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

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