:: Sports News ::

• Utah topples No. 15 Pitt 27-24 in OT (AP)

  After being unable to hold an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, Utah's defense redeemed itself in overtime. Utah freshman Brian Blechen intercepted a pass for on the first play of overtime, setting up Joe Phillips for a 21-yard field goal that gave the Utes a 27-24 victory against No. 15 Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

• No. 2 Buckeyes rip Marshall behind Pryor (AP)

  Moments after brushing aside Marshall 45-7, Ohio State's players could finally say what they've been thinking about for a while. And there's no question that the Buckeyes have had Miami on their minds and the Sept. 11 showdown against the 13th-ranked Hurricanes. "It'll be wild to be in that game," wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said.

• Kiffin, post-sanction USC open at Hawaii (AP)

  Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz is doing everything possible to get a good look at Southern California -- he's even gone virtual. Besides taking snaps in practice, Moniz has been taking on the Trojans regularly on his PlayStation 3 in hopes of getting a feel for the USC defense he'll face in real life Thursday night.

• Iowa extends Ferentz's deal through 2020 (AP)

  Kirk Ferentz has said for years that he doesn't plan on leaving Iowa anytime soon, turning down overtures to the NFL seemingly every offseason. He's given the school yet another reason to rest at ease. Ferentz has agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2020, possibly keeping him in charge of the Hawkeyes for the rest of his career.

• Alabama DE Dareus ineligible for 2 games (AP)

  Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus has been declared ineligible for two games for accepting nearly $2,000 in improper benefits during two trips to Miami. An NCAA ruling Thursday also ordered Dareus, defensive MVP of the national championship game, to pay $1,787 dollars to a charity of his choice before regaining eligibility.

• Harris sharp as No. 13 Miami wins 45-0 (AP)

  Jacory Harris and the Miami Hurricanes have been trying to not think too much about their long-awaited trip to Ohio State. It's all they'll think about for the next week -- and Harris might be ready for the challenge. Harris completed 12 of 15 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns before sitting out the second half, and the 13th-ranked Hurricanes got their first shutout since 2006 by...