Bowl Mania

A brief look at the remaining bowls...

West Virginia vs NC State
Mountaineers have a few key starters out, including their center (academics) and a cornerback (torn ACL). Also, their coaching situation is now officially absurd.

My Pick – NC State

Missouri vs Iowa
Missouri won its last 3, Iowa lost its last 3. Iowa’s leading WR arrested on Dec 7 on drug charges, and a top RB was dismissed for violating team policies. In short, Iowa has been going in the crapper while Missouri has recovered from the 2 game road losing streak that kept them out of the Big 12 championship game.

My Pick – Missouri

Maryland vs East Carolina
This is really, really tough. Maryland’s coaching situation is also officially absurd. But East Carolina has the worst defense in the country. Literally. They are 120th in total defense, out of 120 teams in the FBS. And they lost 4 of their last 5. But, in those losses, they scored 35, 35, 38 and 38. They can score. Problem is they can’t stop anybody. I’m hoping the Maryland kids will want to send the Fridge out on a winning note.

My Pick – Maryland

Baylor vs Illinois
Illinois lost 3 of their last 4. Baylor lost their last 3. So, neither team is on a roll, so to speak, and neither team actually beat anybody good. Baylor hasn’t been to a bowl game since 1994. Are they just happy to be back in a bowl game? Or will they fight hard to end the season on a high note? The game is in Houston, which may be a slight edge for Baylor, but this is a toss of the coin. When in doubt, bet against any team coached by Ron Zook.

My Pick – Baylor

Oklahoma State vs Arizona
Mike Stoops looks funny to me. I can never get past that fact when I watch Arizona. QB Nick Foles has some impressive numbers, but does boneheaded things at times. I think this game may be one of those times. Arizona lost their last 4 games. Oklahoma State leads the nation in total offense, and they are 3rd in scoring offense. I just don’t think Arizona can keep up.

My Pick – Oklahoma State

SMU vs Army
I hate to pick against Army in the Armed Forces Bowl. I’m sure they’ll be pumped – it’s their first bowl in 14 years. Army is 120th in the nation in passing offense. Dead last. I just don’t see them keeping up with SMU. And the game will be played on SMU’s home field (since the usual site of the game in Ft. Worth in under renovation).

My Pick – SMU

Kansas State vs Syracuse
These are two evenly matched mediocre teams. When in doubt, bet against a 7-5 team from the Big (L)East when playing a 7-5 team from the Big 12 – even if the game is in the Big Apple (250 miles away from Syracuse). Syracuse has a DT and LB suspended for violating team rules.

My Pick – Kansas State

North Carolina vs Tennessee
This is another game that is a toss up. North Carolina has to be happy to NOT be playing in the Meineke Bowl in Charlotte – where they have been for their last 3 bowls. The Vols are pumped for this game – it is sold out, and close to home for them, but here’s the one key stat that stands out – North Carolina plays well in hostile environments, going 4-1 in road games (3-4 at home).

My Pick – North Carolina

Nebraska vs Washington
Nebraska has to be disappointed after blowing a 17-0 lead and losing to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game, thus missing out on a BCS bowl. Nebraska is clearly the better team, but all they have to play for is “a chance to win their 11th game,” according to head coach Bo Pelini. Washington will be eager to show that they are better than they appeared when they lost 56-21 to Nebraska at home in September.

My Pick – Nebraska

Clemson vs South Florida
Something tells me that Clemson is a just a tiny bit better. I’m not sure why. Neither team will light up the scoreboard – Clemson is 86th in the nation in scoring, South Florida is 88th.

My Pick – Clemson

Miami vs Notre Dame
The worst part about this game is that one of these teams has to win. I hate them both. Notre Dame comes in on a 3 game winning streak. Miami lost their last 2 games. Then fired their coach. I’m hoping for compound fractures and an uninspired performance from the Canes.

My Pick – Notre Dame

Georgia vs Central Florida
Both of these teams are annoying. Georgia is annoying just because they are Georgia. Central Florida seems to think they belong in a real league. They have a good defense, but I’d like to believe they can’t compete with a middle of the road team from the SEC, even when it’s the stinking Dawgs.

