College Bowl Game Picks

[Figrin D'an]

Seeing as several of us are involved in the NFL season pool, I though it might be kind of fun to have a similar such pool for the college bowl season. :)

Simple rules: Each bowl game and it's participant teams will be listed. Pick the winners of each game, from the New Orleans Bowl all the way to the Fiesta Bowl. At the conclusion of the national title game on January 3rd, the final results will be posted. Winner gets bragging rights. :)

The first game kicks off at 7pm EST on Dec. 17, a week from the evening of this post. Please have your picks in by that time. If you wish to change a pick for a game before the kickoff of that game, please do so in a seperate post. Do not edit your original picks post. Once a game kicks off, all bets are final on that game.

You don't have to be in the NFL pool to participate in this one. It's open to everyone. Any questions can be directed to yours truely.


Alright... here we go.


Tuesday, Dec. 17

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas


Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall vs. Louisville


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. New Mexico

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii vs. Tulane


Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College vs. Toledo

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Oregon State


Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Oklahoma State

Independence Bowl
Nebraska vs. Mississippi

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State vs. Arizona State


Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia vs. Virginia

Alamo Bowl
Colorado vs. Wisconsin


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas vs. Minnesota

Seattle Bowl
Oregon vs. Wake Forest


Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State vs. Boise State

Sun Bowl
Purdue vs. Washington

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State vs. TCU

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State

Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force vs. Virginia Tech


Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan

Cotton Bowl
Texas vs. LSU

Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame

Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. Auburn

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma vs. Washington State

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia

Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa vs. USC


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State vs. Miami

[CMJ]

I'll put my picks up tommorrow. Everyone BETTER pick my boys though. ;)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Sure I am game.

[Ishan Shade]

Tuesday, Dec. 17

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas (W)


Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall (W) vs. Louisville


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech (W)


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA (W) vs. New Mexico

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (W) vs. Tulane


Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College (W) vs. Toledo

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh (W) vs. Oregon State


Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss (W) vs. Oklahoma State

Independence Bowl
Nebraska(W) vs. Mississippi

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State vs. Arizona State (W)


Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia (W) vs. Virginia

Alamo Bowl
Colorado vs. Wisconsin (W)


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas (W) vs. Minnesota

Seattle Bowl
Oregon vs. Wake Forest(W)


Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State (W) vs. Boise State

Sun Bowl
Purdue (W) vs. Washington

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State vs. TCU (W)

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech (W) vs. Fresno State

Peach Bowl
Tennessee (W) vs. Maryland

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force vs. Virginia Tech (W)


Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida (W) vs. Michigan

Cotton Bowl
Texas (W) vs. LSU

Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame (W)

Capital One Bowl
Penn State (W) vs. Auburn

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma (W) vs. Washington State

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia (W)

Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa (W) vs. USC


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State vs. Miami (W)



I am picking Miami, but I am rooting for Ohio State,

[JMK]

All I know is that I'm picking North Texas. ;)

I didn't know there were SO many different bowl games. Crazyness. I'll post mine closer to game time I think.

[JonathanLB]

Wake Forest over Oregon? Hey it's your picks, your fate. :)

Oregon played terrible the last part of the season but I still think they'll put it together for this final game. They do have the better team.

[Rmiao]

I follow college football pretty closely (watch at least a couple of games each week) so I'll give this a shot.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati (W) vs. North Texas


Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall (W) vs. Louisville


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech (W)


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA (W) vs. New Mexico

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (W) vs. Tulane


Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College (W) vs. Toledo

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh (W) vs. Oregon State


Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Oklahoma State (W)

Independence Bowl
Nebraska (W) vs. Mississippi

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State (W) vs. Arizona State


Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia (W) vs. Virginia

Alamo Bowl
Colorado (W) vs. Wisconsin


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas vs. Minnesota (W)

Seattle Bowl
Oregon (W) vs. Wake Forest


Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State vs. Boise State (W)

Sun Bowl
Purdue vs. Washington (W)

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State (W) vs. TCU

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech (W) vs. Fresno State

Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland (W)

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force (W) vs. Virginia Tech


Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan (W)

Cotton Bowl
Texas (W) vs. LSU

Gator Bowl
N.C. State (W) vs. Notre Dame

Capital One Bowl
Penn State (W) vs. Auburn

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma vs. Washington State (W)

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia (W)

Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa (W) vs. USC


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State (W) vs. Miami

[Rmiao]

Comments on each game :)
New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas
* Haven't seen either team play, I'll give the sun belt a few more years.

GMAC Bowl
Marshall vs. Louisville
* Leftwich good to go for this game? They should outscore louisiville at least.

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech
* Kliff pulls together an outstanding game against a Clemson team that can't pass rush.

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. New Mexico
* Coaching turmoils at UCLA, but enough talent to win.

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii vs. Tulane
* Timmy Chang carries the team to victory, a lot of penalties and sloppiness potentially with these two teams though.

Motor City Bowl
Boston College vs. Toledo
* BC has the talent, not sure if they'll bring it.

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Oregon State
* One of the toughest to call, Pitt should be able to run against OSU though.

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Oklahoma State
* Southern Miss has looked bad this year. Oklahoma state has the receivers to win this easily.

Independence Bowl
Nebraska vs. Mississippi
* Will Nebraska bounce back from a horrible season (for them)? Regardless, they should be able to run against this weak SEC team.

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State vs. Arizona State
* Maybe the only team hotter than USC right now is KSU, this looks like the biggest blowout on paper at least.

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia vs. Virginia
* WVU should have gotten the Gator bowl. They'll take out their ND frustration on Virginia.

Alamo Bowl
Colorado vs. Wisconsin
* Wisconsin has looked ugly this year, 2-6 in the Big Ten and their defense was shredded by Indiana(!) Colorado's RBs should make quick work of them.

Music City Bowl
Arkansas vs. Minnesota
* A tough one to call. Arkansas made it to the SEC championship but only because of Alabama's probation, and they didn't look good at all in the game. Minnesota ended the season on a losing streak, but against good teams. Tough call, but Minnesota bounces back.

Seattle Bowl
Oregon vs. Wake Forest
* Yet another weak ACC team is upended.

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State vs. Boise State
* Where is ISU going? Losing to UCONN??? at the end of the season? Boise State has talent, not enough exposure.

Sun Bowl
Purdue vs. Washington
* Two years after the Rose Bowl, Purdue and Washington go at it again. Both have had tough seasons. Purdue could have a much better record. Washington stumbled throughout the season, but showed their talent at the end against WSU. Washington slips by.

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State vs. TCU
* Potentially a really great game to watch, though probably under most people's radar.

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State
* Fresno State has had a tough season, Georgia Tech wins a close one.

Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland
* Team in turmoil with talent but injuries loses to a disciplined Maryland team.

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force vs. Virginia Tech
* How many yards rushing in this game is the question. Will we see any passing? Air Force's option confuses Tech, defense does just enough to hang on.

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan
* You'd think this was for the championship game featuring these two teams. Florida's had the tougher season. Michigan's Navarre looked great over the last month.

Cotton Bowl
Texas vs. LSU
* Potential blowout. Loaded Texas team against a not very good LSU team from the down SEC this year.

Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame
* Very interesting match up. People have had their doubts about both as both started out the season with winning streaks. Both were exposed. Notre Dame has no decent offense, and NC State has problems with the run. I'll go with NC state since I don't like ND :)

Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. Auburn
* PSU is solid in every aspect of the game. The team has looked better, especially at the end of the season. Auburn has played well at times, and ineptly at others. PSU completes the come back year with a solid win.

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma vs. Washington State
* Is Gesser healthy for this one? If so, WSU can exploit Oklahoma's secondary better than the two teams they already lost to.

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia
* Great storyline between coaches. Georgia has the talent and coaching to win easily.

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa vs. USC
* The game I most want to watch. Both teams have had outstanding years, and both could potentially beat either OSU or Miami. Two outstanding quarterbacks. Banks can throw, run, and makes good decisions. Palmer's arm is a little better, and can drop back, roll, and make amazing passes. I give Iowa the edge in defense, and thus the game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State vs. Miami
* Overmatched Ohio State? Possibly. If Clarett can have success running through the Miami line, they have a chance. Krenzel doesn't make many mistakes and he will have to play a near perfect game for the Buckeyes to win. Miami is probably unbeatable and a notch above every other program when they play at their talent level. A great defense, and intangibles could swing this to OSU though.

[JonathanLB]

I was remembering how Darth23 mentioned something a year ago about the PAC-10 being weak, which only someone from the East could possibly say if they knew nothing about college football whatsoever, no offense.

Check out ESPN's analysis of the conferences this year and you'll notice that the PAC-10 is in fact the deepest of all, again sending two teams to BCS bowls and with almost every team posting a winning record. Look how many of them are going to bowls.

UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Oregon, and Oregon State all had solid years (disappointing for Oregon, coaching problems at UCLA with a disappointing end to the season, rough beginning for Washington, etc.). Cal. would be going to a bowl if not for NCAA sanctions against them. It's a very, very competitive, strong division.

I don't think the PAC-10 has ever really been weak, but especially lately it's really one of the finer divisions. It hasn't produced a National Title contender that has reached the "big game," the national championship game, but that's just a testament to the difficulty of running the table in the PAC-10. Even Oregon couldn't do it last year and they were the nation's 2nd best team, nor could Washington State or USC here.

Oregon has such a pathetic pass defense it's just very frustrating -- worst in the nation in TDs allowed! LOL. Still, you look at some of the talent there and if Fife had his confidence like he did in the first 6 games, he is a good QB. No Harrington, but a good college QB anyway. He had a TD to INT ratio of 12-to-1 in the first 6 games!!! He has thrown 9 INTs since then I guess. Losing Smith really hurt too, he is one of the nation's best rushers. Ouch.

OSU had a good season, I hope they can win their bowl game. I mean, a good season comparatively that is. Nobody expected much.

I don't follow the other college teams quite enough to make predictions here, I just follow who I hear are the best players, hear about the best teams, I read the scores sometimes, but I'm not into it like I am the NFL even though I enjoy college ball.

[Darth23]

"Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia"


That should read:

Florida State vs. Florida State's offence.

[CMJ]

Here goes gothing...

Tuesday, Dec. 17th

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas (W)

Could I go with ANYONE else?? Hell they're MY boys(NT 2001 graduate, Scrap'em!) I'd take them over Miami. ;) Watch out for Brandon Kennedy, he'll play on Sunday's.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall (W) vs. Louisville

I have to go with Lord Byron. This should be a fun game to watch.


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech (W)

KK will put up HUGE numbers.


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. New Mexico (W)

Bruins are a team in turmoil, look for the upset.

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (W) vs. Tulane

It's hard to beat Hawaii at home.

Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College vs. Toledo (W)

The Rockets are way better than they're given credit for. BC is in for a world of hurt.

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Oregon State(W)

Gonna go with Jonathan's school. ;)

Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss (W) vs. Oklahoma State

Look for an upset!

Independence Bowl
Nebraska(W) vs. Mississippi

Nebraska might run for 450 yards. :p

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State(W) vs. Arizona State

The Wildcats are playing GREAT right now. ASU can put up points. This might be a fun game.

Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia (W) vs. Virginia

WVU will destroy the Cavaliers.

Alamo Bowl
Colorado vs. Wisconsin (W)

If the Buffs don't get well(and fast) the Badgers will run right through them.

Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas (W) vs. Minnesota

The hogs run wild.

Seattle Bowl
Oregon vs. Wake Forest(W)

WF is better than thought by most.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State vs. Boise State(W)

Beating the Bronco's on their blue turf is NOT easy.

Sun Bowl
Purdue (W) vs. Washington

Gonna take Figrin's school. ;)

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State vs. TCU (W)

This will be a hard hitting great defensive game. This is one of my must see's.

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State(W)

Just have a feeling the Bulldogs will pull this out.

Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland(W)

The Terps are on the rise....

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force vs. Virginia Tech (W)

The biggest mismatch of the season.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan (W)

Go Blue. ;)

Cotton Bowl
Texas vs. LSU (W)

The Tigers and Horns will duke it out in a border war. This should be fun.

Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame (W)

The Irish will take out their frustration on the Pack.

Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. Auburn (W)

Will be one of the best games of the day.

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma (W) vs. Washington State

Boomer Sooner will be played a ton.

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State (W) vs. Georgia

Bowden beats his pupil.

Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa vs. USC(W)

The men of Troy are awesome right now.

Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State(W) vs. Miami

Look for a huge upset. This reminds me of '92 with Bama and Miami....

[imported_Terran Starek]

I love football, but I never pick scores or wins. Basically, I live in a fantasy world which represents the insanity that is my mind, and I can never pick games right. I always pick based on a set of physics and rules that exist only in my brain.

But K-State will win. I know...not that I go to K-State or anything...(hint hint)

:D

Pardon my interruption...

LET THE PICKING CONTINUE!

[Jedieb]

I've got no clue about 3/4 of these games, but here goes:

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas WIN
GO MEAN GREEN!!!!


Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall WIN vs. Louisville

Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech WIN


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA WINvs. New Mexico

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii WIN vs. Tulane MY BULLS SHOULE HAVE BEEN PLAYING IN THE SUN!!!!! :shootin

Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College vs. Toledo WIN


Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh WIN vs. Oregon State

Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Oklahoma State WIN


Independence Bowl
Nebraska WIN vs. Mississippi

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State WIN vs. Arizona State

Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia vs. Virginia WIN


Alamo Bowl
Colorado vs. Wisconsin WIN


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas WIN vs. Minnesota

Seattle Bowl
Oregon vs. Wake Forest WIN


Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State vs. Boise State WIN


Sun Bowl
Purdue vs. Washington WIN


Liberty Bowl
Colorado State vs. TCU WIN


Silicon Valley Classic
WIN Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State


Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland WIN


Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force vs. Virginia Tech WIN
(The Hokies would never forgive themselves for losing this one. Although Air Force can run and VA Tech's troubles began when their rush D fell apart. Please no......

Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan WIN


Cotton Bowl
Texas vs. LSU WIN


Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame WIN


Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. Auburn WIN



Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma WIN vs. Washington State


Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia WIN



Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa vs. USC WIN


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State vs. Miami WIN

[CMJ]

The Bulls were definitely screwed. They deserve to be in a Bowl more than about half the teams that ARE in Bowls.

Sorry Jedieb.

[JMK]

CMJ, I doubt you heard it, but Jim Rome sorta bombed your Mean Green today. He was saying how the winner of this game would end up with a staggering 8 wins on the year. Sarcasm, of course. I love Jim Rome, but I was like "Hey Rome, get off the Mean Green!" :lol

[CMJ]

Nah, I heard about it Kyle. People were complaining about it on the GMG.com board. :p

I've hated Rome for years now...once again he makes an <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> out of himself.

[JMK]

I find his radio show hysterical. He's said some stinging things about Montreal and the Expos, but I let it slide because he's just keeping his edge. I find his interviews are very good, but if he only had his tv show, I'd despise him.

[CMJ]

I HATED his old show on ESPN2 back in the day. Everett kicking his butt was CLASSIC though. :D

[JMK]

He's still bitter about that! I don't know what that's all about though...

[CMJ]

Relaying the story on IM as to avoid cluttering up the thread. ;)

[JMK]

Yeah...that's it. :lol

[Figrin D'an]

I wished Everett would have pounded him even more. Rome is such an a childish jackass... he deserved getting decked.

[CMJ]

Anyone else? The clock is ticking.....

[Hadrian Invicta]

In a fluke NCAA mistake, Illinois gets the nod to play in the Fiesta Bowl due to recruiting violations of every team in the Big Ten, besides the Illini, Turner is fired a young Senior is given the head coaching job and leads them to victory. Explanations on how they got in with loses to non-conference teams were not given...

Oh sorry I was day dreaming again.... Damn this season sucked, except for the Ohio State Game. No that sucked to because we lost to the number 1 team in the nation on Senior night because of 2 botched calls. I hate Big Ten officiating. GAH!!!

[Figrin D'an]

Tuesday, Dec. 17

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas (W)

CMJ would kill me if I picked otherwise... ;)


Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall (W) vs. Louisville

Great QB matchup, Leftwich vs. Ragone. Both will be first round draft picks


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech (W)

Texas Tech, with Kingsbury at the helm, just has too much offense for the Tigers to handle.


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA (W) vs. New Mexico

A pretty good Pac-10 team, despite that Toledo got fired. They've got much more team speed that the Lobos.

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (W) vs. Tulane

A shootout waiting to happen. The Rainbow Warriors pull out a close one. Take the over if your beting.


Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College vs. Toledo (W)

A tough one to pick. BC played Miami tough again this year, and they beat the Irish in South Bend. But, Toledo is a severly underated program in the MAC, and they have a great running game.


Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh (W) vs. Oregon State

Pittsburgh is a little faster and more talented than the Beavers. The Panthers freshman WR, Larry Fitzgerald, will be the difference.


Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Oklahoma State (W)

Look for Cowboys WR Rashaun Woods to have a big game.

Independence Bowl
Nebraska (W) vs. Mississippi

The Huskers win, but it's close. Eli Manning will give the Blackshirts fits. Frank Solich knows that this a pivitol game in the history of the Nebraska football program. It could either mark the beginning of a turnaround after a "hiccup" of a season, or signal serious problems down the line. I won't be surpised if Ole Miss pulls this one out.

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State (W) vs. Arizona State

The Sun Devils are a pretty decent team, but they're way overmatched in this one. Kansas State was, again, one of the best teams in the Big 12. As long as they avoid overconfidence, they'll roll over ASU.

Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia (W) vs. Virginia

Both teams are building towards bright futures. Expect some interesting things to happen in this game between border rivals.

Alamo Bowl
Colorado (W) vs. Wisconsin

Picking Colorado to win is conditional upon the health of Chris Brown and Bobby Purifey. If those guys can't play, Wisconsin can pull this one out with it's own running game, led by Anthony Davis and Brooks Bollinger.


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas (W) vs. Minnesota

Arkansas, despite getting crushed in the SEC title game, played better late in the season than Minnesota. The Gophers have enough offense to make things interesting, but Arkansas wins late with their running game.

Seattle Bowl
Oregon (W) vs. Wake Forest

Wake is a good team, but they don't have the weapons that the Ducks do. Oregon has had a bit of a rocky season after last years success, but since both teams should be ready to play, I'll take Oregon.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State vs. Boise State (W)

I've watched some strange things happen on the blue turf in the December cold of Boise before. Iowa State could still be in that same funk that plagued them the second half of the season. It may take them two quarters to really wake up and get things going, and the Broncos can take advantage of that. Build a lead, Iowa State comes back in the second half with a great performance by Senaca Wallace, but the Cyclones fall just short.

Sun Bowl
Purdue (W) vs. Washington

Rematch of the Rose Bowl from 2 seasons ago. In that season, Washington had a power running game, and Purdue relied on the arm of Drew Brees to carry them. This season, Washington has been the high-flying passing team, while Purdue, with a good passing attack, has had a monster running game at times. Expect lots of points. Look for Huskie WR Reggie Williams and Boilermaker WR John Standeford, two of the nation's best, to have big games. I'm giving the edge to my alma-mater, though, as Purdue runs the ball for almost 300 yards a game, while Washington averages about 70.

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State (W) vs. TCU

TCU is good defensively, but they won't contain both CSU QB Bradlee van Pelt and RB Cecil Sapp for the entire game.

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State (W)

Pat Hill loves the opportunity to play teams from the major conferences. Georgia Tech has a very good running game, but I like the Bulldogs to win this one.

Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland (W)

The Vols had a very disappointing season, as some said they were a dark-horse team for the Fiesta Bowl early on. Maryland wants to prove that they have become a big-time program, and that last years humiliating blowout loss against Spurrier and the Gators in the Orange Bowl was a fluke. Tennessee wants to build toward next season, in which the likely be the favorite to win the SEC. Maryland has a little more immediate reason to play hard, so I'll take them in a close one.

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force vs. Virginia Tech (W)

The Hokies know they're better than their record down the stretch of the season indicates. Air Force might have the best option ground game in college football, but Va Tech has too much talent and too much pride to let this one slip away. Suggs and Jones will have monster games, and Tech's special teams gets a blocked punt for a big play.


Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida (W) vs. Michigan

This one is really tough to pick. Both teams have looked very good at times, but both have also had some bad losses. Michigan's D should contain Earnest Graham, so it should come down who makes more key plays: Florida QB Rex Grossman, or Michigan RB's Chris Perry and BJ Askew. The wild card is Wolverine QB John Navarre. His play, good or bad, could swing the game one way or the other.

Cotton Bowl
Texas (W) vs. LSU

This will be like a home game for the Longhorns. LSU, if their defense shows up, will have a chance. If not, look for Chris Simms to Roy Williams all game, with a healthy dose of Cedric Benson.


Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame (W)

Notre Dame was flat out embarassed by USC. Was it that Irish D was finally exposed, or was it that USC's offense is just that good right now? It's probably a little of both. Notre Dame has been in a bit of a dream world expectation wise the second half of the season. They're better than the sum of their parts, but they've also gotten some very lucky bounces. Willingham wants to make a statement that he's going to lead an Irish return to greatness within the next 2 seasons. NC State has been a little shakey it's last few games. Close game, but Notre Dame finds a way to win yet again.



Capital One Bowl
Penn State (W) vs. Auburn

Larry Johnson right, Larry Johnson left, Larry Johnson up the middle. Auburn knows what's coming, but can they stop it?
Nope. But, also look for Joe Pa to get tricky and use Johnson as a decoy on some play action.


Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma (W) vs. Washington State

Bob Stoops knows that, when you can't get into the national title game, the next best option is the Rose Bowl. I think his team knows that too. They'll be ready, big-time, for this game. Washington State has to protect Jason Gessar. He's still not going to be entirely healthy by New Years Day, and if he gets hit often, the Cougars are in for a long day. RB Quentin Griffin will be the game breaker.


Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia (W)

Teacher vs. Student. Interestingly enough, FSU really hasn't been the same since Mark Richt left for Georgia. FSU will play hard, as they try to rally around Chris Rix and put the dismissal of Adrian McPherson out of their minds, but Georgia will be too much for them. As long as Richt sticks with Greene at QB, the Dawgs will roll.


Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa (W) vs. USC

How can you not buy into the hype on this one? Everything is set for this to be the best bowl game of the season, and maybe one of the better ones in recent memory. Two Heisman finalist QB's running high-flying offenses, two solid running games, two defenses that have played better than expected. This one should be a lot of fun, and could come down to the last possession.


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State vs. Miami (W)

On paper, Miami looks to be the far superior team. Everything points to their high-octane speedy offense just being too much for even a very good Buckeye defense to handle, while the Hurricane D has to really just focus on shutting down Ohio State's power running game. Miami SHOULD roll to their second straight national title. That, however, is what should be the most concerning aspect about this for Hurricane fans. Like many others, the setup for this game reminds me an awful lot of the matchup 10 years ago between Alabama and Miami. Miami had all of the glitz, all the big name players, a huge pool of NFL talent, and looked like a lock to win the game. Low and behold, Alabama, while without a lot big names, but with a solid defense and a very conservative, but powerful rushing game, played hard nosed smart football, dominated on both sides of the ball and was victorious. While my pick is for Miami, I expect Jim Tressel to have his team ready for this game, and with a turnover or two, can play keep-away from Dorsey and McGahee long enough pull off the huge upset. In the words of Keith Jackson, "Don't underestimate Plain Jane... she just might break your heart."

[CMJ]

I wouldn't kill ya. :p

Nice analysis. I should have contributed more than my little blurbs regaurding each game I guess. :)

The Mean Green Nation is invading NO starting today...man wish I could afford to go this year.

[Jedieb]

I wouldn't kill ya.
Beat, rob, or maim, but never kill. :)

[CMJ]

Geez guys, I feel the love...:p

[Jedi Master Carr]

Tuesday, Dec. 17

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas W
Of course I wouldn't vote against your team CMJ :)

Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall vs. Louisville W


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson W vs. Texas Tech
Even though I figure they will lose, I better pick my school, I did graduate from there

Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. New Mexico W

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii W vs. Tulane


Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College W vs. Toledo

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh W vs. Oregon State

Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Oklahoma State W

Independence Bowl
Nebraska vs. Mississippi W

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State W vs. Arizona State


Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia W vs. Virginia

Alamo Bowl
Colorado W vs. Wisconsin


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas vs. Minnesota W

Seattle Bowl
Oregon W vs. Wake Forest


Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State W vs. Boise State

Sun Bowl
Purdue vs. Washington W

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State W vs. TCU

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State W

Peach Bowl
Tennessee W vs. Maryland

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force W vs. Virginia Tech


Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan W

Cotton Bowl
Texas W vs. LSU

Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame W

Capital One Bowl
Penn State W vs. Auburn

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma W vs. Washington State

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia W

Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa vs. USC W


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State W vs. Miami

[Taylor Millard]

Oh Lord so many bowl games...so little time

Tuesday, Dec. 17

New Orleans Bowl
Cincinnati vs. North Texas WIN

I'm like CMJ, I went to UNT for a year. I might not go there anymore but I'ma gonna pick 'em.


Wednesday, Dec. 18

GMAC Bowl
Marshall WIN vs. Louisville


Monday, Dec. 23

Tangerine Bowl
Clemson vs. Texas Tech WIN


Wednesday, Dec. 25

Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. New Mexico WIN

Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii WIN vs. Tulane


Thursday, Dec. 26

Motor City Bowl
Boston College WIN vs. Toledo

Insight Bowl
Pittsburgh WIN vs. Oregon State


Friday, Dec. 27

Houston Bowl
Southern Miss WIN vs. Oklahoma State

Independence Bowl
Nebraska vs. Mississippi WIN

Holiday Bowl
Kansas State WIN vs. Arizona State


Saturday, Dec. 28

Continental Tire Bowl
West Virginia vs. Virginia WIN

Alamo Bowl
Colorado WIN vs. Wisconsin


Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl
Arkansas vs. Minnesota WIN

Seattle Bowl
Oregon WIN vs. Wake Forest


Tuesday, Dec. 31

Humanitarian Bowl
Iowa State WIN vs. Boise State

Sun Bowl
Purdue WIN vs. Washington

Liberty Bowl
Colorado State vs. TCU WIN

Silicon Valley Classic
Georgia Tech WIN vs. Fresno State

Peach Bowl
Tennessee vs. Maryland WIN

Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl
Air Force WIN vs. Virginia Tech


Wednesday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan WIN

Cotton Bowl
Texas WIN vs. LSU

Gator Bowl
N.C. State vs. Notre Dame WIN

Capital One Bowl
Penn State WIN vs. Auburn

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
Oklahoma WiN vs. Washington State

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
Florida State vs. Georgia WIN

Thursday, Jan. 2

Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
Iowa vs. USC WIN


Friday, Jan. 3

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
Ohio State WIN vs. Miami

Geez louise they had to make the Fiesta Bowl this freaking tough to pick...since the Miami Offense has had slow starts before...

