John L. Smith Hired to Coach Louisville

Utah State Coach John L. Smith was named coach at Louisville, where he inherits a team that finished 1-10, the worst season in school history.

Smith’s hiring ended a quick courtship and came less than a week after Louisville fired Ron Cooper after three seasons.

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Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf’s passing-hand thumb is swollen but not broken, tests confirmed. “It is sore, swollen and black and blue, but I have enough time to rest it,” said Leaf, who will wear a protective splint and apply hot and cold treatments as therapy in preparation for the Rose Bowl. . . . Coming off a victory over Alabama, Auburn Athletic Director David Housel said he will recommend a contract extension and raise for Coach Terry Bowden, a change from last season after a loss to the Crimson Tide. The fifth-year Auburn coach has a five-year contract with an annual rollover clause paying him $135,000 annually. Bonuses, endorsement deals and incentives increase the amount of annual income to about $615,000. . . . Central Florida quarterback Daunte Culpepper ended speculation about his future when he announced he will return for his senior season. . . . Mike Price of Washington State was named Pacific 10 coach of the year. Cougar quarterback Leaf was named the top offensive player and Arizona State linebacker Pat Tillman the top defensive player. . . . Texas Tech probably will self-impose football scholarship limitations in response to multiple allegations of NCAA rules violations, Coach Spike Dykes said. Dykes, speaking after it was announced his coaching contract was extended through 2000, said he expects to use only 15 or 16 of the 21 scholarships he normally would have available.