Here are my predictions for this year’s bowl games.

Let me know what you think:

You can play too by clicking on this link-just go and make your picks and I’ll announce the winner in January.

Looking for definitive proof that there are way too many college football bowl games? Then try coming up with snappy one-liners for all 34 games.

Simple math tells me that 68 major-college teams will be playing in bowl games between Dec. 19 and Jan. 7. I scanned the list at least 28 times and I can’t find San Diego State anywhere.

Oops, I forgot. The last place you’ll ever find San Diego State is in a bowl game. Hard to make a bowl game when your most recent winning season came in 1998.

So let’s move on to the teams that don’t start their offseasons as early as the Aztecs annually do. Here’s your one-stop primer for all 34 college football bowl games.

Saturday, Dec. 19
New Mexico (Albuquerque): Wyoming (6-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4) – Wyoming’s presence shows college football needs to drop at least half a dozen bowl games.

St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg, Fla.) Rutgers (8-4) vs. Central Florida (8-4) – Hopefully Central Florida coach George O’Leary doesn’t forget to put this on his falsified resume.

Sunday, Dec. 20
New Orleans: Southern Mississippi (7-5) vs. Middle Tennessee (9-3) – Is there a Middle Kentucky? If not, why is there a Middle Tennessee?

Tuesday, Dec. 22
Las Vegas: Brigham Young (10-2) vs. Oregon State (8-4) – Sources say BYU is hoping to play in 32 consecutive Las Vegas Bowls; current count is at 5.

Wednesday, Dec. 23
Poinsettia (San Diego): Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4) – I can remember Cal coach Jeff Tedford being bitter about playing in Holiday Bowl. So how unhappy is he to be at San Diego’s second-rate bowl?

Thursday, Dec. 24
Hawaii (Honolulu): Southern Methodist (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4) – SMU coach June Jones returns to the Islands but something tells me this won’t be a memorable return.

Saturday, Dec. 26
Little Caesar’s (Detroit): Marshall (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-4) – Thundering Herd in because Big Ten didn’t have seven bowl-eligible teams.

Meineke Car Care (Charlotte, N.C.): Pittsburgh (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4) – This would make a good basketball matchup. Wonder if the hoops teams are available that day?

Emerald (San Francisco): Boston College (8-4) vs. USC (8-4) – The Trojans are used to playing in major bowls so it has to be a shock to play in a baseball ballpark where both teams stand on the same side of the field.

Sunday, Dec. 27
Music City (Nashville, Tenn.): Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5) – This season’s top all-purpose player (Clemson’s C.J. Spiller) against next season’s best (Kentucky’s Randall Cobb).

Monday, Dec. 28
Independence (Shreveport, La.): Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5) – Can we just change the name to the Major Disappointment Bowl?

Tuesday, Dec. 29
EagleBank (Washington, D.C.): Temple (9-3) vs. UCLA (6-6) – Why is there an EagleBank Bowl and what is UCLA doing playing in it?

Champs Sports (Orlando): Miami (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3) — How does “Champs” get in the name when it’s the fourth-best ACC team playing the fifth-best Big Ten team?

Wednesday, Dec. 30
Humanitarian (Boise, Idaho): Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5) – This would be a big-time who cares regular-season game so how does it qualify as a bowl game?

Holiday (San Diego): Nebraska (9-4) vs. Arizona (8-4) – See if you can say Ndamukong Suh really fast five consecutive times. And think, it’s more difficult to block him.

Thursday, Dec. 31
Armed Forces (Fort Worth, Texas): Air Force (7-5) vs. Houston (10-3) – Tune in to see if the arm of Houston quarterback Case Keenum (659 pass attempts in 13 games) finally falls off.

Sun (El Paso, Texas): Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5) – My Heisman Trophy winner, Toby Gerhart, has outside chance of 2,000-yard rushing season.

Texas (Houston): Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (9-4) – If I didn’t watch the Army-Navy game, why would Missouri-Navy intrigue me?

Insight (Tempe, Ariz.): Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6) – OK, why are they playing in Arizona? Are all the small ice hockey rinks in Minnesota and Iowa booked?

Chick-fil-A (Atlanta): Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5) – Does Tennessee’s football hostesses get to make the trip?

Friday, Jan. 1
Outback (Tampa): Northwestern (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5) – This game would intrigue me if Charles Barkley was coaching Auburn.

Capital One (Orlando): Penn State (10-2) vs. LSU (9-3) – Hope the game is close so LSU coach Les Miles can mess up clock management on the first day of the new year.

Gator (Jacksonville): Florida State (6-6) vs. West Virginia (9-3) – Bobby Bowden’s final game as Seminoles’ coach comes against the school he coached before leaving for Florida State.

Rose (Pasadena): Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2) – Wouldn’t it be fun to see LeGarrette Blount throw a postgame punch at stoic Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel?

Sugar (New Orleans): Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0) – Tim Tebow’s final collegiate game is taking place 2,000 miles further east than he wanted.

Saturday, Jan. 2
International (Toronto): South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5) – Can’t imagine too many Canadians being excited about this directional pairing.

Papa Johns (Birmingham, Ala.): Connecticut (7-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5) – Lou Holtz didn’t get it done at South Carolina and neither has the Ol’ Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier.

Cotton (Arlington, Texas): Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4) – I’ve set the over/under on text messages Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt receives in the hour before kickoff from female Arkansas TV reporters at 52.

Liberty (Memphis, Tenn.): East Carolina (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5) – I’d be very, very excited to watch … if Chris Johnson (East Carolina) and Darren McFadden (Arkansas) were playing.

Alamo (San Antonio): Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4) – Has it ever dawned on you that Michigan State’s famous mascot (Sparty) usually looks tougher than the players?

Monday, Jan. 4
Fiesta (Glendale, Ariz.): Boise State (13-0) vs. Texas Christian (12-0) – The BCS Busters got shafted by being pitted against one another, which saves two major programs (yeah, Florida, I’m including you) from being beaten.

Tuesday, Jan. 5
Orange (Miami): Georgia Tech (11-2) vs. Iowa (10-2) – This would be a solid first-round playoff game but the BCS system has rendered this contest meaningless.

Wednesday, Jan. 6
GMAC (Mobile, Ala.): Troy (9-3) vs. Central Michigan (11-2) – Spending this night watching a D-League basketball game never sounded so good.

Thursday, Jan. 7
BCS National Championship Game (Pasadena): Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0) – Hopefully Colt McCoy now understands how to stop the clock in the final seconds.

No pictures… No real explanations… Just the picks…

Fresno State Over Wyoming

Rutgers over UCF

Southern Miss over Middle tennessee State

Oregon State over BYU

Utah over California

Nevada over SMU

Ohio over Marshall

North Carolina over Pitt in an upset…

BC over USC

Clemson over Kentucky

Georgia over Texas A&M

Temple over UCLA

Miami over Wisconsin

Bowling Green Over Idaho

‘Zona over Nebraska in an upset of mild proportions….

Houston over Air Force

Oklahoma over Stanford

Missouri over Navy

Minnesota over Iowa State

Va. Tech over Tennessee (Against The Gut)

Auburn over Northwestern

Saint Bobby and the ‘Noles over West Virginia!!!!

LSU over Penn State

Ohio State over Oregon

Florida over ‘Nati

Soth Florida over Northern Illinois

South Carolina over UConn

Ole Miss over Okie State

Arkansas over East Carolina

Texas Tech over Michigan State

TCU over Boise again

Ga. tech over Iowa

Central Michigan over Troy

AND….

Texas over ‘Bama in a monumental upset… I picked Texas at the beginning of the year. I’m stickin’ with ‘em… Texas wins the National Championship over the Tide!

Play-offs?!?  Who needs the play-offs?!?  Certainly not Division 1 football or the Kansas City Chiefs (or Joe Flacco, sadly). 

What better way to reward a season-long of bitter in-fighting than with a series of meaningless games geared toward economic stimulation of numerous cities across the country (the #1 reason to keep the current system)?  I’m excited and can’t wait (which I’m sure is not the feeling in Boise, Ft. Worth, and Cincinatti… But those are the breaks.  All the proposed plans for the four-team play-offs would’ve left one or two of you out, anyway.)

