The Montgomery Advertiser from Montgomery, Alabama • 18

2C AUTO RACING Thursday. November 20. 2003 Montgomery Advertiser 2003 Rookie class doesn't live up to billing RAYB.tSTOS BRAKES CO" ULATES XjE ROOKIE fVHE YEAR By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. By recent standards, Jamie McMur-ray doesn't have much to brag about Sure, he won the Rookie of the Year title, but he did it without a single trip to Victory Lane. After four straight years of stellar rookie classes, the 2003 version never lived up to the hype.

This class had to follow Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman. All four won races their first seasons en route to the rookie title, and all but Kenseth finished in the top 10 in points at the end of their inaugural year. Although McMurray beat Greg Bifile for rookie honors this year, his overall numbers fell short of the standards set before him. He had one pole in last weekend's season finale five top fives, 13 top 10s and ended up 13th in the point standings. "I think our season has been OK," McMurray said.

"We definitely wanted to win a race before the season was over. We put ourselves in position to win, and that's all you can do. When it's your day, it's your day." There were very few stellar days for the 2003 rookie class. Only McMurray and Casey Mears, his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, qualified for all 36 races. Biffie was the only member to win a race when he caught a break with fuel strategy at Daytona in July.

Larry Foyt failed to qualify for several races and missed a handful of others with injury. Tony Raines didn't have the sponsorship to compete regularly the entire season, and Jack Sprague didn't make it to the end of the year. It was very different from years past, when Stewart set a rookie record with three victories in 1999, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenseth battled in 2000 and Harvick won two events in 2001. Then there was last season, when Newman and Jimmie Johnson dueled to the end.

Newman ended up with the rookie title in a finish that the award sponsor admitted was difficult giving to just one of them. With the pressure now on rookies to race more like savvy veterans and compete for victories every week, it's easy to call this class a disappointment "You're never going to make everybody happy," McMurray said. "Nobody is going to win without a front-line car and a front-line team. All the cars that win are the best race cars, that's for sure. Nobody gets in an average car and wins in Winston Cup.

It's too hard." Chuck Burton AP NASCAR Rookies of the Year (from left) Craftsman Truck Series winner Carl Edwards, Winston Cup Series Jamie McMurray and Busch Series winner David Stremme pose for a photo during a ceremony on Tuesday. SCOREBOARD Dan Plesac, Ihp; Todd Pratt Kelly Shn- nerr, i urn wenoeu, rnp; Mike Williams, rho. Russia 1, Franco 1 Singles Amelle Mouresmo, France, def. Vera Zvonareva, Russia 6-2. 6-2.

READERS SOUND OFF! BASKETBALL AP Top 25 Anostasia Mysklna, Russia, def. Mary PITTSBURGH (6) Pat Meares, 2b; Jeff Reboulet, 2b; Pokey Reese, 2b; Reggie Sanders, of; Matt Stairs, of; Julian Tavarez, rhp. ST. LOUIS (16) Miguel Cairo, 2b; Chris -OiZI, carpenter, rnp; wine uejean, mp; lai blared, rhp; Jeff Fassero, Ihp; Joe Glrardl. Sterling Hitchcock, rhp; Steve Kline, Ihp; Lance Painter, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of; The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' men's college basketball poll, with first-place votes In parentheses, records Through Nov.

16, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25rh-ptoce vote and previous BASEBALL Major League free agent signings eouaroo a. rerez, or: kuss springer, mp; Garrett Stephenson, rhp; Brett Tomko, rhp; i-ernonao Vina. ZD; inris wiager, SAN DIEGO 111 Rod Beck. rho. Just call 240-9255.

and in a few sentences, let us have it. All responses, must include name and phone number for verification. Responses will be printed on Sunday. Or write: The Advertiser, 425 Molton Montgomery, AL 36104; fax (334)261-1548. SAN FRANCISCO (11) Rich Aurilla, ss; Marvin Benard, of; Jose Cruz of Andres Galarraga, lb; Jeffrey Hammonds, NEW YORK The eight free ogents who have signed, with name, position, former club If different, and contract.

The contract Information was obtained by The Associated Press from player and management rhp; Benito Sontiogo, J.f Snow, lb; Tim warren, mp; trie oung, ZD. HOCKEY NHL standings EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division ranking: I.Connecticut (69) IDukeO) 3. Michigan St. (1) 4. Arizona 5.

Missouri 6. Kansas (1) 7. Syracuse 8. Florida 9. North Carolina 10.

Kentucky 11. Texas 12. Illinois 13. Saint Joseph's 14. Oklahoma 15.

