The Salina Journal from Salina, Kansas • Page 23

THE SALINA JOURNAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWLS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1997 Nebraska topples Tech in Orange Bowl Big second half propels Huskersto41-21 victory, fourth straight 11-win year By The Associated Press The Nebraska Cornhuskers' two-year national championship reign ends this week, and they went out in style on New -gear's Eve in Miami. Defensive tackle Jason Peter scored on a 31-yard fumble return and Nebraska scored on its first four possessions in the second half to beat Virginia Tech 41-21 in the Orange Bowl. The game, sponsored by FedEx, was the first Orange Bowl played in December and the first held at Pro Player Stadium, and the departure from tradition hurt attendance. The crowd of 51,212 was the smallest in 50 years. No.

6 Nebraska (11-2) earned its third consecutive bowl victory and reached 11 victories for the fourth year in a row. The Cornhuskers' bid for an unprecedented third straight national title ended with an upset loss to Texas in the Big 12 championship game. No. 10 Virginia Tech (10-2) lost despite Jim Druckenmiller's three touchdown passes and Ken Oxendine's 210-yard effort. Oxendine rushed for 150 yards in 20 carries and added 60 yards on three receptions.

Oxendine was voted the Hokies' most valuable player. Damon Benning, the Cornhuskers' MVP, rushed for 95 yards and scored on runs of 33 and 6 yards. Nebraska, a 17-point favorite, struck for 17 points in a 10-minute span in the second quarter, including one score by the defense when Tech tried to run the option on third-and-37. Druckenmiller was about to pitch when he was hit by Mike Rucker, and the ball squirted free. The 285-pound Peter picked it up and ran 31 yards untouched for the touchdown.

Nebraska led 17-14 at halftime, then cranked out scoring drives of 74,61,76 and 55 yards in its first four possessions of the second half. Quarterback Scott Frost scored on runs of 5 and 22 yards, and Kris Brown kicked field goals' of 25 and 37 yards for the Huskers, who snapped Tech's seven-game winning streak. Independence: Auburn 32, Army 29 SHREVEPORT, La. Dameyune Craig threw two touchdowns and ran for another as Auburn took advantage of its early offensive opportunities and then survived to defeat No. 24 Army in the Independence Bowl.

Auburn (8-4) scored on six of its first nine possessions to take a 32-7 lead after three quarters. Army (10-2) then scored 22 fourth-quarter points, but missed a chance to send the game to overtime when J. Parker's 27-yard field goal attempt with 29 seconds left was wide right. The late charge by the Cadets almost overshadowed the performance by Craig, who passed for an Independence Bowl- record 372 yards and also ran for 75 yards. He was 24 of 40, including a bowl-record 10 catches by Willie Gosha.

Ronnie McAda, the Army quarterback who didn't throw an interception all season, threw a 30-yard TD pass to Rod Richardson with 1:27 left in the game. Bobby Williams, who also ran for two touchdowns, scored the 2-point conversion to get the Cadets within three points. Army had failed on an earlier onside kick, but Matt Rogers recovered the second to set up the Cadets' last charge. Two passes by McAda helped move the ball to the 10 with 33 seconds left, when the Cadets elected to attempt a game-tying field goal. Parker had made 17 straight field goals from inside 30 yards.

Sun: Stanford 38, Michigan State 0 EL PASO, Texas While Michigan State defenders raged around him like a storm, Chad Hutchinson remained safe inside a pocket of Stanford blockers. "I just sat back there and dished it off," said Hutchinson, who passed for 226 yards and a touchdown Tuesday in Stanford's 38-0 rout of the Spartans in the Sun Bowl. Playing only three quarters, Hutchinson directed four scoring drives as Stanford (7-5) recorded the second-worst shutout in the Sun Bowl's 63 years. The worst was a 42-0 Texas victory over Maryland in 1978. The key was a play-action passing game that seemed to leave the Spartan defense confused, allowing Hutchinson, the game's MVP, to consistently find an open man.

