Last-second field goals lifts W. Virginia past S. Florida

Associated Press

Tampa, fla.

Tavon Austin returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, Pat Miller scored on a 52-yard interception return and Tyler Bitancurt kicked a 28-yard field goal as time expired, helping No. 22 West Virginia clinch a share of the Big East championship with a 30-27 victory over South Florida on Thursday night.

The Mountaineers (9-3, 5-2) pulled even with Louisville in the conference standings and likely will receive the league’s automatic berth in the Bowl Championship Series if Cincinnati beats Connecticut on Saturday to create a three-way tie for the title.

USF (5-7, 1-6) finished its season on a three-game losing streak and failed to qualify for a bowl bid for the first time in seven years.

Pelini to FAU

Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini has agreed to replace retiring coach Howard Schnellenberger at Florida Atlantic, ESPN reported.

Pelini, a Cardinal Mooney High graduate, is the brother of Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini.

Former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops, also a Cardinal Mooney graduate, was reportedly also considered for the position.

A&M fires Sherman

Texas A&M will enter the Southeastern Conference with a new football coach.

Mike Sherman was fired Thursday after the Aggies finished the regular season a disappointing 6-6.

Athletic Director Bill Byrne announced the move in a statement.

The Aggies, who are leaving the Big 12 for the SEC next season, must now find a replacement to lead the team into their ultra-competitive new league.

The school hasn’t named any candidates.