- The Michigan Daily - December 13, 1999 - SportsMonday I Establishing ground game crucial in Orange Bowl clash with Tide By Andy Latack Daily Sports Editor It's the matchup everyone has been anticipating for... a little over a week. Ever since Alabama shocked Florida, 34-7, in the SEC title game - earning the Crimson Tide the chance to face Michigan in the Orange Bowl - Wolverine fans have been forced to revise their outlook on the bowl game. Michigan fans were anticipating a showdown with Florida, but the Tide didn't cooperate. In pulling its coup over the Gators on Dec. 4, Alabama drastical- ly shifted the tone of the Omnge Bowl. The Tide plays more like a Big Ten team, with a ground-eating rushing attack and a reslilient defense that seems out of place in the flashy SEC. And for anyone who thinks the matchup loses a little bit of its luster now that the Tide is in the picture, think again. In winning 10 games and losing just twice while playing the nation's toughest schedule, the Tide have proved that it deserve its No. 5 ranking. Alabama will be more of a test for the eighth-ranked Wolverines than an uncharacteristically down Florida squad would have been. MICHIGAN RUSHING OFFENSE VS. ALABAMA RUSHING DEFENSE: This season, Alabama has positively stifled opponents' running games. The Tide is second in the nation against the run, allowing just 75.3 yards per game. Defensive tackle Reggie Grimes leads the charge, although Grimes may have nothing left to play for anymore. Grimes realized every lineman's dream against the Gators, grabbing a tipped pass and rumbling 38 yards for a touchdown. After sputtering into the end zone, Grimes tried to lauch his prodigious frame into the crowd, but managed to only get a few inches off the ground and aborted his attempt, settling for a few slaps on the helmet from Tide faithful. Grimes and the Alabama front seven have been manhandling opponents' offensive lines, but Michigan's mam- moth unit is a super-sized version of many SEC offensive lines. Michigan needs to use its size to open holes for Anthony Thomas if it is to establish a ground game. But Michigan has had a tendency to struggle on the ground this year, and try- ing to get on track against one of the nation's best will not help matters. Advantage: Alabama MICHIGAN PASSING OFFENSE VS. ALABAMA PASSING DEFENSE: If the Crimson Tide bottles up Michigan's running game, the Wolverines will have to turn to the air. They might want to do that anyway, because Alabama's secondary has been vulnerable most of the season. Teams throw for an average of 222 yards per game on the Tide and have also thrown for 20 touchdowns in 12 games. Tom Brady has shown the ability to rally Michigan with his arm, especially late in the game. Advantage: Michigan ALABAMA RUSHING OFFENSE VS. MICHIGAN RUSHING DEFENSE: Alabama runs the ball like it has an armless quarterback, racking up 179 yards per game on the ground. Shaun Alexander shoulders most of the load, averaging over 27 carries and 125 yards per game. Left tackle Chris Samuels recently won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman, and creates plenty of holes for Alexander. Michigan's rushing defense allows just 115 yards per game, and has been unyielding against the run most of the season. On paper, this matchup appears dead even. But something's got to give, and whicheve team wins this individual battle will probably win the game. Advantage: Even A K The only blemish in Alabama's uem against Flonda was its kicking gami as the Tide missed two extra points and a field goal. M ichigan's lhayden Epstein has been much more consistent. Milons is dangerous as a return man, but probably won't return many of Havden Epstein's booming. out-of-the-endzone kicks. Advant-age: Michigan ALABAMA PASSING OFFENSE VS. MICHIGAN PASSING DEFENSE: The Tide has a very