<!endheader><!endheader><!hr SIZE=2 WIDTH=80% ALIGN=Center>
Stanford Ready for Holiday Day in the "Sun"
Stanford (6-5) vs. Michigan State (6-5)
December 31, 1996 - 12:00 pm MST
El Paso, Texas
By Scott Leykam
Asst. Media Relations Director
Stanford can finish off the most dramatic turnaround in school history whenit takes on Michigan State (6-5, 5-3 Big Ten) in the 1996 NORWEST Sun Bowl onTuesday, December 31 at noon (MST).
The Cardinal found itself 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the Pac-10 following a 41-9loss to eventual conference champion Arizona State on October 26. But withimpressive consecutive wins over UCLA (21-20), USC (24-20), Washington State(33-17) and California (42-21), Stanford jumped from the brink of elimination toits second consecutive bowl bid.
"I always believed," Stanford offensive coordinator Dana Bible toldreporters after the win over Cal. "The other thing is, we've got a great headcoach."
Stanford turned things around with impressive performances all the wayacross the board.
Defensively, junior Kailee Wong became the first Stanford defensive linemanin a decade to be honored as a First Team All-Pac-10 selection. The last playerto be so honored was Tony Leiker in 1986. Wong finished the regular season tiedfor second in the Pac-10 in quarterback sacks with 12. As a whole, the Cardinaldefense allowed just 30 second half points in its last four games.
Offensively, running back Mike Mitchell and quarterback Chad Hutchinsoncaught fire over the final month of the campaign. Mitchell had 809 yards rushingon the season, including a 147-yard effort against USC. In Stanford's six wins,Hutchinson was 117-for-175 (.673) for 1,372 yards and eight touchdowns.
And don't forget the special teams. Damon Dunn's 93-yard kickoff return vs.USC and Troy Walters' 75-yard punt return against Washington State both helpedput the Cardinal over the top.
These performances and many more helped Stanford earn its fourth bowlappearance in the last six years. No Pac-10 team has made more postseasonappearances during that span, with only USC and Washington being able to matchthat total.
Under Tyrone Willingham, Stanford has been one of the Pac-10's elite teamsover the past two seasons. The Cardinal went a combined 10-6 in conference playthe last two seasons, which puts them behind only Washington (13-2-1) andArizona State (12-4).
Back to El Paso
This will be Stanford's second trip to the Sun Bowl, with the other comingin 1977.
In what was its first postseason game appearance other than the Rose Bowl,first-year coach Bill Walsh's squad upset LSU 24-14.
After going into the locker room down 14-10, quarterback Guy Benjaminbrought the Cardinal back. Benjamin, who finished the game 23-for-36 for 269yards and three touchdowns, put Stanford on top for good on a two-yard touchdownpass to James Lofton with 10:19 to go in the third quarter.
Stanford then put the game away with just 87 seconds remaining on Benjamin's36-yard scoring strike to Darrin Nelson.
Sun Bowl Planner
Team's Hotel
El Paso Marriott Hotel
Reservations: 1-800-228-9290 (to call for reservations)
Phone: (915) 779-3300
Fax: (915) 772-0915
Tickets
Tickets to the Norwest Sun Bowl can be purchased through Stanford University ticket office by calling 1-800-BEAT-CAL. Tickets are $35.00.
Tours
For complete accommodations from Palo Alto to El Paso (and back!) call Stanford Sports Tours (415) 328-7285 (organized by Paul Cardoza).
Festivities
December 27th: Sierra Medical Center Sun Classic Basketball Tournament. (7:00 pm)
Opening night of this two-day holiday tournament features Northern Iowa takingon hometown Texas-El Paso in the first game, and Princeton vs. Texas A&M in thenightcap. For more information or to purchase tickets ($32 for both nights, or$18 for Championship Night only), contact Ellen Hughes at the NORWEST Sun BowlOffice (800-915-BOWL).
December 30th: Norwest Sun Bowl Team Luncheon. (11:30 am)
A highlight of Bowl Week is the annual Team Luncheon, which is held at the ElPaso Convention and Performing Arts Center North Hall in downtown El Paso. It isco-sponsored by the Rotary Club of El Paso. The players and coaches from bothteams are highlighted at the luncheon, and the broadcast team from CBS Sportsjoins in on the fun. Starters for each team will be introduced. Also, TonyDorsett will be inducted into the "NORWEST Sun Bowl Legends" and speak about hisexperiences. Tickets are $25.00 each and may be purchased through the NORWESTSun Bowl office (1-800-915-BOWL).
December 30th: Stanford Pep Rally. (6:00-7:30 pm)
Come to Stanford's final psych-up before the big event! The pep rally will beheld at the El Paso Marriott at a poolside outdoor pavilion. Reservations arenot required. Join members of the Athletic Department for free hors d'oeuveresand a no host bar at this fun filled event.