WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats struggled to avert a showdown steeped in race and corruption Monday as a defiant Roland Burris declared, "I'm a United States senator" despite boiling controversy over his appointment to President-elect Barack Obama's seat in Congress.

Burris was named last week by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who faces charges of having attempted to sell the seat.

Burris has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but Senate Democrats expressed the hope that the veteran Illinois Democrat would not violate protocol by attempting to walk uninvited into the chamber.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Texas coach Mack Brown has a theory about bowl games.

If third-ranked Texas had a choice, it would be in Miami preparing to face Florida for the BCS title.

Snubbed in their bid for a slot in the Bowl Championship Series title game, the Longhorns (11-1) will try to take their frustrations out on the Buckeyes (10-2), who have made their fifth bowl trip to Arizona since 2002.