[CMJ]

North Texas represent! :cool

I'm currently reading accounts from the Eagle Nation down in the Crescent City. To say I'm depressed(that I'm not there) is an understatement.

[Taylor Millard]

whoo-hoo 2-0...watch all the rest of the teams I pick lose. :lol

[CMJ]

I'm 2-0 as well to start the Bowl season. I COULD lose all the rest and be happy though.

New Orleans Bowl CHAMPS baby!!

[Jedieb]

Congrats to CMJ and the Mean Green!!!

Did anybody see Sportscenter the day of the game? They had a quick blurb about some of the schools that got screwed out of bowl games. I was proud to hear my University of South Florida Bulls (9-2) get a nod along with Bowling Green I think (9-3). Next year we join Conference USA and we should be in the bowl mix. I may even pay some decent attention to the college game now.

[CMJ]

Thanks man...see the New Orleans Bowl thread for the REAL excitement right after the game.

I'm still gowing with pride. :D

[CMJ]

With the Texas Tech win, I move to 3-0. :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

I knew my Tigers were no match for them but I had to pick them because they are my team.

[CMJ]

After yesterday I fall to 3-2 in picks. :(

[CMJ]

On a losing streak now...3-4 through the first 7 games. :(

[CMJ]

Through 12 games I'm 5-7. Not so good this year. :(

[Jedieb]

How's everyone else doing? Who's leading the show so far?

[CMJ]

Well, Jedieb...you're at 9-3. I'd imagine you're in the lead...gimme a sec and I'll try and figure it out.

Taylor Millard 8-4
Ishan Shade 7-5
Rmiao 7-5
Figrin D'an 7-5
Jedi Master Carr 6-6

[Jedieb]

To be honest, all I did was piggy back off your picks and then change picks in games I thought you were picking an upset or if i had some remote knowlege about the team. If by some miracle I win it just goes to show you can be rather clueless and still pick games.

[CMJ]

Well, it's still fairly close, but right now the guy who basically ignores college football is beating all of us. :p

Maybe I should've played the NFL one afterall. ;)

[Jedieb]

I told you you should have played! Every contest needs a stat boy! :)

[CMJ]

After today, the results...

Jedieb 10-4
Ishan Shade 8-6
Rmiao 8-6
Figrin D'an 7-7
Jedi Master Carr 7-7
CMJ 6-8

[Jedieb]

Oh, my Gawd!!!!!!! Well, at least I finally won something! :) Oh no, have I jinked myself...

[CMJ]

Don't celebrate too soon..still alot of games left. ;)

[Jedieb]

When will this bowl madness end?! The big game is the day after New Years right?

[CMJ]

Miami vs Ohio State is January 3rd. It's likely the contest might be decided before the game is played...if you get a more than 1 game lead on the field.

That is the only game played on Friday.

[Figrin D'an]

I started out so well, now I've dropped the last 4 straight games. Ole Miss beating Nebraska wasn't a surprise, but Oregon losing to Wake Forest, and Minnesota demolishing Arkansas were total shockers.

Crappy year for NFL picks, crappy season of bowl picks... at least I'm consistent.

[Figrin D'an]

Booya!

Purdue 34
Washington 24

:D

[CMJ]

Congrats Figrin. :)

[CMJ]

Update after the early games today...

Jedieb 12-6
CMJ 10-8
Figrin D'an 10-8
Ishan Shade 10-8
Rmiao 9-9
Jedi Master Carr 8-10

[Jedieb]

Damn CMJ, you went 4-0 on those last 4 games. Way to go! VA Tech plays tonight. How many bowls are left after that?

[CMJ]

Jedieb, after the 2 games tonight, I believe we have 8 left. There are six games tommorrow, then one Thursday...and then the National Championship game Friday.

[Jedieb]

Did you go with the Canes? Do you really think Ohio St. has a chance?

[CMJ]

I went with the Buckeyes. Here's my reasoning....

In 1992 the Miami Hurricanes were the defending National Champions...it was an awesome squad. They'd defeated many tough opponenets on the road. They'd even beaten Florida State on a missed field goal at the end of the game. ;)

The Alabama Crmson Tide was a solid defensive squad. They weren't flashy. They won alot of tough games. IMHO winning a couple of close games might be a chink in the armor...but winning more than say 3 or 4 shows you have heart. The Tide had heart...alot of it. They dominated the Hurricanes that year in the Sugar Bowl.

*********

This season Ohio State REALLY reminds me of that Tide team. I fully expect an upset.

[Jedieb]

Woudln't it be great if we had a tie going into that game?! I hope you can make up those two games, jus to make it interesting...

I remember that 92 game. (Yes, I have watched college football in the past!) I remember rooting for UofM and seeing them get toasted by Alabama. If I remember right, the Canes were just about to make a comeback when one of their speed receivers (I know he's in the NFL now but I can't remember his name) got stripped on a long reception that could turned the tide of the game. From then on they got dominated. Do you remember that play?

[CMJ]

OH yes, I remember that play! George Teague made up like 15 yards on the play to strip the ball...simply a remarkable sequence.

[Jedieb]

It was Teague? Wow! He's awesome! I want to say that the receiver was a guy who ended up with the Bucs but I'm just not sure. I'm sure your Stat Boy mind will give me the answers I seek.

[Figrin D'an]

The only thing that concerns me about Ohio State's potential upset bid now is Maurice Clarret's mindset. He was rather out of sorts after his displeasure of not be able to return to Ohio for his friend's funeral. He still seemed somewhat removed even during today's interviews. If his head isn't in the game, the Buckeyes don't have a chance.

