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Monday, December 14, 1998

College football prepares for bowl games

PREVIEW: Approaching match-ups considered on game-by-game basis

By Rocky Salmon

Daily Bruin Staff

Dec. 19 - Las Vegas Bowl

San Diego St. (7-4) vs. N. Carolina (6-5)

3 p.m. (ESPN2) Las Vegas, Nev.

The Aztecs may have four losses, but those came against Wisconsin, BYU, Arizona and USC - which all made it to a bowl. Even though the Aztecs have not made a bowl trip since the Marshall Faulk days of 1991, this team is as explosive as its predecessor. Led by wide receiver Damon Gourdine, who has two kickoff returns for touchdowns, the Aztecs finished third in the WAC.

North Carolina started off the season with three straight losses, including a shoot-out with Stanford. But the team has bounced back under first-year coach Carl Torbush to go 5-3 in the ACC. Quarterback Oscar Davenport has a formidable target in Na Brown, who hauled in six touchdown receptions.

Dec. 23 - Motor City Bowl

Marshall (11-1) vs. Louisville (7-4)

5 p.m. (ESPN) Pontiac, Mich.

The Stampeding Herd have a stellar quarterback in Chad Pennington, who has thrown for 3429 yards and 24 touchdowns. Behind him in the pocket is running back Doug Chapman, who has 15 touchdowns this year and over 1000 yards. Imagine if they still had Randy Moss.

Louisville's quarterback, Chris Redman, leads the nation with 400.9 yards passing per game. Leroy Collins has found the end zone 19 times to help the Cardinals lead the nation in total offense at 559 yards per game. On a game two days before the Christmas games, this offensive battle should hold you over.

Dec. 25 - Aloha Bowl

Oregon (8-3) vs. Colorado (7-4)

12:30 p.m. (ABC) Honolulu, Hawaii

Those poor Ducks were making arrangements to go to San Diego when UCLA slipped up. Now quarterback Akili Smith, co-Pac-10 Player of the Year, will lead the nations' seventh-ranked scoring offense into Hawaii. The Ducks garnered two losses when star running back Reuben Droughns went down with an injury, leaving all the pressure on Smith - and he has responded.

The Buffaloes have regrouped after a horrendous last year behind the inconsistent play of quarterback Mike Moschetti, a transfer from Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, who has thrown for 15 touchdowns. With the return of Marlo Barnes, injured earlier in the year, the Buffs have a formidable running back who can keep the Colorado defense off of the field. Look for another explosive game as the Ducks and Buffaloes do battle in Hawaiian sunshine.

Dec. 25 - Oahu Bowl

Air Force (11-1) vs. Washington (6-5)

5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Honolulu, Hawaii

This is the second half of Hawaii Bowl Day, in which two exciting quarterbacks will square off. Air Force runs the wishbone behind Blane Morgan, who is not as much a passer but a runner. On the year he has 10 touchdown throws and 15 touchdown runs. He has only 111 attempts in the air while running 145 times. Morgan may still be hobbled by a sprained ankle, but the high-flying Falcons are an exciting team.

The Huskies were supposed to battle UCLA for the Pac-10 title but they ended up slipping into fifth place. Brock Huard has passed for 1,924 yards on the season with 15 touchdowns, but has not found a consistent receiver to connect with. At times, Huard is replaced with Marques Tuiasosopo, who ends up running a wishbone-like offense. On the year he has run for 330 yards with an average of 7.7 yards a carry.

Dec. 26 - Heritage Bowl

Beth-Cookman (8-2) vs. Southern (8-3)

9:30 a.m. (NBC) Atlanta, Ga.

Beth.-Cookman is visiting a Bowl for the first time in 21 years. Patel Troutman, the supposed quarterback, has thrown five touchdowns to 10 interceptions. But his strength is not his arm but rather his legs as he has run for 1045 yards and 15 touchdowns. When he does throw it, he sends the ball to James Adderly, who is 200 yards shy of 1000 receiving yards on the season.

