From the Associated Press:

A judge granted preliminary approval Monday to the $2.78 billion legal settlement that would transform college sports by allowing schools to pay players.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken released an order setting a timeline for a deal that would put millions of dollars into the pockets of college athletes, who can begin applying for payment on Oct. 18.

A final hearing is set for April 7, 2025, the day that one of college sports’ biggest moneymakers, March Madness, comes to a close with college basketball’s national title game. If finalized, the deal would allow the biggest schools to establish a pool of about $21.5 million in the first year to distribute money to athletes through a revenue-sharing plan. Athletes would still be able to cut name, image and likeness deals with outside groups.

Former college athletes from as far back as 2016 would be able to apply for their share of $2.576 billion set aside to help them recoup money they could’ve made from NIL deals, which weren’t allowed until 2021.

This settlement resolves three major antitrust lawsuits filed against the NCAA, including one spearheaded by Grant House, a former swimmer at Arizona State. Berman’s law firm says the value of new payments and benefits to college athletes is expected to exceed $20 billion over 10 years.

At the halfway point of the season, I dove into how FSU compares statistically with the rest of the country.

The offensive numbers are as bad as you would expect and the defense doesn't come out very favorably either.

Since Bama went down to Vandy on Saturday has anyone heard any comments from Finebaum yet?

I wonder if we do end up going after a new O-line coach, obviously going after a proven coach and a bigger name at the position. . .he could "encourage" some of the O-line for whatever school he is coaching to maybe follow him to his new home. New coach, and immediate talent to come with him. Like we said, the portal will allow teams to go from 12-0 to 0-12 and back to 12-0 again in a blink it seems.