[CMJ]

Jedieb, Lamar Thomas was the Hurricane player...had to do some research on that one. :) I know, I USUALLY have that kinda stuff committed to memory, but not this time. :p

[Jedieb]

That's the guy. Torreta was at QB wasn't he? He hit Thomas and then Teague came from behind and stripped him. That was their last gasp if I remember right. I was watching the game with some friends at a hotel and since we were all from south Florida we were rooting for UM. We got a bit loud (screams of disgust) and got a call from the office. Some silly people actually thought they had the right to sleep!

I heard about Clarett's situation today. I think they should have let him go to the funeral. Maybe he can turn it around and use it as some kind of motivation. They definetly need him if they're going to have any chance. I just wonder which Hurricane team is going to show up. The one that squeaked by and played down to their competition or the one that seemed dominant at times.

[CMJ]

Yes, Torreta was the QB. :)

Teague just jackhammered the ball out of Thomas's arm, midstride and then turned it back the other way. That's one of the most memorable plays I've ever seen.

[CMJ]

Updating after late games...

Jedieb 14-6
CMJ 12-8
Figrin D'an 12-8
Ishan Shade 11-9
Rmiao 10-10
Jedi Master Carr 8-12

[Figrin D'an]

Hmm... these are the numbers I have so far...

Jedieb 14-6
CMJ 13-7
Figrin D'an 12-8
Ishan Shade 11-9
Rmiao 10-10
Jedi Master Carr 7-13

Let me go back through the picks again, and make sure my spreadsheet is accurate.

[CMJ]

Man, did I mess up...even on my OWN picks? Damn...

[Figrin D'an]

Okay, never mind. I had you down as taking BC instead of Toledo, and I had JMC down for Nebraska instead of Ole Miss. That's where the errors were. My bad.

[Figrin D'an]

I managed to make up quite a bit of ground today. 5 for 6, my only loss was TCU over Colorado State.

[CMJ]

LOL, no problem, I was kinda worried I mighta made a mistake actually. I eyeball eveyone's picks and then figure out where everyone is. I easily coulda screwed up.

I'm not advanced enough for a spreadsheet. ;)

Talk about making up ground..I was perfect today! :D

[Figrin D'an]

Now we just have to catch Jedieb...

[CMJ]

You have a better chance I think. If I remember right, I only differ with him on two of the remaining games, so I'd have to run the table to even get a tie.

[Figrin D'an]

How about the Big Ten? Three underdogs, three victories. So much for the conference being weak this year. This certainly serves to legitimize the success of Iowa and Ohio State.

[CMJ]

Yeah, the Big 10 has really done well. The PAC-10 and Big XII have disappointed...

How about the WAC too? As I've always said...the little guys of this world aren't that far back from the BCS conferences.

[Jedieb]

Last night's VA Tech game was the first game, aside from CMJ's UNT, that I paid attention to. It was a great finish. Air Force gave it a shot, but when your QB is 1 for 11 with 2 INT's heading into your final drive it's a miracle that you even have a shot. Nice to see Lee Suggs go out with a win. So I've got a 2 game lead with 3 days to go. Oooo the excitement!

[CMJ]

Updating figures after Pre-BCS games...

Jedieb 16-8
CMJ 14-10
Figrin D'an 13-11
Rmiao 13-11
Ishan Shade 12-12
Jedi Master Carr 10-14

[Jedieb]

Here are the standings and how everyone has placed their bets for the BCS run:

Jedieb 16-8
CMJ 14-10
Figrin D'an 13-11
Rmiao 13-11
Ishan Shade 12-12
Jedi Master Carr 10-14

Rose Bowl (BCS game)
(Ishan Shade, CMJ, jedieb, Figrin D'an, JMC, Taylor Millard)
Oklahoma vs. Washington State (Rmiao)

Nokia Sugar Bowl (BCS game)
(CMJ) Florida State vs. Georgia (Ishan Shade, Rmiao, jedieb, Figrin D'an, JMC, Taylor Millard)

Thursday, Jan. 2
Fedex Orange Bowl (BCS game)
(Ishan Shade, Rmiao, Figrin D'an) Iowa vs. USC (CMJ, jedieb, JMC, Taylor Millard)

Friday, Jan. 3
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS game, National Title game)
(CMJ, Rmiao, JMC, Taylor Millard) Ohio State vs. Miami (jedieb, Ishan Shade, Figrin D'an)

I think if Miami or Georgia win I've got it wrapped up. Unbelievable, who'd a thunk it?

[Jedieb]

After the Rose Bowl:
Jedieb 17-8
CMJ 15-10
Figrin D'an 14-11
Rmiao 13-12
Ishan Shade 13-12
Jedi Master Carr 11-14

[CMJ]

Yeah...well when I originally made the pick they weren't down to their 3rd and 4rth string QB's. Still I thought FSU played well enough to win, but alas...Jedieb has the contest wrapped now.

Totals after Sugar Bowl...

Jedieb 18-8
CMJ 15-11
Figrin D'an 15-11
Rmiao 14-12
Ishan Shade 14-12
Jedi Master Carr 12-14

[Jedieb]

Woohoo!!!!!!! Let's see I can finish with less than 10 losses!

[Ishan Shade]

Yay! :)

GO BUCKEYES!

[CMJ]

Originally posted by JonathanLB
UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Oregon, and Oregon State all had solid years (disappointing for Oregon, coaching problems at UCLA with a disappointing end to the season, rough beginning for Washington, etc.). Cal. would be going to a bowl if not for NCAA sanctions against them. It's a very, very competitive, strong division.


Well Jonathan...the PAC-10 has had a disappointing showing in the Bowls. They're 1-5 heading into tonight. Other than the Mountain West(who went 0-4) I believe that's the worst winning percentage of any conference.

[JonathanLB]

I did not expect that the PAC-10 teams would fare too well in their bowls. Oregon looked TERRIBLE at the end of the year, and even worse in the bowl game against a REALLY lousy football team that looked like Miami against the Ducks' weak secondary (pathetic secondary, more like it). Fife lost his touch, if he ever had it at all...

OSU played close in the first half, got blown away in the second. Shame.

USC is the nation's 2nd best team, in my opinion, behind Miami. It was a tough division, as I said, but weak bowl appearances for sure.

Jedieb, you are REALLY good at these picks, lol. Impressive man!

[CMJ]

New Numbers...

Jedieb 19-8
Taylor Millard 17-10
CMJ 16-11
Figrin D'an 15-12
Rmiao 14-12
Ishan Shade 14-13
Jedi Master Carr 13-14

*Somehow in all the previous counts Taylor was skipped*

[Jedieb]

It's all luck Jon. I feel guilty winning this thing. I could only take credit for a few of the picks. (I saw FSU stumble throughout the season so I had a feeling they'd struggle.) I probably know less about college football than anyone else who picked games. I just did a good job of adjusting picks, that's all.

