Bowl Season 2010: 35 Games, 35 Things That Will Surprise the Hell Out of You
It's almost that time of year, the season when 70 college football teams take the field for their final games of the season.
Some are content just to play in the Humanitarian Bowl, while others have the distinct honor of playing in one of the BCS bowls.
Whether it's an individual player's dominant performance, an unexpected blowout or a shocking upset, there are always events during bowl season that shock the nation.
There are 35 bowl games this season, ranging in date from December 18 all the way to January 10, so it's only right that we look at 35 shocking things that will surprise you.
Read on to discover exactly what they are.
Trevor Vittatoe Will Need an Excuse After the Game, Could He Blame His...Toe?
1 of 35
New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs. UTEP, December 18th, 2:00 PM EST
Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP's senior quarterback, will be playing in his last game but won't like the way this one turns out.
He started the season out quite well, even throwing five touchdown passes in the third game of the season against New Mexico State, but his production slipped tremendously during the end of the season as the Miners lost five of their last six games.
You wouldn't really expect BYU's freshman signal caller to get the best of Vittatoe, but that's what will happen here.
It will leave Vittatoe seeking some sort of excuse after the game to justify in his own mind how he could let his career end in a poor way. We can only hope that if it has to happen, he blames his toe.
Pissed Off Huskies Tear Apart Bulldogs, It's a Fact of Life
2 of 35
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State, December 18th, 5:30 PM EST
The Huskies from Northern Illinois have quite a few reasons to be pissed off. Let's go through them.
1. Chad Spann, the running back for the Huskies, hasn't gotten the national recognition that he deserves.
2. Northern Illinois just lost the MAC Championship Game to Miami of Ohio. The RedHawks were just 1-11 last year.
3. Head coach Jerry Kill bolted for Minnesota right after losing to the RedHawks.
Quite a few reasons to be pissed will lead to quite a few points scored. Northern Illinois will blow out Fresno State in a game that's decided by halftime.
Ohio Will Win Their First Bowl Game Ever and It Won't Be Close
3 of 35
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy, December 18th, 9:00 PM EST
Boo Jackson plays for the Ohio Bobcats. With a name like that, how could anyone pick against him?
Ohio has a fairly balanced team and should be able to score on an awful Troy defense. The question is whether or not they can stop the Trojans' aerial assault.
If you were curious, the answer to the previous question is yes. It'll lead to the Bobcats getting their first Bowl victory in five tries.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Hundreds of Viewers Will Call to Complain About the Spelling of Beef 'O' Brady's
4 of 35
Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg: Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville, December 21st, 8:00 PM EST
The football game between Southern Mississippi and Louisville is going to become a secondary concern to those watching this game, which is sure to be a thriller.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of viewers will have no choice but to call in and complain after staring at the spelling of Beef 'O' Brady's throughout the game.
Seriously, who puts an apostrophe on both sides of the "O"?
Sandra Day O'Connor didn't. Flannery O'Connor didn't. The Who didn't when they wrote Baba O'Riley. Hell, even O'Reilly Auto Parts doesn't use the unnecessary apostrophe.
And don't even get me started on spelling Bowl with a football instead of an "o". Footballs are clearly not the same shape.
Boise State Will Stampede Over Utah by At Least Five Touchdowns
5 of 35
MAACO Bowl Las Vegas: Utah vs. Boise State, December 22nd, 8:00 PM
Does anyone besides me think that Boise State is at least a teensy tiny bit upset that they're playing in Las Vegas against Utah instead of in a bigger bowl against a school from an automatically qualifying conference?
I mean, they dominated all season, only losing one game to a good Nevada team, and this is how they're rewarded? If I were Chris Peterson, I don't think I'd be able to keep from complaining a little bit.
Peterson doesn't complain to the media, though—he instead chooses to use those complaints to motivate his Broncos.
Everyone and their mothers are picking Boise State to win. I'm doing the same, but by five touchdowns.
That is not a typo.
Navy Will Have Home-Field Advantage in San Diego Against San Diego State
6 of 35
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. San Diego State, December 23rd, 8:00 PM EST
Even though this game will be played in San Diego, which obviously is a de facto home game for the Aztecs, the crowd will not be as partisan as expected.
San Diego is a city with a rich naval history and tradition, so there are plenty of people with loyalties to Navy.
When Ricky Dobbs and the Naval Academy start running all over the field, expect more cheers than boos.
Hawaii and Tulsa Will Combine for Over 100 Points
7 of 35
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Tulsa vs. Hawaii, December 24th, 8:00 PM EST
I would recommend bringing some scotch tape to the couch with you when you sit down to watch the Hawaii Bowl. You'll probably want to tape your eyelids open so you don't blink and miss a touchdown.
