Are you ready for some serious football action? This year has 35 bowl games covering 24 days. This year will be the first time that the two top contenders playing for the BCS trophy began the season ranked outside of the top 10. Oregon was ranked 11th and Auburn 23rd per usatoday's coaches poll. At first glance, how does a 8-4 Connecticut with the 100th ranked pass offense find its way into a BCS bowl (Fiesta) is baffling? They lost to Temple 30-16 (not exactly a football powerhouse) and barely squeaked out a nailbiter win against an average 6-6 Pittsburgh? How about Virginia Tech? They make it also to a BCS bid yet lost to a lower division team. Was there something we missed there? Regardless of the continuing debate over the BCS, their bowl selections and a possible playoff system here's a rundown for your holiday football frenzy.
18 Dec
New Mexico Bowl (Noon/ESPN)
BYU 6-6 vs UTEP 6-6
This might as well be the bowl tale of two seasons for both teams. Just flip flop on each half portion of their respective seasons. The cougs rode out of the gates losing 4 out of 5. Someone turned on a light and finished strong winning 5 of their next 7. On the other hand UTEP has lost the last 5 out of their 6 games. The miners finished with a similar record as the cougs but rode a strength of schedule of 127th in the nation. Look for the jerseys in blue to mine some points on the board.
Humanitarian Bowl (3:30PM/ESPN)
Northern Illinois 10-3 vs Fresno St 8-4
Is this the interim bowl? This will be the fourth team in 6 years to participate with some sort of interim or lame duck coach. Northern Illinois finds itself in a bowl matchup without a coach. On the same day the Huskies were announced Jerry Kill bailed to accept the position available coaching Minnesota. The huskies feature the nations 7th ranked rushing offense with Chad Spann who has nearly 1300 rushing yards with 20 TDs. Although, will the lack of coaching leadership affect the Huskies chances? Should be interesting to see what happens.
New Orleans Bowl (7PM/ESPN)
Troy 7-5 vs Ohio 8-4
There could be plenty of points on the scoreboard when this one's over. Ohio might be 0-4 all time in bowl games but do have the 13th best rush defense. Troy is making their 6th bowl appearance with the 12th best passing offense led by a redshirt freshman Corey Robinson.
21 Dec
Beef O Brady's Bowl (6pm/ESPN)
Louisville 6-6 vs Southern Miss 8-4
First year Louisville coach Charlie Strong brings the 12 best defense in the nation into the contest against the Golden Eagles 13th bowl appearance in 14 seasons. The cards have a veteran OL (all 5 were returning starters) led by a one man legit wrecking crew in Bilal Powell (over 1300 yds and 10 TDs). Former coug assistant coach Todd Bradford is on the Golden Eagle's defensive staff.
22 Dec
MAACO Vegas Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Utah 10-2 vs Boise State 10-1
Team up north rode a cupcake schedule for much of the season and now attempt to keep the bowl string victories alive without Wynn. The broncos are 60-5 under coach Petersen and are likely chomping at the bit in this matchup. Shaky Smithson for the yewts leads the nation in punt returns (19.7 yards) and Boise has been somewhat porous regarding kickoff containment. Boise does have the nations fourth best defense to try and shut down team up north.
23 Dec
Pointsettia Bowl (6pm/ESPN)
San Diego St 8-4 vs Navy 8-3
In his first year Brady Hoke has turned the corner with his Aztecs guiding them from a 4-8 season to a 8-4 record. The Aztecs won't have to travel for this one and ironically the city of San Diego has a considerable naval presence. Hoke's offense can explode for both chunks of yards and points on the board. They average 35 points a game with 448 yards through the air. Navy is headed to their 8th straight bowl game with the 5th best rushing offense led by Alexander Teich and dual threat senior QB Ricky Dobbs. Teich has 825 rushing yards on the season for the midshipmen carrying a 6 yard average. Definately will be interesting to see who will remain focused for four quarters while making the most of their opportunities.
24 Dec
Hawaii Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Hawaii 10-3 vs. Tulsa 9-3
No question there could be plenty of holiday lights and cheer on the scoreboard in this exciting matchup of offenses. Tulsa definately has bounced back from a subpar 5-7 season last year with the nations 5th best offense. The golden hurricanes unfortunately do have a glaring weakness in its pass defense. Three years removed from its Sugar Bowl campaign the warriors are still pass happy as ever ranked as the nations best. Hawaii will definately have the home field advantage and is led by former walk on QB Bryant Muniz with over 4600 passing yards and 36 TDs on the season.
