Scott Studwell, Vikings director of college scouting, played for the Vikings when Carroll was a linebackers coach here from 1985 to ’89. They are very close personal friends, and you can bet Studwell knew everything good or bad about Booty before the Vikings drafted him.

UPDATE: Reader Ross reminds us that at least one outlet is more enthusiastic about the success of Trojans in the NFL …

The Dallas Cowboys’ new 80,000-seat stadium in Arlington, Texas might be just the key to unlock the Cotton Bowl’s inclusion in one of college football’s most exclusive clubs: The BCS.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has a special place in his heart for the Cotton Bowl after helping Arkansas win the national championship there in 1965 with a win over Nebraska, hopes the bowl game that has been played since 1937 can join the BCS, according to a published report.

I’ve always been bummed that the Cotton Bowl dropped down in stature after the advent of the BCS—it has much more tradition than the Fiesta. And if they’re adding another BCS game, they’re one step closer to a plus-one. Which would suck for CommishRob, who’s still hoping to go back to the era of split national titles and UPI handing out crowns, but great for everyone else who thinks a semifinal playoff is better than the garbage we have now.

HOUSTON — NFL coaches are returning to the college ranks, and the trend might not be over. UCLA still is looking for a head coach, and it is looking toward the NFL.

Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow is known to be a candidate. Two other possible NFL choices for UCLA would be Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin and Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards. Sources close to UCLA’s situation acknowledge that the decision makers there have debated the merits of Kiffin and Edwards, each of whom has connections to the UCLA job.

Kiffin coached at UCLA’s rival, USC, and knows how Trojans head coach Pete Carroll operates. Edwards has a similar background to Carroll, each having coached the New York Jets and each of whom can be charismatic.

While many have linked former Lions head coach Steve Mariucci to the UCLA job, Kiffin and Edwards are more likely candidates. Each would bring some razzle dazzle to Westwood, and each has major connections to California. It is worth watching them in connection to the UCLA job.

UPDATE: Chow out.

• Chuck Casserly made a smart move for the Texans, who play in the Peyton Manning division; they needed a pass-rush presence and in two years he has figured it out.
• The Saints made a good pick based on the fact that they had Deuce: Reggie works well in space and can catch the ball (see our only offense in 2004 against Va Tech).
• The Titans took the best athlete in the draft (who can’t throw the ball at all) and we didn’t make him beat us that way on 1/4/06.