...Let's Go Bowling

December 19, 2009
New Mexico Bowl
Fresno State (8-4) vs. Wyoming (6-6)

Who else would lead off this bowl season? Whoops. It's actually the second game, I missed the first one.

Prediction: Not knowing much about these two outside of their schedule and "tradition," I have to imagine Fresno handles Wyoming.

Fresno State: 34 Wyoming: 24

December 19, 2009
St. Petersburg Bowl presented by Beef O'Brady's
Rutgers (8-4) vs. University of Central Florida (8-4)

The name alone is proof enough that we have way too many bowl games, weakening the argument that having a playoff system would kill the sacred bowl season. Once we have a bowl with Beef O'Brady as a name sponsor, it's gone too far. Almost as bad as having your football stadium renamed Gaylord.

Prediciton: Big East is better than Conference USA...Dat's all I know...

Rutgers: 38 UCF: 17


December 20, 2009
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Southern Mississippi (7-5) vs. Middle Tennessee (9-3)

MTSU made a bowl game. No kidding.

Prediction: No one will care what the outcome is unless they have money on this game. MTSU in a HUGE upset!

Mid Tenn: 28 So. Miss: 27

December 22, 2009
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl
Oregon State (8-4) vs. Brigham Young University (10-2)

The first decent bowl of the season. For some reason I am not fond of BYU.

Prediction: Three straight bowl losses becomes four for BYU. With an average team age of 26, at least they will be mature enough to handle it...or...Nothing three wives can't take care of.

Oregon State: 34 BYU: 21

December 23, 2009
San Diego County Credit Union Pointsettia Bowl
Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4)

No matter how you pronounce it, the Pointsettia Bowl traditionally has good match ups, although Jahvid Best will not play in this one. Last year was TCU vs. Boise State.

Prediction: Vegas has Cal by 3 1/2 without Best. I disagree.

Utah: 27 Cal: 17

December 24, 2009
Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
Southern Methodist (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4)

June Jones goes back to Hawaii with SMU, their first bowl game since the death penalty in 1984.

Prediction: Hope you enjoyed the beach, this game is a stinker.

Nevada: 52 SMU: 31

December 26, 2009
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Marshall (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-4)

If you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas, the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl is here to save the day!

Prediction: No one will watch this game.

Ohio: 27 Marshall: 20

December 26, 2009
Meineke Car Care Bowl
North Carolina (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (9-3)

Funny that North Carolina is the visitor considering this game is played in Charlotte.

Prediction: With the home field advantage, this should be a competitive game. I think Pitt is probably better, but I predict UNC will come away with the upset.

North Carolina: 28 Pitt: 27

December 26, 2009
Emerald Bowl
Boston College (8-4) vs. Southern California (8-4)

I wonder why they don't call it the Emerald Nuts Bowl?

Prediction: It's not the Rose Bowl for USC, but they are young enough to take this one seriously. USC has to win this one, right?

USC: 34 Boston College: 13

December 27, 2009
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5)

Wow! There are Gaylords all over college football, and I'm not just talking about Colt McCoy. Why are people named Gaylord so insistent on getting their name out there? And why are there so many rich people named Gaylord? Is that the payoff for having to put up with the ridicule in middle school?

Prediction: Clemson has C.J. Spiller, Kentucky is hardened in the SEC, making this one good until the fourth quarter.

Clemson: 38 Kentucky: 24

December 28, 2009
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl
Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)

This makes me long for the days when this game was the Poulan Weed-Eater Independence Bowl.

Prediction: A&M snuck some good offensive performances in while playing on TV, but they are pretty weak, especially away from Kyle Field. Georgia has a similar type team, potentially explosive offense, not much defense.

Georgia: 37 Texas A&M: 31

December 29, 2009
EagleBank Bowl
Temple (9-3) vs. UCLA (6-6)

Another familiar favorite. This one's been going since 2008, and with match ups like this one, I see 2010 in EagleBank's future.

Prediction: This one will put you to sleep.

UCLA: 29 Temple: 17

December 29, 2009
Champs Sports Bowl
Miami (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3)

Here's a shocker, Miami is playing a bowl game in Florida. Luckily, Wisconsin is just a stone's throw away, seems fair. Is anyone else sick that ESPN has been glorifying Miami's thug days?

Prediction: I will watch this one until Miami takes control. Go Badgers.

Miami: 42 Wisconsin: 31

December 30, 2009
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5)

Get ready to drink and drive, it's the Roady's Bowl!

