BCS National Championship Game Preview

National Championship Game
Florida vs Oklahoma
Thursday, January 8, 8:00
on FOX
Dolphin Stadium - Miami

Why you should watch:

• Umm...hello...National Championship game!
  
• 2 good offenses going head to head
• 2 good defense against a maybe not so good defense
• SEC vs Big 12
• Tebow vs Bradford
• Meyer vs Stoops
• Last college football game (cause senior games and spring games don't count)
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• It's just a "mythical" championship
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Florida:

• 12-1 (8-1)
  
• 17th straight bowl game (8-8); 2-4 in their last 6
• Only loss to Ole Miss at home
• Since that loss no game has been within 11 (28 points after that)
  

Oklahoma:

• 12-1 (8-1)
  
• 10th straight bowl game (4-5); 1-4 in their last 5
  
• Only loss to Texas at neutral site
• Since that loss no game has been within 14 points
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Florida:

• Offensively they are somewhat balanced although they don't throw for many yards. They are 61st in passing offense BUT they are 5th in passing efficiency...which means they are good at passing when they do it.
  
• Defensively they very good. They allow only 105 rushing yards and 174 passing yards per game. They have also picked off 24 passes this season.
  
• QB Tim Tebow obviously. He has over 2,500 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and ONLY 2 interceptions all season. Maybe even more importantly he has over 500 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on the ground.
  
• RB/WR Percy Harvin (when healthy) is the game changer on offense. He has run the ball 61 times for over 500 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has also caught 35 passes for almost 600 yards and another 7 touchdowns.
• 4 running backs, Harvin, Chris Rainey, Emmanuel Moody, and Jeffrey Demps, average over 7.3 yards per carry.
• LB Brandon Spikes is the leader on the defense. He leads the team with 87 tackles this season (48 solo). He also has 4 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns.
  
• DE Carlos Dunlap leads the team with 12 tackles for loss and 9 sacks this season.
• CBs Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden have been solid all season. Combined they have 6 interceptions and 21 pass breakups.
  

Oklahoma:

• Offensively they are one of the best. They average over 200 yards rushing and over 350 passing yards per game. And they don't give up sacks as their offensive line is amazing.
  
• Defensively they are not as good. Against the run they are okay allowing only 106 yards per game. But passing they allow over 250 yards per game. They average 3.2 sacks per game too.
  
• QB Sam Bradford has been amazing this season. 4,464 passing yards and 48 touchdowns this season. WOW. He averages over 10 yards per attempt. Meaning they get 10 yards per PASS.
  
• RBs Chris Brown and DeMarco Murry have both rushed for over 1000 yards this season. They also scored 34 rushing touchdowns combined.
  
• WR Juaquin Iglesias leads the team with 69 receptions and almost 11oo yards. He also has 10 touchdowns this season.
• LB Travis Lewis (who by the way is a freshman) is the best playmaker on the defense. He leads the team with 137 tackles including 69 solo tackles. He also has 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions this season.
• LB Keenan Clayton is another player to watch on defense. He has 78 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 9 pass breakups, and a very impressive 6 forced fumbles.
• CB Dominique Franks is probably the best player in the secondary. He has 4 interceptions (with 1 touchdown), 1 fumble recovery (and touchdown), and he has 10 pass breakups.
  

Who Wins:
Florida....I am not a firm believer in the Big 12 this season as has been mentioned here before. But I will say that Oklahoma IN MY OPINION is the most talented of all the teams in the conference. However Florida is only rivaled by USC as the most talented and best teams in the country. Really this game is going to come down to in my opinion Percy Harvin. With Harvin the Gators are not beatable....without him they are closer to average. He says he will be 90% for the game which isn't great but I think it is good enough.

GMAC Bowl Preview

GMAC Bowl
Ball State vs Tulsa
Tuesday, January 6, 8:00
on ESPN
Ladd-Peebles Stadium - Mobile, Alabama

Why you should watch:

• 2nd to last college bowl game of the year
• 2 good offenses going head to head
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• I barely want to write this preview let alone watch another bowl game
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Ball State:

• 12-1 (8-1)
  
• 2nd straight bowl game (0-1); have never won a bowl game
  

Tulsa:

• 10-3 (7-2)
  
• 4th straight bowl game (2-1)
• Lost 3 of their last 5 games
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Ball State:

• Offensively they are solid. They are top 30 in the country in most categories and are the 6th most efficient passing offense in the nation.
  
• Defensively they are average. The best thing they do is scoring defense where they only allow 18.6 points per game.
  
• QB Nate Davis has had a phenomenal season so far. He has thrown for over 3,400 yards and 26 touchdowns this season.
  
• RB MiQuale Lewis has rushed for over 1,700 yards and has 22 touchdowns this season.
  

Tulsa:

• Offensively they are one of the best. They average 255 rushing yards and 310 passing yards. They are the 2nd best scoring offense in the country with 47 points per game.
  
• Defensively they are bad. They can kind of stop the run allowing 133 yards per game but that is all.
  
• QB David Johnson has thrown for over 3,800 yards and 43 touchdowns this season.
  
• RB Tarrion Adams has gained over 1,300 yards and has scored 11 touchdowns.
  