Southern will try to win its fourth Heritage Bowl in the last five years. This year's offense has blown up with deadly weapons. Tiger quarterback Sam George has stellar stats, passing for 1,935 yards and 20 touchdowns. Behind George in the backfield is Steve Wufford, who has rushed over 1,000 yards on the season. The Tigers will look to roar after Christmas.

Dec. 26 - Insight.com Bowl

West Virginia (8-3) vs. Missouri (7-4)

5 p.m. (ESPN) Tucson, Ariz.

The Mountaineers have lost their last six bowl games, but have an ace in quarterback Marc Bulger. This Mountaineer has thrown for 27 touchdowns and 3,178 yards. What's even more impressive is that he has spread the ball around to his receivers, as three receivers have caught more than five touchdowns. Amos Zereoue is a big-time running back with 1,430 yards, averaging 5.5 yards. This is the player who opens up the passing game.

Making their first trip to the bowl once called the Copper Bowl, the Tigers have a young backfield tandem that resembles West Virginia's. Behind quarterback Corby Jones, who has passed for 1,281 yards, and running back Devin West, with 1,578 yards, the Tigers made it through a tough Big 12 schedule with a winning record. This Bowl will be decided by a deuce, a tandem of running back and quarterback.

Dec. 29 - Music City Bowl

Virginia Tech (8-3) vs. Alabama (7-4)

2 p.m. (ESPN) Nashville, Tenn.

With all this offense flying around in the bowl games, the Hokies can quench the thirst for old-fashioned grind it out and tough defense.

This is a team that knows how to find the ball and the quarterback. Led by junior defensive end Corey Moore, who had 67 tackles and 14 sacks, the defense was ninth in the nation.

Even more impressive is the 45 sacks and 23 interceptions, which leads the nation, the Hokie defense has caused all year. This is a team that symbolizes Big East football.

The Crimson Tide are all about Shaun Alexander, who ran for 1,276 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is the most explosive player on the Alabama team, which is only 11-11 under head coach Mike Dubose. He will needs to win more, including this bowl game, if he wants to get an extension like Hokie head coach Frank Beamer's.

Dec. 29 - Micron PC Bowl

N.C. State (7-4) vs. Miami (8-3)

4:30 p.m. (TBS) Miami, Fla.

The Wolfpack have one of the most potent offenses in college football. Wide receiver Larry Holt set the all-time ACC record with 88 catches for 1,604 yards. The man who has thrown to him this year, Jamie Barnette, has racked up 3,161 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Wolfpack should be able to capitalize on a Miami defense that has given up 111 points to Syracuse and UCLA in the past two games.

The Hurricanes have been hot and cold the last two games on offense. Against Syracuse they only managed 13 points but they burned UCLA for 49 points.

Only one name needs to be mentioned when the Hurricanes are spoken of - Edgerrin James. His last game, where he scampered for 299 yards, showed why many scouts are impressed with his running ability. Quarterback Scott Covington has been one of the reasons why the offense is inconsistent. Unless a Hurricane defense shows up, then the Wolfpack will howl over the thundering winds.

Dec. 29 - Alamo Bowl

Kansas St. (11-1) vs. Purdue (8-4)

5:30 p.m. (ESPN) San Antonio, Texas

"The Alamo Bowl is one of those up-and-coming Bowls," said Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder after his team lost a date with the Fiesta Bowl. All year long the Wildcats had a shot at the national championship behind the play of Michael Bishop, who passed for 2,944 yards and ran for 748.

His favorite receiver is Darnell MacDonald, who had 1,092 receiving yards. But the real question and worry is whether the Wildcats will be emotionally up for playing against unranked Purdue. They had a chance to go to the Fiesta; a few hours later, they were sent to the Alamo Bowl.

The Boilermakers have the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (after throwing for 3,753 yards and 36 touchdowns) in Drew Brees. Purdue has the nation's 16th-ranked offense. Kansas State's is ninth-ranked. But the difference here should be the Wildcat defense, which held the opponent to 11.3 points per game.

