LINCOLN RILEY

Deion Sanders has brought the buzz back to Boulder.

Will the Trojans be overmatched in the bruising Big Ten? Not with the recruiting skills and offensive brilliance of their coach.

No player was more important for USC, or potentially any college football team, than Caleb Williams this season, and the Trojans saw the bad side of that on Friday. USC lost the Pac-12 Championship Game and likely any hopes of the College Football Playoff in a 47-24 steamrolling by Utah, but only after a first-quarter injury that visibly hobbled Williams for the rest of the game. USC head coach Lincoln Riley told reporters after the game the issue was a hamstring injury that occurred on arguably Williams' best play of the game, a 59-yard run that set up a touchdown on the Trojans' second drive of the game. Usually one of the most elusive players in college football, Utah's pass rush started teeing off on him as he remained nearly immobile in the pocket. Williams' injury doesn't absolve the Trojans' performance in Las Vegas, though.

No. 4 USC and No. 11 Utah kick off Championship Weekend with the Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Three years ago, Oregon ruined Utah's shot at the CFP with an upset in the Pac-12 title game. Now the Utes can do the same thing to No. 4 USC.

The Big Ten, Pac-12 and Big 12 all have championship games this week with massive implications. RJ Young and Michael Cohen break it all down.

USC will be in Las Vegas on Friday night for the Pac-12 title game against No. 12 Utah, the only team to beat Riley's Trojans this season. “The outside world is going to say what they want to say, and we're 11-1 right now, so obviously it doesn’t matter. Coming back here this year, we’re making the wrongs right.”The offense was immediately transformed by Riley and Williams. A lot of people thought I was crazy, and that’s fine.”___AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Lincoln Riley took over Southern California’s four-win football program one year ago this week, and he said his Trojans should be competing for championships right away.

They likely need only to avenge a previous loss to Utah in Friday’s Pac-12 title game to advance to the College Football Playoff. Lincoln Riley is a proven winner with a track record of helping elite quarterbacks squeeze the most out of their physical gifts. Not once since the inception of the College Football Playoff Rankings in 2014 had USC climbed higher than 8th. No one would have blamed Riley if he deemed his first season at USC a transition year. The right hire was always going to transform USC into USC again.

13 Notre Dame on Saturday night. Tahj Washington caught an early TD pass from Williams while USC (11-1, No. Williams struck a Heisman pose on the USC sideline after a score in the first half, and he was serenaded with frequent chants of “Heisman! After repeatedly eluding the Notre Dame defense on USC's final drive of the first half, Williams rushed for a 5-yard TD up the middle on a perfect run-pass option. THE TAKEAWAYNotre Dame: The Irish ultimately couldn't stop Williams, but that's hardly a unique predicament this season.

No. 5 Southern California capped its outstanding regular season under new coach Lincoln Riley by staying firmly in the College Football Playoff race with a 38-27 victory over No. 13 Notre Dame.

With USC leading 10-7 late in the second quarter, Williams had the option to hand to running back Austin Jones or keep the ball himself. Then on USC’s opening drive of the second half, Williams extended his team’s lead to 24-7 by doing the exact opposite. The Notre Dame defense had to respect his keeper so much that a handoff to tailback Raleek Brown basically went uncovered. Williams punted again in a similar situation midway through the fourth quarter and pinned Notre Dame back at its own 10-yard line. Receivers Tahj Washington and Jordan Addison punctuated the moment by approaching Williams and pantomiming placing a crown on his head.

Southern California moved into the top five of The Associated Press college football poll Sunday for the first time in five years.

The last time USC was ranked in the top five was September of 2017, when it started at No. 4 but spent most of the season ranked in the teens before finishing 12th. Just being completely honest,” USC fourth-year receiver Kyle Ford told reporters after the UCLA game. In their 63-38 victory, the Gamecocks scored more points against a top-five team as an unranked team than any in the history of the AP poll. 1 a total of 34 times, tying Michigan for 12th most in the history of the AP poll, which dates to 1936.

Southern California moved into the top five of The Associated Press college football poll for the first time in five years.

