Spurrier Vs. Paterno At Citrus Bowl
Today’s other bowls
For the first time in three years, the sixth-ranked Florida Gators (9-2) are not playing for the national championship. At the CompUSA Citrus Bowl in Orlan do, Fla., Spurrier gets the next best thing.
“I’m looking forward to coaching against the best bowl coach (Joe Paterno) in the history of college football,” he said.
On one side of the field is Paterno, the 71-year-old patriarch of Penn State (9-2) who has won two national championships, 298 games, and more bowl games than any other coach.
“I just admire everything about him because he’s handled his job in a very first-class manner for 32 years,” Spurrier said.
On the other side is Spurrier, the reputed “Evil Genius” of college football whose sharp tongue seems to get everybody mad at him.
“I don’t think there’s anybody in this country that does a better job during the game than Spurrier,” said Paterno.
Sugar Bowl
One coach spins yarns and seems immune to criticism. Nothing can blemish the mystique of Florida State’s Bobby Bowden.
Then there’s his antithesis, John Cooper. Despite winning at least nine games in each of the past five seasons, the Ohio State coach always seems to be defending his accomplishments and trying to stay one step ahead of his critics.
These two coaches, both products of the South, will match wits when No. 4 Florida State (10-1) takes on the ninth-ranked Buckeyes (10-2).
Cotton Bowl
UCLA (9-2) can win a 10th consecutive game for the first time since 1946 and possibly improve its No. 5 national ranking.
Texas A&M (9-3) can win its first bowl game since it beat Michigan two years ago and improve its No. 20 ranking.
That’s about all that’s at stake in today’s Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Outback Bowl
While Wisconsin (8-4) tailback Ron Dayne is getting most of the attention down in Tampa, Fla., Georgia (9-2) coach Jim Donnan knows stopping Wisconsin’s receivers will be a tall order.
Six-foot-5 Donald Hayes has caught 101 passes in his career, and 6-2 Tony Simmons has 23 TDs among his 98 receptions.
Gator Bowl
The Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., is about resolution and redemption for North Carolina (10-1) and Virginia Tech (7-4).
The Tar Heels seemingly have pushed aside the disappointment of not getting an alliance bowl bid and the sudden departure of head coach Mack Brown to Texas.
The Hokies would like to prove that their two-game skid to end the regular season was because of key injuries and that the program is still on the rise.