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Penn St. Beats Florida St. in Three OTs (AP)
 AP - This really was one for the ages. For more than four hours, Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden paced the Orange Bowl sidelines, searching for offense and enduring one missed kick after another. Finally, in the third overtime, at 1 a.m. Wednesday, Kevin Kelly made a 29-yard field goal, giving Paterno and Penn State a 26-23 victory over Bowden's Florida State Seminoles.
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Raiders' 'Just Win' Mantra Dooms Turner (AP)
 AP - Al Davis preaches winning, and for three seasons now the Oakland Raiders have been losing. Norv Turner didn't produce the quick turnaround expected of him in his two seasons as coach of the Raiders, so Davis fired him Tuesday — his third coaching change in five years.
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Novak's 41 Helps Marquette Upset UConn (AP)
 AP - Steve Novak had career highs of 41 points and 16 rebounds and Marquette won its first Big East game with a 94-79 upset of No. 2 Connecticut on Tuesday night.
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Bucs' Williams Wins Offensive Rookie Award (AP)
 AP - Carnell Williams, appropriately enough, ran away with The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
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Crosby Helps Beat His Beloved Canadiens (AP)
 AP - Sidney Crosby scored on Pittsburgh's first shot and finished with two goals Tuesday night, leading the Penguins to a 6-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, the team the 18-year-old star rooted for as a youngster.
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Jags Confident in Leftwich Decision (AP)
AP - Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio acknowledges that starting quarterback Byron Leftwich against the New England Patriots after a six-week layoff is a gamble.
New Coach Promises Big Changes for Sonics (AP)
 AP - New head coach Bob Hill promised big changes for the Seattle SuperSonics.
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Preston Wilson Signs With Astros (AP)
 AP - Hoping to bolster an offense that was one of baseball's worst last season, the Houston Astros agreed Tuesday to a contract with outfielder Preston Wilson that will pay him $4.5 million for one season or $28 million over four years.
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WORLD CUP 2006: World Cup Capsules (AP)
AP - The 32 teams that qualified for the 2006 World Cup finals, listed alphabetically by region (FIFA world rankings in parentheses, odds set by British bookmaker William Hill):
Russia Upsets U.S. in Junior Semifinals (AP)
 AP - Nikolai Kulemin scored two goals and Russia defeated the United States 5-1 Tuesday night to advance to finals of the world junior hockey championships.
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The Rex factor
Rex Grossman is a good enough quarterback to help the Bears' defense bring a championship to Chicago.
Raiders fire coach Norv Turner (AP)
Al Davis demanded an immediate turnaround for his once-proud franchise, and he's searching yet again for the coach to deliver it. Davis fired coach Norv Turner after two losing seasons in which the Oakland Raiders managed just one victory against their division, leaving Davis to look for his third head coach in five years.
'Cadillac' is Offensive Rookie of the Year (AP)
Carnell Williams, appropriately enough, ran away with The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Tampa Bay running back nicknamed "Cadillac" was the sleek, fast and powerful model the Buccaneers needed to spark their offense. He became a starter immediately, rushed for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns, and was the catalyst in the Buccaneers' turnaround from also-ran to NFC South...
Martz ready to coach again (AP)
Mike Martz is eager to coach again, especially after missing the last 11 games of the season with a heart ailment. He's still coming to grips with not coaching the St. Louis Rams anymore, he told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday. "I felt like I could ride this one into the sunset," Martz said, a day after he was fired after five-plus seasons.
Bucs' Simms eager to get started (AP)
Chris Simms sounded as relaxed as he looked. Tampa Bay's young quarterback will make his first NFL playoff start when the Buccaneers host the Washington Redskins on Saturday. The son of former New York Giants star Phil Simms is determined to not get caught up in the hype. "I think everybody is going to be a little more attentive this week, as far as concentration.
Jags confident in Leftwich decision (AP)
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio acknowledges that starting quarterback Byron Leftwich against the New England Patriots after a six-week layoff is a gamble. He also likes the odds. Del Rio said he has no second thoughts about returning Leftwich to the lineup Saturday night against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.
Steelers hope experience is an advantage (AP)
The Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest advantage in their AFC playoff game against Cincinnati is obvious. The number of Steelers who have appeared in a playoff game for Pittsburgh: 40. The number of Bengals who have appeared in a playoff game for Cincinnati: 0. On Tuesday, Steelers coach Bill Cowher wasn't willing to claim his team's experience as a major edge in its first road playoff game since a...
Browns president resigns, GM stays (AP)
John Collins joined the Cleveland Browns from the NFL office with the reputation of being a strong negotiator in the boardroom. Less than two years later, he left without saying a word. Collins resigned Tuesday as the club's president, ending a late-season power struggle in Cleveland's front office that outraged already disgusted Browns fans and nearly led to the firing of general manager Phil...
