ShareThisCapsule previews for the 12 college bowl games on New Year's Day and beyond. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.
NEW YEAR'S DAY:
OUTBACK BOWL in Tampa, Fla.
IOWA (8-4) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (7-5), 11 a.m., ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $3.2 million.
FAVORITE: Iowa by 3.
COACHES: Kirk Ferentz (69-53 in 10th year at Iowa) and Steve Spurrier (28-21 in fourth year at Iowa).
BOWL RECORD: Iowa is 11-10-1. South Carolina is 4-9.
LAST GAME: Iowa won at Minnesota, 55-0, on Nov. 22. South Carolina lost at Clemson, 31-14 on Nov. 22.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Gamecocks were last in SEC, 115th in nation with 33 turnovers lost.
GAME FACTS: At 3-3 at midseason, Hawkeyes appeared to be nothing special as whispers got louder about Ferentz's job security. Then came 5-1 finish that included 24-23 upset of No. 2 Penn State Nov. 8 that helped net seventh bowl trip in last eight years. Wondrous RB Shonn Greene (1,729 yards rushing, second in nation, 17 TDs) deserved more Heisman consideration. QB Ricky Stanzi threw for season-high 255 yards, 3 TDs in Minnesota rout. Defense (12th in nation in scoring, 13.3 ppg) has improved greatly. Gamecocks stagger in off 56-6 loss at Florida (worst of Spurrier's career), disappointing Clemson loss where QB Chris Smelley melted down with season-high 4 ints. Now leading tackler S Emanuel Cook (academic suspension) is out. Once architect of most feared passing game in college football, Spurrier's QBs have thrown for 39 TDs vs. 41 ints. last two seasons. Ouch. So freshman Stephen Garcia (753 passing, 6 TDs, 5 ints., 2 TD runs) returns as starter and Spurrier vows that he'll go the route. If SC is to win, stingy defense (third in nation vs. pass, 160.2 ypg, 12 ints., 8 TDs given up, 12th nationally in total defense, 288.9 ypg) will have to do most of the work.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL in Orlando, Fla.
No. 19 MICHIGAN STATE (9-3) vs. No. 16 GEORGIA (9-3) 1 p.m., ABC.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $4.25 million.
FAVORITE: Georgia by 7.
COACHES: Mark Dantonio (13-9 in second year at Michigan State) and Mark Richt (81-22 in 8th year at Georgia).
BOWL RECORD: Michigan State is 7-11. Georgia is 24-16-3.
LAST GAME: Michigan State lost at Penn State, 49-18, on Nov. 22. Georgia lost at home to Georgia Tech, 45-42, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: Georgia leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won, 34-27, in the 1989 Gator Bowl.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since early 2005, Spartans have lost 10 straight to ranked foes.
GAME FACTS: Having not won bowl since 2001 (0-2), Spartans have point to prove here. Bullish RB Javon Ringer (third in nation with 1,590 rushing, second in nation with 21 TDs, MSU's all-time leading rusher with 4,531 yards) doesn't hurt, either. After promising start, senior QB Brian Hoyer has regressed (54-of-106, 606 passing, 4 ints. in last three games). Only a sophomore, LB Greg Jones was second in Big Ten with 115 tackles. Preseason No. 1 pick, Bulldogs can't be too thrilled to be here. But after Florida pantsed them, 49-10, on Nov. 1 and Ga. Tech ran wild for 409 yards rushing, this is where they belong. With NFL calling, bigger question is whether this is farewell for junior QB Matthew Stafford (second in SEC in QB rating, 215-of-352, 3209 passing, 22 TDs, 9 ints.), redshirt sophomore RB Knowshon Moreno (led SEC with 1,338 rushing, 17 TDs). Freshman WR A.J. Green (55 catches, 9 TDs) had TD catch in five of last six games. Richt's 5-2 bowl mark is best among current SEC coaches.
GATOR BOWL in Jacksonville, Fla.
NEBRASKA (8-4) vs. CLEMSON (7-5), 1, CBS.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $2.5 million.
FAVORITE: Clemson by 3.
COACHES: Bo Pelini (first year at Nebraska) and Dabo Swinney (4-1 as interim Clemson coach).
