Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has a reputation of grooming great quarterbacks, and he's had no grea...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/407">Michigan</a> coach Jim Harbaugh has a reputation of grooming great quarterbacks, and he's had no greater student than<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/18750" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/18750"> Andrew Luck</a>. </p><p>Luck became a No. 1 overall pick by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/15" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/15">Indianapolis Colts</a> studying under coach Harbaugh at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/616" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/616">Stanford</a>, and is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.</p><p>When asked about Harbaugh's success at Michigan thus far, Luck had nothing but great things to say about his former coach, reports <a href="http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/09/andrew_luck_on_michigans_jim_h.html#incart_river_index">MLive's Kyle Meinke</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Not surprised," the Colts quarterback said Wednesday on a conference call with reporters. "He's a heck of a coach. He's a winner. I know I learned a bunch from him, and I feel like I grew as a player, as a man, a lot under him.</p><p>"Always happy for his success - as long as they're not playing Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Then I'll have to root for Stanford."</p><p>Harbaugh is now trying to pass along that same tutelage to his starting quarterback at Michigan, 6-foot-6, 243-pound junior <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83296">Wilton Speight</a>.</p><p>Luck is trying to come back from his first injury riddled season, after suffering lacerations to his kidney and abdomen.</p><p>Now healthy, Luck will face the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Detroit Lions</a>' defense Sunday.</p>

Former Stanford QB Luck has high praise for Michigan's Harbaugh

In a rough week for the SEC, Florida is one of seven teams with a Week 1 victory, beating Massach...

<p>In a rough week for the SEC, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/233" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/233">Florida</a> is one of seven teams with a Week 1 victory, beating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/390" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/390">Massachusetts</a> 24-7.</p><p>Now, with its roster at full strength entering Week 2, are the Gators a team the rest of the SEC will dread playing against?</p><p>Denny Courson and Bob Redman of <a href="http://www.gatorsportsradio.com/episode/14601/gators-and-more-how-good-will-the-gators-be-at-full-strength-against-kentucky/">Gator Sports Radio</a> have more:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0" src="https://www.gatorsportsradio.com/episode_player/14601/"></iframe></figure>

Listen: Will Florida be an SEC team to fear?

Mississippi State is still facing criticism for accepting 5-star defensive end Jefferey Simmons. ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/427" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/427">Mississippi State</a> is still facing criticism for accepting 5-star defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/108405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/108405">Jefferey Simmons</a>.</p><p>Last spring, Simmons was filmed striking a woman repeatedly during a street fight. The video led to an investigation by the school, and they concluded Simmons would be enrolled on a cautionary basis and serve a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1058593" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1058593">one game suspension</a>.</p><p>Now that Simmons' suspension is over, head coach Dan Mullen is approaching the topic of playing him carefully:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dan Mullen being coy about playing Jeffery Simmons. “We'll see what happens Saturday. We'll see how practice goes this week.”</p>— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanDFischer/status/773566171845013504">September 7, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After losing a tough one Saturday to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/572" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/572">South Alabama</a>, 22-21, Mississippi State will need all the help it can get, especially if it hopes to compete in the SEC this season.</p><p>Mississippi State will try to get back on track Saturday versus <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/573" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/573">South Carolina</a>.</p><p> </p>