Wisconsin 16. Gonzoga 17. Louisville 18. Cincinnati 19. Wake Forest 20.

Stanford 21. Notre Dame 22. Pittsburgh 23. Morquette 24. N.C.

State 25. Oklahoma St. Record Pts Pvs 0-0 1,796 1 0-0 1,677 2 0-0 1,623 3 0-0 1,494 4 0-0 1,438 5 0-0 1,414 6 0-0 1,334 7 0-0 1,217 8 04 1,172 9 0-0 1,115 11 0-0 1,100 12 0- 0 946 13 1- 0 865 17 0-0 862 14 0-0 719 15 0-1 714 10 0-0 615 16 0- 0 538 18 1- 0 528 20 0-0 521 19 0- 0 427 21 1- 0 348 22 1-0 226 23 0-0 118 24 0-0 102 25 Today's sports sources: AMERICAN LEAGUE BOSTON (I) Re-signed Mike Timlin, rhp, to a S2.75 million, one-year contract. SEATTLE (1) Signed Roul Ibanez, of, Kansas City, to a $13.25 million, three-year controct. TEXAS (1) Signed Andy Fox, Inf, Florida, to a minor league controct.

TORONTO (1) Signed Pat Hentgen, rhp, Baltimore, to a S2.2 million, one-year contract. NATIONALLEAGUE HOUSTON (3) Re-signed Dan Mlcell, rhp, to a $600 000, one-year controct; resigned Jose Vizcaino, ss, to a S1.2 million, one-year contract; reO-signed Brad Aumus, to a 54 million, two-year contract. LOS ANGELES (1) Re-signed Tom Martin, Ihp, to a $3.3 million, two-year contract, i I OL Pts GF GA Philadelphia 10 2 4 1 25 54 33 New Jersey 10 3 4 0 24 44 29 N.Y. Islanders 9 6 2 0 20 55 41 N.Y. Rangers 6 6 4 2 18 44 46 Pittsburgh 4 10 3 0 11 33 64 nortneast Division I OL PtS GF GA 26 51 Boston 10 2 3 3 Toronto 7 5 5 2 Buffalo 8 8 2 1 21 45 53 19 40 52 Others receiving votes: Maryland 64, Xa- 44 37 Montreal 8 9 1 1 18 39 Ottawa 7 6 2 1 17 50 Southeast Division OL Pts GF GA Atlonta 9 7 3 1 22 58 56 TompaBay 9 2 2 1 21 42 26 Carolina 5 7 6 0 16 40 42 Florida 7 11 2 0 16 42 53 44 54 wasningron 3 Ml WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division OL Pts OF GA 11 5 0 1 23 46 39 vv, uniiwiiiu gi, vji 1 31.

39, Utah 30, BYU 23, Arizona St. 15, Auburn 15, LSU 14, Providence 13, UCLA 13, Colorado 12, Mississippi St. 8, Southern Cal 8, Alabama 7, Purdue 7, Michigan 6, Butler 5, Manhattan 5, Temple 5, Georgia 3, N. Illinois 3 Nevada 3, Wichita St. 3, Arkansas 2, 2, Vermont 2, Dayton 1, Indiana I.SetonHolll.

AP Women's Top 25 The top 25 teams In The Associated Press' women's college basketball poll, with first-place votes In parentheses, records through Nov. 16, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-pkxe vote and previous ranking: 22 60 47 St. Louis Detroit Chicago Nashville Columbus 10 7 2 0 6 8 4 2 7 9 10 3 10 1 1 lo 38 56 15 42 47 13 36 51 Northwest Division OL PtS Gr uA II 4 2 2 26 6 2 41 24 58 20 55 Vancouver Colorado Edmonton Minnesota Calgary 53 19 11 1 1 9 7 2 0 ,,1830 7 8 0 2 Pacific Division 46 43 16 35 42 Remaining MLB free agents NEW YORK The 202 remaining tree ogents: AMERICAN LEAGUE ANAHEIM (2) Erk Owens of) Scott Spiezk) lb. BALTIMORE (8) Tony Batista, 3b; Albert Belle, of; Hector Carrasco, rhp: Deivl Cruz, ss; Scott Erickson, rhp; Brook For-dyce, Kerry Llgtenberg, rhp; B.J. Sur-hoff, dh.

