ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

AMES, Iowa -- Good afternoon from the nation's heartland.

Day four of my swing through the North Division continues today with a visit with new Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads and several players.

But like a basket of yeast rolls and a big slice of raisin and sour cream pie -- local delicacies from what I've heard -- these links are meant to provide some daily sustenance.

Enjoy them.

• Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman writes about how Texas defensive linemen Sergio Kindle and Lamarr Houston are taking boxing lessons as a way to work on their hand speed to better ward off blockers.
• Mike Gundy tells Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World that he has no problems with his new $15.7 million, seven-year contract, but still hasn't signed it yet. Gundy might want to ask Billy Gillispie about the sagacity of that decision.   
• Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram details six under-the-radar players and coaches who could emerge as important personalites during the upcoming season.
• Lawrence Journal-World publisher Dolph C. Simons Jr. wonders if the recent success for athletic fundraising programs has come at the expense of a campaign for the school's endowment.
• Four players are set to compete to replace Daniel Sanders at center when Colorado starts practice on Tuesday, the Boulder Daily Camera's Kyle Ringo writes.
• Bo Pelini wants his offense to be "multiple" in the upcoming season, Omaha World-Herald columnist Tom Shatel writes.
• Stephen Montemayor of the University Daily Kansan checks in with several quick hits from recent Jayhawks practices.