Mississippi State coach unsure about playing beleaguered Simmons

Oregon tight end Pharaoh Brown missed 1 1/2 years with a severe leg injury that could have result...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/514" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/514">Oregon</a> tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/63632" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/63632">Pharaoh Brown</a> missed 1 1/2 years with a severe leg injury that could have resulted in amputation<span style="line-height:1.5em"> and required multiple surgeries</span><span style="line-height:1.5em">.</span></p><p>Following the injury against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/677" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/677">Utah</a>, most of Brown's time was spent rehabilitating his leg. He would often reflect on his recovery, and remembered a moment after his first surgery when a golden retriever entered his hospital room and put his paws on the bed and the two "prayed" together, according to <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/103411/supported-by-his-mom-and-dog-pharaoh-brown-makes-full-recovery">ESPN's Chantel Jennings</a>.</p><p>At that point, Brown decided to get a dog of his own. One day, noticed an ad for Yorkie puppies, so he and a teammate went to look at the dogs, and he chose the bigger of the two that were available.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He named his new pup Tyger Snuggles.</p><p>Daily walks turned into runs, and Tyger would lead the way to and from rehab. Tyger quickly became a celebrity at the campus facility, while Brown would become their biggest success story, working his way back to full health with motivation from his four-legged companion.</p><p>"Coming back, I just had the mindset that that's what I was going to do, and there was no turning back," Brown said. "I'm at the bottom, the only place is to go up from here. So this is what I'm going to do." </p><p>Brown ultimately got himself back into playing shape, and impressed Oregon's coaches enough to move up to third on the tight end depth chart, eventually earning a starting role in his return Saturday against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/120" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/120">UC Davis</a>.</p><p>The 6-foot-6, 250-pounder had one catch for 23 yards in his first game since Nov. 8, 2014.</p>

Oregon's Brown returns to gridiron with help of 4-legged friend

LSU losing its fifth-place ranking to unranked Wisconsin was pretty bad, but making matters worse...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a> losing its fifth-place ranking to unranked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/748">Wisconsin</a> was pretty bad, but making matters worse is news that team mascot, Mike VI, will miss the 2016 season due to cancer.</p><p>Mike, a Bengali-Siberian tiger, was diagnosed with cancer over the summer. He was treated for a tumor in June and has since gone into remission, but LSU is taking extra precautions and as such he won't attend any games this year, reports <a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/lsu-tiger-mike-vi-mascot-cancer-wont-take-field-2016/1uafhlzfkezo51n8jiuhxfzh19?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Sporting News' Bob Hille</a>.</p><p>"LSU understands that the tradition of having Mike on the field on game day is important; however, Mike’s health, safety and well-being are always our top priority," the university said in a news release.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Following Mike's treatment, the prognosis is he still has about two years to live.</p><p>LSU fans will still get to see Mike in his on-campus habitat, where he'll stay on gameday Saturday against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/313" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/313">Jacksonville State</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

LSU mascot Mike VI to miss season amid cancer battle

Bo Paske, Florida State WR Travis Rudolph's new friend, shows off his jersey on the field. pic.tw...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bo Paske, Florida State WR Travis Rudolph's new friend, shows off his jersey on the field. <a href="https://t.co/a7HcDenydP">pic.twitter.com/a7HcDenydP</a></p>— Jon Solomon (@JonSolomonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonSolomonCBS/status/772933912481898496">September 5, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Early Monday morning, Bo Paske and his mother were greeted by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87108" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87108">Travis Rudolph</a>, and the wide receiver came bearing gifts.</p><p>Rudolph entered the room with a pair of tickets to the big game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/425" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/425">Ole Miss</a>, and a special custom stitched Seminoles jersey.</p><p>Rudolph initially met Bo when the athlete asked the young autistic student if he could sit at his lunch table. Bo obliged and the two have been friends ever since.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Looks like Bo's kindness to accept Rudolph's lunch invitation paid off ten fold.</p><p>Enjoy the game young fella. </p>

Look: Bo Paske rocking his new custom FSU jersey

Christian isn't the only one in the Ponder clan with smooth throwing mechanics.  ESPN sideline re...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://vine.co/v/55ixJFmhpFl/embed/simple" width="600" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Christian isn't the only one in the Ponder clan with smooth throwing mechanics.</p><p>ESPN sideline reporter Sam Ponder (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/11696" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/11696">Christian Ponder</a>'s spouse), warms up the old microphone arm before the big <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> vs. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/425" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/425">Ole Miss</a> matchup.</p><p>Seems fitting that she takes a little target practice at her husbands' old stomping grounds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p> </p>

Watch: ESPN'S Sam Ponder shows off arm ahead of FSU-Ole Miss game

A stagnant offensive performance has forced Colorado State to make a change at quarterback.  Colo...

