Bowl Baby, BOWL!!!

So before I begin my bowl breakdown I feel I should give you some of my personal thoughts on the bowl system. First off, I am not a proponent of a playoff system. The whole idea that each round of the playoffs would be a bowl game that just retarded!!! The rich would just keep getting richer. The major conference teams would only continue to benefit from this set-up. the past couple years we have seen the the mid-major teams start to break through in the BCS. With appearances by Utah two years ago and Boise State making the Fiesta Bowl this year, and the big runs that Louisville and Rutgers put together, we are getting closer to seeing a mid-major in the National Championship Game. This will not happen in a playoff.
Although I am against a Playoff, I don't think the system all together is bad. I definitely won't be a "big" complainer if and when it goes to a playoff system. Right now we often see ourselves complaining on who should be #1 and #2 (which the BCS was supposed to solve). If we go to a 8 team playoff we will still be complaining on who should be in the playoffs. Look at the top 15 this year and you will see it littered with 1 and 2 loss teams. But, I like controversy, so keep the BCS!!!
Now that we are done with that, I urge you out there to watch at least 3 Bowl games. I will watch them all and leave posts on every one of the Bowl games. It would be nice to hear from all of you out there!!!
A little quick info, I will give you my pic, and a new pic called ESPN Accuscore. ESPN has neat little program where they enter all kinds of facts it gives them a percentage of who will win.

San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego, CA
December 19
ESPN2 8 pm et.

Norther Illinois (7-5) vs. TCU (10-2)

ESPN Accuscore: TCU 74%
My Pic: TCU

Reason To Watch:
Well if you miss the first one there goes seeing them all! Garrett Wolfe is the nations leading rusher for NIU. TCU is the 4th in run defense in the nation. This is a really good match-up I see it being a close game with some scoring!


Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas, NV
December 21
ESPN 8 pm et.

BYU (10-2) vs. Oregon (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: BYU 69%
My Pic: BYU

Reason To Watch:
I'm not going to lie my reason for picking BYU is because I have a new found hatred for Oregon. With Oregons dropping its last 3 in a row, mainly because of turnovers (30 on the season). With BYU QB John Beck finishing 2nd in the nation in passing efficiency, this could be a score fest...for BYU.


R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
New Orleans, LA
December 22
ESPN2 8 pm et.

Rice (7-5) vs. Troy State (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: Rice 57%
My Pic: Troy

Reason To Watch:
Tory has never won a bowl game, this is only there second appearance in a bowl game since entering Division I AA. This is Rice's first appearance in a bowl game since 1956. This should be another score fest. Not much defense and 2 top 10 offenses!!!


Papajohns.com Bowl
Birmingham, AL
December 23
ESPN2 1 pm et.

South Florida (8-4) vs. East Carolina (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: South Florida 62%
My Pic: East Carolina

Reason To Watch:
East Carolina's first winning season in 5 years. Could they cap it off with a bowl win? both of these teams have upset some decent teams. If both of these schools are on, its will be a shoot out. I'm calling for an upset.


New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, NM
December 23
ESPN 4:30 pm et.

New Mexico (6-6) vs. San Jose State (8-4)

ESPN Accuscore: New Mexico 56%
My Pic: San Jose State

Reason To Watch:
San Jose Spartans are a feel good story that nobody knows about. Their turn around from the past couple of years is nothing short of amazing. These are two teams coached by guys who have staked their career on defense. I think San Jose State can cap off their Cinderella season. Guess we will have to watch and see.


Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Fort Worth, TX
December 23
ESPN 8 pm et.

Tulsa (8-4) vs. Utah (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: Tulsa 53%
My Pic: Tulsa

Reason To Watch:
Formally the Fort Worth Bowl. This is what bowl games are all about. Two good teams, evenly matched and they are very similar. I am not going to lie my pic is partial to the home state. I'm still kinda curious how a team in the north eastern corner of Oklahoma gets the nickname Golden Hurricanes? Bonus points to anybody who figures that one out. This very well could be an upset game, and my Garrett would be very happy!


Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Honolulu, HI
December 24
ESPN 8 pm et.

Hawaii (10-3) vs. Arizona State (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: Hawaii 72%
My Pic: Hawaii

Reason To Watch:
Hawaii's QB Colt Brennen could be one of the best. Possible the best QB to ever come out of Hawaii. You will be hearing his name talked about come draft day. He is 1 TD away from tying the national record of 54 TD's. Arizona States is just as dangerous on offense. I look for Hawaii to win this one at home!!! This could very well be the most exciting college bowl game this year. It will at least be one of the most offensive games. I'm seeing at least a combined score of 50.


