College Football Capsules: Texas Tech receiver, punt returner has surgery
LUBBOCK (AP) — Texas Tech receiver and punt return specialist Austin Zouzalik could miss the Red Raiders opening game as he recovers from an emergency appendectomy.
Team spokesman Blayne Beal said Friday that Zouzalik had the surgery early Thursday. Zouzalik could be out as long as a month. The Red Raiders open the season against SMU on Sept. 5.
Zouzalik caught 35 passes for 469 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman last season. He is among the top three punt returners after averaging 9.6 yards on 21 returns last season.
"Fat Little Girlfriends" recipes deleted from site
LUBBOCK (AP) — Organizers of "Fat Little Girlfriends," a cookbook that stems from a comment by former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, are looking at pursuing legal remedies after someone deleted more than 200 recipes from the publishing company's Web site.
Team Leach spokesman Charlie Hodges said Friday the recipes were removed from Nebraska-based Morris Press Cookbooks Web site Thursday evening.
The site was not hacked, however. A username and password were posted on a discussion board on the group's Facebook page.
Proceeds from sales of the cookbook will fund a scholarship at Tech in Leach's name, he said.
Leach, fired late last year amid allegations he mistreated a player with a concussion, chastised his players for listening to their "fat little girlfriends" last season after the Red Raiders lost 52-30 at home to Texas A&M.
-- Betsy Blaney
Features
Questions abound, JoePa still going at Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Joe Paterno is now peerless in his profession.
His friend and last remaining contemporary among major college football coaches, Bobby Bowden, retired after last season. With Bowden out at Florida State, the career victories record is pretty much Paterno's to keep — whether he cares about it or not.
Paterno knows he's in the twilight of his own Hall of Fame career at Penn State, but still gives no hint of exactly when that will come. These days, nobody seems to be itching to see Joe go.
At 83 years old, Paterno's health has become as closely watched as that of a pope — every hint of a limp analyzed, every slip-up with words parsed.
But at this point it makes no sense asking when Joe will go. His contract runs through 2011 for whatever that's worth. In the meantime, in case you didn't notice, the Nittany Lions are humming again, racking up wins (11 last year) and challenging for championships. And that still gets JoePa fired up.
"You like the competition," he said Thursday at Beaver Stadium. "If you don't like it, you ought to get out of it, that's the way I've always felt about it."
Paterno has 394 victories, while Bowden finished with 389 — minus 12 that were vacated by Florida State this year because of an academic cheating scandal.
The next milestone for Paterno is the 400-win club, a mark that only Eddie Robinson (408) and John Gagliardi (471) have reached. JoePa could get there by late October.
"You know, when I'm down and looking up, are they going to put 399 on top of me or are they going to put 401," Paterno asked at Big Ten media day in Chicago. "Who the hell cares? I won't know."
But the legion of blue and white fans are no doubt keeping track — and not just of wins and losses.
The health watch started in earnest in 2006 after Paterno tore left knee ligaments in a sideline collision with a player during a game at Wisconsin.
Early in the 2008 season, Paterno hurt his hip after trying to show his players how to execute an onside kick in practice. He needed hip replacement surgery in December — but only after leading the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten title and the Rose Bowl. Both the knee and hip injuries forced Paterno to coach from the press box.
Earlier this year, Paterno was able to shed his smoky thick-rimmed glasses after getting laser eye surgery. "Robo-coach," he was nicknamed by one of his staffers.
A new concern emerged this offseason after Paterno missed Big Ten meetings in May and three appearances before alumni groups around the state, stops typically part of his summer schedule.
The rumor mill churned anew. Was this really it for JoePa?
His spokesmen and family said Paterno was sidelined by a nagging intestinal bug. Paterno in June also told The Associated Press he had a second ailment after suffering an overreaction to antibiotics prescribed for dental work.
Speaking slightly slower and in a lower tone of voice the first day of Big Ten media days, Paterno pleaded he was just fine and ready for the season. He repeated as much in State College on Thursday.
"I have one request," he said to start off the news conference at the packed Beaver Stadium media room. "Please, don't ask if I'm going to die. Believe me, I got a few more days left."
His son and quarterbacks coach, Jay Paterno, watches the back-and-forth with some amusement. "It used to be they'd ask him when (was he) going to retire. Now they're asking when is he going to kick the bucket," he joked.
