NEW YEAR'S DAY BOWLS

DECEMBER 30, 2010

TicketCity Bowl – Saturday, January 1 – 12:00pm

Northwestern (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (7-5)

WHO to watch: Texas Tech senior QB Taylor Potts threw for 3,357 yards this year. He completed 65.9% of his passes with 31 TDs and 9 INTs. Last year, he threw for an Alamo Bowl record 372 yards, despite leaving the game in the 4th quarter with an injury.

WHY to watch: New Year’s Day was made for bowl games. This one kicks off first.

Why to SKIP it: Liberty High School grad Dan Persa is out with an injury.

Analysis: The Wildcats were a different team after Dan Persa injured his Achilles tendon in the Iowa game. Without him, NW just won’t be able to keep up. Throw in the fact that the game will be played at the old Cotton Bowl Stadium, and it will be a Red Raider party in Dallas.

Prediction: Texas Tech 42 Northwestern 20

Outback Bowl – Saturday, January 1 – 1:00pm

Penn State (7-5) vs. Florida (7-5)

WHO to watch: Penn State QB Matt McGloin only played in the last five and a half games for the Nittany Lions. However, in those games, he threw 13 TD passes with only 4 INTs... compared with freshman Rob Bolden’s 5 TDs with 7 INTs. The Lions offense was much more potent the 2nd half of the season.

WHY to watch: We already know this will be Urban Meyer’s last game. It may end up being Joe Paterno’s final game also, even if JoePa says otherwise.

Why to SKIP it: Both of these teams were painful to watch at times this season. Together, this one could be ugly.

Analysis: The Gators will be shorthanded in this game. CB Janoris Jenkins is out along with RT Maurice Hurt, DT Lawrence Marsh and DT Terron Sanders. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin was in the hospital this week with gastritis, and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio is leaving for Temple. With that much turmoil, I’ll take a PSU team that traditionally does well versus SEC teams in bowl games.

Prediction: Penn State 23 Florida 17

Capital One Bowl – Saturday, January 1 – 1:00pm

#9 Michigan State (11-1) vs. #16 Alabama (9-3)

WHO to watch: Alabama junior WR Julio Jones is a stud. He is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. He has been a big play threat all year for the Tide. He finished the regular season with 74 catches for 1,084 yards and 7 TDs. He caught ten passes or more in three of Bama’s final five games.

WHY to watch: Does Michigan State belong in the BCS? Here is an excellent test. Plus, Nick Saban faces one of his old teams.

Why to SKIP it: The “Nick Saban faces his old school” card gets played a LOT!

Analysis: MSU should have lost to Notre Dame, Purdue and Northwestern. I don’t believe they are as good as their record indicates. The Tide may come in disappointed that they are not even in a BCS bowl. Alabama’s offense is balanced, and while their defense wasn’t as stingy as in recent years, they have big play capabilities. I don’t believe in MSU.

Prediction: Alabama 27 Michigan State 17

Gator Bowl – Saturday, January 1 – 1:30pm

#21 Mississippi State (8-4) vs. Michigan (7-5)

WHO to watch: Michigan QB Denard Robinson may be the most dynamic player in the country. he ran for 1,643 yards and threw for 2,316. He can score from anywhere on the field. He singlehandedly won games this year for the Wolverines.

WHY to watch: Can an SEC defense slow down Shoelace?

Why to SKIP it: This game equates to the 7th best team in the Big Ten facing the 6th best in the SEC. How is THAT worthy of New Year’s Day?

Analysis: The Bulldogs are a solid SEC team. Denard Robinson is one man. Michigan is not good enough any where else to beat a good team.

Prediction: Mississippi State 35 Michigan 30

Rose Bowl – Saturday, January 1 – 4:30pm

#3 TCU (12-0) vs. #5 Wisconsin (11-1)

WHO to watch: TCU safety Colin Jones leads the defense with 70 tackles, 10.5 for losses. The Horned Frogs defense allows only 11.4 points and 215.4 yards per game. How they handle the Badger offense will determine the outcome of this one.

WHY to watch: Some people believe the Badgers are the best team in the country. TCU can quiet critics with a win in Pasadena.

Why to SKIP it: The Grandaddy of ‘Em All is not the same without Big Ten versus Pac Ten.

