UCLA Fumbles Away Roses; Is Florida St. No. 1?

UCLA played the role of generous Rose Bowl host to a fault Saturday as Wisconsin, making its first Pasadena appearance in 31 years, held off a final Bruin charge for a 21-16 victory before 101,237 people.

Florida State staked its claim to the national championship as the Seminoles got a 22-yard field goal from Scott Bentley with 21 seconds to play and survived a wild finish for an 18-16 victory over previously unbeaten Nebraska.

UCLA had six turnovers--five fumbles and one interception--and two of those errors led to Wisconsin touchdowns. But the Bruins still had a chance to overcome their mistakes in the final minute, driving inside the Wisconsin 20 yard line.

But with 15 seconds left and the Bruins out of timeouts, UCLA quarterback Wayne Cook scrambled up the middle instead of throwing the ball away. Time expired before the Bruins (8-4) could run another play.

The Badgers (10-1-1) were led by running back Brent Moss, who rushed for 158 yards and a pair of first-half touchdowns. J. J. Stokes, UCLA’s All-American receiver, set Rose Bowl records with 14 receptions for 176 yards.

In other games, West Virginia saw its 11-0 record go down the drain in a 41-7 Sugar Bowl loss to Florida. Notre Dame edged Texas A & M in the Cotton Bowl, 24-21.

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