Without further ado, here’s my guide to the bowl season:

New Mexico – December 19^th

            Wyoming v. Fresno State

The last time Wyoming played in a bowl game, Michael Jordan was dominating the NBA, milk and a galloon of gas cost a little over a dollar, and Barack Obama was a barely visible community organizer on the south side of Chicago.  Needless to say it’s been awhile.  Expect the Cowboys to be distracted by the vibrant, Albuquerque nightlife (don’t laugh… ‘querque is LA compared to Laramie)

            Prediction: Fresno State 31, Wyoming 17

St. Petersburg – December 19^th

            Rutgers v. Central Florida

Here’s a battle of Knights, version red and golden.  Rutgers coach Greg Schiano prides himself on being able to recruit in Florida, so this game will have a little more riding on it than the average bowl game.  Mid-tier recruits notwithstanding (seriously, no blue chipper from the Sunshine State is going to Jersey or Orlando unless they’ve been charged with a felony… Even then, they’ll probably elect to go to Tennessee), look for Rutgers to grind out a fairly, easy win.

            Prediction: Rutgers 26, Central Florida 13 

New Orleans – December 20^th

            Middle Tennessee v. Southern Miss

Southern Miss can score points in bunches (Just ask Houston) and Middle Tennessee’s marquee win was when they barely beat Maryland, possibly the worst team in a major conference.  This one won’t be for the defensive minded fan, but I don’t think people usually turn on the New Orleans Bowl for clinical football.

            Prediction: Southern Miss 55, Middle Tennessee 35

Las Vegas – December 22^nd

            BYU v. Oregon State

This one is the lone, marquee match-up in this year’s first week of bowls (sorry, USC-BC).  Can BYU slow down the Rodgers brothers?  Not Likely.  Will Max Hall write one last, statistically-insane chapter to his legend?  Perhaps (OSU slowed down Jeremiah Masoli, but not Andrew Luck and Matt Berkley).  This one is a toss-up, I just hope the scoreboard in Sin City has been serviced recently because it’ll get a workout with this game.

            Prediction: Oregon State 51, BYU 49

Poinsetta – December 23^rd

            Utah v. California

In the season’s first bowl game not named for a place, two schools, named for a place, play each other.  Utah is far removed from last year’s dream 13-0 season, but still has a talented squad.  Matt Riley’s Golden Bears are every bit as talented, and soft, as any squad he’s ever coached.  I’ll take heart and Mormonism in this one.

            Prediction: Utah 24, California 19

Hawaii – December 24^th

            SMU v. Nevada

This game will be a Homecoming for once favorite son, SMU Coach June Jones, who established an exciting program at the Univeristy of Hawaii.  Look for his SMU team to relish their first post-season visit in like 2934873 years with another high-scoring game against the Wolfpack.  Both teams are big on offense and not so much on defense.  I give the edge to Nevada since they have Hawaii in their conference, they shouldn’t be too fazed by the environment.

            Prediction: Nevada 62, SMU 45

Meineke Car Care – December 26^th

            UNC v. Pittsburgh

This should be titled the letdown bowl.  After promising expectations (in Pitts case, a great 9-3 season which saw them 1:45 away from being BCS-bound.  A horrible exchange… No offense, Charlotte), both these teams are left to rue over another pre-New Year’s bowl.  Which team will use this to launch their season for next year?  I’m guessing the Tar Heels, which only lose two starters combined on offense and defense and should threaten for a conference (and even National) championship next season.  Though, we’ve heard this before.

            Prediction: UNC 27, Pitt 21

Little Caesars – December 26^th

            Ohio v. Marshall

The only thing that tops my shock that Little Caesars still exists, and that they can sponsor a bowl game, is the fact that Marshall is playing in a bowl game.  Does this game pit the MAC #8 and MAC#9 teams?  Wow.  Does it even matter who wins this game?  I guess this doubles as some sort of rivalry.

            Prediction: Ohio 24, Marshall 10

Emerald – December 26^th

            USC v. Boston College

Ah… In one corner, we have the class of the college football world for the past decade finally having a mortal season.  In the other corner, we have Boston College who is just happy to be here.  If USC were to play like this were a gateway back to prominence for next season, this game wouldn’t be close.  However, I feel they’ll play pretty uninspired, dissatisfied with themselves and their season, and hoping to get over as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, Boston College doesn’t possess 1/5^th the talent to trouble the hapless Trojans.

            Prediction: USC 30, Boston College 17

Music City – December 27^th

            Kentucky v. Clemson

Like Pittsburgh, Clemson came oh so close to playing in a BCS game (the Pitt-Clemson ratings would’ve been abysmal.  The Orange Bowl Committee is much happier with the GT-Iowa matchup.  MUCH HAPPIER).  Alas, they’ll have to content themselves with Nashville, a definite downgrade from Miami.  Unfortunately for Kentucky, Dabo Swinney is now coaching the Tigers, as opposed to Tommy “I can’t win after Halloween” Bowden.  At least Kentucky can save on air fare and tell their grandkids they played against C.J. Spiller.

            Prediction: Clemson 44, Kentucky 27

Independence – December 28^th

            Georgia v. Texas A&M

Jerrod Johnson made himself a household name by leading in undermanned Aggies squad in a just-short upset bid over rival, Texas.  This game will determine whether he’s the frontrunner for All-Big 12 and (possibly) Walter Camp honors next year, or whether he’ll follow fellow underclassmen, Jimmy “Glass Jaw” Clausen into the draft.  Looking at what fellow Big 12 QB, Josh Freemen, was able to accomplish last year with a good combine (1^st round pick despite a largely mediocre, college career), Johnson might try his luck.  I think he could use another year, but who’d turn down guaranteed millions?

            Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Georgia 23

Eagle Bank – December 29^th

            UCLA v. Temple

Up until Saturday, this was going to be a three-way brawl (as the original line had Army/UCLA v. Temple), terrordome-style or Rick Neuheisel was waiting to the 11^th hour, trying to convince his team to fly cross country to beat up on an opponent of no consequence (In all seriousness, Army needed to beat their rivals, Navy, in order to secure the requisite win total to be bowl-eligible.  They didn’t.  Their loss is UCLA’s sorta gain).  The Owls, making their first bowl bid seemingly since Jim Thorpe spurned their Letter of Intent to sign with the Carlyle School, are ecstatic to have a post-season to play in and would’ve taken either opponent.  Unfortunately, Navy really wanted that Commander-and-Chief trophy.

            Prediction: UCLA 20, Temple 16

Champ Sports – December 29^th

            Miami (FL) v. Wisconsin

In what is now becoming a yearly rite of passage, Wisconsin will travel down to sunny Florida to get the crap kicked out of them by a more athletic, annoyed ACC team.  Last year, Florida State scored about 381294872 points on them after a lackluster season.  This year, look for Jacorry Harris and Company to take out a late season collapse on the Badgers.  This one will be over by halftime.

            Prediction: Miami (FL) 51, Wisconsin 17

Humanitarian – December 30^th

            Idaho v. Bowling Green

Welcome to big-time football, Idaho!  As a reward, you get to be featured, nation-wide televised, at your bigger, better in-state rival.  That’s gotta leave every Vandal smarting just a little bit… They can score and will do so often on the Falcons.

            Prediction: Idaho 63, Bowling Green 41

Texas – December 30^th

            Missouri v. Navy

This bowl might be over in less than three hours.  Neither team is particularly in love with the forward pass; Navy, because their triple option attack is so lethal, and Missouri, because they’re just not that good.  Navy almost upset Ohio State and finished off Notre Dame in South Bend.  Missouri plays in the weakest division in major college football and didn’t come close to winning the division. 

            Prediction: Navy 27, Missouri 16

Holiday – December 30^th

            Arizona v. Nebraska

San Diego is this year’s location for the official “Bride’s maid” Bowl.  Arizona saw their Rose Bowl dreams vanish in a Jeremiah Masoli OT TD, Nebraska saw their Fiesta Bowl dreams evaporate on a fortuitous, instant replay reversal which allowed Texas’ escape.  Ndamukong Suh will be the reason Nebraska wins this one…  I’m glad he didn’t win the Heisman.  That’s why they have the Outland Trophy.

            Prediction: Nebraska 23, Arizona 13

Armed Forces – December 31^st

            Air Force v. Houston

The Falcons are back to where long-time coach Fisher DeBerry constantly had the team back in the “hey day”s of the 90s.  While not ready to challenge Navy for the Commander-and-Chief Trophy, they’re not a far way off.  However, they’re a far way off of challenging Houston. 

            Prediction: Houston 59, Air Force 20

Sun – December 31^st

            Stanford v. Oklahoma

The Toby Gearhart bowl should be one of the most highly talked about bowls that have no real bearing on the future of anything.  Part of the talk will deal with Sooner coach Bob Stoops.  As one of the game’s highest paid coaches in especially recession-hit Oklahoma, Stoops’ salary, as well as the Sooners 7-5 record, will be the talk of bloggers.  Expect Gearhart to play with Heisman vengeance.

