Stanford Plays Arizona in a Japan Finale

Arizona and Stanford will meet Sunday in Japan’s Coca-Cola Bowl, a game in which the spectators will receive pointers on cheering.

Cheerleaders have been assigned to flash signs around the stadium instructing the crowd when to cheer, said Anita Keire of Tele Planning International, a major sports promoter in Japan.

The game starts at 8 p.m. PST Saturday and will be carried on ESPN.

Stanford, which was ranked No. 16, dropped out of the national rankings after a 17-11 loss to California last Saturday. Arizona moved up to No. 12 by upending Arizona State, the Pacific 10 Conference champion, 34-17.

The game will end the regular season for both Arizona (8-2) and Stanford (7-3), but Arizona is bound for the Aloha Bowl and Stanford for the Gator Bowl.

Arizona Coach Larry Smith said he expects a tight match and hopes to show Japanese spectators a “hard-hitting, hard-fought game.” The Japanese might not know all the rules, he said, but “the game itself will draw them in with a lot of fast action.”

Arizona tailback David Adams said: “It was a long trip. It takes a lot out of you, but hopefully I’ll be ready for the game, but as of right now I’m a little tired.”

Both teams were scheduled to practice Friday at a baseball field.

Keire said 60,000 red and white pompons will be distributed at the Tokyo Olympic Memorial Stadium Sunday, and baton twirlers from the universities will be on hand to teach fans how to fluff and wave them with the greatest effect. The program also will contain a full explantion of American football.