BOSTON (7) John Burkett, rhp; Bill Ho-selman, Todd Jones, rhp; Dave McCarty, of; Robert Person, rhp; Jeff Suppan, rhp; Todd Walker, 2b. CHICAGO (7) Roberto Alomar, 2b: Sandy Alomar, Bartok) Colon, rhp; Carl Everett, of; Tom Gordon, rhp; Tony Graffa-nino, ss; Scott Sullivan, rhp. CLEVELAND (4) Jason Bere, rhp; Ellis Burks, on: Terry Mulhoiland, Ihp; Marti DETROIT (3) Shane Halter, 3b; Dean Palmer, dh; Matt Walbeck, KANSAS CITY (14) Brian Anderson, Ihp; Kevin Appier, rhp; Mike DIFellce, Jason Grlmslev. rho: Curtis Leskanic, rho: ON THE AIR COLLEGE FOOTBALL TCU at Southern Mississippi, ESPN, 6:30 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour, The Presidents Cup, first round, at George, South Africa (same-day tape), TNT, noon LPGA ADT Championship, first round, at West Palm Beach, ESPN, 2 p.m.

NBA San Antonio at Dallas, TNT, 6:30 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix, TNT, 9 p.m. NHL Detroit at Columbus, ESPN2, 6:30 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Colorado, ESPN2, 9 p.m.

RADIO TALK SHOWS SportsLine with John Longshore and Barry McKnight, WMSP-AM 740, 6 a.m. The Wake-Up Call with Michael Butler and Mike Segrest, WTLS-AM 1300, WIQR-AM 1410, 6:30 a.m. Jim Fyffe's MorningLine, with Doug Amos and guest host, WACV-AM 1170,7 a.m. Murray in the Morning, WIQR-AM 1410, 8 a.m. The Tony Kornheiser Show, WMSP-AM 740, 9 a.m.

James Brown, WIQR-AM 1410, 9 a.m. The Jungle with Jim Rome, WMSP-AM 740, 11 a.m. Peter Brown, WIQR-AM 1410, 11 a.m. The Dan Patrick Show, WMSP-AM 740, 2 p.m. Tirrj Brando, WIQR-AM 1410, 2 p.m.

The Paul Finebaum Radio Network, WMSP-AM 740, WTLS-AM 1300, 3p.m. SportsCall, WQNR-FM 99.9, WAUD-AM 1230, 4 p.m. Record 1. Connecticut (461 Ol PtS GF GA 0-0 6 1 1 20 47 38 20 42 51 Los Angeles Anaheim, Phoenix Dallas 18 47 55 7 2 4 6 5 1 9 3 0 6 8 2 1 43 53 16 45 54 San Jose Two points for a win, one point for a tie and 2. Texas 3.

Tennessee 4. Duke 5. Purdue 6. Stanford 7. Texas Tech 8.

Kansas St. A 9. Penn St. 10. Georgia 11.

Louisiana Tech 12. LSU 13. Minnesota 14. North Carolina 15. Rutgers 16.

Colorado 16. Ohio St. 18. UC Santa Barbara 19. Utah Sports briefing NFL Injury holds Vick out of practice Michael Vick had a setback Wednesday in his attempt to return to the lineup this weekend.

An Atlanta Falcons teammate stepped on the quarterback's right ankle in a walkthrough. Vick, out since fracturing his right leg in a preseason game Aug. 16, was unable to participate in team drills during the two-hour afternoon practice. According to team orthopedist Andrew Bishop and trainer Ron Medlin, Vick did not sustain further damage to his right foot. They added that Vick rolled his ankle after taking a snap and trying to step to his right as his foot was caught.

Vick worked with the scout team for three days last week and hoped to take some snaps this week with the first-team offense. The Falcons (2-8) have lost eight of their last nine. They play Sunday against Tennessee (8-2). Coach Dan Reeves selected Doug Johnson to replace Kurt Kittner as the starting quarterback. Johnson and Kittner have combined for 16 interceptions, tied with Detroit for most in the NFL.

Steve Spurrier not calling plays? That sure didn't last long. The coach said Wednesday he will resume the role as primary play-caller after letting Redskins offensive coordinator Hue Jackson give it a try for the last two games. "I just need to get more involved," Spurrier said. "I sort of stepped back a little bit and watched it a while. Hue's done an excellent job, but I need to be talking to the quarterback.

Hue will still be very, very involved in the play-calling, and together we'll get it done." Spurrier said Jackson will probably stay on the sideline and offer more direct input on the play-calling, rather than return to the upstairs coaches' box. BASEBALL Red Sox owner meets with Francona Former Phillies manager Terry Francona was back in Boston for another round of interviews on Wednesday, a day after he met with Red Sox owner John Henry about the vacant Red Sox managerial job. Los Angeles Dodgers coach Glenn Hoffman and Anaheim Angels bench coach Joe Maddon have also been interviewed for the chance to succeed Grady Little, who was let go at the end of the season. The Red Sox initially said they hoped to complete the search by the end of November, but later said they would try to finish before baseball's winter meetings begin Dee. 12 in New Orleans.

