2008-09 Bowl Preview

It's that wonderful time of year. When there's nothing else on TV but a random football game between two teams you've never heard of or don't care about. But you watch it anyways, because it's a sporting event and that's good enough for you.

Well, I did my best and tried to write a little preview of each bowl game, rank them from 1-34 as the most intriguing, and even put a score prediction. Personally, I don't care about well I do. I just can't wait to see college football come back.

(Intrigue Ranking in parentheses)

EagleBank Bowl - Washington D.C. (21)
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 11am ESPN
Navy (8-4) vs. Wake Forest (7-5)
Favorite: Wake Forest by 2.5
--We kick off the bowl season with off all things, a rematch from a game earlier this season. Navy beat Wake Forest 24-17 back in September, when the Demon Deacons couldn't slow down the triple option attack of the Midshipmen. And that's understandable, considering Navy has the #1 rushing attack (298.3 yds/gm) in the NCAA. But Wake should be ready for it this time. If QB Riley Skinner can stay away from turnovers and the defense slows down the option attack, Wake should walk away with a win.
Prediction: Wake Forest 21, Navy 17

New Mexico Bowl - Albuquerque, NM (32)
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 2:30pm ESPN
Colorado State (6-6) vs. Fresno State (7-5)
Favorite: Fresno State by 2.5
--Bit of a disappointing season for the Bulldogs who many thought, myself included, would make some noise. Instead, they lost some bad games, including ending the year with a 61-10 loss to Boise State. Meanwhile, CSU bounced back from a 3-win season under first year head coach Steve Fairchild. And while the Rams may have the momentum coming into this one, they don't have the rush defense. They're allowing 185 yds/gm and the Fresno run game is 34th best, averaging 176.8.
Prediction: Fresno State 30, Colorado State 14

St. Petersburg Bowl - St. Petersburg, FL (28)
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 4:30pm ESPN2
Memphis (6-6) vs. South Florida (7-5)
Favorite: South Florida by 11.5
--One of many games in which one team is pretty much playing at home. And for South Florida, playing in this bowl game is not really a reward. It's a sign of how bad their season was. Despite returning QB Jordan Grothe and DE George Selvie and starting 5-0, the Bulls dropped 5 of their last 7. They're taking on a Memphis squad led by RB Chris Steele, who rushed for 1,175 yds, becoming the school's first 1,000 yard rusher since De'Angelo Williams. Defense will not be the name of the game in this one.
Prediction: South Florida 45, Memphis 28

Las Vegas Bowl - Las Vegas, NV (17)
Saturday, Dec. 20 - 8pm ESPN
Arizona (7-5) vs. BYU (10-2)
Favorite: Arizona by 3
--BYU is used to Sin City, having won in Vegas the past 3 years. For Arizona, this is the first bowl trip since 1998. BYU's offense is one of the best in the nation, ranking 9th in passing yards and 17th in total yards. Wildcats are no slouch though either, averaging 37 ppg. When it comes down to it, this game will be all about who wants it more and considering the 10-year drought for Arizona, they'll probably be a bit more inspired.
Prediction: Arizona 45, BYU 38

New Orleans Bowl - New Orleans, LA (33)
Sunday, Dec. 21 - 8:15pm ESPN
Southern Miss (6-6) vs. Troy (8-4)
Favorite: Troy by 4.5
--It's a good thing this game is on Sunday night. This way, they'll be an NFL game to watch instead. Troy is a good team, who was leading LSU 31-3 before the Tigers came back and won. They also played OSU tough. Meanwhile, USM comes in hot, winners of their last 4 to become bowl-eligible. But Troy is more seasoned when it comes to bowls and should control this game.
Prediction: Troy 37, Southern Miss 20

Poinsettia Bowl - San Diego, CA (5)
Tuesday, Dec. 23 - 8pm ESPN
Boise State (12-0) vs. TCU (10-2)
Favorite: TCU by 2.5
--Might as well consider this the 6th BCS game when it involves two teams of this caliber. Boise State did all it could, being one of only two undefeated teams. Meanwhile, TCU lost twice, and those losses were to Oklahoma and Utah. Both teams have stingy defenses but TCU's is better. In fact, 2nd in the nation. The Broncos average 39 ppg but don't expect that in this game. Both are bowl-seasoned too so it should be a battle until the end.
Prediction: Boise State 24, TCU 23

