Study: Graduation rate for bowl-bound players on rise

A study of bowl-bound FBS schools shows academic progress for all students had continued and the gap between white and AfricanAmerican players on making progress toward graduation has improved in the past year.

The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport found the average graduation success rate for black players at the 80 bowl-eligible schools is 71 percent, up from 68 percent in 2016 and 66 percent two years ago.

The study found the overall player graduation success rate for bowl-bound teams improved from 75 percent last year to 77 percent.

■ Awards: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, Louisville quarterback Lamar

Jackson and Stanford running back Bryce Love were chosen as finalists for the 83rd Heisman Trophy, given to the most outstanding player. It will be awarded Saturday in New York.

■ Oklahoma: A woman filed a protective order against running back Rodney Anderson in Cleveland County Court, with a hearing set for Dec. 18. Anderson has 960 yards rushing and 283 yards receiving and scored 16 touchdowns this season.

■ Washington State: Quarterback Luke

Falk, the all-time Pac-12 leader in touchdown passes, topped Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield to win the Burlsworth Award, given annually to the top player who began his career as a walk-on.

■ Texas: Junior cornerback Holton Hill, who has two interceptions and scored three touchdowns this season, said he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.