He completed 22 of 28 passes with one interception. Heritage: Howard 27, Southern 24 ATLANTA Jason Decuir kicked the tie-breaking field goal and Curtis Jones made a game-saving interception at the goal line with 42 seconds remaining to give Howard a Heritage Bowl victory over Southern. Howard trailed 24-10 at halftime. But the Bison defense held Southern scoreless in the final half as Howard (9-2) capped its best season since 1993. Southern (7-4) lost its first Heritage Bowl in three trips.

Arizona St. loose for Rose Bowl ASU could earn title as national champ with win, Florida State loss By STEVE WILSTEIN The Associated Press PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PASADENA, Calif. Legs weary from too many drills on a muddy practice field, minds numb tq the endless talk about a national title, No. 2 Arizona State needed a few laughs before their Rose Bowl run-in against No. 4 Ohio State.

So there was wide receiver Kenny Mitchell, fresh from his talent show impersonation of comedian Andrew Dice Clay, holding a microphone and interviewing coach Bruce Snyder for an Arizona television station. "Coach, we're going to pin down some rumors that you're going to start wide receiver Ken Mitchell at wide receiver, quarterback and running back," Mitchell asked with a veteran announcer's aplomb and a straight face. "He's going to throw to himself, hand off to himself. Is that true?" "I would ask you, are you capable of doing Snyder replied, smiling now for the first time after his last practice. "If I threw the ball real high, maybe.

If I fumbled and then handed off to myself, maybe," Mitchell said, pondering the prospect. Then switching to a mock-serious voice, he asked, "How did practice go today, coach?" "It was great, except for our wideouts, particularly Kenny Mitchell," Snyder said. "No, actually, Kenny, when we're way ahead in the game, I think we'll try that play that you just designed. How's 'that? We'll make the national news." Arizona State will make the national news, and perhaps secure the national title, if quarterback Jake Plummer can lead the Sun Devils to a perfect 12-0 finish. That would put all the pressure on No.

1 Florida State to stay undefeated, also at 12-0, by beating Florida in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night. Ohio State, which is favored slightly despite coming off its only loss against Michigan, might spoil all the fun of a "who's No. 1" debate if it beats the Sun Devils. If that happens, and Florida should also avenge its only loss to Flprida State, none of the top four teams would have perfect records and clear claims on the No. 1 ranking.

With the national title up for grabs, and so much recruiting prestige and money at stake for all the schools, the bowl games are far from the postseason pleasure they once were for the teams involved. The difference between Arizona State and Ohio State is how each is handling the pressure. As the Rose Bowl approached, the Sun Devils seemed to be looser, the Buckeyes grimmer, the players on each team perhaps taking cues from their coaches. "The goal you have is not just to go to the Rose Bowl, but to win it," said oh-so-serious Ohio State coach John Cooper, who has taken plenty of heat for the loss to Michigan. "I'm going to be awfully disappointed if we don't win." The solution to the national title question, Cooper said, would be a follow-up game between the winners of the Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl.

Cooper has long advocated such a college Super Bowl, arguing that "there's a lot of money left on the table," without a true championship game. A game like that, he said, could bring in $100 million. COTTON BOWL: Kansas State vs. Brigham Young STARTING LINEUPS OFFENSE KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (9-2) POS. Kevin Locketf (6-1, 180, Sr.) Todd Weiner (6-5, 280, Jr.

