Cincinnati Enquirer

A new feature, Top of the First, debuts in today's Sports section (see example below). It compiles short takes on the day's most interesting news, events and people. We hope it helps add variety to our front page, and that it's a useful guide to what's coming up.

In the weeks ahead, we'll be making changes to Sunday's Top of the 2nd page. Please let us know what you think.

Julie Engebrecht
Sports editor
(513) 786-8381
jengebrecht@enquirer.com

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Women's Shootout today at Xavier

Two of the last five games have gone into overtime. UC has won the last seven games. But it's at Xavier's house this year. The 26th annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout will be decided at 1:30 p.m. today, and the winner has an entire year to brag. [story]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BCS clouds lift

It remains a mystery who will play for the national championship in the Sugar Bowl, but a few issues were cleared up Saturday.

Georgia will play LSU for the Southeastern Conference championship and an automatic BCS berth, thanks in part to Florida's 38-34 loss to Florida State.

In the late game, Miami defeated Pittsburgh 28-14 to earn the Big East's automatic BCS bid. [story]

Nebraska fires coach Solich

Nebraska football coach Frank Solich was fired Saturday night after winning more than 75 percent of his games over six seasons but failing to keep the Cornhuskers as a national powerhouse.

Solich went 9-3 this season. His daughter, Cindy Dalton, confirmed the firing to KMTV in Omaha.

Solich's record for his six seasons was 58-19. [story]