Former Steeler Swann to run for governor (AP)
Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star and veteran football commentator for ABC Sports, is expected to declare his candidacy for Pennsylvania governor Wednesday. Swann planned to open a three-day tour of the state at a rally in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night, before flying to similar events in six other cities -- Erie, Altoona and Scranton on Thursday, and Philadelphia, Allentown and...
Gregg Williams stays with Redskins (AP)
Washington Redskins assistant Gregg Williams signed a three-year contract Tuesday to remain with the team, a move that solidifies his status as the heir apparent to coach Joe Gibbs. Williams had been considered a top prospect for several vacant NFL head coaching positions, but his family is happily settled in the Washington area, and owner Dan Snyder has the deep pockets to assure that Williams...
Nothing but Nets
Behind the hot shooting of Richard Jefferson, New Jersey has scored a spot in the rankings' top 10.
SuperSonics fire coach Bob Weiss (AP)
Bob Hill promised big changes for the Seattle SuperSonics. That means a quicker pace, improvement on defense and, above all, a shakeup in the rotation. "I'm firm, but fair," said Hill, who replaced the fired Bob Weiss as Seattle coach on Tuesday. "I think one of my weaknesses is I'll harbor my feelings for a while and then all at once ...
Billups' 37 lead Pistons past Magic (AP)
Chauncey Billups doesn't want to talk about his credentials for the All-Star game, much less the NBA's MVP. But because of nights like Tuesday, he has plenty of people willing to do it for him. Billups scored a career-high 37 points and Richard Hamilton added 25 as the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 108-99.
76ers snap 9-game skid against Kings (AP)
Chris Webber now has another good memory from Sacramento. Webber had 20 points and 16 rebounds against his former team, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Kings 111-98 Tuesday night. It was Webber's second game in Sacramento since being traded by the Kings last February. He is still fondly remembered, evidenced by the standing ovation he received from the Arco Arena crowd when introduced.
Nowitzki, Terry lift Mavs over Blazers (AP)
Though far from perfect, the Dallas Mavericks were still good enough down the stretch to beat the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry scored 22 points apiece, and they hit 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions during a key stretch of the fourth quarter in Dallas' 95-81 victory Tuesday night.
Kobe-less Lakers drop fifth in a row (AP)
Without having to worry about Kobe Bryant, Andrei Kirilenko seemed to be guarding the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers all by himself. Kirilenko finished with seven blocks and six steals to go with his 14 points, eight rebounds and nine assists Tuesday night in the Utah Jazz's 90-80 victory over the Lakers.
McGrady helps Rockets end five-game skid (AP)
The Houston Rockets broke a five-game losing streak with their best offensive game of the season, setting numerous season highs. That seems to be the latest trend when facing the Washington Wizards. Tracy McGrady matched his season high with 38 points. Juwan Howard scored a season-high 24. Rafer Alston had season highs with 17 points and 10 assists.
Grizzlies' Stoudamire out for season (AP)
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Damon Stoudamire had surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will miss the rest of the season. Stoudamire ruptured his right patellar tendon on a drive to the basket in the Grizzlies' 93-90 victory at Portland on Dec. 30. The team said there is no timetable for his return, but the 1995-96 Rookie of the Year will spend the rest of this season rehabilitating the injury.
Jones, Grizzlies win fourth straight (AP)
Bobby Jackson realizes the Memphis Grizzlies are his team to run now. On a day when starting point guard Damon Stoudamire had season-ending knee surgery and shooting guard Mike Miller sat out his second game with a sprained left ankle, the Grizzlies built an early lead Tuesday night and beat the Golden State Warriors 104-94.
Raptors win third straight, beat Hawks (AP)
Sam Mitchell sees improved play from his Toronto Raptors -- particularly when they play the Atlanta Hawks. Mike James scored 28 points and sparked Toronto's fourth-quarter comeback in the Raptors' 108-97 victory over the Hawks on Tuesday night. The win gave Toronto its first three-game winning streak of the season and five wins in its last seven games.
Power rankings
An explosive week returns Ottawa to the top spot in the year-end Yahoo! Sports NHL Power Rankings.
Crosby scores twice, Pens beat Canadiens (AP)
Sidney Crosby waited until the end of his first game in Montreal to savor playing and starring in the home of his once-beloved Canadiens. Crosby scored on Pittsburgh's first shot and finished with two goals Tuesday night, leading the Penguins to a 6-4 victory over Montreal, the team the 18-year-old star rooted for as a youngster.
Prospal, Lightning top Rangers in OT (AP)
Vaclav Prospal gave John Grahame all the help he needed. Prospal jammed the puck past Henrik Lundqvist at 3:47 of overtime, and Grahame made 36 saves for his second shutout of the season in the Tampa Bay Lightning's 1-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. "It's huge," Grahame said. "It was just a great team effort.
