Arizona State’s Hill Booted From Team

Tailback Hakim Hill’s troubled career at Arizona State ended Monday when he was sent home from El Paso after his dismissal from the team by Coach Dirk Koetter.

Hill, a junior and the team’s leading rusher, was booted for violating a team rule, officials said. The exact infraction was not revealed.

Rudy Burgess, a converted receiver, will start at tailback in Friday’s Sun Bowl against Purdue.

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Louisville Coach Bobby Petrino, who last week signed a contract to remain the Cardinal coach through 2010, reportedly has met with Louisiana State officials about becoming the Tiger coach.

Louisiana State, which is looking for a successor to Nick Saban, who announced he would be leaving to become coach of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, asked for and received permission from Louisville to talk with Petrino, ESPN.com reported. But Louisiana State officials promised that they would not make an offer to Petrino until after Louisville plays Boise State on Friday in the Liberty Bowl.

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Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville has agreed in principle to a new seven-year contract worth $16 million.... Junior Rick Clausen will start at quarterback for Tennessee in Saturday’s Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M.; The Volunteers were hopeful that freshman Brent Schaeffer would be able to play after breaking his collarbone against South Carolina on Oct. 30, but he has been unable to practice because of a virus. Tennessee’s other freshman quarterback -- Erik Ainge -- hasn’t played since separating his shoulder against Notre Dame on Nov. 6 and is not ready to return.... Boston College Coach Tom O’Brien said quarterback Paul Peterson will start Thursday against North Carolina in the Continental Tire Bowl. Peterson broke his throwing hand in a Nov. 20 game against Temple and missed the regular-season finale against Syracuse.