<p>A stagnant offensive performance has forced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/167" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/167">Colorado State</a> to make a change at quarterback.</p><p>Colorado is hoping <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60602" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60602">Faton Bauta</a> can provide the spark it needs to avoid a thrashing like the one it took against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/164" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/164">Colorado</a> last Friday, losing 44-7.</p><p>Coach Mike Bobo named Bauta the starter after he replaced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74330" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74330">Nick Stevens</a>, who was 6-of-20 passing with 31 yards and two interceptions, late in Friday's game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I did not think we gave Nick a lot of help, offensively, but at the end of the day, we still turned the ball over and failed to make some routine plays," Bobo said. "(Bauta) gave us a little more energy. The game was out of hand (when Bauta came in), but the ability to make some plays with his legs - until we get on the same page offensively - I think will help us."</p><p>Upon entering the game, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Bauta completed six passes for 32 yards and a touchdown, and added 39 yards rushing on four carries.</p><p>Bobo said Bauta's ability to run the ball out of the end zone in a zone-read offense will give the Rams the boost they need.</p><p>"We have to run an offense that's run with a quarterback who is going to generate first downs. First downs usually result in points or field position, which can help your defense," Bobo said. "We have to move the ball and get first downs, and put us in position to win the football game."</p>

Colorado State names Georgia grad transfer Bauta starting QB

Navy quarterback Tago Smith's senior season ended in the first half of the team's opening game.  ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/456" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/456">Navy</a> quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/75021" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/75021">Tago Smith</a>'s senior season ended in the first half of the team's opening game.</p><p>Smith tore his ACL and is now ruled out for the remainder of the 2016 season.</p><p>The 5-foot-10 quarterback was having an impressive showing against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/238" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/238">Fordham, </a> rushing for 97 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns, and throwing one pass for 45 yards before going down in the second quarter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the quarterback position short a man, Navy decided to pull freshman quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/109628" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/109628">Malcolm Perry</a> from the stands to dress in the second half, but second-string quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/75032" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/75032">Will Worth</a> took the reins under center and went 3-for-3 with 78 yards and a touchdown.</p><p>Perry eventually got in the game and carried the ball seven times for 30 yards.</p><p>Fortunately, the Midshipmen have a capable backup in Worth for the remainder of the season.</p>

Navy's Smith out for 2016 season with ACL injury

Wisconsin sophomore linebacker Chris Orr had his season end before it ever really began.  Orr suf...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/748">Wisconsin</a> sophomore linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/98229" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/98229">Chris Orr</a> had his season end before it ever really began.</p><p>Orr suffered a right ACL injury on the first play of Saturday's classic against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a>. He left the field and was able to walk, but <a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/football/4108326-college-football-badgers-defense-had-all-answers-vs-lsu">did not return to the game</a>.</p><p>Wisconsin tweeted Monday that Orr will miss the rest of its 2016 season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badgers?src=hash">#Badgers</a> Injury Update: Sophomore ILB Chris Orr to miss remainder of season with right knee (ACL) injury <a href="https://t.co/Qql18aonS8">pic.twitter.com/Qql18aonS8</a></p>— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/772843935035260929">September 5, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Last season as a freshman, Orr racked up 46 tackles, half a sack, a forced fumble, and broke up two passes in 10 games, including six starts. Orr also had a career-high 14 tackles against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/654" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/654">Troy</a> last September.</p><p>Wisconsin ultimately beat LSU 16-14, but will have a void to fill at the inside linebacker position moving forward.</p>

Wisconsin linebacker Orr out for season with ACL injury

Last week, Travis Rudolph surprised autistic middle schooler Bo Paske by joining him for lunch, a...

<p>Last week, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87108" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87108">Travis Rudolph</a> surprised autistic middle schooler Bo Paske by joining him for lunch, and this week, he he had another surprise in store.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> wide receiver presented Bo and his mother Leah with a Seminoles jersey and tickets to Monday night's game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/425" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/425">Ole Miss</a> in a segment on <a href="http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=17469429">ESPN</a> aired Monday morning.</p><p>Rudolph explained how his lunch with Bo came to be.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I saw him sitting by himself, and when I asked him, can I sit down and eat with him, he just welcomed me to him, like, 'Sure, why not?' and he opened up and had a conversation with me," Rudolph said.</p><p>The Seminoles football team visited a local Orlando middle school Tuesday to meet and greet students on their first week back. That's when Rudolph noticed Bo alone at lunch and decided to join him. A picture of the pair eventually went viral and found its way to Bo's mother, who was incredibly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1089859" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1089859">appreciative of Rudolph's act</a>.</p><p>Leah told <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1090396" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1090396">The Associated Press</a> that since Rudolph's visit, Bo's had lots of company at lunch.</p>

