NCAA expects smooth sailing for Cowboys Stadium regional

Although the chairman of the NCAA men's basketball committee anticipates "more madness than we're used to in March" in a parity-filled season, he stressed Wednesday that officials anticipate a smooth logistical run during Cowboys Stadium's debut as an NCAA venue when it hosts the South Regional, March 29-31.

The key, said tournament chair Mike Bobinski, rests with the experience of the administrative staff from the Big 12, which will oversee the regional site.

"We feel like Cowboys Stadium will be a tremendous regional host and an equally tremendous Final Four host," Bobinski said. "The Big 12 has hosted a number of regionals before.... For teams to play in one of the iconic venues in the country is great. We're excited about being there."

Bobinski said the setup of Cowboys Stadium at the South Regional will be used "as a dress rehearsal" for the 2014 Final Four, which also is coming to the facility. -- Jimmy Burch

Briefly

Oklahoma football: Coach Bob Stoops confirmed a big shake-up on his staff, with defensive tackles coach Jackie Shipp and offensive line assistant Bruce Kittle both relieved of their duties. Interior offensive line coach James Patton was hired at Indiana after getting dumped from the Sooners' staff.

TCU baseball: The Frogs will have an additional 13 home games and four road games televised this season. The TCU Film/Television/Digital Media Department will produce all but one of the home games. Thirteen will air on Fox Sports Southwest Plus, with three others will be on Fox College Sports and two will be nationally televised on Fox Sports Net.

Kentucky basketball: The Wildcats received the news it dreaded when freshman forward Nerlens Noel was declared out for the season with a torn ligament in his left knee. Noel tore his ACL on Tuesday in a loss at Florida. The 6-foot-10 forward will have surgery in the next two or three weeks.

USC baseball: Coach Frank Cruz was fired for violating NCAA rules regarding limits on practice time and organized team activities. Athletic director Pat Haden that the school has self-imposed a reduction in the number of practice hours for the baseball team this season and next.

Looking for comments?