Greg Robinson's career as Syracuse coach started poorly and never got better. When he was fired with two games left in a fourth straight dismal season, even he figured it was coming.

"I don't think it really comes as a surprise to anyone. It doesn't come as a surprise to me," Robinson said at a news conference yesterday. "I ran out of time. I still see improvement. As always, I'm optimistic, I think with more time I could do better. Obviously, I didn't get it done."

Robinson, who will coach the final two games of this season, is 9-36 overall and 3-25 in the Big East in three-plus seasons. He had another year left on a contract that pays $1.1 million per season.

Syracuse (2-8, 1-5) lost to Connecticut, 39-14, on Saturday night and is trying to avoid a third 10-loss campaign under Robinson. The Orange had never reached double-digit losses in a season before Robinson was hired by athletic director Daryl Gross in January 2005 to replace Paul Pasqualoni.

WISCONSIN

RECEIVER RECOVERING

Wisconsin wide receiver Kyle Jefferson was scheduled to be released from the hospital yesterday, one day after he sustained a concussion in the Badgers' 35-32 victory over Minnesota.

Jefferson was taken off the field in an ambulance after a big hit left him motionless for several minutes in the second quarter of Saturday's game.

Jefferson caught a pass from Dustin Sherer in Minnesota territory and was wrapped up by cornerback Traye Simmons, then was hit hard by linebacker Simoni Lawrence and fumbled the ball. A television replay showed that Lawrence's shoulder connected with Jefferson's helmet.

NOTRE DAME

TWO STARTERS OUT

Wide receiver Michael Floyd and linebacker Brian Smith, both key players for Notre Dame this season, will miss the final two regular-season games against Syracuse and No. 6 USC because of knee injuries.

Coach Charlie Weis said both strained their knees in Notre Dame's 27-21 victory against Navy on Saturday. Floyd, a freshman who leads the Irish with 46 receptions and seven TD catches, injured his left knee on the third play of the game against the Midshipmen. Smith, a sophomore who is fourth on the team with 53 tackles, injured his right knee in the first quarter.

Both should be ready to play if the Irish (6-4) play in a bowl.