Meandering through the maize (and blue): Jim Tressel's run in Columbus nearing an end?

Now comes speculation from the Columbus Dispatch's Ken Gordon that Tressel may not be a lifer at Ohio State. That's good news for the folks at Schembechler Hall, even if I don't totally buy it.

Tressel's 56, a coaching lifer, and he just restructured a contract that runs through the 2012 season. Like Gordon, I don't see Tressel pulling a Joe Pa, but I don't see him walking away when things are this good, either.

Here's what else is catching my eye this morning:

• Pete Carroll is the highest-paid coach in America at $4.4 million. Tressel tops the Big Ten at $3.5 million, while Rich Rod is third in conference and tied for 12th overall at $2.5 mil, or just over 800 large per victory. Here's the entire list courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel.

• Michigan State running back Glenn Winston will be out of the clink soon after serving 180 days for his role in an off-campus fight. Can't wait to hear the welcome opposing fans have in store for him this year.

• Here's the audio of Hawaii coach Greg McMackin slurring a dance some Notre Dame football players did at WAC media day. McMackin later apologized.

My question is, who were the reporters laughing at McMackin's comments one minute then grilling him the next? Can't have it both ways, fellas.

• Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg says Michigan fans need to have "time and patience" while Rich Rodriguez gets his players in place. Also within the piece, Newberg says Minnesota is the team to beat for No. 1 offensive line prospect Seantrel Henderson.

• Finally, a quick thought on Michigan's decision to schedule UConn for the 2010 opener. Ehh. A game against Virginia, who's also looking for 2010 opener, would have been much more appealing. On the bright side, though, at least it's not Duke, who the Wizard of Odds reminds us might just be the worst program of all time.