Both teams will be throwing early, often and late in the game. Tulsa's 284.2 passing yards per game rank 16th in the country. Hawaii's 387.8 are the best in the nation.
Hawaii and Tulsa also both rank in the top 10 in terms of points scored, Hawaii at nine and Tulsa at 10.
Since neither team plays defense that well, expect points to be put up in bunches.
Whoever's in charge of the scoreboard better be getting a compensatory free night in a Sheraton hotel so they can relax for a while.
The Phrase Holy Toledo Will Be Uttered At Least 10 Times
8 of 35
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Florida International vs. Toledo, December 26th, 8:30 PM EST
We all know that announcers tend to overuse cliches, especially when they don't have much else to say.
This game is devoid of any intrigue unless you went to either of these schools, know someone that went to either of these schools, or just really like Toledo or Florida International for some other reason.
The announcers probably don't fall into any of those categories.
As a result, we viewers will have the pleasure of listening to those cliches throughout the game. You know which ones I'm talking about: "There's a lot of game left to be played," "He really showed heart on that play," "Defense wins championships," etc. etc.
Why does something tell me that "Holy Toledo" will be yelled every time something exciting happens?
Air Force Will Beat Georgia Tech by One Touchdown and It Will Be a Pass
9 of 35
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech, December 27th, 5:00 PM EST
Air Force and Georgia Tech ranked 117th and 119th, respectively, in average passing yards per game. They made up for that by ranking No. 2 and No. 1 in running yards per game, in that order.
The Falcons have had the benefit of going up against two other triple-option teams this year, so the preparation for Georgia Tech shouldn't be too difficult. The Yellow Jackets, on the other hand, are still learning how to play with a new quarterback after Josh Nesbitt broke his arm.
For that reason, Air Force should come out on top. But it will be done with a passing touchdown, catching Tech by surprise.
West Virginia Will Declaw the North Carolina State Wolfpack In a Shutout
10 of 35
Champs Sports Bowl: West Virginia vs. North Carolina State, December 28th, 6:30 PM EST
West Virginia isn't too happy about only being at the Champs Sports Bowl.
The Mountaineers and their second-ranked scoring defense should take that frustration out on the Wolfpack of North Carolina State.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback for NC State, is talented but prone to making mistakes, especially in the red zone. He can't afford to make them in this game, but the defense should be able to force him into some.
The Wolfpack are also a mentally fragile team, so a quick start by the Mountaineers will doom them.
Mad That Iowa Didn't Share the Drugs, Missouri Embarrasses Their Opponents
11 of 35
Insight Bowl: Missouri vs. Iowa, December 28th, 10:00 PM EST
I'm kind of kidding. Missouri clearly isn't going to be mad that Iowa didn't share the drugs and suspensions with them, but the claim got your attention, didn't it?
The second part of the headline is true. Missouri is going to wipe the floor with an Iowa team depleted by suspensions.
Expect Blaine Gabbert to have a big day.
Pirates Become a Legitimate Part of the Military
12 of 35
Military Bowl Presented by Northrup Grumman: East Carolina vs. Maryland, December 29th, 2:30 PM EST
When I first saw the name of this bowl game, I was confused. I'm pretty sure that East Carolina and Maryland don't have any ties to the military in any way, shape, or form.
To remedy that problem, I've come up with a solution.
The Pirates are going to have to become part of the military! East Carolina could suddenly become a service academy, at least name-wise.
If all goes as planned, Barack Obama will listen to my suggestion and hold a ceremony at halftime.
Robert Griffin III Has Four Touchdowns and Decides to Pass On His Name
13 of 35
Texas Bowl: Illinois vs. Baylor, December 29th, 6:00 PM EST
In what could be Ron Zook's last game as Illinois head coach, expect to see Baylor run up the score on Illinois.
Robert Griffin III will be a star in this one, passing and running for a combined four touchdowns as he single-handedly beats the Fighting Illini.
In honor of the four touchdowns, I hope that he decides to name his son Robert Griffin IV both to pass on the family tradition and to honor his 2010 Texas Bowl performance.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Score Over 50 Points
14 of 35
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Arizona, December 29th, 9:30 PM EST
Led by Brandon Weeden, Kendall Hunter and Justin Blackmon, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have one of the best offenses in the entire country.
In fact, the 44.9 points per game they've averaged this season is the third-highest in the nation.
Arizona has a decent defense, but it's primarily geared towards stopping the run. Oklahoma State likes to pass. Therefore, the Cowboys will be able to run up the score.
