MAC JONES

This year's quarterback class isn't as heralded as last year's or even next year's.

Josh Allen set a franchise record by throwing five touchdown passes and the Buffalo Bills showed who's king of the AFC East with a 47-17 throttling of the New England Patriots in a wild-card playoff game.

The Tennessee Titans are the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Trevor Lawrence broke Gardner Minshew's rookie passing yards record with a 40-yard bomb to Laquon Treadwell vs. the New England Patriots.

The referee went on to announce that Miami cornerback Nik Needham was flagged for defensive pass interference with 5:44 left in the second quarter. ___2:35 p.m.Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts has set the franchise rookie record for yards receiving and became the NFL’s second rookie tight end to top 1,000 yards receiving. He broke the team’s rookie record set by Julio Jones, who had 959 yards receiving in 2011. The tight end was blocking on a run by D’Onta Foreman that went for a 1-yard loss with about 6 minutes left in the second quarter. The Colts would clinch a playoff berth with a victory against the Raiders.

Chiefs Bengals Football Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow celebrates after the Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 34-31 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. The referee went on to announce that Miami cornerback Nik Needham was flagged for defensive pass interference with 5:44 left in the second quarter. He broke the team’s rookie record set by Julio Jones, who had 959 yards receiving in 2011. In the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, Burrow passed the 4,293 yards recorded by Andy Dalton in the 2013 season. The tight end was blocking on a run by D’Onta Foreman that went for a 1-yard loss with about 6 minutes left in the second quarter.

APTOPIX Jaguars Patriots Football New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) celebrates after a touchdown pass to wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. Harris rushed nine times for 35 yards before leaving in the second half with a hamstring injury. His second came on a 20-yard pass on their opening possession of the second half that stretched the lead to 34-3. It was part of the latest rough outing for Jaguars quarterback and No. INJURIESPatriots: Along Harris’ hamstring injury, S Adrian Phillips also left in the second half with a wrist injury.

Rookie quarterback Mac Jones threw three touchdown passes and Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for two scores apiece to put the New England Patriots in the playoffs with their 50-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Rookie quarterback Mac Jones threw three touchdown passes and Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for two scores apiece to put the New England Patriots in the playoffs with their 50-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Chicago Bears linebacker Robert Quinn has broken Hall of Famer Richard Dent’s single-season club record for sacks. The referee went on to announce that Miami cornerback Nik Needham was flagged for defensive pass interference with 5:44 left in the second quarter. ___2:35 p.m.Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts has set the franchise rookie record for yards receiving and became the NFL’s second rookie tight end to top 1,000 yards receiving. He broke the team’s rookie record set by Julio Jones, who had 959 yards receiving in 2011. The tight end was blocking on a run by D’Onta Foreman that went for a 1-yard loss with about 6 minutes left in the second quarter.

The crowd cheered when the record was shown on the videoboard, and the team then showed a video with James congratulating Taylor for the record. The referee went on to announce that Miami cornerback Nik Needham was flagged for defensive pass interference with 5:44 left in the second quarter. ___2:35 p.m.Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts has set the franchise rookie record for yards receiving and became the NFL’s second rookie tight end to top 1,000 yards receiving. He broke the team’s rookie record set by Julio Jones, who had 959 yards receiving in 2011. In the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, Burrow passed the 4,293 yards recorded by Andy Dalton in the 2013 season.

Rookie quarterback Trey Lance will make his second start of the season for the San Francisco 49ers in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. The referee went on to announce that Miami cornerback Nik Needham was flagged for defensive pass interference with 5:44 left in the second quarter. ___2:35 p.m.Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts has set the franchise rookie record for yards receiving and became the NFL’s second rookie tight end to top 1,000 yards receiving. He broke the team’s rookie record set by Julio Jones, who had 959 yards receiving in 2011. In the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, Burrow passed the 4,293 yards recorded by Andy Dalton in the 2013 season.

