Rose Bowl Coaches Revel In Historic Matchup

The final Rose Bowl under the exclusive Big Ten-Pacific-10 format will go out in style.

In its last game before joining the Alliance, the Rose Bowl will pit Michigan, aiming for a national title, against Washington State, playing in the game for the first time since 1931.

“It’s going out the way it should, with two great teams playing,” Lloyd Carr, coach of the top-ranked and unbeaten Wolverines, said Wednesday during a press conference with Washington State coach Mike Price.

“You’re looking at the most excited football coach in the country. My first experience in the Rose Bowl was in 1980 when I came here as an assistant to coach (Bo) Schembechler. I’ve always felt that the Rose Bowl … was the greatest experience a college football player could have.”

Carr has been to the Rose Bowl seven times as an assistant. Price, in his ninth year as the Cougars’ coach, is familiar with the game only from watching it on TV.

Michigan (11-0) could clinch the national championship with a victory over the Cougars (10-1).

“To be No. 1 is always gratifying because you work hard to get there,” Carr said. “But along with being No. 1, there’s a pressure, and it makes you a bigger target.

“I’m certain that it will motivate the Washington State team because they had a great year.”