It's time to bowl! And no, not in an ally, but rather in stadiums and domes across the country. This year's bowl season presents us with 35 match-ups, some more exciting than others and some whose names are more ridiculous than others. I seem to notice a trend. The lower the quality of the bowl, the more ridiculous the name. For example, the Allstate Sugar Bowl, nice, understated and a very good quality bowl. The bad, how about the Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman or my personal classic favorite, the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. I can't wait to see Navy and San Diego State duke it out! Wait a minute? San Diego County, San Diego State? I smell a conspiracy. Anyway back to the bowls; This year is going to be great! Here are my bowl predictions for all 35 games. I hope I bowl a strike. (Wah wah).
New Mexico Bowl
BYU vs. UTEP
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University Stadium
Dec. 18 on ESPN
Preview: A bowl that I don't believe anyone is real excited to see (even fans of these schools), pins two 6-6 teams against each other. A down BYU team will take on a UTEP squad that is just filling a bowl slot for a BCS conference that has run out of bowl eligible teams. With that said, I think you could potentially see an upset in this game. UTEP senior quarterback Trevor Vittatoe has shown flashes at times this season and the Miners will need all they can get from him. Look for UTEP to spread it around and get the ball into the hands of leading receiver Kris Adams who has almost a thousand yards and 11 touchdown grabs this season.
Score: BYU 28 UTEP 40
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
Boise, Idaho
Bronco Stadium
Dec. 18 on ESPN
Preview: A few weeks ago a pick for this game would have been easy for me; that is not the case anymore. Northern Illinois is coming off a loss in the MAC Championship Game in which they were defeated by an overachieving Miami (OH) team however, I still believe the MAC picks up a win in this match-up. Fresno State is coming off an impressive win at home against Illinois but in their four losses this season, the Bulldogs have lost by a combined average of 20.25 points per game. While I don't think NIU will win by such a margin, I still think the Huskies get the win.
Score: NIU 24 Fresno State 18
Ohio vs. Troy
New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana Superdome
Dec. 18 on ESPN
Preview: Rated by ESPN as the worst bowl of the 2010/11 bowl season, the New Orleans Bowl is anything but for this Bobcat. While the teams might not be flashy or star-studded, this bowl match-up actually pins two pretty even teams against each other. Ohio is coming off a disappointing loss against Kent State, which sent Miami (OH) to the MAC Championship Game and Troy is coming off a big win against Florida Atlantic and was named co-Sun Belt Champions. Ohio got a taste of the Sun Belt earlier in the season when they faced off against Louisiana-Lafayette and won. Troy got a taste of the MAC earlier in the season when they faced Bowling Green and won. Troy can move the ball through the air as they boast the 12th ranked passing offense in the county. With that said, the Trojans have problems giving up points ranking 92nd in the nation. Ohio can score when they move into the red-zone and if they can get the ground game going early, I see the Bobcats coming away with the victory in this one. It would be the first bowl victory in the program's history. Is this the year?
Score: Ohio 35 Troy 28
Southern Miss vs. Louisville
St. Petersburg, Florida
Tropicana Field
Dec. 21 on ESPN
Preview: An intriguing match-up posts one of Conference USA's best against one of the Big East's best? (At 6-6 this could be true). Southern Miss is an extremely balanced team ranking in the top 31 in both passing yards per game and rushing yards per game in 2010. Louisville brings a stout defensive unit that only allows 18.7 points per game. The Cardinals are coming off an impressive blowout win against Big East rival Rutgers in the season finale. Southern Miss' run defense will be tested by Louisville RB Bilal Powell who has over 1,300 yards rushing on the season. With wins over two of the Big East's top teams, Syracuse and champion Connecticut (a 26-0 victory over UConn), I see the Cardinals coming away with this one.
Score: USM 14 Louisville 28
Utah vs. Boise State
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sam Boyd Stadium
Dec. 22 on ESPN
Preview: Not the bowl the Broncos hoped they would be in but a great early bowl season match-up nonetheless. A 10-2 Utah team will head to Vegas coming off a 1-point win against rival BYU. Everyone knows Boise State's situation. A heart-breaking loss to Nevada dashed any BCS hopes the Broncos had and could potentially harm Boise's motivation entering this game. Even with BSU on possible let-down watch, I can't see the Broncos losing this game. If they come to play, then I see Boise walking away easily.
