COLLEGE FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT : ANIMAL TALES

USC’s Traveler IV and Texas Tech’s Two Bar Boy were not the only mounted mascots roaming the sidelines during Monday’s bowlfest. Renegade, with Chief Ocseola aboard, led Florida State’s pep squad in the Sugar Bowl.

Florida wisely did not try to match its state rival by having a mascot ride an alligator.

QUOTEWORTHY

“It was hard to stop.” --Zach Thomas, Texas Tech’s All-Southwestern Conference linebacker, after facing USC’s offense.

“Maybe I’ll go home and ask for a raise.” --Penn State Coach Joe Paterno, who overtook Alabama’s Bear Bryant as college football’s winningest bowl coach with his 16th victory, a 38-20 decision over Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

“This is why I didn’t stay in Texas to play football.” --Nebraska center Aaron Graham, while carrying the Orange Bowl trophy above his head.

“If we can play like that and win by 18 points, that says something about your ballclub.”

--Wide receiver Bobby Engram after Penn State scored 38 points against Oregon.

“I guess I don’t get my new car from dad.” --Oregon’s Josh Wilcox, expressing mock dismay about not being named Rose Bowl most valuable player.