Ross Greenwood (6-4, 300, Sr.) Jason Johnson (6-3, 275, Sr.) Jeremy Martin (6-3, 300, So.) Ryan Young (6-6, 320, So.) Jarrett Grosdidier (6-5, 250, Jr.) Andre Anderson Jr.) Brian Kavanagh (6-3, 220, Sr.) Brian Goolsby (6-3, 245, So.) Mike Lawrence Jr.) Sr.) Andrew Timmons (6-3, 280, Sr.) Jerome Evans (6-6, 305, Jr.) Thad Swazer (6-4, 250, Sr.) Travis Ochs (6-3, 225, So.) DeShawn Fogle (6-2, 235, Sr.) Mark Simoneau (6-0, 225, Fr.) Joe Gordon (5-9, 180, Sr.) Chris Canty (5-10, 190, Jr.) Clyde Johnson (5-10, 200, Sr.) Mario Smith Sr.) Jamie Rheem Fr.) James Garcia So.) Open TEXAS TECH (21-14) INDIANA STATE (59-3) CINCINNATI (35-0) At Rice (34-7) NEBRASKA (3-39) At Missouri (35-10) At Texas (23-20) OKLAHOMA (42-35) Open At Kansas (38-12) At Colorado (0-12) IOWA STATE (35-20) Open. WR LT LG RG RT TE WR QB FB-RB RB DEFENSE DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB SS FS KICKING SEASON'S RESULTS -W w-w W-L W-W W-W L-W W-W W-W W-W -W W-W L-W W-W -W (13-1) BYU COUGARS (6-2, 200, Sr.) K.O. Kealaluhi (6-7, 285, Fr.) John Tail (6-7, 305, Sr.) James Johnson (6-3, 290, Sr.) Larry Moore (6-6, 290, Jr.) Matt Cox (6-6, 300, Jr.) Jason Andersen (6-6, 250, Sr.) Chad Lewis Sr.) Kaipo McGurire (6-2, 210, Sr.) Steve Sarkisian (6-2, 235, Jr.) Dustln Johnson (5-10, 2Q5, Jr.) Brian McKenzie (6-6, 275, So.) Daren Yancey (6-2, 290, Sr.) Henry Blomfield (6-0, 285, Jr.) Hariand Ah You (6-5, 260, Fr.) Byron Frisch (6-1, 260, Jr.) Spencer Reid (6-0, 240, Sr.) Shay Muirbrook So.) Brad Martin Jr.) Omarr Morgan Sr.) Tim MoTyer Sr.) Lane Hale (6-2, 200, Sr.) Eddie Sampson Sr.) Ethan Poachman Sr.) Alan Boardman (41-37) TEXAS (58-9) ARKANSAS STATE (17-29) At Washington (17-14) NEW MEXICO (31-3) SOUTHERN METHODIST (45-17) At Utah State (63-28) NEVADA-LAS VEGAS (55-30) At Tulsa (45-31) At Texas Christian (40-18) TEXAS-EL PASO (49-0) RICE (45-14) At Hawaii (37-17) At Utah (28-25, OT) vs. Wyoming p.m. WHERE Cotton Bowl Dallas Texas.

TELEVISION WIBW (5); KWCH (12). RADIO KSAL (1150-AM); WIBW (580-AM). LINE Kansas State by 3 SERIES Kansas State leads, 4-3. BOWL HISTORY Kansas State (2-2); Brigham Young (6-12-1). COACHES Kansas State's Bill Snyder (8th year, 55-35-1); Brigham Young's LaVell Edwards (25th year, 227-81-3).

'Cats visit children's hospital Trip to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital special for KSU's Snyder By BOB DAVIDSON The Salina Journal DALLAS Bits and pieces from the 61st annual Cotton Bowl: Emotional visit The Kansas State football team's trip to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children on Monday had special meaning for Wildcat coach Bill Snyder. "We appreciate the work you do at the hospital," Snyder said during the visit. "A short time ago, one of my daughters (Shannon) was injured in an automobile accident and spent time at Dallas Rehabilitation Institute. The quality of care in this area is very good." The Wildcat players and coaches took toys and other gifts to the more than 200 patients, families and volunteers at the hospital, which primarily treats children who suffer from bone and joint disorders. "We liked Kansas State because their helmets and jerseys look kin- da like the Dallas Cowboys," one young patient said.

