GAMES OF THE DECADE

July 27, 2010

The 2010 college football season will be here in a few weeks. Before it arrives, let’s take one final look back on the previous decade.

Program of the Decade – USC Trojans – Say what you will about free condos for mom and dad. No program in college football was as feared as the Trojans. I dubbed them the “Red Light” Trojans for a reason. When the red light came on for a big game, they always brought it. No program was as consist or dominant from 2002-2008, as they compiled seven Pac 10 crowns and two national titles. Name a section of the country. USC went there and won… and usually won big.

Team of the Decade – 2001 Miami Hurricanes – This may have been the most talented Miami team ever, and that is saying something. The ’01 squad outscored opponents by an average of 32.9 points per game. Only two teams came close to knocking them off (BC 18-7 and Va Tech 26-24). They claimed the national title by hammering Nebraska in the Rose Bowl 37-14. The roster included Ken Dorsey, Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow Jr., Bryant McKinnie, Jerome McDougle, William Joseph, Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Phillip Buchanon, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor.

Coach of the Decade – Urban Meyer – Nick Saban got some consideration here, but I have to give Meyer the nod. Meyer’s first head coaching job was in 2001 at Bowling Green. In two seasons at BG, Meyer went 17-6. He then moved onto Utah, leading the Utes to an undefeated 2004 season with a Fiesta Bowl victory. From there, it was on to Gainesville. At Florida, Meyer has won two national championships in five years. He has won everywhere this decade while only coaching at one BCS school. One can argue it was his unbeaten season at Utah that took that program to a new level, eventually leading to its invitation to join the Pac 10 conference.

Player of the Decade – Tim Tebow – QB – Florida – Matt Leinart of USC was a close 2^nd. The differences for me were the leagues they played in, and the way Tebow forced defenses to respect his running ability. In 2007, he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. That year he scored a total of 55 touchdowns, 29 through the air and 22 on the ground. The following year, he led the Gators to the BCS championship. He was 3^rd in the Heisman voting in 2008 despite receiving the most first place votes. He accomplished all of this playing in a conference known for defense.

Now on to my ten most memorable games of the decade. Enjoy.

#10 – Wide Right III – Miami 27 Florida State 24 – October 7, 2000

Florida State had finally overtaken Miami as the best program in college football. From 1993-1999, the Noles had claimed two national championships while the U had fallen on hard times. Miami Coach Butch Davis had put some swagger back in the Canes, but he was 0-5 against FSU.

In this game, 8^th ranked Miami trailed 24-20 late in the 4^th quarter when QB Ken Dorsey led a do or die drive ending with a 13-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. Florida State would then drive to the Miami 32. There freshman kicker Matt Munyon pushed a 49-yard tying FG attempt… you guessed it… wide right. FSU would go on to play for the national title any way, but the Canes had regained supremacy in the Sunshine State.

#9 – Welcome to Paternoville – Penn State 17 Ohio State 10 – October 8, 2005

After going 3-9 in 2003 and 4-7 in 2004, the 2005 Nittany Lions were off to a 5-0 start. A prime time, national TV audience tuned in to see if the Lions were for real as they hosted the 6^th ranked Buckeyes. The PSU student body dressed in all white with some camping out all week to claim front row seats… giving birth to Paternoville.

The game itself was a defensive affair. Late in the 4^th quarter, the Lions clung to a seven point lead. The Bucks faced a 2^nd and 7 at the PSU 45. OSU QB Troy Smith rolled to his left and looked downfield. He had no idea PSU DE Tamba Hali was closing in on him. Hali crashed into Smith, jarring the ball loose and turning the future Heisman winner on his head. PSU would recover and run out the clock. Penn State announced its return to college football’s elite with this 17-10 victory.

#8 – The Bush Push – USC 34 Notre Dame 31 – October 15, 2005

Charlie Weis woke up the echoes. The Fighting Irish were relevant and star laden when USC came calling in 2005. The 4-1 Irish even broke out their green jerseys for this midseason showdown with the nation’s number one team. Irish safety Tom Zbikowski had given ND a 21-14 halftime lead with a 60-yard punt return for a score. After two Reggie Bush TD runs had the Trojans back on top, ND QB Brady Quinn scored with 2:04 to play to give the home team a 31-28 advantage.

