The great part about bowl games is that they bring people together to share a common experience. Though the teams come from varied backgrounds, they can learn to understand and even respect their differences.
Or at least become acutely aware of them.
In this year's Las Vegas Bowl, there are enough differences to test even the bowl system. Utah and the Southern California — this year's participants — are about as disparate it gets.
On one hand, the Utes come from a place where "family values" were in style long before politicians took up the chant. On the other hand, the Trojans are from a place where family values are determined by Homer Simpson.
Utah is where "Light the Fire Within" became famous.
Southern California is where "Light My Fire" became famous.
Utah is where some people still say "Howdy!"
Southern California is where some people still say, "Ciao!"
How different are this year's Las Vegas Bowl teams?
USC appeared on TV in 111 straight games. The Utes sometimes take a back seat to "Access Hollywood."
USC drew 105,000 to a 1947 game against Notre Dame. The Utes have to worry about drawing that many in a season.
USC has the famous "Tommy Trojan" statue on campus. Utah has the not-so-famous "Ute Brave" statue on campus.
USC helped host the 1984 Olympics in 80-degree weather. Utah is helping host the 2002 Winter Games in 20-degree weather.
USC has been to 39 bowl games. Utah went 28 years without attending a bowl game. USC has had 55 Playboy preseason All-Americans. Utah has had 55 players who subscribed to Playboy — but just for the articles.
USC enjoys playing in the Rose Bowl. Utah enjoys watching the Rose Bowl parade.
USC had an Outland Trophy winner. Utah's team once watched the movie "Outland."
USC athletes have been on the cover of Sports Illustrated 82 times. Utah has been ranked 82nd by Sports Illustrated.
USC has won eight national titles. Utah has won 10 — in gymnastics.
USC has four Heisman winners. Utah has four bowl wins.
Southern California has smog. Utah has "inversions."
Utah has the "lake effect." Southern California has the "Laker effect."
Southern California has Century City. Utah has Plain City.
Southern California has Venice Beach. Utah has Little Sahara.
USC professor George Olah helped pave the way for high-octane gasoline. Utah's passing game could use some.
USC alumni include Ron Howard, the famous actor and director. Utah alumni include Monty Howard, the famous ticket manager.
Other USC alumni: George Lucas, LeVar Burton and John Ritter. Other Utah alumni: Nolan Bushnell and Bill Gore (they aren't famous, but trust me, they made money).
Utah thought the Las Vegas Bowl was so important, it sent its head coach and the conference commissioner to the first press conference. USC sent an assistant sports information director.
USC has sun and sand. Utah has snow and . . . snow.
USC has "Fight on and win, for ol' Southern Cal!" Utah has "Ki-yi!"
USC has a rich football tradition.
Utah, well, doesn't.
But it does have ambition.
E-MAIL: rock@desnews.com