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Dec. 31 -- Aggie linebacker serves as role model in Vietnamese community: NEW ORLEANS -- With only one more game to play, Dat Nguyen has begun counting up his accomplishments in college football.

Dec. 31 -- Texas' offensive line takes pride in showing Williams way to Heisman: IRVING, Texas -- Texas offensive tackle Octavious Bishop admitted that on occasion over the course of the season, he's found it difficult to sustain a block and resist temptation to peek downfield and see what all the cheering was about.

Dec. 31 -- Applewhite, not Williams, puts biggest scare in Bulldogs: IRVING, Texas -- It has been the weeklong refrain from the Mississippi State Bulldogs that the offensive force they fear most in the Cotton Bowl is Texas quarterback Major Applewhite.

Dec. 31 -- Texas plans 10-year deal for Brown: IRVING, Texas -- Texas football coach Mack Brown said program stability is the hidden value in a new 10-year, $850,000 a year contract being finalized by UT athletic director DeLoss Dodds.

Dec. 31 -- TCU's option will run headon into nation's best linebacker: EL PASO -- There are reasons why Texas Christian is one of the bowl season's biggest underdogs, and the most imposing is Southern Cal All-American linebacker Chris Claiborne.

Dec. 31 -- Princeton 56, Texas 46: HONOLULU (AP) -- Gabe Lewullis scored 19 points, including a key 3-pointer with 1:10 left, to carry ball-control Princeton to a 56-46 victory Tuesday over Texas and into the championship game of the Rainbow Classic.

Dec. 31 -- Kansas State falls with a thud in last two games: SAN ANTONIO -- After waiting 103 years to possess something only to have it fall to the floor and shatter, it's hard to pick up the pieces.

Dec. 30 -- Tech's Ricky Williams trying to make name for himself: SHREVEPORT, La. -- The other Ricky Williams has twice outrun the Heisman Trophy winner of the same name. Related story: Ricky Williams enjoying bowl week: DALLAS -- After a whirlwind month of award banquets, news conferences and public appearances, Texas running back Ricky Williams said Tuesday he's been taking it easy while getting ready for the Cotton Bowl.

Dec. 30 -- Little guys stand tall in Texas A&M running game: NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- If you like your running backs to fall into the category of "3 yards and a cloud of dust," Sirr Parker of Texas A&M is not your guy.

Dec. 30 -- Baylor quarterback criticizes former coach: HOUSTON (AP) -- Baylor quarterback Odell James has applauded the school's recent firing of football coach Dave Roberts, whose tenure he described as contentious.

Dec. 30 -- Hull finding peace in Stars' system: FORT WORTH -- All it takes is one look at Brett Hull's legs to see he is a different player than he was earlier in the season.

Dec. 30 -- Girls basketball team shut out by 103 points: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- With their biggest player only slightly taller than their opponent's smallest, the Duncanville ChristWay high school girls basketball team was at a disadvantage against Arlington Oakridge.

Dec. 29 -- Purdue needs best game to take Kansas State: SAN ANTONIO -- Underdog Purdue has a clear idea about what it'll take to beat No. 4 Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl.

Dec. 29 -- Cotton Bowl: Blowout by K-State turning point for Texas: DALLAS -- When Texas started this season 1-2 after back-to-back blowout losses to UCLA and Kansas State, the Burnt Oranges must have been thinking: "Here we go again." Related story: Lame duck coaches create awkward situation for Kansas State: SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Sitting all by himself one night in a busy restaurant in San Antonio's fashionable Riverwalk district, Mike Stoops looked lonely. Related story: They're almost the same guy: DALLAS -- He's a redshirt freshman who began the year as a backup quarterback, then started the last nine games. Coaches thought he could lead the team to a New Year's Day game such as the Cotton Bowl, they just didn't expect it to be this Jan. 1.

Dec. 29 -- A&M to meet Ohio State in Sugar Bowl: NEW ORLEANS -- The city of New Orleans is a college football player's dream: Cajun food, Bourbon Street, jazz and the excitement of playing on national television in the Sugar Bowl.

