INSIDER
New era of college football could help other teams replicate Indiana's remarkable rise
Read full article: New era of college football could help other teams replicate Indiana's remarkable riseIndiana has made the type of turnaround that had only happened once before at the power-conference level over the last decade.
No. 7 Notre Dame pulls away late to beat No. 20 Texas A&M 23-13
Read full article: No. 7 Notre Dame pulls away late to beat No. 20 Texas A&M 23-13Jeremiyah Love broke a tie with a 21-yard touchdown run with 1:54 left and No. 7 Notre Dame beat No. 20 Texas A&M 23-13 on Saturday night in the opener for both teams.
Owens, Presley help No. 22 Oklahoma State beat Texas A&M 31-23 in Texas Bowl
Read full article: Owens, Presley help No. 22 Oklahoma State beat Texas A&M 31-23 in Texas BowlRashod Owens had a career-high 164 yards receiving with two touchdowns and Brennan Presley tied a school record with 16 receptions and had 152 yards receiving in No. 22 Oklahoma State’s 31-23 victory over Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday night.
Texas A&M hires Duke coach Mike Elko, former Aggies defensive coordinator, to replace Jimbo Fisher
Read full article: Texas A&M hires Duke coach Mike Elko, former Aggies defensive coordinator, to replace Jimbo FisherTexas A&M has hired Duke coach Mike Elko, replacing Jimbo Fisher with his former defensive coordinator for four years in College Station.
Big buyouts for college coaches are the norm. If athletes start getting revenue, that could change
Read full article: Big buyouts for college coaches are the norm. If athletes start getting revenue, that could changeSports economist Andrew Zimbalist says the big contract buyouts paid to fired coaches will continue to grow until the college sports business model changes.
Mississippi State fires Zach Arnett as head coach in 1st season after succeeding the late Mike Leach
Read full article: Mississippi State fires Zach Arnett as head coach in 1st season after succeeding the late Mike LeachMississippi State has fired Zach Arnett after less than one season as head coach, just under a year since he took over the Bulldogs after the tragic passing of Mike Leach from a heart issue.
Jalen Milroe, Jermaine Burton lead No. 11 Alabama past Texas A&M 26-20 to take control of SEC West
Read full article: Jalen Milroe, Jermaine Burton lead No. 11 Alabama past Texas A&M 26-20 to take control of SEC WestJalen Milroe passed for a career-high 321 yards and Jermaine Burton caught two touchdown passes as No. 11 Alabama beat Texas A&M 26-20 on Saturday to take control of the SEC West.
No. 9 Clemson has been atop the ACC for years. No. 8 Florida State is hoping to get back there
Read full article: No. 9 Clemson has been atop the ACC for years. No. 8 Florida State is hoping to get back thereClemson is the preseason favorite to win the Atlantic Coast Conference race for the eighth time in nine seasons.
SEC puts emphasis on gambling after college sports roiled by multiple wagering scandals
Read full article: SEC puts emphasis on gambling after college sports roiled by multiple wagering scandalsA month highlighted by gambling-related firings and potential NCAA infractions in college sports motivated the Southeastern Conference to put extra emphasis on the issue at this week’s spring meetings.
SEC coaches' opinions on schedule debate range from overrated to undecided to ambivalence
Read full article: SEC coaches' opinions on schedule debate range from overrated to undecided to ambivalenceThe Southeastern Conference began four days of meetings on the Florida Gulf Coast for a second straight year, debating what to do with its football schedule.
Jalen Milroe, No. 1 Alabama escape Texas A&M, 24-20
Read full article: Jalen Milroe, No. 1 Alabama escape Texas A&M, 24-20Jalen Milroe threw for three touchdowns in his first start and No. 1 Alabama made a final goal-line stand to escape with a 24-20 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday night in a battle of backup quarterbacks.
Texas A&M's Smith arrested on DWI, weapons, pot charges
Read full article: Texas A&M's Smith arrested on DWI, weapons, pot chargesTexas A&M receiver Ainias Smith has been arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
Texas A&M won’t play in Gator Bowl due to COVID-19 issues
Read full article: Texas A&M won’t play in Gator Bowl due to COVID-19 issuesNo. 23 Texas A&M won’t play in the Gator Bowl against No. 20 Wake Forest on Dec. 31 because of COVID-19 issues and season-ending injuries, but the Demon Deacons might still get a game.
AP source: Napier gets 7-year, $51.8M contract at Florida
Read full article: AP source: Napier gets 7-year, $51.8M contract at FloridaA person familiar with negotiations says new Florida coach Billy Napier agreed to a seven-year, $51.8 million contract that makes him the fifth-highest-paid coach in the Southeastern Conference.
USC hires coach Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma
Read full article: USC hires coach Lincoln Riley away from OklahomaSouthern California has hired Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley to be its next coach in a stunning and rare move of one traditional college football powerhouse swiping the another’s highly accomplished head coach.
