THE BOWLS DAILY REPORT : CITRUS : Emotions Will Play Part in Outcome

The outcome of the Jan. 2 Citrus Bowl game between Ohio State (9-3) and Alabama (11-1) might be decided by how well each team adjusts to its previous game. Ohio State is on a clear high after defeating Michigan for the first time since 1987, 22-6. The only negative was that the Buckeye players accidentally dropped Coach John Cooper when they were carrying him from the field.

Meanwhile, Alabama lost a shot at the national championship when it was beaten by Florida, 24-23, in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

Quarterback Jay Barker is still trying to rationalize the game.

“We would have liked to win the (Florida) game, but that’s in the past now,” Barker said last week. “We’ve had some time to get over that and now the only thing we are thinking about is the Citrus Bowl.”