            Prediction: Stanford 23, Oklahoma 21

Insight – December 31^st

            Minnesota v. Iowa State

This game wins the “Wait… those teams are bowl eligible!?!?!” award.  The Gophers have a QB identity crisis and the Cyclones (who have an identity crisis of their own… they look like they’re wearing USC’s uniforms) were the first to expose the world to the fact that the Cornhuskers have no offense.  This one isn’t worth missing a New Year’s Eve party over.  Though, it does beat the slew of New Year’s eve specials.

            Prediction: Minnesota 14, Iowa State 12

Chick-Fil-A – December 31^st

            Virginia Tech v. Tennessee

Some games, especially this one, feel like they should be rivalry games and played on a semi-regular basis.  These two, separated by 236 loosely populated miles, have been brand names in the College Football world for quite some time that it’s a wonder how they haven’t found a way to renew acquaintances more often.  The similarities don’t stop there as Lane Kiffin seems to be bringing a Frank Beamer-esque toxic atmosphere to the banks of Knoxville.  Look for Tyrod Taylor and friends to save some face for a lackluster 2009 season in emphatic fashion.

            Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Tennessee 7

Outback – January 1^st

            Northwestern v. Auburn

The Gene Chizik Era started off with “Told you so!” enthusiasm (5-0) and finished with a more expected result (2-5, with one win over a FBS team).  However, I do give Chizik credit for assembling a staff of “us vs. the world”ers (headlined by the always vengeful Gus Malzahn and his super powered offense).  Now, the test will be what he does next year in a loaded SEC West.  A good start would be to beat an overmatched Wildcat squad.  If betting were legal, I’d take Northwestern to cover the spread.

            Prediction: Auburn 27, Northwestern 24

Capital One – January 1^st

            Penn State v. LSU

Joe Paterno must be loving life right now.  With Bobby Bowden’s retirement, he stands alone, with no other challengers within sight, at the precipice of the coaching profession (in terms of wins).  I expect him to coast for the next few years, getting eight to nine wins in the “competitive” Big 10, and calling it a career, handing over the reins to his son.  That being said, look for Penn State to win most of the games they should, and none of the ones they shouldn’t.  This game falls into the latter category.

            Prediction: LSU 20, Penn State 9

Gator – January 1^st

            Florida State v. West Virginia

Here’s the final curtain call for two legends as long-time Defensive Coordinator, Mickey Andrews, and Hall of Fame Head Coach, Bobby Bowden, take the sideline for the final time (at least as Florida State coaches).  The whole notion of “win one for us” will be out there from every news outlet with even a semblance of coverage for the game and it will carry the day.  Unfortunately, this middling-to-average Seminole squad should’ve invoked that strategy against a flawed Gator team in the season finale as opposed to a very limited Mountaineer team.  Oh well, look for Noel Devine and Tavon Austin to make it interesting.

            Prediction: Florida State 30, West Virginia 24

Rose – January 1^st

            Ohio State v. Oregon

The Granddaddy of them all isn’t exactly your granddaddy’s Rose Bowl.  The Buckeyes and Ducks should put on an aerial display with two of the game’s most exciting QBs in Jeremiah Masoli and Tyrelle Pryor, but the game will hinge on defense.  Unfortunately, the Buckeyes haven’t really stepped up their game and will need a Herculean effort from Pryor to overcome the Ducks.  Unfortunately, Pryor hasn’t brought one of those this season (see: Ohio St.-USC and Ohio St.-Purdue) and Masoli has twice (see: Oregon-Arizona and Oregon-Oregon State).

            Prediction: Oregon 34, Ohio St. 23

Sugar – January 1^st

            Florida v. Cincinnati

Last we saw wunderkid, Tim Tebow, he was pulling an Adam Morrison as the final moments of the SEC Championship game ticked away.  Now, as he makes his annual Award show circuit, he’ll be reminded daily of his teary eyed defeat and we’ll get a chance to see the real Tim Tebow.  Will he wilt, lose his confidence, and fade into oblivion (a la Adam Morrison) or will he show resolve, fire up his teammates, and obliterate the Bearcats in New Orleans?  I’m thinking somewhere between the two (not that he’s not tough, but he’s only lost seven times out of fifty four career games, two of his last twenty-six… this is an unusual feeling for him and his teammates).  I’m expecting a tough, gritty Gator win (this was written before Brian Kelly took the Notre Dame job… Florida is going to knock the Bearcats back to irrelevance)

            Prediction: Florida 41, Cincinnati 13

International – January 2^nd

            South Florida v. Northern Illinois

It has been quite some time that we’ve seen a four-year, successful starter so easily forgotten in the wake of a true freshmen’s promise (last occurrence: Florida 2006), yet, that is the case at South Florida.  B.J. Daniels has all but erased program-maker Matt Groethe (for good reason… Daniels is superior in every single way.  Speaking of that, Brother A.J. made a funny remark about the Yankees recently signing Curtis Granderson in relation to Johnny Damon: “That’s it for Damon.  Granderson is better in every conceivable way that one can be better than someone else.  He’s faster, younger, more successful with the ladies… his charities raise more money.  He’s better!”.  South Florida in a blowout, unless the Toronto cold prevails.

            Prediction: South Florida 34, Northern Illinois 16

Papajohns.com – January 2^nd

            Connecticut v. South Carolina

Still reeling from the death of star Cornerback, Jasper Howard, UCONN has pressed through this season, courageously and unified.  While that didn’t show up on the scoreboard the first three games after Howard’s murder, it has the past few weeks in a major way.  Look for the Huskies to keep the streak going in one more tribute to their fallen brother and for Coach Randy Edsell to be on a short list of the various, coaching vacancies.  Though, how could he leave a school, and players, after forming such a permanent bond with them?  How could he stay at a school with that dark mark hanging over him?

            Prediction: Connecticut 20, South Carolina 16

Cotton – January 2^nd

            Mississippi v. Oklahoma State

Here is a bowl featuring two teams that were expected to have an outside shot at getting to Pasadena for the BCS Championship.  Once again, we find, championships aren’t won in August (but through luck and follow-through).  Mike “I’m still a man!  I’m 41!!” Gundy is in more dire straits as his team gagged away a BCS bowl berth down the stretch and his star QB had a total loss of confidence, Flacco Fever (yes, I’m bitter this very attainable, Ravens season is slipping away before my eyes).  Houston Nutt, the king of gadgetry, is the ultimate trickster who will relish three weeks to game plan.

            Prediction: Mississippi 34, Oklahoma State 26

Liberty – January 2^nd

            East Carolina v. Arkansas

This game is usually an annual blowout waiting to happen.  Conference USA is, usually, not in the same league as the SEC (which is why we don’t have a play-off).  However, this year may be an exception.  Though, that has nothing to do with the caliber of Skip Holtz’ Pirates (they’re good), but, more so, with the rebuilding going on with Bobby Petrino’s Razorbacks.  Ryan Mallet is going to be a star; he’s just not there yet.  This one will be close, but I give it to the hogs and their superior athletes.

            Prediction: Arkansas 30, East Carolina 19

Alamo – January 2^nd

            Michigan State v. Texas Tech

I can’t pretend to care about this game.  I’m tired of reading articles about “how smart” and “how advanced” Bob Leach, and his Red Raiders’ offenses, has become over the years.  Until he can pretend to care about defense, I can’t take them seriously (obviously, last year was an exception.  Though, Crabtree is just that good).  On the other side, you have the Spartans which are abysmal in every sense.  This one won’t be pretty.

            Prediction: Texas Tech 44, Michigan State 23

Fiesta – January 4^th

            TCU v. Boise State

Here is a game that should’ve happened during the regular season.  I think that, in order to end all of this mid-major for BCS conversation, the Mountain West champion should play the WAC champion.  That way, we’ll have one qualified winner come out that should contend with the rest of the major conference teams.  That’s unfair, you say?  Then these programs should dedicate their athletic programs to reaching the level of a major conference and apply for membership.  Beside the point, I know, TCU has too much defense and just enough offense.

            Prediction: TCU 27, Boise State 22

Orange – January 5^th

            Iowa v. Georgia Tech

How did the 2-loss Hawkeyes get into a BCS bowl?  No one really knows.  Though, it has more to do with other team’s deficiencies than the merits of Iowa.  Look for their slow defense to be run ragged by the misdirection of the Yellow Jackets triple option attack. 

            Prediction: Georgia Tech 37, Iowa 17

GMAC – January 6^th

            Troy v. Central Michigan

The victory lap for prolific Chippewas’ QB, Dan LeFevour, will be as impressive as his four years at Central Michigan.  Lost in all the Tim Tebow hoopla are the otherworldly stats that LeFevour has put up in his career.  LeFevour is the only player in NCAA history to have over 12,000 passing yards and 2,500 rushing yards and is the record holder for most total touchdowns in a career.  Look for him to substantially add to both totals in this one.