• WR Brennan Marion is second on the team with 43 receptions this season. But he has 1,112 yards and averages (AVERAGES!!) 25.9 yards PER CATCH! He also has 8 touchdowns.

Who Wins:
Ball State....I don't have a good reason. I THINK their defense will hold up enough and their offense shouldn't have any problems moving the ball against the Tulsa defense. BUT I haven't been very good since New Year's Eve so Tulsa will probably win.

Fiesta Bowl Preview

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Ohio State vs Texas
Monday, January 5, 8:00
on FOX
University of Phoenix Stadium - Glendale, Arizona

Why you should watch:

• Big Ten vs Big 12
  
• Will Texas show up to play?
  
• Colt McCoy is worth watching for sure
  
• 2 very good teams on a nice neutral field
• Nothing else on
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• It might not be close depending on which teams show up
  
• Ohio State has failed miserably in the last 2 BCS games
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Ohio State:

• 10-2 (7-1)
  
• 9th straight bowl game (4-4)
• Only losses to USC and Penn State
  

Texas:

• 11-1 (7-1)
  
• 11th straight bowl game (7-3); 4 straight wins
• Only loss to Texas Tech
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Ohio State:

• Offensively they run the ball all day with Pryor and Wells. They CAN throw but they don't do it much. They are 104th in passing offense but are actually 26th in passing efficiency. In other words they are successful when they throw it.
  
• Defensively their strength is against the pass as they only allow 164 yards per game. They aren't bad against the run allowing 115 yards per game.
  
• QB Terrelle Pryor is a solid player. He has thrown for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for over 500 yards and another 6 touchdowns.
  
• RB Chris "Beanie" Wells is the man to stop for Texas. He has over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns this season even while missing 3 full games.
  

Texas:

• Offensively they are one of the best. They average 176 yards on the ground and almost 300 yards through the air.
  
• Defensively they are better than you think. Against the run they are 2nd in the country but against the pass they are a little weak.
  
• QB Colt McCoy is the little engine that could for this team. He has thrown for almost 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns and is the leading rusher with over 575 yards and 10 touchdowns.
  
• WRs Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby are both dangerous. They have combined for 157 receptions, 1,934 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
  
• LB Sergio Kindle has registered 11.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks on the season.
  
• DE Brian Orakpo has 16.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
  

Who Wins:
Texas....I don't think Ohio State can even come close to staying with the Longhorns in this game. They MIGHT make a game of it but I think it is unlikely. But defensively they have the edge. They just need to do more on offense and anything can happen.

International Bowl Preview

International Bowl
Buffalo vs Connecticut
Saturday, January 3, 12:00
on ESPN2
Rogers Centre - Toronto

Why you should watch:

• A good way to start Wild Card Saturday
  
• What else are you going to do?
• Watch Drew Willy play quarterback for Buffalo
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• Really? It's Buffalo vs UConn
  
• Do some around the house chores...it might be more interesting
  
• You are probably all bowled out by now
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Buffalo:

• 8-5 (6-3)
  
• 1st ever bowl game
• Won 6 of last 7 games
• 4-3 away from home; 4 straight wins
  

Connecticut:

• 7-5 (3-4)
  
• 3rd bowl game in last 5 years (1-1)
• Lost 5 of last 7 games
• 3-3 away from home
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Buffalo:

• Offensively they are a decent team that would rather throw the ball. They are top third in the nation in scoring and passing offense.
  
• Defensively they aren't very good. They allow over 150 rushing yards and almost 250 passing yards per game.
  
• QB Drew Willy is the key to the offense. He has thrown for over 3,000 yards and has 25 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions.
  
• RB James Starks is very good too. He has over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns this season on the ground. He also has over 300 yards receiving.
  
• WR Naaman Roosevelt has 96 receptions for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns this year.
  

Connecticut:

• Offensively they are a running team. They are really bad throwing the ball with only 147 yards per game through the air.
  
• Defensively they are very good. In fact they are the 7th best pass defense in the country allowing only 164 yards per game.
  
• RB Donald Brown is the only offensive weapon they have. He has over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
  
• DEs Julius Williams and Cody Brown are going to pressure Willy all day long. They have combined for 24.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.

Who Wins:

Buffalo....This is probably my biggest stretch other than Memphis over USF. The Big East is showing they are better than you think during the bowl season so far but I think Buffalo wants this game more. They have NEVER been to a bowl and are going to be amped up. Plus the game is in Toronto which is basically a home game for the Bulls. This could go either way though.

Sugar Bowl Preview

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Utah vs Alabama
Friday, January 2, 8:00
on FOX
Superdome - New Orleans

Why you should watch:

• Can Utah pull the upset?
  
• Was Alabama good enough to play for the National Title?
• Should non-BCS schools be allowed in BCS games?
• 2 very good defenses against average offenses
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• Alabama might embarrass the Utes
  
• Might be low scoring
• You might have something better to do on a Friday night
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Utah:

• 12-0 (8-0)
  
• 6th straight bowl game (5-0); 8-0 in last 8 bowl games
  

Alabama:

• 12-1 (8-1)
  
• 5th straight bowl game (2-2)
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Utah:

• Offensively they are solid and balanced. They are 41st in the country in rushing and passing offense. And they are 15th in scoring offense.
  
• Defensively they are very good against the run but can struggle against the pass. They only allow 17 points per game.
  
