Two LSU Players Ruled Ineligible

Louisiana State running back Shyrone Carey and long snapper Steve Damen were declared ineligible for the Sugar Bowl for rules violations.

No. 2 LSU (12-1) will play No. 3 Oklahoma (12-1) for the bowl championship series title on Jan. 4.

Carey began the season as one of the team’s two main running backs, but his role diminished after he sat out four games because of a knee injury.

Center Ben Wilkerson has been long-snapping in practice and others can handle the assignment, Coach Nick Saban said. Saban would not disclose what Carey and Damen did.

*

Mark Dantonio was hired as Cincinnati’s coach after helping Ohio State build one of the nation’s top defenses.

Dantonio, the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator, replaces Rick Minter.

Dantonio won’t have to wait long to face his former school and longtime friend and boss, Jim Tressel. The Bearcats open the 2004 season at Ohio State on Sept. 4.

*

Two Hawaii players were ruled academically ineligible to play in Thursday’s Hawaii Bowl, Athletic Director Herman Frazier said.

Hawaii officials did not identify the two uncertified players citing school privacy issues, but defensive end Travis LaBoy, the Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the year, has said he would not be certified for the Hawaii Bowl.

Hawaii spokeswoman Lois Manin said the other uncertified player is not a starter.

*

The commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference said there “were a few missed calls that affected both teams” in the disputed Florida-Florida State game, but defended the embattled officials from his conference, saying no game is ever called perfectly.

ACC Commissioner John Swofford released a statement stating that the league’s review of the 38-34 Florida State victory was complete. It was unclear whether the officiating crew would be reprimanded.