On their final drive, the Trojans faced a 4^th and nine on their own 26, when Heisman Trophy winning QB Matt Leinart floated a perfect pass to Dwayne Jarrett for a 61-yard gain. Four plays later, USC had time for one more play from the ND 1. Leinart took the snap and tried to sneak in for a score. As the Irish defense stood him up, Bush barreled into Leinart from behind and shoved him across the goal line for the game winner.

#7 – The Mountaineers Silence the Big House – Appalachian State 34 Michigan 32 – September 1, 2007

There were so many upsets in the wild 2007 college football season. The largest, according to point spreads, was Stanford’s victory at USC. However, that was a conference game. One side may have been more talented, but they were both competing on the same level. When reigning FCS (formerly 1-AA) champ Appalachian State visited Ann Arbor to start the year, the Mountaineers collected more than just a hefty paycheck.

The Wolverines were a pre-season top 5 team. They had Chad Henne at QB, Mike Hart at TB and Mario Manningham at WR. The question wasn’t “who will win.” It was “how much rest will those three get” in this laugher. Someone forgot to tell ASU.

The Mountaineers led almost the entire game behind the stellar QB play of Armanti Edwards who would finish with 289 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. After, Michigan took a 32-31 lead with 4:36 to play, ASU drove down and kicked a 24-yard FG to go back on top. Moments later, the fans of the Maize and Blue breathed a huge sigh of relief when Henne and Manningham connected for a 46-yard pick-up to the ASU 20. With six seconds left, Michigan attempted a 37-yard game winning FG. Corey Lynch broke through the line and blocked the kick, giving ASU one of the biggest upsets in sports history.

#6 – Crabtree Changes Everything – Texas Tech 39 Texas 33 – November 1, 2008

The Longhorns entered this road game ranked #1 in the nation and quickly fell behind. Twenty minutes into the game, the Horns trailed 19-0. Behind the play of Heisman candidate Colt McCoy, Texas rallied to take their first lead 33-32 with 1:29 left.

Red Raiders QB Graham Harrell led his team down field and into field goal range. With the ball on the Longhorn 28, a tipped ball appeared to be intercepted by Texas safety Blake Gideon, but the ball went through Gideon’s arms for an incomplete pass. Given another chance, Harrell threw to WR Michael Crabtree at the sideline amidst double coverage. Crabtree made the catch at the five, broke a tackle and ran in for the game winning TD with one second left on the clock. Had he been tackled in bounds, Texas wins the Big 12 south. They play Florida for the BCS title, and Colt McCoy wins the Heisman Trophy. All that changed with one catch.

#5 – Promise Fulfilled – Florida 31 Alabama 20 – December 6, 2008

"To the fans and everybody in Gator nation: I'm sorry. I'm extremely sorry. We were hoping for an undefeated season. That was my goal, something Florida has never done here. But I promise you one thing: a lot of good will come out of this. You will never see any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of this season. You'll never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of this season, and you'll never see a team play harder than we will the rest of the season. God bless"

Those were the words of Florida QB Tim Tebow following a 31-30 home loss to Mississippi. In their remaining eight regular season games, the Gators won by an average margin of 39.6 points. In the SEC championship game against #1 Alabama, Florida trailed 20-17 after three quarters. With the SEC crown on the line as well as a spot in the BCS Championship Game, Tebow led two fourth quarter TD drives. He finished the day with 273 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. More importantly, he delivered on his promise en route to another national title.

#4 – Bo Looks Down… and Frowns – Ohio State 42 Michigan 39 – November 18, 2006

The 103^rd meeting of Ohio State and Michigan was the pinnacle of this historic rivalry. Both teams were 11-0. The Buckeyes were ranked #1. The Wolverines were #2. Much like the #5 game on this list, it was a de facto semifinal game. The winner would be the Big Ten champion and play for the BCS Title in January. As if there weren’t enough storylines for this epic clash, legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler passed away the day before the game.

A road win in Columbus with all that was at stake would have been a fitting tribute to their fallen icon. However, Troy Smith had other ideas. The Buckeyes took the lead early in the 2^nd quarter and held on late for a high scoring 42-39 victory. Smith would throw for 316 yards and four touchdowns in locking up the Heisman Trophy.

#3 – America Falls in Love with Boise – Boise State 43 Oklahoma 42 – January 1, 2007

Entering the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Boise State was known simply as the team that played on the blue turf. That changed in a flurry of trick plays on New Year’s night. The Broncos had let a 28-10 lead slip away. Thanks to an interception return for a touchdown, the mighty Sooners had a 7-point lead with a minute to play.