[CMJ]

Jonathan..the way the PAC-10 struggled in the Bowl games just showed that the league was weak overall this season. There's no real shame in that.

The Bowl games and out of conference games at the beginning of the season are the true indicators of league strength. This year the Pac 10 disappointed.

The Big 10 or Big East will win the Bowl challenge Cup(based on winning percentage of conferences with at least 3 teams playing). I'd say those were the 2 strongest conferences this season.

[Jedieb]

I saw a quite a few Big East Games because of VA Tech and Miami and I have to say they looked good to me. West VA and UVA were decent teams and Al Groh has done of good job of bringing the hated UVA back.

[CMJ]

Ya know Jedieb, you seem to be more of a fan of Virginia Tech than USF. Shame on you as an alumni. ;)

[Jedieb]

Blacksburg is only 45 minutes away!! Plus, VA Tech is probably where my kids are going to go to school. I know what out of state tuition is like at USF and I'm not paying it! :)

[CMJ]

Yeah, yeah. ;) You don't see me adopting Southern Cal as my school. :p

I doubt I'd even send kids to NT(if I ever had any) but you never know. ;)

[Jedieb]

Big play by Dorsey to put the first score of the game up. Miami's up 7-0. Ohio St. can't afford to get too far behind. I don't think they can overcome a big deficit.

[Jedieb]

INT on the first play of OS's next drive. Is this the beginning of a blowout?

[Jedieb]

Good defensive stand by OS. Things could have gotten out of hand quick. OS is doing a good job of stopping Miami's running game. I'm surprised that the Hurricanes haven't thrown the ball more in hopes of loosening that line up.

[Jedieb]

Now OS comes up with the big INT. Bad throw under pressure by Dorsey. Neither team seems to be able to run against the other. Great performances by both defenses so far.

[Jedieb]

OS really should have gone for the FG. Again, OS will not let Miami run. I just don't know why they don't start airing it out every down! Then again, that last Dorsey throw may be the reason why.

[Jedieb]

Miami holds up on a 3rd and goal inside the 1! Does OS go for it on 4th?

[Jedieb]

QB sneak off the right guard. Big play of OS. If Miami had held it could have been devastating for OS's morale. Only a couple of minutes before the half. We have the close game and defensive battle CMJ predicted.

[Jedieb]

Wow, a fumble by Dorsey and OS has another scoring opportunity inside Miami's 20. OS definitely has the game they want. They're causing turnovers and stopping Miami's running game and getting pressure on Dorsey. TD OS! 14-7 and they've got a ton of momentum right now.

[Jedieb]

OS 14-7 UofM going into the half. Miami can't run against that defensive line and OS isn't loading up against them. It looks like they've got 6-7 DB's back there and they're confusing Dorsey. This looks like one of the games in which Miami struggled in this year. They pulled it out all season long, will they be able to do it one more time? Those first drives of the 3rd quarter should be great.

[CMJ]

Great first half....

[Jedieb]

Where have you been big boy? I've been here all by my lonesome!

[CMJ]

Dude...I'm too busy watching the game to be stuck on here. ;)

[Jedieb]

Are you watching with friends or is it just you and the tube? Sapp and Eddie George are really into the game aren't they?

[CMJ]

Just me and the game. :) Actually to be honest if I'm not AT a game, that's the way I prefer it.

Anyways...going back. I'll catch ya later man.

Go Buckeyes. ;)

[Jedieb]

Cheerleaders kicking FG's. Just when I thought half time shows couldn't get any lamer...>_<

[Jedieb]

And some of them are MALE cheerleaders! Have they NO shame?

[Jedieb]

What a play. Taylor gets what looks like a TD saving INT and then Clarett makes a MONSTER play. Now they're showing the TEague play we were talking about earlier. This could be the same kind of momentum changer. The Canes looked like they could do something there. I can't believe Taylor tried to run it back. But when you've got all that speed you tend to get cocky.

[Jedieb]

Dorsey just missed a wide open Johnson for what would have been a huge gain and a first down. Now they get a questionable halo violation on the punt. Things are not looking good for the Canes.

[Jedieb]

Miami gets in the end zone the last way you'd expect, with the run. We've got a game again. 17-14.

[CMJ]

What a game! Should be a wonderful finish!

[Jedieb]

McGahee seems to be getting into a groove. OS needed a good punt. Here they go at midfield.

[Jedieb]

How bad do you think McGahee is hurt? Wow, that could be devastating for Miami.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think he is hurt pretty bad, he is defintely done today, have no clue how bad it is beyond that. I have to say the way Ohio State is controlling the clock if they get the ball back the game might be over.

[CMJ]

That hit made me cringe....

[Jedieb]

Winslow and Dorsey are going to have to win this game now. I feel bad for that kid. That's a horrible way to get knocked out and it may have cost him some serious money.

[Jedieb]

ANOTHER turnover on an apparent big gain by Miami. That's 5 right? What, are they trying to match Vinny's Penn State performance?

[Jedieb]

Big run by K. I knew he would tuck it and run. Miami will be lucky to get the ball back with 2 minutes left.

[Jedieb]

Incomplete! Although it looked like it might have been a catch on the replay and the refs held their whistle on the hold. Now a big return on the punt by Miami. That puts them in FG range, but you have to think they want the TD and the win right now.

[Jedieb]

A HUGE sack puts Miami back at the 30! You can't take a sack at a time like that! 3rd and huge

[Jedieb]

Here comes the FG attempt. How sweet would it be for FSU fans to see a wide right or left here?

[Jedieb]

3 seconds to go and OS tries to freeze the kicker with a time out. All their doing is torturing us!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jedieb]

ANOTHER time out!!! You can't do that in the NFL! Crazy collegians! Stop torturing me!!!!!!!!!!1

[Jedieb]

WOW!! I could have sworn it was going wide right. He must have cleared that by less than a yard. OVERTIME BABY!!!

[Jedieb]

1st and Goal Miami!!! Holy cow what a game!:crack

[Jedieb]

Winslow made an amazing catch!!! Dorsey and Winslow, I called it!!! Now OS has got to go for the end zone. Man oh man!!!!!!!!!!

[Jedieb]

4th and 14 for OS!!

[Jedieb]

Amazing, FIRST DOWN!!!! What a game!!!!!!1

[Jedieb]

Krenzel is going to need a tub full of Tylenol tomorrow!

[Jedieb]

4th and 3, here we go again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jedieb]

Fouts called it, bad call. That was a pretty rough call to make.

[Jedieb]

3rd and inches. I don't see how they can keep them out.

[Jedieb]

There we go. Man, that penalty is going to be talked about for YEARS. False start on the extra point, but these are gimmeee, there it goes. A second round, here it comes.

