Run, Carroll! Run!

There is a lesson to be learned from falling sports stars, it's just not very clear what that might be. There has been a concentrated string of sports heroes that are paying for indiscretions or evacuating their role as king of the mountain, and yet the moral lesson is still ambiguous. If we are going to make examples of athletes and coaches that make bad choices, then it should be clear why they are examples. Although sports figures are paying a heftier price than they once did, are they (or we) becoming better people because of it?

Baseball got the ball rolling by exposing the steroid issue. We have watched certain Hall of Famers sit in front of cameras and admit to steroid use in tearful apologies. We have watched with much more discomfort as the last of the steroid players vehemently denied their use, and decided to go down with the ship.

Then we have the "in between" guy Mark McGwire who finally came out of the steroid closet to ease his transition back to baseball. Rather than a straight forward apology, we got McGwire the victim, the rationalizer, and the delusional. There was an apology sandwiched in there somewhere. A wise man once said, "apologies under the gun are overrated."

My avid readers will remember I predicted an apology from McGwire as being unnecessary [The Punishment Fits the Crime: Big Mac's Return to Baseball] (this is becoming a habit), because it wouldn't change any opinions or shed any light on what was going on while he played. It is just a forced interaction that the media demands. It fits more in the category of celebrity gossip than watchdog journalism.

On a side note: If you want to see a reporter on top of his game, check out Bob Ley of ESPN's Outside the Lines. He has a wonderful blend of serious questioning and human decency. He is one of the few reporters that I admire in journalism, and I always feel like his work is for the public, and not for career advancement by being provocative. Sensationalism and spotty ethical framework are the driving reasons I decided not to pursue a career in the field. After watching Ley's latest series of interviews with McGwire, I feel a change of heart. He gives me faith that journalism can be an honorable profession. You just have to go to sports reporters to find it. What a shame...

Sports heroes have become more of a target these days. There's Tiger Woods (enough said), Mark Mangino, Mike Leach, Jim Leavitt, Michael Vick, Gilbert Arenas, Marvin Harrison, etc. I realize these cases are not related (other than the football coaches), but the days when sports figures literally got away with murder are over (thanks OJ). The Plaxico Burress conviction reversed the idea that professional athletes get favorable treatment from the courts by making him an example of tough gun control law.

The next to fall off the mountain could be former University of Southern California head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll decided to leave USC to become the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. There is nothing too strange about Carroll's desire to give the NFL another crack, but the way the change took place seemed quite odd. Carroll made some statements eluding that the college atmosphere could not live up to the NFL's, and in a flash, he was gone.

To Seattle.

Not exactly the dream situation you would think Carroll would leave USC for. After inhabiting what most around college football viewed as the top position for nine seasons, Carroll jumped ship seemingly out of nowhere.

Shortly after, reports began swirling about NCAA infractions by the USC football program. Carroll has coached with impunity in his tenure with USC. No other program in the nation had such egregious dealings ignored by the NCAA. How long has the entire nation known that Reggie Bush's family was given a home? People have gone on record with proof that these transactions took place, yet no action has been taken.

Conversely, there are universities that find out about violations of the program, kick the players responsible off the team (including the starting QB), self impose scholarship restrictions, and the NCAA still hammers them. The largest biases in collegiate athletics does not live in the media, it resides in the justice league that is the NCAA. They clearly have programs they hate, and programs they adore. The NCAA has long been the Gestapo of the sports world, but for some reason USC remained immune during Carroll's tenure. It must be his moon reflecting smile.

Regardless of the past, it seems like USC has gotten away with too much and the NCAA must finally take action. They have already buried their basketball program for being dirty, and it looks like football is next. The Bush issue has resurfaced along with allegations that RB Joe McKnight was driving around LA in an SUV purchased by a booster for his "girlfriend."

The only reason I have any confidence in the NCAA to exact their brand of justice is due to Carroll's fleeing. He had the cushiest job in college athletics serving as football king in LA, a city that Carroll seemed perfectly suited for. Instead, he leaves the sun and beach behind for the tropical paradise of Seattle. How do you take your Latte, Mr. Carroll? Hope you packed your slicker.

