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Family Feud: Big Ten Bowl Outlook
David ThurmanDec 27, 2011
Family Feud is a feature where Dave and Drew throw their opinions in on various Buckeye football subjects, which like most father and sons, are quite opposite. This edition takes a detour as they look at the B1G as a whole and the upcoming bowl schedule.
Buckeye Nation isn't exactly as wired for the bowl season as in past years. The matchup of two 6-6 teams in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl hardly compares to the BCS battles that Ohio State has been through over the last decade. While some have tried to use the Urban Meyer angle to gain interest in this game, it hardly does enough to make things meaningful. Meyer isn't coaching in the game, and instead fans get one last chance to see Bollman's play calling.
So while the major drama may be missing for the Buckeyes, there is plenty to keep you interested in the bowl season thanks to the Big Ten. The conference has a record 10 teams playing in bowls, including some pretty compelling matchups.
Conference bragging rights will also be at stake again this year, as the Big Ten tries to rebound from 3-5 record from a season ago. Let's take a close look at these games and give some predictions.
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Purdue (6-6) vs. Western Michigan (7-5)
TV Details: Today, Dec 27; 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Outlook: The Boilermakers find themselves in their first bowl game in four years after winning two of their final three games. They make the trip to Ford Field without their top tackler on defense, Dwayne Beckford (suspended), as well as OJ Ross (suspended) and Ralph Bolden (injured).
On the other side, Western Michigan is trying to win the first bowl game in school history. They rank 22nd in total yards in the country and 18th in points scored on offense mostly thanks to quarterback Alex Carder (3434 yards, 28 touchdowns). In their first two meetings against Big Ten schools this year they fell short, Michigan (34-10) and Illinois (23-20).
Prediction: Dave - Purdue 24, Western Michigan 20; Drew - Purdue 35, Western Michigan 31
Buckeye Nation isn't exactly as wired for the bowl season as in past years. The matchup of two 6-6 teams in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl hardly compares to the BCS battles that Ohio State has been through over the last decade. While some have tried to use the Urban Meyer angle to gain interest in this game, it hardly does enough to make things meaningful. Meyer isn't coaching in the game, and instead fans get one last chance to see Bollman's play calling.
So while the major drama may be missing for the Buckeyes, there is plenty to keep you interested in the bowl season thanks to the Big Ten. The conference has a record 10 teams playing in bowls, including some pretty compelling matchups.
Conference bragging rights will also be at stake again this year, as the Big Ten tries to rebound from 3-5 record from a season ago. Let's take a close look at these games and give some predictions.
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Purdue (6-6) vs. Western Michigan (7-5)
TV Details: Today, Dec 27; 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Outlook: The Boilermakers find themselves in their first bowl game in four years after winning two of their final three games. They make the trip to Ford Field without their top tackler on defense, Dwayne Beckford (suspended), as well as OJ Ross (suspended) and Ralph Bolden (injured).
On the other side, Western Michigan is trying to win the first bowl game in school history. They rank 22nd in total yards in the country and 18th in points scored on offense mostly thanks to quarterback Alex Carder (3434 yards, 28 touchdowns). In their first two meetings against Big Ten schools this year they fell short, Michigan (34-10) and Illinois (23-20).
Prediction: Dave - Purdue 24, Western Michigan 20; Drew - Purdue 35, Western Michigan 31
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Insight Bowl - Oklahoma (9-3) vs. Iowa (7-5)
TV Details: Friday, Dec 30; 10 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: The Sooners enter this game after losing two of their final three games, including get blasted by Oklahoma State 44-10. They must also deal with the disappointment of being in such a poor bowl game after preseason national title game aspirations. Some of this can be credited to injury problems down the stretch, like that of wide receiver Ryan Broyles, which hurt against some of the best in the Big 12. They do still bring one of the most high powered offenses in the country into this game behind the arm of Landry Jones (4,302 yards, 28 touchdowns), and will play an uptempo style unlike anything Iowa has seen this year.
Iowa also had a disappointing season, finishing fourth in the Legends Division. To make matters worse, they will be without leading rusher Marcus Coker (suspended) who rushed for 1,384 yards and 15 touchdowns. They don't have another runner with more than 100 yards on the season. Kirk Ferentz is a proven commodity in bowl games though, so don't count the Hawkeyes out of this one.