• QB Brian Johnson has thrown for over 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns this season.
  
• RBs Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack have combined for almost 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
• WR Freddie Brown has 65 receptions for 775 yards and 7 touchdowns this season.
• DE Paul Kruger has 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks this season. He might have a good day against Bama with their starting tackle suspended.
  

Alabama:

• Offensively they run the ball. They average almost 200 yards per game on the ground but only 170 through the air.
  
• Defensively they are really strong against the run and solid against the pass. They only allow 79 yards rushing and 178 yards passing per game.
  
• RB Glen Coffee has been a stud this season. He has over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
  
• His backup RB Mark Ingram has also had a good season with over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns.
• Freshman WR Julio Jones is a gamebreaker on the outside with 51 catches for over 800 yards and 4 touchdowns.
  
• CB Rashad Johnson is a good cover corner. This season he has 5 interceptions. 2 of which he returned for touchdowns.
  

Who Wins:

Alabama....I think Utah will keep it close but unfortunately for them I don't think they can quite keep up. I am pulling for the Utes though since it would hurt the SECs reputation as well as make the Mountain West conference's. It should be a very good game though.

Liberty Bowl Preview

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Kentucky vs East Carolina
Friday, January 2, 5:00
on ESPN
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium - Memphis

Why you should watch:

• A nice happy hour with football!
  
• East Carolina had a good start to the season and has been playing better of late
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• There have been so many Bowl games already
  
• Neither of these teams is really worth watching

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Kentucky:

• 6-6 (2-6)
  
• 3rd straight bowl game (2-0)
• Lost 6 of 8 games and 3 straight
  
• 2-3 away from home this season
  

East Carolina:

• 9-4 (7-2)
  
• 3rd straight bowl game (1-1)
  
• Won 6 of last 7 games
• 5-3 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Kentucky:

• Offensively they are terrible. They rank 79th in rushing offense and 98th in passing. Not good.
  
• Defensively they are very good against the pass and average against the run. They won their early games thanks to their defense.
  
• QB Randall Cobb is a jack of all trades. He will line up all over the field and do everything. He has 542 passing yards, 316 rushing yards, and 197 receiving yards. He has accounted for 11 touchdowns.
  
• LB Micah Johnson is the leader of the defense. He is second on the team with 87 tackles and first on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss.
  

East Carolina:

• Offensively they rival Kentucky for suckiness! They are 64th in passing offense and 83rd in rushing offense.
  
• Defensively they are pretty average. They don't do anything great but do most things good enough.
  
• QB Patrick Pinkney is the leader of the offense. As he goes they go. He has over 2,300 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
  
• DT C.J. Wilson is a force on the defensive line. He has 18.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks this season.

Who Wins:

East Carolina....I know Kentucky had some injuries and that helped their downfall but come on. They lost 6 of 8. Their two wins were over Arkansas and Mississippi State by a combined 2 points. I don't trust Kentucky at all. East Carolina started out good with upsets of West Virginia and Virginia Tech but then they fell apart. They win with solid play and defense. Hopefully they come through again.

Cotton Bowl Preview

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Mississippi vs Texas Tech
Friday, January 2, 2:00
on FOX
Cotton Bowl - Dallas

Why you should watch:

• If you are off on Friday what else are you going to do?
  
• Texas Tech might pass for 500 yards this game
  
• SEC vs Big 12 argument gets its first taste
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• If you work you will probably miss almost all of it
  
• It probably won't be a close game
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Mississippi:

• 8-4 (5-3)
  
• 5th bowl game last 10 years (3-1)
• Won 5 straight games
• 3-2 away from home this season
  

Texas Tech:

• 11-1 (7-1)
  
• 9th straight bowl game (5-3)
  
• Only loss to Oklahoma
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Mississippi:

• Offensively they are a running team although they can pass the ball with good efficiency. While they are only 58th in passing offense they are 25th in passing efficiency.
  
• Defensively they are great against the run. Unfortunately for them Tech doesn't run much they throw it all the time.
  
• QB Javon Snead has had a solid season. He has over 2,400 yards and 23 touchdowns.
  
• RBs Cordera Eason and Brandon Bolden have combined for over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns.
  
• WR Dexter McCluster has 38 receptions for 542 yards and a touchdown. But his real value is running the ball where he has 558 yards and 5 touchdowns.
• Defensively it is a team effort. As a team they lead the country in tackles for loss with 107. 23 different players have recorded one. 19 players have recorded at least 1 sack too.
  

Texas Tech:

• Passing is all this team does. They are the best passing offense in the country with 417 yards per game through the air.
  
• Defensively they are better at stopping the run but aren't really good at anything.
  
• QB Graham Harrell has thrown for more than 4,700 yards this season and has 41 touchdowns to go along with it.
  
• WR Michael Crabtree is the number 1 target on the team. He has 93 catches for over 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns.
  
• DE Brandon Williams is the only real force on the defense. He has 12.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks on the season and is far and away the team leader in those categories.
  

Who Wins:

Texas Tech....The only way Ole Miss stays in this game is if Tech doesn't want to be there. They might be bummed about being left out of the BCS and not really into this game. But I think they are going to want to show the country what kind of team they are. If they want to prove they were worthy than they better embarrass the Rebels.

