ESPN College Football

Can't people just cheer by themselves? Like, on their own? To themselves?

• Heads up Big 12 fans: Future member TCU is trying to join the league with a splash in the Poinsettia Bowl tonight vs. Louisiana Tech.
• Those rumors of Oklahoma running back Brennan Clay transferring? False.
• Texas Tech defensive coordinator Chad Glasgow has not been fired, and will not be fired, according to a Texas Tech spokesman, reports Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Former Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist is still weighing his options, and Kansas, with his former coach Charlie Weis, is one of them.
• The Red Raiders may have found their new offensive line coach in College Station.
• Wins don't mean Kansas State will be looking for different types of players on the recruiting trail, writes Kellis Robinett of the Kansas City Star.
• Carrington Byndom and Quandre Diggs turned a question mark in the preseason into a strength for Texas, writes Randy Riggs of the Austin American-Statesman.
• Barring an appeal, it looks like UNC's top receiver will be ineligible against Mizzou in its bowl game.
• It looks like Texas A&M running back Cyrus Gray will be back for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas against Northwestern.
• Aggies coach Tim DeRuyter is trying to balance his two jobs, too, writes Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News.
• Gina Mizell of The Oklahoman looks back on Brandon Weeden's journey from walk-on to superstar.
• In this year's Fiesta Bowl, he'll be taking on a former minor league baseball teammate.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington's assault trial has been delayed.
• Texas LB Keenan Robinson and West Virginia QB Geno Smith are turning heads for NFL scouts.
• Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has filed his NFL Draft advisory committee paperwork, and is thinking about the league, but undecided. He may be drafted higher next year, writes Travis Haney of The Oklahoman.
• Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin's contract is official.

Former Missouri running back and co-captain Derrick Washington was sentenced to five years in prison for the off-campus sexual assault of a former tutor.

He may serve significantly less time, though.

Washington had faced a punishment of up to seven years in prison, a sentence sought by prosecutors. But he could now be released after 120 days in a "shock incarceration" program, while remaining on probation for the duration of his five-year sentence.

Washington's lawyers argued that no matter how long Washington spends in prison, he'd already been significantly punished.

The prosecuting lawyers, however, argued for the maximum sentence.

Defense attorney Chris Slusher, arguing for probation before the judge issued the sentence, said Washington harbored NFL dreams and was projected as a fourth-round draft pick before he was charged. He's now a registered sex offender who won't be able to coach youth sports teams or even visit his own child's school without permission, Slusher said.

"No matter what the court does today, Mr. Washington has already been punished," he said. "Those (NFL) dreams are likely done."

In arguing for the maximum sentence, assistant Boone County prosecutor Andrea Hayes said Washington has not apologized to the 24-year-old victim nor acknowledged any wrongdoing in the case.

"The defendant has yet to take responsibility for his actions," she said. "He's a predator."

Washington led Missouri in rushing as a sophomore and junior, and was named a team captain before being suspended and eventually kicked off the team during preseason camp in 2010. He was allowed to keep his academic scholarship.

More on this story here.

I made my money the old-fashioned way ... I got run over by a Lexus.

• Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle dissects Kansas State's comeback, 4OT win over Texas A&M.
• News flash: Texas is an ordinary team this year. That and more (Who will be the next Big 12 commissioner?) in Kirk Bohls' Nine Things and One Crazy Prediction.
• Texas Tech's players apparently told Oklahoma State what plays were coming, reports Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman.
• How bad is this slide for the Red Raiders? Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal puts it in historical context.
• What was it like inside Baylor's locker room after a comeback win to reach bowl eligibility? Baylor's site takes you inside.
• Kansas' players are defending their coach, Turner Gill, reports Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World.
• Don't expect Iowa State to do anything crazy on defense against OSU, writes Andrew Logue of the Des Moines Register.
• Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune empties his notebook from Mizzou's win over Texas.
• Could Bedlam be a BCS semifinal after all? History suggests it may, writes Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman.
• Travis Haney of The Oklahoman gives you a preview of what OU's offense will look like without Ryan Broyles.
• Very interesting social media promotion by Baylor here. I wouldn't be surprised to see others emulate this. I've never seen anything like it.
• Former Missouri captain Derrick Washington will be sentenced today for sexual assault.

I guess this is just one thing we'll never know, like what happened to the Titanic.