For his part, the younger Paterno hasn't noticed his father slowing down.
"It didn't concern me because I've been at the house with my kids. He's chased them ... I haven't seen that element of him slowing down," Jay Paterno said.
The boss, though, has said he's less of a hands-on coach on the field than he used to be, allowing his loyal assistants to do the bulk of that work — though Paterno is still known to pull a player aside for some face time if he's unhappy. Paterno said he prefers "to stick his two cents in" at staff meetings.
Paterno also plans to make fewer appearances on Thursday night radio show broadcast throughout the state. He said it's become more of a problem for him in recent years because he has to go on the air right after practice.
"It's a pain in the rear end. I want to get home. I want to start doodling, figure out what has to get done, so that maybe I can figure out a couple things for the game on Saturday," Joe Paterno said. "And I don't get paid a lot of money."
He's also got a Wednesday speaking engagement with hardcore fans and a pregame radio show on Saturdays, and Paterno said he wasn't sure how many of those appearances he would get to.
Linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden disagreed with Paterno's suggestion Thursday that the head coach might be letting the assistants "carry him" more.
"That's one of the great marks of his leadership, that he lets you coach on the field, which makes it a lot more fun. You don't have somebody looking over your shoulder all the time," Vanderlinden said. "But, if he sees something he wants to discuss with you, he will definitely talk it over in the staff room."
Whenever Paterno does call it quits, here's a list of some names who could be in the running to take over, with internal candidates listed first:
—Tom Bradley, Penn State defensive coordinator. The energetic Bradley, a master recruiter, is architect of a defense consistently among the best in the country. He's the most talked-about internal candidate among fans.
—Larry Johnson, Penn State defensive line coach. Another top-notch recruiter, Johnson has opened a pipeline into the Washington-Baltimore area that has helped get recent stars like Derrick Williams and Aaron Maybin to Happy Valley. Also known for developing top linemen such as Maybin, Tamba Hali and, most recently, Jared Odrick.
—Jay Paterno. He has the marquee name and has answered critics questioning whether he benefited from nepotism by developing QB success stories in Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark, though the Anthony Morelli era was considered a flop. His father has said that Penn State might not be the best place for him to start his head coaching career.
—Al Golden, Temple coach. He spearheaded the Owls' rise from FBS afterthought to MAC title contender. Played tight end for Paterno from 1987-91, and coached linebackers at Penn State in 2000. Golden has also made coaching stops at Boston College and Virginia.
—Greg Schiano, Rutgers coach. Defensive backs coach at Penn State from 1991-96 and a native of New Jersey — a fertile recruiting ground for the Nittany Lions.
—Kirk Ferentz, Iowa coach. A Pennsylvania native who grew up a Penn State fan, Ferentz has turned the Hawkeyes into a Big Ten contender, though he's under contract through 2015 at about $3 million a year.
But for now, Penn State is not in the market for a coach — and it's anyone's guess when they will be.
-- Genaro C. Armas
Purdue excited about receiving corps
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue is excited about new quarterback Robert Marve, and nearly as thrilled with the players he'll be throwing to.
Marve, a transfer from Miami, said Friday that this is the best group of receivers he has been around.
Keith Smith leads the returnees after catching 91 passes, the third-best single-season total in school history, for 1,100 yards last season.
"That's over with and done with," Smith said. "It happened, but this is an entirely different team, an entirely different group of people that I'm around and a different group of teams that we're going to play. Now, it's onto this upcoming season."
Smith already has left an impression on Marve. Instead of being content with last year's success, Smith became leaner and faster in the offseason, adding improved physical skills to his smarts.
"He's a special guy because he's a quarterback in the receiver position," Marve said. "He can read coverages, he knows the game and he's proven himself."
Tight end Kyle Adams caught 29 passes last year. Keith Carlos, who has moved to running back, caught 21 passes in 2009. Cortez Smith, a projected starter, caught 17. Justin Siller, who has moved from quarterback to wide receiver, is one of the team's most athletic players and is listed as a starter.
"He's a natural talent," Marve said of Siller. "He can catch, he can run, and he played quarterback. When you've got guys who have played quarterback, they know what's going on."
Coach Danny Hope said Siller is learning his new position quickly.