Hawaii Bowl - Honolulu, Hawaii (19)
Wednesday, Dec. 24 - 8pm ESPN
Hawaii (7-6) vs. Notre Dame (6-6)
Favorite: Notre Dame by 1.5
--Most Notre Dame fans would be happy to head to Hawaii in December but for a bowl game before Christmas? Nope, not at all. The Irish have been inconsistent all year and in their regular season finale, only totaled 91 yards on offense. Meanwhile, the Warriors nearly upset Cincinnati, showing their potential in big games. Big question is will Notre Dame play to win or just play to not be embarrassed on national TV again?
Prediction: Hawaii 28, Notre Dame 20

Motor City Bowl - Detroit, MI (29)
Friday, Dec. 26 - 7:30pm ESPN
Florida Atlantic (6-6) vs. Central Michigan (8-4)
Favorite: Central Michigan by 6
--This one is setting up to be a shootout. Both FAU and CMU hate playing defense. Both give up around 30 ppg. FAU comes in hot, winners of their last 4 while the Chips come in off of two losses, including an upset loss to Eastern Michigan. But CMU has more firepower, with QB Dan LeFevour and WR Antonio Brown leading the way. Plus, it's in their backyard.
Prediction: Central Michigan 51, FAU 33

Meineke Car Care Bowl - Charlotte, NC (12)
Saturday, Dec. 27 - 1pm ESPN
North Carolina (8-4) vs. West Virginia (8-4)
Favorite: West Virginia by 1
--Another game that is tough to pick. UNC jumped out of the gates, but stumbled to the finish. They've already beaten two bowl-bound Big East teams (UConn and Rutgers) as well. WVU though stumbled early but turned it on in the second half as senior Pat White began like many felt he would. Plus, with Noel Devine, it gives WVU a potent rushing attack that is tough to stop.
Prediction: West Virginia 31, North Carolina 20

Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL (20)
Saturday, Dec. 27 - 4:30pm ESPN
Wisconsin (7-5) vs. Florida State (8-4)
Favorite: Florida State by 5.5
--Two teams hoping to cap off bad years with a win. Wisconsin, led by RB P.J. Hill, just imploded in the middle of their season, dropping 4 in a row. The Badgers tried changing QBs but didn't help. The 'Noles had higher hopes as well, such as an ACC title, but instead, they were marred with inconsistent QB play. This one will come down to the defenses and who forces the turnovers through the passing game.
Prediction: Florida State 23, Wisconsin 16

Emerald Bowl - San Francisco, CA (23)
Saturday, Dec. 27 - 8pm ESPN
California (8-4) vs. Miami (FL) (7-5)
Favorite: California by 8
--It's tough to really predict this game without knowing who the Cal QB will be. Sophomore Kevin Riley has been solid all season but lately, senior Nate Longshore has been under center, and hasn't exactly been amazing. With 1,300 yard rusher Jahvid Best though, Cal will be running a lot. And that's not good news for a 'Canes team that gave up 472 rushing yards to GT.
Prediction: California 34, Miami (FL) 14

Independence Bowl - Shreveport, LA (34)
Sunday, Dec. 28 - 8:15pm ESPN
Northern Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)
Favorite: Northern Illinois by 1
--Without a doubt, the least intriguing game of all. Both teams have received no national attention and play in conferences that aren't exactly talked about. NIU comes in a decent team, with 5 of their 6 losses coming to bowl-bound teams. La. Tech is coming in winners of 5 of their last 7. They also boast All-WAC first team RB Daniel Porter. And best stat of all: both teams average 25.3 ppg.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 27, Northern Illinois 24

PapaJohns.com Bowl - Birmingham, AL (30)
Monday, Dec. 29 - 3pm ESPN
NC State (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5)
Favorite: Rutgers by 7
--Matchup of two teams just happy to be in a bowl, considering their sluggish starts. NC State was 2-6 thru 8 games and Rutgers was 1-5 after six games. But both put together long win streaks to make it here. NC State is led by ACC Rookie of the Year QB Russell Wilson, who threw for 16 TD and just one INT. Meanwhile, QB Jordan Teel of Rutgers threw for 3,099 yds and 23 TD.
Prediction: Rutgers 37, NC State 24

Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, TX (11)
Monday, Dec. 29 - 8pm ESPN
Missouri (9-4) vs. Northwestern (9-3)
Favorite: Missouri by 12.5
--On paper, this shouldn't be close. Mizzou scores at will (43 ppg) while NW doesn't exactly light up a scoreboard (24.5 ppg). Mizzou's schedule was also tougher and their players are superior. But that's on paper. The thing to remember here is Mizzou really has nothing to play for. But NW is going for its first 10-win season since 1995 and its first bowl win since 1949.
Prediction: Missouri 38, Northwestern 34

Humanitarian Bowl - Boise, ID (31)
Tuesday, Dec. 30 - 4:30pm ESPN
Maryland (7-5) vs. Nevada (7-5)
Favorite: Nevada by 2
--Maryland has played its best ball against the better teams. but now, the question is whether or not Nevada qualifies as that. The Terps finished the season 1-3 so they're not coming into this game happy. But they better be ready to play defense, because the Wolfpack have the 5th best offense in the NCAA, led by QB Kevin Kaepernick, who has thrown for 2,475 yards and rushed for 1,115 yards.
Prediction: Nevada 35, Maryland 13

Texas Bowl - Houston, TX (26)
Tuesday, Dec. 30 - 8pm NFL Network
Rice (9-3) vs. Western Michigan (9-3)
Favorite: Rice by 2.5
--A game between a couple schools who haven't had 10-win seasons in a while. Rice is coming off a 3-9 year but this season, have rattled off 6 straight wins to finish 9-3. Led by C-USA Player of the Year QB Chase Clement, the Owls rack up around 489 yds of offense each game. In fact, Clement has 41 TD passes! That doesn't bode well for a Bronco team that is ranked 96th in pass defense.
Prediction: Rice 41, Western Michigan 24

Holiday Bowl - San Diego, CA (16)
Tuesday, Dec. 30 - 8pm ESPN
Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Oregon (9-3)
Favorite: Oklahoma State by 3
--This is generally one of the better bowl games before New Year's Day. This one has that potential. The Ducks score a ton of points. 503 pts in 12 games to be exact. Plus, they have two RB's who have run for around 1,000 yds. And while the 9-3 records ar the same, OKST has been truly battle-tested. The three losses came to Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech. QB Zach Robinson and WR Dez Bryant are a potent duo. Expect them to score multiple times in this to-be shootout.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 55, Oregon 35

Armed Forces Bowl - Fort Worth, TX (24)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 12pm ESPN
Air Force (8-4) vs. Houston (7-5)
Favorite: Houston by 3.5
--Should be fun to see the contrast of styles in this one. Houston has the top passing offense, averaging 429.7 ypg while Air Force has the 5th best rushing offense, averaging 268.9 ypg. Both are also led by up and coming coaches. This is also a rematch of a game this season, in which Houston lost 31 -28 on Sept. 13. That game though was moved due to Hurricane Ike, making it tougher on the Cougars.
Prediction: Air Force 28, Houston 21

Sun Bowl - El Paso, TX (6)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 2pm CBS
Oregon State (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (9-3)
Favorite: Oregon State by 2.5
--This could have easily been a BCS matchup if both would have won one game late in the year. This will be a battle of young tailbacks. Oregon State hopes to have freshman RB Jacquizz Rodgers back, who rushed for 1,253 yards but missed the final game withna shoulder injury. Pitt has RB LeSean McCoy, who has 1,403 yds on the ground and 21 TD. This one will depend on which defense will show up gametime.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Oregon State 24

Music City Bowl - Nashville, TN (18)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 3:30pm ESPN
Boston College (9-4) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
Favorite: Boston College by 3.5
--It's a virtual home game for Vandy, who were the darlings of college football in October when they werre 5-0 and ranked as high as #13. But they've gone 1-6 since then and are just happy to be in a bowl game. But after 25 losing seasons, good for them. But BC won't lay down for them. They're hoping to redeem themselves from a bad ACC Championship game. If freshman QB Dominique Davis stays steady, BC should have more than enough for Vandy.
Prediction: Boston College 24, Vanderbilt 14

Insight Bowl - Phoenix, AZ (22)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 5:30pm NFL Network
Kansas (7-5) vs. Minnesota (7-5)
Favorite: Kansas by 9.5
--For Kansas, 7-5 is a disappointment. For Minnesota, 7-5 is a miracle. And when it comes to bowl games, sometimes, being the team that is feeling better about their season is plenty enough. Kansas has superior talent, including QB Todd Reesing, who led the Jayhawks to an upset over Mizzou. What Minnesota lacks in talent they make up for in heart it seems. They'll need that to stop the 4-game skid they are on.
Prediction: Kansas 48, Minnesota 21

