BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Las Vegas Bowl is expected to announce today which at-large team will get the bid to play San Diego State. Some media speculation
has Miami getting that bid.
"I haven't heard a thing," Miami Athletic Director Joel Maturi said Sunday.
But he says that doesn't mean Miami won't get the bid. "I truly believe they don't know," Maturi said. "I think we're the best football choice."
A Las Vegas source said the RedHawks are a long shot, behind 7-4 Texas Tech, 6-5 North Carolina and 6-5 Mississippi on the committee's wish list. Right now, Tech is sixth in the Big 12, and the sixth team in the Big 12 is tied to the Independence Bowl.
North Carolina, which became bowl eligible Saturday, is also being considered for the Oahu Bowl in Hawaii.
"The Vegas Bowl would be problematic for us," UNC spokesman Rick Brewer said, "because it's a day or two after exams end. The Hawaii bowl is probably the best bet."
Miami is 10-1 and has lost only to 10-1 Marshall on the road.
The Vegas Bowl - like the Music City and Liberty, other bowls that considered Miami - wants a bigger name. The bowl wants a commitment this week so it can begin to marke tthe Dec. 19 matchup.
"It's going to be us or a 6-5 team," Maturi said. "If it's North Carolina, I'll really scream because we beat them at their place." Miami's best hope: Texas Tech ends up the Big 12 representative to the Independence Bowl, and the Vegas committee decides 10-1 is better than 6-5.
"I think we're a good fit," Maturi said. "I think we'd bring some people, and we'd bring a good football team."
