In Any Case, You'll Be Bowled Over

However, Florida and Maryland did something right during respective 9-2 and 8-2-1 campaigns. Five players from the Terrapins' nationally-ranked defense made the All-ACC team. But they face an offense that averaged 5.6 yards a snap and features Fullback Jimmy DuBose, who gained 1,307 yards.

Maryland's offense shuttles four running backs and two quarterbacks. The throwing of Mark Manges and Larry Dick could cause the most damage, since the Gators were last in SEC pass defense. But Sammy (Odd Job) Green, whom Dickey rates with any of his former All-America linebackers, made Florida one of the toughest teams in the country to score against. As the Terrapins may learn.

TANGERINE ( ORLANDO)
MIAMI OF OHIO VS. SOUTH CAROLINA
DEC. 20, 1975 2 P.M. EST

By birthing coaches and burying opponents, Miami of Ohio has built an illustrious reputation over the years. But before Dick Crum inevitably graduates into the big time, it wouldn't hurt to win a third consecutive Tangerine Bowl.

The Redskins have won all but two of their last 34 games and have beaten South Carolina the last two times they met. First-year Coach Jim Carlen has given Carolina a new outlook, however, by duplicating the success he previously enjoyed at West Virginia and Texas Tech. The team's turnaround from 4-7 to 7-4 came about because a 432-yard-per-game offense offset a 414-yard-a-game defense—if defense is the right word. Jeff Grantz may be the best option quarterback in the country; he accounted for 28 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards. Kevin Long and Clarence Williams are 1,000-yard rushers.

All three must be at their best, since Miami ranks second in the country against the rush. The surest way to move against the Redskins is by passing against a young secondary that has allowed 11 of the 18 touchdowns scored by opponents.

But Miami will probably gain all the yards it needs on the ground. Tailback Rob Carpenter, Quarterback Sherman Smith and Fullback Randy Walker are well suited to Crum's ball-control attack. This strategy beat Florida and Georgia in previous Tangerine Bowls, putting South Carolina in good company.

LIBERTY ( MEMPHIS)
TEXAS A&M VS. USC
DEC. 22, 1975 9 P.M. EST ABC

The Liberty Bowl is not what Southern California and Texas A&M had in mind when they were dominating the Pacific Eight and Southwest Conference races. But four straight losses for the Trojans and a season-ending defeat for the Aggies cancelled their Rose and Cotton Bowl plans and sent them Memphis-bound. It may be a marriage made in publicity heaven for the Liberty Bowl, but for John McKay, coaching his last college game, and Emory Bellard of A&M it must seem a useless exercise. Both expected so much more.

Spectators, at least, can enjoy watching USC's Ricky Bell, the national rushing champion, challenge the country's best rushing defense. The Aggies' top offensive threats are Halfback Bubba Bean and Fullback George Woodard. Neither team throws well; the lack of a complementary passing game, in fact, is probably the main reason neither is playing on New Year's Day.