Rogers leads Mississippi State to 26-22 win over No. 15 A&M
Read full article: Rogers leads Mississippi State to 26-22 win over No. 15 A&MWill Rogers threw for 408 yards and three touchdowns and Nathan Pickering sacked Zach Calzada in the end zone late for a safety to lead Mississippi State to a 26-22 win over No. 15 Texas A&M Saturday night.
Bobby Bowden remembered for faith, family and football
Read full article: Bobby Bowden remembered for faith, family and footballBobby Bowden may have been known across the country for winning two national championships at Florida State, but the coach was eulogized Saturday as a man with three guiding principles: faith, family and football.
New Texas coach Sarkisian defends "The Eyes of Texas"
Read full article: New Texas coach Sarkisian defends "The Eyes of Texas"(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)AUSTIN, Texas – Fresh off a national title with Alabama, Steve Sarkisian plans big changes to Texas' football program. Sarkisian said that while discussion about "The Eyes of Texas "and other issues are welcome, “'The Eyes of Texas' is our school song. Texas, without a conference championship since 2009, is itching to see if Sarkisian can produce similar results in Austin. Texas expects quick results from Sarkisian, recent winner of the Broyles Award given to college football’s top assistant coach. Asked about scheduling A&M again, Sarkisian said “I would love to play that game.”Sarkisian is Texas’ fourth head coach since 2009.
Texas A&M runs past North Carolina in Orange Bowl, 41-27
Read full article: Texas A&M runs past North Carolina in Orange Bowl, 41-27Texas A&M head coach Jumbo Fisher raises his hands during the trophy presentation at the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. 14 North Carolina 41-27 on Saturday night — capping a winless bowl season for the Atlantic Coast Conference. North Carolina: The Tar Heels gave up 24 points in the fourth quarter, after allowing just 17 points in the first 45 minutes. North Carolina still could finish ranked for only the fourth time in the last 27 seasons. North Carolina: An ACC opponent likely awaits in Week 1 next season.
Texas A&M, North Carolina look forward, await Orange Bowl
Read full article: Texas A&M, North Carolina look forward, await Orange Bowl13 CFP) in the 87th edition of the Orange Bowl. “I always say this: The Orange Bowl is as good as it gets,” Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said Friday. Thing is, neither of those running backs — Michael Carter and Javonte Williams — chose to play in the Orange Bowl. “That’s 4,000 yards worth of offense and our leading tackler on defense and two captains,” North Carolina coach Mack Brown said. With them gone, it means even more pressure will be on North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell.
Snubbed by committee, Texas A&M will face UNC in Orange Bowl
Read full article: Snubbed by committee, Texas A&M will face UNC in Orange BowlAn Orange Bowl spot against North Carolina will be its consolation prize. It will be North Carolina’s first time in the Orange Bowl, and the first meeting between the schools. This will be just the seventh January bowl game for North Carolina. BOWL WINNERSThe Orange Bowl coaches certainly know how to end seasons with victories. WELCOME BACKFor Fisher, it’s a return to a stadium where he’s gone 6-0 — including a pair of Orange Bowl victories.
CFP: Alabama-Notre Dame, Clemson-Ohio St as Aggies left out
Read full article: CFP: Alabama-Notre Dame, Clemson-Ohio St as Aggies left outNotre Dame was picked Sunday over Texas A&M for the final spot, ending what little drama there had been. Alabama, Notre Dame, Clemson and Ohio State have also held the first four spots in the AP Top 25 since Oct. 25. The Atlantic Coast Conference is the second league to have two teams in the playoff, joining the SEC in 2017. After sitting second in the CFP rankings for a month, Notre Dame was blown out 34-10 by Clemson in the ACC championship. Barta said the disparate number of games played by contenders — along with far fewer cross-conference games than usual —- was a challenge for the committee all season.
No. 5 Texas A&M makes last CFP case in 34-13 win over Vols
Read full article: No. 5 Texas A&M makes last CFP case in 34-13 win over Vols5 Texas A&M closed its case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff by mauling Tennessee by three touchdowns. Texas A&M, ranked third in the nation in third-down conversion percentage (55%), didn't punt in the first half. Texas A&M's advantage went to 17-7 when the Aggies turned a Bailey fumble into a 23-yard field goal by Seth Small. Tennessee: After the second game of the season, the Vols were tied with Notre Dame for the longest winning streak among FBS teams. A victory over winless Vanderbilt ended the skid, but the loss to Texas A&M ended the regular season on a sour note.
Mond, No. 5 Texas A&M finish strong in 31-20 win over Auburn
Read full article: Mond, No. 5 Texas A&M finish strong in 31-20 win over AuburnKellen Mond passed for two touchdowns and ran for a third and the fifth-ranked Aggies scored 17 points in the fourth quarter of a come-from-behind 31-20 victory over Auburn on Saturday. Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher wasn't interested in speculating on how the win might affect his team's playoff chances. He completed 18 of 23 for 196 yards, highlighted by two TDs to Jalen Wydermyer, and ran for 60 yards. The Aggies ran for a season-high 313 yards and held a 16-minute advantage in time of possession. Auburn: Was outgained 168-21 in the fourth quarter.