(AP Photo/Jeff Dean) (Jeff Dean)The Latest from Week 17 of the NFL (all times EST):___2:35 p.m.Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts has set the franchise rookie record for yards receiving and became the NFL’s second rookie tight end to top 1,000 yards receiving. Pitts upped his season total to 1,018 yards receiving with season-high 61-yard catch and run late in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills. He broke the team’s rookie record set by Julio Jones, who had 959 yards receiving in 2011. Pitts also inched to within 58 yards of matching the NFL record set by Mike Ditka in 1961 for most yards receiving by a rookie tight end. In the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs, Burrow passed the 4,293 yards recorded by Andy Dalton in the 2013 season.

The national championship game quarterbacks are a former five-star recruit already with a Heisman Trophy and a former walk-on ending a long journey with his home state team.

Jonathan Taylor ran for 170 yards and scored on a 67-yarder with 2:01 left to help the Indianapolis Colts seal a 27-17 victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday night.

Damien Harris scored on a 64-yard run in blustery conditions in which Mac Jones attempted just three passes, and the New England Patriots shored up their familiar place atop the AFC with a 14-10 win over the Buffalo Bills.

USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll.

Mac Jones had two touchdown passes, New England’s defense forced four turnovers and the Patriots earned their sixth straight win, rolling past the Tennessee Titans 36-13.

Tom Brady has moved on to win another title at Tampa Bay.

Aaron Rodgers' return helped lift the Green Bay Packers four places to the top spot of the latest AP Pro32 poll. Rodgers missed the Packers' Week 9 loss in Kansas City after testing positive for COVID-19. The Packers received six of the 12 first-place votes for 378 points in balloting Tuesday by media members who regularly cover the NFL. Another first-place NFC team, the Dallas Cowboys, climbed four places all the way to No. “The Packers, now that they have Rodgers back, are my pick this week,” said Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Aaron Rodgers’ return helped lift the Green Bay Packers four places to the top spot of the latest AP Pro32 poll.

Mac Jones threw three touchdown passes, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for a career-high 100 yards and two scores, and the New England Patriots rolled to a 45-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton made it clear in a 30-minute teleconference Friday that he doesn’t hold any grudges about the team releasing him prior to the 2020 season, calling it “irrelevant” to him now.

APTOPIX Jets Patriots Football New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (25) beats New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. Jones finished 24 of 36 for 307 yards, and Harris rushed 14 times for 106 yards to lead a Patriots offense that gained a season-high 551 yards. The 54 points are the most allowed by the Jets since losing 55-21 at New England on Oct. 29, 1978. Jones threw a pass behind the line of scrimmage to receiver Kendrick Bourne, who faked the run before stopping and tossing a 25-yard touchdown pass over the top to a wide-open Nelson Agholor. It was the first career NFL pass for Bourne.

Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes, Damien Harris and J.

Oct. 4—Who was the biggest winner here at Gillette Stadium late Sunday night? Was it the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, improving to 3-1, and back on track to the standard winning percent of 75%? Was it Tom Brady, who left his favorite stadium basically stealing a win from his old team, driving for a late field goal en route to taking down the coach who "didn't want him anymore?" Was it Mac Jones, who ...

APTOPIX Saints Patriots Football New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is taken down by New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. — (AP) — Jameis Winston threw two touchdown passes, Malcolm Jenkins returned an interception for a score, and the New Orleans Saints beat the New England Patriots 28-13 on Sunday. Instead, he found himself under pressure for most of the day and threw three interceptions, two leading to Saints touchdowns. New Orleans sacked Jones three times and hit him 11 times. Williams returned Jones’ first pick of the day 46 yards to set up a 7-yard TD pass by Winston in the second quarter.

Jameis Winston threw two touchdown passes, Malcolm Jenkins returned an interception for a score and the New Orleans Saints beat the New England Patriots 28-13.

The New York Giants say inside linebacker Blake Martinez, who led the team in tackles last season, is out for the remainder of today's game against the Atlanta Falcons with a knee injury. Martinez had to be helped off the field less than two minutes into the game after trying to make a tackle. In 2020, Martinez made 151 combined tackles, with three sacks, nine tackles for losses and six QB hits. In 2020, Martinez made 151 combined tackles, with three sacks, nine tackles for losses and six QB hits. The New Orleans Saints defense has two top defensive backs returning to the lineup against New England and rookie Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.