            Prediction: Central Michigan 56, Troy 31

BCS Title Game – January 7^th

            Texas v. Alabama

Congratulations to Mark Ingram, the second sophomore to win the Heisman trophy.  Unfortunately, this may be the highlight of his career.  Check the track record of running backs, not named Herschel Walker, who absorb this much of a beating so early in their career.  Doesn’t look good.  I think he may have peaked, athletically, and may not be able to make the transition to being an elite Sunday player.  I see a lot of Eric Rhett in him.  Speaking of not translating, poor Colt McCoy.  Four years of winning and big stats and success without major hardware to show for it (he had the unfortunate luck to be placed in an era of other, prolific QBs).  Finally, McCoy is getting his shot at a national title.  Regrettably, he also has his weakest supporting cast.  The, supposed, equalizer was the weak play of Alabama’s QB, Greg McElroy, which was disproved in the SEC title game.  Nick Saban and the Tide will clinch their first National title since 1993.

            Prediction: Alabama 27, Texas 17

The Blind Side is not a great movie, but it is a smart and tasteful one. Unlike other inspiring true life stories where benevolent white people have their lives changed forever when they reach out to help an underprivileged black child with a haunted past, it dodges most of the easy manipulation pitfalls and manages to earn its engaging demeanor. Plus, it doesn’t limit itself to trying to please only one demographic. It’s about a woman, but there’s plenty of sports for the men (and Sandra Bullock has never looked better). Its heroes are conservative, charitable Christians, yet the movie doesn’t ignore the hypocrisies inherent in their lifestyle, thus placating liberal viewers. Finally, the story itself doesn’t just stop at a high school championship or a “big game”– it’s not merely a symbolic victory, it’s a rags-to-riches tale that ends with the NFL Draft, when the hero becomes a millionaire and up-and-coming star in the league.

Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) never had a bed of his own. He was taken from his mother by child services early in life, and then never settled with another family. He was big and athletic, but his GPA was non-existent and his background was troubled to say the least. A football coach at a private Christian school pushed for his acceptance on the principle of Christian charity (though the struggling football team might have contributed). At the same school, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) notices Michael waiting until the end of volleyball games so he can pick up half-eaten bags of popcorn for his dinner. She takes him in and begins helping him by buying him new clothing, getting him a bed, and encouraging him to try out for football. When his talent becomes evident, she hires him a tutor (Kathy Bates) to help him qualify for NCAA admission.

The thing I admired most about the film is that it didn’t turn the characters one-dimensional for the sake of establishing “good guys,” “bad guys,” and the like. At a certain point in the film, an NCAA official investigates the Tuohy family, seeing if they pressured their new adopted son into going to their college alma mater for personal benefit, and quite frankly, she has a point. Leigh Anne’s friends are all skeptical of a big black man staying at the Tuohy house, because her teenage daughter might be vulnerable to the stereotypical sexually aggressive black man, and Tuohy herself the first night she takes in Oher wonders aloud if he’s going to steal things. The “Christian charity” the school exercises is an obvious front for their own athletic department’s benefit, and the movie acknowledges this. Even Oher’s mom, in a very sad scene, meant well and was simply dealt a bad hand, unable to control her addictions. It neither condemns or condones the conservative Christian lifestyle of Tennessee, instead merely showing the benefits and the close-minded thoughts that those folks have simultaneously, letting us make our own choices about the proceedings.

Bullock does strong work in what might be her best “serious” work to date. She’s a strong mule-headed woman, who is always seen looking gorgeous in heels and tight dresses (and Bullock wears them well). Aaron gains sympathy without playing Oher as too dumb or too desperate. A few of the supporting roles do become one-note, such as Tim McGraw as the supportive husband who does what his wife tells him to do, and Jae Head as the youngest Tuohy son. He is portrayed as the archetypal cute little white kid with freckles and bad teeth, who always has something clever to say. The element of the film which rang most false is everything between the young boy and Oher, especially when the son helps coach Oher during football training. It’s a cheap ploy for laughs, and to gain cheap sympathy points for the big scary black man by painting him as a gentle giant who befriends cute quippy kids.

Still, I’m reminded of Radio, the Ed Harris/Cuba Gooding Jr. film also based on a true story about a struggling homeless black man with no education who is taken in by a football team in a racist Southern town. I felt it was one of the worst films of the year, with its depiction of the two types of white people– “true Christians” vs. “one-note malicious bigots.” Without complexity, the film can no longer claim to be based on a true story. Also, Radio’s lack of intelligence was played for laughs. Tell me, does watching a mentally handicapped man dance like a happy fool tickle your funnybone? In The Blind Side, there is a moment or two where the film comes dangerously close to toeing that line, but for the most part, Aaron plays him as having a quiet intelligence and dignity. Finally, when the heroic moment of a football drama is merely the state championship, then the level of inspiration can only soar so high… but here is Michael Oher, who went from homeless, wandering, a GPA of below 1, and nothing to his name other than one or two ratty polos. He not only led his team to the state championship, but he brought his grades up, got offers from several universities, did well in college, graduated, and was a first round draft pick in the NFL Draft. That’s far more touching to me than one shining moment– this is taking a human life where nothing went right, setting it on the right track, and now nothing goes wrong. The execution is a tad pedestrian, and it suffers from some of the same cliches that other inspirational dramas based on true stories suffer from. Yet it’s hard to turn a blind eye to this one being much better than others.

It’s that time of the year again…time to go bowling. Here are my bowl predictions for 2009:

New Mexico

Fresno State (8-4) vs. Wyoming (6-6)

Fresno State has had a decent year, primarily to the fact that their offense ranks 19th nationally (435.9 yards per game), which is anchored by Ryan Matthews, who leads the nation in 151.3 rushing yards per game.  Ryan Matthews is a dynamic running back who has been under the radar all season. Wyoming will have no answer for him as their defense gives up 170.5 rushing yards per game. Fresno State wins big.

Pick: Fresno State

St. Petersburg

Central Florida (8-4) vs. Rutgers (8-4)

Tom Savage leads the Scarlet Knights into Florida to face off against the Knights of Central Florida, who are playing virtually a home game at Tropicana Field.  The freshman quarterback has shown his merit this season by tossing 12 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions.  Both offenses match up well with each other so a close game is expected to take place. Though the crowd will predominately be for Central Florida, Greg Schiano will have his team prepared as this will be the perfect venue for him to “showcase his talented athletes.”

Pick: Rutgers

R + L Carriers New Orleans

Southern Miss (7-5) vs. Middle Tennessee State (9-3)

Don’t be fooled by Southern Miss’ record.  A tough out-of-conference schedule, with road trips to Kansas, Louisville, and Houston, have contributed to their five losses.  Southern Miss brings a one-two punch in Damion Fletcher and Martevious Young. Both teams feature two impressive defenses as this game will be a tough, close game.

Pick: Southern Miss

MAACO Las Vegas

Oregon State (8-4) vs. BYU (10-2)

One of the more interesting early bowl games, features two impressive quarterbacks in Max Hall and Sean Canfield.  With the lack of defenses both teams have exhibited throughout the season, this should be set up for quite the barn-burner. Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State should have a big day as he will rush over 100 yards.  Though the Las Vegas bowl can be considered BYU’s home-away-from-home, Oregon State will be out with something to prove as they just missed out playing in Pasadena.

Pick: Oregon State

S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia

Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4)

Not the season finale Cal had in mind at the beginning of the season.  However, with the return of Jahvid Best, Cal’s offense will get a much needed boost.  Back again in the bowls is Utah, after having an incredible season last year, concluding with the win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.  The Utes will look to continue the success and go for their ninth straight bowl win. Terrance Cain and David Reed for Utah will connect often, as the Utes get bowl win number 9.

Pick: Utah

Sheraton Hawaii

Nevada (8-4) vs. Southern Methodist (7-5)

Welcome back June Jones. The former Hawaii coach will be making his first return back to the state after leaving in early 2008.  However, this reunion will be not be so welcoming, as the Mustangs must square off against the 2nd ranked offense in the country in total yards. Featuring three 1,000-yard rushers, Vai Taua, Colin Kaepernick, and Luke Lippincott, Nevada will roll over SMU as the Wolf Pack offense puts up huge numbers.

Pick: Nevada

Little Caesars

Marshall (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-4)

Marshall comes into this game losing 3 of its last 4 remaining games this season and also with a new coach, as Mark Snyder stepped down with the conclusion of the regular season.  Ohio, on the other hand, is riding a hot streak, winning its last 4 of 5 games.  The distraction of having a new head coach won’t be a problem for Ohio, as they win this game, like they have been most of the year, through the air.

