Wisconsin Accepts Copper Bowl Bid

Wisconsin has accepted an invitation to play in the Copper Bowl on Dec. 27 at Tucson, the university announced Wednesday.

Wisconsin ended the season with a 7-5 record, 3-5 in the Big Ten, after beating Hawaii, 59-10, on the road last Saturday night. Freshman Ron Dayne rushed for 339 yards to raise his season total to 1,863 yards, breaking the NCAA single-season freshman record set by Herschel Walker.

The Badgers’ opponent in the Copper Bowl will be the second-place team in the Western Athletic Conference--Utah or Brigham Young.

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Already reeling from a patchwork offensive line, No. 4 Florida suffered another setback when right tackle Mo Collins suffered torn knee ligaments.

Collins, suspended for six games for taking money from an associate of a sports agent, will miss the Southeastern Conference championship game Saturday night against Alabama, meaning the line will feature senior Donnie Young, three redshirt freshmen and a longtime reserve at center.

Team doctor Pete Indelicato said Collins is likely out for any bowl game too. More tests are planned for today.

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Alabama defensive coordinator Mike Dubose is reported to be the front-runner for the school’s football coaching job.

The Mobile Register said Dubose is expected to be introduced Monday as the successor to the retired Gene Stallings.

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Boston College Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk has received permission to talk to Navy Coach Charlie Weatherbie about the Eagles’ vacant coaching position, the Boston Globe reported.

Boston College officials also are meeting with Jacksonville Jaguar assistants Randy Edsall and Kevin Gilbride.

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East Carolina has extended the contract of Coach Steve Logan through 2001. The Pirates were 8-3 this season and beat Miami, 31-6. . . . Marc Primanti, perfect on all 24 field goals and 20 extra points for North Carolina State, won the Lou Groza Award as college football’s top kicker. . . . Tailback Skip Hicks and linebacker Brian Willmer, both juniors, were named most valuable players at UCLA’s awards banquet.