With 19 seconds remaining, BSU faced a 4^th and 19 at midfield. QB Jared Zabransky hit Drisan James short of the marker. James then lateraled to Jerard Rabb. Rabb streaked down the sideline and dove in for the score.

In overtime, OU didn’t mess around. RB Adrian Peterson scored on the first play for a 42-35 lead. Boise State would drive to the OU 6. There on 4^th and two, WR Vinny Perretta took a handoff from Zabransky, ran right and lofted a perfect pass to TE Derek Schouman for six.

Rather than continue to match the Sooners, Bronco coach Chris Petersen decided to go for two points and the win. Zabransky bluffed a quick throw to his right and with his left hand, put the ball behind his back to RB Ian Johnson on a perfectly executed Statue of Liberty play. Johnson ran in untouched for the win. For good measure, Johnson proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on the sidelines after the big win.

#2 – Pass Interference on the Defense – Ohio State 31 Miami 24 – January 3, 2003

This one wasn’t supposed to be close. The Hurricanes were the defending national champions. They had a 34-game winning streak and were 11 ½ point favorites. The Buckeyes were excellent defensively. Offensively, they boasted freshman RB Maurice Clarett and not much else. They lived dangerously all season, winning six games by seven points or less.

The Buckeyes controlled most of the game with their defense. In fact, the Canes needed a 40-yard field goal as time expired just to force overtime. In the extra session, Miami scored first. On OSU’s first possession, they faced 4^th and three on the Miami five. QB Craig Krenzel threw to Chris Gamble. Miami’s Glenn Sharpe arrived just as the ball did to break up the pass. Miami rejoiced as the players ran out onto the field. However, field judge Terry Porter had flagged Sharpe for pass interference. OSU would score to force a second overtime and eventually win the game 31-24.

#1 – Mister Rose Bowl Does it Again – Texas 41 USC 38 – January 4, 2008

If Reggie Jackson is “Mr. October,” then we should call Vince Young “Mr. Rose Bowl.” One year after he totaled 372 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in a last second 38-37 win over Michigan, Young was at it again in Pasadena. This time it was the national championship game. It was supposed to be the coronation of the USC Trojans as one of the greatest teams in college football history. The Trojans had a 34-game winning streak and two Heisman winners in their backfield.

With 6:42 to play, USC scored to go up by 12, the largest lead of the night for either team. Young led the Horns down for a score to cut the lead to 38-33. With a little over two minutes remaining, USC faced a 4^th and two at the Texas 45. Trojan Head Coach Pete Carroll decided he’d rather keep his offense on the field and Young on the sideline. Strangely, he also kept the best player in the country, Reggie Bush, on the sidelines too. The Texas defense stuffed RB LenDale White a yard shy of the marker giving the Longhorns one last chance.

On the final drive, Young used his arm and his legs to move the Horns to the USC eight yard line. On fourth down, with the title hanging in the balance, Young took the snap, looked left, then tucked the ball and ran to his right. There was no dramatic dive for the pylon, no tackle to break at the goal line. Mr. Rose Bowl saw enough space and had enough speed to outrun everyone to the corner.

USC’s last gasp drive ended in an incompletion. The greatest team ever had been upset in one of the greatest games ever thanks to one of the greatest individual performances ever. Mr. Rose Bowl rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for another 267 yards. For his career, Vince Young was 2-0 in Pasadena with 839 yards of total offense, eight touchdowns and one crystal football.

Penn State’s Plays of the Decade

After reading Lou Prato’s book “Game Changers: the Greatest Plays in Penn State Football History,” (available at a bookstore near you) I thought I would try and rank Penn State’s ten greatest plays of the past decade. I used a lot of the same criteria as Lou did in his book. The plays had to be memorable or significant or both. Jordan Norwood’s juggling touchdown catch against Buffalo was an amazing grab, but what impact did it have?

I also prefer to remember things fondly. Why dwell on painful memories? For that reason, there will be no mention of Mario Manningham anywhere in the list.

Two of my favorite memories this decade were not plays. One was the triumphant return of Adam Taliaferro to open the 2001 season. It was one of the most chilling moments in Beaver Stadium history, and it was followed by one of the worst shellackings I’ve ever sat through.