At the end of this game, Arizona may not want to remember the Alamo Bowl, but they'll surely remember Justin Blackmon.
A Triple-Option Offense Wins a Bowl Game With Helicopter in the Title
15 of 35
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs. SMU, December 30th, 12:00 PM EST
Led by field general Trent Steelman, Army will use their triple-option attack to run all over the Mustangs of SMU.
The rushing attack is simply too good for the 61st-ranked scoring defense of SMU to stop.
Now, doesn't it seem funny to be talking about a triple-option team winning a bowl game named after a helicopter?
Helicopters, unlike Army, spend most of their time in the air.
Yankee Stadium Will Outshine Kansas State and Syracuse
16 of 35
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas State vs. Syracuse, December 30th, 3:20 PM EST
Not too many people around the country will have a vested interest in this game between two 7-5 football teams.
Seeing Daniel Thomas run over Syracuse defenders could be fun, but there aren't too many intriguing football-related aspects to this game.
On the other hand, it will be played in the new Yankee Stadium, the second football game to be played in the ballpark primarily used to host baseball games.
It's weird to think that a stadium will steal the show, but that's what will happen here.
An ACC Team Will Beat an SEC Team When UNC Plays Tennessee
17 of 35
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: UNC vs. Tennessee, December 30th, 6:40 PM EST
In a season where the SEC has been quite dominant and the ACC has been extremely disappointing, it should be a safe assumption that a supposedly-evenly matched SEC team will beat an ACC team.
Yet when UNC beats Tennessee in the Music City Bowl, you shouldn't be too surprised.
It may surprise the hell out of you at first, but once you read a bit about the two teams, you'll agree with me.
The Tar Heels will win a close game against the Volunteers on the penultimate day of 2010.
Jake Locker WIll Play the Worst Game of His Career Against Nebraska
18 of 35
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: December 30th, 10:00 PM EST
First, a couple of points about the title of this bowl game. It's interesting that the bowl game with the word "education" in its title gets to feature Jake Locker, a surefire NFL prospect that chose to stay, hone his skills, receive an education and graduate. What a novel concept.
Also, it's funny to me that the Holiday Bowl is sandwiched between two holidays, Christmas and New Year's, but isn't on a holiday.
Anyway, Jake Locker has had an enigmatic career at Washington. He's got tons of talent and has led the program to places they wouldn't have been without him, yet he still hasn't had too many wins.
Fortunately, he has the NFL to look forward to, because he'll want to forget this game quickly.
Nebraska's eighth-ranked scoring defense is going to shut him down.
South Florida and Clemson Combine for More Interceptions Than Touchdowns
19 of 35
Meineke Car Care Bowl: South Florida vs. Clemson, December 31st, 12:00 PM EST
Eighty-sixth-ranked scoring offense takes on 19th-ranked scoring defense when Clemson has the ball. When South Florida has it, their 88th-ranked scoring offense will take on the ninth-ranked scoring defense.
That's not exactly the recipe for a lot of points scored.
Kyle Parker and either B.J. Daniels or Bobby Eveld (we're not sure yet who will start for South Florida) both are known to throw interceptions.
Expect to see more interceptions thrown than touchdowns scored.
It's only fitting that the game where both offenses will be muffled is sponsored by a company that makes mufflers for cars.
People Finally Realize That Miami and Notre Dame Aren't Relavent
20 of 35
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Miami, December 31st, 2:00 PM EST
This one might actually be too surprising to be true.
It's one thing when Miami and Notre Dame are playing separately on the same Saturday, but it's even worse when they play each other.
Both programs haven't been national contenders for quite some time, but receive insane amounts of media coverage.
Maybe seeing the two schools pitted against each other will finally make everyone realize that these are two mediocre football teams.
Probably not, but who knows.
A.J. Green Scores More Points Than Central Florida's Whole Team
21 of 35
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. Central Florida, December 31st, 3:30 PM EST
The Georgia defense has been getting stronger and stronger as the season has progressed, as the team has been adjusting to their new defensive coordinator's 3-4 scheme.
Meanwhile, the Aaron Murray-to-A.J. Green connection has been growing as they've had more time on the field together.
While Georgia's defense is busy shutting down the Knights, A.J. Green should be finding the end zone multiple times as he looks to ingratiate himself to Bulldogs fans one last time before bolting to the NFL.
Also, it's kind of ironic that the Bulldogs had a disappointing season thanks in part to numerous driving-related suspensions and then end up at a bowl game sponsored by AutoZone.
Marcus Lattimore Becomes a 2011 Heisman Candidate
22 of 35
Chick-fil-A Bowl: South Carolina vs. Florida State, December 31st, 7:30 PM EST
Marcus Lattimore is having a freshman season to remember.