Dec. 29 -- Tubbs guides Texas Christian back into Top 25: Texas Christian had the best season in school history last year with a squad that led the nation in scoring. The Horned Frogs are winning again this year, but this time they're doing it the hard way.

Dec. 29 -- Big toe puts Nguyen's other body parts in question: NEW ORLEANS -- They've focused on his powerful legs, his strong arms, his sharp brain, his quick feet -- even his winning smile.

Dec. 29 -- Stars now undefeated 12 games straight: DALLAS -- Shawn Chambers scored the only goal, and Ed Belfour made 14 saves as the Dallas Stars remained unbeaten in 12 games to match a franchise record in a 1-0 victory Monday night over the Nashville Predators.

Dec. 29 -- Barrel racer has passion for her sport: WACO -- Sue Miller has been traveling the country for nearly 30 years riding in rodeos. Barrel racing is her passion.

Dec. 28 -- Pampa coach interrupts school assembly to propose to teacher: AMARILLO, Texas (AP) — Pupils at Wilson Elementary School though they would be attending the usual weekly assembly to hear from school officials, but they got a surprise.

Dec. 28 -- Sherrill tearfully recalls his first Cotton Bowl: DALLAS (AP) -- Returning to the Cotton Bowl after an 11-year absence has brought back many memories for Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill, who guided Texas A&M to the New Year's Day game in 1986, 1987 and 1988.

Dec. 28 -- Brown concerned Longhorns may lack motivation: DALLAS (AP) -- In his first season coaching Texas, Mack Brown has turned a 4-7 team into an 8-3 squad that boasts victories over Nebraska and Texas A&M. His star running back was named college football's best player and a redshirt freshman has emerged as the quarterback of the future.

Dec. 27 -- Teams arrive for Sugar Bowl, work begins immediately for Ohio State: NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Ohio State hit town determined to prove they don't belong here. Texas A&M landed ready to prove they did.

Dec. 27 -- Stewart shines against Kansas State; gets ready for Sugar Bowl: COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -- After Texas A&M quarterback Branndon Stewart engineered a shocking comeback victory over No. 2 Kansas State, fans left 47 messages on his answering machine.

Dec. 27 -- Moceanu family divided at Christmas time: HOUSTON -- Dominique Moceanu stood on the podium in Atlanta, a gold medal around her neck, a wide grin on her small face, the world seemingly before her.

Dec. 26 -- Cotton Bowl running backs create intriguing matchup: JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- In many ways, James Johnson and Ricky Williams are similar -- big, bruising runners with breakaway speed and bright futures.

Dec. 26 -- Brady makes its mark, Ferris named MVP: BRADY, Texas -- Having one of the worst Class 3A football teams in the state was a heck of a comedown for a program that once defined excellence, but that's where Brady High School was during the 1994 football season.

Dec. 26 -- Stars on top in December: DENVER -- The Stars looked at their difficult schedule over December and January as a defining stretch, with 18 of 27 games on the road.

Dec. 25 -- Top 10 stories for Texas in 1998: Chan's the Man for the Cowboys: The Cowboys didn't just miss the playoffs in 1997. For 34 days in 1998, they didn't even have a coach. Barry Switzer's "resignation" was announced Jan. 9, and it wasn't until Feb. 12 that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones introduced Chan Gailey, Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, as Switzer's replacement, making him the fourth head coach in Cowboys history.

Dec. 24 -- The Year in Texas Sports: Ricky Williams leads Texas football back to spotlight: With Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams leading the way, 1998 was a year of turnarounds in Texas football — both at the university and the state.

Dec. 24 -- Weber St. 86, Texas Tech 69: LAIE, Hawaii (AP) — Harold Arceneaux handled the scoring in the first half and Eddie Gill took over in the second Wednesday as Weber State pulled away to an 86-69 victory over Texas Tech in the fifth place game of the Pearl Harbor Classic.

Dec. 23 -- Clemens withdraws trade demand: SPRING, Texas (AP) -- Roger Clemens reversed course Tuesday, saying he no longer was demanding that Toronto trade him and he would not play for the Houston Astros under their current management.

Dec. 23 -- Eddie Brister named coach at Texas A&M-Commerce: COMMERCE, Texas (AP) -- Eddie Brister, offensive coordinator at Stephen F. Austin since 1991, on Tuesday was named the new coach at Texas A&M-Commerce, school president Keith McFarland said.

