COLLEGE FOOTBALL / BOWL REPORT : ROSE

Michigan defensive coordinator Lloyd Carr, who handled the same duties for Bo Schembechler as he does for Gary Moeller, says Mo is similar to Bo in one respect: “He gets mad when we don’t have the ball.”

Carl also said that Michigan plans to rotate its defensive players to keep them fresh to offset Washington’s superior speed. “When they use Beno Bryant in motion out of the backfield it gives them three receivers with 4.3 speed. The key is for us to get to the quarterback (Hobert) before he finds one of them. We don’t necessarily have to sack him, but we have to make him hurry before he’s ready.

“I hope it’s a muddy field for the game. Maybe it’ll slow those guys down and a slippery ball is harder to throw and catch.”

Desmond Howard has spent so much of his time the past few months giving interviews, endlessly answering the same questions about the Heisman Trophy over and over. Does it bother him?

“No,” he said. “I look at this as a part of the total college football package. At times it can be enjoyable. Besides, I’m a communications major and maybe I can learn some tips from you guys.”

Michigan’s starting center, Steve Everitt, is still doubtful after banging up his leg in practice Thursday. If he can’t start, Matt Elliott, 6-3 and 269, will move from offensive guard to center and Doug Skene, 6-6 and 286, will move up to Elliott’s spot.

“I prepare all the time for two positions so it won’t be a problem for me,” Elliott said. “I’m looking forward to playing across the line from Emtman. It will be a challenge to try and block him. He’s very physical.”