Florida State's Rudolph gifts jersey, tickets to autistic boy

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey has zero chill when it comes to Auburn quarterback J...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> cornerback Jalen Ramsey has zero chill when it comes to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/67" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/67">Auburn</a> quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74537" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74537">John Franklin III</a>.</p><p>Ramsey and Franklin were teammates at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> in 2014, and it seems the two didn't get along too well in Tallahassee, as evidenced by Ramsey taking a jab at Franklin on college football's first Saturday of the season:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Franklin left FSU as a 3rd string &amp; ended up at Auburn STILL a 3rd string.... Maybe it's not the program my dude 🤔☕️🐸</p>— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) <a href="https://twitter.com/jalenramsey/status/772261543371239424">September 4, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Franklin felt he wasn't getting enough playing time at FSU and transferred to junior college Eastern Mississippi Community College, popularized on the hit Netflix series "Last Chance U."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The show documented the Eastern Mississippi Lions' 2015 season, where Franklin struggled to keep his quarterback job.</p><p>Despite an up-and-down season, Franklin earned a scholarship to Auburn, where he's again been relegated to the bench.</p>

Jaguars' Ramsey throws shade at ex-teammate John Franklin III

The best game today that nobody watched. 17-point underdogs Texas State just beat Ohio U in 3 OTs...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The best game today that nobody watched. 17-point underdogs Texas State just beat Ohio U in 3 OTs on this play. <a href="https://t.co/3TA4ElvTMY">pic.twitter.com/3TA4ElvTMY</a></p>— Funhouse (@RNs_Funhouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNs_Funhouse/status/772225269386121217">September 4, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/641" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/641">Texas State</a> pulled out some trickery to beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/504" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/504">Ohio</a> in triple overtime Saturday.</p><p>On second-and-7, ball on the 22-yard line, Texas State quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72794" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72794">Tyler Jones</a> hit wide receiver/quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/100370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/100370">L.G. Williams</a> with a lateral pass.</p><p>Williams showed off his cannon and hit Jones for the go-ahead touchdown, giving Texas State a 54-48 lead before a two-point conversion put it up 56-48.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ohio got the ball back and scored, but failed to convert on the extra point, giving the other Bobcats a 56-54 victory.</p>

Watch: Texas State wins triple-OT game with trick play

Miami walk-on quarterback Tucker Beirne was arrested in Tavernier on Saturday, the Monroe County ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> walk-on quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/96019" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/96019">Tucker Beirne</a> was arrested in Tavernier on Saturday, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed. </p><p>The 19-year-old redshirt freshman was charged with driving under the influence and a felony count of possession of cocaine, according to <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article99797647.html">The Miami Herald's Susan Miller Degnan</a>.</p><p>Beirne recently graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where he set a school record by throwing for 7,957 career passing yards.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He was not set to play Saturday against Florida A&amp;M.</p><p>Miami declined to comment on the matter.</p><p> </p>

Miami walk-on QB arrested on DUI and drug charges

To manifest a thought, then ultimately put that thought into action, is one of the best feelings ...