effective two- quarterback system. Andrew Zow and Tyler Watts find Freddie Milons, Alabama's leading receiver, with ease. Michigan's secondary has been ques- tionable at times this year, and has to make sure that Milons and the rest of Alabama's receivers don't get behind them for a big play. Alabama should be effective on the ground, which will open things up in the air. Advantage: Alabama SPECIAL TEAMS: EO Alabama is probably the most talented team Michigan will face all season, and this bowl game has the potential to be one of the year's best. Alabama's offense is potent, but none of its SEC foes has a defense like Michigan's. If the Wolverines can avoid a high-scoring shootout with the Tide, they should be able to effectively collar Alabama's offense and pay the Tide back for a loss in the 1997 Outback Bowl. Michigan 17, Alabama 10 Bowl games abound: your guide to the 1999-2000 Bowl season Joe Smith For the Daily With so many bowls out there these days, its a wonder that anyone doesn't make it to the post sea- son. But most of the bowls are just filler, as college football fans warm-up for the games that matter. Here are the must see games for Big Ten and zollege football fans. SUGAR BOWL - FLORIDA STATE (11-0) VS. VIRGINIA TECH (11-0): The ACC Champion Seminoles are playing in their third national title game in four years. They are led by a poised Chris Weinke, the nation's seventh-rated passer with 25 ouchdowns and more than 3000 yards passing. Explosive wide receiver Peter Warrick, when not nvolved with shopping spree scams, makes big >lays for his team, scoring 12 touchdowns this fear. Virginia Tech is definitely the surprise of the rear, with its first perfect regular season in 81 nears. Versatile redshirt freshman quarterback Aichael Vick, the nation's top-rated passer, can curt you both through the air and with his scram- ling ability. The Big East Champion Hokies lead he nation in scoring offense (41.4 points per ;ame) and defense (10 points per game). The lokies want to prove to everyone they are for real .nd are not just the beneficiaries of a Nebraska ass. Although Virginia Tech has been impressive his year and has a lot of emotion coming into view Orleans, the Seminoles will take advantage +f some of the Hokies early mistakes to give coach 3obby Bowden a national title and his first perfect eason. Florida State 31, Virginia Tech 24 FIESTA BOwL - TENNESSEE (9-2) VS. 4EBRASKA (11-1): Nebraska's defensive line is laying extremely well, sacking Texas quarterback 4ajor Applewhite seven times and holding the .onghorns more than 200 yards under their sea- an average. Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch as stepped up his game this season, rushing for 89 yards and 16 touchdowns to go along with a !eep threat passing attack. The only problem with te aggressive Nebraska offense is that they lost 5 fumbles this year - which could cause them roblems against Tennessee's talented and quick efense. The Volunteers have only allowed three ishing touchdowns all year. The defending 4ational Champions also have a talented quarter- -ack of their own in Tee Martin. Tennessee has revenge in mind from two years go, when Nebraska dominated them 42-17 in the )range Bowl for the national title, but in this bat- tie the Cornhuskers will prevail once again. Nebraska 21,Tennessee 17 ROSE BOwL -STANFORD (8-3) VS. WISCONSIN (9-2): The Badgers have won seven straight since inserting quarterback Brook Bollinger into the starting lineup. He has been an efficient conduc- ter in the "Ron Dayne Express", complimenting Dayne's 1800 yards rushing with 445 of his own. Put these two against a Stanford defense which is ranked 110 out of the 114 teams in Division I-A, giving up 452 yards per game, and it's safe to say that the Cardinals better get off the tracks. Wisconsin 34, Stanford 10 Citrus