Dec. 23 -- Comets coach gets contract extension: HOUSTON (AP) - Houston Comets owner Leslie Alexander Tuesday awarded two-time WNBA coach of the year Van Chancellor a multi-year contract extension.

Dec. 23 -- Texas football stays close to the ground: DALLAS -- Here's what you didn't know about Darrell Royal's most famous quote. It was a joke.

Dec. 22 -- Crenshaw: Europeans formidable opponents: SAN ANTONIO -- The Ryder Cup is nine months away but the job of United States team captain is already costing Ben Crenshaw some sleep, the Austin resident admitted.

Dec. 22 -- Rangers agree to terms with Tom Goodwin, Mike Sims: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Rangers agreed to terms Monday on contracts with outfielders Tom Goodwin and Mike Sims.

Dec. 22 -- Allene Johnson, mother of Jimmy, dies at 77: PORT ARTHUR, Texas (AP) -- Allene Johnson, the mother of Miami Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson, has died at 77.

Dec. 21 -- Anderson mulls prison time for drugs: HOUSTON (AP) -- Greg Anderson blames bad judgment and a poor choice of friends for his fate: an imminent prison sentence for participating in a cocaine deal to which he has pleaded guilty.

Dec. 21 -- Rice 73, Texas Southern 50: HOUSTON (AP) -- Robert Johnson led all scorers with 22 points as Rice built a 30-point lead before coasting to a 73-50 victory over Texas Southern Sunday.

Dec. 21 -- Texas-El Paso 76, Florida International 73: EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Sharif Fajardo and Brandon Wolfram combined for 39 points and 15 rebounds to lead Texas-El Paso to a 76-73 victory over Florida International Sunday.

Dec. 20 -- Williams' trophy run churns out magic moments: NEW YORK -- Ricky Williams was looking for an adrenaline rush. Impulses, spontaneity, quirks and surprises are what drive Williams, and he found himself preparing for the biggest moment of his young life with none of the above.

Dec. 20 -- Unsolved Texas sports mysteries: Possible solutions to Texas sports unsolved mysteries ...

Dec. 20 -- Design problems could delay opening of Houston baseball stadium: HOUSTON (AP) -- Hold the peanuts and Cracker Jack, the new home of the Houston Astros might not open on schedule, the project manager says.

Dec. 20 -- Midland Lee 54, SA MacArthur 0: IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Cedrid Benson ran for four touchdowns and caught a pass for another as Midland Lee routed San Antonio MacArthur 54-0 Saturday for the Class 5A Division II state championship.

Dec. 20 -- Stephenville 34, La Marque 7: IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Stephenville set a national high school record for total yards in a season, but Yellow Jackets coach Art Briles was more interested in other things.

Dec. 19 -- Katy booted from playoffs by ineligible player: About 24 hours before Katy was to play in the Class 5A Division II championship, the Tigers withdrew Friday after learning a player who participated in three plays in the playoffs had falsified grade reports and forged a teacher's signature.

Dec. 19 -- Two record-setters, class leader top 5A all-state team: For one week, Houston Milby's Derrick Arnold held the Class 5A single-game rushing record with 446 yards. Then Tyson Thompson of Irving ran for 525 yards.

Dec. 19 -- Baylor introduces Kevin Steele as football coach: WACO -- Kevin Steele couldn't help but call the past six days a difficult period.

Dec. 19 -- Spurs' arena funding request rejected, new avenues to be studied: SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- City Council has rejected the San Antonio Spurs' controversial plan for a new arena, but launched an effort that may result in a public vote on a new center for the team.

Dec. 18 -- Prairie View may pull out of SWAC: HOUSTON (AP) -- Prairie View A&M University officials were silent Thursday about a newspaper report that a Southwestern Athletic Conference fine has them upset enough to pull the school from the conference.

Dec. 18 -- Aggies off to fast start under new coach: COLLEGE STATION -- Melvin Watkins is only eight games into his career as Texas A&M's basketball coach, but he's already taught the Aggies how to turn close losses into close victories.