The Boilermakers have had an up and down year and will need an amazing performance from Brees for a Purdue victory.

Dec. 30 - Humanitarian Bowl

Idaho (8-3) vs. Southern Miss. (7-4)

Noon (ESPN2) Boise, Idaho

With a nickname like the Vandals, you would think Idaho had a strong defense. Au contraire. Rather, this team has a powerful offense led by a punishing running back in Joel Thomas, who has accumulated 1,229 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Vandals rarely go to the air as the quarterback has thrown 10 picks to his 11 touchdowns. What will benefit the Vandals will be playing at home with the crowd behind their back against a team that has traveled from afar.

The Golden Eagles has a deadly trio in quarterback Lee Roberts, running back Derrick Nix and wide receiver Sherrod Gideon. Roberts has passed for 2,680 yards and 22 touchdowns, with his favorite Eagle being Gideon, who has over 1000 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. To keep the defense honest and not focus in on the passing, Nix has rushed this year for 1,180 yards. To top it off, their four losses came against undefeated Tulane, Alabama, Texas A&M and Penn State.

Dec. 30 - Holiday Bowl

Nebraska (9-3) vs. Arizona (11-1)

5 p.m. (ESPN) San Diego, Calif.

This game has more excitement to it than most of the BCS Bowl games, as both teams are powerhouses. In fact, the game is so hyped that it sold out a day after the teams were announced, which is the first time a Holiday Bowl ever sold out. The Cornhuskers this year have stayed with their tradition of running, and Correll Buckhalter leads the team with 799 yards.

But this Nebraska team revolves around its defense. Defensive end Mike Rucker will be crucial, as the Cornhuskers team has limited opponents to three yards per carry, and Arizona running back Trung Canidate will be pivotal if the Wildcats are to win.

Arizona is still reeling after thinking they were going to the Rose Bowl. After UCLA's loss they were sent to the Holiday Bowl. But this is one of the best games of the Bowl season.

The Wildcats have a deadly duo of quarterbacks in Ortege Jenkins and Keith Smith. Their biggest target is Dennis Northcutt, who has great hands and blazing speed. Watch out for this one as the Wildcats will roar in San Diego as they smart from their Rose Bowl miss.

Dec. 31 - Liberty Bowl

Tulane (11-0) vs. BYU (9-4)

10:30 am (ESPN) Memphis, Tenn.

The Green Waves has a tsunami on offense. Quarterback Shaun King has helped Tulane lead the country in scoring offense and total offense. He has passed for 3,219 yards and 36 touchdowns.

King has two receivers who have grabbed over 10 touchdowns: P.J. Franklin (1,169 yards and 10 TDs) and Jajuan Dawson (947 yards and 12 TDs).

But since Tulane coach Tommy Bowden left and will not be around for the game, his assistant will have to step in.

This will be the game to prove to the nation that their undefeated record is not due to a soft schedule.

The Cougars also have a high-scoring quarterback of their own in Kevin Fetteryk, with 2,460 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The Cougars have won the last six straight by scoring at least 36 points, and have a stable coach in LuValle Edwards. Even in an off year, BYU can knock off the Green Waves to run its wins to double digits.

Dec. 31 - Sun Bowl

USC (8-4) vs. TCU (6-5)

11 a.m. (CBS) El Paso, Texas

USC comes into this bowl after placing fourth in the Pac-10. The Trojans are aided by a strangling defense led by Daylon McCutcheon and Chris Claiborne, the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Claiborne will be needed to stop TCU running back Basil Mitchell, who ran for 1,111 yards. The last time the Trojans went to a Sun Bowl they lost to Michigan State in 1990. This could be a good test for freshman quarterback Carson Palmer, as he gets to taste the postseason play before next year rolls around.

The Horned Frogs will be aiming for a victory to silence the critics who are complaining about a 6-5 team making a bowl game when teams in the same conference who had better records and defeated them, like Wyoming, don't get a chance to play.

