Insight.com Bowl Preview
12/26/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Insight.com Bowl Preview
12/26/2000
PHOENIX (AP) - Two teams trying to write new chapters in their football history meet in Phoenix on Thursday when Iowa State plays Pittsburgh in the Insight.com Bowl.
The Cyclones were the surprise of the Big 12 Conference, going 8-3 overall and 5-3 in the North Division. They lost to perennial powers Kansas State, Nebraska and Texas A&M, but still enjoyed their best season since 1978 and just the eighth eight-win season in school history.
Iowa State is making its first trip to a bowl game in 22 years and is sending a total of 571 people to Phoenix, almost half of them coming from the school's 262-person marching band. The football team accounts for 149 people, 131 of them players.
"The public might go, 'Oh my gosh, 500 people,"' said Murray Blackwelder, ISU's vice president for external relations. "This is not a lot compared to many schools."
Coach Dan McCarney is the reason for the Cyclones' turnaround, directing a high-powered offense ranked 21st in the nation after averaging 424.5 yards. McCarney was rewarded for his results with a new four-year contract worth $2.4 million.
"I think they realize we've done this the right way," McCarney said. "We've been through some real tough times based on where we started. But we've got a bright future here."
Tailback Ennis Haywood powered the Cyclones this year, grinding out 1,237 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Sage Rosenfels threw for 2,298 yards and eight scores, but also added 381 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
Pittsburgh (7-4) is making just its second bowl appearance since 1989 and its first since 1997. The Panthers, like the Cyclones, have a potent offense, but it is one that relies more on the passing game.
Coach Walt Harris has two capable quarterbacks at his disposal in John Turman and David Priestley. Turman threw for 2,135 yards and 18 TDs, but Priestley played well when Turman faltered in later games and finished with 829 yards and five scores.
"I reserve the right to always have a relief pitcher, a mid-inning relief pitcher, but I'd like to play John the whole way because John was the best player that day," Harris said. "But we're going to do whatever we have to do to win."
The Panthers also have tailback Kevin Barlow, who had 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
This is the first meeting between the schools.