ATLANTA (AP) Matt Ryan bolstered his MVP credentials with a brilliant first half Sunday, throwing four touchdown passes to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 38-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints, securing a first-round playoff bye. More
The Big Ten reprimanded Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh and fined the school $10,000 on Monday for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy by criticizing officials after Saturday’s game against Ohio State.
Harbaugh blasted the officiating after the Wolverines’ 30-27 double-overtime loss at Columbus, Ohio, saying that he was “bitterly disappointed” during a lengthy rant.
He complained about an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he drew in the second half of the game when he tossed headphones and a play card, a pass interference against Michigan that prolonged a key drive for the Buckeyes and a non-call of pass interference against Ohio State. He was most ardent about the spot of a fourth-down play that gave the Buckeyes a first down in overtime when a stop would have won the game for the Wolverines.
Ohio State scored the winning touchdown on the next play.
The loss prevented the Wolverines from earning a spot in the Big Ten championship game and probably ended their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff.
Baylor Coach Jim Grobe, who came out of semi-retirement to help the Bears get through a tumultuous season, said he has no plans to return after this season.
Grobe, 64, said he told new Baylor Athletic Director Mack Rhoades early in the season that he didn’t want to be a…