College coaches have a history of fleeing programs that are about to be punished. The university takes the hit and the coach walks away to another job. Anybody ever heard of Kelvin Sampson? It looks like Carroll will be the next on that list. How can the NCAA let this happen? They are the strictest governing body in all of sports, yet they allow coaches to escape unharmed for their violations.

With the money paid to college basketball and football coaches, it is time to start hitting them in the wallet. I'm so sick of seeing the guys responsible for violations slink away in the night, only to watch the innocent schools and fans live with the punishment. As former Tennessee and current USC head coach Lane Kiffin highlighted, college coaches are really just free agents that follow the dollar. They don't have to live up to contracts, they don't have to follow rules, and they don't have to suffer the consequences of their actions.

College coaches are the only ones getting paid (legitimately), yet there is never a financial punishment. Why?

I understand that punishing the university is part of the process. It should be. But if they are not going to suspend coaches, then the NCAA should be fining them. Sports is used to teach life lessons and the NCAA acts as the moral authority. Coaches are directly responsible for imparting these lessons to their student athletes. What kind of life lesson are we teaching by letting coaches act without consequences?

Carroll will leave a legend in USC folklore while the program suffers consequences that are long overdue. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel bad for USC at all. In fact, I think they are going to get what they deserve with Kiffin as their new head coach. Tennessee is currently being investigated for several minor infractions Kiffin left behind. When the money and temptation of LA gets in his blood, there will inevitably be repercussions. I don't think the media will give Kiffin the pass Carroll had.

An unfortunate precedent has been set with the current system, and it is up to some competent people in the NCAA to reverse it. I realize "competent NCAA" is an oxymoron, but I can hope. Until the coaches themselves are punished for fleeing violations, there will be no change in their dirty activities. It is my belief that nearly every major program is dirty within the confines of NCAA restrictions. Either start paying the players or fining the coaches. The current system is faulty, and we will see just how much when they rule on USC.

So what have we learned from all these sports heroes? Men cry more often than we thought? Don't get caught? Money rules everything? I guess the answer is yes.

None of our baseball heroes caught in the steroid scandal would have admitted to cheating unless they had already been caught. None of our "old school" college football coaches would have been fired if they got along with their athletic directors. Tiger Woods wouldn't be losing sponsors if he wasn't such a colossal star that transcends sports. NBA and NFL stars would still be getting slapped on the wrist if it wasn't for the public outcry for serious litigation against rich athletes.

In the end, we do not have a better understanding of right and wrong from this latest public lashing. If the ends justify the means, then the most valuable lessons in athletics have been lost. The greatest teaching tool of human character is obscured by fame, greed, ego, and a faulty system of justice. If the NCAA truly wants to keep athletics pure, then they need to clean their own house. When they do, they can bury USC in the pile of skeletons they will need to shed to illustrate a clear ethical picture.

KARMA!!!!!!

What is the most reprehensible thing a football fan can do in the stadium?

Forget the fact fans swear around children (sorry), get drunk and stumble around in public, scream foul profanities directed towards 19 year old college students, throw food and drink on fans and the field, make insulting posters, and start fights with opposing fans.

The answer is cheering when a player from the opposition gets hurt. A fan who cheers at an injury during the game would be the child molester of the prison world. They are surrounded by heinous criminals, yet even the criminals think the child molester is revolting.

That is what Texas Longhorns fans are, and they had this coming.

For those of you who don't know, Texas QB, and two time Heisman finalist, Colt McCoy was injured in the first quarter of the national championship game, unable to return. He wasn't hurt bad, but his arm went numb and he felt like he couldn't perform.

There is always one in every crowd.

A marquee player goes down with an injury and the guy in the row in front of you, totally wasted, slurs together some sort of howl of approval. It's never okay, even when he is rooting for your team. I would love to have every Sooners fan that does that banned from attending games in person. It's embarrassing.