Motor City Bowl
Detroit, MI
December 26
ESPN 7:30 pm et.

Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (9-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Central Michigan 76%
My Pic: Middle Tennessee

Reason To Watch:
Central Michigan's coach leaving for Cincinnati puts a little sour note on Central Michigan's nice season. That's why I'm tipping my hat towards Central Michigan. Middle Tennessee has great defense and Central Michigan lives and dies by the big offensively play.


Emerald Bowl
San Francisco, CA
December 27
ESPN 8 pm et.

Florida State (6-6) vs. UCLA (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: UCLA 54%
My Pic: UCLA

Reason To Watch:
A couple of teams that we are used watching play meaningful games. If you like defense struggles this could be the game you are looking for. If UCLA comes out like they did against USC than they will hands down. I don't really think FSU has much to play for. A 6-6 season with a lot of disappointments. They never really got it together. A lot of people were looking to get rid of UCLA's Coach Dorrell, but he win over USC bought him a little time and a win in a bowl game could get him some more breathing room.


PetroSun Independence Bowl
Shreveport, LA
December 28
ESPN 4:30 pm et.

Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Alabama (6-6)

ESPN Accuscore: OSU 59%
My Pic: OSU

Reason To Watch:
Well I know I will be paying close attention to the Big XII representative Cowboys. With Mike Shula getting the axe at Alabama I think that will be the deciding factor. OSU is horrible on defense, but hey have a lot weapons and fire power on offense. It will be interesting to watch and see if Alabama tailback Kenneth Darby will get a TD. He has failed to find pay dirt all year, even carrying the ball 200 times.


Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
San Diego, CA
December 28
ESPN 8 pm et.

Texas A&M (9-4) vs. California (9-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Cal 53%
My Pic: A&M

Reason To Watch:
Dennis Franchione saved his job at A&M by beating Texas. A bowl win would loosen the grip of impatient alumni. For Cal it has been a disappointing season, after winning 8 in a row a BCS birth looked like it was in their future, but losing 2 of their last 3 left a nasty taste in their mouth. Cal has one of the nations top running backs in Marshawn Lynch. I am a fan of A&M QB McGee, the kid is a true leader and loves the game. Both teams have a lot to play for but for two totally different reasons.


Texas Bowl
Houston, TX
December 28
ESPN 8 pm et.

Rutgers (10-2) vs. Kansas State (7-5)

ESPN Accuserve: Rutgers 74%
My Pic: KSU

Reason To Watch:
I am really going out on a limb here picking KSU. But, I really don't think Rutgers is as good as everybody thinks. I know it is the first year for KSU's head coach and Rutgers upset Louisville at home. But Rutgers did lose to West Virginia and I think Kansas State matches up well with West Virginia. I'm looking for an upset.


Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Nashville, TN
December 29
ESPN 1 pm et.

Clemson (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: Clemson 79%
My Pic: Clemson

Reason To Watch:
Can the power of "happy to be here" over come the "will take it if we have to." Kentucky has fought hard and are happy with their bowl bid to Nashville, they want to be here. Clemson on the other hand feels like they are settling. Will Kentucky's desire to be in a bowl game overcome a better team. This will be an offensive explosion by somebody.


Brut Sun Bowl
El Paso, TX
December 29
CBS 2 pm et.

Oregon State (9-4) vs. Missouri (8-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Mizzu 50%
My Pic: OSU

Reason To Watch:
Well they think this will be an even one. Missouri's only chance is for QB Daniels to have a good day. If he comes out like he did against OU and Nebraska, Missouri won't have a fighting chance. Oregon State has some impressive wins including ones over USC and instate rival Oregon.


AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN
December 29
ESPN 4:30 pm et.

South Carolina (7-5) vs. Houston (10-3)

ESPN Accuscore: South Carolina 74%
My Pic: South Carolina

Reason To Watch:
The main question you have to ask yourself is Conference USA even close to being compared to the SEC. The "old ball coach" has his gamecocks rolling into the bowl game. Will get his first bowl win with the gamecocks? Watch Houston's Kevin Kolb at QB, we will be seeing him on Sundays.


Insight Bowl
Tempe, AZ
December 29
NFL Network 7:30 pm et.

