Dec. 30, 2001

From out of a back room, the two head coaches stepped to the table and sat down. Immediately, the contrast was evident.

Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, silver hair combed neatly, was wearing a black sportscoat without one single piece of lint on it. His dress white shirt was immaculately pressed and his necktie was a symphony of orange, red and black. He looked like the Rush Chairman of you father's fraturnity back at ole State U.

Carolina's John Bunting, whose hair hasn't needed combing since Carter was in the White House, was wearing a UNC warmup suit and looked like a big grizzly that had just lumbered out of his cave.

Tuberville, true to his reputation, was gracious, carefull and measured.

Bunting, true to his reputation, was engaging, charming and funny.

One of the first questions to both coaches from the crowd of about 50 members of the media was about the similarities between Auburn and Carolina's football teams, and it was at that point that Coach Bunting took the early lead in the game of "Who can make the best impression at the press conference."

"The two teams are remarkably similar," Bunting said, "Right down to the suspended wide receivers."

(One of Auburn's key wideouts will miss this game, too, just like Bosley Allen of the Tar Heels.)

That comment drew a big laugh, but Bunting wasn't through.

"Auburn hasn't had a sick assistant coach, (like UNC's Gary Tranquill) but we can arrange that."

Is this stuff gonna get Coach Bunting a guest shot on Letterman? No, but by press conference standards, it is strong medicine. Does it have anything to do with the outcome of the game? No, but you need to know that your head football coach is much more than just a former linebacker who loves his school. He has charisma, savy and some star quality about him.

Another reporter tried to ask a different question after Coach Bunting had finished speaking of the similarities between Auburn and UNC, but Bunting cut him off.

"Wait a second, I wanna hear what Coach Tuberville says (about the similarities)!"

OTHER NOTES FROM THE PEACH BOWL

* The game is sold out for the 5th straight year.

* Chick Fil-A has signed a new three year deal as the name sponsor of the bowl.

* Ronald Curry has a cold, but says it won't hamper him at all.

* Airtime for our special two-hour pregame show on Tar Heel Sports Network radio is 5:30. See you on the radio!