<p>To manifest a thought, then ultimately put that thought into action, is one of the best feelings when persevering through adversity.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a> running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74593" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74593">James Conner</a> personified the true spirit of determination not just by beating cancer, but also in returning to the field Saturday with his teammates against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/685" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/685">Villanova</a>.</p><p>The 6-foot-2, 225-pound power back finished the season opener with 53 yards rushing on 17 carries for a touchdown, adding three catches for 16 yards and another score in the 28-7 win.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I know it was a 'comeback' game, but it's felt like regular football since (fall) camp," Conner told <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/acc/2016/09/03/pittsburgh-james-conner-cancer-free-return-powerful-moment/89829200/">USA Today's Nicole Auerbach</a>. "My battle was already won, beating cancer. Everything else is just a bonus and a reward."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When is a TD worth MORE than 6 points? <br><br>When you're <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ConnerStrong?src=hash">#ConnerStrong</a> 💪<br><br>Welcome back, <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesConner_">@JamesConner_</a>.  <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/H2P?src=hash">#H2P</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y963XJMkgu">pic.twitter.com/Y963XJMkgu</a></p>— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/theACCDN/status/772182624311844864">September 3, 2016</a>
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<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Last season, Conner suffered a knee injury in the season opener against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/765" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/765">Youngstown State</a>. During the rehab process, Conner noticed he was getting out of breath very easily and was having trouble sleeping. Antibiotics didn't help, and his doctors initially weren't sure what was going on. Eventually an ear, nose, and throat specialist determined Conner's sinuses were fine, and subsequently ordered an X-ray. The results of the X-ray led to him having a PET scan that discovered a large tumor.</p><p>"You've got two veins; one carries blood directly to the body, one carries blood to the heart. That tumor was growing and was pressing on that vein. That vein was getting skinnier and skinnier," Conner said.</p><p>"If I never had this knee injury I would've been on the field and I probably would've been feeling out of shape and that I’ve got to work even harder. I’d be taking shots to the chest. I could've died on the field. I’m very thankful for my knee injury - I know He did that to save my life. He didn't want to harm me when He did my knee injury. He did it to save me."</p><p>Conner dealt with 12 chemotherapy treatments in fighting to regain control of his body. He was also running a day after treatment, which his doctors told him to keep up because it would help with his recovery.</p><p>Conner was named Pitt's starting running back three months after his final PET scan - which affirmed he was cancer-free - on May 23.</p><p> </p>

Cancer survivor Conner shines bright for Pitt in season opener

GREG STROMAN with the 1 HANDED pick for @VT_Football   👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽#HokiesWIN pic.twitter.com/L...

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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GREG STROMAN with the 1 HANDED pick for <a href="https://twitter.com/VT_Football">@VT_Football</a> <br><br>👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HokiesWIN?src=hash">#HokiesWIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/LLQaDyrWIM">pic.twitter.com/LLQaDyrWIM</a></p>— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/theACCDN/status/772161643270795264">September 3, 2016</a>
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<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There has been no shortage of highlights in this young college football season, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> junior defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/88284" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/88284">Greg Stroman</a> made an early case for highlight of the week.</p><p>Stroman sat in the flats and baited <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/356" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/356">Liberty</a> freshman quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/108889" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/108889">Stephen Calvert</a> into throwing the pick. Stroman batted the ball, then finished with a terrific circus grab for the turnover. The Hokies would go on to win 36-13.</p><p> </p>

Virginia Tech's Greg Stroman makes ridiculous 1-handed interception

Ticket prices for Baylor football games have taken a nose dive as a result of the sexual assault ...

<p>Ticket prices for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/81" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/81">Baylor</a> football games have taken a nose dive as a result of the sexual assault scandal that has plagued the school.</p><p>Baylor had a median price that was $110.83 in May before the school released its findings on the sexual assault investigation.</p><p>Since then, ticket prices have dropped a whopping 62 percent on the secondary market. Prices now sit at $42 - the second-lowest ticket prices in the Big 12, only an average of $13 higher than Kansas, according to <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/baylor-ticket-prices-plunge-on-secondary-market-in-wake-of-scandal/">CBS Sports' Jon Solomon</a>, with data from TicketCity. Sale prices from three different secondary market sources are tracked by TicketCity.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Subsequently, Art Briles was fired, and a number of players and recruits left the program, which created a lot of negative attention for the school.</p><p>The secondary market decline may also partly be because <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/509" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/509">Oklahoma </a>and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> aren't on the home game schedule this season like they were in 2015.</p><p>The issues surrounding the university and its football program have now affected the school's revenue stream, and it may take some time to rebuild.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Baylor's ticket sales plunge following sexual assault scandal

New Missouri head coach Barry Odom was hired to replace Garry Pinkel in 2015, but had to accept a...

