2010 Bowl Matchups: Picks and Predictions For All Remaining Bowls
The 2010 Bowl season is underway. After three blowouts on Saturday, Louisville and Southern Miss provided the most dramatic game of the bowl season.
The favorites have reigned supreme so far.. can they keep it up?
All of the best games are still on the slate and predicting them will not be easy. Has there been any distractions during the month hiatus? Which big time players need a good game in their bowl to solidify their draft status?
Here are my predictions for the result of the remaining bowl games for the 2010-2011 season.
Poinsettia Bowl: San Diego State Vs. Navy
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Navy is on a four-game winning streak and will be looking to win their second straight bowl game when they face off against San Diego St.
Navy’s offense must concentrate on ball security and needs to strike early if it expects to keep up with SDSU as it averages 35 points per game.
The Aztecs 51st ranked rush defense will have a really tough time trying to defend Navy’s fifth ranked ground game with Ricky Dobbs. Dobbs and the triple-option attack can control the time of possesion with long drives featuring plenty of Dobbs.
Navy over SDSU 34-24
Hawaii Bowl: Tulsa Vs. Hawaii
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In a extremely exciting game that features two of the best offenses in college football, expect a shoot-out.
The Hawaii Warriors play an intense brand of offensive with their version of the Run N Shoot. Bryant Moniz will be back for his senior season and should be a 2011 preseason player to watch. Having a big game against Tulsa will only increase his chances for becoming a pro.
Tulsa has the potential to have a big play on any given offensive play. The main weapon is all-purpose player Damaris Johnson. He led the nation in all-purpose yards for the second year in a row. He is small at 5-foot-8, but he is used in many difference places on the field, so watch for him.
The difference will be the home field advantage for Hawaii and Tulsa's inability to adjust to the new timezone.
Hawaii over Tulsa 44-38
Pizza Bowl Toledo vs. Florida International
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The FIU Panthers are making their first bowl appearance in school history. Toledo is making its first bowl appearance since 2005.
Mario Cristobal has guided FIU to the first conference championship in school history; Tim Beckman has taken the Toledo Rockets to their first winning season since 2005.
Toledo's Eric Page and FIU's Ty Hilton are two of the best kick returners in the country. Expect one to be taken to the house.
Toledo beats Florida International 24-20
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Independence Bowl Georgia Tech vs. Air Force
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Georgia Tech is in a bowl game for the 14th straight season, but haven't won since '04.
The Falcons finished the season 8-4 overall, and were able to hang with the likes of Oklahoma, TCU and Utah. Air Force finished second in the nation in rushing this year at a hefty 317.9 yards per game.
In a a down year for the ACC and a great season for the Mountain West, expect the Yellow Jackets to get destroyed by the run.
Air Force beats Georgia Tech 26-21
Sports Bowl North Carolina State vs. West Virginia
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This bowl wins the most generic title award.
The matchup to watch is the Mountaineers defense against the Wolfpack’s offense.
West Virginia finished the year ranked second in the country in scoring defense at 12.8 points per game, second in rush defense by yielding 85.1 yards and third in total defense at 251.3 yards.
North Carolina State is driven by its offense and QB Russell Wilson.
The junior led the ACC with 3,288 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, while also producing 394 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
WVU is able to contain Wilson and NC St. is going to be out of options.
West Virginia clobbers NC St. 31-10.
Insight Bowl Iowa Vs. Missouri
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Iowa, who was once a national title contender, has lost it's two leading running backs and it's leading receiver to a pair of unrelated issues over the last month.
Top receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and running back Adam Robinson have been suspended for this game for unspecified drug-related charges. This has caused a swirl of controversy for the team, as the drug testing policies of the program have gone under extreme scrutiny.
Way too many distractions since their last game to expect Iowa to be motivated in a game they were disappointed to find themselves in.
Missouri beats Iowa 40-24.
Military Bowl Maryland vs. East Carolina
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East Carolina completely backed their way into bowl eligibility by going 1-4 in their last five games to finish 6-6.
