Independence is the craze, and nobody is immune from it.

While new USC athletic director Pat Haden states the school is a "happy member of the Pac-10", in light of the current trend of conference realignment, he would "consider every alternative" including independence.

These comments--reported in an Orange County Register blog entry--are on the heels of the conference's expansion from the Pac-10 to Pac-12 after Utah and Colorado join the conference in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

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The path to becoming a starter in college football is not easy, and it's even more difficult for a walk-on.

So when Washington guard Gregory Christine snapped his fibula last October, it was natural to think his career might be over.

Eleven months later, Christine will be the starting right guard for the Huskies season opener Saturday against BYU.

Seattle Times' Steve Kelley details Christine's comeback.

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Although TCU was more than capable of putting up points last season, the Horned Frogs were mainly known for their defense.

While that may still be the case this season, TCU coach Gary Patterson acknowledges that Oregon State's offense is good enough to where he "doesn't expect this game to be low-scoring.

The TCU-Oregon State matchup will feature a home-state return for the Beavers' Rodgers brothers, both graduates of Lamar Consolidated, outside of Houston. Senior James Rodgers led the Beavers last season in touchdown receptions (nine), while Junior Jacquizz Rodgers scored 21 of the team's 26 rushing touchdowns last year.

The game will be played Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium.

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Lastly, Ben Doody and Steve Miller will host a live chat during tonight's Rutgers/Norfolk State game. The live chat is scheduled to start at 7pm here at Trentonian U.

Here is a closer look at tonight's matchup.

Follow me all season long on Twitter @TrenUWest.

- Fred Sakai