Score: Utah 21 BSU 38
Navy vs. San Diego State
Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, California
Dec. 23 on ESPN
Preview: My favorite name for a bowl turns out to be its traditional boring self. Two eight win teams square off with two very different offensive play styles. Navy is your traditional triple-option team who will always rank among the top in rushing offense and SDSU loves to throw the ball. The Aztecs boasted the nation's 11th best passing offense in 2010 and will look to do the same on the Midshipmen in this one.
Score: Navy 17 San Diego State 14
Hawaii vs. Tulsa
Honolulu, Hawaii
Aloha Stadium
Dec. 24 on ESPN
Preview: This is actually one of the better of the earlier bowl games. Tulsa, who ranks in the top 16 nationally in rushing yards per game, passing yards per game and points per game will take on the nations best passing offense in Hawaii. This one is expected to be a shootout but I believe only one side ends up scoring a bunch of points. Tulsa's defense has struggled all year and expect them to do the same against the Warriors arial assault. Look for Hawaii to make enough key stops to come away with the victory.
Score: Hawaii 42 Tulsa 21
Florida International vs. Toledo
Detroit, Michigan
Ford Field
Dec. 26 on ESPN
Preview: In practically a home game for the Rockets, the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl pins a newcomer to success (Florida International) against a team that is starting to return to success. No players or statistics jump off the page in this match-up so I will make the analysis simple. While FIU's story is admirable, I will take the 'been there, done that team' every time.
Score: FIU 24 Toledo 30
Air Force vs. Georgia Tech
Shreveport, Louisiana
Independence Stadium
Dec. 27 on ESPN2
Preview: It's not very often, outside of the Army vs. Navy game, that you see two triple-option teams face-off against each other but that is exactly what you are getting with this one. Georgia Tech and Air Force rank 1 and 2 respectively in rushing yards per game so it wouldn't surprise me if this game is the shortest bowl in the history of bowls. If you like old-fashioned offenses and football games that last under 2.5 hours than this is the game for you. I expect this game to be close with neither team running away with a victory (Wah wah).
Score: AF 18 GT 21
West Virginia vs. NC State
Orlando, Florida
Florida Citrus Bowl
Dec. 28 on ESPN
Preview: An interesting match-up to say the least. The Champs Sports Bowl pins one of (or really) the best team in the Big East in West Virginia against an NC State team that started the season hot but started to cool towards the end. The biggest key to the game will be the play of NC State QB Russell Wilson. Wilson had a tremendous season passing for over 3,000 yards and accounting for 35 total touchdowns. West Virginia is one of the nations best when it comes to keeping opposing points off the board but will the Wolf Pack offense be too much for the Mountaineers? Yes.
Score: WVU 31 NCST 38
Missouri vs. Iowa
Tempe, Arizona
Sun Devil Stadium
Dec. 28 on ESPN
Preview: It will be both the premiere of the Big Ten and the premiere Big 12 in a game that a month ago might have looked like an easy walk for Iowa. That is not the case anymore. Iowa comes into this one limping; and I mean limping. The Hawkeyes are coming off of three straight losses including an embarrassing season finale in which they lost to the worst team in the Big Ten in Minnesota. 12th ranked Missouri is coming off a big win over rival Kansas and shocked the nation when they gave Oklahoma their only loss midseason. Iowa has the talent to be better than they are but haven't shown it on the field. I see this one being close but too much Missouri in the end.
Score: MIZZU 20 Iowa 17
East Carolina vs. Maryland
Washington, D.C.
RFK Stadium
Dec. 29 on ESPN
Preview: Not one of my favorite match-ups but still worth watching. Keep your eyes out for Maryland WR Torrey Smith who has had a great year landing over 1,000 yards receiving and snagging 12 touchdown grabs. If East Carolina is unable to stop Smith, then it will be a long day for the Pirate secondary. ECU was impressive in the passing game in 2010, ranking in the top 10 in passing yards per game. Look for them to spread the field and get the ball to their playmaking receivers. With all the firepower on offense, the problem with the Pirates is their defense. ECU gives up, on average, 43.4 points per game, which ranks 118th in the nation. Yikes!