Milton Bradley agreed to terms Wednesday on a contract for 2004 with the Cleveland Indians, who avoided going to salary arbitration with the temperamental outfielder. Bradley batted .321 with 10 homers and 56 RBIs last season, but he missed the final six weeks with a lower back injury. He led the Indians with 17 steals despite missing 61 games with injuries. Bradley opened last season with a 14-game hitting streak, and at the All-Star break he was among the AL's leaders in batting average, walks, doubles and steals. Catcher Brad Ausmus decided to stay with the Houston Astros, agreeing Wednesday to a $4 million, two-year contract.

Ausmus, a two-time Gold Glove winner, hit .229 with four home runs and 47 RBIs for the Astros last season. He finished second among major league catchers with a .997 fielding percentage. NBA Bryant defense ridicules request Kobe Bryant's defense team ridiculed the prosecution's request for an investigation of media leaks Wednesday, saying even the judge in the Oklahoma City bombing trial considered such a probe a waste of time. Prosecutors, meanwhile, asked the judge to begin sealing certain evidence-related requests by attorneys in the sexual assault case against the NBA star. They contend such details could influence the jury pool.

The court filings are the latest salvo in what legal experts expect to be a sharp fight as attorneys try to determine what evidence will be admitted at Bryant's trial. Judge Terry Ruckriegle has scheduled hearings Dec. 19 and Jan. 23 to discuss requests by both sides, and he could make decisions then about the evidence. COLLEGE BASKETBALL Pts Pv 1,150 1 1,096 3 1,009 4 997 2 936 7 860 6 827 10 826 5 808 8 666 11 649 12 639 9 606 13 559 14 454 16 376 20 376 17 374 18 341 19 331 15 234 21 170 23 123 24 113 1-0 o-o 0- 1 1- 0 0-0 2- 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0- 0 1- 1 0-0 0-0 2-0 2- 0 0- 0 1- 0 1-0 1- 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 2- 0 Alan Levlne, rhp; Jose Lima, rhp; Graeme Lloyd, Ihp; Brent Mayne, Tom Prince, Joe Randa, 3b; Michael Tucker, of; Rondell White, of; Jamey Wright, rhp.

MINNESOTA (8) Chris Gomez, 2b; Eddie Guardodo, Ihp; LaTroy Hawkins, rhp; Denny Hocking, 2b; Jesse Orosco, Ihp; Rick Reed, rhp: Kenny Rogers, Ihp; Shannon Stewart, or. 20. Notre Dame 21. Oklahoma 22. Arizona 23.

TCU 24. Oregon 25. Aubum 1-1 93 22 NEW YORK (9) Roger Clemens, rho; John Flaherty, Felix Heredla, Ihp; Jeff, MalCAn rhn- AntnnlA rteunn riw Anfc, VVVf MIIIC MM. Wednesday's results Atlonta 5, Boston 4, OT Minnesota 6, Pittsburgh 2 Detroit 5, Columbus 1 New Jersey 4, Buffalo 1 N.Y. Islanders 4.

Florida 1 Anaheim 3. Dallas 3, tie Phoenix 5, St. Louis 4 Los Angeles 3, Nashville 0 Today's games Washington at Boston, 6 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Tampa Bay, 6 p.m.

Carolina at Ottawa, 6:30 p.m. Detroit at Columbus, 6:30 p.m. Minnesota at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m. Toronto at Edmonton. 8 p.m.

Montreal at Calgary, p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Colorado, 9 p.m. Chicago at Vancouver, 9 p.m. ETC, Personnel changes BASEBALL American Leagut CLEVELAND INOIANS-Agreed to terms with OF Milton Brodlev on a one-year controct.

Named Loonie Sotoff train-er. DETROIT TIGERS Named Lou Whitak-tr spring training instructor. OAKLAND ATHLE TICS Claimed LHP Warto Ramos off waivers from the Texas Rangers. SEATTLE MARINERS Aoreed In term title, Ihp; Ruben Sierra, dd; David Wells, Others receiving votes: Virginia 90, George Washington 57, Vanderblrt 42, DePaul 23, Boston College 22, Michigan St. 17, Baylor 14, Virginia Tech 12.

