Holiday Bowling

Happy Holidays to all to begin this column. After teasing today's topic in my Pistons/Celtics Diary last night, it's time to make good on it (otherwise, I'd be a liar). College bowl season (we'll call it Bowlapalooza from here on out) is here featuring 31 games of varying significance depending who you ask, with another between the two teams voters and robots told us deserved to play for the National Championship. I already barked up the playoff tree a few weeks ago so I will rant no further on that. Today, I'll play the hand we're being dealt and give you my picks for all 32 Bowlapalooza stops:

1. Utah vs. Navy (San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl)-With Paul Johnson preparing to coach Georgia Tech, Navy is looking like a team without a direction. They do boast a triple option attack that's the number one rushing offense in the country. The Utes have won 6 straight bowl games and had a seven game winning streak snapped in their last game on the road against a good BYU team 17-10. The Midshipmen are always a good story come bowl time, but Utah's all-around balance and improved defense will be the difference. Prediction: Utah 37 Navy 21
2. Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic (R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl)-This could be one of the more entertaining early bowl games we see between Memphis and Sun Belt champ FAU. Both teams are led by stud quarterbacks in Memphis senior Martin Hankins and FAU super sophomore Rusty Smith, two of the best players nobody has heard of. Both offenses average around 30 points a game. This game could very well come down to who touches the ball last. I like the upstart Owls led be coach Howard Schnellenberger (one of the greatest names in college football) to eek out a victory in New Orleans. Prediction: FAU 45 Memphis 41
3. Southern Mississippi vs. Cincinnati (Papajohns.com Bowl)-In his first season with Cincinnati, Brian Kelly is coaching his second bowl game with the Bearcats. How? Well he left Central Michigan last year after winning a MAC title to coach them in their International Bowl win over Western. In year one, the Bearcats started hot at 6-0, but are only 3-3 in their last 6 games. They've scored quality wins against the likes of Connecticut, South Florida, and Rutgers. The Golden Eagles had to win their last two to secure a bowl bid. Bearcats have a shot at an unprecedented 10 win season, and don't think that hasn't crossed their minds. Look for senior QB Ben Mauk (66.7% completion, 2787 yds, 27 TDs, 6 INTs) to have another superb outing as Cincy will score early and often for a comfortable win. Prediction: Cincinnati 52 Southern Mississippi 14
4. Nevada vs. New Mexico (New Mexico Bowl)-Always love the teams that get to play host in bowl games. A down year for Nevada coming in at 6-6, while the Lobos had another solid 8-4 season. However Nevada did come out of a much tougher mid-major in the WAC than the Lobo's Mountain West. The Wolfpack outrank the Lobos in virtually every significant offensive category with their horrendous looking pistol formation. Playing at home should help even it out for New Mexico, but I think the Wolfpack can score their way to a win in hostile territory and salvage a winning season. Prediction: Nevada 34 New Mexico 27
5. Brigham Young vs. UCLA (Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl)-What better place to play host for the "pure" college athletics than the gambling capital of the world? BYU is a solid team facing a very underwhelming 6-6 Bruins club that's looking for a new coach. How this team snuck into a bowl game I will never know. Granted, BYU lost to UCLA at the Rose Bowl earlier this season 27-17. That was then, this is now. Cougars have won 9 straight and this will be a chance for the nation to discover BYU QB Max Hall (60.1%, 3617 yds, 24 TDs, 12 INTs). History will not repeat itself. Look for BYU to handle a punchless UCLA team. Prediction: BYU 38 UCLA 10
6. Boise State vs. East Carolina (Sheraton Hawaii Bowl)-Last season's Cinderella, the Boise State Broncos lost two games this year, including a shootout against Hawaii in the same stadium. East Carolina comes in 7-5 and in a bowl game by virtue of beating Tulane to close the regular season. Boise State still has players with big game experience, especially runningback Ian Johnson (16 TDs, 5.1 yds/attempt). While these are two mid-major schools, the talent is heavily stacked in Boise State's favor. The balance of the Broncos could make this game a blowout early. Prediction: Boise State 45 East Carolina 17