Pick: Ohio

Meineke Car Care

Pittsburgh (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4)

A botched extra point attempt cost Pittsburgh a shot at playing Florida in the Sugar Bowl.  A heart-breaking loss now has Pitt slated against a terribly inconsistent Tarheel team.  With wins against Virginia Tech and Miami, UNC has the capabilities and the team to win against good teams.  However, Dion Lewis and Bill Stull pose a serious threat to the UNC defense, as they both have excelled this Panther offense.  I think the disappointment will still be lingering over the heads of the Panthers after missing out playing in the Sugar Bowl.  Butch Davis will have his team prepared and get a win in this mild upset.

Pick: North Carolina

Emerald

Boston College (8-4) vs. USC (8-4)

Not the bowl you would have thought USC would playing in at the beginning of the season?  Inconsistent play on both sides of the ball is one reason USC is 8-4 and playing against BC.  Though Matt Barkley has a bright and promising future ahead of him, he has not lived up to the preseason hype.  Coach Frank Spaziani has far exceeded expectations for Boston College, as his team was predicted to finish last in the Atlantic Division in the ACC.  BC has been known for their stingy defense this season but will have their hands full with the Trojan offense.  Look for Barkley to air the ball out more than usual as USC will make more plays down the road than BC.

Pick: USC

Gaylord Hotels Music City

Kentucky (7-5) vs. Clemson (8-5)

It is a shame that C.J. Spiller will not be spending the weekend in New York City.  As the very last game of his collegiate career, Spiller wants nothing more than to go out a winner.  To achieve this, Clemson will  have to take care of business against Kentucky.  Randall Cobb, only a sophomore, of Kentucky poses a problem for the defense of Clemson and we will see how they respond to him.  Though not one of the more interesting match ups, look for Spiller to have another good day.

Pick: Clemson

AdvoCare V100 Independence

Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)

If you still don’t know who Jerrod Johnson is, maybe you should refresh your memory by watching the Texas/Texas A&M game again.  There is no doubt that Georgia is well aware of him.  Leading the 5th ranked offense in the nation in total yards per game, Jerrod Johnson will be up against a Georgia defense that has been anything but good, and the Aggies’ defense isn’t much better.  I expect this to be high scoring game with Jerrod Johnson and Joe Cox putting up big numbers.  Also, look for the resurgent Georgia ground game, with the combination of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, to also have a good day.

Pick: Georgia

Eaglebank

Army (5-6)/UCLA (6-6) vs. Temple (9-3)

Temple? 9-3? As crazy as that sounds, it has become reality.  Al Golden has done an incredible job this year with the Temple Owls.  We are still waiting the results of the Army/Navy game to determine if Army or UCLA gets the invitation.  Pending an upset on the part of Army, UCLA, more than likely, will end up getting the bid and facing Temple.  If this scenario were to unfold, though Temple has had a great season, Rick Neuheisel and company will be ready to go and get the job done.

Pick: UCLA

Champs Sports

Miami (FL) (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3)

The key to this game will come down to who commits the least amount of turnovers.  Jacory Harris leads the nation in interceptions, however, Wisconsin isn’t known for their smothering secondary.  The Hurricanes are going to need to key on the explosive John Clay of Wisconsin, who just took home the Big 10 Offensive Player of Year award.  If they can limit John Clay’s yardage and productivity and force the game upon Scott Tolzien’s shoulders, Miami has a great shot of winning this game.  This will be a great match up between the “power” of the Big 10 against the “speed” of the ACC.  In the end, Miami’s speed will win this game.

Pick: Miami

Roady’s Humanitarian

Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5)

What a Cinderella story Idaho’s season has been.  Robb Akey has turned this team around from a dismal 2-win season last year.  Continuing their success with a bowl win won’t be easy as they have to face Tyler Sheehan and Freddie Barnes of Bowling Green.  This game should turn out to be a high scoring affair.  Though Bowling Green and Idaho are not marquee programs, this should turn out to be an enjoyable game to watch as the scoring should come soon and often from both sides.  I like Idaho’s Cinderella story to continue and get their second-ever bowl win.

Pick: Idaho

Pacific Life Holiday

Arizona (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-4)

What a tale of two stories…well in regards to the conclusion of the regular season.  Arizona is still on Cloud 9 after finally defeating USC.  On the opposite side, Nebraska was literally one second away from pulling off the upset of the season and throwing BCS officials in chaos.  Now, it’s time to stop cheering and crying and get ready to play one more.  Mike Stoops, every year, seems to be constantly improving his Wildcats.  It will be interesting to see how sophomore Nick Foles handles Heisman candidate Ndamukong Suh and the rest of the Nebraska pass rush.  For Nebraska, its offense has been terrible all season and almost looked nonexistent against Texas.  I know, Arizona isn’t Texas.  The Nebraska defense will be fired up and will completely dominate the Arizona offensive line.  Look for Nebraska to rely on their running game.

Pick: Nebraska

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces

Houston (10-3) vs. Air Force (7-5)

Don’t expect Houston to run away with this one.  Case Keenum has put up ridiculous numbers this year and it will interesting to see how he does against the nation’s leading pass defense in Air Force.  Air Force hasn’t received much attention this year, but remember they almost beat TCU.  Of course the key word there being “almost.”  A rematch of last year’s exciting game, I predict the same from this year’s version.  Look for Houston to continue their postseason success.

Pick: Houston

Brut Sun

Oklahoma (7-5) vs. Stanford (8-4)

If only Sam Bradford could foresee this season’s happenings, last year.  A knee injury, a shoulder injury, and five losses later, the preseason top 5 team couldn’t have envisioned a worse set of events.  However, what is done, is done.  Stanford comes knocking with Heisman candidate Toby Gerhart leading the way for a potent offense.  Stanford might be without Andrew Luck, after getting surgey to repair an injured thumb, which could make things interesting.  Regardless, I think the postseason blues continue for Bob Stoops and the Sooners.

Pick: Stanford

Texas

Navy (8-4) vs. Missouri (8-4)

Navy comes into this game ranking dead last, well almost, in average passing yards per game.  I guess you don’t really need to pass when you rank 3rd in the nation in average rushing yards per game.  However, this, combined with a tough front seven for Missouri, could give Navy some problems.  An explosive Missouri offense, though still young, will keep the Navy defense on their heels.

Pick: Missouri

Insight

Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6)

It still amazes me how Nebraska ever lost to Iowa State this season.   I guess that is what committing 8 turnovers will get you.  Without star wideout, Eric Decker, Minnesota has definitely felt the effects of the lack of a down field threat.  Minnesota will need to rely on its defense in this one, as the Golden Gopher offense has not been real productive.  Iowa State, more than likely, will come out and try to establish the run early as its passing attack has been dismal.  Don’t expect many fireworks from this game.  Anticipate a low scoring affair with Minnesota’s defense being the difference maker.

Pick: Minnesota

Chick-fil-a

Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5)

The city of Atlanta has not been kind to the Hokies, as they are 1-3 in the last two years.  Lane Kiffin hopes to capitalize on Virginia Tech’s misfortunes in Atlanta, particularly in the Georgia Dome.  ACC Rookie of the Year, Ryan Williams, leads the Hokie offense against a tough Volunteer defense anchored by All-American Eric Berry.  The key for the Volunteers will be in their front seven.  Stopping the run, which Tennessee has excelled at this year, will put the game on Tyrod Taylor’s shoulders and the Hokies’ passing attack.  Though a much improved offense from last year, the Hokies must establish the running game if they are to going to win this game.  Also, the Hokies’ defense hasn’t been what is used to be in previous years and has been susceptible to big plays.  Jonathan Crompton and Montario Hardesty are just the kind of guys to make those plays happen.  One of the most exciting games thus far in the schedule, defense will be they key, and that favors Tennessee.

Pick: Tennessee

Outback

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

Gene Chizik’s first year at Auburn is about what we all expected; not great but not terrible either.  In comes a hot Northwestern team hungry for some postseason glory.  Auburn didn’t finish the season like most fans would wanted them to, losing its last 5 of 7.  I think Chris Todd and Ben Tate will give more then what the Northwestern defense can handle.  Look for the Auburn pass rush to continuously bring the heat and keep Northwestern’s Mike Kafka under pressure.

