Fast Break

College football

Rodriguez sees Michigan win

Newly hired Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez watched the Capital One Bowl from the sideline in the first half and a private box after halftime at the Citrus Bowl on Tuesday in Orlando, Fla., trying not to be a distraction on retiring coach Lloyd Carr’s final day.

“This is not my bowl,” Rodriguez said before the Wolverines’ 41-35 win over ninth-ranked Florida. (Game story, Page C3.) “I’ve not earned this position. I appreciate the interest in the new coach and all that, but this should be about coach Carr and what he’s brought in the 13 years at Michigan.”

Rodriguez said he was caught off guard by all the hard feelings left behind at West Virginia, his alma mater and the place he spent the last seven seasons. He led the Mountaineers to four Big East championships and a 60-26 record.

“It’s been difficult and it’s been a little disappointing to be honest with you,” he said.

College football

English accepts Cardinals’ offer

Ron English accepted Louisville’s offer to be its defensive coordinator, the same job he had at Michigan, where incoming coach Rich Rodriguez fired all of Lloyd Carr’s assistants.

“I called them last night and said I’d take the job,” English said. “I’ve appreciated my time at the University of Michigan, particularly the opportunity to work with coach Lloyd Carr, a man I love.”

English agreed to a two-year contract with the Cardinals.

Junior hockey

Cowen, Team West 2-1

Team West accomplished something that no other team has at the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Team West had Team USA on the ropes.

Ahead 4-1 with 5 minutes to play in the second period, Team West seemed in control of a key Pool B matchup on Monday in London, Ontario.

But Team USA (3-0) scored six unanswered goals the rest of the way for a 7-4 win.

Spokane Chiefs rookie defenseman Jared Cowen has two assists in three games for Team West (2-1).

Preliminary action wraps up today when West faces Russia at 11 a.m. Medal games are on Friday.