The Rest of the Bowls

Okay. After a dismal 1-7 start with my picks, I was 6-13 entering the Chick-Fil-A Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Since then, I’ve found my groove and climbed to 14-16 with these last four games remaining. I’m hoping to finish strong. Here are the rest of my bowl previews.

Fiesta Bowl – Monday, January 4 – 8:00pm

#6 Boise State (13-0) vs. #4 TCU (12-0)

WHO to watch: Boise State QB Kellen Moore is only a sophomore. This year he completed over 64% of his passes for 3,325 yards, 39 TDs and only 3 INTs.

WHY to watch: These two programs deserve your respect and attention. Some people believe TCU should have played Alabama instead of the Longhorns.

Why to SKIP it: Goliath versus Goliath is epic. David versus Goliath is interesting. This is David versus David.

Analysis: Both teams needed perfect seasons and some help to crash the BCS party. TCU did it by winning at Virginia, Clemson, Air Force and BYU. After upsetting Oregon on opening night, the toughest competition BoiseFresno State and Bowling Green. TCU is the more complete team. They beat Boise last year in the Poinsettia Bowl. Bigger stage… but same result. faced was

Prediction: TCU 30 Boise State 19

Orange Bowl – Tuesday, January 5 – 8:00pm

#10 Iowa (10-2) vs. #9 Georgia Tech (11-2)

WHO to watch: Yellow Jackets RB Jonathan Dwyer leads the team in rushing, but it’s QB Josh Nesbitt that makes the offense go. He finished the season nine yards shy of 1,000 yards rushing. However, he only completed 47% of his passes.

WHY to watch: It is the classic offense versus defense match-up. GT is 11^th in the nation offensively. Iowa is 11^th defensively.

Why to SKIP it: Iowa can be downright boring to watch. If they put the clamps on the Jackets option, this could turn into a punting clinic.

Analysis: Iowa is finally healthy with QB Ricky Stanzi and RB Adam Robinson ready to go. The Hawkeyes defense has exactly what it takes to slow down Tech… a strong defensive line and discipline. It’s tough to beat Iowa if you are one-dimensional.

Prediction: Iowa 23 Georgia Tech 17

GMAC Bowl – Wednesday, January 6 – 7:00pm

Central Michigan (11-2) vs. Troy (9-3)

WHO to watch: Chippewa four-year starter at QB Dan LeFevour broke the NCAA record for career TDs passing, rushing and receiving with 147. That broke the mark held by Colt Brennan and Graham Harrell.

WHY to watch: LaFevour will get attention on day one of the draft this April.

Why to SKIP it: It may be a week after New Year’s, but this game ain’t that important.

Analysis: The Chippewas lost Head Coach Butch Jones to Cincinnati as Brian Kelly’s replacement. I’ll take CMU because they seemed to play more defense this year, and the MAC is due to win a bowl game this season.

Prediction: Central Michigan 41 Troy 34

BCS Championship Game – Thursday, January 7 – 8:00pm

#1 Alabama (13-0) vs. #2 Texas (13-0)

WHO to watch: Bama’s success has come from their defense. The leader of the D is junior LB Rolando McClain. He won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker after finishing the year with 100 tackles, (12 for losses) four sacks and two INTs.

WHY to watch: Two of the greatest programs in college football history playing in Pasadena for all the marbles. I’m there!

Why to SKIP it: Maybe to protest the fact that these two were CHOSEN to play here over three other undefeated teams.

Analysis: History favors the underdog in this game, and I’m tempted to take Texas. The problem I can’t get past is that any good defense the Horns faced slowed them down significantly. Alabama’s D will be the best they’ve seen. Make it four straight crystal footballs for the mighty SEC.

Prediction: Alabama 26 Texas 14