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Hamlin wins race, Johnson wins title

HOMESTEAD, Fla., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Denny Hamlin won Sunday's Sprint Cup 400 at Homestead, Fla., but Jimmie Johnson won his fourth straight points title in the season-ending race.

Johnson had an advantage after winning the pole Friday and finished fifth. His boss, Rick Hendrick, the head of Hendrick Motorsports, missed the race due to an undisclosed family emergency.

Hamlin's victory was his fourth in 2009. Jeff Burton's second-place finish was his best this season.

"It takes awhile to sink in because I haven't let my mind think about it (but) to win four championships in eight seasons is amazing," Johnson said in a post-race interview. "I felt we had a shot late in the summer, but I was devastated after Texas (a 13th place finish at the Dickies 500)."

Kevin Harvick was third and Kurt Busch fourth in Sunday's race.

Mark Martin, 50, finished second in the points chase and Jeff Gordon was third.

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Florida stays atop the BCS poll

IRVING, Texas, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Florida again was No. 1 Sunday in college football's BCS poll.

Based on percentage totals of the Harris Interactive poll, USA Today poll and computer rankings, the 11-0 Gators amassed a .9664 average following a 62-3 non-SEC rout of Florida International Saturday.

Florida is followed by Alabama (.9614), Texas (.9263), TCU (.8609), Cincinnati (.8591), Boise State (.7834), Georgia Tech (.7756), Oregon (.6724), Pittsburgh (.6638) and Oregon State (.6523) in the Top 10.

The first seven schools, all unbeaten, repeated their spots from last week's poll.

Florida and Alabama face traditional rivals Florida State and Auburn before their showdown in the SEC title game Dec. 5 at Atlanta.

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Federer, Murray win in ATP World Finals

LONDON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Switzerland's Roger Federer and Scot Andy Murray won their openers Sunday in Group A Competition at the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Federer, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, dropped the first set but battled back to defeat Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Murray jumped to a 5-0 lead in the first set, fell behind early in the second and took a 4-1 advantage in the third on the way to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 decision over Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina.

"Me and Juan haven't played that much since the U.S. Open." Murray said. "I kind of expected a little bit of a scrappy match maybe. He didn't start particularly well, but after 5-0 (in the opening set) I thought the standard was very good. Played some great points. Obviously happy to get the win."

Play in Group B will begin Monday with Spain's Rafael Nadal taking on Robin Soderling of Sweden and Serb Novak Djokovic meeting Nikolay Davydenko of Russia.

The tournament ends the season on the ATP Tour.

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Princeton to replace football coach

PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Roger Hughes will be replaced after 10 years as coach of the Princeton football team, the university announced Sunday.

The Tigers finished the 2009 season with a 4-6 record and have been 47-52 overall since Hughes became coach.

"Roger Hughes has been a fine ambassador of the football program during his tenure as head coach," Athletics Director Gary Walters said. "The university is grateful for his service, integrity and effort on behalf of the Princeton football program. Ultimately, given its commitment to achieving excellence across the board, the university has determined that a fresh start in the football program is needed."

Walter said a search for a new coach begins immediately.