26 Dec
Little Caesers Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Toledo 8-4 vs Florida International 6-6
The rockets from Toledo are in their fifth bowl appearance since the 2001 Motor City Bowl. On the other hand the golden panthers will be making their first appearance in its sixth season at the FBS level. Both teams had subpar strength of schedules (Toledo was 101 SOS while FIU had the 132nd SOS per USAtoday) and neither truly had any landmark victories. Might be worth at least a pizza watching.
27 Dec
Independence Bowl (3PM/ESPN2)
Air Force 8-4 vs Georgia Tech 6-6
Don't expect to see chunks of yards through the air much in this contest. While both teams excel in the ground game neither have been able to stop it. The yellow jackets have the nations best ground game but are 72nd against it. The cadets have the nations 2nd best rushing offense but also are ranked 91st against it. Air Force nearly knocked off both Oklahoma and team up north earlier this season. The turnovers could be provide the edge.
28 Dec
Champs Sports Bowl (4:30PM/ESPN)
Team up north rode a cupcake schedule for much of the season and now attempt to keep the bowl string victories alive without Wynn. The broncos are 60-5 under coach Petersen and are likely chomping at the bit in this matchup. Shaky Smithson for the yewts leads the nation in punt returns (19.7 yards) and Boise has been somewhat porous regarding kickoff containment. Boise does have the nations fourth best defense to try and shut down team up north.
23 Dec
Pointsettia Bowl (6pm/ESPN)
San Diego St 8-4 vs Navy 8-3
In his first year Brady Hoke has turned the corner with his Aztecs guiding them from a 4-8 season to a 8-4 record. The Aztecs won't have to travel for this one and ironically the city of San Diego has a considerable naval presence. Hoke's offense can explode for both chunks of yards and points on the board. They average 35 points a game with 448 yards through the air. Navy is headed to their 8th straight bowl game with the 5th best rushing offense led by Alexander Teich and dual threat senior QB Ricky Dobbs. Teich has 825 rushing yards on the season for the midshipmen carrying a 6 yard average. Definately will be interesting to see who will remain focused for four quarters while making the most of their opportunities.
24 Dec
Hawaii Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Hawaii 10-3 vs. Tulsa 9-3
No question there could be plenty of holiday lights and cheer on the scoreboard in this exciting matchup of offenses. Tulsa definately has bounced back from a subpar 5-7 season last year with the nations 5th best offense. The golden hurricanes unfortunately do have a glaring weakness in its pass defense. Three years removed from its Sugar Bowl campaign the warriors are still pass happy as ever ranked as the nations best. Hawaii will definately have the home field advantage and is led by former walk on QB Bryant Muniz with over 4600 passing yards and 36 TDs on the season.
26 Dec
Little Caesers Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Toledo 8-4 vs Florida International 6-6
The rockets from Toledo are in their fifth bowl appearance since the 2001 Motor City Bowl. On the other hand the golden panthers will be making their first appearance in its sixth season at the FBS level. Both teams had subpar strength of schedules (Toledo was 101 SOS while FIU had the 132nd SOS per USAtoday) and neither truly had any landmark victories. Might be worth at least a pizza watching.
27 Dec
Independence Bowl (3PM/ESPN2)
Air Force 8-4 vs Georgia Tech 6-6
Don't expect to see chunks of yards through the air much in this contest. While both teams excel in the ground game neither have been able to stop it. The yellow jackets have the nations best ground game but are 72nd against it. The cadets have the nations 2nd best rushing offense but also are ranked 91st against it. Air Force nearly knocked off both Oklahoma and team up north earlier this season. The turnovers could be provide the edge.
28 Dec
Champs Sports Bowl (4:30PM/ESPN)
NC State 8-4 vs West Virginia 9-3
Led by junior QB Russell Wilson the NC State Wolfpack has one of the nations prolific passing offense. The wolfpack have certainly turned things around in the program (last year was 5-7). The mountaineers have an explosive senior RB in Noel Devine as well possess the 3rd best defense overall.