The talented South Carolina running back has gained 1,198 yards on the ground and another 364 through the air. He's scored 17 rushing touchdowns and added another two receiving scores.
This is despite the fact that he was hampered by injuries in the middle of the season.
In the national spotlight on the last day of 2010, Lattimore will be leaned on early and often. With multiple scores and triple digit yardage, he should thrust himself into the way-too-early conversation for the 2011 Heisman Trophy.
Evan Watkins Will Lead Northwestern to Throw for More Yards Than Texas Tech
23 of 35
TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech, January 1st, 12:00 PM EST
Dan Persa played quarterback for Northwestern for most of the season and is the man most responsible for their bowl eligibility.
However, he suffered an injury against Iowa which resulted in Evan Watkins being thrust into the starting lineup. In Watkins' two starts this year, both in the final two weeks, he's completed 23 of his 42 passes for 258 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.
Yet, with his talented arm and extra time to prepare, Watkins is going to tear apart the vulnerable Texas Tech secondary, out-passing Taylor Potts and the eighth-ranked passing offense in the country.
Urban Meyer Will Retire Before Joe Paterno
24 of 35
Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Penn State, January 1st, 1:00 PM EST
This one's kind of cheating, but it was already surprising enough that it happened that it just had to be included.
How's this for a hypothetical conversation between 46-year-old Urban Meyer and 83-year-old Joe Paterno?
Urban Meyer: "Great game out there today. It was a pleasure to coach against you this last time."
Joe Paterno: "Same. It's always a pleasure, Urban. Enjoy your retirement next year, you've earned it. Spend time with those kids as much as you can."
Urban Meyer: "Oh, I will. And good luck coaching next year. I'm feelin' big things for Penn State."
Joe Paterno: "I will for sure. My great-grankids bought me a new cane, so that will help."
Urban Meyer: "Good good. Take care now."
They both turn to walk away but Urban Meyer looks down, picks up some dentures, and yells so Joe Paterno can hear him after turning off his hearing aid: "Joe! Your dentures fell out!"
Seriously though, is this really out of the realm of possibility?
Alabama Takes Out Frustrations on Spartans, Rolls Over Michigan State
25 of 35
Capitol One Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan State, January 1st, 1:00 PM EST
A lot of people expect this to be a great football game as two of the nation's top teams square off against each other in Orlando. But while there will be plenty of talent on the field, one team will run away with the game.
Alabama has had a disappointing season and after a tough, heart-breaking loss to Auburn, they will be fired up and ready to take out their frustration on Michigan State.
The SEC team has more talent, speed and strength and should come out on top easily.
Denard Robinson Gains More Yards Than Anyone Else in the Country
26 of 35
Progressive Gator Bowl: Michigan vs. Mississippi State, January 1st, 1:30 PM EST
First of all, what the hell is a progressive gator? Is it a gator that wants to make changes to the way things work? I didn't know that was possible...
On a more serious note, this is going to be the game that Shoelace goes crazy.
After leading the nation in rushing yards for the opening portion of the season and adding some passing ones, he fell off the pace quickly as the schedule got more difficult.
In the national spotlight once more, Denard Robinson will shine again.
Expect him to throw for over 200 yards and run for another 200 now that he has fresh legs.
TCU Will Beat Wisconsin
27 of 35
Rose Bowl Game Presented By VIZIO: TCU vs. Wisconsin, January 1st, 5:00 PM EST
Wisconsin and TCU are two of the absolute best teams in the country.
Not only is TCU the more talented of the two, but they also have more to play for.
That will result in a very close, very hard-fought game, possibly ending in overtime. But the Horned Frogs will come out on top.
Of course, when the BCS Committee sees the result they'll have no choice but to institute a playoff system to give more respect to those teams from non-automatically qualifying conferences. Okay, that may be going a little bit too far...
Oklahoma Will Have the Largest-Ever Margin of Victory in a BCS Bowl
28 of 35
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. UConn, January 1st, 8:30 PM EST
Back in the 2005 FedEx Orange Bowl, USC beat Oklahoma by 36 points in the largest victory ever in a BCS bowl.
This year, Oklahoma will lose that ignominious record by beating UConn by an even larger margin.
UConn may be the worst team to ever play in a BCS bowl, while Oklahoma, led by Landry Jones and DeMarco Murray, is one of the best teams in the country.
This game will be over by the time the second quarter starts. You better grab some chips (made by Tostitos of course) and soda (or beer, depending on how old you are) if you want to stay interested in this game during the second half.
