CFB

AP College Football Writer2nd-tier contenders in spotlight before 1st CFP rankingsBy RALPH D. RUSSOBefore the first College Football Playoff rankings come out next week the spotlight is on the second-tier contenders trying to stay in the race with most of the top undefeated teams taking a break.The selection committee...

AP Sports WriterBanged-up Army tries to make it 3 in a row over Air ForceBy PAT GRAHAMAIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AP) The Army Black Knights stare at the trophy residing in their locker room each day.It's a reminder of what they did accomplish - and what still can...

AP Sports WriterArizona faces Oregon State after firing YatesBy JOHN MARSHALLTUCSON, Ariz. (AP) Arizona fired defensive coordinator Marcel Yates in hopes of jumpstarting a defense that has allowed 132 points the past three games.The Wildcats' first test under interim coordinator Chuck Cecil comes Saturday against Oregon State.The schemes...

Associated PressColorado, UCLA finding stride led by WR Shenault, RB KelleyBy DAN GREENSPANLOS ANGELES (AP) Colorado and UCLA are finding success behind their standout players.Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. for the Buffaloes and running back Joshua Kelley for the Bruins are hitting their stride. They're coming off their...

Associated PressIllinois enjoying momentum as Rutgers comes to townBy TERRY TOWERYCHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois coach Lovie Smith is calm, even chill these days.And why not? It has been nearly a decade since the Illini were a 20-point favorite against a Big Ten foe, but a one-point comeback win...

AP Sports WriterNo. 22 K-State, Kansas meet off wins in Sunflower ShowdownBy DAVE SKRETTALAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) The scenes that took place last Saturday in two football stadiums separated by a 100-mile stretch of Interstate 70 were quite similar: The clock ticking to zero, the players streaming off the...

AP Sports WriterNo. 14 Michigan rides wave of momentum into MarylandBy DAVID GINSBURGCOLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) The self-doubt that comes with squeezing past Army in double-overtime and losing by three touchdowns to Wisconsin appears to have finally vanished for No. 14 Michigan.Coach Jim Harbaugh was quite impressed with...

AP Sports WriterLSU and Alabama defenses gearing up to slow down offensesBy JOHN ZENORAlabama and LSU still play defense, too.Overshadowed by prolific offenses and star quarterbacks, both defenses still have NFL talent, playmakers and rising stars.Something will have to give when the top-ranked Tigers visit No. 2 Alabama next...

AP Sports WriterIllinois has shot to earn bowl bid for 1st time under SmithBy LARRY LAGELovie Smith inherited outdated football facilities, among the worst in college football, when he was hired at Illinois in 2016 and he knew it.The former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach took on...

Michigan St's Bachie declared ineligible after positive testEAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie has been declared ineligible by the Big Ten after testing positive for a banned supplement.The school said Thursday it will appeal. Bachie made the second team on the AP's list of midseason...

AP Sports WriterCan anyone stop No. 7 Oregon at this point? Trojans up nextBy ANNE M. PETERSONHere are some things to watch this week in the Pac-12 Conference:GAME OF THE WEEK: Seventh-ranked Oregon continues its march toward the Pac-12 championship game with a road game against USC. The Ducks...

NCAA coordinator of football officials retiring after seasonBy The Associated PressNCAA coordinator of football officials Rogers Redding will retire after this season after holding the position since 2011.Redding began his college officiating career in the Southwest Conference in 1988 and later served as coordinator of officials for the Southeastern...