Insight Bowl (8PM/ ESPN)
Missouri 10-2 vs Iowa 7-5
This will be the first meeting between the two in 100 years (last played in 1910). The hawkeyes might be minus some players for this contest. However, Iowa will still be led by efficient QB Ricky Stanzi a third year starter with a 64.8 completion ratio and 25 TDs. Mizzo has already beaten two bowl (Illinois and San Diego St) teams this season in pursuit of its 11th win of the season led by junior Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has clearly identified who his TE is throwing often to Michael Egnew for 83 receptions and nearly 700 yards.
29 Dec
Texas Bowl (4PM/ESPN)
Illinois 6-6 vs Baylor 7-5
This might look like some mediocre teams in this matchup at first glance. Consider last season Illinois finished 3-9 while Baylor also made strides since they were 4-8. At the tail end of the season both teams were on a downward slide and look to bounce back. The fightin Illini has lost its last 4 of 5 while Baylor lost its last 3 of 4 games. Baylor finally busts the 15 year bowl drought with a victory.
Alamo Bowl (7:15pm/ESPN)
Arizona 7-5 vs Oklahoma St 10-2
Arizona head coach Mike Stoops "Now we just have to regroup" statement could most certainly be stressed after losing its last 4 games. The wildcats do average 30 points a contest but could likely have its hands full as Oklahoma State has the 2nd best passing offense and finished 14th in the BCS standings. Cowboy junior QB Brandon Weeden has thrown for 32 TDs and over 4000 yards on the season.
Military Bowl (12:30PM/ESPN)
Maryland 8-4 vs East Carolina 6-6
Both teams average more than 30 points a game but only one team will come out in victory formation. The terps bring a more stingy defense and is stronger in the trenches. The pirates defense is swiss cheese (holes everywhere) which ranks 118th giving up over 43 a game. East Carolina could have a slight edge in the signal callers. Dominque Davis with the right reads could put up some solid stats who has thrown for 36 TDs and nearly 3700 yards.
30 Dec
Pinstripe Bowl (1:20PM/ESPN)
Syracuse 7-5 vs Kansas St 7-5
Kansas State makes its first bowl appearance since the 2006 Texas Bowl. They average over 33 on the scoreboard as well as over 200 yards on the ground per contest. Syracuse does bring the 5th best overall defense despite losing its last 3 of 4 games. Can the orangemen shut down wildcat senior RB Daniel Thomas? Last season he led the Big 12 in rushing averaging over 5 per carry. This season? Similar results rushing for nearly 1500 yards and 5.4 per attempt.
Music City Bowl (4:40PM/ESPN)
North Carolina 7-5 vs Tennessee 6-6
Before the season the vols backed out of a season series with the Tar Heels but now can't escape this matchup. Tar Heel coach Butch Davis went 4-0 in post season appearance in Miami but will be looking for his first here led by fifth year senior QB TJ Yates. The vols are clearly on a roll winning their last 4 and playing basically a home game only 3 hours from Nashville.
Armed Forces Bowl (10AM/ESPN)
SMU 7-6 vs Army 6-5
This may be the run versus the pass. Army 10th ranked rushing offense is led by sophomore FB Jared Hasselin who sat out last year after transferring from rival Air Force. Hasselin ground out 931 yards with a 5.4 per carry average. Second year coach June Junes continues to rebuild a dismantled program including its image led by sophomore QB Kyle Padron who can clearly stretch a field. Padron has thrown for 29 TDs covering over 3500 yards.
Holiday Bowl (8PM/ESPN)
Washington 6-6 vs Nebraska 10-3
What exactly is the point of this matchup? Absolutely puzzling. Then again no other Pac10 team was eligible. Not exactly thrilling for Nebraska. Both teams already met and played this one out earlier this season with Cornhuskers thumping the Huskies on their home field 56-21. Look for another similar result.
31 Dec
Meineke Bowl (10AM/ESPN)
Clemson 6-6 vs South Florida 7-5
In a game named after a muffler company neither team really makes much noise here. First year coach Skip Holtz will lead the USF Bulls to its 6th consecutive bowl appearance. Clemson went toe to toe with Auburn earlier this season falling by a FG difference. Both teams will be looking for some spark plugs but it could be a defensive struggle in this matchup.