Caleb Williams led No. 7 USC to a wild, 48-45 win over UCLA, clinching a spot in the Pac-12 title game and moving to the doorstep of a CFP berth.

The Trojans are the only Pac-12 team with a shot of making the College Football Playoff after Oregon and UCLA lost in Week 11. We also took the opportunity to break down the bowl prospects of every team in college football ahead of the final two weeks of the season. But before we show you our projections, here's a breakdown of the bowl eligibility picture across college football heading into Week 12. New Year's Six bowl gamesOrange Bowl (Dec. 30)Clemson vs. Penn StateSugar Bowl (Dec. 31)TCU vs. AlabamaPeach Bowl (Dec. 31) [CFP semifinal]Georgia vs. USCFiesta Bowl (Dec. 31) [CFP semifinal]Ohio State vs. TennesseeCotton Bowl (Jan. 2)North Carolina vs. UCFRose Bowl (Jan. 2)Michigan vs. OregonOther bowl gamesBahamas Bowl (Dec. 16)Rice vs. Ball StateCure Bowl (Dec. 16)Liberty vs. South AlabamaFenway Bowl (Dec. 17)Syracuse vs. CincinnatiNew Mexico Bowl (Dec. 17)Air Force vs. North TexasLA Bowl (Dec. 17)Boise State vs. Washington StateLendingTree Bowl (Dec. 17)Toledo vs. Appalachian StateLas Vegas Bowl (Dec. 17)Utah vs. Ole MissFrisco Bowl (Dec. 17)Middle Tennessee State vs. SMUMyrtle Beach Bowl (Dec. 19)UTSA vs. Coastal CarolinaPotato Bowl (Dec. 20)San Diego State vs. Miami (Ohio)Boca Raton Bowl (Dec. 20)Florida Atlantic vs. HoustonNew Orleans Bowl (Dec. 21)Western Kentucky vs. Southern MissArmed Forces Bowl (Dec. 22)East Carolina vs. Texas TechGasparilla Bowl (Dec. 23)Wisconsin vs. Georgia SouthernIndependence Bowl (Dec. 23)BYU vs. UConnHawaii Bowl (Dec. 24)San Jose State vs. UABQuick Lane Bowl (Dec. 26)Michigan State vs. BuffaloFirst Responder Bowl (Dec. 27)Memphis vs. KansasBirmingham Bowl (Dec. 27)Missouri vs. LouisianaCamellia Bowl (Dec. 27)Ohio vs. TroyGuaranteed Rate Bowl (Dec. 27)Iowa vs. Oklahoma StateMilitary Bowl (Dec. 28)Miami vs. TulaneLiberty Bowl (Dec. 28)Oklahoma vs. South CarolinaHoliday Bowl (Dec. 28)Wake Forest vs. WashingtonTexas Bowl (Dec. 28)Texas vs. ArkansasPinstripe Bowl (Dec. 29)NC State vs. MinnesotaCheez-It Bowl (Dec. 29)Notre Dame vs. BaylorAlamo Bowl (Dec. 29)Kansas State vs. UCLADuke’s Mayo Bowl (Dec. 30)Louisville vs. MarylandSun Bowl (Dec. 30)Oregon State vs. PittGator Bowl (Dec. 30)Duke vs. KentuckyArizona Bowl (Dec. 30)Wyoming vs. Eastern MichiganMusic City Bowl (Dec. 31)Purdue vs. FloridaReliaQuest Bowl (Jan. 2)Florida State vs. Mississippi StateCitrus Bowl (Jan. 2)Illinois vs. LSU

USC coach Lincoln Riley said he does not expect Travis Dye to play again this season after suffering an injury in a win over Colorado.

With three-fourths of the college football regular season in the books, RJ Young takes a look at his top five Coach of the Year candidates.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley described how linebacker Tuasivi Nomura played through a nasty injury during the Fresno State game earlier in the year.

The Utah Utes decided to go for the win after scoring a touchdown with 48 seconds, and it proved worthwhile, as they took home a win over USC.