Vlllanova 10, Cincinnati 9, Washington 7, SW Missouri St. 5, I milcullU A Tu.nl. A QVI I 1 UmI vjuue vvniic, inp. OAKLAND (5) Keith Foulke, rhp; Jose Guillen, of; Ricardo Rincon, Ihp; Steve Sparks, rhp; Miguel Telada, ss. Southern Sports Tonight, WIQR-AM 1410, 5 p.m.

ESPN GameNight, WMSP-AM 740, 8 p.m. VRick Ballou, WIQR-AM 1410, 9 p.m. Pat Borders, Mike Cameron, of; Shfgeto-shi Hasegawa, rhp; John Mabry, of; Mark McLemore, ss; Arthur Rhodes, Ihp; Rey Sanchez, ss. TAMPA BAY 5) Ben Gr eve. dh: Tra vis Lee, lb; Al Martin, dh; Rey Ordonez, ss; Terry Shumpert, dh.

TEXAS (4) Juan Gonzalez, of: Rafael USA TodayESPN Top 25 poll The top 25 teams In the USA Today-ESPN college football poli, with first-place votes In parentheses, team's records through Nov. 15, points based on 25 points for a first-place vote, through one point for a 25th-place vote and last week's ranking: Record Pts Pvs Palmeiro, dh; John Thomson, rhp; Ismoel TORONTO (31 Mike Bordldi. Kel. vim Escobar, rhp; Cory Lidle, rhp. with OF Raul Ibanez on a three-year controct.

TEXAS RANGERS Sent INF Jason Hart outright to Oklahoma of the PCX. NATIONAL LEAGUE API70MA fAk rnrln Orm Ik. UL 11-0 I.Oklahoma (63) 2. Southern California national League ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Named Tonv Perezchlca manooer and Jeff Piro 3. LSU 4.

Ohio State guel Batista, rhp; Mark Grace, lb; Nelix Jose, of; Raul Mondesi, of; Mike Myers, Ihp. ATLANTA (11) Darren Bragg, of; Vln-ny Costilla, 3b; Julio Franco, lb; Matt Franco, lb; Roberto Hernandez, rhp; Darren Holmes; Jaw Lopez, Greg Moddux, rhp; Kent Mercker, Ihp; Shane Reynolds, rhp; 1,575 1,506 1,428 1,389 1,311 1,202 1,145 1,094 1.034 Arizona St. 2, Arkansas 2, Crelghton 2, N.C-Wllmlngton 2, New Mexico 2, Saint Joseph's 2, Montana 1, Pittsburgh 1, W. Michigan 1. College scores Men SOUTH Mount Olive 77, St.

Paul's 71 EAST Bloomsburg 70, 65 Charleston, W. Va 84, Lock Haven 58 MIDWEST Ala-Huntsvllle 81, Oakland City 64 TOURNAMENT Preseason NIT Quarterfinals Connecticut 93, Nevoda 79 EXHIBITION Detroit Mercy 65, Rochester, Mich. 41 Women SOUTH Ala-Huntsvllle 53, Ouachita 49 Fla. Gulf Coast 91, Puerto Rico-Maya-guez 32 Llndsey Wilson 86, Berea 61 S.C-Spartanburg 84, Pfelffer 62 EAST Holy Family 67, West Chester 61 Mansfield 70, Lock Haven 61 Southampton 55, Bryant 52 MIDWEST Cardinal Strltch 83, Purdue-Calumet 51 Cornerstone 83, St. Francis, Ind.

72 Midland Lutheran 78, Peru St. 48 TOURNAMENT Preseason NIT Semifinals Rutgers 65, Michigan 50 NBA standings EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division pitching coach for South Bend of the Midwest League. CHICAGO CUBS-Purchosed the contracts to INF Ronny Cede no. INF Jason Dubois, INF Brendan Harris, LHP Renyel Pinto and LHP Carlos Vasquez. FLORIDA MARLINS Activated RHP A.J.

Burnett, RHP Tim Spooneybarger, RHP Toby Borland and LHP Armando Al-manza from the 60-day disabled list. HOUSTON ASTROS-Aoreed to terms with Brad Ausmus on a two-year controct. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES-Purchased the contracts of IB Ryan Howard and RHP Elizardo Ramirez from Clearwater of the 9-1 9-1 10-1 9-2 8- 2 9- 2 9- 2 10- 0 9-2 8-2 8-2 8-2 8-3 8-2 8-3 8- 3 9- 3 9-1 9-1 9-3 7- 3 8- 3 5. Michigan 6. Georgia 7.

Texas 8. Washington State 9. TCU 10. Florida State 11. Tennessee 11 Virginia Tech 13.

Miami (Fla) 14. Florida 15. Mississippi 16. Purdue 17. Iowa 18.

