STATE COLLEGE — Joe Paterno is going back to the Alamo Bowl.

Penn State accepted a bid Friday to play in the Dec. 29 bowl game in San Antonio against a Big 12 team — likely either Texas Tech or Texas A&M. The final determination will probably be made Sunday.

The Nittany Lions (8-4) last played in the Alamo Bowl in 1999, when they shut out the Aggies, 24-0.

Paterno holds records for most bowl appearances (33) and postseason wins (22).

SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University senior offensive tackle Mike Butterworth was named a finalist for the fourth annual Gene Upshaw Division IILineman of the Year Award.The 6-foot-7, 330-pound Butterworth is one of eight candidates vying for the honor.The Rock led the PSACwith 262.3 yards rushing and 463.5 yards total offense per game, ranking 10th and 18th nationally in those categories.

DETROIT — Pitcher Kenny Rogers ended his free agency Friday when he agreed to a $8 million, one-year deal that will keep him with the Detroit Tigers for a third season.Rogers was 3-4 with a 4.43 ERA in an injury-shortened 2007 season for the Tigers after helping them reach the 2006 World Series. The 43-year-old left-hander asked the team to be patient with him as he represented himself in negotiations. He decided not to allow agent Scott Boras to shop his services to the highest bidder.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bobby Bowden and Florida State are finalizing a deal that would keep him on the Seminoles sideline next year, and maybe longer.Bowden's attorney, Russ Campbell of Birmingham, Ala., confirmed Friday that the university and his client have a deal. The agreement allows Bowden, now 78, to coach for as long as he wants, according to the statement.Bowden's 373 career wins — the most among major college coaches — are two more than Penn State's Joe Paterno, who turns 81 on Dec. 21.