Rising rushed a yard for a touchdown on fourth down to set up the deciding conversion. Caleb Williams threw for 381 yards and five touchdowns for Southern California (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12). Dalton Kincaid had 15 catches for 217 yards, the most for a Ute since Carl Harry had 255 yards in 1988. THE TAKEAWAYSouthern California: The Trojans were prolific on offense, but the defense couldn’t stop Rising, especially when it counted. Utah: Rising willed the Utes to the win but the defense was gashed by the Trojans.

Cameron Rising threw for 415 yards, ran for three touchdowns and scampered up the middle for a go-ahead two-point conversion with 48 seconds left in No. 20 Utah’s 43-42 victory over No. 7 Southern California on Saturday night.

It's time to get your picks for FOX Bet Super 6 in before Saturday's college football games for a chance to win the $25,000 jackpot.

Since becoming an FBS team in 2012, the Bobcats are 0-9 against Top 25 teams and lost those games by average margin of nearly 34 points. The ninth-ranked Wildcats, who rose 11 spots in the Top 25, play Youngstown State. The What to Watch rundown for this week of college football, presented by Regions Bank:BEST GAMENo. The Roadrunners, in only their 12th season of football, got in the Top 25 for the first time last year. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

There may be no reason to put second-ranked Alabama and No. 17 Baylor on upset alert even though both are playing Sun Belt Conference teams in Week 3.

Half the university’s golfers are from other countries, too. And things aren’t any better at Mizzou. | Opinion

Alabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season.

The former OU quarterback and longtime assistant coach resigned after reading aloud words "that had nothing to do with football" during a meeting.

New Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has taken significant steps to help create bonds on a team with many new pieces.

The college football season is right around the corner, meaning we'll soon get our first glimpses at some prominent head coaches at new schools. Kelly came close but never won a national title at Notre Dame, and expectations are always high when it comes to a program like LSU. Kelly faced tough schedules as an independent at Notre Dame, but the juggernaut of the SEC West is a different kind of beast. Kelly got Notre Dame to the precipice of a national title on multiple occasions but the Irish are still in pursuit of their first title since 1988. The Irish open the 2022 season at Ohio State in a significant early test for the new Notre Dame regime under Freeman’s leadership.

And which coaches aren't necessarily on the hot seat, but are under a lot of pressure to show progress in 2022? His teams have been marred by turnovers, a lack of discipline and exceptionally poor special teams play. Frost fired a big chunk of his staff and brought in Mark Whipple from Pitt to be his offensive coordinator. But the negativity can all be pushed aside if the Tigers turn in a big season on the field. Other FBS coaches on the hot seat: Marcus Arroyo (UNLV), Seth Littrell (North Texas), Scot Loeffler (Bowling Green), Jeff Scott (USF), Jake Spavital (Texas State)Which coaches are under pressure?

Alabama coach Nick Saban is concerned about the current state of college football.

Nick Saban's willingness to adapt and often be a catalyst for change in college football, both on the field and off, has propelled Alabama to six national championships in 13 seasons. The 70-year-old coach is confident his program will continue to thrive during this new era of college athletics, with players having more opportunities to earn money than ever before and more power to determine where they play. “I don’t think what we’re doing right now is a sustainable model,” Saban told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

If Alex Grinch’s Oklahoma defense had been able to make a few more stops, he might not be the new coordinator at Southern California under ex-Sooners coach Lincoln Riley. The irony of the situation isn’t lost on Grinch, who went from lamenting a rivalry loss he is “still not over” to expressing his delight at teaming up with Riley once again.

Lincoln Riley says he didn't — and couldn't — talk to Caleb Williams between the day the coach left Oklahoma and the day his once-and-future star quarterback entered the transfer portal five weeks later. “There's a long period of time where there's zero communication,” Riley said Wednesday while announcing his February signing period class.

Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher is angry about rumors that booster-funded NIL deals are fueling the Aggies’ recruiting success.

Caleb Williams is transferring to Southern California, following his former coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to the Trojans.