• Jake Trotter of SoonerNation gets you caught up on the Pac-12/Big 12 mess if you've lost track over the past couple days.
• Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star examines what Dan Beebe's resignation would mean, and reminisces about the time Beebe took a look at Fake Dan Beebe on Twitter.
• Oklahoma sources say it wanted to stay in the Big 12 all along and used the Pac-12 for leverage. You buying it? Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman says the true litmus test is coming.
• Texas doesn't sound like it plans to budge on sharing Longhorn Network revenue, and the A&M rivalry may officially be going bye-bye soon.
• Order is restored in the Big 12: Oklahoma is back to being one of Texas' toadies, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
• Oklahoma should be embarrassed after Texas A&M showed it how to deal with Texas, writes Randy Galloway of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
• Iowa State has sold more season tickets than ever this year.
• Larry Scott offered some insight into the Pac-12's decision not to expand with colleague Ted Miller.
• Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com laments realignment's consequence: Killing traditions.
• I talked some Big 12 expansion and where the league sits with Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is applying to become the new Big 12 commissioner.
• The Big 12 refuses to die, writes Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman.
• Gary Pinkel went on the radio on Wednesday and expressed his displeasure with the Big 12 again.
• Could Texas be looking for a new QB for next season?
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington, suspended and kicked off the team just before last season, was found guilty on a sexual assault charge and faces up to seven years in prison.
• You need a translator for all this Big 12 code talking, writes Marc Hansen of the Des Moines Register.
• Texas Tech will be wearing its camo jerseys against Oklahoma State to honor Wounded Warrior.
• Missouri's board of curators will meet on Thursday.
• Are Kenny Stills and Ryan Broyles the best 1-2 punch at receiver in the country?
• Texas Tech administrators confirmed on Wednesday that they were heading to the Pac-12 if the rest of their Big 12 compadres did the same, reports Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Oklahoma fullback and Columbia, Mo., native Trey Millard caught some flack from his Missouri fan friends for last year's loss. His response? Flashing his Big 12 title ring.

New Quinn is awesome. That is all.

• Why didn't the Pac-12/Big 12 deal work? Sources told ESPN's Andy Katz that Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott failed to get assurances that Texas would back an equal revenue sharing plan.
• Texas refuses to compromise, but should it? Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports says doing so in the spirit of collegiality is a highly questionable business decision. What's in it for the Longhorns?

• SportsNation: Conference Realignment

  Is the Pac-12 really done expanding? Are we really heading inevitably toward a future in which superconferences reign supreme? Vote!

  Oklahoma's plan for the new Big 12? It just might work, though, writes Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman.
• Sports Illustrated's Pablo Torre profiles the Most Exciting Player in College Football.
• The Mountain West Conference and Iowa State have spoken about the Cyclones joining, reports Andrew Logue of the Des Moines Register.
• Dan Beebe is a smart, well-intentioned man and isn't the villain. But if he really cares about the future of the league, he has to leave, writes Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star.
• The revenge factor for Oklahoma vs. Missouri? Bob Stoops isn't buying it.
• There's a controversy surrounding the EMAW slogan at Kansas State.
• Is Bryce Brown back in the mix in Manhattan? He's at least healthy, writes Austin Meek of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
• The SEC released a statement on Tuesday denying a report that Missouri had an offer to join the conference.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington stood trial on sexual assault charges Tuesday.
• Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy will miss practice on Thursday to travel to Georgia for the funeral of linebackers coach Glenn Spencer's wife, reports Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World.
• Texas Tech's penalties are down dramatically, writes Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Oklahoma receiver Trey Franks has been suspended indefinitely.
• Kansas State wants a little variety in its offense, writes Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle.

Is Bon short for Bonathan?

• Could new quarterback commit Wes Lunt be the answer for Brandon Weeden's replacement at Oklahoma State? Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman tries to answer the question.
• Athletic director Bill Byrne has facilitated a Texas A&M sports revival, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
• The recruiting package Oregon paid $25,000 for access to in February 2010 included zero 2011 recruits, and the "national" package is mostly players from Texas. None of the players included are in trouble, but notable Big 12ers like A&M receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu, Tech OL LaAdrian Waddle and incoming Baylor transfer Kolby Gray are all featured in the rather slim evaluations. Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian has the report. Here's a the full package if you're interested in reading about the players.
• Bob Stoops says the recent scandals aren't ruining college football. He's wrong, writes Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington requested and was granted a continuance in relation to his pending deviate sexual assault charge.
• Arizona is getting to know former Texas DE Sam Acho, and Dan Bickley at the Arizona Republic says it should fall in love with him.
• Considering there might not be real fantasy football this year, here's a preview of Big 12 fantasy football.
• Get to know Kansas running backs coach Reggie Mitchell.