Score: ECU 28 Maryland 35
Illinois vs. Baylor
Houston, Texas
Reliant Stadium
Dec. 29 on ESPN
Preview: Perhaps an uninteresting bowl when you first hear about it but under the surface it looks to be a great match-up. Illinois has pushed some of the Big Ten's best to brink in 2010. Even though they only finished 6-6, the Illini kept it a little too close for comfort when they faced Ohio State, they blasted a good Northwestern squad on the road and they made Michigan stick around for a little too long. The key for Illinois will be the play of their stud runner Mikel Leshoure. Leshoure had a breakout year registering an eye-popping 1,583 yards rushing and 14 TDs. I see the game going how he goes. If Leshoure rushes for over 100 yards in this one, look for the Illini to be in the driver's seat. If not, watch out for Baylor. Bears QB Robert Griffin III had a tremendous season. He is a dual threat that Illinois will have to keep their eyes on and if they can't stop him, WATCH OUT!
Score: Illinois 20 Baylor 17
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
San Antonio, Texas
Alamodome
Dec. 29 on ESPN
Preview: In another projected shootout, the Valero Alamo Bowl will present two teams with very explosive offenses. 14th ranked Oklahoma State ranks second in the nation in passing yards per game but can also run the ball well too. Cowboys RB Kendall Hunter had another breakout year rushing for over 1,500 yards and 16 TDs! If that wasn't enough for the Wildcats to handle try covering OSU wideout Justin Blackmon. Arguably the best wide receiver in all of college football, Blackmon recorded over 100 grabs for 1,665 yards and 18 TDs. Do you remember when you used to have those nightmares about the boogie man when you were little? Well those are the type of nightmares Arizona coach Mike Stoops is having now about Blackmon. On the Wildcats' side, QB Nick Foles has been the most efficient quarterback in the Pac 10 all season (and that is a feat!)
Score: OSU 38 Arizona 21
Army vs. SMU
Dallas, Texas
Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Dec. 30 on ESPN
Preview: I am not going to lie, this game looks like a snoozer. However, it is good to see Army in a bowl game and it is great to see all the service academies being represented in bowls this year. With that said, I like SMU in this matchup. For Army to have a chance of winning this game they are going to have to stop Mustangs wideout Aldrick Robinson. Robinson, the leading receiver on the team, has helped SMU to boast one of the best passing offenses in the country, look for him to have a big impact on this one.
Score: Army 19 SMU 27
Kansas State vs. Syracuse
Bronx, New York
Yankee Stadium
Dec. 30 on ESPN
Preview: The Orange were a good turn around story this year. Syracuse is just a scrappy team with nothing special about them. With all the ridicule of the Big East this season (A lot of which coming from my mouth) I think the Orange have a very good shot at winning this one. Kansas State will try to run the ball with their talented backfield but I have a feeling Syracuse is destined to win this game. Also, it helps that this game is being played in New York.
Score: KSU 18 SU 21
North Carolina vs. Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
LP Field
Dec. 30 on ESPN
Preview: In a really intriguing match-up, this game presents a theme that is present in a couple bowl games; An uninspired SEC team facing off against a team that has confidence and something to prove. Butch Davis has been a great story this year as he was able to get his team to a bowl even after all the NCAA allegations and suspensions. North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates has been extremely efficient this season throwing the football. Everything seems to be in the Tar Heels' favor. With all of that said, I like Tennessee in this one. They are coming off of a four-game winning streak and even with the great work of Davis this season, he still has yet to win a bowl game with North Carolina during his tenure there.
Score: NC 28 TENN 31
Nebraska vs. Washington
San Diego, California
Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 30 on ESPN
Preview: If any game could rival the beating Oklahoma is going to put on UConn, this would be the one. I like Washington, I like Jake Locker but there is no way the Huskies win this one. Not only did they get blown out by Nebraska earlier in the season, but the Cornhuskers are way too talented to win this one. If Taylor Martinez gets out of the stable and the Huskers' running game gets going early, there is a zero percent chance Washington has in this one.
Score: NU 28 WASH 7
South Florida vs. Clemson
Charlotte, North Carolina
Bank of America Stadium
Dec. 31 on ESPN
Preview: I am going to make this analysis short. South Florida had a losing record in the weak Big East, they have an inexperienced quarterback and they just aren't very good. I like the job Chip Kelly did with this team this season in his debut for the Bulls but Clemson is just better.