Speaking of Adam, one of the greatest PSU football games I have ever attended was the 22-20 upset of Purdue in 2000 the week after his injury. It also did not make the list because there was no signature play in that game that stood out to me.

I only selected one play from any one game. If I had allowed for more, only three or four games might have made a top ten.

The 1980s had Gregg Garrity’s diving TD catch in the Sugar Bowl. In the 90s, it was Ki-jana Carter’s 83-yard TD run on the first offensive play of the 1995 Rose Bowl. What was the play of this decade? Let’s start the countdown. Here are my selections for Penn State’s top ten plays of the decade. Oh yeah… in honor of the mathematically challenged conference PSU plays in, my top ten list has one extra entry.

#11 – The Goal line stand that got it started – The 2004 Nittany Lions were 0-6 in the Big Ten and had lost six straight games. They were assured of their fourth losing season in five years. To make matters worse, they were in danger of losing for the first time to perennial doormat Indiana. With PSU leading 22-16, the Hoosiers had a first and goal at the Lion one. Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley would later admit he considered telling his team to let IU score to preserve clock for a potential game-winning drive. However, he decided if he didn’t show confidence in his team, they would never believe in themselves. After three unsuccessful attempts, the Hoosiers gave the ball to tailback Chris Taylor on 4^th and goal, but the defense stuffed him to protect the lead. PSU would win 22-18. After rolling thru Michigan State the next week 37-13, the Lions would go 11-1 in 2005 and return to prominence in college football. Many believe it was the goal line stand in Bloomington that turned the tide.

#10 – M-Rob goes Carl Spackler on a gopher – I think we all remember Carl Spackler. He was the goofy greens keeper that was trying to eliminate the gophers at Bushwood Country Club in the movie “Caddyshack.” He tried to shoot them, drown them and even blow them up. Those attempts could be considered humane compared to what QB Michael Robinson did to Minnesota safety Brandon Owens in 2005. With PSU leading 10-0, Robinson dropped back and with no one open, took off towards the right sideline. With Owens converging on him, Robinson did not try to juke him or dance out of bounds. He lowered his head and ran him over, knocking Owens out in the process. The heavy hitter of the Gophers secondary would never play football again. As for Robinson, his late game heroics the week before coupled with this hit (that he walked away from), cemented him as the leader of the PSU team.

#9 – Rich Gardner’s pick six – 2002 was going to be different. After suffering back-to-back losing seasons, PSU was ready for a bounce back year. With a 1-0 record they welcomed #7 Nebraska to Beaver Stadium for a primetime game on national TV. Leading 19-7 in the 3^rd quarter, the crowd was in a frenzy after an in-stadium replay showed that Husker QB Jammal Lord had fumbled on a play ruled an incomplete pass. Two plays later, Lord’s pass toward the PSU sideline went behind his intended receiver. Cornerback Rich Gardner made the easy interception and raced 44 yards down the sideline for six. The stadium was in chaos, and the rout was on.

#8 – Derrick Williams electrifies the White House – The nation was introduced to the Beaver Stadium white out in ’05. Two years later, PSU fans took it up a notch by asking the ENTIRE crowd to wear white for the match-up with Notre Dame. The Irish silenced the 110,078 in attendance when an Anthony Morelli pass was intercepted and returned for a TD. Derrick Williams would bring the crowd back to life with a spectacular 78-yard punt return late in the opening quarter. The fans would make things very difficult for Jimmy Clausen and the ND offense the rest of the night as the Lions rolled to a 31-10 victory.

#7 – Tony Davis turns around the Outback Bowl – The 2006 Nittany Lions were 8-4 entering a New Year’s Day match-up with the Tennessee Volunteers in the Outback Bowl. The speed of the SEC was expected by many to be too much for PSU. A few minutes into the 4^th quarter, the Vols connected on a 53-yard pass play and had a first and ten at the Lion 14. On the next play, RB Arian Foster got the carry and was hit by Sean Lee after a gain of a yard. As he was going down, the ball squirted out. CB Tony Davis scooped it up and raced 88 yards for the go-ahead score. PSU would add a Kevin Kelly FG to win 20-10.