BOWL RECORD: Nebraska is 22-22. Clemson is 15-15.
LAST GAME: Nebraska beat Colorado, 40-31, on Nov. 28. Clemson beat South Carolina, 31-14, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: Clemson leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Clemson won, 22-15, in the 1982 Orange Bowl.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Over last two seasons, Cornhuskers have given up over 30 points 14 times going 4-10. From 1991-2001, Nebraska gave up that many points only 12 times going 5-7.
GAME FACTS: Rematch of Orange Bowl that gave Tigers' their only national title. Cornhuskers would love to finish Pelini's debut with first bowl wins since 2003. Senior QB Joe Ganz (14th in nation in QB rating, 42 career TD passes, 17 ints.) will leave school with many Huskers' passing records. Sophomore RB Roy Helu (166 rushing vs. Colorado) could be future star. WR Nate Swift (60 catches, 9 TDs) needs 36 yards receiving to become all-time UN leader. Walk-on kicker Alex Henery (14-of-17 on FGs) hit game winning 57-yarder in final minute vs. Colorado. Defense has improved shaving 116 yards and 8 points per game off last year's disaster. Tigers' 4-1 finish earned Swinney, who replaced Tommy Bowden Oct. 13, a five-year contract. Offense (81st in nation in total offense, 339.3 ypg) never really found itself as QB Cullen Harper (12 TD passes, 11 ints. compared to 27 TDs, 6 ints. last year) struggled with accuracy. After combining for 1,832 yards last year, RBs James Davis, C.J. Spiller managed just 1,337 this year, though they did have 18 of Tigers' 22 TD runs. Davis needs 112 yards to become all-time Clemson rushing leader. S Michael Hamlin (6th in nation with 6 ints., 102 tackles) leads strong defense (led ACC, 10th in nation in scoring, 16.6 ppg).
ROSE BOWL in Pasadena, Calif.
No. 5 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (11-1) vs. No. 6 PENN STATE (11-1), 5, ABC.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.
FAVORITE: USC by 10.
COACHES: Pete Carroll (87-15 in 8th year at USC) and Joe Paterno (383-126-3 in 43rd year at Penn State)
BOWL RECORD: USC is 30-16. 26-12-2.
LAST GAME: USC won at UCLA, 28-7, on Dec. 6. Penn State beat Michigan State, 49-18, on Nov. 22.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 4-4.
LAST MEETING: USC won, 29-5, in the 2000 Kickoff Classic.
STAT THAT MATTERS: With an .853 winning percentage, Carroll is the winningest coach in the nation while Paterno's 383 career wins, 23-10-1 bowl record also top the nation.
GAME FACTS: Both missed out on national title shot by losing close conference game on road. Since 27-21 loss at Oregon State Sept. 25, Trojans have dominated nine foes by combined score of 342-56. QB Mark Sanchez (20 TD passes, 7 ints. in last nine games) leads efficient offense (outscored foes 258-71 in first half). With LBs Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews (combined 181 tackles, 21 for loss, 3 ints.) roaming at will, awesome defense leads nation in total defense (206.1 ypg), scoring (7.7 ppg) and vs. pass (122.8 ypg, 17 ints., 4 TDs given up). Trying to become first Big Ten team to win Rose Bowl since Wisconsin in 2000, Nittany Lions haven't quite been so potent away from home, averaging 31 points per game in five road games compared to 52 points per game in six home games. Senior QB Daryll Clark (17 TD passes, 4 ints., 9 TD runs) saved his best for last with career-high 341 yards passing, 4 TDs in rout of Michigan State. WRs Deon Bulter, Jordan Norwood, Derrick Williams (combined 121 catches, 15 TDs) will be challenged by Trojans' man-to-man coverage. After averaging 106 ypg in first 10 games, RB Evan Royster (1,202 rushing, 12 TDs) slipped to 71 ypg in final two games and will find going tough vs. Trojans front seven. PSU defense is no slouch, either (fourth in nation in scoring, 12.4 ppg, fifth in total defense, 263.9 ypg).
ORANGE BOWL in Miami.