Gionta scores two, Devils blank Panthers (AP)
Patrik Elias' presence alone would have given the New Jersey Devils a lift after he'd missed several months with an illness. The high-scoring left winger made sure his long-awaited debut also resulted in a win. Elias assisted on one of Brian Gionta's two goals to help the Devils defeat the Florida Panthers 3-0 Tuesday night.
Roloson, Wild end Wings' winning streak (AP)
Minnesota goalie Dwayne Roloson hasn't felt well for the past three or four games, but you wouldn't have known it by the way he played against Detroit. Roloson stopped 43 shots and held off a late rally and Brian Rolston had a goal and an assist to lift the Wild to a 4-2 win over the Red Wings on Tuesday night.
Aebischer, Avs shut out sliding Preds (AP)
The Colorado Avalanche enjoyed a night of rarities at the Pepsi Center: goals from Bob Boughner and Brett Clark and chants of "Abby! Abby!" for the first time in more than a month. Scuffling goalie David Aebischer snapped a personal four-game losing streak in Colorado's 3-0 win over Nashville on Tuesday night.
Oilers hand Hawks eighth loss in a row (AP)
Edmonton goalie Ty Conklin was thrilled to get a shutout. Conklin stopped 23 shots and Fernando Pisani scored twice, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-0 victory over the reeling Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. "It's always nice for everybody to get a shutout, not just the goalie," said Conklin. "It was a strong effort right from the get-go.
Thrashers rip Sens in Heatley's return (AP)
Dany Heatley expected a warm reception from Atlanta fans in his first game against his former team. He didn't get it. With the fans booing Heatley's every move, Vyacheslav Kozlov had three goals and an assist and Marian Hossa -- acquired from Ottawa for Heatley in late August -- added two goals and an assist Monday in the Thrashers' 8-3 victory over the Senators.
Blue Jackets put D Foote on injured list (AP)
The Columbus Blue Jackets placed defenseman Adam Foote on injured reserve Tuesday with a hip injury. The team captain was placed on the injured reserve list retroactive to Dec. 28, when he was hurt in a 1-0 win against Anaheim. Foote, who tussled with Ducks' center Zenon Konopka during the game, is eligible to be activated Thursday.
Kings tie it late, beat Stars in OT (AP)
Just when the Dallas Stars were feeling safe with the lead and mere seconds left, the Los Angeles Kings spoiled everything. Mattias Norstrom scored a power-play goal in overtime, giving the Kings a 3-2 victory in a matchup of the Pacific Division's top teams Monday night. Trailing 2-0, the Kings stunned the Stars on power-play goals by Lubomir Visnovsky with 1 second left in the second period and...
Offseason capsules: T. Labonte, R. Gordon, Hamilton Jr.
Yahoo! Sports breaks down the '06 Cup field as the season-opening Daytona 500 approaches.
Sainz wins Dakar Rally stage to retake overall lead (AP)
Spaniard Carlos Sainz sped to his third stage victory in four tries in the Dakar Rally and regained the overall lead Tuesday. The Volkswagen driver was timed in 3 hours, 52 minutes, 48 seconds for the 240-mile stage between Er Rachidia and Ouarzazate. Thierry Magnaldi of France was 2 minutes behind, and compatriot Luc Alphand 3:10 back.
NASCAR drivers in a unique challenge -- piloting a bobsled (AP)
When NASCAR ace Ken Schrader was a kid, his father decided to make him a race car driver. Nearly a half-century later, Schrader will be in a bobsled to raise money for the Olympic-bound U.S. men's and women's teams. Schrader's father took an old truck axle, imbedded it vertically in concrete and strung a cable to little Kenny's go-kart.
Auto Racing 2005: Stewart grows up amid youth movement (SportsTicker)
MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - In a season where youth was not only served it was showcased, Tony Stewart topped the auto racing headlines by simply growing up.
NASCAR to restructure regional tours in 2007 (SportsTicker)
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Ticker) - NASCAR announced Wednesday that it will restructure its regional touring series divisions beginning in 2007.
Legge completes Champ Car test (AP)
Katherine Legge spent two days this week testing a Champ Car to see if she's ready to become the first female driver in the open-wheel series. The 25-year-old Legge ran a total of 238 laps for PKV Racing on the road course in Sebring, Fla. It was just the second time in a Champ car for the British racer, who ran 70 laps at Sebring in a test for Rocketsports Racing on Dec.
Kyle Busch to run full season in NASCAR Busch Series in 2006 (SportsTicker)
CONCORD, North Carolina (Ticker) - Despite making a splash in his first season on NASCAR's premier series, Kyle Busch has some unfinished business in the Busch Series.
Judge: Speedway lawsuit against NASCAR will stay in Kentucky (AP)
A federal judge has ruled that Kentucky Speedway's $400 million antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR will be heard in Kentucky and not moved to a Florida court.
Talladega Superspeedway to get first repaving since 1979 (AP)
Talladega Superspeedway will be repaved next year, the first time since 1979, and several drivers say they're looking forward to a smoother ride.
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