Cowboys Stadium has emerged as a "prohibitive favorite" to host college football's 2015 national championship game, the first of the playoff era, based on an ESPN.com report citing sources with knowledge of the situation.
Monday's report backs up last week's Star-Telegram report, in which Cotton Bowl officials expressed confidence about securing the game and one industry source estimated the Arlington venue could have as high as a 95 percent chance of hosting the historic game.In discussing the chances of bringing the game to Arlington at the conclusion of the 2014 regular season, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association chairman Tommy Bain said: "Our goal is to host the first one. We're totally optimistic about hosting national championships and we're cautiously optimistic about hosting the first one."Monday's report by ESPN.com should boost that confidence. The site identified the Rose and Sugar bowls as the venues for college football's first semifinal games, on Jan. 1, 2015. It identified the Cotton Bowl as a "prohibitive favorite" to host the national title game on Jan. 12, 2015.College football will begin its inaugural four-team playoff after the 2014 regular season as part of a 12-year contract with participating bowls. Six bowls will rotate as host venues for semifinal games, with the Rose, Sugar and Orange bowls already selected. ESPN.com, citing sources, reported that the other three bowls in the mix to host semifinal games would be the Cotton, Fiesta and Chick-fil-A bowls.Cotton Bowl officials have expressed optimism about being a regular part of the playoff mix but stressed that contracts have yet to be signed to solidify that participation. A formal announcement is expected in the spring.-- Jimmy BurchManziel honoredTexas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, and TCU defensive end Devonte Fields, an Arlington Martin graduate, were among eight players with Texas connections selected to the 2012 Freshman All-America team by the Football Writers Association of America.The 30-member squad recognized only first-team honorees and included Texas Tech offensive lineman Le'Raven Clark, Houston defensive back Trevon Stewart and San Jose State kicker Austin Lopez, a Euless Trinity graduate.Other players from Texas high schools included UCLA offensive lineman Jake Brendel (Plano), Boise State defensive lineman Samuel Ukwuachu (Pearland) and Colorado State linebacker Cory James (Del Rio).Nevada picks PolianNevada athletic officials said they have reached an agreement with Texas A&M assistant Brian Polian to become the Wolf Pack's next football coach.Polian, 38, was special teams coordinator and tight ends coach last season at Texas A&M. University President Marc Johnson said they agreed to a five-year deal that will pay $475,000 annually plus incentives.
Alabama crushes Notre Dame, captures third national title in four years
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