CFB

AP Sports WriterSEC faces strong challenges as college football's top dogBy JOHN ZENORHOOVER, Ala. (AP) When LSU's Ed Orgeron matter of factly declared the SEC as ''the best conference in the United States,'' he was mostly preaching to the choir in the league's backyard.But the Southeastern Conference's once-undisputed...

AP Sports WriterEx-coach Houston Nutt sues Ole Miss, alleging smear campaignBy DAVID BRANDTHOOVER, Ala. (AP) Former Mississippi coach Houston Nutt has filed a civil lawsuit against the university and its athletics foundation, alleging a breach of his severance agreement because of false statements he says school officials made...

Eastern Michigan extends Creighton's contract through 2022YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) Eastern Michigan football coach Chris Creighton has agreed to a contract extension through 2022.Creighton led the Eagles to their first bowl appearance since 1987 this past season. He took over before the 2014 season.The school announced the extension Friday....

The Latest: Syracuse seeks respect, plans to play fasterCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Latest on ACC media days (all times local):2:25 p.m.Linebacker Zaire Franklin knows the drill when it comes to ACC media days - when Syracuse enters the room, most of the media tends to find something else...

Utah State player, student charged with intimidating witnessSALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Utah State football player and another student have been charged with intimidating a witness in a burglary case against two other members of the football team.Logan Police Chief Gary Jensen said that on April 5, 19-year-old...

ESPN re-signs Heisman winner Howard to be part of "GameDay"By The Associated PressESPN has re-signed Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard to continue his role on ''College GameDay.''The network announced Tuesday a multiyear agreement with Howard.The former Michigan receiver has been part of ''College GameDay'' since joining ESPN in 2005....

Former Stephen F. Austin running back making transfer(STATS) - Loren Easly, Stephen F. Austin's leading rusher the last two seasons, is expected to transfer to North Texas.Easly, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound junior from Houston, announced his intentions on social media over the weekend, although North Texas has yet to confirm...

Kennesaw St-Jacksonville St game set for SunTrust in 2018ATLANTA (AP) SunTrust Park, the new home of the Atlanta Braves, is moving into the college football business.Kennesaw State will play Jacksonville State at SunTrust Park on Nov. 17, 2018.Braves president of development Mike Plant says the only necessary modifications...

Phillip Fulmer named special adviser to Tennessee presidentKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro has hired former Volunteers football coach Phillip Fulmer as his special adviser for community, athletics and university relations.DiPietro announced the hiring Tuesday.Fulmer had been a candidate for the athletic director job given...

Sun Belt announces divisions for 2018 football seasonPOINT CLEAR, Ala. (AP) The Sun Belt Conference will split into two five-team divisions, broken up simply by east and west, starting in 2018.The conference announced its divisions Tuesday after the end of its spring meetings.The East Division will include Appalachian...

AP Sports WriterWidespread transfers leave plenty of teams lacking QB depthBy STEVE MEGARGEEThe wave of quarterback transfers across college football has left several Top 25 programs without proven depth at that position.When Florida State's Deandre Francois, Georgia's Jacob Eason and Texas A&M's Nick Starkel all got hurt in their...

STATS FCS Senior Editor=All-Big Sky players focused on team goalsBy CRAIG HALEY(STATS) - The usual wackiness of the Big Sky football race likely has everybody confident heading into the 2017 season.The three teams that qualified for the FCS playoffs in 2015 didn't make the cut last year. The four...