Orange Bowl Preview

FedEx Orange Bowl
Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech
Thursday, January 1, 8:30
on FOX
Dolphin Stadium - Miami

Why you should watch:

• The second BCS game of the season
  
• I really think this game will be better than most of them
• 2 solid teams that have something to prove
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• Late start means if you work Friday you won't see it all
• Might not be much scoring
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Cincinnati:

• 11-2 (6-1)
  
• 4th bowl game last 5 years (3-0)
• Won 6 straight games
  

Virginia Tech:

• 9-4 (6-3)
  
• 16th straight bowl game (6-9): lost 4 of last 5
• Won 4 of last 5 games including 3 straight
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Cincinnati:

• Offensively they are a pass first team. They average 254 yards passing but only 121 yards rushing per game.
  
• Defensively they are solid especially against the run where they only allow 104 yards per game.
  
• QB Tony Pike was low on the depth chart at the start of the season. But due to injuries he is now the starter. He has over 2,100 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
  
• WRs Marshawn Gilyard and Dominick Goodman have combined for 152 receptions, 2,095 yards, and 17 touchdowns this season.
  
• DE Connor Barwin has 14.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks this season.

Virginia Tech:

• Offensively they are a running team that sucks at passing. They are 111th in passing offense this season.
  
• This team wins with defense. They allow only 107 rushing yards per game and 170 yards passing. They are also 13th in the country in scoring defense.
  
• QB Tyrod Taylor isn't the most polished passer but he can run with the ball. Combined he has totaled 1,587 yards and 8 touchdowns in limited time this season.
  
• RB Darren Evans is the workhorse. He has over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
• DEs Jason Worilds and Orion Martin and LB Cody Grimm are forces on the defensive side of the ball. Combined they have 44 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 15 quarterback hurries.
  

Who Wins:

Cincinnati....VaTech is going to be without a couple starters for sure and possibly Worilds as well. On top of that I don't think the Hokies can keep up with Cincy's on the scoreboard. If Taylor or Sean Glennon can learn how to throw the ball effectively then MAYBE Tech has a chance.

Rose Bowl Preview

Rose Bowl
Penn State vs USC
Thursday, January 1, 4:30
on ABC
Rose Bowl - Pasadena

Why you should watch:

• Umm....it's the Rose Bowl...do you need anything else?
  
• Penn State vs USC - enough said
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• There isn't one...turn on the TV
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Penn State:

• 11-1 (7-1)
  
• 6th bowl game last 10 years (4-1)
  

USC:

• 11-1 (7-1)
  
• 8th straight bowl game (5-2)
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Penn State:

• Offensively they are very balanced. They average 211 rushing yards and 240 passing yards per game. Not bad for a team coached by a dinosaur.
  
• Defensively they are VERY good. They allow only 96 yards rushing and 168 yards passing. And they are 18th in the country in sacks per game.
  
• QB Darryl Clark has thrown for over 2,300 yards and 17 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. He also has over 250 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.
  
• RB Evan Royster is the stud back for the Lions. He has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
  
• WRs Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood are arguably the best trio in the country. They have combined for 121 receptions, 1,769 yards, and 15 touchdowns this season.
  
• DE Aaron Maybin is a force coming off the edge. He has 19 tackles for loss and 12 sacks this season as well as 3 forced fumbles.
• LB Navarro Bowman is the leader at linebacker and will be all over the field Thursday. He has 98 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes knocked down, and 2 forced fumbles.
  

USC:

• Offensively they are like Penn State. Very balanced. They average 206 rushing and 247 passing per game.
  
• Defensively they are maybe the best ever. They are 1st in scoring defense, passing defense, and pass efficiency defense. And they are 5th in run defense. They allow 83 yards per game on the ground and only 123 through the air.
  
• QB Mark Sanchez has thrown for almost 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.
  
• RBs Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, and C.J. Gable combine to run wild on defenses. They have totaled 1,892 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
• On defense it really is a complete team approach. There are no real studs. Some players to watch are LB Brian Cushing and Ray Maualuga as well as S Taylor Mays.
  

Who Wins:

Penn State....This might be a minor homer pick as I am a die-hard PSU fan but I truly believe they can and will win this game. First of all I don't think USC has faced an offense as complete as Penn State's. And the Lions USUALLY unveil a new wrinkle in bowl games. Last year it was Darryl Clark running the ball, this year....who knows! It is going to be a good tough game and hopefully the Lions can pull the upset.

Capital One Bowl Preview

Capital One Bowl
Georgia vs Michigan State
Thursday, January 1, 1:00
on ABC
Citrus Bowl - Orlando

Why you should watch:

• Two of the best running backs in the country
  
• Matthew Stafford might be the #1 pick in the draft come April
  
• SEC vs Big Ten (again)
  
• If you have an early dinner on New Years you can enjoy a game during
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• There really aren't many good reasons not to watch....it's New Year's Day...what else will you be doing?
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Georgia:

• 9-3 (6-2)
  
• 12th straight bowl game (9-2)
  
• Won 5 of their last 7 games
  
• 5-1 away from home this season
  

Michigan State:

• 9-3 (6-2)
  
• 5th bowl game in last 1o years (2-2)
  
• Won 3 of their last 4 games
  
• 3-2 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Georgia:

• Offensively they are a very good passing team who can also run. A very complete offense with numerous weapons.
  
