News Nuggets, 12.18.03
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Smith, Berry team up again at UL-Monroe

MONROE, LA — Junior Smith was chosen as the new running backs coach for the University of Louisiana-Monroe, head football coach Charlie Weatherbie said Tuesday.

Smith served four years as the running backs coach for Army under former head coach Todd Berry, who recently became Louisiana-Monroe's offensive coordinator.

It will be the fourth stint together for Smith and Berry. Smith was a record-setting running back at East Carolina (1991-94) during most of Berry's tenure as the Pirates' offensive coordinator (1992-95).

Smith also served as an assistant coach at Illinois State during Berry's tenure as head coach of the Redbirds. Before taking the Army job in 2000, Berry resurrected ISU's long-sagging football fortunes and ultimately led the team on a run at the Division I-AA championship

Mobile matchup evokes ECU-Marshall pairing

MOBILE — Ben Roethlisberger's immediate concern is beating Louisville. His football future must wait. Miami of Ohio's quarterback is sure to be a first-round NFL draft pick if he skips his senior season, but he's not ready to make a decision just yet.

First, he wants to find a way to lead the 14th-ranked RedHawks (12-1) over the Cardinals (9-3) in Thursday night's GMAC Bowl. ``I've been able to use it as motivation just to come out and play hard,'' Roethlisberger said. ``My teammates have kept me really grounded.''

Roethlisberger and the RedHawks have built the nation's longest winning streak since losing their season opener to Iowa. They earned the Mid-American Conference championship and their first bowl berth since 1986.

In the process, Roethlisberger distinguished himself as one of the nation's top quarterbacks, up there with Heisman Trophy winner Jason White and Mississippi's Eli Manning. In fact, Roethlisberger has thrown for more yards this season (4,110) than either of those two.

The GMAC Bowl could feature plenty of touchdowns. The RedHawks are fifth in the nation in scoring, averaging 42.5 points. Led by quarterback Stefan LeFors and a sturdy running game, Louisville averages 35 points.

LeFors led Conference USA in total offense and ranks second in yards passing and efficiency. Leading rusher Eric Shelton returns after missing the past three games with a neck injury.

The Cardinals have racked up 1,305 yards and 109 points in their last two games, against Houston and Cincinnati.

This game isn't known for defensive battles, though. Current Jacksonville Jaguars starting QB Byron Leftwich led Marshall to wins in the past two GMAC Bowls, including a 64-61, double-overtime win over Jags' backup QB David Garrard and East Carolina two years ago. It was the highest scoring bowl game ever.

Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said the key will be getting pressure on Roethlisberger, a strategy most teams tried this season.

``If we can take him out of his rhythm as far as the timing of his throws ... then we'll have a lot better (chance) of coming up with some plays,'' Petrino said.

Louisville, a two-touchdown underdog, is making its sixth consecutive postseason appearance but has won just once during that stretch.

Bowl results/TV schedule for C-USA teams

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
New Orleans Bowl
Memphis 27, North Texas (Sun Belt) 17
(ESPN 2) 7:00 pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
GMAC Bowl
Louisville vs. (14) Miami (OH) (MAC)
(ESPN 2) 7:30 pm

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl
(19) Texas Christian vs. (16) Boise State (WAC)
(ESPN) 7:30 pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Houston vs. Hawaii (WAC)
(ESPN) 8:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
AXA Liberty Bowl
Southern Miss vs. (25) Utah (MWC)
(ESPN) 3:30 pm

All times Eastern.

Pop Holtz takes charge of Gamecocks offense

COLUMBIA — South Carolina football coach Lou Holtz said Thursday that he's taking over the offense from son Skip.

"I plan on running the offense," Holtz said.

When asked if Skip would retain the offensive coordinator title, Holtz said, "I'm not able to say anything at this time."

The Gamecocks finished the season 5-7, with Holtz firing four assistants after a season-ending 63-17 loss to Clemson.

Skip Holtz has been offensive coordinator since his father took over the program before the 1999 season.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2003 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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