Friday, December 30, 2011

Bowl Preview: Dec. 31st


Sun Bowl: (8-4) Georgia Tech vs. Utah (7-5)
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are headed by dual threat quarterback Tevin Washington while the Utes rely on a powerful running game with John White. The Jackets started off 6-0 then started losing while the Utes have had to deal with the loss of their starting QB Jordan Wynn. Jon Hays did okay replacing Wynn passing for 9 touchdowns with 7 interceptions but the offense hasn't been clicking with him at the helm. Washington led Georgia Tech in passing and rushing and the Utes need to shut him down in order to win. He has two great backs behind him in David Sims and Orwin Smith. Utah won't shut down either and Georgia Tech finishes off with a momentum-boosting win.
Georgia Tech, 28 Utah, 20
Liberty Bowl: (9-3) Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
Heading into SEC play Vanderbilt looked prime to finish off the season over .500 but then the SEC magic hit and the Commodores finished off a respectable and understandable 6-6. Meanwhile the Bearcats won 9 but most against weak teams. Bearcats' quarterback Zach Collaros struggled at the helm again which was mostly thanks to a broken ankle. Now he's back and has help with a great back behind him in Isaiah Pead. The Commodores are also led by a good back in Zac Stacy but still have a solid quarterback in Jordan Rodgers.
Cincinnati, 27 Vanderbilt, 24
Chick-fil-A Bowl: (8-4) Virginia vs. Auburn (7-5)
Coming off a national championship win Auburn finds themselves stuck in the Chick-fil-A bowl against an emerging Virginia Cavaliers team. Auburn has had trouble figuring out who should be their starter as Clint Moseley and Barrett Trotter have switched off. Though young Kiehl Frazier may be able to gain some snaps. They won't have Michael Dyer to hand it off to as he is suspended so Onterio McCalebb will start at back. Michael Rocco is the QB for Virginia and can do damage after a 11 touchdown and 11 interception year. They have a solid running attack. Though the real dangerous part of this team is their secondary which led by Chase Minnifeld who is sure to be a NFL starter. Whoever starts at quarterback won't have success throwing his way.
Virginia, 31 Auburn, 27
Other Dec. 31 picks:
Fight Hunger Bowl: (6-6) Illinois vs. (6-7) UCLA UCLA, 34 Illinois, 24
Meineke Car Care Bowl: (6-6) Texas A&M vs. (6-6) Northwestern Texas A&M, 35 Northwestern, 21

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Bowl Preview: Dec. 29 to Dec. 30

Champs Sports Bowl: (8-4) Notre Dame vs. Florida State (8-4)
I'm really excited to watch this one as two teams that have been disappointments meet. Both of these could easily have 10 wins but both meet up with 8 wins and 4 losses. Now as the two historic teams meet up the X-factor will likely be quarterback. E.J. Manuel has struggled with injuries but in the time he played he has been productive. Tommy Rees can hang with anyone but he can make mistakes occasionally. Rees has better options in Michael Floyd and tight end Tyler Eifert. Both coaches want this one but only one can win.
Notre Dame, 34 Florida State, 28
Alamo Bowl: (9-3) Baylor vs. Washington (7-5)
Baylor's has had one of the most successful years in their history and will try to end the season with a win against the cold Huskies. Both have playmakers at quarterback as Heisman winner Robert Griffin goes up against Washington's Keith Price. Price has a better back though as Chris Polk can do serious damage. But the Bears offense is just too high-powered to stop as the Huskies defense gets smashed by the Bears.
Baylor, 38 Washington, 27
Armed Forces Bowl: (9-3) BYU vs. Tulsa (8-4)
A prolific Tulsa offense headed by quarterback G.J. Kinne and a deep ground game meets up with the BYU Cougars. The Cougars are led by efficient quarterbacks Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps. Though well an okay defense be able to handle a Tulsa offense that has averaged 56.6 point per game in it's last three games? Though the Golden Hurricane don't have a top defense either or a good rush defense where the Cougars are strong at.
Tulsa, 28 BYU, 27
Insight Bowl: (9-3) Oklahoma vs. Iowa (7-5)
Few people would believe me if I said that the preseason number one Sooners would falter to 9-3 and be playing in the Insight Bowl. But thats what happens when a Heisman canidate struggles and a star wide out gets injured. Now they meet 7-5 Iowa who hopes for a strong win. James Vandenberg had a strong year as he passed for 2,806 yards and 23 touchdowns. He has a fantastic back behind him in Marcus Coker who had 13 hundred plus this year. Landry Jones year may have been called a disappointment but he still passed for 4,302 yards and 28 touchdowns. Though with no Broyles to pass too he might not have a great game. The Sooners defense though can shut down the Hawkeyes offense though easily.
Oklahoma, 28 Iowa, 16
Other Picks for December 30th:
Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers, 21 Iowa State, 17
Music City Bowl: Mississippi State, 24 Wake Forest, 21