Prediction: Idaho almost gets a home game playing on the blue turf of Bronco Stadium, but it doesn't help. Bowling Green has Biletnikoff award finalist, Freddie Barnes. He makes the game winning catch.

Bowling Green: 35 Idaho: 27

December 30, 2009
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Nebraska (9-4) vs. Arizona (8-4)

Mike Stoops against the Big XII. Nebraska might have three more wins if they would have played Suh at QB this year. A dominating defense matches an inept offense. Arizona is coming off two nice wins to end the season including USC. They almost beat Oregon. Stoops has a lot more on the line than Pelini.

Prediction: Both coaches are familiar with each other, especially on defense. Look for another patented Nebraska low scoring, hard fought, defensive battle. Nebraska is 1-0 in bowls with Pelini, but I think the lack of offense will be too much for the defense to overcome. Nebraska gets 13 points directly related to their defense, but the offense gives Arizona field position allowing them to punch in two TDs.

Arizona: 17 Nebraska: 16

December 31, 2009
Bell Helicoptor Armed Forces Bowl
Houston (10-3) vs. Air Force (7-5)

Houston QB Case Keenum was mentioned with the Heisman several times throughout the year. Considering he plays for Houston, just getting mentioned is impressive, although Houston has put out good QBs before (remember Kevin Kolb?). Air Force would like to win the Armed Forces Bowl, and only lost by three to TCU.

Prediction: This one should be wild with Houston boasting a great pass offense and Air Force running the option. Houston's Head Coach Kevin Sumlin has done an amazing job with his team, but they don't defend the run well. Against Air Force, that could be a problem.

Air Force: 42 Houston: 38

December 31, 2009
Brut Sun Bowl
Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5)

OU needed a break from the BCS. After making a case for underclassmen to leave early for the NFL, Sam Bradford and OU spent a season shuffling players around to fill holes left by injuries. There is no doubt that OU talent is far greater than their record shows. Stanford overachieved all year thanks to the efforts of Heisman finalist Toby Gerhart.

Prediction: OU has a great defense and the once inexperienced offense, including freshman QB Landry Jones, goes into the bowl game with a full season of experience. I think OU ends their bowl skid and remembers what it feels like to win after the Big XII title game.

OU: 38 Stanford: 20

December 31, 2009
Texas Bowl
Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4)

Who needs a title sponsor? This is Gawd damn Texas, y'all. How a Texas team is not in this bowl game blows me away. Missouri had a nice second half of the season against some sub par Big XII teams. They also lost to Baylor. Yes, Baylor. Navy beat Notre Dame and lost to Hawaii.

Prediction: Vegas has Missouri the favorite here. If Navy is in the game in the fourth quarter, I think they will win. Missouri could blow them out if they get out to a fast start. Navy's secondary will be the key to this game. I like Navy in the minor upset.

Navy: 24 Missouri: 21

December 31, 2009
Insight Bowl
Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6)

I can't believe these teams are playing in a bowl game. I can't believe this game wasn't played last week. Who would watch this?

Prediction: No one cares what my prediction is.

Minnesota: 27 Iowa State: 21

December 31, 2009
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5)

I love Chick-fil-A. The only fast food establishment that might rival them is Rubio's, which isn't available to most who read this blog. Chick-fil-A has the good condiments and delicious waffle fries to go along with their chicken sandwich. Man, good stuff. They also have fast, friendly service, and they offer cherry coke and real lemonade. I think I'll get some for lunch.

Prediction: These two seem evenly matched. Tennessee played tough defense against teams that were better than them all year and made games interesting. I expect that to happen again in this one.

Virginia Tech: 20 Tenn: 17

January 1, 2010
Outback Bowl
Auburn (7-5) vs. Northwestern (8-4)

This one just doesn't interest me at all. Auburn was one of the worst teams in the SEC this year, and Northwestern is, well, Northwestern. NU hasn't won a bowl game since 1948, and that makes a six game losing streak. Seriously. 0-6 over the last 51 years. Gene Chizik left Texas to become the head coach in Iowa State where he continued their fine tradition going 5-19 in two years. Auburn snapped him up and he has led the Tigers to last in their division of the SEC and a trip to the Outback Bowl. Why couldn't Texas hold on to that guy?

Prediction: Chizik better win this game.

Auburn: 31 Northwestern: 23

January 1, 2010
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Florida State (6-6) vs. West Virginia (9-3)

Bobby Bowden begged to play his last game in Florida, and his wish was granted. I hope he doesn't blow it.