But this October, I sat and watched as half of the Cotton Bowl roared with delight when Bradford was on the ground holding his shoulder. It was the most classless display of fandom that I have ever witnessed in 28 years of attending sporting events (and I have been to Miami for a football game).

So when I say that Texas fans had this coming, I don't feel bad in the slightest. If anything, this was a gift for the Longhorns because they now have an excuse as to why they lost. Now they don't have to accept defeat, just like they haven't gotten over being jumped in the BCS by Oklahoma last year.

I was not happy that Colt got injured (at least not that I'll admit), but I am happy that my faith in karma has been restored. If there was ever a fan base that deserved something like this to happen, it is the faithful of the burnt orange. Believe me, I have plenty of perspective living in Austin.

The game, as most of you know, is not really worth going back over. Neither team was coached well. If anything, Alabama made more coaching mistakes. The only other notable part of the entire game was the Gatorade bath that Alabama head coach Nick Saban took.

I saw his clips on ESPN before the game. He didn't smile the entire week. When asked if he was able to enjoy any of the atmosphere, he flatly replied, "No." So when the bucket was heading his way, I thought he would finally crack, flash a smile, and celebrate with his team.

Nope.

He turned around with a disgusted look on his face to catch the number of the perpetrators. He didn't celebrate at all. He just grabbed a towel and dried himself off disgustedly. No one around the bath tried to celebrate the moment either. They all knew how Saban would react.

The only way you could justify being that much of a curmudgeon during an event like that, is if you personally believe that it is disrespectful to your opponent.

I don't buy that since Gatorade baths are so commonplace during bowl games, especially the National Championship.

I would root for any other team in the Big XII playing in a BCS game with the exception of Oklahoma State, for the same reason I don't root for Texas. OSU fans are just as bad as UT fans. I dislike many teams because they have beaten OU in the past, but the teams that really disgust me are the ones with classless fans.

In my mind, it was a tie between OSU and UT, but UT's Heisman moment came when they cheered at Bradford's injury.

Loudly. In unison.

Longhorns fans didn't deserve the title.

What We Learned From the Fiesta Bowl

In a word. Nothing.

After winning the Fiesta Bowl for the second time in four years, Boise State once again showed they are one of the best football programs in the nation. They also showed they still have no place in the BCS National Championship, and neither does any other mid major team.

BSU proved little more than it is the best mid major team in the FBS, Monday. The Broncos scraped by an uninspired Texas Christian team that looked like they were frozen in the spot light. Neither team played much offense, and BSU once again relied on a trick play to turn the tide in their favor.

TCU turned in its worst performance of the year offensively with QB Andy Dalton throwing three interceptions, including one returned for a TD that tallied seven of the 17 points the Broncos scored in the win. The Horned Frogs converted just one first down the entire game and looked disoriented with BSU's shifting defense.

The game was littered with penalties, dropped passes, missed receivers, turnovers, and sloppy offenses that could muster no yardage on the ground. Obviously, both defenses deserve credit for making that happen, but it really didn't leave the impression that either of these teams deserved to be playing in the championship, or that their programs deserve a closer look going forward.

The debate will rage on next year with both teams returning most of their starters. BSU will most likely start the year ranked in the top five which will give them an advantage they have not had in their previous undefeated campaigns. They should be primed to run the table again with their two biggest opponents being Oregon State at home, and Virgina Tech on a neutral field.

The BCS conspiracy theorists will tell you that the matchup of the two undefeated mid major teams was put together to keep out the little guy. By not giving the mid major teams a chance to compete against some of the bigger schools, the BCS would not have to apologize for creating a system which effectively gives schools from power conferences a monopoly on the BCS National Championship.

I can't really argue with that. I would have loved to seen both of these teams play big schools. At least we would have a clue as to whether or not they belonged in the national championship game, based on their talent. Last year the mid majors gained a lot of momentum when Utah throttled Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. That didn't mean that Utah deserved a chance at the National Championship. There were three teams far superior to Alabama that year (Florida, Oklahoma, Texas), and the bowl game is just one game.

Side Note: I am making these arguments in the confines of the current BCS system. At this point I imagine someone is thinking playoff, playoff, playoff, but that is not the current system, and that is an argument for another time.