Analysis: The Badgers offense was the second most productive unit in Big Ten history averaging 43.3 points per game. This Horned Frogs team is not as battle tested as you may think. The only teams they faced all year from a BCS conference were Oregon State and Baylor. The Badgers are just too strong and athletic for the guys in purple.

Prediction: Wisconsin 38 TCU 24

Fiesta Bowl – Saturday, January 1 – 8:30pm

#7 Oklahoma (11-2) vs. Connecticut (8-4)

WHO to watch: Sooners RB DeMarco Murray may be the most versatile back in the nation. He carried the ball 257 times for 1,121 yards and 14 TDs and added 69 receptions for 595 yards and 5 TD catches.

WHY to watch: UConn moved up to the FBS level 10 years ago. Now they are in a BCS bowl against one of the premiere programs in the country.

Why to SKIP it: UConn lost to Temple and Rutgers and even though they are not ranked, got an automatic bid to a BCS bowl. Meanwhile, Boise State at 11-1 played in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Analysis: Oklahoma has lost five consecutive BCS Bowls. Twice they have lost the Fiesta Bowl as a heavy favorite (2007 to Boise State and 2008 to WVU). Even if they take UConn a tad lightly, I still believe they win this one going away. Husky QB Zach Frazier threw for 200 yards only once all season. He completed 52.7% of his passes and had only 5 TD passes. Offenses like that will not beat OU.

Prediction: Oklahoma 42 Connecticut 16

BOWLS PART 3 (12/30 - 12/31)

DECEMBER 27, 2010

Armed Forces Bowl – Thursday, December 30 – 12:00pm

Army (6-6) vs. SMU (7-6)

WHO to watch: Army senior DE Josh McNary is the school’s all-time leader in sacks. He leads a Black Knights defense that is ranked 26th in the country, allowing only 332.6 yards per game.

WHY to watch: Army is looking for its first post-season win in 25 years, and SMU is playing in back-to-back bowl games for the first time since the program received the death penalty in the 1980s.

Why to SKIP it: It’s not Navy against TCU.

Analysis: SMU QB Kyle Padron threw for 3,526 yards this season with 29 TD passes and only 12 INTs. The Mustangs offense under head coach June Jones produced all season. They scored over 20 points in four of their losses. They are also the home team for this game. The Black Knights of the Hudson will hang around for a while, but SMU will be too much to handle for 60 minutes.

Prediction: SMU 28 Army 17

Pinstripe Bowl – Thursday, December 30 – 3:20pm

Kansas State (7-5) vs. Syracuse (7-5)

WHO to watch: K-State senor RB Daniel Thomas was 2nd in the Big 12 in rushing, finishing with 1,495 yards and 16 TDs. In his two years as a starter, KSU is 12-4 when he rushes for at least 90 yards and a perfect 7-0 when he goes for 137 or more.

WHY to watch: It will be the first bowl game played at the new Yankee Stadium.

Why to SKIP it: We’ve already seen a football game here (Army-Notre Dame). The novelty will wear off by the end of the 1st quarter.

Analysis: The Orange dropped three of their last four games while giving up 172.5 yards rushing per game. The Wildcats will pound the ball down their throat.

Prediction: Kansas State 20 Syracuse 12

Music City Bowl – Thursday, December 30 – 6:40pm

North Carolina (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6)

WHO to watch: Tennessee freshman QB Tyler Bray established himself late in the season as the future of Volunteer football. He started the final four games and threw 12 TD passes, four more than the previous starter Matt Simms threw for all season.

WHY to watch: These two teams were scheduled to play the next two seasons. However, Vols athletic director Mike Hamilton cancelled the series to make the schedule a little easier for new coach Derek Dooley. Let’s see what we are missing.

Why to SKIP it: This would be a very entertaining basketball game, but in this particular year, the football match-up is between two average squads.

Analysis: The Vols needed to win four straight to close the season just to be bowl eligible. During that stretch, they beat only one other bowl team (Kentucky). With an extra month of practice time paired with a sell out crowd dressed in Orange, I think the Vols continue to improve and beat this under achieving Tar Heel unit.

Prediction: Tennessee 19 North Carolina 14

Holiday Bowl – Thursday, December 30 – 10:00pm

#18 Nebraska (10-3) vs. Washington (6-6)

WHO to watch: Washington QB Jake Locker shocked most analysts by returning for his senior year when most experts thought he would be the #1 selection of the 2010 NFL Draft. This year he completed only 56% of his passes with 17 TDs and 9 INTs. However, you take out his performances in just two games and he had 8 TDs and 8 INTs for the year.