Texas Tech (7-5) vs. Minnesota (6-6)

ESPN AccuScore: Texas Tech 70%
My Pic: Texas Tech

Reason To Watch:
Mike Leach is going to unleash his offense, to prove to Miami why they should have hired him and to send a message to Alabama that he wants the job. If Coach Leach stays at Tech he is set, for the first time in 5 years his QB is not a Senior, but a young Sophomore that will only get better and set records as long as Coach Leach is running the show. The Golden Gophers are completely opposite, the like to pound the ball. It's their poor pass defense that will be the end of the gophers.


Champs Sports Bowl
Orlando, FL
December 29
ESPN 8 pm et.

Purdue (8-5) vs. Maryland (8-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Purdue 54%
My Pic: Maryland

Reason To Watch:
This is the first time in these two schools history that they have met on the gridiron. Maryland ended the regular season on a rough note. But they can run the ball and control the clock. Which could get the boilermakers in a hurry up frenzy when they have the ball. Unlike everybody else I think Maryland has it under control.


Meineke Car Care Bowl
Charlotte, NC
December 30
ESPN 1 pm et.

Navy (9-3) vs. Boston College (9-3)

ESPN Accuscore: Boston College 74%
My Pic: Navy

Reason To Watch:
I love to see teams run the ball and run it well. That is what Navy does with their Triple Option. One of the top rushing teams in the nation, but is it good enough to knock of Boston Colleges coach Tom O'Brein and his record 6 straight bowl wins.


Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, TX
December 30
ESPN 4:30 pm et.

Texas (9-3) vs. Iowa (6-6)

ESPN Accuscore: Texas 80%
My Pic: Texas

Reason To Watch:
Both teams finished the season really bad. Texas losing its last 2, to knock them out of the Big XII Championship picture and Iowa lost 5 of its last 6. I really feel taht they key to Texas losing its last two was Colt McCoy's injuries. He will be all healed up come December 30 and There is not to many teams in the country that can hang with Texas when Freshman Colt McCoy is healthy.


Chick-fil-A Bowl
Atlanta, GA
December 30
ESPN 4:30 pm et.

Georgia (8-4) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2)

ESPN Accuscore: Virginai Tech 70%
My Pic: Virginia Tech

Reason To Watch:
The old saying is, "defense wins championships." Virginai Tech with the number 1 defense in the nation is looking to swarm the bulldogs. Both had seasons that they would like to forget. Virginia Tech is probably one of the better 2 loss teams

MPC Computers Bowl
Boise, Idaho
December 31
ESPN 7:30 pm et.

Miami (6-6) vs. Nevada (8-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Miami 56%
My Pic: Nevada

Reason To Watch:
Will Miami even show up. After a horrible season, and their coach getting fired. I don't see the canes coming out with their usual swagger. Which will leave the door open for a hungry Nevada team.


Outback Bowl
Tampa, FL
January 1
ESPN 11 am et.

Tennessee (9-3) vs. Penn State (8-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Tenn 64%
My Pic: Penn State

Reason To Watch:
I'm giving Joe Pa and his team the nod, because of Paul Posluszny. He is one of the games best at linebacker. this game is a great match-up. Penn State has a good Run game that will need to come through solid for them and The Vols have to take advantage of Penn States weak secondary. With a kid like Robert Mecham (Oklahoma's own) they should make big plays over the top.

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Dallas, TX
January 1
FOX 11:30 am et.

Auburn (10-2) vs. Nebraska (9-4)

ESPN Accuscore: Auburn 52%
My Pic: Nebraska

Reason To Watch:
Its been awhile since either of these teams have played in the Cotton Bowl. I personally think the Cotton Bowl should be added to the BCS. These teams haven't met up since Auburn beat them in the 1964 Orange Bowl for the National Championship. I think Zach Taylor is a really good college QB and with their tough D they should be able to pull out a low scoring slug feast.


Toyota Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, FL
January 1
CBS 1 pm et.

West Virginia (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (9-4)

ESPN Accuscore: West Virginia 74%
My Pic: West Virginia

Reason To Watch:
Georgia Tech had a BCS game in sight win they let Wake Forest pull out an 9-67 ACC championship win. A game where ther a a few of teh brightest stars in college football. GT's stud Calvin Johnson, who very well could be the number 1 draft pick this spring. West Virginia's QB Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton are an exciting backfield. I think there will be wome fireworks in this one.