Kansas State 19. Miami (Ohio) 20. Boise State 21. Minnesota 21. Pittsburgh 23.

Nebraska 24. Oklahoma State 967 11 936 13 883 12 864 14 695 18 659 19 632 10 595 20 409 25 400 24 382 23 245 17 245 16 228 1 5 FOOTBALL NFL standings AMERICAN CONFERENCE East Pet PF PA New England 8 2 0 .800 196 1SS Miami 6 4 0 .400 177 147 Buffalo 4 6 0 .400 159 170 N.Y.Jetl 3 7 0 JO0 197 211 South Pet Pf PA Indianapolis 8 2 0 .800 292 202 Tennessee 8 2 0 .800 265 177 Houston 4 6 0 .400 174 254 Jacksonville 2 8 0 .200 175 241 North I Pet PF PA Baltimore 5 5 0 .500 212 191 Cincinnati 5 5 0 .500 210 219 Cleveland 4 6 0 .400 179 177 Pittsburgh 3 7 0 .300 190 247 West Pet PF PA Kansas City 9 1 0 .900 306 174 Denver 6 4 0 .600 247 179 Oakland 3 7 0 .300 190 229 San Diego 2 8 0 200 182 280 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East Pet PF PA Dallas 7 3 0 .700 181 148 Philadelphia 7 3 0 .700 187 176 N.Y. Giants 4 6 0 .400 182 223 Washington 4 6 0 .400 193 232 South Pet PF PA Carolina 8 2 0 .800 198 180 New Orleans 5 5 0 .500 212 225 Tampa Bay 4 6 0 .400 201 161 Atlanta 2 8 0 .200 177 273 North Pet PF PA Minnesota 6 4 0 .600 269 233 Green Bay 5 5 0 .500 264 223 Chicago 3 7 0 .300 172 234 Detroit 3 7 0 .300 166 242 West I Pet PF PA Seattle 7 3 0 .700 248 188 St. Louis 7 3 0 .700 269 202 Son Francisco 5 5 0 .500 232 166 Arizona 3 7 0 .300 136 279 Sunday's games Carolina at Dallas, noon Seattle at Baltimore, noon New England at Houston, noon Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets, noon Indianapolis at Buffalo, noon Son Francisco at Green Bay, noon Detroit at Minnesota, noon Pittsburgh at Cleveland, noon New Orleans at Philadelphia, noon St.

Louis at Arizona, 3:05 p.m. Chicago at Denver, 3:05 p.m. Tennessee at Atlanta. 3: 1 5 p.m. Oakland at Kansas City, 3:15 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Diego, 3:15 p.m. Washington at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Monday's game N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. 8-3 8-2 122 NR 117 NR 25.

Bowling Green vary snemeta, or. CHICAGO (1 1) Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; Shown Estes, Ihp: Doug Glonville, of; Tom Goodwin, of; Mark Grudzielanek, 2b; Mark Guthrie, Ihp: Eric Karros, lb; Kenny Lofton, of; Troy O'Leary, of; Dove Veres, rhp; Tony Womack, ss. CINCINNATI (1) Todd Van Poppel, rhp. COLORADO (6) Greg Norton, 3b; Darren Oliver, Ihp; Steve Reed, rhp; Chris Stynes, 3b; Mark Sweeney, of; Gregg Zaun, c. FLORIDA (9) Luis Castillo, 2b; Chad Fox, rhp; Lenny Harris, 3b; Rick Helling, rhp; Todd Hollandsworth, of; Mike Morde-cal, 3b; Ivan Rodriguez, Ugueth Urblna, rhp; Gerald Williams, of.

HOUSTON (4) Orlando Merced, of; Brian Moehler, rhp; Ron Villone, Ihp; Rick White, rhp. LOS ANGELES (9) Wilson Alvarez, Ihp; Andy Ashby, rhp; Jeromy Burnltz, on Ron Coomer, lb; Rickey Henderson, of; Brian Jordan, of; Fred McGrlff, lb; Paul Quontrlll, rhp; Robin Ventura, 3b. MILWAUKEE (7) Dave Burba, rhp; Royce Clayton ss; Keith Oslk, Eduardo Perez, Todd Ritchie, rhp; Glendon Rusch, Ihp; John Vonder Wal, of. MONTREAL (5) Wll Cordero, lb; Vladimir Guerrero, of; Jose Mercedes, rhp; Fernando Talis, 3b; Todd Zelle, 3b. NEW YORK (4) Pedro Astack), rhp; Jay Bell, 2b; Tony Clark, lb; John Franco, Ihp.