7. Purdue vs. Central Michigan (Motor City Bowl)-Deja vu all over again for my alma mater Chippewas in two ways: Chippewas are the defending Motor City Bowl Champs, and they played Purdue this year already (a forgettable 45-22 drubbing in West Lafayette). Playing in the state of Michigan will it be any different? If the Chips want it to be, all-everything sophomore quarterback Dan LeFevour (3,360 yards passing, 1,008 yards rushing, 40 total TDs) will have to put together a full game. While he accumulated 364 yards passing and 2 TDs in the first meeting, most of it was in the second half with the game in the bag. Purdue might be in for a letdown facing this team again and in a lower tier bowl game in Detroit. So that gives the Chippewas a chance. Coach Butch Jones and this Chippewa program have done everything right in conference play and on the small scale. If they want to take the next step, this could be the win that does it. However, Central Michigan's defense is atrocious and I don't trust them to get a stop when they need it. I say Purdue wins a shootout. Prediction: Purdue 48 CMU 41
8. Arizona State vs. Texas (Pacific Life Holiday Bowl)-This might be the most entertaining non-BCS bowl game. Both teams feature explosive offenses and potentially dynamic quarterbacks in Sun Devils junior Rudy Carpenter and Texas sophomore Colt McCoy. The Longhorns are a bit more balanced thanks to Jamal Charles (1,458 yards, 16 TDs, 6.3 yds/attempt). They fell out of the Big 12 race because they couldn't get out of their own way with turnovers. McCoy was a big reason for this as he went from throwing 7 picks as a freshman to 18 this year. In a game this tight, that might be the difference. I'm going to say it WILL be the difference in a tight Sun Devil win. Prediction: ASU 34 Texas 31
9. Boston College vs. Michigan State (Champs Sports Bowl)-Credit Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio for having his team prepared for games at Purdue and against Penn State to get the Spartans bowling for the first time since 2003. However, this might be the worst possible matchup for them. MSU thrives when they get speedster Javon Ringer (1,346 yards) and power back Jehuu Caulcrick (21 rushing TDs) rushing the ball in tandem. Boston College enters this game with the number one rushing defense in the country. Their offense plays to the Spartans weakness as well because senior QB Matt Ryan is one of the finest in the country and could be drafted 1st come the 2008 draft in April. The Spartans have been awful against teams who could spread the field and throw the ball around. This could be a letdown for a BC team that was one win away from the Orange Bowl. However, Matt Ryan has his draft stock to play for and that should be enough. Prediction: BC 38 MSU 17
10. Texas Christian vs. Houston (Texas Bowl)-Talk about a gate attraction in the state of Texas as they grab two in state teams to play in Houston. A virtual home game for the Cougars against a solid defensive Horned Frogs team. You have to love the Cougars offense and the fact they're playing in their own backyard. However, TCU should travel well for this game as well and Houston lost their coach to Baylor. Should be competitive, too bad most of the country can't see it (NFL Network is carrying this one). Prediction: TCU 21 Houston 20
11. Maryland vs. Oregon State (Emerald Bowl)-The Beavers started slow out of the gate for the second year in a row and still managed to get a bowl berth. Last year, they capped a 10 win season by defeating Missouri in an entertaining Sun Bowl. Now they get a 6-6 Maryland team looking to salvage something. The Terrapins are 3-1 in bowl games under Ralph Friedgen, but heading out west to take on an improving Oregon State club is going to be a tough task. The Beavers are just too hot right now as they're only loss the past 7 games was against Pac-10 champ USC. Prediction: Oregon State 27 Maryland 17