Bowl - Michigan State (9-2) vs. Florida (9-3): With Spartans coach Nick Saban bolting for Louisiana State for an early Christmas bonus, assistant coach Bobby Williams inherits the second-ranked defense in the country and a team angry over getting snubbed by the BCS. Florida's offense was anemic in the SEC title game. The Gators were also unable to stop Alabama's ground game. Spartan's freshman T.J. Duckett will steam roll through the weak Florida defense. And as long as quarterback Bill Burke doesn't have turnover problems, Michigan State will win in its first New Year's Day appearance: since 1988. Michigan State 27, Florida 14 Outback Bowl - Georgia (7-4) vs. Purdue (7-4): The Boilermakers run a wide-open, pass- happy offense in which Heisman candidate Drew: Brees has flourished. Brees led the Big Ten in passing efficiency, yards and attempts while hook- ing up with Big Ten leading receiver Chris Daniels (109 catches, 1133 yards) early and often to make Purdue an exciting team to watch this season. The Bulldogs have lost three of their last four games. Things don't look too promising for them in this game either, considering they had the worst pass defense in the SEC. Purdue 28, Georgia 13 ALAMO BOWL - PENN STATE (9-3) VS. TEXAS A&M (8-3): After starting the season 9-0, the Nittany Lions uncharacteristically lost three con- secutive games for the first time since 1988 and: ended up tied for fourth in the Big Ten. Their sup- posedly stacked defense, led by LaVarr Arrington and Courtney Brown, has let them down of late. The Aggies have had to deal with injuries, inconsistencies and the horrible bonfire tragedy that occured late in the season. Emotions were high as they upset rival Texas, peaking at the right: time of year. Look for them to place Penn State further into mediocrity. Texas A&M 24, Penn State 17 MICRON PC BOWL VIRGINIA (7-4) vs. ILLINOIS (7-4): The Fighting Illini finished with a vengeance this year, winning their last three games en route to their first bowl game since 1991. Quarterback Kurt Kittner threw for more than 2500 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in leading his team past tough conference foes such as Ohio State and Michigan. Led by running back Thomas Jones, the Cavaliers finished second in the ACC. Jones rushed for 1798 yards this year, four times rushing for more than 200 yards. Illinois 21,Virginia 17 SUN BowL OREGON (8-3) vS. MINNESOTA (8- 3): The Golden Gophers turned a lot of heads in the Big Ten this year, ruining Penn State's nation- al title hopes and leading the conference in pass- ing defense and total defense. Led by the one-two combination of quarterback Billy Cockerham and running back Thomas Hamner, the Gophers con- tain an explosive offense. The Ducks are paced by 1000 yard rusher Reuben Droughns and were second place in' the PAC 10. Minnesota will prove to have too many weapons for the Duck's weak secondary and win its fourth straight game. Minnesota 27, Oregon 17 STAFF PICKS All picks made against the spread. Home teams in CAPS. Correct picks in bold. Las Vegas Bowl: Utah (-6.5) vs. Fresno State Mobile Alabama Bowl: East Carolina (-4.5) vs. Texas Christian Aloha Bowl: Arizona State (-3) vs. Wake Forest Oahu Bowl: Oregon State (-9) vs. Hawaii Motor City Bowl: Marshall ("2.5) vs. Brigham Young Alamo Bowl: Penn State (-5.5) vs. Texas A&M Music City Bowl: Kentucky (-2.5) vs. Syracuse Holiday Bowl: Kansas State (-11.5) vs. Washington Humanitarian Bowl: Louisville(-4) vs. Boise State Micron PC Bowl: Virginia (-2.5) vs. Illinois Peach Bowl: Clemson (-2.5) vs. Mississippi State T.J. Berka Rick Freeman Utah East Carolina Arizona State Hawaii Marshall Penn State Kentucky Kansas State Boise State Illinois Mississippi State Insight.com Bowl: Colorado (-8) vs. Boston College Boston College Sun Bowl: Minnesota (-2.5) vs Oregon Minnesota