WHY to watch: Locker will want to make a strong final impression on NFL scouts.

Why to SKIP it: These same two teams played in September in Seattle and Nebraska hammered the Huskies 56-21.

Analysis: Big Red was one drive away from winning the Big 12 Title and heading to the Fiesta Bowl. Washington is excited about the chance to avenge an embarrassing loss. Even with motivation being clearly on the side of UW, that’s not enough to make up a 35-point differential.

Prediction: Nebraska 42 Washington 24

Meineke Car Care Bowl – Friday, December 31 – 12:00pm

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

WHO to watch: Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the top defensive player in the country. His 15.5 sacks led the nation, and he was second in the country in tackles for losses with 25.

WHY to watch: Bowers will be a top five pick in the 2011 NFL Draft... if he opts to leave school early.

Why to SKIP it: Clemson barely qualified for a bowl this season, and USF will likely be starting walk-on Bobby Eveld at QB due to and injury to starter B.J. Daniels.

Analysis: The Bulls ranked 103rd in the nation in total offense with just 311.9 yards per game. The game will be played two hours away from the Clemson campus. Without Daniels at QB, the Bulls will struggle to score against the Tigers.

Prediction: Clemson 21 South Florida 14

Sun Bowl – Friday, December 31 – 2:00pm

Notre Dame (7-5) vs. Miami, FL (7-5)

WHO to watch: Notre Dame freshman QB Tommy Rees led the team to a 3-1 finish after starter Dayne Crist was lost for the season in the Navy game. Rees threw 10 TD passes with 6 INTs in wins over Utah and USC to lead the Irish to their best record since 2006.

WHY to watch: Catholics vs. Convicts 2010!

Why to SKIP it: It’s Catholics versus Convicts minus Jimmy Johnson, Lou Holtz and all the talent these two proud programs once had.

Analysis: Miami may be more athletic than ND, especially with all the injuries Notre Dame has had on offense this season. However, one side (ND) is building something. The other (the U) is starting from scratch. Coach Randy Shannon was fired after the loss to South Florida in November. I’ll take the better coached and better prepared Irish over the more athletic Canes.

Prediction: Notre Dame 28 Miami, FL 25

Liberty Bowl – Friday, December 31 – 3:30pm

Georgia (6-6) vs. #25 Central Florida (10-3)

WHO to watch: Bulldog WR A.J. Green tied for the SEC lead with 9 TD receptions (to go along with 771 yards receiving) despite missing four games with a suspension. He may be playing his last game. He is expected to be a top ten pick this April if he opts for the NFL.

WHY to watch: UCF may be on their way to the Big East in the next few years. It will be interesting to see how they measure up to a middle of the pack SEC team.

Why to SKIP it: One starts a redshirt freshman at QB. The other starts a true freshman. This won’t exactly be Stanford versus Oregon.

Analysis: Georgia surrendered 726 yards rushing and 10 TDs in their last two games combined. The Knights averaged 192.5 yards per game on the ground. The Knights defense is also strong allowing just 18 points a game while being anchored by two-time conference defensive player of the year Bruce Miller. Call me crazy, but I think this Bulldog team is lucky to be here.

Prediction: Central Florida 24 Georgia 20

Chick-Fil-A Bowl - Friday, December 31 - 7:30pm

#20 South Carolina (9-4) vs. #23 Florida State (9-4)

WHO to watch: South Carolina freshman RB Marcus Lattimore rushed for 1,198 yards and 17 TDs. Only Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton rushed for more yards this year in the SEC.

WHY to watch it: Spurrier faces “Free Shoes University” for the first time since 2001.

Why to SKIP it: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rocking Eve is coming on. Dick won’t be around much longer, so why not watch him one more time.

Analysis: These two teams are pretty even statistically. The Seminole defense struggled against the Hokies in the ACC Championship game. The Gamecocks D struggled even more against Auburn in the SEC Final. Carolina has not been a good bowl team under Spurrier, losing three of four. FSU QB Christian Ponder is a question mark for this game. For that reason, I’ll take the SEC runner-up.