Saints Patriots Football New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones warms up prior to an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) (Mary Schwalm)The Latest on Week 3 in the NFL (all times EDT):___1:04 p.m. The New Orleans Saints defense has two top defensive backs returning to the lineup against New England and rookie Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. The Patriots' Jones completed 22 of 30 passes for 186 yards in New England's Week 2 triumph over the New York Jets. And Wentz will be without right tackle Braden Smith missing a second straight game with an injured foot and thumb.

Matt Ryan has watched Joe Montana, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady switch teams, so he knows there’s a possibility he won’t finish his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Wilson's second pass was also picked off, this time Adrian Phillips grabbing the ball after the high throw went off Davis' hands. The Jets got down to the Patriots 8 and ran three times before settling for Matt Ammendola's 21-yard field goal. The fourth interception opened the second half when he floated a pass downfield that was easily picked off by McCourty. After Ammendola missed a 53-yarder, Jones marched the Patriots downfield again and Folk, a former Jet, made a 32-yarder. With Wilson struggling, Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy — inactive with a throat injury — took to Twitter and got social media buzzing.

Mac Jones was smart and efficient, Damien Harris and James White had touchdown runs and the New England Patriots took advantage of a nightmarish outing by Zach Wilson in a 25-6 victory over the New York Jets.

Some Southeastern Conference defenses are flexing their muscles after 2020 being a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.

Climate change is taking a dramatic toll on the Colorado River system that provides water to nearly 40 million people across seven states. Dr. Becky Bolinger, an assistant state climatologist for Colorado, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.

The FBI has released declassified documents from an investigation into Saudi Arabia's potential link to some 9/11 hijackers. CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge spoke with CBSN's Lana Zak about what is in the documents and what it means.

Patriots Newton Cut Football FILE — New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown pass to Devin Asiasi in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 file photo, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. — (AP) — Former Patriots quarterback Cam Newton says he was caught by surprise by his release in New England and believes his weeklong absence near the end of training camp due to a mishap related to COVID-19 testing protocols contributed to coach Bill Belichick’s decision. “They’re going to win football games with Mac Jones,” Newton said. Newton said being at home for the start of an NFL season is “foreign” to him, but he insists there will be another chapter.

Former Patriots quarterback Cam Newton says he was caught by surprise by his release by New England and believes his weeklong absence near the end of training camp due to a mishap related to COVID-19 testing protocols contributed to coach Bill Belichick’s decision.

The Miami Dolphins will head to Massachusetts this weekend to play against the New England Patriots in the first game of the season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will start the season on the road as the team plays against the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

A surfer was fatally bitten by a shark off Australia's eastern coast Sunday as many locals went to beaches to celebrate Father's Day.

Top-ranked Alabama looks very much like a team capable of making another run at a national title.

Cam Newton, Adrian Peterson, Le'Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and Richard Sherman are just some of the big-name players without jobs as teams prepare for Week 1. Meanwhile, teams might be holding off on adding a veteran before the season begins while assessing their rosters — and financial situations. He started 15 games for the Patriots last season and showed glimpses of the dynamic playmaker he was in Carolina. He finished with 653 yards last season to lead the Jets in his one year in New York. He spent the first eight games on the sideline last season and finished with just six catches in seven games.

They were once at the top of the NFL.

Patriots Newton Cut Football FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) is shown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, file photo. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The Patriots released Cam Newton on Tuesday, clearing the way for the rookie to open the season as New England's quarterback. Newton went 7-8 as the starter in the Patriots' first season since Tom Brady departed and signed with Tampa Bay. “I’ve learned at a young age to just prepare like the starter,” Jones said Sunday.