Liberty Bowl (1:30PM/ESPN)
UCF 10-3 vs Georgia 6-6
The Knights from UCF will be making its fourth bowl appearance with one of the better ground games averaging nearly 192 yards a game. They are also stingy against it with the 9th best rushing defense. Even in a down year Georgia is making its 14th straight bowl appearance and have won its last 4. Look for the trend to continue.
Sun Bowl (Noon/CBS)
Miami FL 7-5 vs Notre Dame 7-5
Led by junior QB Russell Wilson the NC State Wolfpack has one of the nations prolific passing offense. The wolfpack have certainly turned things around in the program (last year was 5-7). The mountaineers have an explosive senior RB in Noel Devine as well possess the 3rd best defense overall.
Insight Bowl (8PM/ ESPN)
Missouri 10-2 vs Iowa 7-5
This will be the first meeting between the two in 100 years (last played in 1910). The hawkeyes might be minus some players for this contest. However, Iowa will still be led by efficient QB Ricky Stanzi a third year starter with a 64.8 completion ratio and 25 TDs. Mizzo has already beaten two bowl (Illinois and San Diego St) teams this season in pursuit of its 11th win of the season led by junior Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has clearly identified who his TE is throwing often to Michael Egnew for 83 receptions and nearly 700 yards.
29 Dec
Texas Bowl (4PM/ESPN)
Illinois 6-6 vs Baylor 7-5
This might look like some mediocre teams in this matchup at first glance. Consider last season Illinois finished 3-9 while Baylor also made strides since they were 4-8. At the tail end of the season both teams were on a downward slide and look to bounce back. The fightin Illini has lost its last 4 of 5 while Baylor lost its last 3 of 4 games. Baylor finally busts the 15 year bowl drought with a victory.
Alamo Bowl (7:15pm/ESPN)
Arizona 7-5 vs Oklahoma St 10-2
Arizona head coach Mike Stoops "Now we just have to regroup" statement could most certainly be stressed after losing its last 4 games. The wildcats do average 30 points a contest but could likely have its hands full as Oklahoma State has the 2nd best passing offense and finished 14th in the BCS standings. Cowboy junior QB Brandon Weeden has thrown for 32 TDs and over 4000 yards on the season.
Military Bowl (12:30PM/ESPN)
Maryland 8-4 vs East Carolina 6-6
Both teams average more than 30 points a game but only one team will come out in victory formation. The terps bring a more stingy defense and is stronger in the trenches. The pirates defense is swiss cheese (holes everywhere) which ranks 118th giving up over 43 a game. East Carolina could have a slight edge in the signal callers. Dominque Davis with the right reads could put up some solid stats who has thrown for 36 TDs and nearly 3700 yards.
30 Dec
Pinstripe Bowl (1:20PM/ESPN)
Syracuse 7-5 vs Kansas St 7-5
Kansas State makes its first bowl appearance since the 2006 Texas Bowl. They average over 33 on the scoreboard as well as over 200 yards on the ground per contest. Syracuse does bring the 5th best overall defense despite losing its last 3 of 4 games. Can the orangemen shut down wildcat senior RB Daniel Thomas? Last season he led the Big 12 in rushing averaging over 5 per carry. This season? Similar results rushing for nearly 1500 yards and 5.4 per attempt.
Music City Bowl (4:40PM/ESPN)
North Carolina 7-5 vs Tennessee 6-6
Before the season the vols backed out of a season series with the Tar Heels but now can't escape this matchup. Tar Heel coach Butch Davis went 4-0 in post season appearance in Miami but will be looking for his first here led by fifth year senior QB TJ Yates. The vols are clearly on a roll winning their last 4 and playing basically a home game only 3 hours from Nashville.
Armed Forces Bowl (10AM/ESPN)
SMU 7-6 vs Army 6-5
This may be the run versus the pass. Army 10th ranked rushing offense is led by sophomore FB Jared Hasselin who sat out last year after transferring from rival Air Force. Hasselin ground out 931 yards with a 5.4 per carry average. Second year coach June Junes continues to rebuild a dismantled program including its image led by sophomore QB Kyle Padron who can clearly stretch a field. Padron has thrown for 29 TDs covering over 3500 yards.
Holiday Bowl (8PM/ESPN)
Washington 6-6 vs Nebraska 10-3
What exactly is the point of this matchup? Absolutely puzzling. Then again no other Pac10 team was eligible. Not exactly thrilling for Nebraska. Both teams already met and played this one out earlier this season with Cornhuskers thumping the Huskies on their home field 56-21. Look for another similar result.
