.

Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News: Quarterback Justin Willis, who started 22 of the last 23 games for Southern Methodists, says he does not plan to transfer after being demoted to third string.

Brent Schrotenboer, San Diego Union-Tribune: Former USC running back Reggie Bush and his parents are appealing a recent Superior Court decision that denied their attempt to have a lawsuit against them settled in confidential arbitration and out of public court. Thanks to Mike.

Waco Tribune-Herald: Baylor has extended its series with Rice through 2016.