The other finalists this year were Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn and Texas Christian defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas.

All five finalists are headed to BCS bowls, and Florida’s loss to Alabama is the only defeat for any of them so far this season.

“Those guys up there, they’ve got so much more experience, but it’s based on a one-year deal,” Smart said. “I’m just honored to have gotten it—and hate it for them, because I think they’re great coaches.”

Alabama leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 11 points per game. After winning the award, Smart reserved most of his praise for Strong, his SEC rival. Strong was a finalist for this award last year as well, when Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson won.

“I never even fathomed winning it. Charlie’s done such a great job this year, and he’s done such a good job for so long,” Smart said. “I just knew Charlie was going to win it and really hoped he did, because I feel like I’ll have another chance.”

This might have been Strong’s last chance, since he’s considered a prime candidate to become a head coach sooner rather than later. Strong did say he plans to coach in Florida’s game against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.

The final voting for the Broyles Award took place after Alabama’s rout of Florida, which might have hurt Strong’s chances.

“When you play a game like that, you’ve got to bring your ‘A’ game, and we just didn’t play well that night—didn’t tackle well, gave up too many big plays,” Strong said. “We get a chance to go play a good Cincinnati team and I think our players will be ready to go.”

Gammons will offer commentary for breaking news and big events such as the postseason, winter meetings, amateur draft and the trade deadline. He will appear on the network's news shows as well as develop short documentary-style pieces. He also will write regularly for MLB.com, becoming part of its new columnist Web site.

"To be involved with people whose network is devoted to baseball, and baseball only, is something I look forward to with excitement," Gammons said in a statement Tuesday.

Gammons joins Bob Costas as a major presence at MLB Network. In addition, Gammons will become an analyst and reporter for NESN, the regional sports network in New England affiliated with the owners of the Boston Red Sox.

"It's hard to imagine a reporter who is more deeply associated with a sport than Peter is with Major League Baseball," MLB president Tony Petitti said. "Having Peter associated with MLB Network is an incredible opportunity and another great step for MLB Network as we head into our second year on Jan. 1."

Gammons joined ESPN in 1989 and has been an integral part of its baseball coverage. He wrote for the Boston Globe starting in 1969 and also worked for Sports Illustrated (1976-78, 1986-90).

"Peter was the best and the brightest in making the transition from print to video," ESPN executive vice president John Walsh said.

The 64-year-old Gammons received the 2004 J.G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing and was honored during the 2005 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He signed in October with Creative Artists Agency.

"My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted," Gammons said. "ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am."

Gammons interviewed Alex Rodriguez on camera in February when the New York Yankees slugger admitted using steroids from 2001-03 with the Texas Rangers.

Alexa Ray Joel was rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan for an undisclosed condition on Saturday.

Joel's publicist tells "Extra" Joel is in stable condition and doctors are assessing her needs.

Joel, 23, is the daughter of Billy Joel and supermodel Christie Brinkley and is a singer, songwriter and pianist. The young musician is also one of the many celebrities scheduled to appear at a tree-lighting ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange next week.

On Friday, Joel Tweeted about the performance and an upcoming autograph signing.

The New York Post reports the police believe Joel was attempting suicide. She allegedly took a large number of sleeping pills.

"We'd like to thank everyone for praying for Michelle," says Jim Bob, the star of TLC's "18 Children and Counting." Pregnant Michelle was airlifted to the University of Arkansas for Health Sciences Hospital in Little Rock over the weekend after gallstone pain caused early contractions.

Adds Michelle, "Thank you for all the well wishes that we've been receiving. We are really grateful. I am feeling so much better. The gallstone has calmed down a bit... the baby sounds good. We're waiting to see what happens."

Jim Bob says the hospital is going to "keep her for a few more days to make sure her blood pressure is going down."

He also asks fans to pray that "she'll get to feeling better quickly, and that we'll be able to bring the baby to full term... So far, the baby's doing great, and we're so grateful for that."

Alexa Ray Joel

"Alexa is feeling much better. She is with her family and looking forward to getting back on track," spokesperson Claire Mercuri wrote in an e-mail to MTV News.

"I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support," the daughter of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Billy Joel and legendary supermodel Christie Brinkley said in the statement.

The 23-year-old singer was set to headline at the 86th annual tree-lighting ceremony for the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday but has canceled the gig, according to Mercuri. She has also canceled her Thursday appearance at a J&R Music store in Manhattan.

Joel was rushed to a New York hospital on Saturday afternoon, following an apparent overdose of the homeopathic anti-inflammatory pill Traumeel in what some are calling a suicide attempt. The singer was said to be despondent over a breakup last year with bandmate and former boyfriend Jimmy Riot. She reportedly took the pills — an alternative to ibuprofen — and called 911 when she began having trouble breathing. Medical experts told the New York Daily News that it is virtually impossible to overdose on the all-natural Traumeel.

The New York Post reported that Ray Joel took eight Traumeel pills and panicked before calling 911. A source reportedly told the paper that EMS received a message from the 911 that said, "Female caller. Took eight pills. Wants to die. Now feels funny. Wants to live."

The maker of the supplement, Heel USA, posted a statement about the incident on its Web site on Monday, wishing Joel and her parents well and explaining the proper use of the drug. "Traumeel has been used safely for 60 years in 60 countries," it read. "It is a homeopathic medicine made of very small doses of botanical and mineral natural ingredients for the temporary relief of muscular pain, joint pain, sports injuries and bruising. It is neither an antihistamine nor muscle relaxant as reported in some entertainment news stories. ... [S]ide effects are very rare."

Joel was released from a New York hospital on Saturday night and is resting at an undisclosed location.

This report is from MTV News.

Alexa Ray Joel

According to People.com, Thurman split from the multimillionaire on November 15.

The couple began dating in the summer of 2007.

A source says, "The engagement ended awhile back ... They remain friends ... She will probably give (the ring) back. She wants to return everything that is his."

Thurman, 39, admitted in September that she wasn't planning to marry London-based Busson anytime soon.

She told W magazine: "I'm happily engaged but we haven't set a wedding up. I'm not in a rush to do anything. One day we'll do it, when we're ready. We can't live anywhere else because my children's father lives here. We'll figure it out."

The businessman has two sons with his former girlfriend, supermodel Elle Macpherson. Thurman has a son and daughter with ex-husband, actor Ethan Hawke.

A spokesperson for the actress has declined to comment.