Prediction: Dave - Oklahoma 34, Iowa 17; Drew - Oklahoma 30, Iowa 27
Meinke Car Care Bowl - Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Northwestern (6-6)
TV Details: Saturday, Dec. 31; 12 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: Northwestern completely turned their season around, winning four out their last five to become bowl eligible. This is the fourth straight year Pat Fitzgerald has gotten the Wildcats into a bowl game, though they have lost the previous three. In fact, Northwestern hasn't won a bowl game since 1949. Quarterback Dan Persa and wide receiver Jeremy Ebert need to play tough to help end that streak.
The Aggies on the other hand are in the midst of a coaching change thanks to a mediocre season. After giving up huge leads in losses against Oklahoma State and Arkansas early in the season, they would rebound with three wins, including one against Baylor. They would go on to lose four of their last five though, which would lead to the firing of Mike Sherman. Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will fill in for the bowl game, hoping to give the program some momentum before Houston’s Kevin Sumlin takes over in 2012.
Prediction: Dave - Texas A&M 27, Northwestern 23; Drew - Northwestern 33, Texas A&M 30
Fight Hunger Bowl - UCLA (6-7) vs. Illinois (6-6)
TV Details: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: This may be the least compelling game across the board for the Big Ten. Both of these teams played well below their potential this season, leading to the firings of Rick Neuheisel and Ron Zook. Each will have an interim head coach calling the shots in this game. Even worse, the Bruins needed a special dispensation from the NCAA just to play in this game due to ending with sub-.500 record after a loss in the Pac-12 title game. It's not pretty any way you look at it.
Though the Illini did end on a six game losing streak to close out the season, they do have lots of potential on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase will present big problems for a very lousy Bruins defense, and defensive end Whitney Mercilus (who led the Big Ten in sacks this season) will present tons of matchup problems.
Prediction: Dave - Illinois 21, UCLA 17; Drew - Illinois 24, UCLA 13
TicketCity Bowl - Penn State (9-3) vs. Houston (12-1)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2, 12 p.m. (ESPNU)
Game Outlook: It's unfortunate that this game is conflicting with the Gator Bowl, because this is one of the best matchups on paper during the bowl season. Both of these teams deserved a much better bowl than this, and bring much different styles of play into this game.
Penn State was one game away from being in the Big Ten Championship Game, and had a very successful year despite dealing with offensive challenges and a scandal that rocked the college football world. Silas Redd and the Nittany Lion offensive line should feast on the weak Cougar defense. The issue will likely be if quarterback Matt McGloin will be able to start in this game and be effective because Rob Bolden isn't leading this team to a win.
On the other side of the ball, Houston's Case Keenum (5,099 yards, 45 touchdowns) will be going up against one of the most stout pass defenses in college football. It should be an entertaining matchup. The biggest question is whether or not Houston will play uninspired after falling short of a BCS trip and without head coach Kevin Sumlin.
Prediction: Dave - Houston 27, Penn State 20; Drew - Houston 35, Penn State 24
Gator Bowl - Florida (6-6) vs. Ohio State (6-6)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 1 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Outlook: Call it the Urban Meyer Bowl or a rematch of the 2006 BCS title game, it still doesn't have enough flash to catch most people's eye. Both teams come in at 6-6, and greatly disappointed the preseason hype. The Buckeyes are coming off 3-5 record in the Big Ten, its first losing season since 1999. Most of this can be credited to an offense that was stagnant for much of the year, especially through the air. Freshman quarterback Braxton Miller and running back Boom Herron will lead the way as the Buckeyes look to kick the Urban Meyer era off with some momentum from a bowl win.
The Gators had their fair share of offensive woes, dropping six of their final eight games. Quarterback Jeff Brantley looked mediocre for much of the season, and the Rainey-Demps duo was far less effective than many had expected. The Buckeye defense has looked weak tackling in space, which could mean those two have a field day. Florida will be without offensive coordinator Charlie Weis for this game though, who accepted the job a Kansas.