"He's getting a lot better," Hope said. "If you just went out there, didn't have any plays called, and drew it up in the dirt and played sandlot football, he's unbelievable. Any time you're teaching a guy a position, that can muddy the water a little bit. Over a period of time, he'll become much more polished. He has big play ability, and he gets better every time he steps on the practice field."
Keith Smith said he, Siller and Cortez Smith form the "thunder package." Keith Smith is 6-foot-2 and 226 pounds, Siller is 6-4 and 220 pounds,and Cortez Smith is 6-2 and 180 pounds.
"We all have great size, good speed, and we'll be able to outmuscle some guys," Keith Smith said.
Then, there's the lightning package, with speedsters O.J. Ross, Antavian Edison and Gary Bush.
"You've got a lot of guys," Marve said. "My job is to get the ball out of my hand as fast as possible and let those guys do their thing."
Hope also expects running back Al-Terek McBurse to be a receiving threat. McBurse, who averaged 24.6 yards on 19 kickoff returns last season, will likely start because last year's breakout star, Ralph Bolden, tore the ACL in his right knee in March and had surgery in May.
"He's fast, he makes people miss, he catches the ball great," Hope said of McBurse. "He'll take some pride in being a starter. He is a player, and he will rise to the occasion."
Marve is the guy who makes it all go. He took over as the starting quarterback at Miami in the second game of the 2008 season. He made 11 consecutive starts and helped guide Miami to five straight wins from Oct. 11 to Nov. 13. He threw for 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns that season, but he was held out of the Emerald Bowl as a punishment for missing class.
Jacory Harris started in the 24-17 loss to California. Harris was selected the starter entering 2009, and on Dec. 30, Marve told The Associated Press he was leaving Miami.
Marve recovered from an ACL injury and has quickly earned the respect of his receivers.
"He's a great player," Smith said. "He's elusive in the backfield, he can step up and throw the ball. He can throw any ball on the field, no matter where you are. He's a great leader for us. He's been that all-around guy that we needed back there."
-- Cliff Brunt
Nate Montana tries to make own name at Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The questions about his famous dad don't come nearly as often these days for Nate Montana as he tries to carve out his own path of success at Notre Dame.
"It's old stuff now," Montana said after a recent steamy practice on the same campus where his father, Joe Montana, helped Notre Dame win a national title in 1977.
Joe, of course, was a third-round draft pick who went on to become a Hall of Famer, leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl wins. Nate came to South Bend two years ago as a preferred walk-on.
He wears his dad's No. 16 from his days in San Francisco — Joe wore No. 3 at Notre Dame and later No. 19 with the Kansas City Chiefs. And father and son talk daily.
"He just said, 'Study, study, study.' That's it," Nate Montana said. "Like, learn your plays and make sure you're ready to go if they need you."
That's the question for the younger Montana this season as he battles to be the backup to Dayne Crist. There are three promising freshmen also in the mix, with early enrollee Tommy Rees ahead of Andrew Hendrix and Luke Massa.
Montana, who at 6-foot-4 is two inches taller than dad, didn't participate in football until he was a freshman in high school. As a senior, he attempted only 19 passes. And after coming in as a walk-on at in 2008, he spent last season at Pasadena Community College, where he was a backup, before returning to South Bend.
In new coach Brian Kelly's no-huddle spread offense, Montana had a strong spring game, completing 18 of 30 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
"Nate does some things really well, and then I'll lose him for a couple of plays," Kelly said. "He hasn't played a lot of college football, obviously, and consistency is the one area that he has to show."
That's exactly the point his dad has tried to make with his oldest son. Younger brother Nick is a freshman quarterback at Washington, and Nate's two sisters, Alexandra and Elizabeth, are Notre Dame graduates.
"It's great for him," Joe Montana said in a phone interview, adding that he and wife Jennifer were initially "surprised he chose Notre Dame because of the extra pressure that would be there."
But now Joe is a proud pop — his son says he is "really excited" — who has emphasized the qualities that made him so great over his NFL career.
"The fundamentals are an important part. It's what guides you through the tough times," Joe Montana said. "If your fundamentals are sound, it will carry you."
Nate is trying to find the rhythm he had last spring in Kelly's hurry-up system, knowing that if he does win the backup job, he's one play away, one injury away, from being the quarterback at Notre Dame.
"It's getting used to the tempo and picking it back up basically from where we left off in the spring," Nate Montana says. "I think I'm starting to calm down and getting back in the groove. I need some more time. Purdue (the season opener) is not tomorrow so we got a little time."