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Bowl Preview: Dec. 27 to Dec. 28

Little Caesars Bowl: (7-5) Western Michigan vs. Purdue (6-6)
This may not be the best bowl in the nation but it should be competitive. The Broncos are headed by a lethal passing attack. Junior quarterback Alex Carder can be dangerous at times and had 28 touchdown passes this year. He has an All-American receiver to throw to which always helps in Jordan White. White is prolific and had 127 receptions for 1,646 yards. The Boilermakers aren't flashy but they're are efficient and just find ways to win. Quarterback Caleb TerBush has had his fair share of up and downs but he can hang. Ralph Bolden leads a decent ground game for Purdue and will likely be the go to way to gain yards in this one. But the Broncos offense runs wild as Purdue falters to sub 500.
Western Michigan, 38 Purdue, 28
Belk Bowl: (7-5) Lousiville vs. NC State (7-5)
The Lousiville Cardinals football team had their best season since the era of Brian Brohm. Now they hope to finish off their season strong against a dangerous NC State team. The Cardinals was based on an okay passing game and a two-back set. Back Dominique Brown likely won't dominate games but he can play and Victor Anderson is really talented. Teddy Bridgewater's freshman year has been a roller coaster ride which you can expect considering he didn't have much to throw to. Mike Glennon's first year as starter went a lot better but he is still prone to mistakes. Senior T.J. Graham is his top option but he has a few others. James Washington provides stability in the ground game. Since this one is in Charlotte the Wolfpack should be considered the home team. That should decide this one.
NC State, 31 Lousiville, 27
Military Bowl: (8-4) Toldeo vs. Air Force (7-5)
Toldeo went 7-1 in the MAC and at times looked flawless in the conference. But their inability to win outside of the conference helped them finish off 8-4. Now as they prepare to face Air Force as the favorite expectations are high. They have had the best offense in November-December than any other team. Sophomore Terrance Owens can throw the ball like a NFL quarterback at times and it certainly helps that he has lethal receiver Eric Page. The ground game isn't too bad either as it is led by Adonis Thomas who rushed for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. Air Forde has a solid group of players though headed by playmaking Tim Jefferson their quarterback. Their rush attack is centered around Asher Clark who will run and run in this one. Both defenses aren't great but can make plays occasionally.
Toldeo, 35 Air Force, 31
Holiday Bowl: (7-5) Texas vs. California (7-5)
Texas not making a bowl? Okay thats bad. But Texas starting off 4-0 and then finishing off 7-5 and making the Holiday Bowl? Thats just as bad. The Longhorns went through a whole QB controversy this season but they seem to have found their man. Colt's little brother Case McCoy looked good at times this year and has a bright future. He has a good running back behind him in freshman Malcolm Brown. And okay wide outs in Jaxon Shipley and sophomore Mike Davis. The defense for the 'Horns is also good but not great headed by linebacker Keenan Robinson and safety Blake Gideon. The Golden Bears have a dual threat in Zach Maynard and a fantastic back in Isi Sofele who has 1,270 yards so far this season. Keenan Allen gives Maynard a big option but Texas is too good and it's hard to see them lose 5 plus two straight years.
Texas, 28 California, 27