PHILADELPHIA (8) Terry Adorns, rhp; Jose Mesa, rhp; Kevin Millwood, rhp; FSL.RHP Keith Bucktrot from Reading of the Eastern League and RHP Alfredo Simon from Lakewood of the South Atlantic League. FOOTBALL National Football League NFLSuspended Carolina Jarrod Cooper four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. DENVER BRONCOS-Sfgned LB Louis Green to the practice squad. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS-Sloned WR Jo-Juan Dawson. MIAMI DOLPHINS-Re-signed WR Oronde Gadsden to one-year controct.

Waived CB Alphonso Roundfree. Released TE Dwavne Blakley from the practice squad. Stoned Ben Ctaxton to the practice squad NEW YORK GIANTS Placed Shoun Williams and DE Kenny Holmes on Inlured reserve. Re-signed DE Frank Ferrara and Clarence LeBlanc. Signed WR Ryan Hoog to the practice squad.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Ptaced Kwa-mie Lasslter on injured reserve. COLLEGE MONTANA Announced the resignation of Betsy Duerksen, women's soccer coach. TEIKYO POST Announced the resignation of Rick Bryant, men's and women's soccer coach. I TCI GB Philadelphia Also receiving votes: Utah 65; West Virginia 62; Missouri 50; Maryland 45; Oregon State 39; Northern Illinois 35; Wisconsin 30; Michigan State 22; North Carolina State 16; Southern Mississippi 11; Arkansas Clemson Louisville Memphis Oregon Toledo Connecticut Fresno State Texas Tech North Texas 1. Division l-AA poll PHILADELPHIA The top 25 teams In the Sports Network Division l-AA footboll pall, with flrst-ploce votes In parentheses, records through Nov.

16 and previous ranking: Recant Pts Pvc Dosron .500 6 .455 6 .455 6 .455 New Jersev Washington New York Miami Vols' Peterson gets extension J73 9 .250 2'i 44 Orlando 1 10 .091 isntrai Division Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson has had his con CI 2 .818 3 .750 4 .667 IVi .455 4 Indiana New Orleans Detroit Milwaukee Toronto Atlanta Chicoao .455 8 .333 .333 .333 Cleveland WESTERN CONFERENCE IN THE BLEACHERS Miawest Division Pet GB .727 4 .634 tract extended by one year, giving him a package reportedly worth more than $900,000 a year through 2008-09. The new contract increases his base salary from $200,000 to $220,000, athletic director Mike Hamilton said. He is also guaranteed $329,500 in radio and television contracts and $220,000 in endorsements, Hamilton said. Camps and bonuses based on performance on and off the court would increase the overall worth, Hamilton said without giving specific amounts. Peterson's previous contract was worth about $785,000 a year.

Peterson, who was hired from Tulsa in 2001 to replace Jerry Green, begins his third season with a 32-28 record. The Volunteers didn't make it to the NCAA tournament last season and lost in the first round of the NIT to George Houston Dallas San Antonio Denver Minnesota Utah zo www.Lrorn.es. com 5 .583 5 .545 5 .545 6 .500 im JmwfW Pitt SyntkcaU AW 1. MCNeese state (80) 2. Wofford(6) 3.

Delaware (1) 4. Montana (3) 5. Southern Illinois 6. Colgate 7. Massachusetts 8.

Northern Iowa 9. Penn 10. Western Kentucky 11. Western Illinois 12. Grambling State 13.

North Carolina 14. Florida Atlantic 15. Bethune-Cookman 16. Southern 17. Northern Arizona 18.

Vlllanova 19. Jacksonville State 20. Northern Colorado 21. Northeastern 22. Georgia Southern 23.

Maine 24. Idaho State 25. Fordham 9-1 2,236 I 10-1 2,111 4 10-1 2,003 6 9-2 1,929 5 10- 1 1,720 2 11- 0 161 7 9-2 1,650 3 9-2 1,630 11 9-0 1,509 8 8-3 1,439 9 8- 3 1,404 10 9- 2 1,228 12 10-1 1,184 14 8-2 994 15 8-2 980 16 10-1 939 17 8-3 876 18 7-3 663 13 7- 3 537 21 8- 2 431 22 7-4 380 23 7-4 295 24 7- 4 268 NR 7-4 208 NR 8- 3 197 19 Memphis 5 400 Pacific Division Pet GB L.A. LOKers 9 3 .750 AP Top 25 .667 .636 aeonie 6 Sacramento 7 Portland 6 L.A. Clippers 4 Phoenix 4 Golden State 4 5 .545 4 .500 6 .400 7 .364 T'M SORRT.

