WSU spent the Christmas holiday down away from their families in Texas, further preparing for the post season. Miami is making its third consecutive bowl appearance, but the Hurricanes haven’t won one since defeating Nevada 21-20 in the 2006 MPC Computers Bowl. The Cougars (8-4, 6-3 Pac-12) will be participating in their 12th bowl game in program history and second under Mike Leach.
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Louis van Gaal preparing Manchester United for ‘must-win’ clash with Stoke
Despite disapproving of Van Gaal’s methods, Kanchelskis said United must wait until the summer if they want to change managers. However, Rooney, who has suffered from his own patchy form this season, came out in defence of Van Gaal on Thursday.
Miami has turned things around since Al Golden was sacked following the embarrassing loss to Clemson in the middle of the season. And Richt has begun to hire assistant coaches, leaving questions about what will happen to members of the current staff after the bowl game.
Man Utd team ‘fighting’ for Van Gaal – Rooney
The ideal scenario was that van Gaal saw his contract out and then Giggs took over, but the big question is whether Giggs is ready if van Gaal goes now.
Weather: The forecast in south Texas calls for rain showers throughout the game with temperatures in the mid-forties.
England put in to bat in 1st test in South Africa
What could not be understood then was the effect of the doubts and fears which have frequently dogged South Africa down the years. Ben Stokes will surely be the man to watch out for as the bouncy South African wickets seems to suit his style of play.
The last time the Cougars played in the Sun Bowl was December 31st, 2001, against the Purdue Boilermakers. Kaaya has had to overcome a pedestrian offensive line that has resulted in a season long struggle to run the football.
What’s the takeaway: One area in which Miami has excelled is turnovers. Kaaya and the Miami offense did their damage through the air. Wide receivers Stacy Coley, Rashawn Scott and Herb Waters combine for over 1800 yards of receiving yards.
“It would mean a lot for us to turn that around, ” said sophomore running back Joseph Yearby, who needs only 61 rushing yards to reach his first 1,000-yard season. A victory would give UConn, 2-10 a year ago in its first season under coach Bob Diaco, its first winning season since 2010.
What’s at stake: Both teams are looking to end long bowl droughts.
The offense is lead by sophomore signal-caller Luke Falk.
He was third in the safety rotation behind starters Deon Bush and Rayshawn Jenkins but has received extensive playing time all season. “They’ll get some licks in, but you’ve just got to play together and kind of outlast the barrage”. Faulk used nine different teammates this season that registered at least 200 receiving yards. “He’s done a great job”. “I know the forecast doesn’t sound so good, but in El Paso, as we like to say, ‘If you don’t like the weather, stick around a couple hours”.
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The Odds: Washington State is a 2.5 point favorite against Miami. The Hurricanes have 15 interceptions, led by six from Artie Burns, and 24 sacks while ranking seventh in the country in turnover margin (plus-13). The star Washington State quarterback has been practicing and should be back taking snaps after missing the Apple Cup with a concussion. Falk leads the No. 1 passing offense in the nation, averaging 397 yards.
