Lane Kiffin is Mr. Personality, Michigan could be a surprise and more

Southern California football coach Lane Kiffin, left, and quarterback Matt Barkley speak to reporters during the Pac-10 Football Media Day at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif, on Thursday, July 29, 2010. Oregon has been picked to win the Pac-10 in the preseason media poll, edging longtime favorite Southern California by three points. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Lane Kiffin has been called a lot of things by a lot of people.

But Los Angeles Times columnist T.J. Simers may be the first to come out and openly refer to the new USC football coach as funny and genuine. That was Simers' portrayal of the embattled coach, whose sunny demeanor at Pac 10 media day Thursday was a welcome surprise.

Whether that lasts into the Trojans first season of not being bowl eligible is yet to be seen, Simers writes.

No matter how much of a happy spin as Kiffin to put on his new digs in L.A., the NCAA sanctions are bound to take their toll on the Trojans.

Still, Kiffin appeared to be Mr. Personality until the topic of being sued by the NFL's Tennessee Titans came up. Kiffin says he felt stung by the lawsuit, which was brought by another coach with Trojan Ties - Jeff Fisher.

Here's the rest of your links for a Friday.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

AnnArbor.com: The Big Ten getting bigger will be on the agenda when the league's coaches meet in Chicago next week.
Detroit Free Press: Former Michigan State coach George Perles thinks Michigan may surprise some folks this year.
Philly.com: Former Michigan star Brandon Graham inks a 5-year deal with the Eagles.
Los Angeles Times: Stanford coach and former U-M quarterback Jim Harbaugh had 'em rolling in the aisles at media day.
San Antonio Express News: After staying put, Texas A&M is holding the Big 12 to its $20 million promise.