<p>New <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/429" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/429">Missouri</a> head coach Barry Odom was hired to replace Garry Pinkel in 2015, but had to accept a long list of provisions in his contract before the job was officially his, reports <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2016/09/02/missouri-football-coach-barry-odom-employment-contract/89734872/">USA Today's Steve Berkowitz</a>.</p><p>Last November, African American members of the team threatened to not participate in any football activities if university president Tim Wolfe didn't resign from his position. A series of race-related incidents involving students of color going ignored led to the protest. The problem persisted to the point where a portion of Missouri's black student body banded together to protest under the name "Concerned Student 1950."</p><p>Eventually word spread about the group, and 30 black football players joined the movement in an effort to remove Wolfe from his position.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The group's protest paid off, as Wolfe eventually resigned.</p><p>As part of Odom's deal, he had to sign on to a provision that ensured the proper treatment of players. This comes in the wake of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/298" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/298">Illinois </a>firing head coach Tim Beckman prior to last season following allegations of abuse of players.</p><p>"With the cooperation and assistance of the university, the employee shall engage in (and encourage that every coach under employee’s supervision is engaging in) fair, safe, and responsible treatment of student-athletes on the football team, and avoid behavior that could in any way jeopardize a student-athlete’s health, safety, or welfare, or that could otherwise cause harm or risk causing harm to a student-athlete," the contract read.</p><p>Odom's contract also contained a provision that limits his ability to speak negatively about the program in any public forum - including during radio and television appearances - and bars him from making any statements to the media that could potentially discredit the university or anyone associated with the school.</p><p>If Odom fails to uphold these provisions, the university would have every right to terminate the contract.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Missouri coach Odom signed contract with unusual provisions

Current Washington Redskins backup quarterback and legendary Texas signal-caller Colt McCoy wrote...

<p>Current <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Washington Redskins</a> backup quarterback and legendary <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/21222" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/21222">Colt McCoy</a> wrote an open letter on <a href="http://www.theplayerstribune.com/colt-mccoy-dear-longhorns/">The Players' Tribune</a> to current Longhorns players leading up to their season opener against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> on Saturday.</p><p>McCoy gives a profound description of the atmosphere, emotions, and energy he felt before a big game.</p><blockquote><p>As the team went out for the coin toss, I would find a place on the sidelines where I was alone, take a knee, and for a few moments I'd just be present in my surroundings. I'd look at all the fans in the stands. I'd look at the band all dressed up and jumping around. I'd take a few moments to thank God for the opportunity in front of me. And then I'd look at my teammates, all of them standing there with this focused intensity, ready to compete. I'd take a mental picture of everything happening, and feel this tremendous sense of joy and pride to be there in that moment, as part of this thing that is so much bigger than me.</p></blockquote><p>McCoy continued the letter by giving his outlook on how to deal with the pressure, while living up to the challenge of being a Longhorn.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote><p>But here's the thing I learned eventually: The pressure doesn't go away. It's always there. You're at Texas - the expectations never ease up. So what I discovered over time (and what you will as well) is that the pressure is a good thing. Eventually I learned to feed off of it. I even craved it, because it pushed me to be the best version of myself.</p></blockquote><p>The 6-foot-1, 215-pound McCoy passed for 13,253 yards and 112 touchdowns during his time at Texas.</p><p>McCoy was also the all-time winningest quarterback in college football history with 45 victories at the time of his graduation.</p><p> </p>

Former Texas star McCoy pens open letter to Longhorns

Feel Good Friday | Eric Dungey is reunited with Army brother Matt before  @CuseFootball season op...

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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Feel Good Friday | Eric Dungey is reunited with Army brother Matt before  <a href="https://twitter.com/CuseFootball">@CuseFootball</a> season opener. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FGF?src=hash">#FGF</a> <a href="https://t.co/tTBjr4In7O">pic.twitter.com/tTBjr4In7O</a></p>— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/theACCDN/status/771848055402405888">September 2, 2016</a>
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<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/99407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/99407">Eric Dungey</a> was surprised by his brother Matt ahead of his team's season opener against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/162">Colgate</a>. The two shared a warm embrace after being apart for two years since Matt enlisted in the Army.</p><p>Following the surprise, Dungey would go on to have a career-night, passing for 355 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Orange's 33-7 win.</p>

Syracuse QB reunites with army-enlisted brother after years apart

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/kheon-clarke/content_cards