The Oregonian’s Ken Goe writes in his column today that he’s giving up his Heisman Trophy vote. Goe says that not only is he unable to cast an informed ballot because it’s simply not possible to watch every game every weekend, but that’s not the only reason. Increased ticket prices nationwide have left Goe somewhat jaded about the Heisman process which he argues is overhyped and exploitative.
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USC’s athletic department has had a strict policy this season of not releasing any injury information about players, which led to a Trojans beat writer temporarily losing his access to practice earlier this month and today produced another moment that made the media cringe. Lane Kiffin left a press conference today after just 28 seconds after a reporter asked him about an injury. Kiffin said simply that he “had to go” after pausing to consider the question.
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A new basketball arena, a new baseball stadium, a new football ops center and now a golf course? The Register-Guard is reporting that the University may soon add a “semi-private” golf course designed by Tom Fazio after a group of alumni led by former Duck golfer Mick Humphreys won approval earlier this month of a 796-acre course located in the hills south of Eugene.
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From USA Today’s George Schroeder — formerly of the Register Guard — a profile of Arizona’s Rich Rodriguez and his new tradition of giving out popsicles after Wildcats practices. And not just any popsicles, either.  Rodriguez opts for the iconic red, white and blue “Bomb Pops” when providing the after-practice treat. “These things are the mac daddy of Popsicles,” he says.
“We’re giving out BCS-level, playoff-bound rocket Popsicles. And if they come out with a better one, we’re going to get a better Popsicle.”
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Basketball is a big deal at the University of Kentucky — such a big deal that students camp out for the chance to get tickets to UK’s Big Blue Madness, a Wildcats practice and the official introduction of the new team.  Captured in this timelapse is one student’s hilariously unsuccessful efforts at pitching his tent.