Pac-10 gives Commissioner Scott authority to pursue expansion
The Pac-10 has given its commissioner Larry Scott the authority to look into adding more schools to the conference. Conference officials concluded Saturday that an expansion is worth looking into, but that adding new teams is not a must.
A final decision on the expansion will most likely be made before the end of the year, when the Pac-10 is set to negotiate a television contract for the 2012-13 season. An expansion would allow for a better TV deal, which would in return generate more revenue for the teams. Scott is reportedly looking into adding six teams including powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma.
Big 12 gives Nebraska and Missouri deadline
The Big 12 has told the Cornhuskers and the Tigers that they have until Friday to make a statement on their intentions of staying with the conference in light of the Pac-10 and Big Ten expansions.
Both the Big Ten and the Pac-10 have laid out expansion scenarios involving Nebraska and Mizzou.
RB Bellamy commits to Clemson
Running Back Mike Bellamy out of Punta Garda, Fla. has committed to join the Clemson Tigers after he graduates from Charlotte High School next year. The 5-10 is rated as the No. 3 running back in the nation by rivals.com.
He ran for 2,153 yards on 213 carries last season, averaging almost ten yards per carry. He scored 31 touchdowns, and recorded over 165 yards per game.
Georgia State adds more transfers
The Panthers added three football transfers to the roster of their newly founded football program. Right Guard Joseph Gilbert, who started 26 games in two years with Georgia Tech, will strengthen the offensive line.
Georgia State also added offensive tackle Clyde Yandell. The 6-5, 285 pound lineman was a backup at Georgia Tech. The third player the Panthers added is former Auburn defensive end Bailey Woods.
The Panthers will play in the Football Championship Subdivision. They announced that their three new players will enter graduate programs and will be eligible to play for two years. The news about the transfers comes after it was announced that Georgia State has signed former Alabama quarterback Star Jackson.
DE Coffman rejoins Huskies’ defense
Defensive lineman Jake Coffman has decided to play his fourth year of eligibility with the Northern Illinois Huskies. The second-team All-MAC defensive end has decided to hold off on his plans to start a career with the government.
Coffman joins sophomores Sean Progar and Alan Baxter to anchor the NIU defense. Coffman was a Marine Corps corporal and served in two tours to Iraq before joining the team. He had said he would forgo his senior year to pursue a career with the FBI. He decided last week that he wanted to play out his eligibility and hold off on his career plans.
WR Simas suspended indefinitely
University of Colorado school officials announced Wednesday that wide receiver Markques Simas has been suspended indefinitely from the football team. Head Coach Dan Hawkins left the door open for Simas to return to the team if he straightens out issues with the legal system and the University’s office of judicial affairs.
The wide receiver caught 43 passes for 585 touchdowns last season. He averaged 13.6 yards per reception for the team lead in this category. Simas has been a problem child throughout his career at CU. He was suspended for the Buffaloes’ first two games of last season after violating team rules. He sat out the 2008 season after becoming ineligible based on academic reasons.
