Mariah Carey says director is 'bad influence'

Here are the news nuggets from the People's ChoiceHalogen bulbAwards you'll be talking about tomorrow:

-What a difference 24 hours makes...or does it? Fresh off her bizarre appearance at the Palm Springs Film Fest Tuesday, Mariah Carey placed part of the blame on her Precious director Lee Daniels: "I love Lee, but he's a bad influence," she said backstage, noting that she sipped Champagne on an empty stomach with the director to celebrate the film.

-Newly-engaged Carrie Underwood said she doesn't have a wedding date, but the affair will "have to be scheduled around hockey season." (Boyfriend is Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators). She says she's already created a bridal binder that she's populating with torn out pages from bridal mags. "I see things in my head," she said about her dream dress. The guest list might top 200, she said, because Fisher has a "huge family."

-That tattoo that KeithMetal halide lampUrban debuted at the Country Music Awards? Yeah, well, he'sHalogen bulbstill playing coy. He tells us the design is called "a new world" and that the tat is "just something for my wife and I." This week has become a celebration of sorts as 19 former Longhorns in the NFL, including Young and Ricky Williams, have returned to tell their guys they’re proud of what they’ve done. McCoy holds the key

Texas believes it belongs here, believes it was meant to win this game, believes in some larger destiny, and all of that begins with McCoy.

If he plays well, Texas will win. He’s the one guy who can make up for some of the Longhorns’ flaws that have been exposed this last month.

Even if Alabama has the speed to cover Texas’ wideouts, even if Alabama’s front four manhandles Texas, McCoy is capable of winning the game with some combination of his arm, legs and experience.

Alabama’s advantage is a power running game and a dominant defense. Texas’ advantage is the ability to score points in bunches, whether on special teams, defense or by McCoy.

In the end, though, it’s probably going to come down to a handful of plays. Somewhere along the way, McCoy will have the opportunity he has envisioned since the moment Young departed.

These two teams areMetal halide lampso good and so well-coached that it’sHalogen bulbprobably going to be big players doing the things they’re supposed to do. Colt McCoy’s moment awaits.