31 Dec
Meineke Bowl (10AM/ESPN)
Clemson 6-6 vs South Florida 7-5
In a game named after a muffler company neither team really makes much noise here. First year coach Skip Holtz will lead the USF Bulls to its 6th consecutive bowl appearance. Clemson went toe to toe with Auburn earlier this season falling by a FG difference. Both teams will be looking for some spark plugs but it could be a defensive struggle in this matchup.
Liberty Bowl (1:30PM/ESPN)
UCF 10-3 vs Georgia 6-6
The Knights from UCF will be making its fourth bowl appearance with one of the better ground games averaging nearly 192 yards a game. They are also stingy against it with the 9th best rushing defense. Even in a down year Georgia is making its 14th straight bowl appearance and have won its last 4. Look for the trend to continue.
Sun Bowl (Noon/CBS)
Miami FL 7-5 vs Notre Dame 7-5
Two old time football powers square off in this meeting. The hurricanes recently experienced a coaching change. They will be featuring the nations 2nd best passing defense against the Irish freshman QB Tommy Rees who is 3-0 as a starter including a 63% accuracy. Defensive stud LB Manti Te'o suffered a broken nose in the army game but still played in the USC game. Can the "U" contain Rees and his main option WR Michael Floyd? With a little irish luck Rees could come out victorious.
Chick Fil-A Bowl (5:30PM/ESPN)
Florida St 9-4 vs South Carolina 9-4
The seminoles have a three year starter behind center in Christian Ponder. Or do they? Ponder might be sitting this one out (elbow) leaving coach Jimbo Fisher with a possible gametime decision in starting the EJ Manuel era early. South Carolina's offense revolves around freshman RB Marcus Lattimore who has ground out nearly 1200 yards and 17 TDs who will look to bounce back after the thumping by Auburn.
1 Jan
Capital One Bowl (11AM/ESPN)
Michigan St 11-1 vs Alabama 9-3
Definately a rather intriguing matchup. Is this a teacher versus student? Or will is be the other way around? Bama coach Nick Saban was the spartans coach from 1995 through 1999. Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio was Sabans DB coach during that stretch. This on paper looks like a fantastic game.
Outback Bowl (11AM/ABC)
Penn St 7-5 vs Florida 7-5
This one matches up two coaching masterminds where neither of each teams season ever truly lived up to their expectations. On the gator sidelines for one last time will be Urban Myer who seems to have struggled in an up and down season. The gators will be relying on their 9th ranked defense against the nittany lions. Penn State owns the nations best overall winning percentage. Paterno has 24 of those wins more than any other coach.
Ticket City Bowl (10AM/ESPNU)
Northwestern 7-5 vs Texas Tech 7-5
The wildcats will start a redshirt fershman QB Evan Watkins against Texas Tech filling in for Dan Persa who is out (ruptured Achilles tendon) for the season. Watkins could have a big game considering the red raiders rank 116th against the pass. Problem is Texas Tech likes to throw as well. Senior QB Taylor Potts has thrown for 31 TDs and 3357 yards. This one has all the makings of a shootout.
Gator Bowl (11:30AM/ESPN2)
Michigan 7-5 vs Mississippi St 8-4
Mississippi State's top receiver Chad Bumphis broke his collarbone and will miss this one. They do favor the run and are ranked 16th nationally averaging 215 yards per game. On defense the teams leading tackler and defensive leader LB Chris White clearly need to bring his best. The bulldogs will certainly have their hands full countering Michigan's QB Denard Robinson attack.
Rose Bowl (3PM/ESPN)
Wisconsin 11-1 vs TCU 12-0
The badgers have three backs with over 850 yards each all averaging over 5 per carry. They even have 3 games scoring 70 or more on an opponent this season. Yes 70. Although this opponent TCU features the nations top ranked defense holding teams to 11.3 points per game. Something has got to give one way or another. Which will break first? The frogs want validation. Tune is for this one.
Fiesta Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Oklahoma 11-2 vs Connecticut 8-4
On paper this looks like a David and Goliath mismatch. There is simply too many playmakers for the sooners on both sides of the pigskin. Look for Oklahoma's depth chart to get extended with the youth of the program to get plenty of PT. No need to really break this one down. Its all OU who wins and easily.