#6 – Kilmer’s grab in Miami – The magical 2005 season ended in Miami with a marathon 3OT win over Florida State. The game is best remembered for the missed kicks on both sides that caused the game to drag on into the next morning. However, the play of the game occurred just before halftime. With FSU leading 13-7, the Lions had the ball at the Noles 25-yardline with only 12 seconds left before the break. Robinson took the shotgun snap and lofted one down the right sideline. WR Ethan Kilmer was well covered on the play but he leaped high in the air, reached over the FSU DB to make the grab and held on when he crashed to the turf. The spectacular grab and ensuing extra point gave the Lions the lead. They would never trail again.

#5 – 2K for LJ – In the regular season finale of 2002, RB Larry Johnson needed 264 yards rushing to reach 2,000 yards for the season. That milestone had been reached nine times in college football history. Late in the first half, Johnson was already at 241 yards and had scored three times. With the fans on their feet, Johnson took a short-side toss, broke through the line and was in the clear. I can still see the flashbulbs popping around Beaver Stadium as Johnson raced 38 yards for the TD. Every Penn State fan walked into the stadium that day hoping to see history. LJ did not disappoint and to make it more memorable, he did it in style.

#4 – Zack Mills jump starts a win for the ages – After an 0-4 start to the 2001 season, Penn State edged Northwestern on the road 38-35 when Zack Mills replaced an injured Matt Seneca and led a game winning TD drive in the final two minutes. It was the 323^rd victory of Joe Paterno’s career, tying him with Paul “Bear” Bryant for the most all-time. The next week, PSU hosted Ohio State. Early in the 3^rd quarter, the Buckeyes intercepted a Mills pass and returned it for a score. Now trailing 27-9, Mills ran an option play to his right. He leaped over a blocker and was hit by a Buckeye defender. Somehow, Mills bounced off the tackler, kept his feet and raced down the sideline for a 69-yard TD. The play pumped new life into the Lions. They would score on their next two possessions to take the lead and blocked an OSU FG try to preserve the victory 29-27. It was Mills long TD run that sparked the record setting win.

#3 – A wild scramble in Columbus – Since Penn State entered the Big Ten, they had never beaten Ohio State in Columbus. In fact, since becoming the eleventh member of the league, the Lions had scored a grand total of 51 points in seven games at the Horseshoe. In 2008, the 8-0 Lions were struggling to score once again. With OSU up 6-3 early in the 4^th quarter, the Buckeyes faced a 3^rd and one at midfield. The play call was a quarterback sneak by freshman Terrelle Pryor. The PA native took the snap, saw space to his right and tried to bounce the play outside. As he came around the edge, PSU safety Mark Rubin tried to wrap him up. In making the tackle, Rubin punched the ball loose into the Buckeye backfield. As OSU RB Beanie Wells went for the ball, PSU LB Tyrell Sales dove in and swatted the ball away from Wells and Pryor. The alert play by Sales kept the ball alive, until LB Navarro Bowman fell on it at the OSU 38. Penn State would drive it in for the go-ahead score en route to a 13-6 victory.

#2 – Fourth and 15 – After an ugly start to Penn State’s 2005 road opener, the Lions had fought back from a 23-7 deficit to lead Northwestern 27-26. However, a team that had spent the last two years finding ways to lose, quickly came up with another. A late hit on the Wildcat QB after a 7-yard gain on 3^rd and 13, allowed NW to keep a drive going. That drive would end with a TD allowing the Wildcats to retake the lead with 2:10 remaining. Penn State’s attempt at an answer looked like it was right out of 2003 or 2004… incomplete pass, sack with a Robinson fumble recovered by a PSU linemen and a screen pass to Tony Hunt for minus two yards. Following a time out, Michael Robinson dropped back, fired down the middle and in between four Wildcat defenders, drilled the ball between the 8 and the 1 on the uni of TE Isaac Smolko for a 20-yard pick-up. Five plays later Robinson would hit Derrick Williams with the game-winning TD pass. Why the Smolko catch and not the TD? The first sense I had that this team was different was the 4^th and 15 conversion. Other than Mike McCloskey’s controversial sideline catch versus Nebraska in 1982, is there a more famous non-scoring reception in PSU history than 4^th and 15 to Smolko in Evanston?

#1 – Hali puts PSU back on top – Two weeks later, with a raucous crowd in Beaver Stadium and a primetime, national TV audience watching, PSU led Ohio State by seven with less than two minutes to play. Facing a 2^nd and 7 at the PSU 45, OSU QB Troy Smith rolled to his left and looked downfield. Baring down on him from behind was PSU DE Tamba Hali. Smith never saw him. Hali ran through Smith turning him on his head and knocking the ball loose. Scott Paxson would dive on it to end the Buckeyes final threat and give Penn State a 17-10 victory.