We belong in a movie
Try to hold it together 'til our friends are gone
We should swim in a fountain
Do not want to disappoint anyone

• Writers from the St. Louis Post Dispatch clue you in to what Missouri's likely heir to Blaine Gabbert, James Franklin, brings to the table.
• The new NCAA boss wants tougher penalties on rule violators.
• Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman offers a look at Oklahoma State's speedy All-American 2012 committ, Kendall Sanders.
• Kansas offensive lineman Jeff Spikes matured after a torn achilles tendon cost him the 2010 season.
• What effect will the lockout have on the rookie class? Here's a look at the issue, featuring former Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
• Another Baylor player was selected in the CFL Draft after Danny Watkins last year. This time? His fellow lineman, Philip Blake.
• Kansas' website offers up a video profile of offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.
• Texas Tech has added a kicker to its team.
• Baylor, Texas and Oklahoma State are on colleague Andrea Adelson's list of Non-AQ games to watch.
• The first of two trials for former Missouri running back Derrick Washington is set for today.

• Jake Trotter of The Oklahoman offers five players to watch during spring practice at Oklahoma this year.
• Sports psychology has played a big part of Missouri's recent football history, as well as other sports at the university. Joan Niesen of the Columbia Missourian introduces you to the man in charge of it: Dr. Rick McGuire.
• Iowa State running back Alexander Robinson was named the team's MVP at its banquet. The team's site has the rest of the awards, too.
• Oklahoma State added a kicker, reports Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington's hearing in his sexual assault case has been delayed until May 2, reports Anne Christnovich of the Columbia Missourian.
• Colleague Bruce Feldman spent some time at Florida State, where cornerback Greg Reid told him, "I'm not even gonna lie, every time I'm working out I think about Oklahoma. I'm a football player. I feel like I'm a coach on the field, and it hurts my heart to see my team lose like that."
• Kansas State AD John Currie made the Sports Business Journal's list of Forty under 40.
• Oklahoma safety Kevin Brent has decided to transfer.
• Iowa State's website previews the Cyclones' special-teams units for spring practice.
• Berry Tramel of The Oklahoma has more about Bob Stoops' new Twitter policy.
• Colleague Mitch Sherman has more on Kansas State's first commitment of the 2012 class.
• Hopes are high once again for Texas A&M as spring drills begin today, writes Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
• Colleague Ivan Maisel has a look inside when teams break up spring practice by spring break.
• Oklahoma's secondary has a decidedly Tulsan flavor, writes John Hoover of the Tulsa World.

ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary on one-time Oklahoma star Marcus Dupree premiered on Tuesday night, and will air again Thursday night at 11:30 p.m. ET.

Plenty of players across the Big 12 caught the premiere, and weighed in with their thoughts via Twitter during the show. A few selections:

Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud (@Austen_4): "Sad story marcus dupree the best rb that never was"

Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden (@bweeden4): "I'm watching the 30 for 30 on Marcus Dupree. That dude was a beast. I wonder what would of happened if Switzer treated him better at OU???"

Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington (@Wash_24): "MARCUS DUPREE WAS TOOOO GOOD.."

Missouri receiver Wes Kemp (@Wes_Kemp_8): "Watching espn 30 for 30 on Marcus Dupree...Dupree was a stud"

Kansas receiver Daymond Patterson (@15staylive): "I love that @espn 30 for 30"

Texas A&M receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu (@7sbackkkTX): "This 30 for 30 is amazing"

Former Iowa State quarterback Bret Meyer (@Bret_Meyer7): "Sad story on Dupree. Wonder what would have been if he played in diff era."

Iowa State receiver Josh Lenz (@jlenz19): "Crazy story! At least he got back to the league for 2 yrs but def sad"

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Tim Barnes remembers well. He should, he was there.

Missouri's senior center had -- in the most frustrating sense -- a front-row seat to Oklahoma's dominance on the line of scrimmage in three victories over the Tigers in 2007 and 2008.

Missouri left as losers, never coming within single digits of the Sooners, who celebrated a pair of Big 12 titles and a national championship appearance at the Tigers' expense.

"They pretty much handled us up front," Barnes said.

The quiet flights home from Norman and later San Antonio in 2007. A year later, the bus from Kansas City.

There wasn't much silence in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, following the Tigers' 36-27 win over No. 1 Oklahoma -- and there won't be in this midwestern college town for some time.