Both teams match-up pretty well but the advantage goes to the Terps whom will be playing the game at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
With a new coach coming to College Park, expect a vailant effort by the Terps.
Maryland beast East Carolina 23-19.
Texas Bowl: Illinois Vs. Baylor
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This bowl features two teams that are proficient in running the ball.
Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure has eight 100-yard games, including a school-record 330-yard performance against Northwestern. He ranks eighth nationally with 126.1 yards per game.
The Baylor Bears rank 12th nationally with 478.5 yards per game.
The Fighting Illini are 6-6 and Baylor is 7-5, so expect plenty of mistakes.
Baylor gets the big play that proves to be the difference in a close game.
Baylor beats Illinois 24-21.
Alamo Bowl Oklahoma State Vs. Arizona
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This game pits two of the top receivers against one another.
The Cowboys are bringing one of the top NFL prospects to the Alamo Bowl. Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon has been outstanding this season and he will have a chance to measure his talents against one of the nation's other top pass catchers; Arizona's Juron Criner.
The advantage goes to Blackmon (1,665 receiving yards, 18 TDs) and OSU's prolific offense.
Oklahoma St. handles Arizona 34-27.
Armed Forces Bowl SMU vs. Army
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This is Army's first bowl appearance since 1996.
It should be an intriguing battle of huge feature backs. Army will rely on fullback Jared Hassin, while SMU feeds Zach Line.
The O-Line has been the savior of a Mustang offense that’s been a big disappointment this fall.
Dead last in the nation in passing, Army isn't exactly going to be throwing the football all over the field.
SMU wins it over Army 26-13.
Pinstripe Bowl: Syracuse Vs. Kansas State
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This is the bowl that will be played at the new Yankee Stadium. The contest will mark the first NCAA football bowl game in the Bronx since the Gotham Bowl on December 15, 1962, when Nebraska edged Miami (Fla.), 36-34, at the original Yankee Stadium.
The Kansas State Wildcats finished the season 7-5, and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2006. The Wildcats' seven regular season victories in 2010 were the most since '06, with home wins over UCLA, Texas and No. 25 Central Florida.
That's good enough for me against a very mediocre Syracuse squad.
Kansas State in a romp over Syracuse 30-9.
Music City Bowl North Carolina vs. Tennessee
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Fun fact: All six of Tennessee's wins came within the state.
North Carolina has had a ton of issues off the field, but are still a talented bunch that should give the ACC a little respect against the mighty SEC.
The Vols haven't proven to be a scary foe in 2010 as they finish with their second coach in as many years.
UNC beats UT 20-12.
Holiday Bowl: Washington Vs. Nebraska
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This might be the easiest pick in the entire bowl season. Nebraska was a play or two away from a BCS game.
After losing to Oklahoma in the Big-12 title game, the 'Huskers dropped all the way down to he Holiday bowl.
These two teams met early in the season, with Nebraska destroying Washington on the road 56-21.
On a neutral field, with an angry group of 'Huskers, expect a blow-out.
Nebraska beats Washington badly 41-17.
Car Care Bowl: Clemson Vs. South Florida
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South Florida's offense struggled to put points on the board this season. The Bulls ranked 88th in the nation in scoring offense at only 23.5 points per game.
The Tigers defense finished the season ranked 9th in the country in scoring defense giving up only 17.8 points per game. Defensive end Da'Quan Bowers was a beast this year with 15.5 sacks, the most in the country.
Expect Bowers to have one last big game before being a top five pick in April's draft.
Clemson over South Florida 21-10.
Sun Bowl: Notre Dame Vs. Miami
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The Sun Bowl executives are the real winner in this game. Tickets quickly sold out for the New Year's Eve date between two former college football giants trying to revive their programs.
The old 80's rivalry between the two teams will be given new life.
With the firing of coach Randy Shanon, the Hurricane will not be properly prepared and focused for a Notre Dame team that finished the season on a very positive note. Combine the declining play of Jacory Harris and the Fighting Irish will be victorious.
Notre Dame beats Miami 26-21.