Liberty Bowl: Southern Miss(4) vs. Colorado State Southern Miss Independence Bowl: Oklahoma (-4) vs. Mississippi Mississippi Utah Texas Christian Arizona State Oregon State Marshall Penn State Kentucky Kansas State Boise State Illinois Mississippi State Boston College Minnesota Southern Miss Mississippi Arkansas Purdue Georgia Tech Michigan State Wisconsin Michigan Tennessee Florida State, Purdue 3-2 (1-0) 87-82-4 (7-6) Josn Keinbaum Utah East Carolina Wake Forest Hawaii Marshall Penn State Syracuse Kansas State Louisville Illinois Clemson Colorado Minnesota Southern Miss Oklahoma Texas Purdue Georgia Tech Florida Andy Latack Utah Texas Christian Arizona State Oregon State BYU Penn State Syracuse Kansas State Louisville Illinois Mississippi State Colorado Minnesota Southern Miss Oklahoma Cotton Bowl: Texas (-7.5) vs. Arkansas Outback Bowl: Purdue (-5) vs. Georgia Gator Bowl: Miami, Fla. (-4.5) vs. Georgia Tech Citrus Bowl: Florida (-1) vs. Michigan State Rose Bowl: Wisconsin (-11) vs.Stanford Orange Bowl: Alabama (-2) vs. Michigan Fiesta Bowl: Nebraska (-4) vs. Tennessee Sugar Bowl: Florida State (-6) vs. Virginia Tech Best Bet Last Week Overall Texas Purdue Miami, Fla. Florida Wisconsin Michigan Nebraska Florida State Minnesota 2r3 (0-1) 88-81-4 (2-11) Texas Purdue Wisconsin Michigan Tennessee Florida State Florida State 3-2 (0-1) 85-84-4 (5-8) Georgia Tech Florida Wisconsin Michigan Nebraska Florida State Florida State 2-3 (0-1) 84-85-3 (6-7) *1 I ate.. I PARKING & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 'IL ,A. ate PARKING Parking enforcement will be relaxed from Thursday, December 23 through Sunday, January 2 in University lots and structures. University permits will not be required to park in Blue, Yellow, Orange or Green parking spaces. Special signed spaces (Gold, UM Service Vehicle, Loading Zone and Handicap) will require the appropriate permit. METERS & PARKMASTERS Also, during this time, payment of meter fees will not be required for regular meters or ParkMasters. Please be aware that this does not include City of Ann Arbor meters. UNIVERSITY COMMUTER BUSES From Sunday, December 26 through Friday, December 31, buses will follow the Winter Break Schedule (below) on the North Campus route. The first bus will leave Northwood V at 7:10 am and will run every 40 minutes, with the last bus leaving Central Campus at 12:10 am. WINTER Museum 7:30 am 8:10 am 8:50 am 9:30 am 10:10 am 10:50 am 11:30 am 12:10 pm 12:50 pm 1:30 pm 2:10 pm 2:50 pm 3:30 pm BREAK SC Baits 7:20 am 7:40 am 8:20 am 9:00 am 9:40 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 11:40 am 12:20 pm 1:00 pm 1:40 pm 2:20 pm 3:00 pm 3:40 pm A-20 nH HEbULE Northwood 5 7:10 am* 7:50 am 8:30 am 9:10 am 9:50 am 10:30 am 11:10 am 11:50 am 12:30 pm 1:10 pm 1:50 pm 2:30 pm 3:10 pm 3:50 pm 4:3Qnm- * The first inbound trip starts at Stone Drive and goes to McIntyre, then along Hubbard to Baits. There is no service to Bonisteel Blvd on the first trip. NITE OwL Regular service will operate through Tuesday, December 21, and will resume after Winter classes begin on Wednesday, January 5. PARATRANSIT TRANSPORTATION Regular service will be available through Wednesday, December 22. Service will resume after the holidays on Monday, January 3. All North Campus buses will be lift-equipped during this hiatus. Due to relaxed parking enforcement, the University Commuter buses will not run during this time period (December 23 through January 2). BURSLEY/BAITS & NORTHwOoD BUSES UMMC SHUTTLES UMMC shuttles will operate through Thursday, December 23. The Kellogg/North Ingalls shuttle will be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 27 through December 30. The shuttle will leave the North Ingalls building on +he honr and half-hnr and Riverview everv 15 +" ww ww i4AwiiiwA iili' MifN +F NAiIA UJa dMardnv A-in rim