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Bowl Preview: Dec. 22 to Dec.26


Las Vegas Bowl: (11-1) Boise State vs. Arizona State (6-6)
A hot start by the Sun Devils has fallen into a year of disappointment while the Broncos hope to win in a blowout in Kellen Moore's last game. Broncos coach Chris Peterson will have Moore passing like their is no tomorrow and for him their isn't another game. Brock Osweiler is big for the Sun Devils and can move around and he'll constantly have to do that with the Broncos rush running wild. Defensive tackle Billy Winn and Shea McClellan will put big hits on Osweiler. Can Cameron Marshall find his groove in this one. Hopefulluy or else this one could be a blowout in Las Vegas.
Boise State, 42 Arizona State, 31
Hawaii Bowl: (11-2) Southern Mississippi vs. Nevada (7-5)
The Nevada Wolfpack didn't fall too much without Colin Kaepernick as two-quarterback attack and a two-back trio helped them claim 7 wins 5 coming in the WAC. The two QB set is headed by freshman Cody Fajardo and senior Tyler Lantrip both aren't dominant but they get the job done. They have a big time receiver in Rishard Matthews who had 91 catches and over 13 hundred yards. Though can the Wolfpack defense shut down a prolific Golden Eagles offense headed by their awesome quarterback Austin Davis who threw for 28 touchdowns. He is prone to making mistakes though. Ryan Balentine is a safety blanket for Davis and will have a strong appearance in this one.
Southern Mississippi, 35 Nevada, 30
Independence Bowl: (7-5) Missouri vs. (7-5) UNC
Considering all their problems entering this year the Tar Heels going 7-5 was a success. Both of these team's young quarterbacks produced solidly in their first year as starters as Missouri's James Franklin had 20 touchdowns with 10 picks and Bryn Renner from the Heels had 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Both teams aren't one sided as both have good defenses and effective offenses. The Tigers talented back, Henry Josey can do serious damage and is tough to take down. But the problem: he probably won't play. Though Franklin is a huge problem becuase he is a dual threat having rushing for 839 yards. That might end up being to much for the Tar Heels defense to handle as the Tigers improve to 8-5.
Missouri, 28 UNC, 21

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bowl Preview 2011: Dec. 17 to Dec. 21

New Mexico Bowl: (8-4) Temple vs. Wyoming(8-4)
Both of these teams have different offensive strengths. The Owls have a strong ground game headed by Bernard Pierce. Pierce had 1,381 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns and gives the Owls a high scoring threat. The Cowboys meanwhile like to pass led by Brett Smith. Both defenses aren't stacked which will make it an interesting war. Pierce leads and upbeat Owls team past a weak Wyoming squad.
Temple, 35 Wyoming, 24
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio(9-4) vs. Utah State (7-5)
I'm pretty excited for this one despite a first look at the Potato Bowl might not look that good. The Aggies should be 8-4 while Ohio should be 10-3 after leading most of the MAC Championship. Both offenses can score and could even possibly be a shootout. Bobcats quarterback Tyler Tettleton had a pretty prolific sophomore year passing for 3,000 plus yards and 26 touchdowns. Don't think Utah State won't keep it close as they have a fantastic back with Robert Turbin who had 1,416 yards and will get at least 20 rushes against Ohio. Though the Bobcats have a beast linebacker in underrated senior Noah Keller who will hope to hold Turbin. Ohio avenges disappointing MAC loss by killing Utah State.
Ohio, 38 Utah State, 21
New Orleans Bowl (8-4) San Diego State vs. Lousiana-Lafayette (8-4)
With the likely move to the Big East almost here the Aztecs hope to end their season with a win. Aztecs back Ronnie Hillman ended up having a dominant year rushing for 1,656 yards but they aren't one dimensional at all. Quarterback Ryan Lindley is no slouch and is efficient giving the Aztecs a strong offense. Lafayette doesn't get into bowls much so this year should be considered a success win or loss. Junior Blaine Gautier is smart and can play with anyone but San Diego State wins pretty comfortably.
San Diego State, 34 LA-Lafayette, 24
St. Petersburg Bowl: (8-4) Florida International vs. Marshall (6-6)
FIU is making their first back to back bowl appearance for the first time in school history. Marshall is 6-6 and trying to take home their seventh win of the year. Both have strong aerial attacks but the Panthers should be worried about end Vinny Curry who will constantly pressure the quarterback. Senior Wesley Carroll will have to deal with it though in order to snatch a Panthers win. Marshall wide out Aaron Dobson made highlights for his awesome one-handed catch earlier this year but that wasn't his only catch as he made 41 more and was the Herd's leading receivfer.
Poinsettia Bowl: TCU (10-2) vs. Lousiana Tech (8-4)
For yet another year a good TCU team is stuck in a bad bowl. Though they'll face a pretty good Lousiana Tech team. Casey Pachall had an okay year replacing Andy Dalton but the Horned Frogs rely on a three-man running game with Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley. The Horned Frogs defense is headed by two great linebackers in Tank Carder and Tanner Brock and will shut down a good Bulldogs running game.
TCU, 28 Lousiana Tech, 20

