By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MOBILE, Ala. - Miami defensive back Darrell Hunter was a member of Middletown High School's 4-by-100 relay team that set the state record his junior year.

Although only a sophomore with a lot of football to go, Hunter said he couldn't help but notice how different this bowl game is than the other 13 Miami has played.

"We're actually having some fun," Hunter said. "Being here for almost a whole week makes a huge difference. We're spending time together like we would on a night back home - playing video games, being together, bonding a little bit."

Hunter is second on the team with three interceptions, one of which he ran back 64 yards for a touchdown.

CRASSHHH: Jeff Schroeder, a redshirt freshman out of Oak Hills High School, leads MU with 14 special-teams tackles. He also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble for MU's kickoff unit. For Oak Hills' track team, he set school records in the 110 and 300 hurdles.

UNCOMMON SMITH: Senior Phil Smith, out of St. Ignatius High School, leads the team in quarterback sacks (9.5) and tackles for losses (21.5 for 88 yards).

Smith said he was 5 years old when Miami last played in a bowl .

"It was our senior day (Tuesday) and we gave a little talk to our teammates," Smith said. "It was very emotional, I guess because we came so far."

He said the seniors can't wait to play against Louisville Thursday.

"We're thrilled to have one more chance to show the world (via ESPN2) what type of team we are," Smith said. "This is for our fans, the alumni who supported us. We want to show that we're a top-10 team."

GMAC Bowl year by year

Dec. 18, 2002: Marshall 38, Louisville 15

Dec. 19, 2001: Marshall 64, East Carolina 61, 2OT

Dec. 20, 2000: Southern Mississippi 28, Texas Christian 21

Dec. 22, 1999: Texas Christian 28, East Carolina 14

Note: In 1999, the game was called the Mobile Bowl.