12. Connecticut vs. Wake Forest (Meineke Car Care Bowl)-A battle of attractive coaching candidates elsewhere are still coaching their teams in Randy Edsall (UConn) and Jim Grobe (Wake). Huskies had a nice run in the Big East holding the inside track until West Virginia beat them, but this season is still a success by many accounts. As far as the Demon Deacons are concerned, Jim Grobe has done an outstanding job of getting the most out of a team that does not have top notch talent (bear in mind he took them to the Orange Bowl last year). Success on the ground and taking care of the football are going to go a long way in determining who wins this game. That's an area that Wake signal caller Riley Skinner has struggled with (11 TDs, 12 INTs). The Huskies have been vulnerable against the run, so the opportunities will be there. This game is just about a coin toss. My gut feeling says UConn pulls it out (so I'll probably be wrong). Prediction: UConn 17 Wake 13
13. Central Florida vs. Mississippi State (AutoZone Liberty Bowl)-Sylvester Croom managed to get his Bulldogs squad through the SEC to an improbable 7-5 bowl season. They take on Conference USA Champ Central Florida who's no stranger to playing in big games and bowls. They just need to learn to win them. Earlier this season, the Golden Knights had Texas on the ropes in their own building before losing late in the 4th. In 2005, they lost a shootout to Nevada 49-48 in the Hawaii Bowl. They are led by all-world runningback Kevin Smith (2,448 yards, 29 TDs), who is 180 yards shy of Barry Sanders single season rushing record. These are two squads that are ecstatic to be there. Even though the Bulldogs came out of a difficult SEC, UCF has a decided advantage in their backfield in Smith and quarterback Kyle Israel. When you can make that claim, you have a chance to win in any game. I like the Golden Knights chances, which should make my soon to be sister-in-law happy (should she care enough to watch the game). Prediction: UCF 34, Mississippi State 27
14. Penn State vs. Texas A&M (Valero Alamo Bowl)-The Alamo Bowl is where Big Ten teams have gone to die the last couple years, but Penn State should be ready for this one as Aggies coach Dennis Franchione resigned after defeating Texas back on November 23rd. Leaving them coached by Gary Darnell, a man Western Michigan couldn't fire fast enough. Joe Paterno is a legend on the Nittany Lions sideline and has enough athletes on his team to pull away in what could be a very boring to watch game. Prediction: Penn State 17 Texas A&M 10
15. Colorado vs. Alabama (PetroSun Independence Bowl)-Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your Dud of the Year (note: couldn't secure a corporate sponsor for this one, maybe next year...). 6-6 Colorado vs. 6-6 Alabama. Does this not speak to the fact we have way too many bowl games when you get .500 teams playing each other? No, sorry, not going there. Okay, Alabama won some big games early with new coach Nick Saban (or Satan if you are a Michigan State, LSU, or Miami Dolphins fan). Colorado rallied to beat a good Oklahoma team at home which got them to this point. I really can't say with much confidence who wins this game. Alabama does have more talent and I'll say they win on talent alone. Prediction: Alabama 17 Colorado 14
16. California vs. Air Force (Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl)-On October 13th, Cal came out of their bye rejuvenated after beating a good Oregon club (before Dennis Dixon got hurt), owning a 5-0 record and ranked number 2 in the country. On New Years Eve, the Golden Bears will square off with Air Force needing a win to prevent a losing season. Ouch. Cal has lost 6 of their last 7 games and is no stranger to laying eggs in bowl games they feel are a culmination to a disappointing year (see: 2003 Holiday Bowl). This is an immensely talented Cal team that's in a funk. However, Air Force is not your typical academy school. Possessing stunning balance running and passing. The Falcons have also won 6 of their last 7 games and are ecstatic to be there. That can trump a discrepancy in talent more often than not. Key to this game will be special teams. Falcons should not even think about kicking to DeSean Jackson. Nate Longshore has been inconsistent during their season ending funk, he'll need to snap out of it or else Air Force could win this game going away. Who would've thought we'd say that about a team that looked like a legitimate national title contender the first half of the season? Prediction: Air Force 27 Cal 17
17. Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State (Roady's Humanitarian Bowl)-Remember how impressed everyone was with Georgia Tech's defense smothering Notre Dame in South Bend after week one? Me neither. We expected that losing Calvin Johnson would drop Georgia Tech down a bit offensively and in the standings, so where they are isn't all that surprising. The shame is the fall has taken away from what has been a great season from Tashard Choice (1,310 rushing yards). Fresno State lost some close competitive games with WAC foes Boise State and Hawaii and has a solid team with junior QB Tom Brandstater. Playing on the blue turf in Boise, I like Fresno to win this game going away. Prediction: Fresno State 38 Georgia Tech 10
18. South Florida vs. Oregon (Brut Sun Bowl)-A clash of teams who at different points in the season were ranked number 2 in the country. South Florida shocked West Virginia in Tampa early and Oregon was looking good until star QB Dennis Dixon went down against Arizona and have since lost 3 straight. Brady Leaf (brother of former NFL megabust Ryan Leaf) has looked awful. Look for Cody Kempt to get the nod for the Ducks. A real shame, that Oregon team was exciting to watch with Dennis Dixon being the pass/run threat. Kempt played well against Oregon State, so I think he keeps this game closer than some people think. However, Bulls QB Matt Grothe will get his chance to show once again that he is among the elite QBs in the nation. Prediction: USF 28 Oregon 24
19. Kentucky vs. Florida State (Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl)-I'm really tempted to say Kentucky wins 2-0 (the score given in a forfeit) because at the rate we're going, the entire Florida State team might be ineligible. Even with those players, Florida State has been falling from grace for the past few years but nobody in Tallahassee wants to admit it. Senior QB Andre Woodson for Kentucky gets a chance to improve his stock against a defense that will be depleted due to the academic scandals. While we're on that point, why doesn't Bobby Bowden get criticized more for the way the Seminoles are fading away and for the fact that he does not recruit any character on his team (nor apparently people who can read)? Seriously, this is maybe the most notable incident, but he's had players suspended from bowl games because of academics numerous times in the past decade alone. When Penn State was struggling but players still went to class, everyone in the media said Joe Paterno should retire. Where is this for Bowden? Rant over. Prediction: Kentucky 2 FSU 0. I mean Kentucky 42 FSU 6
20. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State (Insight Bowl)-Another bowl game on NFL Network we won't get to see. What you need to know: Indiana wideout James Hardy (74 catches, 1,075 yards, 16 TDs) is unbelievable. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is a man, he's 40. Both teams are trying to take the next step (Indiana 7-5, Oklahoma State 6-6). Indiana struggles defensively and Oklahoma State has the nation's 9th best offense in total yards and 8th in rushing yards. I'll take the team with some balance offensively that can move the chains on the ground. Prediction: Oklahoma State 40 (for Mike Gundy) Indiana 31
21. Clemson vs. Auburn (Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl)-Wow, doesn't this game seem like it was meant to happen? Seriously. Clemson and Auburn are year after year the teams who get overrated and then come out and go 7-5 or 8-4. They're almost mirror images of mediocrity (save for Auburn 2004-2005), they even have the same name! Auburn QB Brandon Cox regressed horribly his senior year and they don't have much as far as a consistent running game. The defense helped Auburn win enough games to be bowl eligible, but they are brutal when they have the football. Clemson can score, if they don't hurt themselves with turnovers, this should be a fairly convincing win. I'll go ahead and say the Tigers win...Clemson that is. Prediction: Clemson 27 Auburn 10