No. 21 VIRGINIA TECH (9-4) vs. No. 12 CINCINNATI (11-2), 8, Fox.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.
FAVORITE: Cincinnati by 1-1/2.
COACHES: Frank Beamer (176-89-2 in 22nd year at Va. Tech) and Brian Kelly (22-5 in second year at Cincinnati).
BOWL RECORD: Va. Tech is 7-14. Cincinnati is 5-4.
LAST GAME: Va. Tech beat Boston College, 30-12, in the ACC Championship Game Dec. 5. Cincinnati won at Hawaii, 29-24, on Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 4-4.
LAST MEETING: Va. Tech won, 29-13, in 2006.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2001, Hokies are 2-5 in bowl games while giving up 30 points per game.
GAME FACTS: With ACC having lost its last eight BCS games, overachieving Hokies would love to snap that jinx. Staggering at 5-3 after consecutive road losses at Florida State, BC in late October, Tech found a way to defend ACC title with 4-1 finish. Freshman RB Darren Evans (593 rushing, 2 TDs in last five games) sparked lifeless offense (last in ACC, 107th in nation in total offense, 296.1 ypg) down stretch, though QB Tyrod Taylor (31-of-56, 311 passing, TD, 3 ints. in last four games) is not going to scare anybody throwing the ball. CB Victor "Macho'' Harris (second in ACC with 6 ints., 2 TD returns, 44 tackles, 2 forced fumbles) might also see some time on offense. Playing in first BCS bowl ever after first 11-win season, Big East-champion Bearcats also overcame adversity. QB Tony Pike (2,168 passing, 18 TDs, 7 ints.) was last of four QBs standing after wave of injuries, though Pike played last three games with broken left (non-throwing) forearm. WR duo of Dominick Goodman (78 catches, 7 TDs), Mardy Gillyard (74 catches, 10 TDs, second in Big East with 2,025 all-purpose yards) is formidable. Terrific kicking game features P Kevin Huber (led Big East 44.9 ypp, 21 punts inside 20), K Jake Rogers (16-of-22 on FGs). Hokies' schedule (13th toughest in nation) was a lot harder than Bearcats (44th nationally).
FRIDAY:
COTTON BOWL in Dallas.
No. 8 TEXAS TECH (11-1) vs. No. 20 OLE MISS (8-4), 2, Fox.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $3 million.
FAVORITE: Texas Tech by 6.
COACHES: Mike Leach (76-38 in 9th year at Texas Tech) and Houston Nutt (first year at Ole Miss).
BOWL RECORD: Texas Tech is 10-20-1. Ole Miss is 19-12.
LAST GAME: Texas Tech beat Baylor, 35-28, on Nov. 29. Ole Miss beat Mississippi State, 45-0, on Nov. 28.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 2-2.
LAST MEETING: Texas Tech won, 49-45, in 2003
STAT THAT MATTERS: Red Raiders led nation in passing (417.3 yards per game, 43 TD passes, 8 ints.) while Rebels were 61st in pass defense (209.8 ypg, 14 ints., 14 TD passes given up).
GAME FACTS: Perhaps playing in Dallas will get Red Raiders pumped for this, though it's doubtful considering Tech's fall from No. 1 in ugly 65-21 beat-down at Oklahoma Nov. 22 that had serious fallout. QB Graham Harrell (second in nation with 4,747 yards passing, 41 TDs, 7 ints.) wasn't even invited to Heisman ceremony causing Leach to lash out at award. Leach was also snubbed for job openings at Tennessee, Washington and Auburn. With early NFL entry a strong possibility, redshirt sophomore WR Michael Crabtree (fifth in nation with 93 catches, 18 TDs) is questionable with foot injury. Things are a lot rosier for Rebels, who surprised many in Nutt's debut there after awful 3-9 season last year. In winning last five games to get here, QB Jevan Sneed, a transfer from Texas, was on target (65-of-113, 1,006 passing, 13 TDs, 2 ints., 2 TD runs) with WR Mike Wallace (17 catches, 6 TDs in last five games) doing much of the damage downfield. Ole Miss does seem to have pass rush (led SEC, fifth in nation with 37 sacks) to bother Harrell and co. as DT Peria Jerry led SEC with 17 tackles for loss. But Rebels simply didn't play anybody with this sophisticated a passing attack.
