Today’s Bowl Games : Houston Quarterback Has Lots of Incentive

Houston quarterback Andre Ware says playing against quarterback Timm Rosenbach of Washington State in the Aloha Bowl today at Honolulu is an opportunity to establish himself among the nation’s elite.

“It’s a chance to showcase my talents with a guy that’s gonna be looked at as one of the best up for the Heisman (Trophy in 1989),” Ware said, “So, naturally, I want to have a good showing myself and have people put me in that category.”

Rosenbach, who was first in the nation in passing efficiency, finished seventh in this year’s Heisman Trophy balloting. He completed 66% of his passes for 2,791 yards and 23 touchdowns.

The junior led the Pacific 10 Conference and was third in the nation in total offense, averaging 286 yards per game.

Ware, a sophomore who started Houston’s final 7 games, passed for 2,501 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the nation’s second-most productive passing offense. Houston averaged 377 yards passing per game.

No. 14 Washington State (8-3) is ranked third in the nation in total offense, averaging 494 yards a game. No. 18 Houston (9-2) is fourth, averaging 484 per game. Houston averaged 41 points per game, fourth in the nation, and Washington State averaged 35.5 and ranked 10th.

Houston finished third in the Southwest Conference. Washington State tied for third in the Pac-10.

Two of the nation’s best receivers--Houston’s Jason Phillips and James Dixon--will display their talent. Phillips, an All-American, caught 108 passes for 1,444 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

Dixon caught 102 for 1,103 yards and 11 touchdowns. Phillips and Dixon became the first teammates in NCAA history to each catch 100 passes and the first to each gain more than 1,000 yards receiving in a season.

Houston is favored by 4 points. The nationally televised game begins at 12:30 p.m. PST.

The Blue-Gray All-Star game at Montgomery, Ala., has been a great showcase for college seniors. Today’s game figures to be no exception for those players who will have the opportunity to display their skills and boost their stock in the professional draft.

Kickoff for the 51st annual charity game is 9 a.m. PST. It will be nationally televised.

The Gray team is led by record-setting Tennessee quarterback Jeff Francis and All-American tight end Wesley Walls of Mississippi.

Quarterbacks Erik Wilhelm of Oregon State and Brent Snyder of Utah State will lead the Blue squad.