Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino confirmed Friday that running back Knile Davis is expected to miss the season because of a left ankle injury.The injury is a major blow to the preseason expectations for the Razorbacks, who were 10-3 and reached their first BCS bowl game last season.AP Photo/Rogelio V. SolisKnile Davis led all SEC running backs with 1,322 yards rushing last season, averaging 147 yards per game over the final seven games.Davis suffered the injury early in the scrimmage portion of practice on Thursday and was carted off the field without being able to put weight on his left leg."I am extremely disappointed for Knile," Petrino said in a statement. "He is a captain who was incredibly focused on the upcoming year. [Read the full article]

Texas Rep. Dan Branch said a meeting of the Higher Education Committee of the state's House of Representatives has been scheduled for Tuesday in part "because we are hearing Texas A&M and the SEC are talking more seriously and we are hearing about a possible vote (for invitation) by SEC presidents."Branch said he's heard the SEC vote could be as early as Saturday and members of the committee want to ensure their questions about what is in the best interest of the state of Texas and its students are addressed.Big 12 blogESPN.com's David Ubben writes about all things Big 12 in the conference blog.• Blog network: College Football Nation"There are millions of dollars at stake," Branch said. [Read the full article]

Steve Stricker lost his lead at the PGA Championship after nine holes, thanks to a 3-over par front nine in the PGA Championship.That opened the door for Scott Verplank, who went out in 2-under 33 to move to 5 under par through nine holes of the second round.Stricker, who fired a majors record-tying 63 in the first round, is in one of the final groups of the day at Atlanta Athletic Club. He made a bogey on the third hole with a 3-putt, but got it back with a birdie at the par-5 fifth hole.D.A. Points matched the low round of the day with a 67 in the morning wave and is in the clubhouse at 4 under.Also in the mix were Adam Scott, Jason Duffner and Brandt Jobe. All got to four under midway through the second round. [Read the full article]

The University of North Dakota took its fight over the school's nickname straight to NCAA president Mark Emmert on Friday.After meeting for more than an hour, Emmert told a group of state legislators and school officials he would not compromise on a court-imposed settlement to change the school nickname from Fighting Sioux by Monday's deadline. The school now faces a ban from hosting NCAA tournaments and will not be allowed to use the nickname or logo at NCAA tourney games until it makes the change.Gov. Jack Dalrymple said he will introduce legislation Nov. 7 that will give school officials the authority to change the nickname, essentially repealing an April law. Dalrymple said he expects that bill to pass and the school to change the name.“I'm disappointed. [Read the full article]