Prediction: West Virginia will remind everyone why Bowden is retiring. Scenario two is Bowden loses with a last second field goal that sails wide right.

WVU: 41 FSU: 28

January 1, 2010
Capital One Bowl
Penn State (10-2) vs. Louisiana State (9-3)

Les Miles is an idiot. The Big Ten needs this win. Seems like the right time and wrong place as LSU should show better than PSU in Florida.

Prediction: Les Miles does something stupid at the end of the game, blows another one for LSU.

PSU: 14 LSU: 13

January 1, 2010
Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2)

OSU is the only team that needs a break from the BCS worse than Oklahoma. They finally don't have to play USC, but Oregon brings a hot offense into the contest.

Prediction: Ohio State slows down Oregon but doesn't stop them. LeGerrette Blount decides to knock someone out anyway after the game. "Watch out for the right hand, fool."

Oregon: 35 OSU: 17

January 1, 2010
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Cincinatti (12-0) vs. Florida (12-1)

Tebow got a rip in his superman panty hose, and the Gators are not playing for a national championship. Cincy just lost their coach to Notre Dame, and they are not happy. Florida is a heavy favorite. Is it just me or does this seem a bit like OU vs. WVU in the Fiesta Bowl after Rich Rodriguez left WVU for Michigan?

Prediction: Cincy is a team on a mission facing a program much bigger than they are. A win against UF would complete a perfect season for the Big East Bearcats. How do you bet against Urban Meyer in a bowl game? Should be a good game. Mardy Gilyard is the difference maker again as Cincy wins in an upset. We see more tears from Tebow. Happy New Year.

Cincy: 31 UF: 27

January 2, 2010
International Bowl
South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5)

Are you serious? A bowl in Toronto?

Prediction: USF will be very unhappy in Canada in January, because of the weather, not the game.

USF: 27 NIU: 14

January 2, 2010
PapaJohns.com Bowl
Connecticut (7-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5)

Steve Spurrier could use this bowl win. UConn had a nice season for a team that I still can't imagine being good.

Prediction: Better ingredients, better pizza...

UConn: 28 South Carolina: 23

January 2, 2010
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic
Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4)

OSU could use a good win, and most will be looking at this game as a measuring stick between the Big XII and SEC. Both of these teams looked bad in their final game of the year.

Prediction: OSU disappoints the conference and themselves once again. Those guys are losers, plain and simple.

Ole Miss: 24 OSU: 21

January 2, 2010
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
East Carolina (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5)

This might be an interesting game with ECU having one of the worst pass defenses in the nation, and the ability to score on offense. The problem might be that ECU doesn't fare well against major conference opponents.

Prediction: Arkansas wins this one.

Ark: 42 ECU: 27

January 2, 2010
Valero Alamo Bowl
Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4)

Tech gets a home game against a Big Ten team without an impressive win.

Prediction: Tech puts up a lot of points.

Tech: 49 MSU: 24

January 4, 2010
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Boise State (13-0) vs. Texas Christian (12-0)

This one should be renamed the Cop Out Bowl. How can anyone defend a system that would put this game together. What a joke. Let these two play teams from power conferences and let's see what they can do. Total waste of a BCS game.

Prediction: Boise State is going to lose for the second consecutive year to TCU. There will be no cheerleader proposals this Fiesta Bowl for Boise.

TCU: 30 BSU: 24

January 5, 2010
FedEx Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech (11-2) vs. Iowa (10-2)

I really can't say I'm excited about this one. Iowa bores me to death and Georgia Tech doesn't play much defense. Both teams have a bowl losing streak to defend.

Prediction: The option that Tech runs will be interesting to watch for two posessions. I'll probably end up flipping around during this one.

Tech: 21 Iowa: 20

January 6, 2010
GMAC Bowl
Central Michigan (11-2) vs. Troy (9-3)

This makes no sense to play this game January 6, and push back the BCS title game.

Prediction: Neither team will figure out why they had to wait until January to play such a trivial bowl game.

Cent. Mich: 48 Troy: 38

January 7, 2010
BCS National Championship Game
Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0)

Alabama should be happy they are playing Texas and not TCU, Cincy, Boise or Oregon. Colt and the Longhorns offense was exposed by Nebraska and Alabama throttled Florida in the SEC championship. The Heisman jinx is passed to Alabama through Mark Ingram.

Prediction: Alabama gets up early. The deficit for Texas should be worse at half based on the way they play. Texas comes back in the second half and makes it interesting. Alabama never trails, and holds off Texas' attempts at a comeback.

Alabama: 34 Texas: 27