Prediction: South Carolina 27 Florida State 24

BOWLS PART 2 (12/26-12/29)

DECEMBER 22, 2010

Little Caesars Bowl – Sunday, December 26 – 8:30pm

Florida International (6-6) vs. Toledo (8-4)

WHO to watch: Toledo sophomore WR Eric Page caught 94 balls this year for 1,081 yards and 8 TDs. He also ran three kick offs back for scores. His numbers are even more impressive when you realize Toledo lost starting QB Austin Dantin to injury in late October and Page caught 28 balls from a redshirt freshman in three games.

WHY to watch: Neither team plays much defense, so this game should be a back and forth affair.

Why to SKIP it: Michael Vick is playing the Vikings right now.

Analysis: Toledo forced 33 turnovers this season, tying them with Hawaii for most in the nation. FIU QB Wesley Carroll threw for 15 TDs, but he also had 13 INTs. Toledo is battle tested having faced Boise State and Arizona in non-league play. I think the Rockets will force enough turnovers to win.

Prediction: Toledo 37 FIU 27

Independence Bowl – Monday, December 27 – 5:00pm

Air Force (8-4) vs. Georgia Tech (6-6)

WHO to watch: Georgia Tech RB Anthony Allen finishing up the year with 1,225 yards rushing. He averaged 138.3 yards over the last four games and became the work horse of the backfield carrying the ball 63 times in the last two games.

WHY to watch: These are the top two rushing offenses in the country.

Why to SKIP it: The two teams combined to throw 299 passes this season. Go eat dinner and wait for Saints-Falcons tonight.

Analysis: The Yellow Jackets run a spread option attack. Air Force runs the triple option. In that case, I’ll take the BCS level team with BCS personnel over the service academy. If anyone can handle the Falcons attack, it is Georgia Tech.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 24 Air Force 13

Champs Sports Bowl – Tuesday, December 28 – 6:30pm

#22 West Virginia (9-3) vs. NC State (8-4)

WHO to watch: The Wolfpack are led by QB Russell Wilson. He led the ACC in passing with 3,288 and 26 touchdowns. He also ran for 394 yards and nine more scores.

WHY to watch: This is a pretty evenly matched game between two teams that can put up points. It is probably the best match-up of the bowl season thus far.

Why to SKIP it: There is a reason why the Big East only managed to squeeze one team into the final BCS poll of the regular season. It was not a good year for these two leagues.

Analysis: NC State was held under 28 points only one time this season. WVU finished the year strong, but they were inconsistent. Russell Wilson will be the difference in an entertaining game.

Prediction: NC State 30 West Virginia 28

Insight Bowl – Tuesday, December 28 – 10pm

Iowa (7-5) vs. #12 Missouri (10-2)

WHO to watch: Second year starter Blaine Gabbert of Missouri had a career best 62.2% completion rate. He paced the Tiger offense with 2,752 yards through the air with 15 TDs and 7 INTs.

WHY to watch: Missouri had one of the best seasons in school history. Iowa was projected to be a top ten team. These teams have talent.

Why to SKIP it: Some of the talent will not play. Iowa RB Adam Robinson was suspended for failing to comply with “team expectations and policies.” Plus, all-Big Ten WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was arrested on drug charges and will also miss the game.

Analysis: If Iowa was at full strength you would still have to wonder about motivation for the Hawkeyes. They were mentioned as a possible national title contender early in the year. So, how excited are they after their late season collapse to play here? Being shorthanded makes this one simple. If Iowa wins, that is a great coaching job by Kirk Ferentz and his staff.

Prediction: Missouri 23 Iowa 17

Military Bowl – Wednesday, December 29 – 2:30pm

East Carolina (6-6) vs. Maryland (8-4)

WHO to watch: ECU QB Dominique Davis shattered the school record for completions in a season with 358, 99 more than the old record. The junior finished the season with 3,699 yards and 36 TDs.

WHY to watch: How could you refuse a bowl game named after the military?

Why to SKIP it: With a 2:30 kickoff, this match-up is not worth skipping out of work for.

Analysis: The game is being played at RFK Stadium in DC, so expect a good Maryland crowd. It is also the final game for Head Coach Ralph Friedgen who will not be returning as head coach. I expect the Terps to play inspired ball for the jolly old fat man.

