Welcome back! Now that I have had 24 hours to collect myself, here is the second half of the bowl schedule preview. Once again every game will recieve the rating of Finer, Not So Finer, and If Nothing Else is On (NEO). GO!
Holiday Bowl Nebraska (10-3) vs. Washington (6-6) SO FINER
These two teams already met once in Seattle this year, and Wisconsin dominated. However, there are still reasons to watch as both teams have NFL caliber players including Washington QB Jake Locker. Regardless, the game shouldn't be close. Washington lost by 35 at home, so a neutral stadium can't help.
Meineke Car Care Bowl Clemson (6-6) vs. USF (8-4) NOT SO FINER
If you find yourself watching this game, you really need to prioritize your life goals. Both teams have a top 25 defense, and a bottom third offense. ZZZzzZZZzz. I'll go with USF simply because I have seen them once before in 2008, and their stadium is one of only a handful in NCAA football that serves alcohol.
Sun Bowl Miami (7-5) vs. Notre Dame (7-5) SO FINER
This is another game that comes at the bottom of the "So Finer" ranking. Miami should have been better, and ND overachieved. If Miami was healthy and stable, I would take them. However, their QB play has been shaky all year long, and they will have an interim head coach. The Fighting Irish have enough momentum to squeeze out a win.
Liberty Bowl Georgia (6-6) vs. UCF (10-3) NEO
Not enough happening here to tune in, but I would definitely check in for a moment if you have one. Both teams are evenly matched at QB, but Georgia has A.J. Green, the nations top wide receiver. UCF plays solid defense, but Green is too much for anyone to handle a la Calvin Johnson. Bulldogs by a touchdown.
Chick-fil-A Bowl Florida State (9-3) vs. South Carolina (9-4) SO FINER
A resurgent FSU team takes on better than their record shows South Carolina team. Both teams lost their conference title games which should be motivation to bring their 'A' game. An even match up, the difference may come down to the head coach. Look for Steve Spurrier to have a few tricks up his sleeve, and find a way to get a South Carolina win.
TicketCity Bowl Northwestern (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (7-5) NOT SO FINER
Not a whole lot going on here. TTU has fallen from grace the last couple years, and Northwestern has nowhere to fall from. Too so so teams may make for a close game, but don't be fooled into watching. TTU is closer to home and has a tested Taylor Potts at QB over a Northwestern freshman, so I'll jump on the Red Raider train.
Outback Bowl Florida (7-5) vs. Penn State (7-5) SO FINER
Two big time teams culminating two down years. Both teams don't do anything particularly well, but should be a physical contest. Florida is playing in its backyard, and the inspiration of Coach Urban Meyer might be enough to win a close one. If you're betting the spread though, take Penn State.
Capital One Bowl Alabama (9-3) vs. Michigan State (11-1) SO FINER
This should be a top 5 game this bowl season. Both teams should be disappointed how things turned out this season, and should be playing with a lot of tenacity. Despite their three losses Alabama still fields a strong veteran team, the majority of which was there last year for the championship. I don't think they can cover ten points against MSU, but the 'Bama running game should get them the win. "Roll Tide!"
Gator Bowl Michigan (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4) NEO
Both teams were disappointing this season, especially Michigan after its hot start. There isn't too much to look for here except for Michigan QB Denard Richardson potentially running wild. That and Michigan's Rich Rodriguez coaching for his job. GO BLUE!
Rose Bowl TCU (12-0) vs. Wisconsin (11-1) SO FINER
Definitely game 1A this season, right behind the National Championship. David and Goliath. Literally. TCU's team is quick. A top ranked defense, with dynamic offense. Wisconsin is composed of massive, bruising players, with a top ranked rushing offense. The world may close in on itself when these two battle at the Rose Bowl. Especially after TCU silences all the critics and wins won for the ages.
Fiesta Bowl Connecticut (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (11-2) NEO
OU has had a lot or reasons to be worried about returning to the Fiesta Bowl. This year though, they should embrace it. Connecticut has a solid run game, but a troublesome O-line. Oklahoma should have no problem throwing the ball, and getting out in front early.
Orange Bowl Stanford (11-1) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2) SO FINER
My number 3 this bowl season, when it comes to games you should be watching. Stanford is a complete team, headed by number one QB prospect Andrew Luck. VT is riding an eleven game win streak, and if not for an embarrassing loss to James Madison week 2, would most likely be ranked 4th or 5th in the final standings. Still, I look for Luck to pick apart a so so Hokie secondary, and secure the win.
Sugar Bowl Arkansas (10-2) vs. Ohio State (11-1) SO FINER
Despite there questionable schedule and history against SEC teams, OSU is a tough, veteran team. The true matchup here is at QB: OSU's Terrell Pryor is a dual threat, while Arkansas' Ryan Mallet is a strong, pro passer. Bot sure who I would pick straight up, but if you were looking at the point spread I would take Arkansas,
GoDaddy.com Bowl Miami of Ohio (9-4) vs. Middle Tennessee (6-6) NOT SO FINER
Unless the GoDaddy girl is at midfield, butt naked, in 3-D, don't watch this game. Let me put it on record that I was actually at a Middle Tenn. game this year and have no clue how their bowl eligible. That said, unless the line is something absurd, I would bet my life savings on Ohio.
Cotton Bowl LSU (10-2) vs. Texas A&M (9-3) NEO
Not a lot of excitement here. Texas A&M plays decent defense. If LSU can establish the run early though, game over. Les Miles is a savy enough coach, that he should be able to procure a LSU victory.
BBVA Compass Bowl Kentucky (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (7-5) NOT SO FINER
Nothing to see here except for the last of Dave Wannstedt and his mustache paroling the Pitt sidelines. Vegas has Pitt at a -3 line, so I'll just go with them on that and move on.
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Boston College (7-5) vs. Nevada (12-1) SO FINER
BC's offense is horrendous. Nevada's defense is horrendous. So why watch? BC has the #1 ranked rush defense in the nation, and Nevada has the #3 rushing offense. Should be entertaining, at least for a half. Still, BC's offense is so bad that whatever Nevada's offense can muster up should be plenty to win.
BCS national championship game Auburn (13-0) vs. Oregon (12-0) SO FINER
Finally the big one. This game has "epic" written all over it, with the potential of reaching a shootout into the 40's. Heisman winner Cam Newton is a bigger, more pass ready version of Mike Vick. Oregon's offense is like nothing seen before. Both teams are at the top of the list in offense, and top 20 in defense. Regardless of who wins, this game should be close all the way through. I'll stay true to the Pac 10, and take Oregon and the points.
So there you have it. I take no responsibility for those betting their mortgage on TCU beating Wisconsin, or Oklahoma to destroy Connecticut. Doesn't mean I cant though. But seriously. If you have $100 to spend, put it down on that Ohio game. You wont be disappointed. I think.
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