MICRONOCLASTS

I like the Roches, I do, but I found an electrical outlet up near the food table that's under a heat lamp. I am, as my friend Eric says, "typing one for the team", but there's no reason to look like Snow Miser by game's end.

How bizarre for Miami and Larry Coker to find themselves here. Five years ago Miami flew west for the Rose Bowl and capped off a national championship season with a crush job on Nebraska. Four years ago they jetted west for the Fiesta Bowl, where they lost the national championship game in overtime to Ohio State (Coker's first loss as UM coach after an incredible 24-0 start) . Tonight--and no offense to Boise, but Dec. 31st is not the best day to take advantage of all the city has to offer--they find themselves in the least desirable bowl locale this side of Detroit or Shreveport.

If you are watching---if Carson Daly or Ryan Seacrest just don't cut it for you as New Year's Rockin' Eve hosts--keep your eyes on Miami's No. 81, defensive end Calais Campbell. A redshirt soph, Campbell is 6'8", 280 and may be the best underclassmen D-lineman in the nation. Named the Canes' MVP this season, Campbell had ten sacks. Besides, he's from Denver, so this weather is not bugging him out.

In terms of coaching age, this game is like a junior version of last year's Orange Bowl, which featured then septuagenarians Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno. The MPC Computers Bowl has Miami's Coker, who is 58 and Nevada's Chris Ault, who's 60.