Score: USF 13 Clemson 19
Notre Dame vs. Miami
El Paso, Texas
Sun Bowl
Dec. 31 on CBS
Preview: In a classic match-up of traditional powers, tradition will be but a mere memory in this years' version. Miami, a preseason top 15 team, was dropped out of the rankings during a rocky season that saw the Canes' loose five games. Such a situation is similar in South Bend. Notre Dame is also 7-5 this season and started the year off rough losing three out of their first four games. Even though this game won't mean nearly as much as the match-ups produced in the 1980s, it still should be a good one. Both teams have instability at quarterback, but in the end I have Miami winning this one. I can see the Canes' defense holding down a pretty one dimensional offense and Miami has too much power at the skill positions. Both Hankerson and Benjamin will have no problem getting separation from the Irish secondary and the two headed running game of Damien Berry and Lamar Miller will be too much for Notre Dame to handle.
Score: ND 24 Miami 35
Georgia vs. UCF
Memphis, Tennessee
Liberty Bowl
Dec. 31 on ESPN
Preview: Wait! We have another contender for worst match-up of this bowl season; It's the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Georgia may only be 6-6 but four of those losses came early in the season. With the return of THE best WR in the country in A.J. Green, Georgia is a whole different team than a .500 record might reveal. Coming off a big win against rival Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs are in the drivers seat to win this one and if they don't fall asleep at the wheel, they should have no problem winning this game.
Score: UGA 38 UCF 17
South Carolina vs. Florida State
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Dome
Dec. 31 on ESPN
Preview: This is what could be considered a major conference battle. Has the SEC slipped a little bit? Has the ACC gotten any better? Florida State has been up and down all year and it is not clear if QB Christian Ponder will be starting this game. Even if Ponder does start, I still don't see the 'Noles winning this one. South Carolina has faced tough competition all year and I like the Gamecocks' standouts at the skill positions. Wideout Alshon Jeffery has been superb all season and running back Marcus Lattimore has been a scoring machine hitting pay dirt 17 times in 2010.
Score: USC 27 FSU 17
Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
Dallas, Texas
Cotton Bowl
Jan. 1 on ESPNU
Preview: While this may be one of the lower regarded bowls in terms of Big Ten or Big 12 standards, it still can reveal conference power. Both teams have been rocky and both have had strong points in their respective seasons. In this match-up though, I am rolling with the Big Ten.
Score: NU 42 TTU 35
Florida vs. Penn State
Tampa, Florida
Raymond James Stadium
Jan. 1 on ABC
Preview: If you told Penn State a year ago that they would be matched up with Florida in a bowl game in 2011, I bet they would be excited. However neither they nor the Gators figured it would be in the Outback Bowl (Sorry Outback Bowl, I don't mean to insult you.) Many "experts" believe this one to be a blowout. I don't think so. Truth is, Florida has lost four out of their last seven games including a 31-7 whomping at the hands of arch-rival Florida State. Penn State finished the season in a better fashion and while I believe Florida wins this one, it certainly won't be a blowout.
Score: Florida 17 PSU 14
Alabama vs. Michigan State
Orlando, Florida
Florida Citrus Bowl
Jan. 1 on ESPN
Preview: This one is going to be VERY interesting. Michigan State believed they deserved a chance at playing in a BCS Bowl and instead got this. Alabama is the better team but will they be focused enough to win this one?Michigan State still has to prove a lot in this game. If they win, they can really make the case for why they should have been included. If they lose, then everyone can say, "See they didn't belong." Every time I think about the outcome of this game, I can never see the Spartans winning it. Alabama is just too good and if they put the petal to the metal then will win this game.
Score: ALA 24 MSU 14
Mississippi State vs. Michigan
Jacksonville, Florida
Municipal Stadium
Jan. 1 on ESPN2
Preview: The story of this game will be Rich Rodriguez. If he loses this bowl game, how could Michigan possibly keep him around for another season? It would make no sense at all! Three years as Michigan's head man and no bowl victories to show for it? In terms of analysis for this game, I have Mississippi State winning it. Michigan just can't stop the run and Mississippi State can definitely run it. All four of MSU's losses have come to ranked teams and they have been battle tested. Michigan will score points, like 14 points.
Score: MSU 28 MICH 14
Wisconsin vs. TCU
Pasadena, California
Rose Bowl
Jan. 1 on ESPN
Preview: This will be a great game and not because the score will be close because it won't be, but because we will finally see what happens when a fake team plays a real team! I could bring up stats for TCU but with opponents like SW Alaskan Institute of Agriculture and Rhode Island State School of Technology, those stats don't mean much compared to what Wisconsin has accomplished this season.
