Headlinin': Ejections put Auburn D-line two men down at 'Bama ? but not its best man

Making the morning rounds.

• But we still have Fairley, right? OK, cool. The near-brawl at the end of Auburn's win over Georgia will cost the Tigers two defensive linemen for part of the Iron Bowl in two weeks, after Michael Goggans and Mike Blanc were both ejected for throwing punches in the dust-up. Per NCAA rules, an ejection in one game triggers an automatic suspension for the first half of the next. The instigator in this case, though, was Auburn's dominant defensive tackle, Nick Fairley, who was targeted by Georgia linemen after knocking quarterback Aaron Murray out of the game on the last of a succession of sketchy hits that earned Fairley the unofficial title of "Dirtiest Player in College Football" for 2010. But he will be at the Tigers' disposal for the full 60 minutes against the Crimson Tide. [Rivals, Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

• Really, there's no hurry. Miami coach Randy Shannon said Sunday that he wouldn't rush starting quarterback Jacory Harris back for Saturday's must-win against ACC Coastal frontrunner Virginia Tech, describing the concussion Harris suffered on a big hit at Virginia "something that's severe and serious." He didn't specifically rule Harris out against the Hokies, but it's safe to say no one in South Florida will be complaining about another week of true freshman Stephen Morris (right), who nearly brought the 'Canes from behind against UVA and has looked good in back-to-back wins over Maryland and Georgia Tech in his first two starts. [Miami Herald]

• Get well soon. TCU offensive line coach Eddie Williams remains in stable condition after suffering chest pains during the first half of Saturday's win over San Diego State. Head coach Gary Patterson told a television audience at halftime that Williams had suffered a heart attack, which remains unconfirmed, but Williams will remain hospitalized for "another day or two," according to a university spokesman. [Associated Press]

• Not just another pretty face. A former academic coordinator for North Carolina's football team, now 56, has filed a grievance against UNC for age discrimination, claiming she was pushed out because coach Butch Davis wanted "someone younger in the position" for recruiting purposes. For its part, the university cites two cases of bad advisement for her departure, and Davis said in a statement he doesn't have the authority to remove anyone from the academic support staff. [News & Observer]

• More punching. Illinois linebacker Evan Frierson has been suspended following an aggravated battery arrest for allegedly punching a man outside a bar early Sunday morning. The man reportedly jumped in front of Frierson's car and then tried to spit on him as the two went back and forth, setting Frierson off. [ESPN]

Quickly... The New York Times tries to quantify just what Cam Newton is worth to Auburn. ... Ralph Friedgen says he isn't thinking about his future at Maryland beyond this season. ... Even the more easygoing, long-in-the-tooth locals are calling for a new offensive coordinator at Florida. ... Matt Barkley was "dinged" against Arizona. ... An argument for playoffs enhancing the regular season. ... And Tennessee gets its introduction to Yo Gotti, courtesy of Vol receivers.

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Matt Hinton is on Twitter: Follow him @DrSaturday.

Source: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Headlinin-Ejections-put-Auburn-D-line-two-men-?urn=ncaaf-285683

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