Liberty Bowl Central Florida vs. Georgia
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This season, the Georgia Bulldogs dropped from the rankings due to four straight losses, but were able to rebound when stud receiver A.J. Green returned.
Georgia went 5-2 in its last seven games, many of which were in convincing fashion.
Central Florida, the Knights went 10-3 and won the Conference USA Championship Game against SMU.
They lost to formidable opponents in North Carolina State, Kansas State and Southern Miss, but they lack a marquee win.
The explosive Green is far and away the best player on the field and he will make the difference.
Georgia beats Central Florida 23-14
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Florida State Vs. South Carolina
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South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier gets the opportunity to renew an old rivalry on when the Gamecocks meet Florida State.
Both South Carolina and Florida State enter the game after losing their conference championship game.
Each team has been able to handle the Florida Gators this season. The Gamecocks beat Florida 36-14 in Gainesville, while the Seminoles claimed a 31-7 victory in Tallahassee.
Marcus Lattimore has had an outstanding season and will likely be the focal point of the SC offense. He has rushed for 1,198 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games.
If SC can control the clock and keep the Seminoles offense off the field, expect a boring win for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina defeats Florida St. 17-10.
TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern Vs. Texas Tech
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Texas Tech is making their 11th straight bowl appearance, which is currently the sixth longest streak in the nation.
Northwestern knocked out their first five opponents before hitting the tough portion of their Big-10 schedule.
They only won consecutive games twice in 2010, which were the first two and the last two games of the season (vs. SMU and at New Mexico and then vs. FCS Weber State and vs. Houston).
In a down year for the Red Raiders, I like the upset pick here.
Northwestern narrowly defeats Texas Tech 23-21.
Outback Bowl: Penn State Vs. Florida
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This game doesn't do a whole lot for me.
The Gators are rebuilding and haven't found an identity in an uneven season, while the Nittany Lions were mediocre throughout with the one good win coming against Michigan.
There is a lot more talent on the Florida sideline, and a lot of players that need one more chance to prove NFL scouts they can play.
Urban Meyer is no longer the Gators coach and JoePa is in his mid-80's now. I'll go with the team with much more speed and hunger to succeed.
Florida beats Penn St. 26-16.
Capital One Bowl Michigan State vs. Alabama
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The Spartans were oh so close to a BCS bid. Michigan St. (11-1) shared the Big Ten title with Wisconsin and Ohio State. But there were only two spots for the conference in the BCS bowls, and the BCS standings were used to break the deadlock.
So the Spartans were selected to play 'Bama in a lesser bowl.
Nick Saban's crew has been underachieving all season long. Mark Ingram has been banged up and the defense has underperformed.
Mich. St has had an excellent season and will finish strong against a team of underachievers.
Mich St. defeats Alabama 27-24.
Gator Bowl Michigan vs. Mississippi State
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The Wolverines are 7-5 and will play in their first bowl game in Rich Rodriguez's three seasons as head coach
The Bulldogs have never played against a QB quite like Denard Robinson. His mix of speed and throwing accuracy makes him one of the most unique players in college football.
With the possibility of Rich Rodriguez's job being on the line, the effort of the Wolverines will be the telling sign as to whether they want their coach back. My guess is they do.
Michigan beats Miss St. 32-21.
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU
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The second best game pits David vs. Goliath.
Finally, TCU has their chance to show the country they are the real deal. If they can beat the Big-10 Champs then the general public will give the Horned Frogs a lot more respect as they get ready to join the Big East.
Too bad the physicality of the Badgers lines will punish the smaller Frogs. The Wisconsin running attack will be too much for TCU to contain, resulting in a one-sided affair.
Maybe next year TCU.
Wisconsin soundly beats TCU 27-15.
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma Vs. Connecticut
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This game is an absolute joke.
UConn has no business in being in a BCS game and will be made into a laughing stock on a national stage.
Nothing to analyze here.
Oklahoma blows-out UConn 44-10.