• Defensively they aren't anything special. Solid to average in passing and rushing defense.
  
• QB Matthew Stafford has thrown for over 3,200 yards and has 22 touchdowns this season. Might be the best pro prospect at the quarterback position this season.
  
• RB Knowshon Moreno is a very dynamic running back. He has over 1,300 rushing yards and over 300 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns this season.
  

Michigan State:

• They really live and die with the running game. If they get the running game going they can be very dangerous.
  
• Defensively they are average. Nothing great but nothing terrible either.
  
• RB Javon Ringer has almost 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground this season. He is the key to the offense....shut him down and they are done.
  
• LB Greg Jones is the leader of the defense. He leads the team in tackles with 115. He adds 2 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
  

Who Wins:

Georgia....I think the Bulldogs are one of, if not, the most over rated teams in the country. Their 2 big games in conference were blowouts and then they blew it against Georgia Tech. But Michigan State is very one dimensional and Mark Richt will not lose to Sparty. Ringer will get his yards but the Georgia offense will score too much for Ringer to keep up with them.

Outback Bowl Preview

Outback Bowl
South Carolina vs Iowa
Thursday, January 1, 11:00am
on ESPN
Raymond James Stadium - Tampa

Why you should watch:

• The first bowl game of the new year
  
• 2 very good defenses against average offenses
  
• SEC vs Big Ten
  
• You get to watch the visor fly off Spurrier's head
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• It's early and you might be hung over or not even awake yet
  
• Not a ton of offense in this game
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
South Carolina:

• 7-5 (4-4)
  
• 5th bowl game in the last 10 years (3-1)
  
• Lost 3 of their last 5 games
  
• 2-3 away from home this season
  

Iowa:

• 8-4 (5-3)
  
• 7th bowl game in last 1o years (3-3)
  
• Won 5 of their last 6 games
  
• 2-3 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
South Carolina:

• Offensively they are mediocre at best. They barely average 20 points a game and do most of that through the air.
  
• They are one of the best pass defenses in the country allowing only 160 yards per game.
  
• LB Eric Norwood is the guy to watch on defense. He has made 13.5 tackles for loss and has 9 sacks to go along with them.
  
• QB Chris Smelley is the key to the offense. If he plays well they should win....if not....it might not be close.
  

Iowa:

• The running game is their bread and butter averaging almost 190 yards per game on the ground.
  
• Defensively they are very strong but a little weak against the pass compared to the run.
  
• RB Shonn Greene is the guy that makes this team go. He has over 1,700 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns on the year.
• DT Mitch King pretty much lives in the opponents backfield. He has 15.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks from his tackle position.
  

Who Wins:

Iowa....This will be the first of two Big Ten wins on the bowl season. I don't think South Carolina has the skill or talent necessary to keep up with Shonn Greene. And if the Gamecocks line up to stop Greene than you will see Stanzi beat them through the air. Iowa is a very good team that got off to a slow start. I really like Iowa in this game.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Preview

Chick-fil-A Bowl
LSU vs Georgia Tech
Wednesday, December 31, 7:30
on ESPN
Georgia Dome - Atlanta

Why you should watch:

• SEC vs ACC
  
• Georgia Tech's run defense is fun to watch
  
• Either watch this or mingle with people you don't want to talk to at a party
  
• It's Georgia Tech and LSU!
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• You will probably be prepping for a long night of drinking
  
• There isn't a TV at the party
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
LSU:

• 7-5 (3-5)
  
• 9th straight bowl game (6-2)
  
• Lost 3 of their last 4 games
  
• 2-2 away from home this season
  

Georgia Tech:

• 9-3 (5-3)
  
• 12th straight bowl game (5-5); lost last 3
  
• Won 3 of their last 4 games
  
• 3-2 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
LSU:

• There is absolutely nothing to get excited about on the offensive side of the ball. A very pedestrian offense.
  
• They can stop the run but aren't as good against the passing game.
  
• RB Charles Scott has over 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground this season.
  
• DE Rahim Alem is a force on the line. He has 11 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 7 quarterback hurries this season.
  

Georgia Tech:

• They run the ball better than everyone except Navy and Nevada with over 280 yards per game on the ground.
  
• Their strength on the defensive side of the ball is also the run game. They only allow 116 yards per game.
  
• RB Jonathan Dwyer has run for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns.
  
• WR Demaryius Thomas is who they throw to when they throw it. He has 36 receptions for almost 600 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Defensively they have made 90 tackles for loss this season. Multiple players have made double digit tackles for loss.
  

Who Wins:

Georgia Tech....LSU's strength on defense is (fortunately for them) against the run. But they haven't seen a run offense this good yet. Tech's defense is very aggressive and they will disrupt the Tigers young quarterbacks. Add to all that the fact that this is pretty much a home game for the Jackets and you have your reasons why Tech wins.

