In brief: NCAA formally notifies Oregon

College football: Oregon has received formal notice of the NCAA investigation into its program’s use of recruiting services.

The NCAA relayed the official Notice of Inquiry in a telephone call to Oregon president Richard Lariviere this week, the Ducks announced Saturday before Oregon’s game against Missouri State.

The inquiry is the result of reports that surfaced earlier this year concerning payments Oregon made to recruiting services, including a $25,000 payment to Willie Lyles and Houston-based Complete Scouting Services.

When Oregon released some of what it said Lyles had provided for the fee, the material was largely outdated.

The payment came a month after Oregon landed a highly touted recruit from Texas.

“This notice has been anticipated and is simply the next stage of the process,” Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said.

Associated Press

Syracuse, Pitt bids confirmed

Colleges: The Atlantic Coast Conference has received application letters from Pittsburgh and Syracuse to join the league, a move that would leave the Big East scrambling to replace two of its longest tenured members.

Florida State president Eric Barron told The Associated Press on Saturday before the Seminoles played No. 1 Oklahoma that the ACC was excited about adding to its “northern tier.”

“I’m sure consideration will be very fast. I’ll be surprised if it’s not tomorrow (Sunday),” Barron said.

The Big East’s exit fee is $5 million, though universities wanting to leave must provide 27 months’ notice.

Associated Press