Chick-Fil-A Bowl - Atlanta, GA (15)
Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 7:30pm ESPN
Georgia Tech (9-3) vs. LSU (7-5)
Favorite: Georgia Tech by 4
--Another virtual home game as the Yellow Jackets stay in Atlanta. GT has all the momentum coming into this one, beating their bitter rival UGA 45-42, without throwing one pass in the 2nd half. LSU though has lost 5 of its last 8 and it doesn't show signs of stopping. LSU's defense is not nearly as good as last year's national title team either, so it could be a long night.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 41, LSU 28

Outback Bowl - Tampa, FL (13)
Thursday, Jan. 1 - 11am ESPN
South Carolina (7-5) vs. Iowa (8-4)
Favorite: Iowa by 3.5
--Not many people saw an 8-4 season coming from the Hawkeyes, including an upset of Penn State. But Doak Walker award winner RB Shonn Greene has led this team to its great season with his 1,729 yds and 17 TD. As for South Carolina, the defense has had its amazing moments but the past two games have been duds. The offense is not spectacular but the defense has the potential to be, meaning this will either be a blowout or tight game to the end.
Prediction: Iowa 31, South Carolina 17

Gator Bowl - Jacksonville, FL (9)
Thursday, Jan. 1 - 1pm CBS
Clemson (7-5) vs. Nebraska (8-4)
Favorite: Clemson by 2.5
--Great turnaround from both schools. Clemson looked dead on arrival when Tommy Bowden resigned in the middle of the season. But Dabo Swinney, QB Cullen Harper, and RB CJ Spiller turned the season around, including a huge win over rival South Carolina. Meanwhile, Bo Pelini and the Huskers have been playing teams hard all season. Look for senior QB Joe Ganz to play inspired in hopes of finishing his embattled career on a high note.
Prediction: Nebraska 31, Clemson 27

Capital One Bowl - Orlando, FL (8)
Thursday, Jan. 1 - 1pm ABC
Georgia (9-3) vs. Michigan State (9-3)
Favorite: Georgia by 7.5
--In all the big games this season, UGA has played horribly. They get one last shot to change that. In what could be the final collegiate game for QB Matthew Stafford and Rb Knowshon Moreno, look for the Georgia offense to put up plenty of points. But it's the defense that's been troubled. And they'll have their hands full with MSU RB Javon Ringer, who only rushed for 1,590 yds and 21 TD. MSU also hasn't won a bowl game since 2001.
Prediction: Georgia 41, Michigan State 21

Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA (2)
Thursday, Jan. 1 - 4:30pm ABC
Penn State (11-1) vs. USC (11-1)
Favorite: USC by 9.5
--Talk about your classic Rose Bowl matchup. This one pitting a young, energetic Pete Carroll vs an old, geriatric Joe Paterno. And while they have different coaching styles, both can get the job done. USC has been doing it with defense, allowing more than 10 pts just once. Penn State has been balanced, doing it with a steady yet dynamic offense and a pretty stout defense. Both played OSU (Ohio State and Oregon State) and while Penn State went 2-0, USC went 1-1. But that shouldn't mean much.
Prediction: Penn State 14, USC 10

Orange Bowl - Miami, FL (14)
Thursday, Jan. 1 - 8:30pm ABC
Cincinnati (11-2) vs. Virginia Tech (9-4)
Favorite: Cincinnati by 2.5
--The Bearcats struggled in their win over Hawaii but that may have served as their wake-up call. This is a team that takes care of the ball and controls the clock. Meanwhile, this VT isn't the strongest Frank Beamer squad for sure. But it did enough to win the ACC. To stick with the Bearcats though, their 105th ranked offense is going to have to put up some points. This is the first BCS game for Cincy so the bright lights may phase them unlike for VT, who has been to the BCS party numerous times.
Prediction: Cincinnati 33, Virginia Tech 14

Cotton Bowl - Dallas, TX (10)
Friday, Jan. 2 - 2pm FOX
Ole Miss (8-4) vs. Texas Tech (11-1)
Favorite: Texas Tech by 4.5
--This should be a fun matchup because history shows teams like Tech come into games like this and choke because they are more mad about not making a BCS game. And Ole Miss has the team that can upset a titan. Just look at their win over Florida. But Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree don;t want to end their collegiate careers on a loss. Expect points a plenty from the Red Raiders and for the Rebels offense to be playing catch-up to stay in this shootout.
Prediction: Texas Tech 59, Ole Miss 31