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Who the Heck is Going to Win the Heisman?

Throughout the better part of the year the Heisman solution was pretty much a forgone conclusion. Andrew Luck, Andrew Luck and more Andrew Luck. Luck was leading an undefeated squad with not fantastic receivers and putting up big numbers while doing it. Then came the downfall as Luck struggled to preserve Stanford's perfect mark and the Cardinal slipped against Oregon. Now the list of candidates is almost endless. Robert Griffin from Baylor, Trent Richardson from Alabama, Montee Ball from Wisconsin, Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State head the top of the list with Luck. Griffin is a dynamic player who can run and pass for big yardage and his success with the Bears this year will help him. Trent Richardson is a speedster who is tough to stop but questions have emerged about if he can perform against top notch teams after a rough LSU game. Ball scores touchdown after touchdown but isn't really considered a true contender though he'll earn some talk. Weeden once looked like the front runner but his rough game against Iowa State likely dashed his chances. Justin Blackmon is fantastic and fun to watch but of course wide receiver isn't a very Heisman worthy position. And finally Luck, the smart and hard-working NFL prospect. Kellen Moore and Case Keenum have the stats but they needed their respective teams to go undefeated to win. Now with both at one loss they're done. So now you first-hand see how many good candidates are going to be looked at not to count the others which I didn't include. But I really don't see a Baylor quarterback winning the award. Luck wins with Richardson a close second because they play on big time television and do it with surrounding players not fantastic.

Pre-Bowl Rankings


1. LSU Dominant once more against a tough team.
2. Alabama Look like rematch against LSU is forgone conclusion.
3. Oklahoma State Win against Sooners was fantastic but still aren't likely to gain entry into championship.
4. USC Playing as well as any team in the nation but Trojans can't go bowling.
5. Stanford Andrew Luck leads powerful team that will likely only lose one game this year.
6. Oregon Won Pac-12 but still have some chinks in the armor.
7. Boise State Will likely see another weak bowl game this year.
8. Arkansas They may be 10-2 but two losses were blowout losses to 'Bama and LSU.
9. Wisconsin I thought Michigan State played better in Big Ten championship but no denying that the Badgers are 11-2.
10. South Carolina Have a good team but offense needs to improve.
11. Kansas State Unorthodox but the Wildcats play well and hard.
12. Michigan This team isn't perfect but Brady Hoke has them playing hard.
13. Virginia Tech Embarassing loss to Clemson hurt Hokies but they are still dangerous.
14. Clemson The Tigers hope they'll play more like they did in the first eight games of the season then the last five in their bowl game.
15. TCU Horned Frogs May be the hottest team in the nation and have big win on resume over Boise State.
16. Baylor Led by Robert Griffin (RG3) the Bears have big wins over Texas and Oklahoma.
17. Oklahoma Such a promising start has been overshadowed by disappointing losses.
18. Houston They were just one win away from a BCS bowl but choked aginst dangerous Southern Mississippi squad.
19. Georgia I like this team but it was obvious they weren't ready to beat LSU.
20. Southern Mississippi They just didn't beat Houston they dominated them.
21. Nebraska Bo Pelini has good team but they just couldn't handle their first new in a new league.
22. West Virginia Last second win over South Florida gives Mountaineers a chance at a BCS bowl.
23. Penn State Such a horrible season has been helped by the fact that they went 9-3.
24. Michigan State Should be higher I know that they are tons of better teams.
25. Florida State Disappointing year but the Seminoles are getting better.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Championship Game Predictions