One person has already told me the Smolko catch should have been #1 on my list because, in his words, “the win over Ohio State never happens if they don’t pull out the game at Northwestern.” That might be true, but the showdown with Ohio State was the game that showed the nation that PSU was elite once again. For that reason, I believe Tamba Hali’s sack and forced fumble on Troy Smith was Penn State’s play of the decade.

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

JANUARY 2ND BOWLS

International Bowl – Saturday, January 2 – 12:00pm

Northern Illinois (7-5) vs. South Florida (7-5)

WHO to watch: USF redshirt-freshman QB B.J. Daniels has done a solid job filling in for senior Matt Grothe since the upperclassman went down with a season ending knee injury. Daniels grew up in Tallahassee and put himself on the college football map by beating the Noles in September.

WHY to watch: There are as many bowl games today as there were on New Year’s Day!

Why to SKIP it: Football in Canada is only worth watching if Warren Moon, Doug Flutie or Rocket Ismail is playing.

Analysis: The Bulls are dealing with some off the field issues. UNI is ready to go. I’ll take the Huskies in a close one.

Prediction: Northern Illinois 21 South Florida 20

Cotton Bowl – Saturday, January 2 – 2:00pm

#19 Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4)

WHO to watch: The quarterbacks are the show here, and OSU QB Zac Robinson had a slightly better season completing 61.9% of his passes for 15 TDs and only 8 picks.

WHY to watch: The Cotton Bowl has a new home in Jerry Jones's extravagant palace.

Why to SKIP it: Two underachieving teams playing each other without the best WR on either team.

Analysis: Both teams limped into this game. The Rebels dropped an embarrassing finale to Mississippi State and OSU missed out on the Fiesta Bowl with a shutout loss to the Sooners. The Cowboys have shown they can beat an SEC team by downing Georgia in week one. I think they go 2-0 against the big bad SEC.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 31 Mississippi 23

Papajohns.com Bowl – Saturday, January 2 – 2:00pm

South Carolina (7-5) vs. Connecticut (7-5)

WHO to watch: Gamecock CB Stephon Gilmore played some offense in the USC rivalry win over Clemson. He lined up in the Wildcat formation and led a 60 yard drive. He even completed a 39-yard pass on the drive.

WHY to watch: UConn has been a high drama team all year. All five losses have been by four points or less, and they have a two-point win over USF and an OT win at Notre Dame. When the Huskies play, it usually comes down to the final drive.

Why to SKIP it: I can’t believe I’m saying this but the Spurrier led USC offense is downright boring. They failed to score 20 points in seven games.

Analysis: The Gamecocks were fading down the stretch… a trend under the ol’ ball coach. UConn was starting to find its groove. Still, the Gamecocks are solid defensively. I think that's where they win it.

Prediction: South Carolina 20 Connecticut 12

Liberty Bowl – Saturday, January 2 – 5:30pm

Arkansas (7-5) vs. East Carolina (9-4)

WHO to watch: You may remember Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett. He started out at Michigan as the heir apparent to Chad Henne, but transferred when Rich Rodriguez became coach. This year he led the SEC in total offense and pass efficiency.

WHY to watch: Maybe Hogs Coach Bobby Petrino will take a new job some time during the 3^rd quarter. Ask Louisville and the Atlanta Falcons.

Why to SKIP it: Just because it’s January, doesn’t make this a big bowl game. It should be played around Christmas.

Analysis: Neither team defends the pass very well, and both like to chuck it around. Mallett did it all year in the SEC against teams like Florida, Bama and LSU. ECU hasn’t seen an attack like this all year. Sorry, Houston.

Prediction: Arkansas 42 East Carolina 26

Alamo Bowl – Saturday, January 2 – 9:00pm

Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4)

WHO to watch: Meet Taylor Potts. When Graham Harrell graduated, he was given the keys to the sports car that is the Red Raiders offense. This year he threw for 3,068 yards and 20 TDs.

WHY to watch: If you like QBs throwing the ball on every play, this game is for you.

Why to SKIP it: I’m totally over the whole Mike Leach getting fired story.