The Tigers' linemen on both sides of the ball are to thank.

"Our ability to run the football for 178 yards was huge. The offensive line played very, very well," said Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, who earned his first-ever win over Oklahoma and the program's first-ever win over a No. 1 team.

Blaine Gabbert completed 30 of 42 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown. Why? Well, it was obvious.

"He got a lot of time to throw," Pinkel said.

Way more than Chase Daniel got. The holes were bigger than the ones former backs Tony Temple and Derrick Washington tried to fit through. These Tigers won, and they did it by imposing their will on two Sooner lines filled with piles of recruiting stars that couldn't do anything about it.

This was a win over a No. 1 team, and it was a win over one of the Big 12 bullies that have tormented the Tigers, beating Pinkel 11 consecutive times before tonight.

It was a win for the program, and those players from the recent past were there to celebrate. Former receiver Tommy Saunders smiled amidst the sea of students on the turf, looking for someone to hug. Former linebacker Brock Christopher found one of his old teammates, defensive lineman Bart Coslet, and welcomed him with a huge, congratulatory hug.

There's no ceiling for Mizzou anymore. It left Faurot Field with the students carrying the goalposts to Harpo's downtown, celebrating through the steady rain. Players like Saunders, Washington, Christopher, Daniel and Temple helped Missouri reach that ceiling.

A new generation of players like Gabbert, Aldon Smith, T.J. Moe, Jerrell Jackson and Henry Josey helped shatter it.

"We wanted to come out there and prove to everyone that this year," Barnes said, "it was going to be a little different."

Message received. The defense held the Sooners to just 99 yards rushing.

Missouri knew this would be different early. The first time a Tiger touched the ball, Gahn McGaffie raced into the end zone on an 86-yard kickoff return. The first run from scrimmage: 20 yards by De'Vion Moore, longer than any other carry by a tailback in any of those three games in which Missouri failed to take its next big step as a program.

"We have a lot more experience and guys are getting better," Barnes said. "We wanted it so bad. I know for the linemen, it's just a little different for us."

It's different for Mizzou as a whole now, too, and Gabbert left no doubt as to what "it" was.

"I give all the credit in the world to our offensive line. They did an extremely good job winning the battle in the trenches," he said, "and that's why we were successful tonight."

The defensive line played just as well, pressuring the Sooners and hurrying Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones.

The only thing the Missouri defense seemed to do wrong all night was fail to take an interception return into the end zone, a pick only created by Aldon Smith's pressure on Jones. Smith tipped the ball to himself and had to settle for a 58-yard return into Oklahoma territory, swinging the game's momentum and setting up a touchdown that put Missouri ahead 14-7 early.

"We'll talk about that later," Gabbert said of the return with a wide smile.

Pinkel couldn't help but crack a joke at the weaving return, too: "He's always talking about playing tight end," he said.

Smith's return to the field -- one he later said he had to make against the No. 1 Sooners -- from a broken fibula, helped spur a line that disrupted Oklahoma's passing attack, limiting them to just 60 yards passing in the second half after 248 in the first. None of Jones' final seven passes found their receivers; one found Missouri linebacker Zaviar Gooden deep in Oklahoma territory, which set up a field goal that put Missouri up 29-21.

"Our defensive line did really, really well, and that tempo of offense is very, very difficult," Pinkel said of the Sooners' high-speed attack. "When you win games like this, generally you go to the line of scrimmage and that tells the story."

It was a different ending this time for the Tigers, a story in Missouri's history that will be retold for decades. But after Saturday's celebration late into the night, they'll wake up on Sunday knowing that what happened on Faurot Field on Oct. 23, 2010, is exactly that: history. And that story's ending has yet to be written.

"We play Nebraska next week," Pinkel said. "This isn't the national championship."

Missouri began preseason camp with a two-year starter at running back in Derrick Washington as a perfect compliment to quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the passing game.

Washington was permanently suspended from the team nine days before the season opener, leaving the running game to a handful of backs coach Gary Pinkel already had confidence in, but also a handful of backs who had never handled a large share of the carries.

Now, at 4-0 and entering conference play Missouri is one of the conference's most efficient running teams.

"We have two players that were experienced players coming back. That in itself, is where we’ve got to lean on those two guys, De’Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence, and we have a couple freshmen in Henry Josey and Marcus Murphy," Pinkel said. "They’re good young players and definitely have great speed and we’re going to work. Our running game isn’t where we want it to be, we’re looking to improve and we’ve adjusted to that loss."

