Alabama (7-4) vs. Virginia Tech (8-3)
When: Tonight, 5.
Where: Nashville, Tenn.
TV: ESPN.
Line: Virginia Tech by 5.
Series record: Alabama leads 10-0.
Outlook: Coach Mike DuBose turned the Crimson Tide around after a 4-7 season a year ago. The squad was crushed by Arkansas and handled by Tennessee, but played Florida tough and beat archrival Auburn, 31-17, to secure a bowl berth in the season finale. TB Shaun Alexander (17 TDs, 1,178 yards rushing) is a physical runner with speed. The offense opened up once freshman QB Andrew Zow took over the starting job. WR Quincy Jackson has 48 catches. The defense, led by CB Fernando Bryant, ranks ninth in the SEC against the run (147.7 ypg). The Hokies were 5-0 before being upset by Temple. They lost on the last play of the game at Syracuse and blew a big lead in the season finale against Virginia. Tech counts on its strong defense (23 interceptions) and special teams to score. It allows only 12.9 ppg -- fourth-best in the nation -- and ranks seventh in total defense (284.9 ypg). DE Corey Moore (14 sacks), the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, is a second-team All-American. Senior QB Al Clark directs a limited offense and can throw deep to WR Ricky Hall (eight TDs). RBs Lamont Pegues and Shyrone Stith lead the ground attack.
MICRON PC Bowl
North Carolina State (7-4) vs. No. 24 Miami (8-3)
When: Tonight, 7: 30.
Where: Miami.
TV: TBS.
Line: Miami by 7.
Series record: Miami leads 5-3-1.
Outlook: The inconsistent Wolfpack upset Florida State and Syracuse but struggled with Ohio and lost at Baylor. The prolific passing combination of QB Jamie Barnette and first-team All-America WR Torry Holt makes the offense explosive. Holt has 88 catches for 1,604 yards, both ACC single-season records. Barnette (3,161 yards passing, 16 TDs) is a good athlete with a strong and accurate arm. Freshman RB Ray Robinson leads a capable ground game. CB Lloyd Harrison (seven interceptions) is a third-team All-American. The Hurricanes closed the season with a 49-45 upset of UCLA a week after getting blown out by 53 points at Syracuse. TB Edgerrin James (19 TDs) is eighth in the nation in rushing (128.7 ypg). QB Scott Covington ranks 14th in the country in passing efficiency. WR Santana Moss has eight TD catches.
No. 4 Kansas State (11-1)vs. Purdue (8-4)
When: Tonight, 8: 30.
Where: San Antonio.
TV: ESPN.
Line: Kansas State by 13.
Series record: Purdue leads 2-0.
Outlook: The Wildcats seemed headed for the national title game before a 36-33 double-overtime loss to Texas A&M; in the Big 12 championship game. The roster is dotted with All-Americans. QB Michael Bishop, a third-team selection and runner-up for the Heisman, makes the offense go. WR Darnell McDonald (third team), KR David Allen (first team) and RB Eric Hickson are also to be reckoned with. LB Jeff Kelly (first team) leads a defense that may not be quite as good as advertised -- especially against the pass. The Boilermakers scored often (33.9 ppg), and sophomore QB Drew Brees completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 3,753 yards and 36 TDs. WR Randall Lane (64 !B catches, 915 yards, seven TDs) is one of his many targets. DE Rosevelt Colvin, a third-team All-American, leads an adequate defense. Purdue has won five straight.
Pub Date: 12/29/98