3 Jan
Orange Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Virginia Tech 11-2 vs Stanford 11-1
In his third year coach Jim Harbaugh has produced a team clearly on the rise finishing the season #5 in the final AP poll. Stanford's ability to bring pressure on VT senior QB Tyrod Taylor could be a factor. The cardinals have an absolutely rock solid QB in their own Andrew Luck who has all the skills necessary in a potential future NFL quarterback. With a veteran offensive line Stanford may simply have all the luck they need.
4 Jan
Sugar Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Arkansas 10-2 vs Ohio State 11-1
The hogs just inked a seven year extension with Petrino now its time to stand up. Clearly Arkansas strength runs with its quarterback. The buckeyes counter with the nations 2nd best defense overall. Mallett definately has the talent to win this one. Pryor on the other hand needs to avoid losing this one for his buckeyes. Which team prevails will be rather fascinating to watch.
6 Jan
GoDaddy.Com Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Miami OH 9-4 vs Middle TN State 6-6
It's been said not to judge a book by its cover. Just because much of the nation might pass a matchup that might appear as a snoozer doesn't mean this is one that should be dismissed. In his first year Miami OH coach Mike Haywood has turned around a program that was 1-11 last season. Haywood's redhawks has a veteran OL and should take another step forward.
7 Jan
Cotton Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Texas A/M 9-3 vs LSU 10-2
The tigers have a rather stingy defense keeping points off the board ranked 9th nationally. The aggies come into this matchup riding a 6 game winning streak. This should be a close game but on paper LSU simply has more weapons, athleticism and playmakers.
8 Jan
BBVA Compass Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Pittsburgh 7-5 vs Kentucky 6-6
Is this a game that will be decided from uncertainties? The panthers currently are in a coaching leadership transition. Kentucky likely needs this game more in the short term. Junior wide receiver Randall Cobb may be looked to and often for the wildcats to come out on top.
9 Jan
Fight Hunger Bowl (7PM/ESPN)
Nevada 12-1 vs Boston College 7-5
This is a strength versus strength matchup. Nevada's strength of the offense is clearly running the ball averaging over 300 yards a game. Yes, 305 yards to be precise. On the other hand the eagles have the nation's stingiest rush defense limiting teams to 80 yards a game. Something has got to give. Definately worth fighting your hunger by ordering a pizza and tuning in.
10 Jan
BCS National Championship (6:30PM/ESPN)
Chick Fil-A Bowl (5:30PM/ESPN)
Florida St 9-4 vs South Carolina 9-4
The seminoles have a three year starter behind center in Christian Ponder. Or do they? Ponder might be sitting this one out (elbow) leaving coach Jimbo Fisher with a possible gametime decision in starting the EJ Manuel era early. South Carolina's offense revolves around freshman RB Marcus Lattimore who has ground out nearly 1200 yards and 17 TDs who will look to bounce back after the thumping by Auburn.
1 Jan
Capital One Bowl (11AM/ESPN)
Michigan St 11-1 vs Alabama 9-3
Definately a rather intriguing matchup. Is this a teacher versus student? Or will is be the other way around? Bama coach Nick Saban was the spartans coach from 1995 through 1999. Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio was Sabans DB coach during that stretch. This on paper looks like a fantastic game.
Outback Bowl (11AM/ABC)
Penn St 7-5 vs Florida 7-5
This one matches up two coaching masterminds where neither of each teams season ever truly lived up to their expectations. On the gator sidelines for one last time will be Urban Myer who seems to have struggled in an up and down season. The gators will be relying on their 9th ranked defense against the nittany lions. Penn State owns the nations best overall winning percentage. Paterno has 24 of those wins more than any other coach.
Ticket City Bowl (10AM/ESPNU)
Northwestern 7-5 vs Texas Tech 7-5
The wildcats will start a redshirt fershman QB Evan Watkins against Texas Tech filling in for Dan Persa who is out (ruptured Achilles tendon) for the season. Watkins could have a big game considering the red raiders rank 116th against the pass. Problem is Texas Tech likes to throw as well. Senior QB Taylor Potts has thrown for 31 TDs and 3357 yards. This one has all the makings of a shootout.