Alamo Bowl Football Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams runs against Oregon during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, in San Antonio. Riley left Oklahoma to become coach at Southern California the day after the Sooners ended their regular season with a loss to Oklahoma State. Williams led the Sooners to a victory last week against Oregon in the Alamo Bowl. Venables and Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione released a statement saying they would "continue to be engaged" with Williams. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams says he is entering his name in the transfer portal so he can speak with other schools.

Kennedy Brooks ran for 142 yards and three touchdowns as No. 14 Oklahoma rode a dominant first half to beat No. 15 Oregon 47-32 in the Alamo Bowl.

Oklahoma Baylor Football Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler looks to throw down field against Baylor during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Ray Carlin) (Ray Carlin)COLUMBIA, S.C. — (AP) — Highly touted quarterback Spencer Rattler will try to restart his college career with South Carolina in a major acquisition for Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer. The post showed Rattler in a South Carolina uniform with the Gamecocks' logo in the background with the words, "COMMITTED." South Carolina went 6-6 this year, its first season under Beamer, who spent three years at Oklahoma under former coach Lincoln Riley as assistant head coach for offense. One of Rattler's targets at Oklahoma, tight end Austin Stogner, also tweeted he was heading to South Carolina.

Highly touted quarterback Spencer Rattler will try to restart his college career with South Carolina in a major acquisition for Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer.

Brent Venables agreed to a six-year contract with OU, with an average annual value of $6.65 million.

With Lincoln Riley coming in to coach USC, some players are announcing their intentions to enter the transfer portal or declare for the NFL draft.

NORMAN, Okla. — (AP) — Brent Venables already has received two Oklahoma welcomes fit for a king. A day later, Oklahoma introduced Venables to a throng of energized fans at the Sooners’ indoor practice facility. Just because you become the head coach doesn’t mean you can’t keep things simple. I’m passionate about winning the right way, never compromising those values.”Venables said he had considered becoming a head coach before, most seriously last year. I haven’t been a coach that’s just jumped all over.”Venables said when he left Oklahoma 10 years ago, he never expected to return as head coach.

Oklahoma has introduced Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables as its head coach.

Oklahoma Venables Football FILE -Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, center, speaks to his players during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Oklahoma is targeting Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables to be its new head coach. The 50-year-old Venables was on Oklahoma's staff under Bob Stoops as co-defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2003 and defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2011. “The OU logo has never been stronger.”Under Venables, Clemson led the nation in scoring defense in 2018, and his 2020 unit tied for the lead in sacks. “We couldn’t be more excited for Brent to return to OU as our head coach.”___AP College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.

Oklahoma hires Clemson's Brent Venables as head coach, reports say Defensive coordinator Brent Venables of the Clemson Tigers speaks to the media during the College Football Playoff National Championship Media Day on January 7, 2017, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. >> Read more trending newsJUST IN — Clemson DC Brent Venables to be named the new head coach at Oklahoma, a source tells @BruceFeldmanCFB. Venables coached at Oklahoma for 13 years as an assistant from 1999 to 2011, including the 2000 national championship. He will replace former Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley, who was recently hired by the USC Trojans, according to KOKI-TV. Although Oklahoma has not confirmed it has hired Venables, Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione tweeted a padlock emoji Sunday following a visit to Venables’ home, KOKI reported.

(AP Photo/Sean Rayford) (Sean Rayford)A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Oklahoma is targeting Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables to be its new head coach. Venables was on Oklahoma's staff under Bob Stoops as co-defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2003 and defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2011. He left Oklahoma for Clemson in 2012 and won the Broyles Award in 2016 as the nation's top assistant coach. Venables' Clemson defense led the nation in scoring defense in 2018, and his 2020 unit tied for the nation's lead in sacks. Many had hoped the Sooners could lure him back from Clemson as defensive coordinator after the Sooners fired defensive coordinator Mike Stoops in 2018.

Oklahoma has hired Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables as its head coach to replace Lincoln Riley.