My Pick – Georgia

South Carolina vs Florida State
I can’t explain it, all I know is this is exactly the kind of game that Florida State wins. One key thing – they are 2nd in the nation in sacks, and they will terrorize Gamecock QB Stephen Garcia.

My Pick – Florida State

Texas Tech vs Northwestern
Northwestern started 5-0, then lost 5 of their last 7. I expect a shootout, and Texas Tech should run away with it. By the way, Northwestern hasn’t won a bowl game since 1949.

My Pick – Texas Tech

Florida vs Penn State
I don’t see either of these teams scoring many points. I assume Florida’s defense will play some inspired ball trying to send Urban Meyer out with a win. I think Florida wins, barely.

My Pick – Florida

Alabama vs Michigan State
Michigan State finished 11-1 against the 34th toughest schedule. Alabama finished 9-3 against the 9th toughest schedule. Which result is more impressive? I think Alabama is superior, but it depends which Bama team shows up (see the loss to Utah in 2009 Sugar Bowl). The good news is the new artificial surface at the Citrus Bowl won’t turn into the quagmire that negated the superior speed of the SEC teams last year. The Spartans leading receiver broke his foot on Dec 18. I think Alabama wins a close one.

My Pick – Alabama

Michigan vs Mississippi State
Are the Wolverines playing to save RichRod’s job? Michigan has a potent offense, but they can’t stop the run. Can they beat Mississippi State in a shootout? I think so.

My Pick – Michigan

TCU vs Wisconsin
I hate Wisconsin. They are guaranteed to lose at least one big game every year. And they run up the score against weaklings. TCU is known as a defensive team – 1st in the nation in scoring defense, total defense and pass efficiency defense. Guess what. They are also 9th in the nation in total offense, 4th in scoring offense. Wisconsin will find out what it’s like to play a complete team.

My Pick – TCU

Oklahoma vs UConn
Wouldn’t you love to see UConn upset Oklahoma? Me too. It’s not going to happen.

My Pick – Oklahoma

Stanford vs Virginia Tech
I think Stanford is a complete team, and a more physical team than Virginia Tech.

My Pick - Stanford

Ohio State vs Arkansas
Ohio State has never beaten an SEC team in a bowl game. Ever. They are 0-9. And now a bunch of them are going to try to pretend they didn’t know they couldn’t sell their Big 10 championship rings. Scumbags galore on that team. The stinking Buckeyes think they can run all day and keep the Arkansas offense off the field. Good luck. Ryan Mallett will pass for 300 yards.

My Pick - Arkansas

Miami (Oh) vs Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee won their last 3 games to finish bowl eligible at 6-6. Miami completed a huge turnaround, going 9-4 after finishing 1-11 last year. Their reward? Head coach Mike Haywood got hired away to Pittsburgh. Can they still win this game? Yes.

My Pick - Miami (Oh)

LSU vs Texas A&M
Texas A&M started the season 3-3, then changed QB’s and won their last 6. But this will be the best defense they’ve seen all season. And Les Miles may be the luckiest head coach on the planet.

My Pick - LSU

Pittsburgh vs Kentucky
Kentucky QB Mike Hartline is suspended after a DUI arrest. Pittsburgh’s head coach got canned. Both of these teams may just go through the motions. When in doubt, go with the SEC team.

My pick - Kentucky

Nevada vs Boston College
Boston College has the nation’s top run defense. Nevada has the nation’s 3rd best rushing offense. Something has to give. I don’t think BC can keep up with Nevada.

My Pick - Nevada

Auburn vs Oregon
In my opinion, (S)Cam Newton is a blivit (10 pounds of crap in a five pound bag). He’s also an amazing QB. Here’s some interesting stats I stole. Oregon has given up more than 500 yards of offense in 3 games. That does not bode well. Auburn played 5 games against teams ranked 18th or higher. Oregon played 1. I think this title will be stripped from Auburn in 2 years, but they are going to win it.

My Pick - Auburn