AP Sports Digest

Snyder returns to K-State

MANHATTAN, Kan. " After a restless retirement, coach Bill Snyder is ready to turn Kansas State into a winner again.

Three years after handing off a successful Wildcats program to Ron Prince, the 69-year-old and wispy-haired Snyder was hired to take charge of the school he transformed from college football's biggest losers to national championship contenders. Prince was fired this month but is completing the season.

"The Kansas State family is in flux right now," Snyder said at a news conference Monday. "I want to be able to help. I want to be able to soothe the waters. I've learned some lessons and there are some things I will do to encompass my family."

Snyder signed a five-year contract for a base salary of $250,000.

S.F. looks at shortstops

SAN FRANCISCO " Shortstops Rafael Furcal and Edgar Renteria are among the free agents the San Francisco Giants are targeting as possible replacements for 11-time Gold Glover Omar Vizquel.

Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, said Monday the Giants and A's are still serious contenders to sign Furcal.

The 31-year-old Furcal has played the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so he is familiar with the NL West. That's after he spent his first six major league seasons with the Atlanta Braves.

Renteria, 33 and a 13-year big league veteran, batted .270 with 10 homers and 55 RBIs for the Detroit Tigers.

Award finalists announced

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. " Tim Tebow will get a chance to repeat as winner of the Maxwell Award, given to college football's top player.

The Florida quarterback was one of three finalists announced Monday, along with QBs Graham Harrell of Texas Tech and Colt McCoy of Texas.

The Maxwell and eight other college football awards will be presented Dec. 11 on ESPN.

Linebackers Rey Maualuga of Southern California and James Laurinaitis of Ohio State and defensive end Aaron Maybin of Penn State are finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award for best defensive player.

The Outland Trophy for best interior lineman will go to Michael Oher of Mississippi, Duke Robinson of Oklahoma or Andre Smith of Alabama.

For the Biletnikoff as best receiver, the finalists are Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State, Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech and Jeremy Maclin of Missouri.

Safety Eric Berry of Tennessee is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award for top defensive back, along with Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State and Taylor Mays of USC.

The Doak Walker finalists for best running back are Shonn Greene of Iowa, Knowshon Moreno of Georgia and Javon Ringer of Michigan State.

Louie Sakoda of Utah is a finalist for both kicking awards " he's up against Graham Gano of Florida State and Josh Arauco of Arkansas State for the Lou Groza as best kicker. For the Ray Guy, given to best punter, he faces Matt Fodge of Oklahoma State and Pat McAfee of West Virginia.