Patriots Newton Football FILE — New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, file photo, in Foxborough, Mass. The New England Patriots released Newton on Tuesday hours before NFL teams reduced rosters to 53 players. Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, headlines the list of players now seeking a new team. So that’s pretty punitive.”The Eagles released wide receiver Travis Fulgham, who had an excellent five-game stretch last season before disappearing from the offense. Baltimore released quarterback Trace McSorley, leaving Tyler Huntley as the backup to Lamar Jackson.

Cam Newton followed Mac Jones along the sideline, holding his right hand up, waiting for the rookie quarterback to slap it after the No. 15 overall pick threw a touchdown in a preseason game Sunday night.

— (AP) — The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. Newton went 7-8 as the starter in his first season since Tom Brady's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Newton started each of New England’s three preseason games, but also missed five days of practice leading into Sunday’s exhibition finale against the New York Giants after a “misunderstanding” of NFL COVID-19 protocols. Coach Bill Belichick acknowledged at the time of Newton's recent COVID-19 protocols absence that it was an opportunity for Jones. “I’m going to be ready whenever my time comes up,” Jones said after Sunday's 22-20 win over New York.

The New England Patriots have released quarterback Cam Newton.

— The New England Patriots are releasing veteran quarterback Cam Newton, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday. Breaking: The Patriots have released QB Cam Newton, as first reported by The Boston Globe and confirmed by @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/a1sO5djFT0 — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 31, 2021According to ESPN, rookie Mac Jones, the No. 15 pick out of the University of Alabama, will now be the Patriots starter after battling Newton for the job since training camp. The Boston Globe first reported Newton’s release.

For the 2021 season, these are the starting quarterbacks, listed from worst to best. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)The Eagles have made it clear that they want Jalen Hurts as their starting quarterback. A duel threat, it’s still unknown if he’ll be the starting quarterback for the Eagles in the long term. Teddy Bridgewater (Broncos)Bridgewater is playing as the team’s starting quarterback this season, replacing former rookie Drew Lock after a lackluster season. His strong arm and analytical mind allowed him to stand up to some of the truly great quarterbacks, such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees.

The Patriots say quarterback Cam Newton will miss at least three days of practice this week after traveling to a team-approved, out of town medical appointment over the weekend.

Patriots Eagles Football New England Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (Matt Rourke)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Cam Newton passed for 103 yards and a touchdown, Mac Jones threw for 146 yards and the New England Patriots routed the Philadelphia Eagles 35-0 on Thursday night. Jones was sharp in his extended play and he tries to push Newton for the starting spot — or least show he'll be an able backup. The Eagles and Patriots held two-day joint practices this week in Philadelphia. INJURIESEagles TE Jason Croom was carted off the field with a knee injury ... Eagles S K’Von Wallace left with a groin injury.

Cam Newton passed for 103 yards and a touchdown, Mac Jones threw for 146 yards and the New England Patriots routed the Philadelphia Eagles 35-0 on Thursday night.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has made lucrative deals before starting his first college game, but he doesn’t think that or the preseason hype surrounding him will be a distraction.

Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason college football poll for fourth time in the past six seasons.

Patriots Football New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones winds up for a pass during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. Jones has had the expected ups and downs but on Thursday had probably his best day of training camp. Today was obviously a rainy day, but you come out and you attack today, and then tomorrow’s tomorrow,” Jones said. That learning process has also included what offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels described this week as Jones' uncanny ability to take criticism. … But that’s the part of the process that we enjoy.”Limiting those errors has led Jones to adjust and enhance his routines.

Mac Jones had probably his best day so far during Day 9 of Patriots training camp.

Six NFL teams used the draft to reunite college teammates.

History dictates that it’s likely at least a couple of the five first-round quarterbacks won’t fulfill the hopes of the teams that drafted them.

The Patriots and Browns each bolstered their rosters in a big way on Day 2 of the NFL draft, but several other teams made puzzling moves.

Not much changed on the second night of the NFL draft.

Alabama's six first-round selections tied it with the 2004 Miami Hurricanes for most from the same school picked in the first round of an NFL draft.

President Biden reaches his 100th day in office, the NFL draft resumes with Rounds 2 and 3 and more news to start your Friday.