Andrew Luck Proves That It's Better to Be Luck-y and Good
29 of 35
Discover Orange Bowl: Stanford vs. Virginia Tech, January 3rd, 8:30 PM EST
Andrew Luck recently finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, losing by a large margin to Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton, but not too many people across the country have had a chance to see him play because he plays on the West Coast.
With this prime-time BCS bowl, that will change.
Andrew Luck is a legitimate NFL talent and arguably the best pure passer in college football. He should be able to pick apart Virginia Tech's secondary and lead his team to a win.
In doing so, he'll prove that while it may be better to be lucky than good, it's best to be Luck-y and good.
Ohio State Will Take Out Their Frustration at Being Underrated on the Razorbacks
30 of 35
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Arkansas, January 4th, 8:30 PM EST
Even though Ohio State is playing in the Sugar Bowl, I still get the feeling that they're underrated. The Buckeyes are never in the conversation about the best teams in the country this year even though they deserve to be.
They lay claim to the 11th-best scoring offense and the third-best scoring defense. How does that not justify inclusion in the aforementioned discussion?
Arkansas, while a talented football team, is not anywhere near as good as Ohio State. They'll put up some points, but ultimately succumb to Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes.
Expect Jim Tressel to both wear a vest and use this lack of praise to his advantage.
More People Will Go to GoDaddy.com Than Watch Middle Tennessee and Miami (Ohio)
31 of 35
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Miami (Ohio), January 6th, 8:00 PM EST
Sandwiched in between the BCS bowls is this game between two powerhouses.
While watching Dwight Dasher and Middle Tennessee take on the MAC champions, red-blooded males (who are bound to be the primary audience) will be inundated with the GoDaddy.com commercials. Many of them will want to "see more at GoDaddy.com."
Add to that all the normal traffic that the site gets and GoDaddy.com will receive more exposure than either of the football teams playing in the bowl they sponsor.
Yes, the exposure pun was intended.
Ryan Tannehill Remains Undefeated by Beating LSU
32 of 35
AT&T Cotton Bowl: LSU vs. Texas A&M, January 7th, 8:00 PM EST
Who would've thought at the beginning of the 2010 season when Jerrod Johnson was firmly entrenched as the Aggies starting quarterback that Ryan Tannehill would take over and go 6-0 as the starter, leading his team to the Cotton Bowl in the process?
This should be an excellent game but Texas A&M will prevail over the LSU Tigers.
The offense is too multi-dimensional for the Tigers to stop consistently. On the other side of the ball, LSU will have trouble scoring against a very good, dare I say SEC-quality, defense. I just don't feel like Jordan Jefferson is a good enough passer to give Von Miller and the Aggies fits.
When the Aggies score, I expect it to be done with Tannehill's arm. This is the AT&T Bowl after all, so we have to count on some spotty coverage in the secondary.
Pittsburgh Will Need to Use a Compass to Find Their New Direction
33 of 35
BBVA Compass Bowl: Kentucky vs. Pittsburgh, January 8th, 12:00 PM EST
After losing to Kentucky thanks to Randall Cobb, Derrick Locke and company, the Pittsburgh Panthers will be looking to go in a new direction next season.
Dave Wannstedt was fired from his head coaching position and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti took over as the interim head coach at the end of the regular season.
The Panthers have talent, but not enough to keep up with the Wildcats.
It's only fitting that a team looking for a new direction is playing in the Compass Bowl.
Nevada Will Justify Beating Boise State
34 of 35
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada vs. Boston College, January 9th, 9:00 PM EST
Colin Kaepernick, Nevada's star quarterback, may be the best player in the country that not many people have heard of. Just like with Andrew Luck, this is mostly because he plays on the West Coast.
After Kaepernick led Nevada to a victory against Boise State, his team needed an opportunity to beat another quality football team and justify their big win.
Boston College is a quality football team that can by no means be considered great.
Expect the senior quarterback to put up some big numbers in a blowout win to end his career.
Oregon Will Score the Most Points Ever
35 of 35
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game: Oregon vs. Auburn, January 10th, 8:30 PM EST
This will be one of the highest-scoring bowl games of all time as the No. 1 and No. 6 scoring offenses face off against each other.
The combination of Darron Thomas, LaMichael James and Jeff Maehl have been too much for any team to even hold in check this season. I don't expect Auburn's 54th-ranked defense to do a much better job.
Nebraska in the 2000 Alamo Bowl beat Northwestern 66-17, scoring the most points ever in a bowl game. That record could be in danger on January 10th.
I'm picking the Ducks to win 66-49 in an offensive shootout, which would tie them for the most bowl game points of all time.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
