Ellington

Yep, the NCAA really taught Penn State a lesson. Oh wait … what do you mean, a billionaire booster just donated $1.3 million to the head coach’s salary, making him the highest paid coach in college football?

Thursday, Jan. 10

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPN): Defending national champions the Kentucky Wildcats begin SEC play on the road against the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Friday, Jan. 11

NBA (7-9:30 p.m., ESPN): A matchup of current playoff teams, as the Chicago Bulls face long-time Eastern Conference rivals the New York Knicks.

Saturday, Jan. 12

NFL (3:30-7 p.m., CBS): Peyton Manning begins his playoff journey with his new team, the Denver Broncos, against Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens. ... NFL (7-10 p.m., Fox): Green Bay heads west to face San Francisco in a rematch of game the 49ers won 30-22 over the Packers in week one of the season.

Sunday, Jan. 13

NFL (12-3 p.m., Fox): Seattle Sea­hawks’ rookie quarterback Russell Wilson looks to upset the NFC’s top seed Atlanta Falcons in the only non-rematch of the weekend. … NFL (3:30-7 p.m., CBS): Tom Brady and the New England Patriots begin their quest to reach the Super Bowl once more against the Houston Texans.

Monday, Jan. 14

College basketball (7:30-9:30 p.m., ESPN U): Jackson State faces Prairie View A&M in a battle of teams currently at the bottom of the SWAC standings.

Tuesday, Jan. 15

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPN U): Ole Miss hits the road in conference play to face the Vanderbilt Commodores as the Rebels look to build their NCAA resume.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

College basketball (8-10 p.m., CSS): Two struggling SEC teams face off as the Mississippi State Bulldogs host the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Finally, the NHL owners and the union have reached a deal to bring back hockey. Too bad both sides played around and the Jan. 1 Winter Classic got cancelled.