They’re Ready for Holiday

It looks like someone’s trying to sneak a New Year’s Day matchup in a couple of days early.

Tonight’s Holiday Bowl game pits No. 8 Colorado against No. 13 Washington. Both teams have nine victories and missed at least a share of their conference’s championship by less than a touchdown.

Yet they slip into San Diego’s Jack Murphy Stadium for a 5 p.m. kickoff while teams with worse records will compete on or nearer to New Year’s Day.

However, the prospect of a good opponent seems to have diminished concerns about not playing in a higher-profile game.

“I’m not saying ‘Oh well, this isn’t the Rose Bowl. . .’ Shoot, we’re playing Colorado. What more could you ask for?” said Washington defensive tackle David Richie.

Colorado Coach Rick Neuheisel said that had his team been offered a choice between the Cotton Bowl and the Holiday Bowl, his team would have still selected the Holiday because it went to the Cotton Bowl last season.

“It offers a new venue and another exciting experience from a college-experience standpoint for each of the players,” Neuheisel said, neglecting to mention the Southern California recruiting benefits for the program.

What these teams can expect to experience is a lot of the other team’s offense.

Washington (9-2) brings daunting tailback Corey Dillon as its offense.

The 6-2, 220-pound tailback became a starter in the fourth game of the season and led the Pacific 10 Conference in rushing and set Washington’s single-season record with 1,555 yards in eight games. He set a school record with 22 rushing touchdowns, and he ranked first in the nation in scoring with 12.55 points a game.

Dillon set an NCAA rushing record when he gained 222 yards in 16 carries and scored three touchdowns in the first quarter of Washington’s 53-10 victory over San Jose State on Nov. 16. He also had 83 yards receiving in that quarter, then sat out the rest of the game.

Colorado (9-2) gave up an average of 131 rushing yards this season. Look for Colorado to have eight-man fronts to slow Dillon. Colorado would rather take its chances of being beaten by redshirt freshman quarterback Brock Huard.

Washington’s defense, led by linebacker Jason Chorak--the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, will be challenged as well.

Colorado quarterback Koy Detmer leads a quick-striking offense that averaged 452 yards--303 passing yards. He has two excellent receivers in Rae Carruth and Phil Savoy. Washington’s young secondary starts two freshmen and should get its toughest test of the season.