Shaka Smart says 'no easy fix' for NCAA recruiting issues, Texas coach won't rule out players protesting national anthem
Shaka Smart acknowledged there is "no easy fix" for the recruiting problems that led to the FBI's investigation and the arrest of four major-college assistant coaches. "There's been a lot of talk lately about the model and whether or not it works and whether or not it's broken," the Texas men's basketball coach said Monday. "I've read a lot about it and listened to a lot of people. I've not heard anyone that has all the answers. I don't have all the answers." Smart said he has been in close communication with athletic director Mike Perrin and the Texas compliance department to make sure NCAA rules are followed. He said he has not been spoken to by the FBI about its probe. Texas was in the running
SportsDay2017 Heisman Watch - Heisman Trophy Candidates
Follow all the top Heisman Trophy candidates on ESPN.com. Includes our weekly experts poll and past Heisman winners.
ESPN.comTheWolverine.com
Everyone knows that Michigan’s offense has struggled mightily this season — including John O’Korn. The fifth-year senior quarterback was not afraid to admit he needs to be better when asked how he’d assess his own play so far this season. “I need to pick it up,” he said. “It’s as simple as that, and there’s no way around it. I’m definitely not up to my own goals and aspirations. I need to hit guys when they’re open — there were a few plays on Saturday where we had guys open, and I just need to find them. “It’s as simple as repping the plays, and executing each play the way it’s called. The one on the first drive to [freshman receiver] Donovan [Peoples-Jones] sticks out when he was wide open —
michigan.rivals.comBlueAndGold.com
Notre Dame's offense has played with a nasty disposition this season, which has led to its 308 yards per game on the ground average during the first half of the season. The driving force behind that attitude has been the line, and the leader of the line from an attitude standpoint is Quenton Nelson. Attitude is fine, but Nelson has also been Notre Dame's most consistently dominant football player. More pertinent than Nelson’s consistently excellent results that will likely make him the first consensus All-America guard at Notre Dame since Aaron Taylor in 1992 (who moved to tackle the next season), he brings a Chris Zorich-like demeanor to the entire operation that elevates those around him and inspires a physical culture.
notredame.rivals.comNow healthy, Texas A&M QB Nick Starkel will be back-up on the depth chart
Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin eliminated any brewing quarterback controversy on Monday night. During his radio show, Sumlin said redshirt freshman Nick Starkel will be the back-up quarterback behind freshman Kellen Mond. After missing five games because of a lower leg injury, Starkel was dressed out for last Saturday's game against Florida and participated in pre-game warm-ups. But that doesn't mean Starkel, who started the season opener against UCLA, will be moving back to the top of the depth chart. "He comes back right now as our back-up guy," Sumlin said Monday night. "As he continues to get healthy, that's going to be important for him to be engaged with this football team because just like
SportsDayNo. 5 Wisconsin aims for clean game vs. Maryland
Wisconsin junior left tackle Michael Deiter dwells on improvement, even after the Badgers rose to No. 5 in this week's rankings. "Turnovers, penalties, it makes for a sloppy game," Deiter said. Wisconsin (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) will attempt to get better and maintain its unblemished record on Saturday against Maryland (3-3, 1-2) at Camp Randall Stadium.
The Associated Press•6 hours ago
