
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 22, 1991                   TAG: 9102220614
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RALEIGH, N.C.                                 LENGTH: Short

CORRIGAN WANTS CITRUS PAYOFF INCREASED

Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Gene Corrigan is quick to point that the league's football tie with the Citrus Bowl had been fruitful.

Yet, he adds that the ACC's odyssey to Orlando, Fla., could end after the contract expires this year, unless the payoff substantailly increases.

"If they come up with revenue more like that of the Sugar or Cotton Bowl, I believe we will stay with them," said Corrigan, who spoke at the Raleigh Sports Club on Wednesday. "The people are great, and it's a good place to go.

"But we may be better in the open marketplace. I think we'll always have four or five pretty good teams."

The 1991 ACC champion is scheduled to play in the Citrus this year, but Corrigan might want to keep the options open in the future, particularly if there's a chance to put a national championship contender in the Orange, Sugar or Cotton.

He said it's likely the Citrus would seek an agreement that would guarantee having the ACC champ in Orlando annually after the 1991 commitment ends.

But whether it's in Florida or New Orleans, Corrigan said he still favors the bowl format over the much-discussed football playoff proposals.

"Playoffs would drag it out for the kids," he said. "The winner would have to play about 15 games. The bowls are a reward, a celebration, and I hope we stay with the bowls."

The ACC enjoyed a banner football season in 1990, with Virginia holding the No. 1 ranking for several weeks, Georgia Tech finishing first in the UPI poll and five teams appearing in bowl games.

And the addition of Florida State has added even more glitter.

by CNB