Coker Gets a Bowl on Way Out

Larry Coker's difficult and final year at Miami will end on the blue turf of Boise State University.

The Hurricanes accepted an invitation to the MPC Computers Bowl, where they'll meet Nevada (8-4) of the Western Athletic Conference on Dec. 31 in Idaho's capital city. It'll be the first meeting between the programs, plus Miami's first appearance in that bowl.

It also will be Coker's 75th and final game at Miami; he was fired last week after a 6-6 regular season, one that dropped his six-year record with the Hurricanes to 59-15 with one national championship. The school retained him for the bowl game, while it conducts a search for his replacement.

"We have a lot of young players, and I think a bowl experience will be very good for them," Coker said.

The Hurricanes haven't formally revealed a complete list of who's under consideration to replace Coker, but Athletic Director Paul De e confirmed yesterday that defensive coordinator Randy Shannon-- who is thought to have the support of Hurricanes players -- is a candidate.

Other speculation has centered on Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano, a former Miami assistant; former Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez, who has a close relationship with Miami President Donna Shalala; South Florida's Jim Leavitt; and, of late, former Alabama coach Mike Shula-- son of Miami Dolphins coaching legend Don Shula.

"I think we all were upset when we heard about Coach Coker," defensive end Calais Campbell said. "I'm just glad we've got one more game together." . . .

Ohio accepted a bid to play in the GMAC Bowl, its third bowl appearance and first in nearly four decades.

The Bobcats (9-3) will play the loser of Friday's Conference USA championship game between Houston and Southern Mississippi on Jan. 7 in Mobile, Ala.

Ohio has never won a bowl game, losing 49-42 to Richmond in the 1968 Tangerine Bowl and 15-14 to West Texas State in the 1962 Sun Bowl. The Bobcats, winners of seven straight games, play Central Michigan tonight in the MAC championship game at Ford Field in Detroit.

-- From News Services