Dec. 18 -- Kevin Steele taking coaching job at Baylor: WACO (AP) -- Carolina Panthers assistant Kevin Steele told his players Thursday that he's leaving to take the coaching job at Baylor.

Dec. 18 -- Legendary Houston golf coach dies: HOUSTON -- Dave Williams, who led the University of Houston, to 16 NCAA golf championships and sent many of his players on to the pro tour, has died. He was 80.

Dec. 18 -- It's all greed, but Rangers should wait, trim bait: Many media precincts from here to Canada are breathlessly reporting that Roger Clemens is consumed with greed.

Dec. 17 -- Texas Lutheran added to Southwest Conference: Texas Lutheran University has accepted a unanimous invitation frm the ASC Council of Presidents to become the 16th member of the American Southwest Conference.

Dec. 17 -- Baylor narrowing candidates: WACO (AP) -- Baylor athletic director Tom Stanton is considering about a half-dozen candidates to take over a team coming off three straight losing seasons.

Dec. 17 -- Aggies punter ready to play quarterback: COLLEGE STATION -- Shane Lechler's practice schedule has changed dramatically. But then, so have his duties with the No. 8 Texas A&M.

Dec. 17 -- Samford 84, Texas-Arlington 76: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Reed Rawlings led four Samford players in double figures with 25 points and the Bulldogs hit 16 3-pointers Wednesday night in an 84-76 victory over Texas-Arlington.

Dec. 17 -- 3A All-State football team listed

Dec. 16 -- Plagens named AP defensive player of the year: Goldthwaite junior defensive back Chase Plagens has been named the defensive player of the year on the Associated Press Sports Editors' Class 2A all-state team.

Dec. 16 -- Ricky Williams added to AP All-America team: NEW YORK -- Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, college football's career rushing leader, and UCLA's record-setting quarterback Cade McNown were selected to The Associated Press' All-America team on Tuesday.

Dec. 16 -- Ricky Williams, Matt Kuchar finalists for Sullivan Award: ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Texas running back Ricky Williams and golfer Matt Kuchar were among the 11 finalists named Tuesday for the 1998 James E. Sullivan Memorial Award.

Dec. 16 -- Rangers acquire Heisman Trophy winner: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Rangers acquired the best tailback in baseball, Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams.

Dec. 16 -- Santiago hired at Stephen F. Austin: NACOGDOCHES (AP) -- Mike Santiago, the offensive coordinator at McNeese State the last nine years, was hired Tuesday as head coach of Southland Football League rival Stephen F. Austin.

Dec. 16 -- Texas A&M sharpens its foul shooting: KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Having trouble shooting free throws? Call Melvin Watkins.

Dec. 15 -- Hendricks says Astros still in running for Clemens: HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker withdrew his team from the Roger Clemens race, Clemens' agent said Monday he's still talking to Astros owner Drayton McLane.

Dec. 15 -- Houston lawyer's charitable foundation foots bill for stadium remodeling: HOUSTON (AP) -- A prominent Houston attorney's charitable foundation will foot the University of Houston's $6 million bill to renovate its on-campus stadium, the school announced Monday.

Dec. 15 -- Tech women outscore UT-Arlington, 73-40: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Tamicha Jackson scored 18 points and had six steals Monday night as No. 4 Louisiana Tech rallied after a slow start and beat Texas-Arlington 73-40.

Dec. 14 -- Ricky Williams a (dread) lock as best ever: NEW YORK -- He has the most career yards and best dreadlocks, but is Ricky Williams, who blew away the competition in winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, the greatest running back in college football history?

Dec. 14 -- Houston to Clemens: "Outrageous!": NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Houston Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker angrily pulled out of the bidding for Roger Clemens on Sunday, saying he was "stunned and outraged" at the financial demands of the five-time Cy Young Award winner.

Dec. 14 -- Former Clemson coach Barnes has no second thoughts: AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The Lone Star state has been good to Rick Barnes.

Dec. 13 -- Ricky Williams wins Heisman Trophy: NEW YORK (AP) -- Ricky Williams ran away with it all -- the rushing records, the recognition and finally, overwhelmingly, the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.