[Jedieb]

I had no idea they switched the order in which teams got the ball for the second round of OT. OS has a first down inside the 15.

[Jedieb]

Touchdown OS! Miami has to be deflated. They went from celebrating the national championship to having to score another TD to stay in the game.

[Jedieb]

Now Dorsey has to go out because of that 2nd down hit. No McGahee, no Dorsey. How can they win?

[Jedieb]

4th and short. Nice pass by the backup. Here comes Dorsey with the season on the line. Time out Miami.

[Jedieb]

First down to Winslow!!! Face mask puts Miami on the 6. Man, do they miss McGahee now.

[Jedieb]

Pass Interference in the endzone. You could see that one coming. Same official too. Ball is at the 2. Crazy college rules!

[Jedieb]

Dorsey missed the other TE for the TD. 3rd down. I thinkk Dorsey is hurt. Couldn't get it in on 3rd. Here comes 4th and goal!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jedieb]

INCOMPLETE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the best college games I've ever seen. Unbelievable goal line stand. You have to feel for MaGahee. He must be crying his eyes out. Gotta hand it to OS. They earned it. That PI call was suspect, but the Miami still had a chance to stop them. Great, great game.

[CMJ]

Best college game I've ever seen when you take into consideration how big the game was.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah it was a great game, the end was incredible. I think OS deserved it too they played a great game and had an incredible season. Here is something interesting since the beginning of the BCS a different conference has won the national title ever year, only the Pac-10 has yet to win (of the big conferences) Maybe there is hope for your conference Jon.

[Jedi Master Carr]

And CMJ it was one of the bests I have seen the Miami-Alabama game was close though.

[CMJ]

Ohio State deserved the game, but so did Miami. What gave the game so much character is each team dug deep for something extra just when you thought they had nothing left to give.

That is why college football is the best.

[Jedieb]

What did you guys think of the Pass Interference call? I really think that hurt Miami psycologically. But the game was won and lost on the field. OS's defense laid out big hits on McGahee and then Dorsey. Those hits probably won them the game.

[CMJ]

The pass interference call was iffy...but then again so was the 3rd and six CATCH that the officials screwed OSU on right before they(OSU) punted it away(and led to the clutch punt return).

Calls usually even out over the course of a game.

[Jedieb]

Well, I'm off to bed. Gotta rest up for the REAL football games tomorrow. ;) Good call on the game CMJ. Too bad it didn't give us a tie.

[CMJ]

That was just a great game. My best friend back home in Texas were screaming about it on the phone during the trophy ceremony.

Great freaking stuff!

[Ishan Shade]

I am in AWE.

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES ARE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

One of the greatest games I've ever seen...PATOOEY for all the naysayers of OSU, they did have what it took, and they did it.

[Figrin D'an]

Simply put, that was one of the best football games I've seen in long time. Both teams fought hard, and showed the hearts of champions. Two moments really proved to me that Ohio State could win...

1) Clarett's strip of the football after the interception. Talk about shades of Bama/Miami from '92. That was a heads up play by a true freshman.

2) 4th and 14 in the first overtime, Krenzel completes the come-back route to Jenkins for the first down. Everyone had ripped on the Buckeyes all season because they didn't throw the football. You can't get more clutch than that throw. Last gasp, make the first or the game is over, under pressure, stepping up into the pocket, getting the ball away just as he gets hit, and hitting the wide-out with a strike to move the chains. Bottom line, Krenzel plays smart and is tough as nails. He made plays when Ohio State needed them the most.


The pass interference call was a bit suspect. Gamble did a good job of making it look like the safety turned him on the play. That's why the flag got thrown. There might not have been significant contact while the ball was in the air, but it only matters what the zebras see. I'm sure Miami fans will talk for years about the phantom pass interference call that cost them a second straight national title. But, Miami got a couple of breaks earlier in the game as well. There were a couple of close cases of holding by Miami O-lineman that didn't get called, and I saw DL Vince Wolfork line up offsides twice without a flag... so... yeah, the officials missed a few and threw a couple of flags on suspect plays, but they were pretty balanced for both sides.


For all of the talk about Miami's speed, the only player that really consistently beat the Buckeye defense was Winslow. Parrish had the punt return late in the 4th quarter to set up the tying field goal, but beyond that, Miami had no big plays. They had to use a short passing game to move the ball. I've never before seen any team pressure Dorsey like I saw tonight. He really only had a good rhythm on one drive. Kudos to Ohio States defense. They controlled the game.

Wow... great to see a Big Ten team finally get a consensus national title after so many years. What a bowl season for the Big Ten... 5 underdog teams winning.

[CMJ]

Clarett's strip was so Teague-esqe it was unreal.

That was simply a great game. So often big games don't live up to the hype...this one was underhyped for what it turned into.

[Ishan Shade]

Yeah I agree CMJ.

I wish everyone could experience what I did.

A huge Buckeye fan in the midst of Buckeye party, watching the game on the big screen...talk about an emotional rollercoaster for everyone there....BRING ON THE NATIONAL TITLE....and some maker's mark! :)

[CMJ]

Ishan, I can't even imagine what this must feel like to you. I had no real vested interest in the outcome and *I* was on pins and needles. :) Congrats!

Winning the New Orleans Bowl is about as close as my boys will ever get. :)

Jedieb 19-9
Taylor Millard 18-10
CMJ 17-11
Figrin D'an 15-13
Rmiao 15-13
Ishan Shade 14-14
Jedi Master Carr 14-14

[Jedi Master Carr]

I know it was underhyped, most people thought Miami would win just like people thought Florida State would beat Tennessee and Oklahoma and Miami would beat Alabama shows what the odd's makers know.

[CMJ]

On a happy note...North Texas was among the "Others recieveing votes" in both the AP and Coaches poll's. ;)

[Jedieb]

Great game. It could have gone either way. I have to say that OS really deserved the win because they dominated most of the game. They disrupted Miami's game plan. They pounded Miami's stars and forced them into mistakes. Miami may have had more talent but they didn't play up to it. It was impressive enough that they were in a game in which they tunred the ball over 5 times, but they shouldn't have made those turnovers. OS got the game they wanted, Miami didn't.

And last night's other winner? Yours truly. Do I get a trophy? Nah, the sweet memories of my two big college footballs victories are reward enough.:D

[CMJ]

Maybe Kyle should make you a sig with the Fiest Bowl Trophy in it. ;)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah like Yogs only College Football picks Champion or something like that.

[JMK]

I can do that. Not now though, I'm off to play PS2 and get silly! :rollin

[Jedieb]

Yoda holding a football and striking a Heisman pose? If only I had some kind of graphic talent. :(