Kelly's offense also calls for the quarterback to be a ball carrier at times. That's OK with Nate.
"I like to run. I mean it's fun, but I'd like to throw touchdowns more. It's a good place to do that, too," he said.
And the pressure of being Joe Montana's son doesn't bother Nate.
"I don't think about it too much, so I try not to let it bug me," he said. "I just try to do what I came to do and that's compete and play. So I don't think about outside things too much."
Joe Montana plans to watch both of his sons play or at least suit up this season. That could be a lot of travel from California to the Northwest or to familiar grounds in the Midwest.
"We're trying to plan the first month of the season right now," Joe Montana said. "We'll probably have a lot of frequent flier miles."
-- Rick Gano
Talent-laden defense makes Tar Heels contenders
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — On any snap, Deunta Williams has good reason to feel optimistic North Carolina's defense will make a big play.
On one side is a cornerback who could be a second-round NFL draft pick next year. In front of him are a pair of linebackers who could go even higher. And in front of that duo are two linemen projected as likely first-rounders.
It's a defense that has a chance to special, one of those rare elite units.
The squad ranked among the nation's best last year and has carried the load for the Tar Heels as coach Butch Davis enters his fourth season at North Carolina.
The Tar Heels aren't trying to temper expectations of perfection and frequent shutouts.
"It's not unrealistic and we shouldn't think that's it unrealistic," said Williams, a safety also projected as a high draft pick. "With our defense, I've got to believe that anything is possible."
How much success UNC's defense has could depend on the NCAA investigation into whether defensive tackle Marvin Austin received improper benefits from agents. Yet even if Austin is sidelined, the Tar Heels still can be among the Atlantic Coast Conference's top units.
Austin, Williams, linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant, and cornerback Kendric Burney all decided in January to return for their senior seasons instead of heading to the NFL. Meanwhile, junior Robert Quinn (11 sacks in 2009) could be the top draft prospect of them all as a potentially elite pass rusher.
"I expect them to improve," Davis said. "If there are any kids on our defense that think they're absolutely the very best they can be, they're kidding themselves because there's room for every one of them to be a better football player."
Still, Todd McShay, the director of college scouting for ESPN Scouts Inc., compared North Carolina's potential NFL talent on defense to the USC unit of 2008 that had a pair of first rounders in linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews to headline eight Trojans defenders picked in the 2009 draft.
McShay grades Quinn and Austin as "pretty close to surefire" first-rounders; Carter, Sturdivant and Williams as late first- or early second-rounders; and Burney as a possible second-round pick. Even relatively unheralded cornerback Charles Brown grades out as a possible fourth- or fifth-rounder.
Meanwhile, in ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s list of the nation's top-five returning players at each position, Austin, Quinn, Carter and Sturdivant were all No. 1, while Williams was No. 5.
"They're still growing up," McShay said. "They're not perfect yet, but there's just so much talent."
McShay cited last year's win against Miami, saying he studied the film and noticed the Tar Heels generated enough pressure with their line that they didn't have to bring extra rushers for the first three quarters.
"You just can't find many defenses that can do that," he said. "So you're consistently dropping seven (into coverage) and still getting pressure, and I think that's key. If teams find a way to protect their quarterback against that front four, that's when that defense has had some trouble."
And yes — despite ranking sixth nationally in total defense (270 yards), 10th against the run (96 yards), 13th in scoring defense (17 points) and 14th against the pass (174 yards) while scoring six defensive touchdowns — the Tar Heels had some head-scratching moments last year.
The defense lost its composure late as Florida State's Christian Ponder completed 33 of 40 passes for 395 yards to cap a big rally in a 30-27 win. In a 28-27 loss to injury-ravaged rival North Carolina State, Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson (four passing TDs) had his way with the Tar Heels for the second straight year.
Then, in the Meineke Bowl, the Tar Heels allowed Dion Lewis to run for 159 yards and couldn't get a stop on Pittsburgh's 17-play drive that lasted nearly 9 minutes and set up the winning field goal in the final minute.
Davis is quick to point out that, while North Carolina was the third nationally in third-down defense, it allowed an "atrocious" 5 yards per play on first down. He also said the Tar Heels had 17 potential turnovers on first down that got away when a defender dropped an interception or didn't recover a loose fumble.