Score: WISC 48 TCU 20
Connecticut vs. Oklahoma
Glendale, Arizona
University of Phoenix Stadium
Jan. 1 on ESPN/ESPN3D
Preview: No analysis needed. I think the UConn women's basketball team would put up more points against Oklahoma than the football team will.
Score: OU 44 UConn 14
Stanford vs. Virginia Tech
Miami, Florida
Sun Life Stadium
Jan. 3 on ESPN
Preview: On the surface it might be easy to pick Stanford in this one but if you actually take a closer look at the match-up I think Virginia Tech stands a real chance to win this one. The Hokies are coming off 10 straight wins and Tyrod Taylor has been extremely efficient throwing the football only being picked four times all year. Stanford's Andrew Luck will have have his way with this Hokie defense so I don't expect this game to be low-scoring. Let's also not forget that the Pac 10 is terrible when they have to play opponents outside of their conference.
Score: STAN 35 VT 42
Ohio State vs. Arkansas
New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana Superdome
Jan. 4 on ESPN
Preview: Ohio State is 0-9 against the SEC, Tressel can't win a BCS Bowl even though he is 4-3 in BCS Bowls, Ohio State is overrated. Buckeye fans we've heard it all. It will never go away because people will hate on them forever no matter what they accomplish. No team in NCAA history has been in more BCS Bowl games than Ohio State. I will admit that Ohio State struggles against SEC teams, however the 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks are not the type of squad OSU typically struggles with. The Buckeyes will move the ball against the Arkansas defense and while the Razorbacks have a good passing offense, the Buckeyes have a good pass defense. I think this one will be a 10 point difference in favor of OSU.
Score: OSU 27 ARK 17
Middle Tennessee State vs. Miami (OH)
Mobile, Alabama
Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Jan. 6 on ESPN
Preview: Miami is one of the most underrated stories in college football this season. 1-11 last season, MAC Champions this season. Just goes to show that anyone can win the MAC any season. Middle Tennessee State doesn't really have anything eye-popping about them and while QB Dwight Dasher could give the Redhawk defense some problems, I see Miami pulling away with this one.
Score: MTSU 24 MU 31
LSU vs. Texas A&M
Arlington, Texas
Cowboys Stadium
Jan. 7 on FOX
Preview: Everyone seems to like LSU in this match-up but don't totally dismiss Texas A&M. The Aggies can sling the ball around no matter who the QB might be (Johnson or Tannehill). I am not a fan of Jordan Jefferson and if LSU doesn't bring their "A" game than they can easily lose this one. I can see A&M winning this one, but when it comes to putting money down, I have to roll with LSU.
Score: LSU 21 TAMU 20
Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky
Birmingham, Alabama
Legion Field
Jan. 8 on ESPN
Preview: How does a match-up this crappy get to be so late in the bowl season? I am going to need a compass for this one to find my interest in it. The most amazing thing about this one is that I am actually going to pick a Big East team to beat an SEC team.
Score: PITT 17 UK 14
Nevada vs. Boston College
San Francisco, California
AT&T Park
Jan. 9 on ESPN
Preview: Nevada will always be remembered as that team that beat Boise State and ruined their chances of playing in a BCS bowl. For that I have them winning this game.
Score: Nevada 34 BC 20
Oregon vs. Auburn
Glendale, Arizona
University of Phoenix Stadium
Jan. 10 on ESPN/ESPN3D
Preview: This game will not be very close. Oregon and their pretty jerseys and pretty offense may look good but we all see what that got them against Ohio State in last year's Rose Bowl. I am not even sure this year's Oregon team is any better than last years. I do know, however, that the team they will be facing is better and will be out Duck hunting (I must be the millionth person to make that joke). We all know about Cam Newton and what he brings to the table. Think about it this way: SEC defenses can't even handle him. Just think about what he will do against Oregon's defense!
Score: UO 17 Auburn 38
Conference Record Standings Predictions
Southeastern: 8-2
Atlantic Coast: 6-3
Mid-American: 4-0
Big Ten: 4-4
Big 12: 4-4
Western Athletic: 3-1
Big East: 2-3
Conference USA: 1-4
Independents: 1-3
Sun Belt: 0-3
Pac 10: 0-4
Mountain West: 0-4
