Tuesday, December 29, 2009

NEW YEAR'S EVE BOWL GAMES

Armed Forces Bowl – Thursday, December 31 – 12:00pm


Houston (10-3) vs. Air Force (7-5)


WHO to watch: Houston QB Case Keenum put up video game like numbers this year. He threw for 5,449 yards while completing 71% of his passes. He also threw for 43 TDs and a mere nine INTs in 659 attempts.


WHY to watch: Talk about a contrast in styles. It’s the triple-option attack of Air Force versus the spread offense of the Cougars.


Why to SKIP it: I’ve already seen Andre Ware and David Klingler play.


Analysis: This was the same match-up last year, won by Houston 34-28. If they fall behind, they are better equipped to come back. Air Force will move the ball, but the Cougars will have too much.


Prediction: Houston 40 Air Force 31



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


#21 Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5)


WHO to watch: Hesiman runner-up Toby Gerhart led the nation in rushing with 1,736 yards. The workhorse also tallied 26 TDs. He had 27 or more carries in five of the Cardinal’s last six games.


WHY to watch: It’s HAS to be better than last year’s 3-0 Sun Bowl!


Why to SKIP it: It’s bad enough that Sam Bradford will not play. Now Stanford QB Andrew Luck will also miss the game with a finger injury.


Analysis: Without Luck at QB, Gerhart will have to really shoulder the load. The problem is that OU has the seventh best run defense in the nation. Both teams will play with their back-up QB, but Landry Jones has been playing all year. That’s the difference.


Prediction: Oklahoma 24 Stanford 14



Texas Bowl – Thursday, December 31 – 3:30pm


Navy (9-4) vs. Missouri (8-4)


WHO to watch: Navy QB Ricky Dobbs broke Tim Tebow’s record for rushing TDs by a QB in a single season with 24. He makes the Navy triple-option go but is playing with a cracked kneecap.


WHY to watch: Navy always plays well in bowl games.


Why to SKIP it: If you want to see what this offensive style can do with great athletes running it and not service academies… wait for Georgia Tech’s offense to take the field in the Orange Bowl.


Analysis: Dobbs isn’t 100%. Mizzou has a strong rushing defense. The Tiger passing attack should pick the Middies apart.


Prediction: Missouri 35 Navy 16



Insight Bowl – Thursday, December 31 – 6:00pm


Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6)


WHO to watch: Iowa State LB Jesse Smith was a first-team all-league pick after leading the conference in tackles.


WHY to watch: If you have fond memories of Fiesta Bowls past, check this one out. It’s played at the Fiesta’s old site, Sun Devil Stadium.


Why to SKIP it: Neither team even went .500 in the respective league. When people say too many teams make bowl games, they are referring to match-ups like this.


Analysis: The Cyclones haven’t made a bowl game since 2005. In fact, a year ago they lost ten games. The Gophers, on the other hand, are playing in their third Insight Bowl in four years. In a toss-up like this, I’ll take the experienced bowl team.


Prediction: Minnesota 28 Iowa State 20



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


#11 Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5)


WHO to watch: Vols safety Eric Berry is a future top ten NFL pick (maybe #1 pick overall). He’s that good. He won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Berry had 83 tackles with 2 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries. His 14 career picks has him third among active NCAA players.


WHY to watch: The Vols hung with Florida, scared Bama and got routed by Ole Miss. Can they beat a good Va Tech team to get a real quality win?


Why to SKIP it: When Lane Kiffin does something more significant than run his mouth, call me!


Analysis: The Vols played inspired ball this year, but it’s obvious they don’t have the horses… yet. The Hokies are strong on defense and special teams which usually means UT will have problems.


Prediction: Virginia Tech 21 Tennessee 13

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