Dec. 13 -- Duncanville 24, Converse Judson 21: HOUSTON (AP) -- Down by two touchdowns with little more than a quarter remaining in its season, Duncanville needed something -- or someone -- to revive its flickering state title hopes.

Dec. 13 -- Grapevine 22, Bay City 0: IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Grapevine saved its best for last.

Dec. 13 -- Baylor AD has long list of coaching candidates: WACO (AP) -- Baylor athletic director Tom Stanton is talking with a wide range of candidates to replace head coach Dave Roberts.

Dec. 12 -- New sports facilities popping up around the Big 12, other Texas campuses: HOUSTON -- Kansas State defeated Nebraska for the first time in nearly 30 years, and Wildcats fans promptly marked the occasion by madly ripping down the Wagner Field goalposts in happy celebration.

Dec. 12 -- Austin swept up in Rickymania: AUSTIN (AP) -- A burnt orange No. 34 is as good as gold.

Dec. 12 -- First of two five-title weekends begins: Cuero coach Mickey Finley didn't like the idea of giving out two Class 3A titles when he first heard about it and he's still not in favor of it. Aledo coach Tim Buchanan says there's got to be a better system.

Dec. 11 -- Ricky Williams set to claim the Heisman Trophy: NEW YORK -- The fans cheered Ricky Williams in Lincoln, even though he was the reason Nebraska's 47-game home winning streak had just ended. Related story: Williams wins big in college football awards show: LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Ricky Williams, the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, picked up two other college football awards Thursday night.

Dec. 11 -- Reynolds and Astros agrees to $21.5 million, three-year extension: HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros made a big pitching announcement Thursday.

Dec. 11 -- Football the ticket for community's comfort after flood: CUERO -- Football was the last thing on the minds of most residents when raging floodwaters invaded this South Texas town.

Dec. 11 -- Snyder praises Alamo Bowl as Wildcats try to overcome disappointment: SAN ANTONIO -- Kansas State coach Bill Snyder wants to make it clear he has nothing against the Alamo Bowl.

Dec. 10 -- Aggies hold on in spite of poor shooting in second half: COLLEGE STATION (AP) -- Clifton Cook scored 18 points and Michael Schmidt added 14 Wednesday night, leading cold-shooting Texas A&M in a 69-63 victory over Tulane.

Dec. 10 -- Stars, Sharks tie 3-3: DALLAS -- Darryl Sydor had a goal and two assists to help the Dallas Stars rally from a two-goal, first-period deficit for a 3-3 tie with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night.

Dec. 10 -- Heisman Watch Michael Bishop: no talk, all action: MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Anybody who says Bill Snyder hurt Michael Bishop's chance for the Heisman Trophy will have to argue with Michael Bishop.

Dec. 10 -- Astros negotiating with Blue Jays for Clemens: HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Astros are "working through the negotiating process" with the Toronto Blue Jays on a trade for five-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said Wednesday.

Dec. 10 -- Judge orders gymnast's father to stay away for a year: HOUSTON -- The father of gymnast Dominique Moceanu must stay away from his daughter for a full year, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Dec. 10 -- Burton gives endorsement to improvements at TMS: FORT WORTH, Texas -- Jeff Burton says the reconfigured and repaved Texas Motor Speedway really is different and better.

Dec. 9 -- A&M linebacker Dat Nguyen wins Lombardi: HOUSTON (AP) -- The smallest guy on the dais walked off with the big prize.

Dec. 9 -- Clark signs $9.3 million deal with Rangers: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Right-hander Mark Clark, 9-14 with the Chicago Cubs last season, agreed Tuesday to a $9.3 million, two-year contract with the Texas Rangers.

Dec. 9 -- Kansas State coach worried about getting his players up for Alamo Bowl: KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas State's players are so depressed over being snubbed by the major bowls, their coach is worried they might not give full effort in the minor game that did invite them.

Dec. 9 -- Olympic gymnast returns to court to keep father away permanently: HOUSTON (AP) -- If Dominique Moceanu's adolescence seemed unbearable, it apparently was idyllic compared to the gymnast's new life as a grownup.