Prediction: Dave - Florida 27, Ohio State 24; Drew - Ohio State 30, Florida 20
Outback Bowl - Georgia (10-3) vs. Michigan State (10-3)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 1 p.m. (ABC)
Game Outlook: Both Georgia and Michigan State head into the Outback Bowl after coming up short in their conference title games. The Spartans lost in their sequel against Wisconsin (42-39), which really hurt considering they would have been headed to the Rose Bowl in the old Big Ten format. Now Dantonio, who has lost all four bowl games as head coach, will be looking for a marquee win to help take the program to the next level.
Mark Richt and the Bulldogs will be looking to cap off what has been a great rebound year for their program. After losing the first two games of the season, they rattled off ten straight wins before falling 42-10 to LSU in the SEC Championship. Both sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray (2,861 yards, 33 touchdowns) and freshman running back Isaiah Crowell (847 yards, 5 touchdowns) will be looking to launch Georgia into 2012 with some major momentum with a win on January 2nd.
Overall, it should be a defensive showcase. Both teams had top tier defenses this season, and points will definitely be at a premium in this one.
Prediction: Dave - Michigan State 20, Georgia 16; Drew - Georgia 24; Michigan State 21
Capital One Bowl - Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: The Capital One Bowl features another interesting Big Ten-SEC battle. This one includes first year Big Ten member Nebraska. The Huskers have the 13th ranked rushing attack in the nation this season with 223.9 rushing yards per game, and are led by running back Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez. If those two can continue their dominance in this game, it would be the third straight ten win season for the Huskers.
The Gamecocks bring the fourth ranked defense into this game, and will be looking to slow down Burkhead and Martinez, which is something that will likely happen. On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Conner Shaw stepped up nicely in the middle of the season to help lead them to a 6-1 finish, including a huge win over Clemson to close the season.
Prediction: Dave - South Carolina 30, Nebraska 21; Drew - South Carolina 38; Nebraska 23
Rose Bowl - Oregon (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (11-2)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: One word describes this game - offense. Both teams average well over 40 points per game, while each have defenses that have been extremely mediocre throughout the season. The Badgers are led by the duo of Russell Wilson and Montee Ball, who have accounted for a staggering 69 touchdowns together. Both were in Heisman discussions, and rightfully so. They will have definitely have to be big if Bielma and company plan on getting some redemption after last year's tough loss in the Rose Bowl to TCU.
The Ducks are looking to finally get over the hump and win a high profile game under Chip Kelly. Not only have they fallen short in the Rose Bowl two years ago against Ohio State and in the national championship last season against Auburn, but they got killed by LSU to start the season. A win in the Rose Bowl would put them in the discussion with elite teams. They will depend on the fifth ranked rushing attack in the country, averaging nearly 300 yards per game thanks to LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas, to lead the charge.
Prediction: Dave - Oregon 31, Wisconsin 27; Drew - Wisconsin 42, Oregon 38
Sugar Bowl - Michigan (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2)
TV Details: Tuesday, Jan. 3; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: Both of these teams arguably got into this game over more deserving squads like Kansas State, Baylor, Arkansas and Boise State. Still, it seems like a decent matchup on paper. The Wolverines had an incredible first season with Brady Hoke at the helm. He, along with Greg Mattison, was able to turn the defense around enough to make a run through the Big Ten, though they didn't have to play Wisconsin or Penn State. That run can also be credited to Denard Robinson who eclipsed 2,000 yard passing and 1,000 yards rushing, amassing 34 total touchdowns.
The Hokies also had a pretty manageable schedule and only fell short to Clemson, once in the regular season and once in the conference title game. They have been led all season by ACC player of the year, RB David Wilson. While he did average 125.2 yards rushing yards per game, he was held in check in the conference title game against Clemson.
Prediction: Dave - Virginia Tech 27, Michigan 23; Drew - Michigan 30, Virginia Tech 28
OVERALL PREDICTION FOR B1G:
Dave - 3-7
Drew - 6-4
TV Details: Friday, Dec 30; 10 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: The Sooners enter this game after losing two of their final three games, including get blasted by Oklahoma State 44-10. They must also deal with the disappointment of being in such a poor bowl game after preseason national title game aspirations. Some of this can be credited to injury problems down the stretch, like that of wide receiver Ryan Broyles, which hurt against some of the best in the Big 12. They do still bring one of the most high powered offenses in the country into this game behind the arm of Landry Jones (4,302 yards, 28 touchdowns), and will play an uptempo style unlike anything Iowa has seen this year.
