Utah AD fined $40K for criticizing Big 12 officials
The Big 12 fined Utah AD Mark Harlan $40K and issued a public reprimand in the wake of his disparaging comments about officiating after Utah's loss to BYU.
Sources: Top Michigan CB Johnson out vs. Oregon
All-American Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is out against No. 1 Oregon, sources confirmed to ESPN, leaving the Wolverines without their top defensive player.
SMU QB Jennings cleared for Pitt showdown
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings has been medically cleared for the top-20 clash with Pittsburgh and will start for the Mustangs, coach Rhett Lashlee told ESPN.
Sources: Texas Tech's Morton to start vs. Iowa St.
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton looked strong in practice on Tuesday and is expected to start on Saturday at No. 11 Iowa State, sources told ESPN.
Rice fires head coach Bloomgren after 2-6 start
Rice, off to a 2-6 start after back-to-back bowl berths, has fired head coach Mike Bloomgren, who went 24-52 in his seven seasons with the Owls.
Sources: Mizzou leading rusher Noel out vs. Tide
Missouri's Nate Noel, who had 503 rushing yards and is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, will not play vs. Alabama because of a foot injury, sources told ESPN.
Sources: Indiana QB Rourke has thumb surgery
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke's "prognosis has improved" after he underwent surgery on his injured right thumb Monday, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Southern Miss fires coach Hall after 14-30 mark
Will Hall, who went 14-30 over four seasons at Southern Miss, was fired as head coach Sunday. Reed Stringer will take over as interim head coach.
Sources: Ducks DE Burch uncertain vs. Ohio St.
Oregon star defensive end Jordan Burch's status against Ohio State is in flux after he suffered a lower-body injury in practice Thursday, sources told ESPN.
Tide's Oatis to redshirt, transfer over playing time
Alabama junior defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis will redshirt this season and enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told ESPN.