Dec. 9 -- Cotton Bowl tickets selling fast: DALLAS (AP) -- This year's Cotton Bowl matchup between Texas and Mississippi State has proven to be a quick sell.

Dec. 9 -- Prairie View fined $31,000 for failing to abide by band suspension: HOUSTON (AP) -- Prairie View A&M has been fined $31,000 for violating a two-game suspension of its marching band after a highly publicized brawl with Southern University's band.

Dec. 8 -- Willams named AP's first College Player of the Year: NEW YORK (AP) -- Ricky Williams returned for his final year at Texas with modest goals: Win games and have fun.

Dec. 8 -- Wanted: football coach at Baylor: WACO, Texas (AP) -- The search is on for a new football coach at Baylor.

Dec. 8 -- Stewart likely A&M starter in Sugar Bowl: HOUSTON -- Stephenville native Branndon Stewart, who led No. 8 Texas A&M to a double-overtime victory over No. 4 Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game, apparently will start at quarterback against No. 3 Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.

Dec. 8 -- Tech must prepare for two types of Mississippi teams: LUBBOCK (AP) -- Texas Tech coaches don't know which Mississipppi offense they'll face in the Independence Bowl: the one left by departed coach Tommy Tuberville or the one being brought in by new coach David Cutcliffe.

Dec. 8 -- TCU scuttles offseason program to begin working for Sun Bowl: A few days before Thanksgiving, Texas Christian coach Dennis Franchione thanked his players for a great year and started them on their offseason program.

Dec. 8 -- Judge quashes parents request to have attorney question gymnast daughter's allegations: HOUSTON (AP) -- The parents of gymnast Dominique Moceanu won't get an opportunity to question their daughter about her accusations that her father harasses her before the three meet in a courtroom this week, a judge ruled Monday.

Dec. 7 -- TCU leapfrogs over teams with better records: DALLAS (AP) -- Texas Christian leapfrogged over several teams with better records to become the unlikely Sun Bowl opponent of Southern California Sunday.

Dec. 7 -- Cotton pits Texas vs. old foe Jackie Sherrill: Ricky Williams, who might well collect the Heisman Trophy and his second Doak Walker Award this week, will make one more trip back to the House that Doak Built.

Dec. 7 -- Baylor coach Roberts fired: WACO, Texas (AP) -- Baylor football coach Dave Roberts was fired Sunday after his second straight 2-9 season.

Dec. 6 -- No. 10 Texas A&M 36, No. 2 Kansas St. 33, 2 OT: ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Given a clear path to the national championship game, Kansas State blew it.

Dec. 6 -- Five years later, Clark signs with Orioles: BALTIMORE (AP) -- Five years later, Will Clark finally joined the Baltimore Orioles -- and only because Rafael Palmeiro is back with the Texas Rangers.

Dec. 6 -- NW Missouri St. 49, Texas A&M-Kingsville 34: MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) -- The football stadium was a lonely place for a redshirt freshman from northern Wisconsin five years ago.

Dec. 5 -- Kansas State has much to play for against Texas A&M: ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Bill Snyder would never admit it. Not in a million years.

Dec. 5 -- Fry's retirement drains color from coaching ranks: HOUSTON -- When Hayden Fry accepted the Iowa football coaching job in 1978, he found himself reminiscing about his roots, his college days at Baylor, when an athlete received room and board and $15 a month in what was called laundry money.

Dec. 5 -- NW Missouri State not taking Javelinas for granted: MARYVILLE, Mo. -- Northwest Missouri State is the highest-ranked team remaining in the NCAA Division II national football playoffs.

Dec. 5 -- Police 're-evaluating' murder-for-hire accusations against gymnast's father: HOUSTON (AP) -- Police are taking a second look at accusations that the father of Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu was involved in a possible murder-for-hire plot, officials said Friday.

Dec. 4 -- La Marque's defense leaves offenses in ruins: LA MARQUE, Texas -- The "Black Swarm" is the latest edition of the La Marque defense. While it has a different nickname, the defense has the same calling card as the Cougars' last three state-title editions -- tiny numbers.

Dec. 4 -- Possible contenders lining up to make Clemens deal: HOUSTON (AP) -- The Roger Clemens bidding was still in the early stages Thursday.