Iowa also had a disappointing season, finishing fourth in the Legends Division. To make matters worse, they will be without leading rusher Marcus Coker (suspended) who rushed for 1,384 yards and 15 touchdowns. They don't have another runner with more than 100 yards on the season. Kirk Ferentz is a proven commodity in bowl games though, so don't count the Hawkeyes out of this one.
Prediction: Dave - Oklahoma 34, Iowa 17; Drew - Oklahoma 30, Iowa 27
Meinke Car Care Bowl - Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Northwestern (6-6)
TV Details: Saturday, Dec. 31; 12 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: Northwestern completely turned their season around, winning four out their last five to become bowl eligible. This is the fourth straight year Pat Fitzgerald has gotten the Wildcats into a bowl game, though they have lost the previous three. In fact, Northwestern hasn't won a bowl game since 1949. Quarterback Dan Persa and wide receiver Jeremy Ebert need to play tough to help end that streak.
The Aggies on the other hand are in the midst of a coaching change thanks to a mediocre season. After giving up huge leads in losses against Oklahoma State and Arkansas early in the season, they would rebound with three wins, including one against Baylor. They would go on to lose four of their last five though, which would lead to the firing of Mike Sherman. Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will fill in for the bowl game, hoping to give the program some momentum before Houston’s Kevin Sumlin takes over in 2012.
Prediction: Dave - Texas A&M 27, Northwestern 23; Drew - Northwestern 33, Texas A&M 30
Fight Hunger Bowl - UCLA (6-7) vs. Illinois (6-6)
TV Details: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: This may be the least compelling game across the board for the Big Ten. Both of these teams played well below their potential this season, leading to the firings of Rick Neuheisel and Ron Zook. Each will have an interim head coach calling the shots in this game. Even worse, the Bruins needed a special dispensation from the NCAA just to play in this game due to ending with sub-.500 record after a loss in the Pac-12 title game. It's not pretty any way you look at it.
Though the Illini did end on a six game losing streak to close out the season, they do have lots of potential on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase will present big problems for a very lousy Bruins defense, and defensive end Whitney Mercilus (who led the Big Ten in sacks this season) will present tons of matchup problems.
Prediction: Dave - Illinois 21, UCLA 17; Drew - Illinois 24, UCLA 13
TicketCity Bowl - Penn State (9-3) vs. Houston (12-1)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2, 12 p.m. (ESPNU)
Game Outlook: It's unfortunate that this game is conflicting with the Gator Bowl, because this is one of the best matchups on paper during the bowl season. Both of these teams deserved a much better bowl than this, and bring much different styles of play into this game.
Penn State was one game away from being in the Big Ten Championship Game, and had a very successful year despite dealing with offensive challenges and a scandal that rocked the college football world. Silas Redd and the Nittany Lion offensive line should feast on the weak Cougar defense. The issue will likely be if quarterback Matt McGloin will be able to start in this game and be effective because Rob Bolden isn't leading this team to a win.
On the other side of the ball, Houston's Case Keenum (5,099 yards, 45 touchdowns) will be going up against one of the most stout pass defenses in college football. It should be an entertaining matchup. The biggest question is whether or not Houston will play uninspired after falling short of a BCS trip and without head coach Kevin Sumlin.
Prediction: Dave - Houston 27, Penn State 20; Drew - Houston 35, Penn State 24
Gator Bowl - Florida (6-6) vs. Ohio State (6-6)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 1 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Outlook: Call it the Urban Meyer Bowl or a rematch of the 2006 BCS title game, it still doesn't have enough flash to catch most people's eye. Both teams come in at 6-6, and greatly disappointed the preseason hype. The Buckeyes are coming off 3-5 record in the Big Ten, its first losing season since 1999. Most of this can be credited to an offense that was stagnant for much of the year, especially through the air. Freshman quarterback Braxton Miller and running back Boom Herron will lead the way as the Buckeyes look to kick the Urban Meyer era off with some momentum from a bowl win.