Trey Paster scored on a 55-yard fumble return in the second quarter, California’s defense made a clutch stop near the goal line, and the Golden Bears held off Southern California 24-14 in the season finale for both teams. Christopher Brooks added a pair of short scoring runs on a day when Cal’s offense struggled reaching the end zone to help the Golden Bears (5-7, 4-5 Pac-12) to their first home win against the Trojans since 2003. “It means a lot to end the season with a victory,” said Cal quarterback Chase Garbers, who was 18 of 21 for 177 yards.

Dick Vitale thinks Alabama football coach Nick Saban would be 'a steal' at $500 million in comparisons to other coaches new deals.

Gary Patterson going to Texas as an assistant in any capacity is a win-win for both parties

New Southern California coach Lincoln Riley watched the Trojans practice Tuesday, getting a look at his next team following his surprise departure from Oklahoma.

LSU and newly hired coach Brian Kelly have agreed to a 10-year contract worth $95 million plus incentives.

LSU football pulling Brian Kelly out of Notre Dame one-upped USC's hiring of Lincoln Riley in a manner that should be shocking for college football.

LSU is hiring Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame.

LSU is hiring Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame, a stunning move by one of the most accomplished coaches in college football jumping from the sport's most storied program to an Southeastern Conference powerhouse. A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Monday night that Kelly was leaving Notre Dame for LSU. It was the second bombshell in college football in as many days, coming a little more than 24 hours after Southern California lured Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma.

Lincoln Riley arrived at Southern California on Monday with a determination to restore the Trojans to their former place atop the college football world.

Bob Stoops spoke Monday, a day after being called off the golf course to take over as interim coach after Lincoln Riley left to take over at USC.

Former Pinnacle quarterback Spencer Rattler announces he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Taking a look at five candidates to replace Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley.

Southern California has hired Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley to be its next coach in a stunning and rare move of one traditional college football powerhouse swiping the another’s highly accomplished head coach.

USC is expected to announce the hire of Lincoln Riley as the Trojans' new head coach, luring him away from Oklahoma after a three-month search.

Gerry Bohanon threw a touchdown and ran for two more scores as 18th-ranked Baylor won 27-14 to end fourth-ranked Oklahoma's FBS-best 17-game winning streak.

Texas Tech Oklahoma Football Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) passes during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 52-21. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams) (Alonzo Adams)Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley made a quarterback switch that put a Heisman Trophy hopeful on the bench and a freshman at the helm of a top-10 team. On the latest AP Top 25 Podcast, Riley joins the AP's Ralph Russo to discuss making the move from Spencer Rattler to Caleb Williams. And is there room to be delicate with the handling of players in college football? ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley made a quarterback switch that put a Heisman Trophy hopeful on the bench and a freshman at the helm of a top-10 team.

Caleb Williams threw for 402 yards and six touchdowns and No. 4 Oklahoma finally put together a complete game, rolling past Texas Tech 52-21 on Saturday.

Caleb Williams threw two touchdown pass, ran 40-yards for a score on a pivotal fourth down and No. 3 Oklahoma rallied to beat Kansas 35-23 and avoid an enormous upset.

Caleb Williams had a big starting debut for No. 4 Oklahoma, throwing for 295 yards and four touchdowns and running for another score in the Sooners’ 52-31 victory over TCU on Saturday night.

APTOPIX Oklahoma Texas Football Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) puts on the Golden Hat after coming off the bench to lead Oklahoma to a 54-48 win over Texas in an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Dallas. The Oklahoma quarterback had everything going for himself two months ago. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley wouldn’t say how he will play his quarterbacks heading into the fourth-ranked Sooners’ game against TCU (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) on Saturday. TCU coach Gary Patterson said he doesn’t see Oklahoma changing much with Williams, but he will review past examples of Oklahoma using the quarterback run game to prepare. “Some really, really good things and some really, really bad things.

Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler was a preseason Associated Press first-team All-American.

Oklahoma Texas Football Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley talks to quarterback Spencer Rattler before sending Rattler in for a two-point conversion during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter) (Jeffrey McWhorter)Last year, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler’s benching against Texas was temporary. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley went to true freshman Caleb Williams, who rallied the sixth-ranked Sooners to a 55-48 win over the 21st-ranked Longhorns. Rattler returned for one play — a 2-point conversion pass that he completed to Drake Stoops in the fourth quarter. Marvin Mims, who caught five passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns for Oklahoma, said Rattler handled the situation well.