"Kansas State is our team Wednesday." The visit was especially meaningful to the K-State players. "This is really what going to a bowl game is all about," tight end Jarrett Grosdidier said. "It's really rewarding." "This is my first hospital visit and just to see the joy in the kids' eyes and know what is in then- hearts is fantastic," running back Mike Lawrence said. "Since some of us didn't get to go home for Christmas to see our families, this made my Christmas. "It makes you feel fortunate to see how the Lord watches over you and how He helps all of us in very different ways.

We see miracles like these kids and their treatment every day, and going to the hospital brings you closer to life and not just football." "It also makes you think about (assistant) coach (Bob) Cope, who is ill back in Manhattan. He has been in our prayers constantly, and we know he would love to be down here with us. He has been an inspiration." Cowboy LaVell Brigham Young coach LaVell Edwards looked right at home Monday night while attending the Cotton Bowl-sponsored Hot Country Night party at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel. Edwards arrived in a white 10- gallon cowboy hat, cowboy shirt and cowboy boots. His wife Patti was dressed in a blue denim dress.

Edwards climbed atop a fake bull for a photo session and he and his wife posed for a sketch of themselves. Mrs. Edwards also participated in a massive line dance near the end of the evening's festivities. Final preparations Brigham Young went through a 90-minute practice Monday at a practice field at Southern Methodist University and staged a walk-through practice Tuesday at the Cotton Bowl in preparation for today's game. The fifth-ranked Cougars worked on special teams execution and finalized their offensive and defensive game plans.

"It's been a great week of work and I'm very pleased with what we've been able to accomplish preparing for this game," said Edwards, the fourth-winningest coach in NCAA Division I. Big bucks Kansas State and BYU will each receive $2.5 million for playing in the Cotton Bowl, making it the fourth-richest bowl game of the year. Florida and Florida State will receive $8.7 million each from the Sugar Bowl; Penn State and Texas $8.5 million form the Fiesta Bowl; and Arizona State and Ohio State $8.2 million from the Rose Bowl. Northwestern and Tennessee will get $2.3 million from the Citrus Bowl. At the bottom of the list, not surprisingly, is the Las Vegas Bowl, which pays $150,000 per team.

Eighth meeting Today's game will mark the eighth time Kansas State and BYU have played. Surprisingly, K-State holds a 4-3 advantage. The two teams haven't played since 1977, when BYU won 39-0. Edwards is 2-1 against K-State. He won his first game as BYU coach over KSU 32-9 in 1972, but lost to the Wildcats 13-3 in 1976.

BYU compares KSU Defense to Washington's FROM PAGE D1 BYU. "The corners (Gordon and Chris Canty) are particularly outstanding, and it helps to play defense when you have corners like that." But both teams do more than pass (BYU) and play defense (K- State). Brigham Young, for example, ranked No. 1 in the WAC in total defense and was 25th nationally. The Cougars also averaged 182 yards on the ground on offense and held eight of their 14 opponents to 18 points or less.

"A lot of people say they run just to let their receivers catch their breath," Snyder said. "But what gets overlooked is they've been able to run the ball and play good defense as well." Despite BYU's 13-1 record and high national ranking, Kansas State is listed a 3 Va -point favorite. While K-State enters the game healthy, BYU comes in hobbled. The Cougars have lost three starters, including All-America tight end Itula Mili, with injuries in their last three games. Another ominous omen for BYU is the similarity Edwards sees between K-State and Washington.

Washington is the only team to beat the Cougars this season (29-17 in Seattle on Sept. 14). "They're both purple, and Washington beat us like a drum, so hopefully, that will end there," Edwards said. "The kind of defense Washington uses is as close (to K-State) as any of them, but even there, it's not as close as what Kansas State plays." Overlooked, in each case, is the Kansas State offense and BYU defense. In two of their last three bowl games, K-State has been able to put big numbers on the board.