The Gators had their fair share of offensive woes, dropping six of their final eight games. Quarterback Jeff Brantley looked mediocre for much of the season, and the Rainey-Demps duo was far less effective than many had expected. The Buckeye defense has looked weak tackling in space, which could mean those two have a field day. Florida will be without offensive coordinator Charlie Weis for this game though, who accepted the job a Kansas.
Prediction: Dave - Florida 27, Ohio State 24; Drew - Ohio State 30, Florida 20
Outback Bowl - Georgia (10-3) vs. Michigan State (10-3)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 1 p.m. (ABC)
Game Outlook: Both Georgia and Michigan State head into the Outback Bowl after coming up short in their conference title games. The Spartans lost in their sequel against Wisconsin (42-39), which really hurt considering they would have been headed to the Rose Bowl in the old Big Ten format. Now Dantonio, who has lost all four bowl games as head coach, will be looking for a marquee win to help take the program to the next level.
Mark Richt and the Bulldogs will be looking to cap off what has been a great rebound year for their program. After losing the first two games of the season, they rattled off ten straight wins before falling 42-10 to LSU in the SEC Championship. Both sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray (2,861 yards, 33 touchdowns) and freshman running back Isaiah Crowell (847 yards, 5 touchdowns) will be looking to launch Georgia into 2012 with some major momentum with a win on January 2nd.
Overall, it should be a defensive showcase. Both teams had top tier defenses this season, and points will definitely be at a premium in this one.
Prediction: Dave - Michigan State 20, Georgia 16; Drew - Georgia 24; Michigan State 21
Capital One Bowl - Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: The Capital One Bowl features another interesting Big Ten-SEC battle. This one includes first year Big Ten member Nebraska. The Huskers have the 13th ranked rushing attack in the nation this season with 223.9 rushing yards per game, and are led by running back Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez. If those two can continue their dominance in this game, it would be the third straight ten win season for the Huskers.
The Gamecocks bring the fourth ranked defense into this game, and will be looking to slow down Burkhead and Martinez, which is something that will likely happen. On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Conner Shaw stepped up nicely in the middle of the season to help lead them to a 6-1 finish, including a huge win over Clemson to close the season.
Prediction: Dave - South Carolina 30, Nebraska 21; Drew - South Carolina 38; Nebraska 23
Rose Bowl - Oregon (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (11-2)
TV Details: Monday, Jan. 2; 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: One word describes this game - offense. Both teams average well over 40 points per game, while each have defenses that have been extremely mediocre throughout the season. The Badgers are led by the duo of Russell Wilson and Montee Ball, who have accounted for a staggering 69 touchdowns together. Both were in Heisman discussions, and rightfully so. They will have definitely have to be big if Bielma and company plan on getting some redemption after last year's tough loss in the Rose Bowl to TCU.
The Ducks are looking to finally get over the hump and win a high profile game under Chip Kelly. Not only have they fallen short in the Rose Bowl two years ago against Ohio State and in the national championship last season against Auburn, but they got killed by LSU to start the season. A win in the Rose Bowl would put them in the discussion with elite teams. They will depend on the fifth ranked rushing attack in the country, averaging nearly 300 yards per game thanks to LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas, to lead the charge.
Prediction: Dave - Oregon 31, Wisconsin 27; Drew - Wisconsin 42, Oregon 38
Sugar Bowl - Michigan (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2)
TV Details: Tuesday, Jan. 3; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game Outlook: Both of these teams arguably got into this game over more deserving squads like Kansas State, Baylor, Arkansas and Boise State. Still, it seems like a decent matchup on paper. The Wolverines had an incredible first season with Brady Hoke at the helm. He, along with Greg Mattison, was able to turn the defense around enough to make a run through the Big Ten, though they didn't have to play Wisconsin or Penn State. That run can also be credited to Denard Robinson who eclipsed 2,000 yard passing and 1,000 yards rushing, amassing 34 total touchdowns.
The Hokies also had a pretty manageable schedule and only fell short to Clemson, once in the regular season and once in the conference title game. They have been led all season by ACC player of the year, RB David Wilson. While he did average 125.2 yards rushing yards per game, he was held in check in the conference title game against Clemson.
Prediction: Dave - Virginia Tech 27, Michigan 23; Drew - Michigan 30, Virginia Tech 28
OVERALL PREDICTION FOR B1G:
Dave - 3-7
Drew - 6-4
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