Bucke Hold Rose Bowl Key Win Over Michigan Today Would Mean Trip To Pasadena

“Hail to The Victors,” the Michigan fight song, could become very popular today in Evanston, Ill., the home of the Northwestern Wildcats.

Should second-ranked Ohio State be upset or tied by No. 18 Michigan, fourth-ranked Northwestern, which has completed its season at 10-1, would go to the Rose Bowl.

But many expect running back Eddie George, quarterback Bobby Hoying and flanker Terry Glenn to lead the Buckeyes past Michigan and into the Rose Bowl against Southern California.

Michigan has an 8-3 record and is coming off a loss to Penn State.

Ohio State will be trying to snap a three-game losing streak at Michigan Stadium. In 1993, the Buckeyes went to Ann Arbor with a 9-0-1 record and lost 28-0.

In other games today involving ranked teams, No. 6 Florida State is at No. 3 Florida, Vanderbilt plays at No. 5 Tennessee, No. 14 Penn State visits Michigan State; No. 15 Texas A&M is at Texas Christian and No. 22 Syracuse plays at No. 25 Miami.

Florida State (9-1) vs. Florida (10-0) should be doubly offensive as the archrivals battle for a chance to play top-ranked Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl.

Quarterback Danny Kanell sparks a Florida State offense that averages 50.8 points and 575 yards. Florida is averaging 46.5 points and 548 yards behind quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Although Vanderbilt is only 2-8, the Commodores can expect to be taken seriously by Tennessee (9-1) in the wake of the Vols’ 34-31 squeaker over Kentucky last Saturday.

Penn State and Michigan State lost the scent of roses some time ago, but Michigan State coach Lou Saban calls the matchup “a big game. It’s clear to everyone what’s at stake - Michigan State and Penn State playing for third place in the Big Ten.”

The visiting Nittany Lions (7-3, 4-3 in the conference) face a Michigan State (6-3-1, 4-2-1) team seeking its fifth win in the last six games.

Texas Christian (6-4) is hoping to go to consecutive bowl games for the first time since 1958-59. To keep alive their chances for a bowl bid, however, the Horned Frogs will have to snap a 22-game losing streak against Texas A&M (7-2).