With the first "Exciting Bowl" of the season set to kick off tonight, I figure it'd probably best that I take a break from Cafe World to come over here and update the ol' blog.
Also, haven't been too hot picking teams thus far... I'm 1-2, even though I really wanted to go with MTSU over Southern Miss. Oh well, shoulda, woulda, coulda. Onto the Exciting Bowls!
Macco Las Vegas Bowl, Tuesday, December 22, 8:00 P.M. on ESPN
Oregon State vs BYU
The first of the exciting bowl games features two high octane offenses. The running styles are different, as Jaquizz Rodgers will try and cut in and out of lanes, while Harvey Unga will just run you over. The Cougars also have Max Hall, which is an advantage at the quarterback position. Fortunatley, neither of these teams play outstanding defense, so we'll get to see the scoreboard light up. I think it's really tough to call this one, but I think that BYU may pull this one out and show people that the MWC really is better than some people are willing to accept.
Poinsettia Bowl, Wednesday, December 23, 8:00 P.M. on ESPN
Utah vs California
This one is a lot like the Las Vegas bowl matchup. I was fooled into thinking that Utah was the number two MWC team, but clearly that's BYU. Can they earn some repdemption here? I've underestimated Cal all season long, but now they won't have Jahvid Best for this game. So who do I think holds the edge here? Probably Utah. You know they'll be paying attention to BYU's game, and no matter the outcome, they'll come in determined. If BYU wins, have another MWC team beat another Pac-10 opponent. If they lose, one up them by beating a comparable team from the same conference. Cal, I am underestimating you once again.
Champs Sports Bowl, Tuesday, December 29, 8:00 P.M. on ESPN
Miami (FL) vs Wisconsin
A couple of 9-3 teams meet in this one. Miami started hot, and for the most part, played very good football this year, even beating Georgia Tech, and coming close against Clemson. Wisconsin, however, never really put up much of a fight, and managed to lose to Northwestern as well to finish at 9-3 instead of being the fourth 10-2 Big Ten team. This should be a fun one to watch, as Jacory Harris will probably have lots of fun running on a Big Ten defense. Not to discredit the Badgers. They exceed expectations every year it seems, at least nationally. So they'll put up a fight. I just think the Canes will be better, and continue to get their swag back on the way to a 10-3 season.
Holiday Bowl, Wednesday, December 30, 8:00 P.M. on ESPN
Arizona vs Nebraska
Why is this an exciting bowl, you ask? One, because Arizona is a good team- they beat USC and anyone who does that is good by me. Also, because Nebraska should really be 12-1 and playing for the national championship. But oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles. Hell, Ndamukung Suh (spelling??) should be enough to make you tune into this one. Bo Pellini has raised this team from the ashes. The other Stoops has done the same for Arizona. Can the Wildcats stand up to Nebraska's defense? Maybe. The Pac 10 knows all about offense. So this will be a good one to watch. I think that Nebraska will probably end up with the W.
Brut Sun Bowl, Thursday, December 21, 2:00 P.M. on CBS
Oklahoma vs Stanford
Since when does a matchup of a 7-5 team and a 8-4 team make for an exciting bowl? Well, since it's Oklahoma and Stanford. Oklahoma underachieved this year, due in large part to injuries to Sam Bradford, as well as their tight end. Stanford probably overachieved, running over the Pac 10 with Toby Gerhardt. Landry Jones has looked very competent running this offense at times, while at other times he hasn't looked too great. The defense has also been unpredicatble, though usually solid. I think it'll be fun to see which of these surprise teams can knock each other out- will Oklahoma's high octane offense score enough to offset Toby Gerhardt potentially running all over their defense? Perhaps. I wouldn't be surprised if an angry Gerhardt (he should've won the Heisman, IMHO) put the whole team on his back. Guess we'll have to watch and see.
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