Last year, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler’s benching against Texas was temporary.

Kennedy Brooks ran for 217 yards and two go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth quarter as sixth-ranked Oklahoma beat No. 21 Texas 55-48.

Alabama looked beatable.

Big 12 coaches feel the league is solidified for the long haul after the conference's swift action to expand.

Spencer Rattler passed for 304 yards and a touchdown and No. 2 Oklahoma, playing a road game on its home field, narrowly avoided a shocking upset by holding on for a 40-35 victory over Tulane on Saturday.

Texas and Oklahoma will move to the SEC no later than July 2025. Players, coaches, fans and administrators of the eight other Big 12 schools face uncertainty with the eventual loss of Texas and Oklahoma. “This is a great school, a great program, a great team, so it definitely fits in that league. This team is a SEC team. The coaching staffs at Oklahoma and Texas can’t think about the SEC — yet.

Steve Sarkisian has yet to make his debut in the Big 12, but the new Texas coach was asked on Thursday to ponder life in his next league, the Southeastern Conference.

Big 12 Media Days Football Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley speaks from the stage with mannequins in the back ground during NCAA college football Big 12 media days Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero)Oklahoma and Texas took the first formal step toward moving to the Southeastern Conference, notifying the Big 12 that they would not be renewing an agreement than binds the league’s members through 2025. Revenue from the Big 12's TV deals make up the bulk of the $34.5 million the league distributed to its members this year. Texas and Oklahoma have been in discussions with the SEC about joining the league, though neither school nor the powerhouse conference has acknowledged that publicly. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Oklahoma and Texas took the first formal step toward moving to the Southeastern Conference.

College coaches are trying to get a handle on the recruiting impact of athletes' ability to profit off their fame.

Players who don’t get vaccinated likely face multiple COVID-19 tests weekly, just like last season. “But, you know, the reality of the matter is we’re football coaches and we’re football players,” Riley said. “What it’s really about is being able to save our season, being able to keep our players safe,” he said. He said the Hurricanes, who open Sept. 4 against Alabama, will be above 85% vaccinated once some players get their second shot. “Whatever opinions we have are fine and dandy, but if you want to have a football team with as least disruption as possible, here’s a way to do it," Diaz said.

College football coaches around the country are spending much of the offseason urging their players to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Oklahoma has won six straight Big 12 championships and the Sooners enter the 2021 season with the most well-rounded team coach Lincoln Riley has had.

Big 12 coaches say they like the proposal to expand the College Football Playoff to 12 teams.

A new College Football Playoff with triple the number of teams involved could bring in three times as much money to the conferences and schools that share the wealth.

8 Oklahoma beat 10th-ranked SEC runner-up Florida 55-20 on Wednesday night in the Cotton Bowl. Back in the same NFL stadium where 11 days earlier they won their sixth consecutive Big 12 title, the Sooners (9-2, No. The 55 points were their most ever in a bowl game, while piling up a Cotton Bowl-record 684 total yards. 1 Alabama in the SEC title game, and had averaged nearly 42 points a game. Oklahoma: With Rattler and Mims among the young standouts coming back, the Sooners could again be favored to win another Big 12 title.

ARLINGTON, Texas – Oklahoma is going right back to the stadium where the Sooners just won their sixth Big 12 championship in a row to play SEC runner-up Florida in the Cotton Bowl. During a Gators team meeting on Zoom to discuss their bowl destination, one of the first questions players asked Mullen was where the Cotton Bowl was played. Oklahoma is in the Cotton Bowl for only the third time, its first since a 41-13 loss to Texas A&M on Jan. 4, 2013. The Cotton Bowl will be played two days before Alabama faces No. Pitts announced is turning pro and won't play in the Cotton Bowl.

