Nebraska or Alabama?

Florida, Texas Tech or Colorado?

Before kickoff, the University of Miami’s bowl scenario was potentially complicated, win or lose.

A victory against Boston College would appear to pave the way for the Hurricanes to meet top-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl Classic on New Year’s Night. However, that could change if Alabama soundly defeats Florida Saturday and somehow leaps over top-ranked Nebraska in the rankings.

If that happens, the Sugar Bowl would like to pit Alabama against Miami.

The ‘Canes, of course, would rather play Nebraska in the OBC. It would mean they would enjoy a home advantage, they would practice on their own Greentree Field, and they would sleep in their own beds. Most important, it would mean a bigger deposit in UM’s bank account.

The Orange Bowl Classic pays out $4.3 million compared to the Sugar Bowl’s $4.1 million. More than that, the ‘Canes would save thousands in travel expenses.

If the Sugar Bowl makes UM an offer to play undefeated Alabama, the ‘Canes could say no to stay home. Bowl Coalition rules allow them to pass on an offer if they can make more money at another bowl.

What would the ‘Canes do?

“Ask me after the game,” Athletic Director Paul Dee said before kickoff. “There’s too much that can happen on this night. What we want to do is put ourselves in position to contend for the national championship.”

It’s moot now, but a loss to Boston College would have left these scenarios:

Sugar Bowl: vs. the winner of Alabama-Florida.

Fiesta Bowl: vs. Colorado.

Cotton Bowl: vs. Texas Tech.

Prewitt breaks school mark

Dane Prewitt kicked his 12th consecutive field goal, breaking a UM record set in 1990 by Carlos Huerta. A 27-yard field goal tied the mark in the second quarter and pulled the ‘Canes to within 7-3. Prewitt’s 24-yarder in the third quarter broke the mark. He added a third field goal late in the game.

Medearis, seniors honored

Former defensive end Rusty Medearis joined 15 other seniors in a pregame ceremony honoring the senior class in its final regular-season home game. Medearis was granted a sixth year of eligibility this season after undergoing major reconstructive knee surgery two seasons ago. He ended his career after two games this season, citing chronic pain.

Medearis was an All-America candidate as a junior in 1992 when he was injured in the season’s third game. He rehabilitated in 1993, then tried to come back this year.

The other seniors honored: quarterback Frank Costa, linebacker Corwin Francis, guard Tirrell Greene, receiver Jonathan Harris, defensive tackle Dwayne Johnson, receiver Chris T. Jones, fullback Larry Jones, tackle Zev Lumelski, cornerback Larry Luttrell, safety Malcolm Pearson, free safety C.J. Richardson, defensive end Pat Riley, defensive end Baraka Short, receiver A.C. Tellison and cornerback Chad Wilson.

Hurricanes hit by injuries

Receiver Yatil Green sprained a shoulder in the third quarter and did not return. Running back Al Shipman injured his left knee on the opening kickoff and came off with the help of two trainers. He did return. Defensive tackle Dwayne Johnson left with back spasms in the first quarter. He did not return…

Senior receiver A.C. Tellison started in place of Jammi German.

It was Tellison’s last regular-season home game. German rotated in and played as much as he would have if he had started.

NFL watches closely

NFL scouts from seven teams watched from the press box.

The Dolphins, Houston Oilers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Raiders and Dallas Cowboys were represented.

Defensive tackle Warren Sapp is projected as a sure top-four pick although he’s a junior. Sapp is expected to announce he will forgo his senior season.