Jeff Hart

Brett Favre has been "had" more times than any quarterback in NFL history, to the tune of 288 career interceptions. But that's beginning to change under Packers coach Mike McCarthy. Favre is playing a more careful, disciplined brand of football in his second season under McCarthy. And, perhaps not coincidentally, he is back in the NFC Championship game for the first time in a decade.

The San Diego Chargers like what they're hearing from Philip Rivers. Forced to leave last weekend's upset win because of a sprained right knee, the mouthy quarterback is "optimistic" about playing Sunday in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.

When he needed it the most, top-seeded Roger Federer found an extra gear to survive at the Australian Open. There was never a letup in the tension of the 4 1/2-hour match as Federer was forced repeatedly to rally before outlasting 49th-ranked Janko Tipsarevic 6-7 (5), 7-6 (1), 5-7, 6-1, 10-8 on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the tournament he has won the past two years.

Georgia Tech will try to end a three-game losing streak Saturday when the Jackets play host to Virginia Tech is a must-win Atlantic Coast Conference game at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

Georgia concludes its mini-homestand this Saturday night when it entertains Arkansas. A win for Georgia could put the Bulldogs in second place in the SEC East if Kentucky can knock off Florida. Georgia is a perfect 9-0 at Stegeman Coliseum this season.

South Carolina coach Dave Odom stood on the court at Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday night and soaked in his struggling team's 70-66 victory over Arkansas. Only hours earlier, Odom had decided it was time for him to retire after 22 years as a head college basketball coach.

The Atlanta Braves avoided salary arbitration with Matt Diaz by agreeing to terms with the left fielder Friday on a one-year contract. Diaz will earn $1,225,000 with $12,500 bonuses for 450 and 500 plate appearances.

No current Florida player knows what it's like to lose to Kentucky. The Gators have won six consecutive games in the series, the longest winning streak ever against the Wildcats by a Southeastern Conference opponent.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban on Friday announced the hiring of Bobby Williams as tight ends coach/special teams coordinator. The hiring marks the fourth time in Williams' career that he joins a coaching staff under Saban.

Standing at the podium minutes after being introduced as the eventual successor to Rich Brooks at Kentucky on Friday, offensive coordinator Joker Phillips couldn't help it when asked what it means to know he'll one day be the first black head football coach at his alma mater.