Liberty Bowl - Memphis, TN (27)
Friday, Jan. 2 - 5pm ESPN
East Carolina (8-4) vs. Kentucky (6-6)
Favorite: East Carolina by 2.5
--It was a great start for ECU, with upsets of VT and WV, but then a three-game losing streak seemed to derail their season. But QB Patrick Pinckney and the Pirates bounced back, including taking the conference title game from a good Tulsa team. UK comes in losers of their last 3, thanks to their defense breaking and no longer bending. In the last 5 games alone, the Wildcats gave up on average more than 35 points a game.
Prediction: East Carolina 34, Kentucky 24

Sugar Bowl - New Orleans, LA (4)
Friday, Jan. 2 - 8pm FOX
Alabama (12-1) vs. Utah (12-0)
Favorite: Alabama by 10
--Alabama had its chance to make the title game. But after a loss, it now finds itself in the dubious position Oklahoma was in when it faced Boise State. A win is expected. A loss is devastating. If Bama's defense plays like it has all season, sans the Florida game, they'll be fine. Utah's offense is not spectacular, depsite averaging more than 34 ppg. A win for the Utes only happens if its defense can slow Bama's run game and if its offense gives their defense time to rest to allow it to stop the run game.
Prediction: Alabama 34, Utah 17

International Bowl - Toronto, ONT (25)
Saturday, Jan. 3 - 12pm ESPN2
Buffalo (8-5) vs. UConn (7-5)
Favorite: UConn by 4.5
--Another virtual home game as Buffalo travels a short distance to play UConn. Turner Gill's squad is flying high after their upset of Ball State. But they better move on from that quick to be ready for UConn. The Huskies have the nation's leading rusher in Donald Brown (1,822 yds, 17 TD) and will no doubt, be looking to get him going early and often. Best stat of them all: this is Buffalo's first bowl game in 94 years.
Prediction: Buffalo 30, UConn 24

Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, AZ (3)
Monday, Jan. 5 - 8pm FOX
Ohio State (10-2) vs. Texas (11-1)
Favorite: Texas by 8.5
--Ohio State has been to the Fiesta Bowl 4 times in 6 years, and have won each game. But this year's matchup isn't favorable to the Buckeyes. Texas comes in angry and hoping to prove a point after being left out of the title game. Colt McCoy also comes in a little angry, aftr losing out on the Heisman despite more than 4,000 total yards and 42 TD. And the Texas defense should be pretty familiar with Terrello Pryor. They once had a QB just like him, named Vince Young.
Prediction: Texas 48, Ohio State 21

GMAC Bowl - Mobile, AL (7)
Tuesday, Jan. 6 - 8pm ESPN
Ball State (12-1) vs. Tulsa (10-3)
Favorite: Ball State by 2.5
--What a game this should be. The QB matchup is worth the ticket price alone. BSU QB Nate Davis has been a stud all season, throwing for 3,446 yds and 26 TD, helping lead the Cardinals to a 12-0 start. Meanwhile, Tulsa's David Johnson is even better, with 3,866 yds and 43 TD through the air. Both squads lost in their conference title game so expect some great performances. Oh, and don't forget. Brady Hoke is gone from Ball State. Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish is the new head man.
Prediction: Ball State 41, Tulsa 34

BCS National Championship - Miami, FL (1)
Thursday, Jan. 8 - 8pm FOX
Oklahoma (12-1) vs. Florida (12-1)
Favorite: Florida by 3
--Well, it may not be the title game people think should happen but no doubt, it is quite a matchup. Two great offenses led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks. Two coaches who have won title games in the past 10 years. And teams that earned their spots with great conference game performances. The Sooners have score 61 or more in their past 5 games while Florida has averaged 49.4 ppg during their 9-game winning streak. But this one comes down to defense. And Florida is better, having shut down offenses such as UGA and Bama when it mattered most.
Prediction: Florida 42, Oklahoma 38

Alright, that's it. I hope you enjoy the games as much as I will. It's been a fun college football season and you can bet, there will be a bowl recap post when it's all over January 8th around midnight.