COLLEGE FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT / THE BOWL GAMES : THAT’S SCHOOL SPIRIT

John Routh, who dresses as Miami’s mascot, was hit in the face by a stray bullet on Bourbon Street in New Orleans while celebrating on New Year’s Eve. Routh, 33, was treated and released from Tulane Medical Center early Friday. Although the bullet entered near his right eye and exited his right cheekbone, he said he would be in costume as Sebastian the Ibis for Friday night’s Sugar Bowl game between No. 1 Miami and No. 2 Alabama.

Said Routh: “It’s going to take a hell of a lot more than a bullet hole in the head to keep me from this game.”

RARIN’ TO GO

No one has ever questioned Robbie Baker’s dedication. Sanity? That’s another matter. Baker, a fifth-year senior for Florida State, is a 6-foot-5, 255-pound center. Since the start of his college career, he has undergone surgery six times: four operations on his right shoulder, one on his left ankle and one on his left knee.

You might think that Baker would welcome the thought of hanging up his shoulder pads after his final game, in the Orange Bowl against Nebraska. Then again. . . .

“If I could, I’d sign up and play another four years,” he said. “Maybe I’ll change my name, go to another college and play another four years.”

IN QUOTES

Texas A&M; tackle John Ellisor, after the 28-3 loss to Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl ended the Aggies’ perfect season: “Notre Dame just whipped us plain and simple. We were dominated.”

Texas A&M; Coach R.C. Slocum: “We were hit and miss, but Notre Dame had a lot to do with that . We’re not accustomed to getting beat like we did today.”

CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN

The Southeastern Conference won more bowl games than any other league and the Pacific 10 lost the most. A look at conference bowl won-lost records this season.

Southeastern 5-0

Mid-American 1-0

Atlantic Coast 2-1

Independents 1-1

Southwest 1-1

Western Athletic 2-3

Pacific 10 2-4

Big East 1-2

Big Eight 1-2

Big Ten 1-2

Big West 0-1