Jonathan Wilson: Tactical breakdown of England

Sometimes additional information can just confuse the issue. At the end of England's qualifying series, in which it cast aside the disappointment of failing to qualify for Euro 2008 with impressive swagger, England's formation seemed obvious, with doubts over only two positions. After the recent uninspiring friendly wins over Mexico and Japan, there are suddenly a host of new concerns.



USC hit hard by NCAA sanctions

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The NCAA threw the book at storied Southern California on Thursday with a two-year bowl ban, four years' probation, loss of scholarships and forfeits of an entire year's games for improper benefits to Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush dating to the Trojans' 2004 national championship.



Andy Staples: It won't be easy, but USC can bounce back from NCAA sanctions

If I'm USC football coach Lane Kiffin, I'm on a mission. Or, more specifically, my players are. Kiffin's best option after the NCAA dropped the hammer on his program is to encourage his best young players to serve two-year religious missions, which pause the NCAA's eligibility clock. The players can choose whatever faith they wish, but after two years they can return to USC with their eligibility intact and attempt to lead the Trojans to a national title in 2012, the next season they'll be allowed to play in a postseason game. Of course, they'll probably have to beat Texas in the Pac-16 championship game, but why worry about the details? Start handing out the holy books.



Texas, Texas A
&
M meeting to discuss Big 12 future

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The presidents and athletic directors of Texas and Texas A&M met Thursday to discuss the future of their athletic programs and the Big 12.






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