(“The TEN” is not a top ten but ten items worth being included in “The TEN”)
- LSU football self-imposed a one-year bowl ban for the 2020 season. LSU, which is under investigation by the NCAA for improper booster payments to its football players, is 3-5 so far this season.
- The Big Ten changed its policy that teams must play six games to be eligible for the conference championship game setting up Ohio State to play Northwestern December 19th.
- Former Alabama head football coach Ray Perkins passed away Wednesday at the age of 79. Perkins succeeded Paul “Bear” Bryant at Alabama as head coach in 1983.
- Houston Rockets guard James Harden, who has been holding out, is required to have six consecutive COVID-19 tests before the league will allow him to practice with the team.
- The Rams improved to 9-4 on the year with a 24-3 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football.
- The Clippers signed Paul George to a 4-year, $190 million extension.
- Baltimore Ravens receiver Dez Bryant has had two negative tests for COVID-19 after testing positive about a half-hour before the game with the Dallas Cowboys last Tuesday night. According to NFL protocols he will not be able to play against the Cleveland Browns Monday night.
- The Oklahoma-West Virginia game scheduled for Saturday was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the West Virginia program.
- The Philadelphia Phillies are finalizing a deal with Dave Dombrowski to make him president of baseball operations.
- UCLA announced apparel partnership with the Jordan Brand for its football and basketball operations.
In case you missed it Los Altos running back Tyler Nevins led San Jose St. a huge under dog to Nevada to a 30-20 win. He rushed for 184 yards in 12 carries. The senior is finally getting a chance to play and he is taking full advantage. Last week he rushed for 152 yards against Hawaii. Next week SJS plays Boise for the Mountain West Championship. Great story considering San Jose State was picked to be last at the start of the season.
@ #1: What sort of (self-imposed) penalty is that? Since their record now stands at 3-5, the LSU Tigers likely won’t even qualify for a bowl game this year. My guess is that there won’t be as many bowl games in 2020-21, either.
@ #10: I’ve never liked the idea of corporate sponsorships for college athletic teams. Was it Phil Knight, the principal owner of Nike, who started that stuff with his financial support for the University of Oregon Ducks? So much for amateur sports and “the old college try.” Thank you, NCAA.