What happened was that since the game is in El Paso, home to WAC conference team Texas El Paso, the people who decided who plays in the bowl ignored 8-4 Wyoming because the Cowboys were breaking away from the WAC. So now the game has gone from potential excitement with USC vs. Wyoming to bland and boring.

Dec. 31 - Peach Bowl

Virginia (9-2) vs. Georgia (8-3)

2 p.m. (ESPN) Atlanta, Ga.

ACC versus SEC. Old school football and old school traditions. The two teams met in 1995 in the Peach Bowl, and the Cavaliers won 34-27. This Virginia team does not rely on offense but on defense.

In fact, two players have been named All-Americans for their play on defense. Patrick Kerney, a senior, led the ACC in sacks with 14 and had 59 tackles including 20 for losses. His sidekick Anthony Poindexter was named to the squad because of his 73 tackles but he suffered a season-ending injury which might have major implications against Georgia.

The Bulldogs have a good quarterback in Quincy Carter, who threw for 16 touchdowns. But that is not their biggest threat - that distinction goes to a man who should be nicknamed "Slash," as he fits into the mould of Champ Bailey. He is a three-way threat, playing running back, wide receiver and defensive back. This man is a deadly threat, as he has accumulated better stats than Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson did last year. If you want to watch an exciting player who has raised up past hard times then flick this game on.

Dec. 31 - Independence Bowl

Mississippi (6-5) vs. Texas Tech (7-4)

5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Shreveport, La.

Mississippi is only one of two teams with a 6-5 record to be in a bowl game.

However, its schedule was hard, with losses coming against Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi St. and Auburn.

Ole Miss was third in total offense in the SEC, but only gained 265 yards in its last game against archrival Mississippi State. Quarterbacking for the Rebels is Romero Miller, who passed for over 2,000 yards but also threw 11 picks. The strength of this team lies in its running back, Deuce McAllister, who ran up 1,082 yards on the season and seven touchdowns.

The Red Raiders also have their strength in the backfield in Ricky Williams. No, it's not Patrick Henry's Ricky Williams who just broke the rushing record, but another running back who is stands only in the five feet range. A small back with a lot of heart, Williams has 1,582 rushing yards on the season with 13 touchdowns.

If you cannot wait the extra day for the Cotton Bowl to see Texas' Ricky Williams then feast your eyes on this back.

Jan 1 - Outback Bowl

Kentucky (7-4) vs. Penn St. (8-3)

8 a.m. (ESPN) Tampa, Fla.

The Wildcats had harsh losses against SEC powers Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas and Georgia. But the Wildcats have someone everyone across America should get to see before he enters the draft early - quarterback Tim Couch. He has lit up opponents for 4,275 yards and 36 touchdowns. With his strong arm, his offense is in the top five in total offense per game at 530 yards. His favorite target has been Craig Yeast, who has hauled in 14 touchdown passes and 1,311 yards receiving.

The Nittany Lions have a fearsome defense, third in the Big Ten in total defense and scoring defense, giving up only 14 points a game. It will be up to an athletic trio of linebackers to contain Yeast and Couch from connecting on big plays.

The leader of this linebacking corp is Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year LaVar Arrington, who had 65 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions. Playing behind him in the secondary is David Macklin, who racked up six interceptions and should pose a formidable foe against the record-setting Couch. With Coach Joe Paterno on their side, Penn St. has the upper hand.

Jan 1 - Gator Bowl

Georgia Tech (9-2) vs. Notre Dame (9-2)

9:30 a.m. (NBC) Jacksonville, Fla.

The Yellowjackets come into this game with a high-flying offense anchored by a tremendous quarterback and his battery mate, a quick wide receiver. At quarterback, Joe Hamilton has passed for 2,166 yards and 16 touchdowns, but even more impressive is receiver Dez White.

As a receiver, White has caught 45 passes for 959 yards and nine touchdowns. White is the Yellowjackets' game-breaker, as he also returns punts and kicks. Georgia Tech had a great year in which it could finish with double-digit victories, the first time since it won a co-national championship with Bobby Ross as head coach.