LIBERTY BOWL in Memphis.
EAST CAROLINA (9-4) vs. KENTUCKY (6-6), 5, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $1.8 million.
FAVORITE: East Carolina by 3.
COACHES: Skip Holtz (29-21 in fourth year at East Carolina) and Rich Brooks (31-41 in 6th year at Kentucky).
BOWL RECORD: East Carolina is 5-4. Kentucky is 7-5.
LAST GAME: East Carolina won at Tulsa, 27-24, in the Conference USA Championship Game on Dec. 6. Kentucky lost at Tennessee, 28-10, on Nov. 29.
SERIES HISTORY: Kentucky leads, 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Kentucky won, 6-3, in 1993.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2001, Wildcats are 3-34 when scoring 20 points or less including 1-5 this season.
GAME FACTS: Aiming for first 10-win season and national ranking since 1991, Pirates are buoyed even more by Holtz's decision to stay after briefly being pursued by Syracuse and other schools. Though not impressive statistically, ECU has come through in clutch all year (6-0 in games decided by 5 points or less). Sophomore RB Norman Whitney had 104 yards rushing, TD in C-USA title game while QB Patrick Pinkney can be streaky but has been on target lately (27-of-47, 350 passing, 3 TDs in last two games). DE C.J. Wilson was second in C-USA with 10-1/2 sacks. In troubling 1-4 slide to end the season, Wildcats yielded 167 points. After starting season at QB then going to WR at midseason, freshman Randall Cobb (316 rushing, 7 TDs) went back to QB last four games but suffered knee injury in Tennessee loss and is doubtful. That puts freshman Mike Hartline (153-of-280, 1,462 passing, 8 TDs, 7 ints.) back in there. With Music City Bowl wins over Clemson and Florida State last two years, UK makes third straight postseason experience for first time since 1950-52 under Paul "Bear'' Bryant.
SUGAR BOWL in New Orleans.
No. 7 UTAH (12-0) vs. No. 4 ALABAMA (12-1), 8, Fox.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.
FAVORITE: Alabama by 10.
COACHES: Kyle Whittingham (36-14 in fourth year at Utah) and Nick Saban (18-7 in second year at Alabama)
BOWL RECORD: Utah is 10-3. Alabama is 31-21-3.
LAST GAME: Utah beat BYU, 48-24, on Nov. 22. Alabama lost to Florida, 31-20, in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Utes are unbeaten in postseason play since 1996 as current 7-game bowl winning streak is second longest in nation.
GAME FACTS: 0-6 all-time vs. SEC foes, Utes lay impressive bowl streak on line vs. highest rated foe they've faced since 24-14 loss to No. 3 BYU in 1984. Second unbeaten season since 2004 (most in nation) with Mountain West title got Whittingham new five-year, $6-million contract. Underrated QB Brian Johnson (second in MWC in QB rating, 241-of-353, 2,636 passing, 24 TDs, 9 ints.), aggressive defense (12th in nation in scoring, 17.4 ppg, 28 turnovers forced) deserve a lot of credit. K Louie Sakoda (fourth in nation at 21-of-23 on FGs) is among nation's best and is also fine punter (41.7 ypp). Considering beating Georgia put on BCS-buster Hawaii in this game last year, just how serious will Crimson Tide approach this, especially after national title hopes were dashed in squandering 20-17 final quarter-lead to Florida? All-American OT Andre Smith won't be around after getting suspended for violation of team rules. Look for a steady diet of RBs Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram, Roy Upchurch (combined 2,399 rushing, 26 TD runs) to set up play-action passing of QB John Parker Wilson (1 TD pass, 3 ints. in last six games). Freshman WR Julio Jones (51 catches, 4 TDs) has game-breaking moves and speed. S Rashad Johnson (82 tackles, 5 ints., 2 run back for TDs), LB Rolando McClain (4 sacks), 360-pound NT Terrance Cody anchor sound defense (third in nation in total defense, 256.9 ypg, fourth vs. run, 78.8 ypg).