Insight Bowl Preview

Insight Bowl
Kansas vs Minnesota
Wednesday, December 31, 5:30
on NFL Network
Sun Devil Stadium - Tempe, Arizona

Why you should watch:

• Kansas passing offense is 8th in the country
  
• Neither team can play a lick of defense
  
• Enjoy a New Year's Eve happy hour with a little football
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• Combined these teams have lost 8 of their last 10 games
  
• Minnesota's offense can't keep up with Kansas and their defense can't stop anyone
  
• It's on the NFL Network and you probably don't get that channel
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Kansas:

• 7-5 (4-4)
  
• 4th bowl game in the last 6 years (2-1)
  
• Lost 4 of their last 6 games
  
• 2-3 away from home this season
  

Minnesota:

• 7-5 (3-5)
  
• 8th bowl game in the last 10 years (3-4)
  
• Lost 4 straight games
  
• 3-2 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Kansas:

• Offensively they throw the ball A LOT! They average over 300 yards passing per game.
  
• Defensively they are bad. They allow over 230 passing yards and 14o rushing yards per game.
  
• QB Todd Reesing is a very good quarterback. He has 3,575 passing yards and 28 touchdowns this season.
  
• WR's Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier have combined for 165 receptions, 2,138 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
• LB James Holt is a force on defense. He has 97 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 interception, and 6 forced fumbles.
  

Minnesota:

• Offensively they are just bad. They are average in passing offense and horrible in rushing offense.
  
• Defensively they aren't very good either. They rank 88th against the pass...not good.
  
• If they are passing the ball it is probably to WR Eric Decker. He has 76 receptions for 925 yards and 6 touchdowns this year.
  
• DE Willie VanDeSteeg is worth watching. He has 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks this season.
  

Who Wins:

Kansas....If this game is close I would be really surprised. Offensively Kansas is too strong especially in the passing game for Minnesota to stop. Unless the entire season was just a mirage and the Big 12 isn't that good expect Minnesota to lose by 3 touchdowns here.

Music City Bowl Preview

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Boston College vs Vanderbilt
Wednesday, December 31, 3:30
on ESPN
LP Field - Nashville

Why you should watch:

• Vanderbilt is in their first bowl since 1982
• Boston College has won 8 straight bowl games
• 2 really good defenses
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• 1 really good defenses = little to no scoring
  
• You are surely napping by now in anticipation of a long night
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Boston College:

• 9-4 (5-4)
  
• 10th straight bowl game (8-1); won last 8
  
• Won 4 out of last 5 games (only lose to VaTech in ACC Championship)
  
• 4-2 away from home this season
  

Vanderbilt:

• 6-6 (4-4)
  
• 1st bowl since 1982
  
• Lost 6 of last 7 games
  
• 3-3 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Boston College:

• Offensively they suck. No really they are not in the top half of the country in ANY major category.
  
• Defensively they are really good. The 6th scoring defense, 7th against the run, and 7th in pass efficiency defense. And against the pass they are 25th so not too bad either.
  
• Watch out for LB Mark Herzlich. He is leading the team in tackles with 105. He also has 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 7 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 touchdowns. WOW...that's a good season!
  
• RB Montel Harris has rushed for 832 yards and 5 touchdowns. And yes he is really the only offensive weapon worth mentioning.
  

Vanderbilt:

• Offensively they are actually worse than BC. They are easily one of the worst offenses in the FBS.
  
• Defensively they aren't bad. Their weakness though is run defense.
  
• CB D.J. Moore is a ball hawk in the secondary. He has 6 interceptions on the season.
  
• S Ryan Hamilton is probably the best player on the defense. He has 100 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, and 1 touchdown off an interception.

Who Wins:

Boston College....Vanderbilt does have a chance but it isn't a very good one. They would need some turnovers and a very supportive crowd. Fortunately the game is basically a home game. But it won't be enough. Their offense isn't going to score more than 13 points against the Eagles.

Sun Bowl Preview

Brut Sun Bowl
Oregon State vs Pittsburgh
Wednesday, December 31, 2:00
on CBS
Sun Bowl - El Paso, Texas

Why you should watch:

• 2 very good running backs in Rodgers and McCoy
  
• 2 teams coming in that are hot of late
  
• Both teams almost won their respective conferences
• A true neutral site game against solid teams
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• Neither offense is really that good
• Neither of these defenses are much better
• You might be napping in preparation of New Year's Eve festivities
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Oregon State:

• 8-4 (7-2)
  
• 8th bowl game in the last 10 years (5-2); 4-0 in the last 4
  
• Won 6 of their last 7 games
  
• 3-3 away from home this season
  

Pittsburgh:

• 9-3 (5-2)
  
• 6th bowl game in the last 10 years (2-3); 1st game since 2004
  
• Won 4 of their last 5 games
  
• 5-1 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Oregon State:

• Offensively they are actually a passing team. They are the best passing offense in the PAC-10 averaging over 250 yards per game.
  
• Defensively they are a solid team that is better at pass defense than run defense.
  
• RB Jacquizz Rodgers leads the team with 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns.
  
• DE's Slade Norris and Victor Butler have combined for 33.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks between the two of them.
  

Pittsburgh:

• Offensively they are somewhat pathetic. They win games by doing the little things well because they aren't overly good at anything.
  
• Defensively they are average. They are middle of the pack in everything.
  
• RB LeSean McCoy has 1,403 yards and 21 touchdowns this season on the ground.
  
• LB Scott McKillop is all over the field on every play. He has 126 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and an interception this season.
  

