With Kolb’s help, Houston wins title

Kevin Kolb threw two touchdown passes to Biren Ealy and rushed for another touchdown to lead Houston to a 34-20 victory over Southern Mississippi for the Conference USA championship Friday night at Houston.

Kolb completed 19 of 31 passes for 258 yards and became the conference’s career passing leader, overtaking Louisville’s Chris Redman. Kolb, making his 49th start, has 12,578 yards.

Kolb’s 46-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Cougars a 20-17 lead. His two touchdown passes moved him into second place on the conference’s career list, two behind Redman’s record of 84.

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Texas A&M; Coach Dennis Franchione apologized to Texas Coach Mack Brown and quarterback Colt McCoy for a late hit by one of his players in the Aggies’ 12-7 victory last Friday.

Franchione posted a note on his website Friday saying an apology from coaches and players, including freshman defensive lineman Kellen Heard, was faxed to Brown earlier this week.

Heard was ejected for his hit on McCoy after the quarterback had thrown his third interception late in the game.

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Wisconsin suspended sophomore cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu, who is facing burglary and trespassing charges along with his twin brother.

Ikegwuonu, an All-Big Ten Conference pick, was arrested with his brother Saturday in DeKalb, Ill. They were accused of breaking into an apartment and trying to steal an Xbox game console.

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Pat Sullivan, a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Auburn, has signed a five-year deal to coach at Division I-AA Samford. An assistant coach at Alabama Birmingham since 1999, he will replace Bill Gray, who was fired last month after the Bulldogs finished the season 3-8.

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A tumor removed from Washington quarterback Johnny DuRocher’s brain Thursday was benign and he’s expected to make a complete recovery, the neurosurgeon who did the surgery said.