When BSU beat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, they played one of the weakest OU teams of the Bob Stoops era. History led the casual fan to forget OU played with a WR as a QB because OU's starter was kicked off the team (along with their best offensive lineman). The Broncos had to pull more than one rabbit out of their hat to win in overtime, even though OU spotted them three quarters.

The point is TCU and BSU can, occasionally, compete in a bowl game with major conference teams and win. They do not, however, have to do it week in and week out like the major conference teams. It might be a tired argument, but there are some finer points as to why this is the reason mid majors do not belong in a national championship game.

First. Beating one quality opponent a year is not enough. This year BSU beat Oregon, at home, in the opener. Make no mistake, the first game of the year is a crap shoot for most teams. Competitive schools like to schedule their weakest opponent in the opener to work out the kinks and warm up for the stronger competitors. Oregon took a huge chance playing a team like BSU before they were battle tested. The fact that they lost will continue to hurt mid major schools that have success because strong teams will avoid scheduling them. Not to mention, BSU was at home. Do you think they walk away with a win in Eugene? Gainesville? Even Lubbock? I don't think so.

Second. Playing in a weak conference, with less talent and depth, keeps athletes healthy. The physical toll that an SEC or Big XII team takes every week far overshadows anything that BSU or TCU has to face. That is a huge advantage for mid majors. Major conference schools have to be much deeper, and face more injury related issues than the mids.

Third. Play each other. I have heard BSU whine that no one will play them. Here's an idea. TCU and BSU play each other every year. If you can't schedule the big guys, then schedule each other. Don't wait for a nonsense matchup in the BCS. Play a top 15 mid major school rather than someone like Wyoming. Only one will remain eligible for the national championship, but at least it will be a start. I don't blame anyone but the schedule makers for not convincing the BCS they should get a chance to play for a title.

Fourth. Beat someone without the gadgets. This is obviously directed at BSU, but no matter how well you run them, the trick plays still seem mid majorish. I will not fault BSU for being great at running gadgets, or for having the guts to call them when no one else would, or for being so well prepared they are run to perfection. But it just isn't big boy football. Granted, the fake punt was just about the only interesting play of the Fiesta Bowl, and it essentially won the game for BSU, but they have now won two BCS games directly related to gimmicks. Trick plays are run by teams that need an edge to make up for a lack of talent or depth. It might be fantastic coaching, a great call, great execution, whatever. When you want to be taken seriously among the elite of college football, don't rely on gadgets. Blue turf doesn't help the image either.

Side Note: Just to be clear, I have tons of respect for BSU head coach Chris Petersen and think he is an absolutely brilliant coach who has done amazing things with the Broncos. I am not blaming him in any way for keeping BSU out of the BCS title game. I have to admire the confidence he instills in his team, their consistency, preparation, and execution when all eyes are on them.

Finally. Join a conference. Quit pouting on the sidelines and get in the game. Isn't it about time that the Big XII drops Baylor and adds TCU? There have been talks of Missouri defecting to the Big Ten, a spot might be open. I'm sure the PAC 10 could find room for Boise if someone campaigned the right way. Doesn't the Big Ten need an upgrade? Stop trying to back door your way in. If you are going to put a quality program on the field year after year, it is time to stop being a mid major and come on up to the big leagues. It might not be something these schools can control, but I haven't heard much about them trying to upgrade their conference. Too much breath is wasted on campaigning to get into certain bowls when the real campaign should be to force your way in to a major conference. Just showing an effort to get into a better conference might garner sympathy for the plight of these top mid majors.

I think that BSU and TCU could compete with some of the best teams in college football weekly. I believe they would have a significant impact on a major conference and continue to be successful. What I don't believe is that you would see them going undefeated and competing for BCS games consistently. The mid majors might want to stick with the Fiesta Bowl as their de facto national championship game because the path to the BCS is easier for them than any team out of a major conference. That is why they do not deserve to play for the national championship. Not because they can't compete, because they currently don't have to earn it.

...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