For the Fighting Irish, this is a bowl game they would rather have missed. But with USC humiliating them in front of a national audience 10-0, the Irish were ousted out of their BCS hopes and instead accepted the Gator Bowl, losing out on $11 million.

Unlike in the USC game though, quarterback Jarious Jackson has been cleared to play. He is the player that makes the Irish tick. On the season Jackson has 1,740 yards passing and 12 touchdowns but his stats don't tell the real story.

The true meaning is his leadership ability and the fact that he does not turn the ball over (only six times this year).

Behind him, Autry Denson has made himself into a good running back, surpassing the 1,000 yard mark.

For the Irish, the Gator Bowl may be a deadly trap, as the Yellowjackets have been poisonous on offense.

Jan. 1 - Citrus Bowl

Michigan (9-3) vs. Arkansas (9-2)

10 a.m. (ABC) Orlando, Fla.

After capturing a share of the national championship last year, this year the Wolverines were supposed to romp through the Big Ten. Lo and behold, the team struggled early as the defense got run over.

But they have consistently improved over the season behind quarterback Drew Henson and Anthony "A-train" Thomas, who has bounced back from injuries just in time for the bowl game. Thomas has been a major player, gaining 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. The defense has also rebounded and now is fourth in total defense in the Big Ten and will need to come up with a big performance against the Hogs.

The Razorbacks shocked the whole country in almost running the table in the SEC before falling one win short of the SEC title game. It was the Hogs that almost knocked Tennessee from the BCS picture before they lost to Tennessee on a quarterback fumble. No fumble, no Volunteers in the Fiesta Bowl and Arkansas could be undefeated. But with the loss, the Hogs seemed to have lost their focus as they fell to Mississippi a week later by three points. The Hogs may have a great offense led by quarterback Clint Stoerner, who has passed for 26 touchdowns and 2,626 yards - but this game will be decided by the Hogs' defense, which was third in the SEC in total defense, giving up 300 yards per game.

If the Razorbacks win, then head coach Houston Nutt will have pushed his team to double-digit wins in his first year. It will be interesting to see if the team can rebound from two heartbreaking losses.

Jan. 1 - Cotton Bowl

Texas (8-3) vs. Mississippi St. (8-4)

8 a.m. (FOX) Dallas, Texas

This game will be America's last chance to see record breaker (26 records, in fact) Ricky Williams one last time in the college ranks before he goes pro. Williams broke Tony Dorsett's rushing record against Texas A&M to clinch a Cotton Bowl berth for Texas. However, the Longhorns have not won a bowl game since Williams arrived, and look for Williams to bust out with a huge game against a Mississippi defense that gave up 142 yards per game on the ground.

The problem with Mississippi State is to see if it can bounce back from a loss to Tennessee in the SEC title game. The Bulldogs also have a great rusher who would love to do nothing better than to steal the spotlight from Williams. James Johnson was SEC's leading rusher with 1,383 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Johnson was a major factor in pushing the Volunteers to the breaking point in the SEC title game.

With the Bulldog fans already buying all their tickets, the Cotton Bowl will be fan friendly to Mississippi, which could be the difference in the game. Oh, hold on. Never mind - Texas has Ricky Williams.

Jan. 1 - Sugar Bowl

Texas A&M (11-2) vs. Ohio St. (10-1)

5:30 p.m. (ABC) New Orleans, La.

The Aggies are coming off of a stunning victory over Kansas State that knocked the Wildcats out of the Fiesta Bowl. Starting quarterback Randy McCown suffered a broken collarbone and will not be ready to play against the Buckeyes, but Brandon Stewart is fit to go. Stewart led the Aggies to the win against Kansas State by passing for 323 yards. Behind Stewart, the Aggies have a decent rushing attack with Dante Hall, who has 1,024 yards on the year and eight touchdowns.

On the other side of the field, the Buckeyes head coach feels snubbed by the BCS, and believes his team should get the shot at a national championship. But his team is rearing to play. Faltering against Michigan State, his team has too much talent to lose any more games.