12 Sooners won their sixth consecutive Big 12 championship. The Sooners got a bit of revenge Saturday when winning another Big 12 title game, with Spencer Rattler throwing a 45-yard touchdown to fellow freshman Marvin Mims and running for another score in a 27-21 victory over the No. Oklahoma still has its 14th Big 12 title overall in the league's 25-season history, and the 50th conference championship in school history. Iowa State played in a conference championship game for the first time in school history, though fifth-year coach Matt Campbell was incensed at times. Clemson also won its sixth conference championship in a row, with a 34-10 win over Notre Dame in the ACC title game later Saturday..

Rattler threw two touchdown passes, and the 13th-ranked Sooners defeated Baylor 27-14 on Saturday night to earn a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. “It’s a really good accomplishment coming back from what this team has the entire year,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said. With the coaching staff short-handed, former Sooners coach Bob Stoops was permitted to help with practice as OU prepared for Baylor. Brewer scored a short rushing touchdown with 59 seconds remaining to close out the scoring. UP NEXTBaylor hosts Oklahoma State on Saturday.

The Oklahoma freshman threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Drake Stoops in the fourth overtime and the Sooners survived a late rally from No. It was just the second four-OT game in 25 seasons of the Big 12, joining Kansas State's 53-50 victory over Texas A&M in 2011. The Longhorns (2-2, 1-2) also left themselves little hope of playing for a Big 12 title, much less being part of the College Football Playoff conversation. “I was kind of surprised when I came out at first,” said Rattler, who was tied for the Big 12 lead with four interceptions coming in. POLL IMPLICATIONSConsecutive Big 12 losses, the first for Oklahoma since 1998, sent the Sooners tumbling from No.

NORMAN, Okla. – A Kansas State squad that lost its opener to Arkansas State two weeks ago, had its roster depleted by COVID-19, and entered Saturday's game against No. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said he didn't know until Friday if he'd have enough players available at all position groups to play the game. Kansas State upset Oklahoma 48-41 in Manhattan, Kansas, last year, making the loss especially disappointing for the Sooners. Oklahoma outgained the Wildcats 517 yards to 400 but had four turnovers to none for Kansas State. STAT LINESIn the fourth quarter, Kansas State outscored Oklahoma 17-0.

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 file photo, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley talks with players during an NCAA college football game between Iowa State and Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. As usual, Riley is taking his time naming a starting quarterback. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

The Sooners are still considered the overwhelming favorite to win their sixth consecutive Big 12 crown overall because nobody has dethroned them with Riley there. Purdy last year set school records with 3,982 yards and 27 TDs passing, leading the Big 12 with 306.3 yards per game. Conference play begins Sept. 26, the start of an 11-week stretch for nine league games before the Big 12 title game Dec. 12 or Dec. 19, if an extra week is needed. Since this is only TCU's ninth season in the league, Patterson technically isn't the longest-tenured Big 12 coach. Former Oklahoma State quarterback Mike Gundy is in his 16th season as head coach for his alma mater.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)NORMAN, Okla. College athletes across the country added their voices to those calling for an end to racial injustice riday with football players and others marching on campus or stepping away from practices to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. The problems out there are real, said Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, who led the march and spoke at the event. This shouldnt be a troubling time for college-age persons.Members of the Baylor football team marched around campus Friday. The Ole Miss football team decided not to take to the practice field Friday after a similar demonstration a day earlier at Mississippi State. Football coach Jeremy Pruitt moved practice so his players could attend.

A group of Ohio State football players' parents Saturday joined parents of players at Iowa in calling for the Big Ten to overturn its decision not to play this fall because of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said nine Sooners tested positive for COVID-19 after he gave his players a week break from team activities. The Football Parents at Ohio State posted on social media a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, calling for the reinstatement of the 10-game schedule the conference unveiled six days before it postponed football until spring. We believe that the protocols put in place by Ohio State Athletics has provided an extremely safe environment for our players to prepare for the season," the letter said. Our sons work extremely hard for the opportunity to play and fully understand the risks involved when they step on the field.

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (30) avoids a tackle by Oklahoma linebacker Caleb Kelly (19) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)