TOP POST

The state of college athletics
The phrase "economic downturn" has become a popular phrase, and one that I use almost daily in my stories. It's tough to stay positive amid all the media reports about institutions eliminating sports programs, athletics departments slashing budgets and people losing their jobs.

IN THE ZONE

Carroll tops salary list
According to a report published in the Chronicle of Higher Education, University of Southern California's football coach Pete Carroll was the highest-paid private university employee in the United States during the 2006-07 fiscal year.

Conference champs set to meet
The fifth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge will pit MEAC defending champion South Carolina State University against 2008 SWAC title winner Grambling State University on Sunday, Sept. 6. The matchup will air on ESPN2. No time has been set.

Tough times at Hawaii
According to the Honolulu Advertiser, "An auditor's report showed an accumulated net deficit of $5.4 million compiled over a five-year period."

Tough circumstances for former Northeastern student-athlete, NFL prospect
Former Northeastern football student-athlete Brian Mandeville was hoping to embark on a lengthy NFL career. According to various scouts, the tight end prospect had solid upside potential, and it was thought that he could one day be an impact player in the NFL.

Oklahoma's 20-game winning streak snapped
Takia Starks' layup with 6 seconds left lifting No. 12 Texas A&M to a 57-56 victory over No. 2 Oklahoma. The Sooners committed a season-high 29 turnovers in its first Big 12 loss of the season.