Miami has 3 games PPD by virus; A&M on pause for 2nd week
Read full article: Miami has 3 games PPD by virus; A&M on pause for 2nd weekThe number of games across major college football scheduled for this weekend that have already been called off is up to six, after three went down Monday, including Mississippi at No. So we can complain about this and this and that but, listen, we’re still getting to play football,” Fisher said. Major college football conferences have been tweaking policies to provide their schools flexibility to schedule games on short notice. That probably won't work for LSU-Alabama, which was among four SEC games postponed last week. __Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Virus postponements hit SEC, Big Ten; 8 games across FBS
Read full article: Virus postponements hit SEC, Big Ten; 8 games across FBSAmong the three SEC games still on for this Saturday, Arkansas will visit No. Orgeron said he expects most of his players in quarantine due to contact tracing back next week. Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said his team only had two positive cases as of Wednesday afternoon, but contact tracing had taken a toll. “Candidly, the numbers around contact tracing have emerged as one of our biggest challenges to playing. “The contact tracing has the potential to magnify even one positive test,” Sankey said.
Postponement, outbreaks: SEC takes a hit from COVID-19
Read full article: Postponement, outbreaks: SEC takes a hit from COVID-19The conference on Monday postponed Saturday’s game between No. 20 Auburn and Mississippi State because of positive COVID-19 cases and quarantining within the Bulldogs’ program. 5 Texas A&M paused in-person activities after a player and a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a win at South Carolina. LSU is battling an outbreak that could put Saturday's game against No. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25.
The Latest: Tom Izzo tests positive for COVID-19
Read full article: The Latest: Tom Izzo tests positive for COVID-19(AP Photo/Michael Woods)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has tested positive for COVID-19. 20 Auburn and Mississippi State because of positive COVID-19 and quarantining within the Bulldogs’ program that the school says left the team below the minimum threshold of 53 available scholarship athletes. 5 Texas A&M paused in-person activities on Monday after a player and a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 after the team returned from its weekend trip to South Carolina. ___Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has tested positive for COVID-19 and could miss the Razorbacks’ game at No. Pittman was tested Sunday as part of the team’s regular protocol and learned Monday that his test came back positive.
Spiller helps No. 21 A&M top No. 4 Florida 41-38
Read full article: Spiller helps No. 21 A&M top No. 4 Florida 41-38“Now I want to see what do you follow up with?”Isaiah Spiller rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 21 Texas A&M beat fourth-ranked Florida 41-38 on Seth Small’s 26-yard field goal as time expired Saturday. Spiller helped get the Aggies get into position for Small’s decisive kick, sending A&M to its first win over a top-five team since a 41-38 victory over No. Florida led 28-24 early in the fourth when Spiller struck again, running 19 yards for a touchdown on a fourth-and-2 play. Spiller bounced off several defenders before waltzing into the end zone and then hitting the Florida fan section with a Gator chomp.
Lone Star Sadness: Horns, Aggies form Axis of Underachievers
Read full article: Lone Star Sadness: Horns, Aggies form Axis of UnderachieversAt the top of USA Today's most recent revenue rankings for college athletic departments are Texas and Texas A&M. Texas and Texas A&M have everything needed to put out a national championship-level football program. The Aggies and Longhorns refuse to play each other but combine to form an Axis of Underachievers in the Lone Star State. In three games against Alabama under Fisher, the Aggies are 0-3 by a combined 144-75. For now, though, Texas and Texas A&M continue to prove the adage that money can't buy happiness.
Jones throws deep, No. 2 Alabama tops No. 13 Texas A&M 52-24
Read full article: Jones throws deep, No. 2 Alabama tops No. 13 Texas A&M 52-24Briefly threatened early, Jones and the Crimson Tide (2-0) flexed their considerable big-play muscle in the passing game to put away the Aggies (1-1). “Our guys stayed the course and kept competing in the game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “We won, so it's a good game,” Jones said, when asked if it was his best performance. Smith, a converted receiver, emerged as another needed threat in the passing game. Alabama: Any questions about production of the Tide's passing game after Tua Tagovailoa, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III have been answered.
Week 5 Preview: Top-25 matchups in SEC; ACC title rematch
Read full article: Week 5 Preview: Top-25 matchups in SEC; ACC title rematchTexas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, left, talks with quarterback Kellen Mond (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Week 5 Preview: Top-25 matchups in SEC; ACC title rematch
Read full article: Week 5 Preview: Top-25 matchups in SEC; ACC title rematchincluding the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry, highlights the fifth week of the college football season. 4 Georgia on Saturday night as the second month of the season starts, but only the second week of SEC play. The first of three games that decide the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy might have sneaked up on college football fans. The Falcons will play six conference games to go along with Navy and Army. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25