My Crystal Ball Says...

...that I know what will happen in this week's key games. Always remember that I'm right, and your team sucks.

This is the special bowl season edition, and I'm not going to post all of it at once, so keep checking back.

TCU vs Boise State (San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl)
I like Boise State over TCU in what would be a slight upset. TCU linebacker Robert Henson has been declared academically ineligible, and Boise State will be motivated to finish another season unbeaten. TCU’s only losses are at Oklahoma and at Utah, but in each of those games, the Horned Frogs scored just 10 points. So this MAY end up being a lower scoring affair than one might expect.

Hawaii vs Notre Dame (Sheraton Hawaii Bowl)
The Warriors played well in their last game (a close 29-24 loss to a good Cincinnati team). Both teams have heavy motivation to win. Hawaii wants to beat Notre Dame just because they are Notre Dame. The Irish are trying to avoid losing their tenth bowl game in a row – having already set an NCAA record for bowl futility. Of Notre Dame’s nine consecutive bowl losses, seven have been by double digits. I like Hawaii in this one. Plus, I hate Notre Dame.

West Virginia vs North Carolina (Meineke Car Care Bowl)
Two teams that sputtered across the finish line this season. West Virginia started the season 1-2, but reeled off 5 straight wins to regain some respect, only to go 2-2 down the stretch. North Carolina appeared to hit stride in mid-season with consecutive wins over Miami, Connecticut and Notre Dame, but lost two of their last three, including a 41-10 pounding by North Carolina State. This game is in Charlotte, which may be a bit of a boost for the Tarheels. If their defense plays the way it is capable, the Tarheels will win in a relatively low-scoring affair.

Central Michigan vs Florida Atlantic (Motor City Bowl)
2008 was a tale of two seasons for Florida Atlantic. After starting 1-5, they ended the season with a 5-1 run to get them bowl eligible. Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour may be the best quarterback you’ve never heard of, and this game is in Detroit – basically Central Michigan’s back yard. This game should keep the scoreboard operator busy. Take Central Michigan in a shootout.

Florida State vs Wisconsin (Champs Sports Bowl)
Hhhhhelp! That’s the last thing you’ll hear from Badger QB Dustin Sherer right before he is buried by FSU super pass-rusher Everette Brown. Wisconsin is a consistently over-rated, under-performing team, and they have not seen athletes anything like what Florida State can put on the field. I hate the Seminoles, but, while they have had an up and down season, I think they run around, then through, then over Wisconsin in this one.

California vs Miami (Emerald Bowl)
Experts everywhere are predicting a big win for California here, but I’m not so sure. Yes, Georgia Tech and NC State combined to rush for nearly 700 yards in Miami’s last two games (both losses), but I’m willing to bet their offensive lines are better (or at least more healthy) than California’s. Miami QB Robert Marve is suspended for the game, but he has seen split duty with Jacory Harris all season, and Harris is ready to go. Cal’s resume just isn’t all that impressive. They are 1-4 on the road, with their only road win coming against a terrible Washington State team. This game is almost a home game though; it's played right across the bay in San Francisco. I hate Miami, but I think they can keep this one close, and maybe even pull off the upset.