But this season's offense, led by quarterback Brian Kavanagh, ranked last in the Big 12 Conference in total yards and rushing, but was third in scoring. Today's game, which will be viewed by a sellout crowd of 70,000 in the historic Cotton Bowl (40,000 wearing purple), will also be the first New Year's Day bowl for Brigham Young. The Cougars figured to be playing on Jan. 1 with their 13-1 record, but expected a spot in the Bowl Alliance. "Regardless what you've heard, we're very excited to be here and playing in the Cotton Bowl," Edwards said.

"For years, there were only two big bowl games in my opinion, the Rose and Cotton bowls." When asked if the Cotton Bowl was the highlight of his coaching career at K-State, Snyder was as coy and reserved as ever. While Edwards has enjoyed himself in Dallas at various parties and functions, Snyder has kept to himself, breaking down one game film after another. "I think the outcome of the game will direct my answer to that one," Snyder said. "I think it's a special time for our players and fans, but I think the final score will have a lot to do with my feelings about that." TODAY'S BOWL PREVIEWS OUTBACK Tampa, Ha. No.

15 MICHIGAN (8-3) vs. No. 16 ALABAMA (9-3), 10 a.m., ESPN Favorite: Michigan by 1 Payout: Each school receives $1.5 million. Coaches: Lloyd Carr (17-7 In second year at Michigan) and Gene Stalllngs (61-25-1 in seventh year). Bowl Records: Michigan 13-14, Alabama 27-17-3.

Series History: Michigan leads, 1-0. Last Meeting: Michigan won, 28-24, In the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl. Stat that Matters: Under Stallings, Crimson Tide 49-4 when scoring 20 or more points. Game Facts: Wolverines are puzzling (beat Colorado, Ohio State; lost to Purdue). Look for backup QB Brian Griese (8-of-9, 120 passing, 1 TO In Ohio St.

win) if starter Scott Driesbach falters. LB Jarrett Irons, CB Charles Woodson lead tough defense (8th In nation in scoring, 15.2). Tide badly wants win In Stalllngs' finale. Strong defense (7th in nation In scoring, 15.1) has faltered lately (105 points given up In 2-3 slump). LB DeWayne Rudd, CB Kevin Jackson (led SEC with 7 Ints.) are anchors.

QB Freddie Kitchens' mistakes (10 Ints.) hurt offense. RBs Dennis Riddle (1,079 rushing), Shaun Alexander are open- field threats. GATOR BOWL JacksonvHte, Ra. No, 12 NORTH CAROLINA (9-2) vs. No.

25 WEST VIRGINIA (8-3), 11:30 a.m., NBC Favorite: North Carolina by 6 Payout: Each school receives $1.5 million. Coaches: Mack Brown (58-45-1 In ninth year at North Carolina) and Don Nehlen (123-71-4 in 17th year). Bowl Records: North Carolina 8-12, West Virginia 8-9. Series History: First meeting. Stat that Matters: Tar Heels' defense led nation In turnover ratio (34 forced, 12 given up) while also recording 42 sacks.

Game Facts: Tar Heels will miss QB Chris Keldorf (dislocated ankle) so Oscar Davenport gets start. Dominating defense (second In nation In total defense, 225.6) features CB Dre' Bly (led nation with 11 DE Greg Ellis (12 sacks), LBs Brian Simmons (85 tackles, 9 for loss, 4 Kivuusama Mays (112 tackles). Mountaineers are 0-5 In bowls since 1984. Awful special teams (gave up 3 blocked kicks, 1 touchdown punt return In 1-3 slump to end season) have hurt. Tough defense (led nation in total defense, 217.5) Is led by LBs Canute Curtis (15 sacks), Bernard Russ (5 forced fumbles), CB Mike Logan (5 12.4 per punt return).

CITRUS BOWL No. 11 NORTHWESTERN (9-2) vs. No. 9 TENNESSEE (9-2), noon, ABC Favorite: Tennessee by 8 Payout: Each school receives $3 mil. Hon.