The Tigers' running backs average nearly six yards per carry, and only Nebraska has more rushing touchdowns in the Big 12 than Missouri's 12. Meanwhile, only Texas Tech has carried the ball fewer than Missouri's 124 touches through four games. The Tigers also have seven runs of longer than 20 yards.

Twice this season, Missouri has topped 190 yards and had five rushing touchdowns.

"We’re really just focusing on what the defense is giving us. If they’re going to play three people, four people in the box, of course we’re going to run the football and take advantage of that opportunity," said Gabbert. "My job is to do whatever it takes to win the football game. If we need to run the football, that’s what we’re going to do."

That job has meant pitching the ball to the sidelines on a bubble screen or pass to the flats, statistically a pass, but a play Missouri considers an extension of its running game.

"We’ve done pretty good overall. The whole thing is about consistency," Pinkel said. "I think [the offensive line is] certainly where it all starts. Not only for us, in running the football, and you get hats on hats and stay on blocks certainly, but protection, which is a big part of what we do. Our offensive linemen have to be very athletic because we ask so much of them."

That protection has helped Gabbert complete 70 percent of his passes in three games this season, and just under 84 percent against FCS foe McNeese State.

"If they’re going to load the box, we’re going to throw the ball. So it’s just taking what the defense is giving us right now," Gabbert said.

But Missouri's four running backs have had to shoulder an unexpected load in Washington's absence. Moore already has nearly half the number of carries he had last year, and the short passes have helped tight end Michael Egnew and receiver T.J. Moe both rank in the top-10 nationally in receptions.

Gabbert says he's spoken to Washington a few times since he left the team, but the focus remains on operating his offense without the former star who topped 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in 2008 before being hampered by a knee injury last season.

"It's their jobs," Gabbert says he told his young running backs. "Kendial and De’Vion have been there. They know what to expect going into Big 12 play. But the young guys like Marcus Murphy and Henry Josey, I’m just telling them to focus. Every team is good in the Big 12 and it’s going to be competitive."

"There is no such thing as a shark attack...We're humans. We live on land. Sharks live in water. So if you're swimming in the water and a shark bites you, that's called trespassing. That is not a shark attack. A shark attack is if you're chilling at home, sitting on your couch, and a shark comes in and bites you; now that's a shark attack."

• Former Oklahoma State receiver and current Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant got pegged with a tab of over $54,000 from his teammates for a Monday night dinner, reports Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com.
• In Georgia, Colorado sees its best opponent of the season so far, reports Kyle Ringo of the Boulder Daily Camera.
• This week in Baron Batch's journal: Why you shouldn't feed stray cats and why football and life are very similar.
• Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville offered Paul Rhoads his defensive coordinator spot twice. Rhoads took it the second time. Now they meet as head coaches on Saturday, writes Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register.
• Toben Opurum looks like he's about to earn some more playing time, writes Tully Corcoran of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
• The fans want the black jerseys back, but Oklahoma State says they're sticking with orange uniforms for Thursday's game against Texas A&M, reports Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman. Personally, I thought the all-blacks looked pretty sweet on last year's Thursday-nighter.
• It's been a while since "Big Game Bob" has patrolled Oklahoma's sidelines, writes Cedric Golden of the Austin American-Statesman.
• All losses are not created equal. That's especially the case when Oklahoma loses to Texas, writes Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman.
• The campus shooting at UT forced the Longhorns to alter their practice plan on Tuesday.
• Taylor Potts had to wait two weeks, but Saturday he'll finally get a chance to put his performance against Texas behind him, writes Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
• Texas A&M safety Trent Hunter equates trying to tackle running back Cyrus Gray in the open field to trying to catch a fly in your hand, writes Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News.
• Baylor's blog, "This is Bear Country," provides a few things about Saturday's game against Kansas you won't find in the game notes.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington ended his silence and tweeted for the first time since being permanently suspended from the team before the season.
• The Big East is considering adding TCU, reports Lenn Robbins of the New York Post.
• Dirk Chatelain at the Omaha World-Herald takes a crack at the million-dollar question surrounding Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez: Can he pass?
• Kansas State tight end Andre McDonald is the Wildcats' resident comedian, but he made a seriously big play against UCF, writes Austin Meek of the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Why stop at a Silent Scare? Why not an Absent Scare? Just stay home and watch the Red Raiders on TV. That'll show those Horns!