Pick: Auburn

Capital One

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

This heavyweight bout will definitely be an intriguing one to watch.  It features two teams that were determined to receive a BCS bid but both came up a little short. The quarterback play favors Penn State as a seasoned Daryll Clark leads the Nittany Lions’ offense.  Jordan Jefferson has shown us glimpses of his potential but the inexperience has also been displayed on a number of occasions.  The key for him is ball security and making intelligent decisions with his passes.  I believe Jefferson and the LSU offense will also get the ball more times the Penn State offense, thanks in part to the very fast LSU defense.  Les Miles and Tigers get the W.

Pick: LSU

Konica Minolta Gator

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

Should Florida State be playing in the Gator Bowl?  Well, that is up for debate.  Unfortunately, for Florida State and college football nation, the circumstances that have transpired over the course of the season is not the way a legendary coach should go out. As history would have it, Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles will be playing against the same team when he won his first bowl game.  There is no doubt that the Seminoles will be playing inspired football and that is bad news for West Virginia.  Noel Devine is a shifty, quick running back that the Florida State defense needs to contain if they are to win this game.  Though the FSU’s defense has been shredded this year, I think the team will rally around their coach and give him the proper exit he deserves.

Pick: Florida State

Rose

Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2)

Wait…what? No, USC?  Hard to believe, I know.  But, another team, other than USC, is playing in the Rose Bowl Game.  Oregon, which has an offense as predictable as their uniforms, will give everything the Ohio State defense can muster.  Jeremiah Masoli and LaMichael James lead the high-powered rushing attack for the Ducks, which should be an interesting match up against the 5th ranked rushing defense in the nation.  But this offense is a whole different animal then what the Ohio State defense has seen all season.  The key for Ohio State is time of possession.  Ohio State needs to have long, time consuming drives to keep the dynamic Duck offense on the bench.  If the Buckeyes can sustain long drives, eliminate the plaguing problem of going 3 and out on numerous occasions, and score touchdowns and not field goals, then they will a shot.  History is also on the Ducks’ side, as Ohio State has a notorious reputation of collapsing in BCS games.  Could the Buckeyes be finally due for a BCS bowl win?  Yeah, I don’t think so either.

Pick: Oregon

Allstate Sugar

Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0)

Can it really be Tim Tebow’s last game?  Relax, I am not showing any jubilation or sadness.  But you cannot argue that when he does leave Florida, he will, more than likely, be remembered as one of the greatest college football players ever…I don’t care who you are.  A classic proverbial match up between David and Goliath.  Good thing I am not Brian Kelly.  There are not a whole lot of weaknesses that Florida exhibits.  Cincinnati will need to find a way to establish the run, even though that is not their strong suit.  Tony Pike cannot throw 45-50 times during this game.  The Bearcats will also need to have long, successful drives to keep the powerful Gator offense on the sidelines.  The Cincinnati defense needs to try and keep the Gators out of the endzone; limit them to just field goals.  Florida is going to score, but limiting the opportunities to do so is imperative.  But, when the clock ticks down to :00, the Gators will be celebrating another BCS win and also closing the chapter on an era.

Pick: Florida

International

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

Another inconsistent team in South Florida, you just never know what to expect from this Bulls.  Much like their 2007 season, a great start by the Bulls evaporated and then mediocracy set in.  South Florida’s rushing attack is lead by freshman B.J. Daniels, who will be a stud one day.  Northern Illinois has a potent rushing attack of their own that ranks in the top 20 in the nation.  Running back Chad Spann of the Huskies, might have some difficulty with the quick and talented front seven of South Florida.  A game that is not very appealing, I think the Bulls, thanks in part to their running game, come out victorious.

Pick: South Florida

Papajohns.com

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

Who couldn’t root for the Connecticut Huskies this year, especially after the tragic death of Jasper Howard?  UConn has been on a hot streak recently and is looking to carry that momentum into this match up with the Gamecocks.  South Carolina has had some problems as of late, but got a much needed win over their in-state rival, Clemson.  The Huskies will want to win this game for their fallen teammate, however, the South Carolina defense won’t be so willing to accommodate.  The Connecticut players will be playing inspired football but they will come up a little short as the Gamecock defense is the difference in this game.

Pick: South Carolina

AT&T Cotton

Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Ole Miss (8-4)

It seems that Ole Miss has fallen victim to the Sooner-syndrome.  No, not because of devasting injuries but because of terribly high expectations that were never met.  The Rebels sat atop the preseason poll ranked #8 in the country.  After climbing as high as #4, losses started mounting up and the realization that Ole Miss wasn’t going to challenge for the SEC West started to be evident.  A similar story can be told about Oklahoma State, especially after their opening win against Georgia.  Now, these two teams square off against each other in what should be an entertaining game.  The Rebels have one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the SEC in Dexter McCluster and also boast Jevan Snead, who can be said that he, just like his team, has underachieved this season given his expectations.  Nonetheless, these two will give the Cowboys’ defense some trouble, especially in containing McCluster.  Zac Robinson, like most of the season, will be without Dez Bryant, who was the Cowboys’ deep threat target but that hasn’t stopped Robinson or the rest of the Cowboys from racking up 9 wins.  This could possibly be one of the most difficult games to predict the winner as both teams seems to match up with each other well.  I am counting on McCluster’s play making abilities and Rebels defense to get the job done.

Pick: Ole Miss

Autozone Liberty

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

Skip Holtz’s team finished the season with their signature win of the year after having upset Houston.  However, with Houston being the exception, every decent team ECU faced, the outcome was the same: loss.  The Purple Pirates now face an offensively gifted team in Arkansas, led by Ryan Mallett.  ECU defeated Houston but Case Keenum still tossed for 527 passing yards.  I predict Ryan Mallett will have a similar day.  He won’t throw for 500 yards but he will have a great day through the air.  ECU’s defensive unit will keep the team in the game but look for Arkansas to pull away late, thanks in part to the Razorback’s offense.

Pick: Arkansas

Valero Alamo

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

This is one game that should on the top of most people’s confidence sheets.  Texas Tech has the second best passing attack in the nation.  What else would we expect from Texas Tech?  Taylor Potts had enormous shoes to fill with the departure of Graham Harrell last year and for the most part, has done a great job.  Potts now goes up against a Michigan State team that has been inconsistent all season, particularly on the defensive side of the  ball.  The Spartan secondary ranks 96th in the country in pass efficiency defense.  Look for Taylor Potts to have a huge day as Texas Tech wins.

Pick: Texas Tech

Fiesta

Boise State (13-0) vs. TCU (12-0)

I am not going to dwell too much on the controversy of this bowl as my previous post reflected my opinion of what I think of this bowl (Fiesta Bowl Bust).  From a purely competitive standpoint, I think this will be a great game: great offense vs. great defense.  Furthermore, don’t discredit TCU’s offense, which ranks 4th in the country in total yards per game and 5th in points scored per game.  The Horned Frogs’ stingy defense is anchored by Jerry Hughes, who just collected the Ted Hendricks award, which recognizes the country’s best defensive end.  The front seven of TCU will definitely challenge the offensive line of Boise State and pressure Bronco quarterback Kellen Moore.  Kellen Moore has looked great all season, tossing 39 touchdowns on the season with only 3 interceptions.  TCU’s secondary will be constantly challenged from Moore and his receivers.  A rematch from last year’s Poinsettia Bowl, which TCU edged out Boise State 17-16, this version should be one heck of a game, as the stage is larger and the stakes higher.  I think there is not a whole lot these defenses can do to completely each other’s offenses.  However, TCU’s defense I believe is the real deal.  TCU wins this game in a close one.

Pick: TCU

FedEx Orange

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

How do you stop Paul Johnson and his Yellow Jackets’ triple-option attack?  It’s not easy, but Iowa has the defensive unit to do it.  They don’t win gracefully and put up 40 points but they do find ways to win.  I guess it was inevitable that Iowa wasn’t going to stay undefeated forever because every week it came down to the fourth quarter against a team that the Hawkeyes should have beat by double-digits.  I feel sorry for all of you gamblers out there that constantly kept picking Iowa to cover the spread.  Now, comes arguably the greatest challenge the Hawkeyes have faced all season.  Paul Johnson might be the most creative and strategically offensive mind in the country.  He doesn’t have a game plan because his game plan changes after every play unfolds.  Kirk Ferentz and his defense will have their hands full.  If they can manage to slow down Georgia Tech’s triple-option and keep them out of the endzone, which is like asking you to walk on water, then Iowa might have a chance.  The Hawkeyes will be happy to welcome Ricky Stanzi back from injury and this will give the Iowa offense a much needed boost since his departure.  It is hard to pick against Paul Johnson and it is amazing that in only his second year as the Yellow Jackets’ head coach, he will have one his first Orange Bowl.