Gator Bowl (11:30AM/ESPN2)
Michigan 7-5 vs Mississippi St 8-4
Mississippi State's top receiver Chad Bumphis broke his collarbone and will miss this one. They do favor the run and are ranked 16th nationally averaging 215 yards per game. On defense the teams leading tackler and defensive leader LB Chris White clearly need to bring his best. The bulldogs will certainly have their hands full countering Michigan's QB Denard Robinson attack.
Rose Bowl (3PM/ESPN)
Wisconsin 11-1 vs TCU 12-0
The badgers have three backs with over 850 yards each all averaging over 5 per carry. They even have 3 games scoring 70 or more on an opponent this season. Yes 70. Although this opponent TCU features the nations top ranked defense holding teams to 11.3 points per game. Something has got to give one way or another. Which will break first? The frogs want validation. Tune is for this one.
Fiesta Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Oklahoma 11-2 vs Connecticut 8-4
On paper this looks like a David and Goliath mismatch. There is simply too many playmakers for the sooners on both sides of the pigskin. Look for Oklahoma's depth chart to get extended with the youth of the program to get plenty of PT. No need to really break this one down. Its all OU who wins and easily.
3 Jan
Orange Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Virginia Tech 11-2 vs Stanford 11-1
In his third year coach Jim Harbaugh has produced a team clearly on the rise finishing the season #5 in the final AP poll. Stanford's ability to bring pressure on VT senior QB Tyrod Taylor could be a factor. The cardinals have an absolutely rock solid QB in their own Andrew Luck who has all the skills necessary in a potential future NFL quarterback. With a veteran offensive line Stanford may simply have all the luck they need.
4 Jan
Sugar Bowl (6:30PM/ESPN)
Arkansas 10-2 vs Ohio State 11-1
The hogs just inked a seven year extension with Petrino now its time to stand up. Clearly Arkansas strength runs with its quarterback. The buckeyes counter with the nations 2nd best defense overall. Mallett definately has the talent to win this one. Pryor on the other hand needs to avoid losing this one for his buckeyes. Which team prevails will be rather fascinating to watch.
6 Jan
GoDaddy.Com Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Miami OH 9-4 vs Middle TN State 6-6
It's been said not to judge a book by its cover. Just because much of the nation might pass a matchup that might appear as a snoozer doesn't mean this is one that should be dismissed. In his first year Miami OH coach Mike Haywood has turned around a program that was 1-11 last season. Haywood's redhawks has a veteran OL and should take another step forward.
7 Jan
Cotton Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Texas A/M 9-3 vs LSU 10-2
The tigers have a rather stingy defense keeping points off the board ranked 9th nationally. The aggies come into this matchup riding a 6 game winning streak. This should be a close game but on paper LSU simply has more weapons, athleticism and playmakers.
8 Jan
BBVA Compass Bowl (6PM/ESPN)
Pittsburgh 7-5 vs Kentucky 6-6
Is this a game that will be decided from uncertainties? The panthers currently are in a coaching leadership transition. Kentucky likely needs this game more in the short term. Junior wide receiver Randall Cobb may be looked to and often for the wildcats to come out on top.
9 Jan
Fight Hunger Bowl (7PM/ESPN)
Nevada 12-1 vs Boston College 7-5
This is a strength versus strength matchup. Nevada's strength of the offense is clearly running the ball averaging over 300 yards a game. Yes, 305 yards to be precise. On the other hand the eagles have the nation's stingiest rush defense limiting teams to 80 yards a game. Something has got to give. Definately worth fighting your hunger by ordering a pizza and tuning in.
10 Jan
BCS National Championship (6:30PM/ESPN)
Auburn 13-0 vs Oregon 12-0
This season the ducks have a chance for its first ever national championship. They have all the tools necessary including the 2nd best offense. On paper the biggest weakness of Auburn was the pass defense ranking 101st in the country. Despite the glaring stat Auburn has continually found a way to win. Both squads average over 40 on the scoreboard and rush for over 280 yards. No question each have explosive offenses. Tis the season for some lights on the scoreboard. Some Cameron and clearly lots of action.
This season the ducks have a chance for its first ever national championship. They have all the tools necessary including the 2nd best offense. On paper the biggest weakness of Auburn was the pass defense ranking 101st in the country. Despite the glaring stat Auburn has continually found a way to win. Both squads average over 40 on the scoreboard and rush for over 280 yards. No question each have explosive offenses. Tis the season for some lights on the scoreboard. Some Cameron and clearly lots of action.
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