The Tar Heels know they can do better and even talk openly about their goal of being the nation's top defense. Now they have to turn potential into onfield results.
"In any good defense, the ultimate goal is to be No. 1 in the country," Carter said. "When we first got back (for training camp), Coach showed us a lot of missed opportunities we lost and we've just got to capitalize on them. We're that close to being No. 1."
-- Aaron Beard
Tide's Fluker sheds weight, gains starting shot
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — D.J. Fluker's waistline has shrunk and his still massive frame looks svelte compared to when he arrived at Alabama.
But the redshirt freshman right tackle can't do anything about his size 22 feet.
"Kind of hard moving them," Fluker joked, "but you get used to it."
The rest of him is moving around much better. The 6-foot-6 Fluker said he has shed 70 pounds since weighing in at about 395 when he reported for preseason camp last August as one of the Crimson Tide's most highly touted recruits. He was even bigger than noseguard Terrence Cody.
His body fat's down to 23 percent, with 25 percent muscle. And Fluker is on track to replace departed right tackle Drew Davis in the starting lineup.
Tide coach Nick Saban said the transformation started after Alabama won the BCS national championship game in January.
"We started the long haul to try to change his body," Saban said. "He has made dramatic improvement not only in his weight but his muscle mass relative to his body weight is now very functional to his position, which will affect his conditioning. Because he has better conditioning, he can sustain and take more (practice) reps."
Fluker's hefty size last year helped keep him on the sidelines for a redshirt season while James Carpenter claimed the left tackle spot. He couldn't follow in the footsteps of Alabama's last such highly rated offensive tackle, Andre Smith, who was an immediate starter.
It was an eye-opener for a player who came in rated the nation's No. 3 prospect by Rivals.com.
"It was my first year of college football and I didn't really understand the game," said Fluker, who played at Foley High School with Tide receiver Julio Jones. "I was trying to learn and go through the practice and it was tough."
Now that he's lighter on those size 22s, he said he's quicker and has more stamina in practice.
He said daily film and footwork sessions with right guard Barrett Jones have helped.
"He's been there for me," Fluker said. "He's been like a brother to me. He's been helping with my footwork every day."
Fluker's approach since last season has made an impression on coaches and teammates.
"He's totally reshaped his body," offensive coordinator Jim McElwain said. "It's unbelievable what he has done to help himself from that standpoint.
"What he has done, he's really worked hard. I think all our guys respect that."
Fluker said his biggest strength is paving the way for running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. He's working on his pass blocking.
Tracking down shoes that fit isn't easy, either. Those often have to come from online.
"They are kind of hard to find, but we find them somehow," Fluker said.
It's easier to put his feet in perspective than shoes: 7-foot-1 NBA star Shaquille O'Neal also wears a size 22.
"It always amazes me when I see those and think about how many cows got hurt when he puts those Nikes on," McElwain said.
-- John Zenor
Parker under gun as baseball deadline nears
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson's Kyle Parker can't help but worry about his athletic future, especially with the fast-approaching deadline for him to sign a Major League baseball contract.
Parker is the Tigers' quarterback and a first-round pick of the Colorado Rockies. He has already passed on a baseball-only deal to return to Clemson for his sophomore football season. If Parker doesn't sign by midnight Monday, the two-sport standout's once straight-ahead career path turns into a highway with many possible exits.
When he came back to campus last month, Parker found it easy to reconnect with teammates, work the rust out of his passing arm and put baseball on the back burner. "Over the last couple of days, it's one of those things you can't ignore," Parker said.
Parker's been one of Clemson's standout performers on the gridiron and the diamond the past few years.
He came to Clemson in January 2008, graduating high school a semester early to go through spring football practice and play baseball where he hit 14 homers, drove in 50 runs and was a first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference selection. After redshirting in football that fall, Parker won the starting quarterback job as he shuttled between football practice and baseball games in the spring of 2009.
Parker showcased his talent at both sports last season. He threw for 2,526 yards and 20 touchdowns to help the Tigers win the ACC's Atlantic Division and reach the conference title game. He also hit 20 homers as Clemson won its division in baseball and advanced to the College World Series.
It was during an NCAA tournament baseball game at Auburn on June 7 when the Rockies selected Parker No. 26 overall. Parker's family and friends in the stands clapped and hugged when the pick was made. Parker took an extended break after the CSW and acknowledged thinking he was done with football.