• A Colorado student wants the university to pay for his travel and ticket to last week's game at California after a disappointing effort by the team. The university seems none too pleased.
• The last time Nebraska played at Washington, it rolled and launched a national championship season, writes Brian Christopherson of the Lincoln Journal Star.
• Don't bet on Farmageddon continuing at Arrowhead Stadium, reports Austin Meek of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
• Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen says he tried to do too much in the loss to Cal last week, reports Tom Kensler of the Denver Post.
• Is Air Force the toughest nonconference opponent for Oklahoma? Mike Baldwin of The Oklahoman examines the idea.
• Kansas dealt with adversity. How will it handle prosperity? Tully Corcoran of the Topeka Capital-Journal reports.
• Missouri is employing sports psychology in hopes of gaining an edge, writes Vahe Gregorian of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star tells the story of Kansas State's Daniel Thomas, a redeemed running back too good to be kept a secret.
• Defensive coordinator James Willis hasn't been at Texas Tech long, but he's already made a strong impression on his players, writes Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington's ex-girlfriend accused him of abusing her seven times over three years, reports Mike DeArmond of the Kansas City Star.
• The Dallas Morning News compiled a list of teams who have the most players on NFL rosters. Who's at the top?
• Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen goes on-camera with Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman.

I get it, you're terrified of small talk and birds. You're just lucky that pigeon didn't want to chat you up about the weather.

• Texas A&M's Damontre Moore has been a nice surprise for the Aggies' defense, writes David Harris of the Dallas Morning News
• Texas Tech running back Baron Batch gives some advice for Red Raiders looking to trash talk this weekend in his diary for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Beware of the Mountain West Conference, Oklahoma, writes Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman. The Sooners are just 2-2 against the league since its inception in 1999.
• Mack Brown "adamantly" urged Vince Young to accept the Heisman Trophy if it was offered.
• TCU flourished while Baylor floundered after the Big 12 was formed, and their paths cross on Saturday, writes Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com.
• Former Missouri running back Derrick Washington was officially charged with misdemeanor domestic assault in a case unrelated to the incident that got him permanently suspended from the Tigers.
• The Omaha World-Herald sent columnist Robert Nelson to Bo Pelini's news conference to read his body language. He wrote a column analyzing it.
• Running back Vondrell McGee's career is over at Texas after losing an appeal for academic eligibility.
• Baylor's football blog offers a few tidbits you can't find in the game notes.
• Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder's five-year tenure has been a successful one, writes Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman.
• Now is the time for Colorado's running game to improve. It's its best chance to beat Hawaii, writes Kyle Ringo of the Boulder Daily Camera.
• Missouri receiver T.J. Moe set a lofty goal for himself, and he's surpassing it, writes Joan Niesen of the Columbia Missourian.
• Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen accused Tulsa of faking injuries to slow his offense's pace after its game against Houston last year, where Holgorsen previously coached. The Tulsa World's Bill Haisten has the story.
• Support from his family has brought Kansas State receiver Aubrey Quarles where he is today, writes Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle.
• Texas A&M's Von Miller is trying to overcome a frustrating start to his season, writes Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News.

I feel it's necessary to point you in the direction of my Nebraska prediction from last week.

• Missouri ex-captain Derrick Washington was arrested on suspicion of third-degree domestic assault, a misdemeanor charge, after an alleged incident with an ex-girlfriend, reports Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune.
• Nebraska is the poster child for a defensive evolution, writes Dirk Chatelain of the Omaha World-Herald.
• Oklahoma running back Brennan Clay suffered a scary injury on Saturday, but he's out of the hospital. The timetable for his return is unclear.
• Texas true freshman receiver Mike Davis is in rare company after his big day on Saturday, writes Alan Trubow of the Austin American-Statesman.
• Kansas has a few changes to the depth chart to thank for helping it upset Georgia Tech on Saturday, writes Tully Corcoran of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
• Texas must prepare for Texas Tech to unleash its full set of schemes on both sides of the ball, writes Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• As you'd expect, the mood around Colorado's football facilities was somber on Sunday after a 52-7 loss to Cal, writes Kyle Ringo of the Boulder Daily Camera.
• Texas A&M won on Saturday, but they did it with wildly inconsistent special teams, writes Larry Bowen of the Bryan-College Station Eagle.
• Tom Keegan of the Lawrence Journal-World points out five Jayhawks to watch the rest of the season.
• Lots of passing yards could be the "new" normal at Oklahoma State, writes Jimmie Tramel of the Tulsa World.
• The crowd once again gave Baylor a big boost, writes John Werner of the Waco Tribune-Herald.