Following the highest-scoring season in league history, the NFL draft proved its clubs are more committed than ever to keep lighting up the scoreboard.

Former Alabama QB Mac Jones will have no problem with Bill Belichick or the culture of the Patriot Way, but don't start all the Tom Brady comparisons.

The first round of the 2021 NFL draft was packed with drama, and the quarterback selections made for some of the most compelling plots.

The first round of the 2021 NFL draft was packed with drama, and the quarterback selections made for some of the most compelling plots.

Steelers and Patriots picks were among several surprising selections during Thursday's first round of the NFL draft in Cleveland.

Steelers and Patriots picks were among several surprising selections during Thursday's first round of the NFL draft in Cleveland.

Few analysts predicted that the 49ers would select Trey Lance with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft, but San Francisco wasn't afraid to go bold.

New Patriots quarterback Mac Jones may have spoken his draft destination into existence, once comparing his body to Tom Brady's pre-draft photo.

The San Francisco 49ers finally revealed their plan at quarterback after trading up to the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

Thirteen prospects will attend next week’s NFL draft in person.

Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith of Alabama is scheduled to appear in person in Cleveland at the NFL draft later this month.

Patrick Surtain II and Mac Jones had the spotlight at Alabama's Pro Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)DeVonta Smith was there for quarterback Mac Jones once again, this time it was at Alabama's latest pro day. “He didn't have to do that,” Jones told the SEC Network, which aired the pro day. '”Jones showcased his arm strength a week after participating in the Crimson Tide's first pro day. “Mac was just on me like, ‘Bro, come catch, come catch, come catch,’” Smith told the network.

Saban and Alabama opened spring practice Friday, March 19, 2021l with an immediate goal. For now, they need to find replacements for three of college football's top offensive weapons. Patterson, File)Nick Saban and Alabama opened spring practice Friday with an immediate goal. He also didn't get a spring practice last year because of the pandemic. The Crimson Tide holds its spring game on April 17 and opens the regular season against Miami on Sept. 4 in Atlanta.

The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. Cornerbacks got the most invitations with 44, including all-Americans Shaun Wade of Ohio State, and Patrick Surtain of national champion Alabama.

The recruiting class that Alabama finalized Wednesday has the highest rating in the history of the 247Sports Composite team rankings, which go back to 2010. Steve Wilfong, the director of recruiting for 247Sports, notes this celebrated Alabama class arrives as most of the Tide’s decorated 2017 class departs. Ad“You’re replacing one of the best recruiting classes ever for what they accomplished with maybe the best recruiting class on paper coming in,” Wiltfong said. While plenty of SEC teams joined Alabama in signing impressive classes, Ohio State stood out from its Big Ten foes. All three were quarterbacks, with Bryce Young enrolling at Alabama, DJ Uiagalelei selecting Clemson and CJ Stroud selecting Ohio State.

American Team quarterback Kellen Mond of Texas A&M (12) has his throw tipped by National Team offensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa of UCLA (92) during the first half of the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)MOBILE, Ala. – Texas A&M's Kellen Mond was the Senior Bowl Most Valuable Player but two fellow Southeastern Conference Western Division products made the decisive big play. Fitzpatrick had six catches for 90 yards in the showcase game for senior and graduate NFL prospects, earning offensive player of the game honors. Obviously, kind of shaky at the beginning but it definitely shows a lot of poise to be able to bounce back.”North Carolina running back Michael Carter also had a big game. Jamie Newman completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Trevon Grimes with 49 seconds left for the American team after Franks and Yeboah made it a two-score game.

The next game he plays is for his NFL draft stock, provided the Alabama quarterback's gimpy left ankle is good to go. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said the plan is for Jones to dress out and see how his ankle feels. “Just being in that room, I already learned so much about NFL football,” he said. Mond started 44 games for the Aggies, Ehlinger logged 43 starts for the Longhorns,Mond led the Aggies into College Football Playoffs contention in his final season. I just wanted to come and kind of learn more about NFL football and learn a new playbook, which I thought I did a good job with.