Pick: Georgia Tech

GMAC Bowl

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

For those who don’t know, Notre Dame was originally slated to play against Central Michigan.  Instead, Notre Dame officials withdrew their name and Troy is now the lucky school that must face Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour.  And who could blame Notre Dame?  Dan LeFevour is probably the most successful player in Central Michigan football history, accumulating three MAC Championships in the four years he has been quarterback.  Now, his successful career is coming to a close with only one game left.  The Chippewas are out to avenge two consecutive bowls losses and LeFevour would like nothing more than to go out on top.  What is predicted to be a high scoring battle, both Central Michigan and Troy will put up huge numbers offensively.  The leadership and inspiration to finish a winner will drive Dan LeFevour and the rest of the Chippewas to a victory.

Pick: Central Michigan

Citi BCS National Championship Game

Texas (13-0) vs. Alabama (13-0)

The most anticipated game of the postseason, the Longhorns square off against the Crimson Tide.  This game not only features two Heisman candidates but also two of the best defenses in the country.  The game is still a little less than month away and I am hearing it already from other blogs and analysts, “how Texas doesn’t have a chance,” in this game.  I know it is easy to  look back a few weeks and see how Texas struggled both offensively and defensively, especially when Texas A&M embarrassed the Longhorn defense.  Another example can be shown from just as recent as last week’s Big 12 Championship game, where Nebraska almost cost Texas its shot at the national title and its undefeated season.  But don’t forget, Texas did finish undefeated in the Big 12.  Call it what you want, but the Longhorns have earned their spot in this game.  Alabama comes into this game with all the momentum in the world after trouncing Florida in the SEC Championship game and it looks like the Crimson Tide might just roll over Texas and give the SEC its fourth consecutive national championship.  However, Texas is in a great position to be in.  With so many doubters and disbelievers, Texas might just shock the Crimson Tide.  Momentum won’t carry much weight a month from now and teams are coached to have a short memory.  I expect this game to be closer than what most experts are calling.  However, in the end, Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide win the national title over Colt McCoy and the Longhorns and give the SEC four straight.

Pick: Alabama

The AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic hosted their press conference with an open phone call with representatives of the Cotton Bowl and both invited teams, Ole Miss (the home team) and Oklahoma State (the visitors).  All the bowl representatives, representatives of both the SEC and Big 12 and head coaches Mike Gundy and Houston Nutt are excited about the special matchup taking place on January 2nd, 2010.

To listen to the full audio from the December 7th call, click here. Here are some excerpts of questions asked of both head coaches by media personnel participating in the call:

What is the general feeling of matching up with each other in this game given your history of working together and being on the same sidelines before? (Robert Allen, Cowboy Radio Network)

Coach Nutt: Well, I’ll tell ya, when I was working for Pat Jones, my first memory of Mike Gundy was right at the very first two-a-days we noticed a guy who was pretty confident stepping into that huddle and once he got his chance as a true freshman – he took over about midway through – and we knew there was one person we wanted in that huddle. And it was Mike Gundy. A tremendous leader, had a lot of confidence and he knew how to move those chains. And so now as you fast-forward, as you see him work as the head coach now things are pretty much the same except now he’s directing things. I have an awesome respect of what he’s done and I’m proud of him and we had some fun times.

When you talk about Hart Lee Dykes – that’s who I got to coach – he called me last week, in fact. You talk about Barry Sanders, Mike Gundy and the rest of the crew – those were fun times. And of course Diana, my wife, that’s who I met the last month of school when I was a senior at Oklahoma State. This is going to be a great month for us. We’re going to get to see a lot of people – Dave Martin, Holder – there’s going to be a lot of people. I’m sure Sandra and Joyce are still there, right Mike? So there’s a lot of people, a lot of familiar faces we’re going to get to see.

Coach Gundy: Well Coach, they’re still here. We just moved into a new building, but they’re still here. I feel the same way coach does. When he was here we had some great times, some great memories. And I’m sure Hart Lee probably called you for tickets and I’m sure he’s probably gonna call me for tickets next week. He always has got some kind of way to get tickets.

Kristen and I have followed Coach Nutt’s career ever since he left here and moved on to several places and been a head coach. It seems like late at night if you ever get a chance to watch games, you flip through the channels to try to find somebody that you know, that you’ve been around and that you care about. Kristen and I always watch the games late at night. The SEC teams always play those night games and we turn it over there. Coach Nutt’s teams have always had success and have found a way to move the football and score points and win.

As he said earlier, there’s just a great amount of respect. And I think that’s what makes this profession so special is when there’s people that have been together at one time or another and they’ve been able to branch out and it all goes back to the ties of hard work and leadership. So we’ve been very impressed – not surprisingly – with what coach Nutt has done and his success and just looking forward to being at the bowl and seeing his family. I’m looking forward in him having a chance to meet my three boys. I knew he had young children when he was at Oklahoma State and now I’ve got young boys and I know they’re looking forward to meeting him, so it will be a great day.

How influential was your time at Oklahoma State as a young coach and player on you as a coach now? (Chris Talbot, Associated Press)

Coach Gundy: I think one thing that’s interesting is if you look at Oklahoma State and then you look at Coach Nutt’s career and his success he’s had at Ole Miss, I think it was instilled in us to find a way to run the football. I can’t speak for coach, but I know for us here at Oklahoma State - I think this year was the fourth year in a row that we’ve led the Big 12 in rushing and I would say looking back on my time here as a player at Oklahoma State when I was with Coach Nutt would be what Coach Jones and the staff and it was just instilled in us was to play good sound defense, be tough and run the football.

Coach Nutt: Absolutely. And, of course, Jimmy Johnson was my head coach when I was playing and Pat Jones the defensive coordinator so early on you talk about defense, you’re talking about good special teams play and then offensively it pretty much was a ground-oriented team and you always wanted to establish the run back in those days. Unlike now, things are much more wide open – a lot of different formations. But that’s where it all started though. Those were great learning days and I wouldn’t trade any of that. The same thing goes as far as Eddie Sutton too. Eddie Sutton, who I played for – defense, discipline and dedication was his motto. So you just take all those coaches and you learn from them and you’ve got to be yourself, but that’s were we had a lot of good learning days there on that campus in Stillwater.

How do you feel Jevan Sneed has lived up to the expectations coming into this year? (David McNabb, rivals.com)

Coach Nutt: Well, there’s been some times during the season where we’ve all been disappointed, I think Jevan would be the first to tell you. We had a lot of high expectations and we played that first Thursday night game and South Carolina’s defense shut us down a little bit there, and that was a tough time for him. But I think if you go back and you look through – the thing that, that I love, what Jevan has – the perseverance, the attitude, a team player, unselfish guy that knows he has to get better and knows he has to be very focused each week in the league that we play in. Especially if you play a team like Oklahoma State, you know you can’t force things. I think if you look at the Arkansas game, the Tennessee, the LSU – there’s some games where he did an excellent job of managing our team, taking care of the ball and getting us in the right play, getting us out of a bad play, managing the clock.

You know, he just had high, high expectations and a lot of that was the first time in, I don’t know, 30 or 40 years we were ranked in the Top 10. We were ranked #4 in the preseason and we were in some uncharted waters. So, I was proud of the way he kind of finished, the way he came out of some games, especially the South Carolina game – not very good. Come back the very next week and plays much better. And I was proud of him overall, but I think he’ll be the first to tell you he’s not satisfied and he wants to get better.

How do you feel Oklahoma State has lived up to this season’s expectations? (David McNabb, rivals.com)

Coach Gundy: Well, not to repeat what Coach Nutt said, but we were in some uncharted waters ourselves. You get on the cover of SI and everyone in the country is telling you how good you are, it’s a little different. And our players handled it fairly well, but then there were some times when it was a little more difficult than what we had been accustomed to around here. We had a few guys that got hurt and then obviously the Dez Bryant situation, and so it kind of threw us a curve ball for a little while but I was proud of the team. Proud of the way that they continued to work hard in practice and stayed focused and gave great effort on the field. Those things are really important to us and so our team is very excited about this opportunity to play in the AT&T Cotton Bowl.

It’s interesting that both teams were kind of in the same situation early in the year and then wished they had a few games back but I think that’s kind of the way college football is. That’s why you play 12. You wish you could play at a high level each week and I think that’s all each one of our goals, but at times it just doesn’t happen that way. And we’re just thankful that we had a good season and get an opportunity to play in a great bowl.

NCAA 2009 College Football Playoff Simulation

The Playoffs You Wished For 

Welcome to season number three of the NCAA College Football Playoff Simulation.  For those reading this blog for the first time, the PiRate College Football Playoffs take the champions of the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, and SEC as automatic qualifiers.  Any of the remaining conference champions (including the top independent) that finish in the top 16 in the final regular season BCS Standings also qualify automatically.  At-large teams are then selected in the order of BCS finish until 12 total teams have been selected.  The 12 teams are then seeded by BCS ranking with no maximum number of teams per conference.

