We're entering the final month of the college football season, and as such, there is plenty happening around the sport both on and off the field. We had our first surprising coach firing of the year with Florida's decision to part ways with Jim McElwain, and there are plenty of rumors to sort through regarding who they want to replace him. Furthermore, what does that mean for Butch Jones' future at Tennessee? So, without further ado, here are the biggest stories you need to know from around the college football world:
Willie Taggart not interested in Florida coaching job, Scott Frost in the mix
A number of top coaches have already been linked to the Florida opener, including former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, but current Ducks head coach Willie Taggart isn't throwing his name into the mix.
Taggart had success at USF before moving to Oregon last offseason and he says he's committed to staying in Eugene. However, current UCF head coach Scott Frost is firmly in the mix, according to NBC Sports Northwest beat writer Aaron Fentress.
Oregon coach Willie Taggart is not going to become the new coach at Florida, according to sources.
So we can squash any speculation on that front right away. But Central Florida coach Scott Frost, a former UO assistant, very well could become the Gator’s new coach, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Frost is in his second season with the Knights, posting a 12-7 record in his tenure, including a 7-0 mark and #15 ranking. The former Nebraska quarterback has also been linked to the Nebraska head job if they decide to fire Mike Riley.
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Butch Jones addresses his job status
It was expected that Butch Jones would be the first SEC coach fired this season, and he updated his job status on Monday following a meeting with athletics director John Currie to discuss Jones' immediate future at Tennessee.
“Nothing has changed at all,” Jones said. “For our players, It’s back to work for another week. They’re ready to go just like our coaching staff. It’s a week to week season. It’s all about Southern Miss. It’s about getting ready to play in Neyland Stadium for homecoming.”
“We’re disappointed, but not discouraged,” Jones said about Tennessee's 3-5 record. “I understand the expectations of Tennessee football and so do our players. It’s been one of those years.”
“If I was a fan, I’d be upset too. I bleed with them. I also understand we need to win football games and I’m going to do everything in my power to get that done,” Jones said.
Jones is coming off back-to-back 9-4 seasons with the Vols and is 33-26 in his five years in Knoxville. However, Tennessee has never finished about 5-3 in the SEC under Jones.
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Jim Harbaugh won't commit to starting Brandon Peters at quarterback
Redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Peters came off the bench to lead Michigan to a 35-14 win over Rutgers on Saturday, replacing John O'Korn in the first quarter, but head coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't commit to starting Peters on Saturday against Minnesota.
"It’s likely he’ll start,” Harbaugh said Monday at his press conference. “We’ll see. Sometimes I’m not clear. We’re going to try to really build on what Brandon did in the ballgame. We’re going into this game, we’re going to prepare both quarterbacks. Brandon is definitely going to play. The 51 percent would be on the side of him starting.
“Not naming a starter today. We’ll see how the week progresses. Our system is a meritocracy where the best players play. It was time for Brandon to play (against Rutgers). He went in, acquitted himself very well. He will play again this week.”
Peters went 10/14 passing for 124 yards and a touchdown against the Scarlet Knights.
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