22. Tennessee vs. Wisconsin (Outback Bowl)-These teams have both been difficult to figure out this year. Wisconsin looked awful in road games against UNLV, Illinois, and Penn State. Yet have rebounded to get into a New Years Day bowl. Quarterback Tyler Donovan is a good dual threat to run and pass. Tennessee faced a brutal schedule early and still was an Erik Ainge pick-6 away from winning the SEC and playing in the Sugar Bowl. The Volunteers have been injured all year and these few weeks off should really help them. I think rest helps them out and they squeak by the Badgers (who have been very good in bowl games recently). Prediction: Tennessee 24 Wisconsin 20
23. Missouri vs. Arkansas (AT&T Cotton Bowl)-Missouri is on letdown alert. They are this year's team that got absolutely shafted out of the BCS despite being number 1 going into their Big 12 Championship loss against Oklahoma. Still, the Cotton Bowl isn't a terrible draw and quarterback Chase Daniel is as dynamic as they come. On the other side, Atlanta Falcons deserter Bobby Petrino may be trying to get his team prepared to throw passes while watching this game and wonder how Houston Nutt was stupid enough to scare Mitch Mustain away to USC. On the field for the Razorbacks, this will likely be junior runningback Darren McFadden's (1,725 yards, 15 TDs) final collegiate contest as he will likely be a top 5 pick (and by likely I mean will). This Arkansas team would be competing for championships if it were the 1950s. Missouri is much more balanced and can actually get a stop every once in awhile. I like the team that realizes the forward pass exists. Prediction: Mizzou 48 Arkansas 35
24. Michigan vs. Florida (Capital One Bowl)-Soon to be Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez gets to watch the team he'll coach face the team he wants them to be when last year's national champion Gators take the field. Michigan has had fits playing teams that featured spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks. Well, Urban Meyer's spread offense features Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow certainly fits that mold (29 TD passes, 22 TD rushes). While Michigan's offensive playmakers Chad Henne and Mike Hart should be the healthiest they've been all season, they are not prepared for the speed Florida will throw at them. Fitting that Lloyd Carr's final season on the sidelines ends the way it began. An embarrassing loss to a team that plays 21st century football. Prediction: Florida 58 Michigan 14
25. Texas Tech vs. Virginia (Gator Bowl)-If there were a College Arena Football, Texas Tech would win the National Championship EVERY YEAR. The Red Raiders have featured one of the best passing attacks in the nation for years. They lead the nation in passing with quarterback Graham Harrell (72.7%, 5,298 yards, 45 TDs, 14 INTs). They've also scored a big upset earlier this season defeating Oklahoma. They don't run the ball much at all. Virginia was in contention for the ACC title for the entire season thanks to a stout defense led by top shelf defensive end Chris Long. Long will have to be dominant against this attack to keep the Cavaliers in the game, as they're offense leaves a lot to be desired (103rd nationally). I think this attack is too much for an improving Virginia team. Prediction: Texas Tech 37 Virginia 21
26. Illinois vs. USC (Rose Bowl presented by Citi)-The traditionalists got what they wanted, Big Ten against the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. However, I still refuse to believe that Illinois deserves to be in this game as an at-large, but regardless. Ron Zook has the Illini on the rise and they should be a force in the Big Ten for years to come. Juice Williams is a phenomenal athlete who is still learning as a passer. After a couple setbacks early in conference play, the Trojans still bounced back to win the Pac-10. USC has too much depth for Illinois though and the Illini aren't ready for prime time yet. USC wins a sleeper. Prediction: USC 34 Illinois 13
27. Hawaii vs. Georgia (Nokia Sugar Bowl)-The Warriors come to the mainland for prime time carrying a perfect 12-0 record. The Bulldogs have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the country the past few weeks, reeling off six straight wins. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has played well enough, but this team is about the power running of freshman Knowshon Moreno (1,273 yds, 12 TDs, 5.3 yds/attempt). Hawaii will rely on senior QB Colt Brennan (71.4%, 4,174, 38 TDs, 14 INTs) to lead their passing attack that is as pass happy as Texas Tech's. The Warriors have passed every test they've faced this year, but I don't know if they are deep enough to handle a physical Georgia team when the 4th quarter rolls around. Hawaii will play well and show they belong, but I think Georgia pulls it out late. Prediction: Georgia 37 Hawaii 34