However, the two sides did not agree by July 20 — Parker's deadline to let football coach Dabo Swinney know his plans — and Parker was soon prepping for North Texas at Death Valley on Sept. 4.
Parker affected by nearing deadline? Now from coach Dabo Swinney's perspective.
"When he clocks in and he crosses (into) football focus, that's what he does," Swinney said. "That's why he's been able to be so successful."
Still, Parker admitted he's more stressed these days as Monday closes in and he considers all that could happen.
He might sign a deal with Colorado that eliminates football after this season or the the Rockies could agree to let him back on the gridiorn in 2011. If nothing gets done, Parker could be back in Clemson's outfield next spring and try his luck in next June's baseball draft.
Parker would also be eligible for the NFL draft in April. Swinney has said Parker may have as much football potential as baseball.
"Those are things that are still up in the air," Parker said. "Come Monday, we'll have more answers on that."
Swinney says he'll adjust Parker's practice schedule Monday — Clemson football works out twice that day — to accommodate Parker's negotiations.
The Rockies are familiar with two-sport athletes. They picked former Tennessee quarterback Todd Helton during the mid-1990s and, this year, agreed to a deal with their fourth-round pick, North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson, that lets him play Wolfpack football this fall.
A message left in the Colorado public relations office by The Associated Press to speak to someone about negotiations was not immediately returned.
Parker says he's tried hard not to let any baseball drama affect his full-speed ahead attitude on the football field. Clemson's offense lost record-setting performers in tailback C.J. Spiller, receiver Jacoby Ford and tight end Michael Palmer, making Parker's role more critical than ever.
Parker understands he's got a choice not many others get to make. "I don't want to sound like its a hardship. I've definitely been blessed," he said. "Then again, there are a lot of steps you have take, a lot of conversations you have to have and then you have to make a lot of decisions that ultimately affect my future."
-- Pete Iacobelli
News
Michigan set to have its day with NCAA in Seattle
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez concedes he is nervous about this weekend's hearing with the NCAA.
He's not alone.
On Saturday, Rodriguez will join university president Mary Sue Coleman and athletic director Dave Brandon in Seattle for the meeting with NCAA officials.
The NCAA has accused Michigan of five major rules violations related to practices and workouts. School officials plan to challenge the allegation that Rodriguez failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance but accept responsibility for the other four allegations.
"We're all anxious," Rodriguez said Thursday night. "Everybody involved in the process — the school administration, the coaches, the players — we're all looking forward to having this next process, which is this weekend, completed. Then when the committee finishes with their conclusion, ending that whole thing."
Rodriguez led the Wolverines in a practice Friday, trying to keep the focus on the field as college football's winningest program prepares for the season opener at home against Connecticut on Sept. 4.
Michigan captain Steve Schilling said the team won't be distracted by Rodriguez's departure for the NCAA hearing.
"He's not going to have to miss any practice time, so that won't affect us," Schilling said. "Most of the guys by now have forgotten about that or put it on the back burner. It's been going on for so long, and it's coming to an end."
The problems started nearly a year ago when the Detroit Free Press reported that the Rodriguez-led program was exceeding NCAA limits on practice and training time, leading to school and NCAA investigations.
The school admitted in May it was guilty of four violations. It reprimanded Rodriguez and six other people and announced self-imposed sanctions, including two years of probation. Michigan also said it would cut back practice and training time by 130 hours over two years, double the amount of time it exceeded NCAA rules.
It also trimmed the number of assistants — the so-called quality-control staff — from five to three and banned them from practices, games or coaching meetings for the rest of 2010.
Michigan hopes the NCAA agrees the school punished itself enough and agrees with its defense of its embattled coach, who is 8-16 in two disappointing seasons.
The school had a mock hearing to get prepared for the private session at a Seattle hotel with the NCAA infractions committee. It expects to spend much of the hearing defending the allegation against the coach.
After the hearing, Michigan will likely have to wait six to eight weeks to have the case closed — barring an appeal.
Rodriguez had his team practice in pads for the first time this season Friday morning, gave players Saturday off, and scheduled two workouts for Sunday.
-- Larry Lage
Meyer: Rogue agents, players need to be punished
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida coach Urban Meyer believes there's one way to deter rogue agents from having improper contact with players: Punishment.
For everyone involved, too.
