MPC COMPUTERS BOWL - Dec. 31, 2006 - Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Miami (6-6) vs. Nevada (8-4)
Larry Coker's final game as Miami's coach ends in a climate that is - almost literally - the polar opposite of the balmy ocean breezes found near Coral Gables. The fact that his successor is on his coaching staff gives this contest a somewhat unique set-up and subplot heading into the matchup with the Nevada Wolf Pack.
And who is this "Nevada" of which I speak? A team that closed out the season on fire, that's who. A team that started off the season as badly as possible, with terribly ugly losses to an awful Fresno State club and a below average Arizona State squad. A team that then righted their ship in a big way, winning 8 of their next 10 (the closest win being a 31-21 victory over Northwestern). A team that was about average on both offense and defense, but excellent in turnover margin. A pretty dadgum good team, that's who the Nevada Wolf Pack are.
The Canes, on the other hand, were a bit of mess this year, but closed the season out nicely with that upset over Boston College. And, if there was ever a team that needed a break from the season, it was Miami. Considering that, along with the emotions that will sure to be flowing in light of Coker's coaching finale, look for the Hurricanes to play one of their best games of the year. And they'll need to.
Miami 27, Nevada 14
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