Seminoles’ Outzen Suspended

Florida State backup quarterback Marcus Outzen was charged with simple battery after a fight early Friday morning in Tallahassee, Fla., and was suspended for today’s game against Duke.

According to police, Outzen is alleged to have confronted Ryan Oppenheim and began punching him. Oppenheim’s roommate, Alejandro Llinas, attempted to break up the fight but was struck several times in the face and head by Outzen.

Outzen wasn’t jailed, signing a promise to appear in court for the misdemeanor charge.

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The presidents of Kansas State and Oklahoma, whose football teams play today in Manhattan, Kan., appear to have a difference of opinion on canceled classes.

Last week, after the Sooners defeated Texas, 63-14, Oklahoma President David Boren canceled classes for Monday.

That won’t ever happen at Kansas State, President Jon Wefald said.

“The students are here to learn and get the best education they can,” Wefald said. “It would be a slap in the face to our faculty if we canceled classes after a big football win.”

Boren said his reason for canceling classes extended beyond the football field.

Last week, the school completed a five-year fund-raising effort that brought in $500 million, more than double the amount projected.

It followed that by getting a gift of $50 million in art, including works by Auguste Renoir and Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most expensive collections ever given to a U.S. university.

Then, the school capped off the period with its most decisive football victory against Texas since 1908.

“I’m surprised that Jon Wefald would question that we’re committed more to athletics than academics,” Boren said. “If, during a week, Kansas State had its biggest football victory in 90 years, tripled the amount of endowed professorships, and got the biggest gift of art ever given to a university, I’d tell him to loosen up, celebrate, and give the students some time off.”

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Arizona State Coach Bruce Snyder announced that Griffin Goodman will start at quarterback tonight in the Sun Devils’ game against No. 11 Washington. Goodman completed only 11 of 28 passes in a 30-10 victory against California but totaled 394 yards passing.