Coaches: Gary Barnett (27-28-1 in fifth year at Northwestern) and Phillip Fulmar (42-9 In fifth full season). Bowl Records: Northwestern 1-1, Tennessee 20-16. Series History: First meeting. Stat that Mutters: Since 1985, Vols 8-2 In bowls; Wildcats have not won In postseason since 1949. Game Facts: Superb Wildcats junior RB Darnell Autry (1,386 rushing, 15 TDs) may be headed for NFL.

WR D'Wayne Bates (55 catches, 11 TDs), LB Pat Fitzgerald (117 tackles) are other stars, but will miss CB HuJ- halfa Ismaeli (suspended). Also likely NFL-bound, Vols QB Peyton Manning (school-record 3,287 passing, 20 TDs) has slew of targets In WRs Joey Kent (68 catches), Marcus Nash (53 catches), Peerless Price (32 catches, 19.0 per cajch). Underrated defense (5th In nation In total defense, 236.5, 6th In scoring, 14.3) Is without DT Ron Green (knee), DE Billy Ratllff (knee) but still has LB Tyrone Mines (110 tackles, 11 for loss), CB Terry Fair (4 8th in nation In punt returns, 13.8). ROSE BOWL No. 4 OHIO STATE (10-1) vs.

No. 2 ARIZONA STATE (11-0), 3:30 p.m., ABC Favorite: Ohio State by 2 Payout: Each school receives $8.25 million. Coaches: John Cooper (75-29-4 in ninth year at Ohio State) and Bruce Snyder (32-23 in fifth year). Bowl Records: Ohio State 12-16, Arizona State 9-5-1 Series History: Ohio State leads, 0. Last Meeting: Ohio State won, 38-21, In 1980.

Stat That Matters: In winning 15 of 16 dating to last season, ASU havs 42 turnovers while committing only 19. Game Facts: Buckeyes 1-6 In bowls under Cooper. RB Pepe Pearson (1,373 rushing, 17 TDs) will find room behind awesome OT Orlando Pace while DE Man Flnkes, LBs Greg Belllsari, Andy Katzenmoyer lead nasty defense (led nation in pass defense, 5 TD passes, second in scoring, 10.4, forced 30 turnovers). QBs Joe Germalne, Stanley Jackson have been mistake-prone (combined for 10 8 TD passes In last 7 games). Win gives Sun Devils shot at national title.

Impressive offense (third in nation in scoring, 42.6) Is led by QB Jake Plummer (2,575 passing, 23 TDs), WR Keith Poole (46 catches, 18.6 per catch, 11 TDs), RBs Terry Battle (1,043 rushing, school-record 18 TDs). FIESTA BOWL Tempo, Arb. No. 7 PENN STATE (10-2) vs. No.

20 TEXAS (8-4), 7 p.m., CBS Favorite: Texas by 1 Payout: Each school receives $8.48 million. Coaches: Joe Patemo (288-74-3 in 31st year at Penn State) and John Mackovic (37-19-2 In fifth year). Bowl Records: Penn State 20-10-2, Texas 17-17-2. Series History: Tied, 2-2. Last Meeting: Texas won, 17-13, In 1990.

Stat That Matters: Since 1979, Nittany Lions 11-4 In bowls while Longhorns 3-8. Game Facts: Patemo Is concerned how sagging defense (gave up average of 22 points in last 7 games compared with 3.5 In 4-0 start) will slow hlgh-oc-, lane Longhoms offense, which ripped' Nebraska lor 503 yards In 37-27 upset" win In Big 12 Title game. Blitzes, new coverages are likely. Lions QB Wally' Richardson, RB Curtis Enls (1,210 rush- Ing, 14 TDs) are worth watching on offense. Longhorns' many weapons include QB James Brown (2,468 passing, 17 TDs), RBs Ricky Williams (1,272 rushing), Shon Mitchell, WR Mike Adams (school-record 56 catches), TE Pat Fitzgerald, Phil Dawson (led Big 12 with 19 FQs).

But mediocre defense (gave up 22.3 points) can be pushed around..