SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Bowl games are supposed to be a reward for a successful regular season and both Oklahoma and Boise State are treating it that way.

Both teams have experienced the night life since arriving in Arizona and will do so up until New Year’s Eve.

The downtime has helped break up the monotony of practice.

“You tend to do things better with a smile on your face than like, ‘Oh man, we’re out here at practice again,’” OU middle linebacker Zach Latimer said. “If you’ve got a smile and you’re not thinking about things, the day goes by a little faster out here.”

But the players are the ones getting the full enjoyment out of the trip. The coaches haven’t had as much free time.

“A bowl game is great for families and administration and for the players. You’re glad they have the opportunity to be rewarded,” OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “As coaches it’s more about getting ready for practice and meetings. You’re out of the friendly confines of what you’ve been doing back home, so it’s more difficult. You feel more stressed to find time to do everything you need to do, to be honest.”

The Sooners have practiced every afternoon and conducted meetings in the morning. Other than that, the players have pretty much had free rein.

“We work hard at practice here or anywhere else,” wide receiver Malcolm Kelly said. “But when we are done with practice, it’s nice to enjoy the sights here.”

Where’s the sun?

There’s a reason the Phoenix area is called the Valley of the Sun. The area is known for its warm winter days. But you’d have a hard time convincing many Sooners or their fans that’s the case.

Over the last several days, temperatures have been unseasonably cool with highs in the 50s and there have been more showers than sunshine.

It was still sprinkling when OU coach Bob Stoops met with reporters following Friday’s practice at Pinnacle High School.

But he had no complaints.

“Oh, the players don’t mind,” he said. “It’s been perfect out here.”