SATURDAY:
INTERNATIONAL BOWL in Toronto.
CONNECTICUT (7-5) vs. BUFFALO (8-5), Noon, ESPN2.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: UConn by 4.
COACHES: Randy Edsall (53-53 in 10th year at UConn) and Turner Gill (15-22 in third year at Buffalo).
BOWL RECORD: UConn is 1-1. This is Buffalo's first bowl.
LAST GAME: UConn lost at home to Pitt, 34-10, on Dec. 6. Buffalo beat Ball State, 42-24, in the Mid-American Championship on Dec. 5.
SERIES HISTORY: UConn leads, 4-1.
LAST MEETING: UConn won, 38-0, in 2005.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Bulls led the MAC, were sixth in the nation in turnover ratio (28 forced, 13 given up) while Huskies were second in Big East, 61st in nation (24 forced, 24 given up).
GAME FACTS: Interesting match-up of Eastern schools, neither of whom was playing D-I football as recently as 1999. Huskies have the game's most talented player in RB Donald Brown, who led the nation with 1,822 yards rushing to go along with 17 TD runs. But even if he goes off, as he did with 189 yards, TD run in loss to Pitt, the rest of UConn's team often does little (aside from Brown, 116 total yards vs. Pitt). QBs Zach Fraser, Tyler Lorenzen were beyond inept vs. Pitt combining to go 6-for-31 for 80 yards with 5 ints. That total matches how many ints. Bulls QB Drew Wily (fifth in MAC in QB rating) threw all season, to go along with 3,091 yards passing, 25 TDs. His preferred target is junior WR Naaman Roosevelt (7th in nation with school-record 96 catches, 1,312 yards, 13 TDs). RB James Starks (second in MAC with 1,308 rushing, 15 TD runs) adds balance. After supposedly being considered for Auburn and Syracuse jobs, Gill, former star QB at Nebraska, signed one-year extension with healthy raise.
MONDAY:
FIESTA BOWL in Glendale, Ariz.
No. 3 TEXAS (11-1) vs. No. 10 OHIO STATE (10-2), 8, Fox.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.
FAVORITE: Texas by 10.
COACHES: Mack Brown (114-26 in 11th year at Texas) and Jim Tressel (83-18 in 8th year at Ohio State).
BOWL RECORD: Texas is 24-21-2. Ohio State is 18-21.
LAST GAME: Texas beat Texas A&M, 49-9, on Nov. 27. Ohio State beat Michigan, 42-7, on Nov. 22.
SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 1-1.
LAST MEETING: Ohio State won, 24-7, in 2006.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Since December, 2006, Buckeyes have lost four straight to top-five teams by average score of 31-12.
GAME FACTS: A nice consolation prize for Longhorns, somehow stiffed to third by BCS rankings despite 45-35 win over Oklahoma on Oct. 11. UT has won four straight bowls and rout here might set up possibility of A.P. voting them No. 1. After finishing second in Heisman, junior QB Colt McCoy (third in nation in QB rating, 3,445 passing, 32 TDs, 7 ints., leads team with 576 yards rushing, 10 TD runs) says he'll be back next year. DE Brian Orakpo (led Big 12 with 10-1/2 sacks), LB Roddrick Muckelroy (96 tackles) lead marauding defense (led nation with 44 sacks, second in nation vs. run, 73.6 ypg, 85 tackles for loss). After getting embarrassed by Florida and LSU in last two BCS title games, Buckeyes really have something to prove here. Biggest problem in those losses were awful pass protection (10 sacks given up), defense giving up too many big plays (5 TDs of more than 20 yards). Tressel has hinted that both freshman QB Terrelle Pryor (502 total offense, 6 TD passes, TD run, int. in last three games), senior Todd Boeckman (52-of-81, 510 passing, 4 TDs, 2 ints.) will play, sometimes on the same play. RB Chris "Beanie'' Wells (third in Big Ten with 1,091 rushing, 8 TDs despite missing three games) was lone bright spot in last year's loss to LSU with 146 yards rushing, TD.
JANUARY 6:
GMAC BOWL in Mobile, Ala.
TULSA (10-3) vs. No. 23 BALL STATE (12-1), 8, ESPN.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.