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech Vs. Stanford
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Virginia Tech started the season 0-2 before rebounding nicely in winning the ACC.
Stanford needs this win to justify the high ranking and all the respect received throughout the second half of the season. The biggest win of the season was over Notre Dame.
Andrew Luck has the opportunity to solidify his spot on the top of the 2011 NFL draft board with a winning performance. He has a lot of money on the line in this match-up.
Both teams are tough and physical, and this should be a 12 round fight with a great finish. Luck shows why he should be the No. 1 pick and puts the debate to rest early.
Stanford defeats Virginia Tech 28-24.
Sugar Bowl: Arkansas Vs. Ohio State
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This game might been one of the best bowl games of all before the news broke about OSU players expecting free tattoos in exchange for autographs.
Terrelle Pryor, Mike Adams, Dan Herron, Devier Posey, and Solomon Thomas have been penalized and will have to repay money ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,500. The group will be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, but will be eligible to play in the Sugar bowl.
This is not the distraction that the Buckeyes needed, and it should be enough to swing this game in favor of the Razorbacks.
The Razorbacks finished 4-2 against teams ranked in the top 25 of the BCS with wins against LSU, South Carolina, Mississippi St. and Texas A&M. The losses were to then No. 1 ranked Alabama, and current No. 1 Auburn.
Current head coach Jim Tressel is 0-3 against teams from the SEC, and has a reputation for losing to SEC schools.
Not good for a conference trying to regain it's stake as the best in the country. Expect more of the same.
Arkansas soundly beats Ohio St. 24-14.
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Miami (Ohio) Vs. M. Tennessee State
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Miami got here on an incredible last second comeback.
Since then their coach, Mike Haywood, went off to greener pastures at Pittsburgh.
But this upstart RedHawk team is feisty.
Miami wins over Middle Tennessee St. 33-21.
Cotton Bowl: Texas A&M Vs. LSU
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Texas A&M already has the top rush defense in the Big-12, giving up just over 117 yards a game, 20 yards better than anyone else in the conference.
The assignment for the Aggies' defense got a little easier for the Cotton Bowl after LSU's top rusher, Stevan Ridley, was ruled ineligible and will miss the game.
Ridley carried the ball 225 times for 1,042 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming just the 13th player in school history to record a 1,000-yard rushing season.
The Tigers' passing offense ranked last in the SEC. Not good news for the Tigers.
A&M beats LSU 23-7.
Birmingham Bowl: Pittsburgh Vs. Kentucky
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Pitt lost it's coach and Kentucky has lost it's QB.
Dave Wannstedt was fired after yet another mediocre season. New coach Mike Haywood will be coaching his brand new team.
Kentucky (6-6) is making its fifth consecutive postseason appearance to conclude Joker Phillips’ first season as head coach, after the former Wildcat receiver spent the past seven years as an assistant.
QB Mike Hartline, won’t be around for one last send-off. Phillips suspended his quarterback for the bowl game following the senior’s arrest Dec. 10 on second-degree disorderly conduct and public intoxication charges.
Tough game to pick.
Pitt over Kentucky 21-14.
Hunger Bowl Boston College vs. Nevada
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Why is his the second to last game of the bowl season?
BC beats Nevada 26-20.
BCS National Championship Game Auburn vs. Oregon
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The "Grand Daddy of Them All" is sure to be a great game. Two high powered offenses will collide in the game everyone is waiting for.
The matchup holds two of the nation's best players in Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and Oregon running back LaMichael James.
Will Cam Newton be able to keep pace with the best offense in college?
Will the Ducks be able to contain Newton outside of the pocket? Or will he run wild over a questionable Oregon front seven?
The Ducks were second in the nation in forced turnovers (35), and they’ll need a few this time around from a team that gave up only 15 all season.
The Tigers' defense has been questionable at times, but has found ways in the second half to get enough stops for the offense to get the team back in the game.
The Tigers have beaten six of the top 25 teams in the country. The Ducks have only beaten two. The Tigers have played a few more big games, but so what.
Oregon wins the championship over Auburn 37-28.
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