Big Ten- Michigan State vs. Wisconsin
In the inaugural Big Ten championship two prolific squads face-off in a rematch. Both like to run but both can pass. Montee Ball has been dominant this year pushing the pace already with 34 touchdowns and Russell Wilson can scramble. Wilson is now comfortable in this offense and has a top option with Nick Toon. Kirk Cousins capped off the regular season victory with a hail mary. He won't put up five touchdowns a game especially against the Badgers but he is efficient. Both defenses aren't as strong as their offenses but are still above average. Wilson will get a lot of pressure from the Spartans big man in the middle Jerel Worthy. Both are ready to seize the championship but the Badgers are just too good too lose. Wisconsin, 35 Michigan State, 27.
ACC- Virginia Tech vs. Clemson
The reason for the fade of Clemson the last four games has been turnovers. After an 8-0 start and looking dominant in the conference the Tigers have lost three of the last four. Tajih Boyd needs to find his stroke and Andre Ellington and Sammy Watkins must recover from injuries. Virginia Tech has been called overrated at slot five but they looked amazing against Virginia. Logan Thomas has the smarts and skills and has a great back behind him in David Wilson. Can both defenses by respectable? However plays better on "D" will end up winning. And I think it will be Clemson. Yup, they're back. Clemson, 31 Virginia Tech, 28
Conference USA- Southern Mississippi vs. Houston
Would anyone choose this one over the ACC or Big Ten? I think maybe you should consider watching this one as two dangerous squads meet up. Houston is sixth and currently undefeated led by prolific quarterback Case Keennum. Though if you can slow down Keenum you can easily handle the Cougars. Though that is better said then done. Southern Miss doesn't have a slouch of their own with Austin Davis. Both defenses aren't very strong and need to show up. Keenum's passing game is just too much for the Golden Eagles as Houston clinches Houston, 42 Southern Mississippi, 35
SEC- LSU vs. Georgia
No team has been better then the Tigers this year but Georgia has won 10 straight after starting off 0-2. The Tigers have just as good of an offense as their scary good defense. Jarrett Lee is efficient and Jordan Jefferson is a playmaker at quarterback. The backfield is still their strength though headed by Spencer Ware and Michael Ford both who are powerful. Georgia has got a good quarterback with Aaron Murray but how will he be able to perform facing one of the best secondaries in the nation? Isaiah Crowell is a dangerous freshman that leads the steady Bulldogs ground game. But if the Bulldogs are to pull off the upset they need to stop LSU's deadly defensive line which provides a constant pass rush. LSU, 27 Georgia, 21
Pac 12- Oregon vs. UCLA
I bet the Pac 12 their first championship game included USC not UCLA. Rick Neuheisel prepares for what will be likely his last game unless he coaches a bowl game. Oregon's speedy offense is headed by Heisman canidate LaMichael James and effective Kenjon Barner. Darron Thomas has been strong this year passing for 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions. UCLA meanwhile has an improving quarterback Kevin Prince and back Johnathan Franklin running all around. Oregon though has an underrated secondary that I really like with guys like smart John Boyett and speedy Cliff Harris who will also be a factor on special teams. Though the Bruins defense is too weak which makes this one a pretty much forgone conclusion. Oregon, 38 UCLA, 24