Prediction: Maryland 24 East Carolina 20

Houston Bowl – Wednesday, December 29 – 6:00pm

Illinois (6-6) vs. Baylor (7-5)

WHO to watch: Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure led the Big Ten in rushing, churning out 1,513 yards and 14 TDs. In the regular season finale at Wrigley Field, he ran for a school record 330 yards on 33 carries.

WHY to watch: This may surprise you, but this is should be a very entertaining game. Both teams averaged 32 points a game.

Why to SKIP it: It’s Big Ten vs. Big 12, but it’s Illinois vs. Baylor... not Ohio State vs. Oklahoma.

Analysis: Both teams have a dual threat QB. Both have a RB capable of going off for a huge game. Playing at Reliant Stadium it will be a virtual home game for Baylor. However, Illinois has a huge alumni base. The Illini will be well represented in Houston. I think Illinois wins a close one.

Prediction: Illinois 31 Baylor 30

Alamo Bowl – Wednesday, December 29 – 9:15pm

#14 Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. Arizona (7-5)

WHO to watch: This game features the best WR in the nation in OSU’s Justin Blackmon. The 2010 Biletnikoff Award winner caught 102 passes this season for 1,665 yards and 18 TDs. He had ten receptions or more in six games and found the end zone in every game he played.

WHY to watch: If you haven’t seen Blackmon play yet, check him out. I have a feeling he will put on a show.

Why to SKIP it: In the past, this match-up was Big Ten versus Bg 12. That would have been preferred here. The Pac Ten is down this year.

Analysis: OSU can light up the scoreboard. Arizona looked good early in the year and opened some eyes when they knocked off Iowa in September. However, they went in the tank at the end of the year, closing the year with four straight losses and going from 7-1 to 7-5. I think the Cowboys will have too much fire power for the Wildcats to keep up.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 48 Arizona 28

PRE-CHRISTMAS BOWLS

New Mexico Bowl – Saturday, December 18 – 2:00pm

BYU (6-6) vs. UTEP (6-6)

WHO to watch: Neither team is that special, but BYU freshman QB Jake Heaps has been coming on strong. He has 11 TD passes this season with ten coming in their last five games. The Cougars lost only one of those five. A university known for churning out QBs may have found the next great one.

WHY to watch: It’s the first bowl game of the year, and the malls will be packed.

Why to SKIP it: Those people that complain about there being too many bowl games can look directly at this one for an example of two average teams getting into the post-season.

Analysis: After some early season struggles, BYU got better late in the year. I learned my lesson last season. An average Mountain West team is better than one of the best teams in the WAC, Sun Belt or in this case Conference USA.

Prediction: BYU 28 UTEP 20

Humanitarian Bowl – Saturday, December 18 – 5:30pm

Northern Illinois (10-3) vs. Fresno State (8-4)

WHO to watch: Chad Spann of UNI was named the MAC Player of the Year after rushing for 1,293 yards, his second straight season with over 1,000 yards on the ground.

WHY to watch: Northern Illinois topped 50 points three times this year. They have one of the top rushing attacks in the nation.

Why to SKIP it: The blue turf just isn’t the same without Boise playing.

Analysis: Northern Illinois is a very good team. However, they have an interim head coach after Jerry Kill took the job at Minnesota. They are much farther away from home, and Fresno State (who is a very solid program) plays on the smurf turf every other year. I like the Bulldogs to steal one.

Prediction: Fresno State 26 Northern Illinois 20

New Orleans Bowl – Saturday, December 18 – 9:00pm

Ohio (8-4) vs. Troy (7-5)

WHO to watch: Troy QB Corey Robinson will definitely keep things interesting. He led the Sun Belt Conference with 3,320 yards passing and 24 touchdowns, but he was also intercepted 18 times.

WHY to watch: Normally the NFL will have a Saturday night game at this time of the year. For some reason, this year they don’t. If you want football tonight... this is it.

Why to SKIP it: Each school has more letters in their name than future NFL players on their roster.

Analysis: Both Robinson and Ohio’s Boo Jackson are turnover prone. Expect some big plays by each. The one that makes the fewest mistakes will lead his team to victory. I think Troy will have too much for the Bobcats.

Prediction: Troy 33 Ohio 24

Beef O’Brady’s Bowl – Tuesday, December 21 – 8pm

Louisville (6-6) vs. Southern Miss (8-4)

WHO to watch: Louisville RB Bilal Powell rushed for 1,330 yards and 10 touchdowns on only 211 carries for an average of 6.3 per rush. He had only 207 carries total in his career before the season. He topped the 100 yard mark seven times and went over 200 yards rushing twice.

