2nd Annual Buckle Bowl Bonanza - Part I

The Buckle's Bet: Navy

Confidence Rating: 1

Why Care?: First-year Navy Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo has led his Midshipmen to 8 wins using Paul Johnson's classic triple-option. With a name more fun to say than Blagojevich, all Niumatalolo needs is a sprinkle of corruption, a dash of profanity, and a heaping helping of yak fur on top and he'll be primed to govern the fine people of Illinois!

New Mexico Bowl (December 20 - 1:30 pm CST, ESPN)

Colorado State (6-6) vs. Fresno State (7-5)

Vegas: Bulldogs -2.5

The Buckle's Bet: Fresno State

Confidence Rating: 13

Why Care?: Fresno State's Head Coach Pat Hill made waves in the Albuquerque Journal this week when he called the local gravel sub-par. "I only eat top-grade limestone gravel for breakfast and this New Mexico sand and clay mix is giving me gas." Expect a hostile crowd at University Stadium for this annual holiday treat.

magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl (December 20 - 3:30 pm CST, ESPN2)

South Florida (7-5) vs. Memphis (6-6)

Vegas: Bulls - 12.5

The Buckle's Bet: USF

Confidence Rating: 28

Why Care?: Anytime the South Florida Bulls can get all jacked up on chocolate milk (see link) and lay some wood to the Memphis Tigers we are all in for a good time. If the Bulls win - "Who's up for Dairy Queen???"

http://www.examiner.com/x-873-South-Florida-Bulls-Examiner~y2008m10d23-USFs-chocolate-milk-is-no-Bull

Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl (December 20 - 7 pm CST, ESPN)

(16) BYU (10-2) vs. Arizona (7-5)

Vegas: Wildcats - 3.0

The Buckle's Bet: Zona

Confidence Rating: 14

Why Care?: The Stormin' Mormons have an impressive resume filled with a 3-point victory over Colorado State and conquering 0-12 Washington by a point. Of course, BYU got throttled by TCU and Utah, but with utter mediocrity like this, it's a mystery why Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall didn't get a call from Auburn.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (December 21 - 7:15 pm CST, ESPN)
Troy (8-4) vs. Southern Miss (6-6)
Vegas: Trojans - 4.5
The Buckle's Bet: Troy
Confidence Rating: 2
Why Care?: Don't care...but I heard Lifetime is showing that movie about that one lady.