Dec. 4 -- A&M's McCown out of Big 12 title game: COLLEGE STATION (AP) -- Texas A&M starting quarterback Randy McCown has broken his left collarbone, knocking him out the Big 12 championship game with No. 2 Kansas State.

Dec. 4 -- Golf classic purse increases to $3 million: DALLAS (AP) -- The total purse for the 1999 GTE Byron Nelson Classic will be increased $500,000 to $3 million, the Salesmanship Club of Dallas announced on Thursday.

Dec. 3 -- Bishop, Williams and Nguyen lead All-Big 12 team: DALLAS -- Kansas State dominated The Associated Press All-Big 12 team much as it did every opponent in a dream season for coach Bill Snyder and his talented, unblemished Wildcats.

Dec. 3 -- Rangers hoping improved gloves, bats helps pitchers: ARLINGTON -- The top priority for the Texas Rangers this offseason was supposed to be improving their creaky pitching staff. Indirectly, they have

Dec. 3 -- Mickey Mantle Jr. recovering from melanoma: DALLAS -- Mickey Mantle taught his sons to play through pain, and that’s what Mickey Mantle Jr. was doing when his family finally convinced him to see a doctor.

Dec. 3 -- Hall wins 50-meter freestyle in FINA World Cup: COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -- Olympic gold medalist Gary Hall Jr., who secured a court order to participate in the FINA Swimming World Cup, won the 50-meter freestyle on Wednesday night.

Dec. 3 -- Texas A&M expects to march against Kansas State defense: COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Perspective can be a unique thing. Texas A&M players, who struggled to produce 173 yards against a Texas defense ranked ninth in the Big 12 in their most recent outing, said they expect to move the ball with authority against the league’s stingiest unit in Saturday’s Big 12 title game.

Dec. 2 -- Aggies tight end apologies for remark that offended gays: COLLEGE STATION (AP) -- Texas A&M football player Dan Campbell says he’s sorry for remarks he made during last week’s bonfire celebration that offended gay and lesbian students.

Dec. 2 -- Palmeiro returning to Rangers: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Rafael Palmeiro is coming back to Texas.

Dec. 2 -- Coach’s contract extended: EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Despite Texas-El Paso’s 3-8 record, the contract of football coach Charlie Bailey has been extended for two seasons, UTEP director of athletics Bob Stull announced Tuesday.

Dec. 2 -- Williams, Nguyen win Big 12 honors: DALLAS (AP) -- It was a play in the Texas-Texas A&M game that said a lot about the two most famous players playing in it.

Dec. 2 -- JSU quarterback named SFL offensive player of year: DALLAS (AP) -- Jacksonville State quarterback Montressa Kirby was named the Southland Football League’s Offensive Player of the Year on Tuesday.

Dec. 1 - Rangers reach deal with shortstop Royce Clayton: ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with free-agent shortstop Royce Clayton on a new contract.

Dec. 1 - SMU coach Cavan not interested in Ole Miss job: DALLAS (AP) -- Mike Cavan, who last year coached Southern Methodist to its first winning record in more than a decade, said Monday he’s not pursuing the vacancy at Mississippi.

Dec. 1 -- Gymnast obtains protective order against father: HOUSTON (AP) -- A month after winning legal independence from her parents, gymnast Dominique Moceanu obtained a protective order against her father Monday, accusing him of stalking her and threatening to harm her friends.

Dec. 1 -- Kevin Smith joins Deion Sanders on ‘questionable’ list:
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The news keeps getting grimmer for the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary. Left cornerback Kevin Smith joined right cornerback Deion Sanders on the ‘questionable’ list Monday, and coach Chan Gailey is readying numerous strategies for doing without them in Sunday’s game against New Orleans.

Dec. 1 -- A&M looking forward to return to Big 12 title game: Texas A&M coaches and players know exactly what to expect in St. Louis for the Big 12 championship: more hoopla than a regular-season game, but not as much as a bowl game.

Dec. 1 -- UH assistant interviews for SFA job: HOUSTON (AP) -- Dan Lounsbury, an assistant football coach at the University of Houston, has interviewed for the vacant head coaching job at Stephen F. Austin.