Who Wins:

Oregon State....Pittsburgh is over rated. They can't seem to do anything right it seems. Sure they won some games but they played in the Big East. If they are in any other conference (including the Mountain West) they would NOT be bowl eligible. Oregon State was 1 win away from the Rose Bowl. If Pitt wins this game it has more to do with the Beavers feeling snubbed than Pitt doing something right.

Armed Forces Bowl Preview

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Houston vs Air Force
Wednesday, December 31, 12:00
on ESPN
Amon G. Carter Stadium - Fort Worth, Texas

Why you should watch:

• The first game of 5 on New Year's Eve
  
• The most explosive offense you haven't seen in Houston
  
• If you aren't at work what else are you going to be doing?
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• You are likely still at work....that sucks
  
• To our West Coast readers....it kicks off just after breakfast
• It's Houston vs Air Force...not really interesting
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Houston:

• 7-5 (6-2)
  
• 4th straight bowl game (0-3); haven't won a bowl since 1980 (0-8)
  
• Won 6 of their last 8 games
  
• 2-5 away from home this season
  

Air Force:

• 8-4 (5-3)
  
• 4th bowl game in last 10 years (1-2)
  
• Lost 2 straight games
  
• 5-1 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Houston:

• Offensively they like to throw the ball. They are the number 2 passing offense in the nation averaging 414 yards per game.
  
• Defensively they suck. They are lower than 90th in just about everything.
  
• QB Case Keenum has thrown for 4,768 yards and 43 touchdowns and has rushed for 5 more touchdowns.
  
• RB Bryce Beall has 1,112 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He also has 30 receptions for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• DE Philip Hunt is a dominating defensive end. He has 16.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks on the season. Oh and he has forced 3 fumbles.
  

Air Force:

• Offensively they are run the ball....well. They average almost 270 rushing yards per game.
  
• Defensively they are average. Fortunately for them they are better against the pass allowing under 200 yards per game.
  
• RB's Todd Newell, Asher Clark, and Kyle Lumpkin have combined for 1,565 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
  
• DE Jake Paulson has 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks this season.

Who Wins:

Air Force....First of all Houston can't win bowl games. They get to them but then they lose. After that you have to look at Houston's defense....and then you realize that they don't have won. Air Force is going to stop them just enough on defense and will score at will against Houston.

Holiday Bowl Preview

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Oklahoma State vs Oregon
Tuesday, December 30, 8:00
on ESPN
Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego

Why you should watch:

• Traditionally one of the best bowl games of the season
  
• 2 of the best rushing offenses in the country
  
• 2 of the highest scoring offenses in the country
• 2 horrible pass defenses
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• You are watching the Texas Bowl shootout on NFL network
  
• That is the only legitimate excuse...TURN ON THE TV!
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Oklahoma State:

• 9-3 (5-3)
  
• 6th bowl game in the last 10 years (3-2)
  
• Lost 3 of their last 5 games (losses to Texas, Texas Tech, and OU)
  
• 3-2 away from home this season
  

Oregon:

• 9-3 (7-2)
  
• 4th straight bowl game (1-2)
  
• Won 5 of their last 6 games
• 4-2 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Oklahoma State:

• They average 256 yards rushing per game which is good for 7th in the country. They also average 233 yards passing.
  
• Defensively they are decent against the run allowing only 124 yards per game. But they are 110th against the pass.
  
• QB Zac Robinson has thrown for 2,735 yards and 24 touchdowns against only 8 picks. He has also rushed 130 times for 508 yards and 7 touchdowns.
• RB Kendall Hunter has 1,518 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns.
• WR Dez Bryant has 74 receptions for 1,313 yards and 18 touchdowns.
  

Oregon:

• Another great running team averaging 278 yards per game and over 200 passing yards per game.
  
• Defensively they are good at stopping the run (119 per game) but against the pass they are weak (108th in the country).
  
• QB Jeremiah Masoli isn't a terrific passing threat with only 1,486 yards and 12 touchdowns but he has also ran for 612 yards and 7 touchdowns.
  
• RB Jeremiah Johnson has ran for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
• RB LeGarrette Blount has 928 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.
  

Who Wins:

Oklahoma State....This should be an excellent game but I think the Cowboys ability to pass the ball will end up being the difference. The strengths of both teams are their rushing offenses and rushing defenses. And the weakness for both teams is their pass defense. But the Cowboys pass offense is actually able to attack through the air while the Ducks stick to the ground.

Texas Bowl Preview

Texas Bowl
Western Michigan vs Rice
Tuesday, December 30, 8:00
on NFL Network
Reliant Stadium - Houston

Why you should watch:

• Both offenses average over 300 yards passing a game
  
• Both defenses allow over 250 yards passing a game
  
• Both teams are coming in playing very well late in the season
• I doubt the punters will even dress for this game
• One of the most prolific QB/WR combinations in history with Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard of Rice.
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• It's on the NFL network and you might not get to see it
  
• The Holiday bowl is on ESPN at the same time
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Western Michigan:

• 9-3 (6-2)
  
• 2nd bowl game in the last 10 years (0-1)
  
• Won 3 of their last 4 games (only loss to Ball State)
  
• 3-3 away from home this season
  

Rice:

• 9-3 (7-1)
  
• 2nd bowl game in last 1o years (0-1)
  
• Won 6 straight games
  
• 3-3 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Western Michigan:

• As I mentioned before they like to throw the ball. They are 10th in passing offense with 301 yards per game.
  