National champion Alabama has five players leaving early after beating Ohio State in the CFP title game on Jan. 11, with All-America quarterback Jones and linebacker Dylan Moses both early graduates. The 30 players with college eligibility remaining after completing their degree requirements had to notify the NFL of their intentions for the draft. Players less than four years removed from high school who have not completed a degree need to be granted special entry to the draft by the NFL. Southern California has the most players leaving early for NFL draft eligibility with six. Stanford and Ohio State matched Alabama with five each.

FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien watches during an NFL football training camp in Houston. Alabama has hired former Texans coach O'Brien as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – National champion Alabama has hired former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. O'Brien also served as offensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions and won national coach of the year honors after going 8-4 in 2012. A 28-year coaching veteran and former Brown defensive player, O'Brien was also offensive coordinator at Duke.

(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)AUSTIN, Texas – Fresh off a national title with Alabama, Steve Sarkisian plans big changes to Texas' football program. Sarkisian said that while discussion about "The Eyes of Texas "and other issues are welcome, “'The Eyes of Texas' is our school song. Texas, without a conference championship since 2009, is itching to see if Sarkisian can produce similar results in Austin. Texas expects quick results from Sarkisian, recent winner of the Broyles Award given to college football’s top assistant coach. Asked about scheduling A&M again, Sarkisian said “I would love to play that game.”Sarkisian is Texas’ fourth head coach since 2009.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Nick Saban wasn't ready to contemplate his legacy moments after capturing a record seventh national championship “because you're always looking forward.”It was time to start chasing No. "It’s an ongoing process, building a team," Saban said. Only Florida in the SEC championship game came closer than 15 points. “There’s no team that will ever play an SEC schedule like that.”The 2009 Alabama team that went 14-0 is Saban's only other undefeated group. “I came back to get a degree and to win a national championship,” Smith said.

(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Alabama finished the season No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the 12th time, extending its record by completing the program’s first perfect season since 2009. With 12 AP titles overall — Paul “Bear” Bryant was coach for five and Gene Stallings for one — Alabama has four more than Notre Dame, in second place with eight. The Big 12 finished with a perfect record in five bowl games. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25___This story has been updated to correct the number of national titles for Alabama to 12, not.

1 Alabama won the College Football Playoff national championship game, 52-24, against No. 3 Ohio State on Monday night. "To me this is the ultimate team," Saban said. Ohio State (7-1) just couldn't keep up. Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesUsing an array of motions and misdirections, outgoing offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian had Ohio State heads spinning trying to track down Smith.

DeVonta Smith was uncoverable, Najee Harris unstoppable and Mac Jones impeccable as the top-ranked Tide won the College Football Playoff national championship game 52-24 against No. 7 overall, breaking a tie with Alabama great Paul “Bear” Bryant for the most by a major college coach. "To me this is the ultimate team,” Saban said. “To me this team accomplished more than almost any team," Saban said. “Heaven knows what he would have done if he played the whole game,” Saban said.

Now the question is will he be able to play in the title game Monday night against Ohio State? “I think you absolutely have to prepare as if he's going to play,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said. Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson posted photos on Twitter showing her visiting with coach Ryan Day and the team in the school's indoor practice facility. WEST COAST EXPORTSThe West Coast will be well represented in the national championship game among the players, if not the football programs themselves. Alabama All-America tailback Najee Harris, Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave and Buckeyes All-America guard Wyatt Davis are all from California.

Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 seasons Tuesday night, breaking the monopoly quarterbacks have had on the award by beating out three of them. “Just to be one of the very few that played receiver to win the Heisman, it means a lot to me,” Smith said. Smith is the third Alabama player to win the Heisman, all since 2009. 1 receiver, Smith shined. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Alabama teammates Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith along with Clemson's Trevor Lawrence and Florida's Kyle Trask have been named finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Jones and Smith are the eighth set of teammates to be finalists together since the tradition started in 1982. Smith is trying to become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Michigan's Desmond Howard in 1991. Jones or Smith would become Alabama's third Heisman winner, but first that is not a running back. Iowa State running back Breece Hall was sixth, followed by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.