M Turns Full Attention To Bowl Assignment

M TURNS FULL ATTENTION TO BOWL ASSIGNMENT

By Wayne DeNeff

Michigan’s football coaches are about as happy as anyone that practice has finally started for the Rose Bowl game with Southern California.

For most of three weeks the Wolverines have heard little except praise and adulation for their upset victory over Ohio State and their efforts which led to a Big Ten co-championship.

That’s not the prescription of getting a team ready for an important game against a strong opponent.

Michigan, never beaten in four Rose Bowl assignments, will have pride at stake on New Year’s Day afternoon in Pasadena and unbeaten Southern California, particularly strong defensively, represents a tough challenge.

“I really don’t know how much we’ve lost,” said Coach Bo Schembechler yesterday as the Wolverines drilled on the Tartan Turf at Ferry Field, “but I do know every player has gained about five pounds and we’re going to have to work that off.”

The Wolverines worked out again at 10 a.m. today because regular classes are not being held while the students study for final examinations which start Monday.

Schembechler says the Wolverines, who will leave for Pasadena next Thursday, will start two-a-day drills at East Los Angeles College on Friday. The Wolverines will assemble for a picture session at 2 p.m. on that day.

Today was USC’s picture day and the Trojans start drills tomorrow.

PHOTO CAPTION: Coach Clocks Punters: Coach Bo Schembechler, stopwatch in hand, clocks punter Bruce Elliott as the Michigan football team launches practice for the Rose Bowl game with specialists’ drills. Waiting their turn to punt are Paul Staroba (30) and Mark Werner. Werner, a senior, is the regular punter. Staroba is a junior and Elliott a sophomore.