• They can stop the run but not the pass. They allow 250 yards per game through the air.
  
• QB Tim Hiller has thrown for 3,527 yards and 34 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions this season.
• WR Jamarko Simmons is the top receiver on the team. He has 98 catches and 1,184 yards on the season with 7 touchdowns.
• RB Brandon West has 8 touchdowns and 970 yards on the year. He averages 5.1 yards per carry.
  

Rice:

• Another team that passes well. They throw for 328 yards per game.
  
• Unfortunately they also allow 274 yards per game through the air and 193 yards on the ground. Probably the worst defense in college football.
  
• QB Chase Clement has thrown for 3812 yards and 41 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions. He has also ran for 621 yards and 11 touchdowns.
  
• WR Jarett Dillard has 79 catches for 1,224 yards and 19 touchdowns.
• TE James Casey has 104 catches for 1,217 yards and 12 touchdowns.
  

Who Wins:

Rice....This game could end up 77-70 and I am not even kidding about that. The reason I took Rice is that they are +13 in turnover margin where as Western Michigan is -3 this season. I expect Rice to get a few turnovers. I honestly don't think you will see more than 2 punts all game. If you like scoring....watch THIS GAME! I really wish this wasn't on at the same time as the Holiday bowl because everyone should at least see part of this game.

Humanitarian Bowl Preview

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Maryland vs Nevada
Tuesday, December 30, 4:30
on ESPN
Bronco Stadium - Boise, Idaho

Why you should watch:

• Another happy hour while watching college football
  
• The infamous blue turf
  
• Nevada is an incredible offensive team
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• THAT DAMN BLUE TURF.....it is freaking annoying
  
• Two 7-5 teams that have been inconsistent
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Maryland:

• 7-5 (4-4)
  
• 6th bowl game in the last 10 years (3-2)
  
• Lost 2 of their last 3 games
• 1-4 away from home this season including a loss against Middle Tennessee
  

Nevada:

• 7-5 (5-3)
  
• 4th straight bowl game (1-2)
• Lost 3 of their last 4 games (1 loss to Boise St by 7)
  
• 4-2 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Maryland:

• Offensively they are mediocre. They are the 65th rated passing offense....the sad part is...they are 2nd in the ACC.
  
• Defensively they aren't much better with the exception of they don't allow a lot of points.
  
• RB's Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett have combined for 1,381 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
  
• DB Jamari McCollough has half of the team's 8 interceptions this season.
  

Nevada:

• Offensively they are the number 2 rushing offense in the country with 291 yards per game. And they also throw for over 200 yards per game.
  
• Defensively they shut down the running game. They allow only 74.5 yards per game on the ground. But they are the WORST pass defense in the country based on yards allowed.
  
• RB Vai Taua has rushed for 1,420 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
  
• QB Colin Kaepernick has thrown for 2,479 yards and 19 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions this season. He also has 1,115 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
  

Who Wins:

Nevada....I like Maryland. I think they have a good team and will have a good team for the next few years BUT they don't travel well. The only thing that could upset the Wolfpack here is if Chris Turner, the Terps QB, has a great game against the horrible pass defense of the pack. But I still don't think the Terps can slow down this rushing attack.

Alamo Bowl Preview

Alamo Bowl
Missouri vs Northwestern
Monday, December 29, 8:00
on ESPN
Alamodome - San Antonio

Why you should watch:

• The Alamo Bowl is traditionally a solid game
  
• Is the Big 12 really that dominant? We start to find out now
  
• Chase Daniel
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• I really don't think this will be close
  
• Northwestern is a below average team in just about everything
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Mizzou:

• 9-4 (5-4)
  
• 5th bowl game in the last 10 years (2-2)
  
• Lost 2 straight (won 4 straight before that)
  
• 4-3 away from home this season
  

Northwestern:

• 9-3 (5-3)
  
• 4th bowl game in last 1o years (0-3)
  
• Won 3 of their last 4 games
• 4-1 away from home this season
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Mizzou:

• Obviously this team likes to pass the ball. They average 340 yards per game through the air.
  
• Defensively they are weak but they can stop the run...or teams just throw on them since they can't stop that. They are the 3rd WORST team in passing defense.
  
• QB Chase Daniel is the catalyst for this team. How he goes they go. This season he has 4,135 yards and 37 touchdowns plus 252 yards and 1 touchdown rushing.
• WR Jeremy Maclin has 95 receptions for 1,221 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also has 2 rushing touchdowns and a kick return touchdown.
  

Northwestern:

• They are a poor offensive team that really doesn't do anything well.
  
• Defensively they can stop the run okay but the pass...not so much.
  
• QB C.J. Bacher is the best player on the offense. He has 2,128 yards passing with 14 touchdowns plus 263 yards and 3 more touchdowns rushing.
  
• DE Corey Wootton is the best player on the defense. He has 15 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 7 quarterback hurries this season.
  

Who Wins:

Missouri....The only chance Northwestern has to win this game is if Chase Daniel starts throwing interception after interception. And I don't think he does that here. They will actually balance out the offense pretty well since the Wildcats can't really stop anyone doing anything. And even though their pass defense is TERRIBLE Mizzou won't be in any danger in this game.