New Mexico State head coach Doug Martin holds the game trophy during press conferences at the AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown, 151 E. Broadway Blvd., for teams competing in Friday's NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, on Dec. 28, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz. Utah State University plays New Mexico State University at 3:30 p.m. at Arizona Stadium.
Don't touch that trophy
Both coaches marveled at the new Arizona Bowl trophy, which is a collaboration between two renowned local artists. Tom Philabaum created a blown-glass, regulation-size football that sits inside a metal housing created by Moises Orozco.
As bowl trophies go, it’s as impressive as it is heavy. Both Wells and New Mexico State coach Doug Martin posed with it following Thursday’s press conference, though the Utah State coach was initially hesitant to lift it up. Something about superstition.
“That’s the SI cover jinx, right there,” he said.