FAVORITE: Ball State by 3.
COACHES: Todd Graham (20-7 in second year at Tulsa) and Stan Parrish (first game as Ball State coach).
BOWL RECORD: Tulsa is 6-9. Ball State is 0-4.
LAST GAME: Tulsa lost at home to East Carolina, 27-24, in the C-USA Championship Game Dec. 6. Ball State lost to Buffalo, 42-24, in the MAC Championship game Dec. 5.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Golden Hurricane was second in nation in scoring (47.4 points per game) and 83rd in scoring defense (29.1 ppg, 127 points surrendered in three losses).
GAME FACTS: This is shot at redemption for Hurricane senior QB David Johnson (second in nation in QB rating, 243-of-375, 3,866 passing, 43 TD passes, 18 ints., 3 TD runs), who threw season-high 5 ints. in loss to East Carolina. WRs Brennan Marion, Slick Shelley, Damaris Johnson (combined 128 catches, 24 TDs) are among seven players to catch at least 20 catches with a TD. Turnovers (96th nationally in turnover ratio, 22 forced, 30 given up) have been problem all year. Cardinals come in a bit in disarray with coach Brady Hoke having departed for San Diego State, leaving offensive coordinator Parrish to make his head-coaching debut in search of BSU's first bowl win. Disastrous loss to Buffalo, which included three turnovers including fumbles returned for 92 and 74-yard TDs, cost Cardinals first MAC title since 1996. QB Nate Davis had good numbers (31-of-48, 351 passing, TD) but was hurt by mistakes (fumble, int.). But the junior is BSU's all-time leader with 9,088 passing yards with 74 TDs vs. 21 ints. Senior WR Darius Hill (38 catches, 7 TDs) also tops BSU list with 31 TD catches.
JANUARY 8:
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME in Miami.
No. 2 OKLAHOMA (12-1) vs. No. 1 FLORIDA (12-1), Fox, 8.
PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.
FAVORITE: Florida by 3-1/2.
COACHES: Bob Stoops (109-23 in 10th year at Oklahoma) and Urban Meyer (43-9 in fourth year at Florida).
BOWL RECORD: Oklahoma is 24-16-1. Florida is 16-19.
LAST GAME: Oklahoma beat Missouri, 62-21, in the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 6. Florida beat Alabama, 31-20, in the SEC Championship Game Dec. 6.
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.
STAT THAT MATTERS: SEC is 4-0 in BCS national title games including Gators' 41-14 win over Ohio State two years ago while Sooners have lost four straight BCS bowls by combined score of 167-103.
GAME FACTS: Unlike other recent BCS failures, Sooners are underdogs this time. Heisman-winning QB Sam Bradford (led nation in QB rating, 25 TD passes, 1 int. in last seven games) must not only fight Heisman jinx (Heisman QBs are 2-5 in bowls since 1997) but also injured left wrist that was in cast for two weeks in December. With RB DeMarco Murray (hamstring) out, burden to balance offense falls on junior Chris Brown (445 rushing, 12 TDs in last four games). In last three BCS bowl losses, defense has surrendered staggering 1,427 total yards and 146 points. Those numbers must change. Recent poor bowl record (3-6 since 1999) has to concern Gators' fans, along with 1-4 career bowl mark vs. Big 12 teams. Then again, current 9-game winning streak by combined score of 445-117 might buoy UF spirits. If WR-RB Percy Harvin is hampered by high ankle sprain, QB Tim Tebow (1,537 total offense, 16 TD passes, 7 TD runs in last six games, only 2 ints. in 268 passes this season) is ready to step up. Key to UF rise has been improved defense (led SEC, fifth in nation in scoring, 12.8 ppg, 9th in nation, third in SEC in total defense, 279.3 ypg, led SEC, fourth in nation with 33 turnovers forced), which cut 13 points and 85 total yards per game off last year's totals. But secondary (fourth in SEC vs. pass, 174 ypg, 24 ints., 10 TD passes given up) has not faced a QB or passing attack as good as Bradford and co. So pass rush (fourth in SEC with 32 sacks) needs to turn up the heat.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