Could YoU REPEAT THAT? MY cell phoMe is GoInIG through a town. The Top 25 teams In The Associated Press college football poll, with first-place votes In parentheses, records Through Nov. 15, totol points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking: Record Pts Pvs TENNIS Difficult breakup. U.S. leads Belgium in Fed Cup Wednesday's results New Orleans 81, Boston 73 Washington 106, Cleveland 95 Philadelphia 81, Toronto 75 Indiana 91, L.A.

Clippers 78 LA Lakers 104. New York 83 Golden State at Houston, late Sacramento 118, Utah 110 Denver 94, Milwaukee 66 Detroit 99, Memphis 92 Portland 94 Miami 93 Today's games Son Antonio at Dallas, 6:30 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Meghann Shaughnessy edged Kirsten Fiokens 9-7 in the third set, and Lisa Raymond overpowered Els 1. Oklahoma (65) 11-0 1,625 1 2.

Southern Cal 9-1 1,559 2 3. LSU 9-1 1,474 3 4. Ohio St. 10-1 1,431 4 5. Michigan 9-2 1,356 5 8-2 1,205 7 7.

Texas 9-2 1,192 6 I. Washington St. 9-2 1,140 8 9. Tennessee 8-2 1,092 9 10. TCU 10-0 9B9 10 11.

Florida Sf. 9-2 918 13 12. Virginia Tech 8-2 845 12 13. Florida 8-3 842 15 UMIoml 8-2 842 14 15. Mississippi 8-2 805 17 16.

Purdue 8-3 683 11 17. lowo 8-3 572 20 18. Miami (Ohio) 9-1 530 23 19. Kansas St. 9-3 464 20.

Boise St. 9-1 330 24 21. Pittsburgh 7-3 239 16 22. Bowling Green 8-2 212 25 23. Nebraska 8-3 124 18 24.

Oklahoma St. 8-3 118 25. West Virginia 6-4 109 Callens, giving the United States a 2-0 lead over Belgium in the Fed Cup semifinals Wednesday in Moscow. Neither team has its top players, with the U.S. squad missing Serena and Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati and Monica Seles.

The Belgians are without Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clysters, who are ranked Nos. 1 and 2. Russia and France were tied 1-1 in the other semifinal. Amelie Mauresmo beat Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-2 to give France the lead, but Russia evened it when Anastasia Mvski- AFCA Division II poll Through Nov. 16 Record Pts Pvs 1.

Saginaw Valley St. (Mich.) (24) 11-0 648 1 2. North Alabama (2) 11-0 626 2 3. 9-1 581 3 4. Grand Valley St.

(Mich) 10-1 574 4 5. Valdosfa St. (Go.) 10-1 569 5 6. Indiana (Pa) 10-1 483 6 7. North Dakota 9-1 473 7 8.

Carson-Newman (Term.) 10-1 467 9. Wlnono St. (Minn.) 10-1 434 11 10. Mesa St. (Cola) 10-1 404 14 11.

Catawba (N.C.) 9-2 376 13 12. Southern Arkansas 9-2 338 15 13. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 9-2 303 8 14. Delta St.

(Miss.) 9-2 294 16 15. Central Missouri St. 9-2 282 17 16. Emporia St. (Kan.) 9-2 251 10 17.

Tusculum (Term.) 9-2 233 17 IS.Edinbaro(Pa) 9-2 205 20 19. Bentley (Mass.) 10-0 193 19 20. Central Oklahoma 8-2 157 12 21. Tarleton St. (Texas) 8-3 144 24 22.

8-2 111 21 23. North Dakota St. 8-3 99 23 24. Nebroska-Omaho 8-3 94 22 25. Northwest Missouri St.

8-3 53 NR TENNIS Fed Cup results Wednesday At Olympic Stadium Moscow Surface: Carpet-Indoor WORLD GROUP Semifinals united States 2, Belgium 0 Singles Lisa Raymond, United States, def. Els Callens, Belgium, 6-2, 6-1. Meghann Shaughnessy, United States, def. Kirsten Flipkens, Belgium, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (8), 9-7. na saved a match point and came back to top Mary Pierce 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5.

The United States, with Martin Navratilova scheduled to play doubles alongside Raymond today, is seeking its 18th Fed Cup title. Others receiving votes: Minnesota 105, Missouri 79, Arkansas 58, Utah 49 Maryland 37, N. Illinois 24, Michigan St. 19, Wisconsin 18, Oregon St. 11, Connecticut 10, Southern Miss.

6, N.C State Texas Tech 5, Clemson 3. From wire reports.