Source: Cam Newton’s eligibility at Auburn not in jeopardy

Auburn has had “no contact whatsoever” with a man who allegedly tried to secure payment from Mississippi State during the recruitment of Tigers quarterback and Heisman Trophy hopeful Cam Newton, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Newton also said Friday he has done nothing wrong.

The NCAA is reviewing the recruitment of Newton, but Auburn has not received a letter of inquiry, the person told the Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to comment publicly.

“Cam’s eligibility has at no point been in jeopardy,” the person said. Newton, who will start for the third-ranked Tigers against Chattanooga on Saturday, denied any wrongdoing.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Newton said Friday before stepping on the bus to the team hotel in Montgomery. “I’m blessed to be at Auburn right now and I’m sure the smoke will settle.”

Newton, who started his career at Florida, has been one of college football’s biggest sensations since transferring from Blinn Junior College in Texas. He has led the Tigers (9-0) to national title contention, accounting for a nation’s-best 30 touchdowns. He leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing.

Former Mississippi State player John Bond has said an ex-teammate was soliciting payment during Newton’s recruitment by that school last season. ESPN.com reported the teammate was Kenny Rogers, citing unidentified people.

Central Michigan, Central Florida win

Ryan Radcliff threw his second touchdown pass of the game in the fourth quarter to give Central Michigan a 26-22 comeback win over Western Michigan on Friday night at Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Western Michigan (3-6, 2-3 Mid-American Conference) took a 22-13 lead late in the third quarter on Juan Nunez’s 11-yard touchdown reception.

The Chippewas (3-7, 2-5) responded with two touchdowns, a one-yard run by Carl Volny and Kito Poblah’s five-yard catch with 6:10 left. The two-point conversion failed, but the Chippewas had enough.

Jeff Godfrey threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns and scored a third on the ground to lead Central Florida to a 40-33 win over host Houston.

The quarterback finished with 105 yards rushing and completed 15 of 19 passes.

Houston (5-4, 4-2 Conference USA) came back from a 17-point deficit to take a 24-23 lead in the third quarter.

The Golden Knights (7-2, 5-0 C-USA) regained the lead on a one-yard run by Godfrey with 1:42 remaining in the third.

Pac-12 schedule released

The Pacific 10 Conference released its football schedule for 2011, when it will officially become the Pac-12 and hold its first conference championship game, set for Dec. 3.

Newcomer Utah will be involved in a pair of firsts: The Utes are the first Pac-12 team to play, opening Sept. 1 at home against Montana State. Utah also meets USC at the Coliseum in the first conference game of the season, on Sept. 10.

Etc.

ESPN said it is pursuing a deal with Texas to distribute the school’s proposed Longhorn Network on cable television. ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said the network and university are “in discussions” but would not comment on how much the deal would be worth.