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

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