Fast Break

NFL

Cutler takes Broncos reins

Jay Cutler’s time has arrived.

Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan ended speculation Monday by officially elevating the rookie to starting quarterback for the rest of the year, sending veteran Jake Plummer to the bench.

“He’s our future, he’s our present,” Shanahan said.

Cutler, the 11th pick out of Vanderbilt in the NFL draft last April, hasn’t taken a snap since the preseason. But Shanahan is hoping a quarterback change can ignite the Broncos’ struggling offense. The team is 7-4, but ranks 26th in the league in yards passing per game (171.5).

Plummer will be relegated to backup duty for basically the first time in his 10-year career. His passer rating (70.5) is 28th in the league.

College football

Alabama sends Shula packing

Alabama coach Mike Shula was fired after a 6-6 season that ended with three straight losses, including a defeat by state rival Auburn.

Shula, a former Alabama quarterback, led the Crimson Tide to a 10-2 record last year and a Cotton Bowl victory. But his teams were winless in four tries against Auburn. The Tigers beat the Crimson Tide 22-15 on Nov. 18.

Shula took over the proud but troubled program less than four months before the 2003 season after former Washington State coach Mike Price was fired following spring practice for his off-the-field behavior – specifically a night of drinking at a strip club in Pensacola, Fla. Price got the job after Dennis Franchione bolted for Texas A&M.

College basketball

UCLA No. 1: Zags break in

UCLA is No. 1 in the Associated Press college basketball poll, thanks in part to Gonzaga.

The Bruins combined their championship at the EA Sports Maui Invitational with losses by No. 1 Florida and No. 2 North Carolina to vault from fifth to the top spot Monday.

North Carolina’s loss was to Gonzaga last Wednesday in the NIT semifinals. The Bulldogs lost to Butler in the NIT final, but still broke into the poll at No. 22. Butler is ranked 19th.

The University of Washington is No. 13.