Give Them Liberty, Carquest, Copper

The Syracuse Orangemen, attitudes firmly readjusted, have modest goals now: a spot in the Top 20. No. 23 Syracuse has had some time to calm down since the Orangemen (8-3) were passed over by three bowls before settling for the Liberty Bowl against Houston (7-4) today at Memphis, Tenn.

A quarter of the Orangemen voted not to accept the bowl bid.

Houston is in its first bowl since 1988. The Cougars had their first winning season since 1990 after a 2-9 record last year.

*

For Miami and Virginia, the Carquest Bowl tonight in Miami is about more than money and prestige.

The Hurricanes (8-3), ranked 19th, are trying to start a new tradition under second-year Coach Butch Davis, one in which the national prominence continues while the team’s renegade image is left in the past.

Virginia (7-4), whose fight for national prominence has been marred almost annually by losses to marginal teams, is making its fourth consecutive bowl appearance--and seeking its third postseason victory in a row.

*

Quarterback Mike Fouts, nephew of Dan, leads Utah (8-3) against Wisconsin (7-5) in tonight’s Copper Bowl at Tucson. A starter since the third week of 1995, he has helped Utah win 15 of its last 20 games.

This year, Fouts threw for 2,526 yards and 21 touchdowns with only seven interceptions--good for eighth place nationally in passing efficiency--on what was primarily a running team. Utah threw only 45% of the time, relying on the running of Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala, a 275-pound tailback.