Donnan, Kruczek Say Kentucky Not for Them

Former Georgia coach Jim Donnan and Central Florida Coach Mike Kruczek withdrew from consideration for the Kentucky job Friday, while the status of Mississippi Coach David Cutcliffe was more vague.

Donnan, 57, who works for ESPN, met with Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart this week but pulled out of the running, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Central Florida issued a statement late Thursday saying Kruczek was no longer a candidate for the job. Barnhart approached Kruczek, 49, about the position last week.

Kentucky is seeking a successor to Guy Morriss, who resigned on Dec. 9 to become the coach at Baylor.

Barnhart said he also contacted Cutcliffe last week. Cutcliffe was in Shreveport, La., for the Independence Bowl between Mississippi and Nebraska. When asked for comment about reports that he continues to be a candidate for the Kentucky opening, Cutcliffe said, “Don’t bother me with that stuff right now.”

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Colorado tailback Chris Brown says he expects to be back in full force tonight when the No. 14 Buffaloes (9-4) play Wisconsin in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

The return of Brown, who suffered a bruised sternum in a Nov. 16 victory against Iowa State, is reason for concern among the Badgers (7-6).

“He’s a big, physical back,” Wisconsin defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. “He breaks a lot of tackles, he has tremendous balance and vision.”

Wisconsin also features a punishing ground game, centered around sophomore Anthony Davis, who ran for 1,456 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Badgers did receive some good news. Standout receiver Lee Evans, who missed the season because of a knee injury, has decided to return to the team next season rather than declare himself eligible for the NFL draft.

The news wasn’t as good for Colorado. Safety Clyde Surrell was declared academically ineligible and will not play tonight. Surrell had 71 tackles and three sacks. Brian Iwuh will start in his place.

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West Virginia was packing its bags for the Gator Bowl, then along came Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish took the spot West Virginia had earned as the second-place team in the Big East, dropping the Mountaineers to the Continental Tire Bowl in Charlotte, N.C.

After early complaints over being passed over by the Gator Bowl, 15th-ranked West Virginia (9-3) knows it must beat Virginia (8-5) today validate the early gripes.

“We’re not supposed to be here, we’re supposed to be in Florida,” West Virginia running back Avon Cobourne said. “I had gotten over it until I watched Pitt play [in the Insight Bowl] and I was mad again. We should have been there, too.

“But it’s fine, we’ll make our statement on the field.”

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Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork practiced with No. 1 Miami for the first time since the death of his mother on Dec. 16. Wilfork leads the Hurricanes with 15 tackles for losses and 29 quarterback hurries.