Meyer said Friday that "you don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure this thing out," then added that mandating harsh penalties for agents and players who break the rules would be a major step toward eliminating the kind of unscrupulous contact that has plagued college football in recent months.
"You want to stop some kind of unethical, illegal activity? How do you do it? You punish them. The players get punished and you want to stop the other side, too," Meyer said. "It's almost like in recruiting: If there's no threat of a punishment, go have at it."
Meyer's comments came a day after Alabama's Nick Saban said he helped organize a conference call with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players Association, fellow coaches and a handful of athletic directors and agents. The call addressed problems with agents that have led to NCAA investigations at several schools this summer.
Meyer, Ohio State's Jim Tressel, Texas' Mack Brown and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops also were on the call.
"I loved it," Meyer said. "I loved the fact that you have everybody involved and everybody wanting to do right. It was about as positive as you can get because everybody wants to do right. ... At the end of the day, obviously, there are people who don't want to do right. But the majority I would say want to do it right."
The NCAA has investigated alleged improper agent contact at Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The NCAA recently punished Southern California for similar behavior.
Saban has been one of the most outspoken advocates of finding ways to ensure that rule-breaking agents whose actions lead to punishment of players face penalties as well, including suspension of their license for a year or two.
Saban suggested that players who have improper dealings with agents could have the consequences carry into their NFL careers.
But it remains to be seen if the NFLPA would agree to punish players for things they did in college. And would NFL teams sign off on anything more than a fine?
Meyer anticipates changes. Maybe not soon, but the conference call certainly established the groundwork for something to happen down the road.
"There are certain people with integrity who do it the right way," Meyer said. "But a good chunk of them won't because, if there's no punishment, have at it. ... There are a lot of positives going around for the good of college football. We can't lose college football. We just can't lose college football."
-- Mark Long
Notre Dame coach won't shut out scouts
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said he won't ban NFL scouts from practices as a way of combating unscrupulous agents, adding that he would tackle the issue by educating his players.
"Security for your football team is very important, but I don't believe that banning the NFL scouts from your team is going to help with the agent problem," Kelly said Friday.
Alabama coach Nick Saban, who participated this week along with several other high-profile college coaches in a conference call with the NFL to discuss unscrupulous agents, said he has temporarily blocked access to Crimson Tide practices for NFL scouts.
Saban hinted earlier this summer that was a possibility because of the agent issue. He also said access would be reopened sometime after Aug. 25.
Saban later said the decision wasn't related to agents, but that he didn't think it was fair for his players to be evaluated during two-a-day practices in triple-digit temperatures.
The NCAA has been investigating alleged improper agent contact involving players at Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
"We'll simply try to protect our kids and educate them on making good decisions," Kelly said. "Our practices will be open to NFL scouts."
Backup tight end Mike Ragone, who was hospitalized Wednesday night after experiencing a heat illness following practice, was back on the field Friday in shorts and a T-shirt but did not participate. A team doctor and trainer were able to treat Ragone and lower his body temperature before he was taken to the hospital for observation. He was released Thursday.
Kelly said the heat index Friday on the practice field reached 105 degrees.
The coach also said that center Dan Wenger and offensive tackle Matt Romine were shaken up during Friday morning's practice and had concussion symptoms. He said they would be evaluated and could return to practice Saturday morning.
He confirmed that backup defensive back E.J. Banks is still in school but no longer on the team for a reason he did not reveal. Kelly said Banks could be reinstated to the squad in a scout-team capacity.
Notes
GSU lineman hospitalized with chest pains
GRAMBLING, La. (AP) — Grambling State defensive lineman Christian Anthony, the Southwestern Athletic Conference's preseason defensive player of the year, has been hospitalized after suffering chest pains.
Universitiy spokeswoman Vanessa Littleton says the 22-year-old Anthony "is listed in stable condition after being admitted to the hosptial."
The News-Star reported that Anthony was taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston and that teammates say he suffered an apparent heart attack.
Littleton says the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Anthony first complained of chest pains Thursday afternoon. She says there was no indication that the incident was heat-related and that Anthony showed no signs of distress when the team went to a meeting room to cool down and hydrate around 11:30 a.m.
Last season Anthony was the only defensive lineman in the country with five interceptions.
UNC hires attorney as consultant for NCAA probe
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina has hired an attorney who was a former NCAA staffer as a consultant as it deals with an investigation into the football program.