WHY to watch: You are like me and have no idea what Beef O’Brady’s is but it sounds tasty. Can’t wait to see the ads.

Why to SKIP it: Louisville basketball is worth watching... especially when Pitino dresses like Colonel Sanders. This is football, and the Cards were 6-6 (3-4 in a down Big East).

Analysis: USM was 15th in the nation in scoring offense this year. Louisville was 11th in total defense. I’ll always take defense over offense when the D is from a BCS level conference.

Prediction: Louisville 20 Southern Miss 16

Las Vegas Bowl – Wednesday, December 22 – 8:00pm

#19 Utah (10-2) vs. #10 Boise State (11-1)

WHO to watch: Boise State junior QB Kellen Moore threw for 33 TDs with only 5 INTs. He completed 71% of his passes, giving him a QB rating of 185.0 (second only to Cam Newton). He has lost only twice in 39 starts at BSU.

WHY to watch: For the second year in a row, the Las Vegas Bowl will provide the first match-up of ranked teams this post-season.

Why to SKIP it: After watching TCU and Notre Dame torch Utah, what does it prove for Boise if they do the same?

Analysis: Normally, I would stay far away from a team with national title (or at least BCS Bowl) aspirations that ended up falling as far as Boise State did. In this case, I’ll take the Broncos. They are well coached and will want to close out with a win. Plus, they know Utah is headed to the Pac 12 and leaving the MWC before Boise can get there.

Prediction: Boise State 42 Utah 24

Poinsettia Bowl – Thursday, December 23 – 8:00pm

Navy (8-3) vs. San Diego State (8-4)

WHO to watch: Navy senior QB Ricky Dobbs accounted for 25 touchdowns this year running Navy’s triple option attack.

WHY to watch: The Midshipmen are going for back-to-back ten win seasons for the first time in school history.

Why to SKIP it: There are presents to wrap.

Analysis: As much as I respect Navy, the Aztecs are solid defensively against the run and have a very good passing attack. Throw in the fact the are playing at home, and I’ll take San Diego State in an upset.

Prediction: San Diego State 24 Navy 17

Hawaii Bowl – Thursday, December 24 – 8:00pm

#24 Hawaii (10-3) vs. Tulsa (9-3)

WHO to watch: Hawaii WR Greg Salas has set the school record with 4,131 receiving yards in his career. This year he caught 106 balls for an average of 15.8 yards a catch.

WHY to watch: Both teams can score. Each averaged just over 39 points per game. This one has shootout written all over it.

Why to SKIP it: Those noises coming from the roof are reindeer. Get to bed!

Analysis: Hawaii shared the WAC title with Nevada and Boise State. Tulsa will make this a very interesting game, but I expect the road team will make one too many mistakes to pull it out.

Prediction: Hawaii 45 Tulsa 38

HOW THEY DID 2010

December 9, 2010

There are two times during a college football season when a conference has a chance to improve the nation’s perception of it. One is the bowl season.

The problem with that is, much like the NIT in college basketball, they don’t mean the same thing to both sides. If you were one win away from playing for the national title and then lost, or if you felt you deserved a BCS bid and didn’t get one, you won’t be as excited to play as your opponent.

The other opportunity is the non-league portion of your schedule. Which league did the best? Which league did the worst? Here are the answers. With the help of my Happy Hour co-hosts Matt Markus and Mike Mreczko, we developed a point system for non-league games.

I’ll be the first to admit it’s not perfect. I took every FBS conference and scored their results. It’s nice to challenge yourself with tough games, but if you don’t win, how much credibility did you actually bring your conference. So, a loss was worth nothing.

Here is how we broke it down this year…

A win over a ranked team = 5 points (Rankings are based on the time of the game. Since the early polls are based on what was predicted for teams, any wins in September used the first Coaches poll of October.)