28. West Virginia vs. Oklahoma (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl)-With Rich Rodriguez leaving for Michigan, the Mountaineers are still looking for a head coach. Rough turn of events for a team who was a win away from a National Championship Title Game appearance. Pat White should be healthy, but this Oklahoma team is stacked from top to bottom and very physical. They are arguably the best team in the country, but humans and robots decided otherwise. The Sooners have a more balanced attack than the Mountaineers run oriented spread option attack. Oklahoma has a better chance of taking away West Virginia's strength than the other way around. Look for QB Sam Bradford and runningback Allen Patrick to lead the way. Prediction: Oklahoma 31 West Virginia 27
29. Kansas vs. Virginia Tech (FedEx Orange Bowl)-What a nice ride the Hokies are on, winning the ACC in a grudge match with Boston College. Kansas is 11-1 but are frauds. The only top shelf team they've played is Missouri, who they lost to at home. They scheduled soft out of conference opponents, didn't have to play Oklahoma or Texas, and again lost to Missouri. Virginia Tech at times looks lost offensively, but that's improved lately. Hokie's coach Frank Beamer always has his teams ready to play in these games. Look for a dominant defensive effort to be the difference in this one. Prediction: Virginia Tech 20 Kansas 3
30. Ball State vs. Rutgers (International Bowl)-I love the logic with this game in it's 2nd year. Let's play one of our 4th tier bowl games BETWEEN the BCS games and the National Title Game. Even better, let's play it in Canada! This was a disappointing season by Rutgers after their resurgence last year. Ball State quarterback Nate Davis (57.1%, 3,376, 27 TDs, 6 INTs) is a rising star, but MAC teams by and large aren't ready for teams who can power run down their throats. Rutgers bruiser Ray Rice (1,732 yds, 20 TDs) can do just that. Rutgers wins this game comfortably while Canadian fans try to convert Meters (or Metres) to Yards. Prediction: Rutgers 45 Ball State 21
31. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green (GMAC Bowl)-A couple mid-majors in Alabama. Another one of those 4th tier games between the BCS bowls and the National Title Game. This Tulsa team is all about quarterback Paul Smith (60.1%, 4,753 yds, 42 TDs, 19 INTs) and the nation's number one offense. I don't see how Bowling Green stays in this game to be completely honest with you. Prediction: Tulsa 63 Bowling Green 21
32. LSU vs. Ohio State (Allstate BCS Championship)-Have we ever seen a less anticipated "championship game" in the history of sports? Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes get another shot against an SEC team, but the game is in LSU's backyard in New Orleans. The Tigers should be free of distraction now that head coach Les Miles is firmly entrenched on their bench for the foreseeable future. Neither team has looked all that impressive for the bulk of the season, but here they are. Ohio State is faced with a couple defensive players being ineligible for this game and LSU has a lot of depth on both sides of the ball. Potential first pick Glenn Dorsey has been banged up most of the year but should be healthy for this one. A lot of players playing for NFL paychecks and a championship. On paper I like LSU a lot more than I like the Buckeyes. However, neither team looks all that imposing. Beanie Wells (1,463 yds, 14 TDs, 5.8 yds/attempt) will be the key for Ohio State's chances, while LSU's bruiser Jacob Hester (1,017 yds, 17 TDs, 5.0 yds/attempt) will try to kill clock for the Tigers. Whoever runs the ball better wins this game. I don't see this being all that high scoring an affair, but it should be tight throughout. I think a focused, sharper LSU club wins the title in their own backyard pulling it out in the 4th. Prediction: LSU 23 OSU 20

There's your pamphlet for Bowlapalooza 2007-2008. Look at the picks, disregard them, and pick on your own. You'll probably do better. Enjoy the games.