Capitol One Bowl
Orlando, FL
January 1
ABC 1 pm et.

Arkansas (10-3) vs. Wisconsin (11-1)

ESPN Accuscore: Wisconsin 55%
My Pic: Arkansas

Reason To Watch:
Arkansas played a hell of saeson and a hell of a schedule. Any team in the SEC has their work cut out for them. Arkansas let a few people down with some bonehead mistakes in the SEC Championship. Wisonsin lone loss this season was to the only ranked team that they played, Michigan. This game will be won on the ground. This very well could be Darren McFaddens last go round as a razorback. The second place Heisman vote getter could be headed to the pro's.


Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
January 1
ABC 5 pm et.

USC (10-2) vs. Michigan (11-1)

ESPN Accuscore: USC 51%
My Pic: USC

Reason To Watch:
It's the Grandaddy of them All!!! Both of these teams fill they should have been in the title game. Both teams are great, this is what a Rose Bowl match up should be. Thanks to USC there could be another split national title, like they did a few years back. If Ohio State looses and Michigan wins this one they could get the AP National Championship. Which I don't think will happen and I think it is a load of crap.


Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
January 1
FOX 8 pm et.

Boise State (12-0) vs. University of Oklahoma (11-2)

ESPN Accuscore: Oklahoma 69%
My Pic: Oklahoma

Reason To Watch:
It's Oklahoma Baby!!! What other reasons do you need. Bob Stoops has probably coached his finest year yet. This OU team had a rough start losing their starting QB, and starting Gueard the day before official practice began. Paul Thompson has stepped in and been amazing. If it wasn't for a bad 4th quarter and 5 turnovers against Texas this OU team would be in the National Championship game. This will be the last time you get to see one of college football's greatest running backs of all time, Adrian Peterson. And you get to see Boise state play a bowl game other than on their home blue turf.


FedEx Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
January 2
FOX 8 pm et.

Louisville (11-1) vs. Wake Forest (11-2)

ESPN Accuscore: Louisville 71%
My Pic: Lousiville

Reason To Watch:
Wake Forest lucked into this bowl by beating Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship. Despite Louisvilles loss to Rutgers they are still one of the top talented teams in the nation. Wake Forest will have to keep control of the ball and try to keep up with Louisvilles speed.


AllState Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
January 3
FOX 8 pm et.

Notre Dame (10-2) vs. LSU (10-2)

ESPN Accuscore: LSU 76%
My Pic: LSU

Reason To Watch:
The key matchup for Notre Dame to stay in this game will be their offensive line and LSU's defense. Notre Dames D is weak and LSU can capitolize. The golden domers have lost 8 straight bowl games since their win in the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M in 1994. I don't think the Irish can keep up with LSU's overall speed.


Internation Bowl
Toronto
January 6
ESPN2 12 pm et.

Western Michigan (8-4) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)

ESPN Accuscore: Cincinnati 63%
My Pic: Cincinnati

Reason To Watch:
Cincinnati's coach just left for Michigan State and Central Michigans coach Brian Kelly has taken the job at Cincinnati. Kelly will have his work cut out for him getting this team ready for a bowl game. I think it is the smart thing him coming in now and taking the rains of the team before the bowl game. I usually don't take the team without a coach or a new coach in a bowl game, but this is the Cincinnati team that gave USC all it could handle.


GMAC Bowl
Mobile, AL
January 7
ESPN 8 pm et.

Ohio (9-4) vs. Southern Miss (8-5)

ESPN Accuscore: Southern Miss 63%
My Pic: Ohio

Reason To Watch:
For those of us who remember Nebraskas last hurrah, its was Frank Solich who was at the helms. And should still be. He has his teams play football the way it was supposed to be. Hard hitting defense and hit you in the mouth ground game.


Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
January 8
FOX 8 pm et.

Florida (12-1) vs. Ohio State (12-0)

ESPN Accuscore: Ohio State 76%
My Pic: Florida

Reason To Watch:
It's the freaking national championship game!!! Everybody thinks Ohio State has this game all locked up, but I wouldn't count Florida out. Urban Meyer got Utah to a BCS bowl game two years ago and after 2 years at Florida he's got them in the National Championship game.


Well folks there it is. It took me a couple of days and nobody will probably give it more than 5 minutes of their time. But, thats ok. I really enjoy doing it and look forward to people commenting. So here's your time to shine everybody. Lets here what you got to say.

Boomer Sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!