BOWLS ‘85-86 : FIESTA

Michigan’s Bo Schembechler has been uncharacteristically jovial in his brief meetings with the press.

The inevitable probing questions about his dismal record in bowl games (2-10) haven’t fazed him.

“Whatever it takes to win bowls, I ain’t got it,” Schembechler said. “If we win (against Nebraska), I think we all have to realize it’s in spite of the coaching.

“It’s kind of an albatross around my neck, but I think I can handle it. It’s an important game for me, but it’s not going to make or break my career. I’ve already established that I . . . can’t win in bowl games.”

Add Bo: Like the Schembechler of old, he spoke fervently for many minutes at a Monday press conference on the subject of establishing playoffs to determine the collegiate national champion.

“I am unalterably opposed to a national playoff,” he said. “We can ill afford to tax these kids more academically than we are right now. I don’t want to put any more pressure on the players or put any more pressure on the coaches to win.”