Miami Bowled Over, But Sitting Pretty
All's well that ends well, even with the stink of BCS stupidity lingering on it
By JANIE CAMPBELL
Updated 9:39 AM EDT, Mon, Dec 7, 2009
It should have been the Gator Bowl, but Bobby Bowden wanted it, asked for it, and will in fact face his former team West Virginia in a final send-off in No. 14 Miami's rightful spot.
But the 'Canes came out arguably better, even if with a slightly dented pride: they'll face #24 Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando instead, an intriguing matchup that ought to propel the 'Canes up the preseason rankings and give them momentum heading into next season.
“It is what it is,” center A.J. Trump told Rivals.com. “The guy is a legend. That’s all you can say. It’s tough, you wish you can be there, but we still have an opportunity to win 10 games and that’s what we’re focused on doing.
"I know [Wisconsin's] reputation is hard-nosed defense and running game. I feel we can match up pretty well against that.”
Miami, though 9-3, could have fallen as low as the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte or the Music City Bowl in Nashville thanks to the Gator Bowl plucking the 6-6 Seminoles from the bottom of the ACC and leapfrogging them ahead of Miami, Clemson, Boston College in the conference hierarchy (Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech already heading elsewhere).
Such a drop would have been disappointing in terms of fan support; instead, the Hurricanes faithful is largely a bus ride away, and the game won't face competition in an 8 p.m. time slot on ESPN December 27.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to play Wisconsin, to play in-state,” coach Randy Shannon said. "It’s a great opportunity for our fans throughout the state of Florida to come and see an exciting football game played between two great teams.
“The Champs is the next best bowl if we can’t go to the BCS. Fortunately enough we had an opportunity to play in the Champs Bowl, and it’s a reward for us. TV ratings we know will be unbelievable; the stadium may be standing-room only.”
Standing room only? Let's not get carried away. "Hopefully I get to go to Disney World," said offensive lineman Matt Pipho.
First Published: Dec 7, 2009 1:00 AM EDT
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