With first-team Big Ten quarterback Joe Germaine, first-teamers Mike Wiley and David Boston, Ohio St. is loaded on offense. This is an offense which is precise and explosive. However, the offense has a nice counterpart in the defense. The Buckeye defense is led by linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer, cornerback Damon Moore and safety Antoine Whitfield.

A win against this team shows that your team has talent and can play with the big boys. Even with a snub by the BCS, the Buckeyes will come out gunning.

Jan. 2 - Orange Bowl

Syracuse (8-3) vs. Florida (9-2)

5 p.m. (ABC) Miami, Fla.

Watch out for these offensive fireworks. Both teams love to move the ball and score. The Orangemen are led by quarterback Donovan McNabb, who helped rack up 66 points on Miami and on the season passed for 2,234 yards and 22 touchdowns, as well as ran for 438 yards. McNabb is the read deal and is the reason why Syracuse was third in the nation in scoring at 42.5 and averaged 430 yards a game.

If you want scoring and offense turn on this game.

The Gators are just like the Orangemen, even though they have rotated their starting quarterbacks. Doug Johnson has passed for 2,346 yards, while Jesse Palmer has thrown 14 touchdowns.

The question is who will start against Syracuse. No matter who is playing quarterback, the Gators have racked up 460 yards a game but only have managed 37.5 points a game. which is lower than Syracuse's.

At wideout is Terry McGriff, who has become a big play receiver snagging 10 touchdowns and 1, 357 yards a game.

It used to be one of the biggest bowls of the early '90s - this game will not disappoint, as touchdowns are sure to fall like New Year's resolutions.

Jan. 4 - Fiesta Bowl

Tennessee (12-0) vs. Florida St. (11-1)

5 p.m. (ABC) Tempe, Ariz.

The Volunteers were supposed to make a run at the national title last year with Peyton Manning quarterbacking the team, but the team lost and ended up in the Orange Bowl against Nebraska trying to play the spoiler.

This year, things are a little bit different.

Recording their first 12-win season in school history, the Vols control their own fate. Tee Martin has come in to replace an irreplaceable Peyton Manning.

He has responded with Manning-esque numbers: 2,164 yards passing and 19 touchdowns.

But the biggest surprise has come at running back, as Travis Henry has stepped in after Jamal Lewis was injured. Henry has racked up 970 yards for a 5.5 yard per carry average.

In Peerless Price, the Vols have one of the country's most underrated wide receivers as he has gained 920 yards receiving.

If the Vols win, Tennessee will go crazy - but if they lose, debate will surface.

Florida State did not think it had a shot at the Fiesta Bowl and the national championship on Dec. 4, but then the weekend happened.

First UCLA lost. Then Kansas State faltered, and suddenly the Seminoles were making emergency plans to Tempe.

The Seminoles lead the series, having won the only meeting 10-0 in 1958 with the Vols.

Quarterback Chris Weinke was on pace to pass for 3000 yards when he suffered a season-ending injury.

In steps Marcus Outzen, who is still trying to learn the offense. Fortunately for him, he has a stellar receiver in Peter Warrick (1,232 yards; 12 touchdowns).

With a new quarterback, the pressure falls on the Seminole defense to pick up the pace and this defense can respond. Florida State's defense has always been speedy and athletic, and this unit is no different.

Led by linebacker Dan Woldrop and cornerback David Feaster, this team can shut down Tee Martin and the Vols' offense.

So if the Vols win, they are national champions, but if they don't, controversy will arise.

Assuming that every other 10-1 team wins, then Ohio State, Kansas State, Arizona, UCLA and Florida State will all have a claim to the national crown.

However, Florida State will get first place in the ESPN Coaches Poll, leaving the AP Poll the chance to vote for a co-champion.

What does this mean? It means we are one step closer to a play-off system.

In fact, said Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, "The clamor for a play-off system will get louder and I am for a four-team play-off system."

This year has proven one thing: the BCS may have been a step in the right direction but it is only a baby step.

A play-off system would alleviate controversy and that may come about if the Vols fall on

Jan. 4.

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