Analysis: With the upheaval at Tech, MSU has a chance. However, eleven Spartans were suspended for a fight on campus after the season ending loss to Penn State. Tech has the nation’s #2 pass offense while MSU’s pass defense ranks 103^rd. If PSU can pick apart the Spartans at home, imagine what the Raiders can do in San Antonio.

Prediction: Texas Tech 48 Michigan State 27

NEW YEAR'S DAY BOWLS

Outback Bowl – Friday, January 1 – 11:00am

Northwestern (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5)

WHO to watch: Auburn is known for its offense this year, but watch out for DE Antonio Coleman. He led the SEC in sacks with nine and tackles for losses with 15.5. He also played with a wrist injury and was double-teamed constantly.

WHY to watch: New Year’s Day was meant for college football, and this one starts the day.

Why to SKIP it: If you are still nursing a hangover from the previous night’s festivities, this one isn’t worth dragging yourself out of bed.

Analysis: Both teams moved the ball and put up points this season. Auburn’s athleticism on defense will be the difference.

Prediction: Auburn 38 Northwestern 23

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

#13 Penn State (10-2) vs. #12 LSU (9-3)

WHO to watch: PSU DT Jared Odrick was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He won’t wow you with stats like Ndamukong Suh. He just takes up blockers allowing Josh Hull, Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman to make plays at the LB spot.

WHY to watch: Two big time programs that just missed out on a BCS bid. This match-up is one of the best bowl games of the season.

Why to SKIP it: They are dropping the puck on the Winter Classic at Fenway Park at one o’clock.

Analysis: In their losses, PSU has turned the ball over. In most games (win or lose) they have struggled on special teams. The Lions will have to control Trindon Holliday. Penn State hasn’t lost back-to-back bowl games since 1975-76. They want a big win. I think they get one.

Prediction: Penn State 17 LSU 16

Gator Bowl – Friday, January 1 – 1:00pm

#16 West Virginia (9-3) vs. Florida State (6-6)

WHO to watch: Mountaineer junior RB Noel Devine is lightning fast. He carried 225 times this season for 1,297 and 12 TDs. The Seminoles are known for their speed. How quick will Devine look in Jacksonville?

WHY to watch: C’mon! It’s Bobby Bowden’s farewell game, and he’s facing his old school.

Why to SKIP it: There’s a reason why permission was needed from the ACC to set this game up. FSU should have been headed somewhere like Charlotte or Boise. They weren’t that good this year.

Analysis: WVU is the better team and had the better year. However, I see this one playing out like Lloyd Carr’s farewell at Michigan when they upset Florida in the Capital One Bowl. FSU will play inspired for Bowden and carry him off the field.

Prediction: Florida State 28 West Virginia 24

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

#8 Ohio State (10-2) vs. #7 Oregon (10-2)

WHO to watch: A lot will be made of the QBs in this game, but the real key player is Oregon RB LaMichael James. He ran for 1,476 yards and 14 TDs, averaging 6.9 yards a carry. If he has a big day, the Ducks roll.

WHY to watch: Sick of watching USC roll a Big Ten team in Pasadena? Me too. Let’s see if the Buckeyes have better luck with the Ducks.

Why to SKIP it: It will prove the Big Ten can beat teams other than USC here, but that monkey will remain on the Big Ten’s back.

Analysis: People seem to forget who close OSU came to beating Texas last year in the Fiesta Bowl. Tressel and company are sick of hearing how they can’t win the big one. They’ve been on big stages before. I think they come up big behind their defense.

Prediction: Ohio State 23 Oregon 21

Sugar Bowl – Friday, January 1 – 8:30pm

#3 Cincinnati (12-0) vs. #5 Florida (12-1)

WHO to watch: Tim Tebow is playing his final college game. Entering his senior season, he had a chance to go down in history as the most successful college QB ever. Things didn’t turn out as he had hoped, but I’m sure he wants to go out a winner.

WHY to watch: Last year, Alabama didn’t want to be here and it showed early versus Utah. You know Tebow won’t take this game for granted, so this will be a legit test to see how Cincy measures up.

Why to SKIP it: If you are as sick of Saint Timothy as most of the south is, you may want to skip this tribute by Fox to his career.

Analysis: Love him or hate him, you have to respect Tim Tebow. There’s no way that kid goes out with back-to-back losses. Cincy will give them a test, but the Gator D was embarrassed by Alabama. They’ll play this one intense from start to finish for their leader.

Prediction: Florida 35 Cincinnati 14

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