Spokesman Kevin Best says the school has hired Rick Evrard from the Bond, Schoeneck & King law firm. Evrard is based in Overland Park, Kan.
Evrard has worked with several institutions on NCAA issues regarding infractions and compliance. He also spent seven years with the NCAA, working in enforcement and later as director of legislative services.
Best says the school first contacted Evrard in late June around the time the NCAA notified North Carolina of the inquiry. The NCAA is looking into whether defensive tackle Marvin Austin and receiver Greg Little received improper benefits from agents.
Ky QBs to get up to 40 reps during scrimmage
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky coach Joker Phillips says the three players competing to be starting quarterback will get 30 to 40 reps during the team's first scrimmage Saturday.
Phillips said there probably would be 120 plays in order to get a good evaluation.
The team will also run six punt team plays and four kickoff returns.
On defense, Kentucky's most prominent competition is at middle linebacker, between junior Ronnie Sneed and redshirt freshman Qua Huzzie. Phillips said the spot is crucial because that position is asked to take signals from the sideline and call plays to the rest of the defense.
"We got quarterbacks on both sides competing," Phillips said.
Clemson's Spiller to have No. 28 retired
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Former Clemson star C.J. Spiller's not done with Death Valley.
Athletic spokesman Tim Bourret says the school will retire Spiller's No. 28 at a ceremony when the Tigers play Maryland at home on Oct. 16. Spiller was the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year last fall and taken No. 9 overall in the NFL draft by Buffalo.
The Bills have a bye week Oct. 17, making Spiller available for the honor.
Spiller, of Lake Butler, Fla., capped a stellar career last season by finishing as the ACC's all-time leader in all-purpose yardage with 7,588. He also set an NCAA mark with eight kickoff return touchdowns.
He was the only player to score a touchdown in all his games last season and finished sixth in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
Troy dismissed Jarboe from team for breaking rules
TROY, Ala. (AP) — Troy wide receiver Josh Jarboe has been dismissed for violating team rules. Coach Larry Blakeney told The Dothan Eagle Friday the onetime Oklahoma signee will transfer to Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he can play this season.
Jarboe has twice been cited by university police. The sophomore was cited in January 2009 for misdemeanor harassment and earlier this year for disorderly conduct.
Jarboe came to Troy in 2008 after he was kicked off the Oklahoma team for making a profane Internet video that shows him rapping about guns and killing people.
Blakeney says a couple of incidents occurred during preseason camp that led to his decision. Jarboe caught 15 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown last season.
Florida's Hicks being treated for dehydration
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida linebacker Brandon Hicks has been taken to local hospital and treated for dehydration.
Hicks approached team trainers during practice Friday morning and was taken to Shands at the University of Florida as a precaution.
Team spokesman Steve McClain says Hicks is doing fine.
Hicks, a senior from nearby Jacksonville, started six games last season and had 32 tackles and four sacks. He has 79 tackles and 6½ sacks in three seasons, and is expected to start this fall.
Pelini: QB Martinez still with Huskers
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says quarterback Taylor Martinez is still with the team.
Martinez practiced with the Cornhuskers on Friday after missing Thursday's workout. Pelini said Martinez's absence was excused and that the coaching staff knew exactly where he was. Pelini said speculation that Martinez had left the program is "bad information."
Martinez is in a three-man competition with Zac Lee and Cody Green for the starter's job. The redshirt freshman's strength is his running ability.
Vanderbilt loses tight end Monahan for season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt junior tight end Austin Monahan will miss the 2010 season because of a knee injury.
He hurt his right knee during practice Thursday, leaving the Commodores with just one tight end with game experience.
Meanwhile Coach Robbie Caldwell also said Friday that sophomore running back Zac Stacy is expected to miss three-to-five weeks with a knee sprain suffered one play after Monahan went out. Stacy, the team's second leading rusher in 2009, is listed as questionable for the Sept. 4 opener against Northwestern.
Elsewhere
Division II schools must file concussion plans
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A new membership rule will require all Division II schools to file a concussion-management plan beginning this fall.
The Division II President Council approved the change Thursday. The executive committee approved the policy in April, and the new rule will take effect Monday.
The plan must ensure that appropriate medical personnel assist with the evaluation and care given to student-athletes who have concussions. The council also hopes it will help student-athletes understand the responsibility they have to accurately report illnesses and injuries, including concussions.