A win over a BCS conference team (or Notre Dame) that finished over .500 = 4 points

A win over a BCS conference team that finished .500 = 3.5 points

A win over a BCS conference team that did NOT finish bowl eligible = 3 points

A win over a non-BCS conference team (or Navy) that finished over .500 = 2 points

A win over a non-BCS conference team (or Army) that finished .500 = 1.5 points

A win over a non-BCS conference team that did NOT finish bowl eligible = 1 point

A win over an FCS school = no points

A loss to an FCS school = minus 2 points

A win over a 4 or 5 point team on the road earned an additional bonus of 1 point

A win over a 3.5 point (or lower) team on the road earned a bonus of a half point

If the win came at a neutral site, cut the bonus point (or half point) in half.

Finally, divide the conference’s point total by the number of non-league games played by that conference (since some leagues play 4, some 5 and the Pac 10 plays 3 each) to get a final score.

Here’s what we learned…

1) Pac 10 – 1.5161 – Top scores = USC, Stanford, Arizona, Worst scores = Arizona State, Washington State. Cal, Best wins = UCLA @ Texas, Arizona v. Iowa, Oregon @ Tennessee, Washington v. Syracuse & Stanford @ Notre Dame… League was 7-0 vs. FCS schools

2) SEC – 1.3698 – Top scores = LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, Worst scores = Vandy, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Best wins = LSU v. UNC and WVU, Arkansas v. Texas A&M, Florida v. USF, South Carolina v. Clemson, Alabama v. PSU… League was 10-1 vs. FCS schools

3) Big 12 – 1.3542 – Top scores = Oklahoma, Oklahoma State. Missouri/Colorado Worst Scores = Iowa State, Texas A&M, Kansas, Best wins = Oklahoma v. FSU, Nebraska @ Washington, Missouri v. Illinois, Colorado v. Georgia… League was 7-1 vs. FCS schools

4) Big Ten – 1.1648 – Top scores = Michigan, Ohio State Michigan State, Worst scores = Minnesota, Purdue, Illinois, Best wins = Michigan @ ND and v. UConn, Ohio State v. Miami, Michigan State v. ND… League was 9-1 vs. FCS schools

5) MWC – 0.8888 – Top scores = TCU, Utah and Air Force, Worst scores = UNLV, New Mexico, Colorado State, Best wins = TCU v. Baylor & Oregon State, Utah v. Pitt & @ Iowa State, BYU v. Washington… League was 4-0 vs. FCS schools

6) ACC – 0.8594 – Top scores = Boston College, FSU, NC State, Worst scores = Virginia Tech, Clemson, Virginia, Best wins = Miami @ Pitt, BC @ Syracuse, FSU v. Florida… League was 12-1 vs. FCS schools

7) WAC – 0.7875 – Top scores = Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, Worst scores = San Jose State, New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech, Best wins = Boise State v. Va Tech & Oregon State, Nevada v. Cal, Fresno State v. Illinois & Cincinnati… League was 7-1 vs. FCS schools

8) Big East – 0.7125 – Top scores = South Florida, West Virginia, UConn, Worst scores = Pitt, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Best wins = South Florida @ Miami, WVU v. Maryland, UConn v. Vanderbilt… League was 9-0 vs. FCS schools

9) Conference USA – 0.6666 – Top scores = Tulsa, Southern Miss, East Carolina, Worst scores = Houston, Memphis/Rice/UCF, Best wins = Tulsa @ ND, ECU v. NC State, Tulane @ Rutgers… League was 6-0 vs. FCS schools

10) MAC – 0.2308 – Top scores – Temple, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Worst scores = Akron, Ball State, then 5 others with zero, Best wins = Temple v. UConn, Northern Illinois @ Minnesota, Toledo @ Purdue… League was 8-2 vs. FCS schools

11) Sun Belt – 0.0694 – Top scores = Florida Atlantic and Troy, Worst scores = Everyone else scored a zero, Best wins (or in this case, only wins over FBS competition) = FAU @ UAB, Troy v. Bowling Green… League was 2-0 vs. FCS schools

-The Big East scheduled tough but hardly won any marquee games… losing to Michigan, UNC, LSU, Florida, Miami, Utah, Kentucky and Washington.

-Oklahoma had the highest score having defeated Florida State, Air Force and Cincinnati at a neutral site.

-Once again the Pac 10 (the league that plays the fewest non-league games) makes the most of its non-league schedule. In addition to beating Texas, Iowa, ND and Tennessee, they lost to Boise State, TCU, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

-The Sun Belt played only TWO games against FCS competition. They schedule as tough as possible. They just don’t win.