Here is how the 12 teams were selected for the 2009 playoffs.

Top Six Conference Champions

ACC–Georgia Tech 11-2           #9 Seed

Big East–Cincinnati 12-0                   #3 Seed

Big Ten–Ohio State 10-2         #8 Seed

Big 12—Texas 13-0                    #2 Seed

Pac-10—Oregon 10-2                #7 Seed

SEC—Alabama 13-0                             #1 Seed

Automatic Qualifiers By Virtue Of Top 16 In BCS

MWC—T C U 12-0                       #4 Seed

WAC—Boise State 13-0             #6 Seed

Top Four At-Large To Fill Out 12-Team Field

Florida 12-1                                 #5 Seed

Iowa 10-2                                    #10 Seed

Virginia Tech 10-2                     #11 Seed

L S U 9-3                                      #12 Seed

The PiRate Playoff System uses the top 11 bowl games to play the four rounds.  The 5^th through 12^th seeds must play in the first round, while the top four seeds receive byes to the quarterfinals.

Opening Round

Outback Bowl    #5 Florida vs. #12 L S U  Dec 17

Alamo Bowl       #6 Boise State vs. #11 Virginia Tech  Dec 18

Holiday Bowl     #7 Oregon vs. #10 Iowa  Dec 19

Gator Bowl         #8 Ohio State vs. #9 Georgia Tech  Dec 19

Quarterfinal Round

Cotton Bowl                #4 T C U vs. Outback Bowl Winner  Jan 1

Capital One Bowl       #3 Cincinnati vs. Alamo Bowl Winner  Jan 1

Rose Bowl                             #2 Texas vs. Holiday Bowl Winner  Jan 1

Sugar Bowl                  #1 Alabama vs. Gator Bowl Winner  Jan 1

Semifinal Round

Fiesta Bowl        Sugar Bowl Winner vs. Fiesta Bowl Winner Jan 9

Orange Bowl     Rose Bowl Winner vs. Capital One Bowl Winner Jan 9

National Championship Game

Fiesta Bowl Winner vs. Orange Bowl Winner  Jan 23

1. This system awards the four best teams with byes.

2. This system not only keeps the bowls alive, but it gives them more importance and prestige, as 11 bowls decide the title.

3. Instead of undefeated Cincinnati, TCU, and Boise State getting left out of the national championship picture, number 13 Penn State is the first team left out.  This is much more fair, as this system will always allow a 12-0 team to have a chance regardless of whether it is Alabama or Boise State.

4. The remaining bowls would not have to settle for 6-6 teams.  The rules could demand at least 7 wins as a minimum.

5. Three of the four rounds would occur during winter break for the schools, thus quashing the myth that players would miss too much time.

Check back on December 20 for simulated results of the first round games.

Final Regular Season PiRate Ratings

The Army-Navy game must still be played, but that game doesn’t warrant an extra week’s worth of ratings.  Neither team can break the top 25 even if they win 222-0.  The game still has bowl implications.  If Army wins, the Cadets will advance to the Eagle Bank Bowl to face Temple.  If Navy wins, then UCLA takes Army’s place in Washington, DC.

Bowl Lineups

Coming This Week–What you can do to help bring about a college football playoff

It’s all fun and games until someone gets smacked in the face with a brass bell typically used to attract cows to a desired location.

Mississippi State University police detectives are searching for a male suspect in the assault of a student with a cowbell amid the post-game celebration at last Saturday’s Egg Bowl game against arch-rival Ole Miss.

This is all according to The Starkville Daily News.

The victim had some friends from Ole Miss with him in the stands, and, after MSU won the football game, some verbal sparring occurred with the suspect that turned violent, culminating in the victim being struck with the cowbell, Massey said.

“It split his head open pretty badly,” said Massey, who would not comment on whether alcohol may have played a role in the incident.

We’ll comment on whether or not alcohol played a role in the incident: Yes. Yes. Yes.

Dear SEC,

It is one thing to allow MSU to blatantly illegaly use artificial noise makers, but when they start using the things as weapons, well that is just unfair. As long as MSU gets their cowbells, we fully expect to be allowed into the next SEC Football Game we attend with nunchucks and brass knuckles. They are a great accent for cheering and a perfect punctuation for an epic rivalry beatdown.

I'm sorry, did my victory fist pump catch the side of yo FACE?

ASU’s opportunity to host an SEC opponent quickly turned into a basketball clinic from Ole Miss.

The Rebels opened up as much as a 22-point lead in the first half, sparked by a 29-6 run in the middle of the first, before putting their game into cruise control in the second  half to down ASU 79-57 at the Convocation Center.

The last time Ole Miss visited the Convocation Center five years ago, ASU came away with a 70-68 upset victory. John Brady’s Red Wolves would never be close enough to smell the upset Wednesday night.

“That’s a really good team we just played,” Brady said. “They do a lot of things real easy. To stop that kind of team you have to match them athletically or be extremely patient offensively. We can’t match them athletically and in the first half we were way too impatient.”

ASU started a smaller lineup across the board than their opponents from Oxford. The Rebels boasted four players at 6-5 or taller in their starting rotation. The differential showed a little in the final rebounding numbers as Ole Miss out-rebounded the Red Wolves 45-30 on the night.

“They came out and played us real physical,” ASU senior JeJuan Brown said. “… you can see the difference between the SEC and Sun Belt.”

ASU also had to adjust to losing their biggest body on the court early to foul trouble. Sophomore Martavious Adams picked up two fouls in the first 70 seconds of the game, and picked up a quick third when he came back into the game from a long stay on the bench with just seven minutes to play in the half. Adams would foul out late in the second half.

Ole Miss outshot the Red Wolves 44 to 26 percent in the first half to pace their early charge, in addition to a physical SEC-style defensive pressure.

“They were in the passing lanes and it was kind of tough to get the ball to the wings,” ASU guard Trey Finn said. “We have got to do a better job getting open and setting better screens.

Ole Miss guard Terrico White led all scorers with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting on the night.

The Red Wolves divided their scoring evenly on the night, with eight players scoring five points or more. ASU was led by point guard Rashad Allison with nine points on the night. Adams, Finn and  Daniel Bryant each added eight points.

Ole Miss walk-on and former ASU guard Logan Nutt played the final 2:23 of the game for Ole Miss and came on the floor to a pleasant greeting from the home faithful. Dickey Nutt’s son finished with an assist on a breakaway in his limited time on the floor.

Wednesday night’s game marked the 300th men’s basketball game played at the Convo in the building’s history that dates back to 1987. Just over 4,200 people were in attendance Wednesday.

ASU will have to rebound from the loss quickly as they travel to face regional power Memphis on Saturday from the FedEx Forum.

Rumors are swirling that it will be Oklahoma State and Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl come January 2nd in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.  But according to the Cotton Bowl that won’t be official until the official announcement is made this coming Sunday during the BCS Selection Show.

As sales for Cotton Bowl tickets are on the rise, it’s clear some fans think the expected matchup is more than just a rumor.  So once you’re set to buy your tickets, the next decision is where to sit.  Below is a seating chart showing the Big 12 and SEC schools ticket allotment, as well as the club areas.

2010 Cotton Bowl Cowboys Stadium Seating Chart

What does a club seat get you?  Club seats (C-sections) offer the best views in the stadium, but they also have roomier, cushioned seats, and provide you access to the private clubs for drinks and food.  TicketCity can help you find the perfect seats, whether club level or reserved seating.

TicketCity offers to tickets to all bowl games, including the BCS Championship.  So whatever the team and wherever the game, let TicketCity help you be there for an unforgettable experience!  Visit www.TicketCity.com or call 1.800.880.8886.

Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock air out their dirty laundry.

(Warner Brothers) Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates, Lily Collins, Jae Head, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Catherine Dyer, Andy Stahl, Tom Nowicki, Libby Whitmore, Brian Hollan, Ray McKinnon. Directed by John Lee Hancock

Accidents happen. There are no accidents. Accidentally on purpose. Is anything really random chance, or is there a destiny for all of us?

Michael Oher (Aaron) has very little going for him other than he’s big and athletic. He can barely read and write his own name, his mother is a crack addict and his father is God knows where. The father of a friend of his works as a janitor at an exclusive private school in Memphis and gets the idea to bring the two of them before the football coach to see if he can get them into Wingate one way or another. Salivating at the chance to get the raw talent onto his team, the coach (McKinnon), almost salivating, convinces the school’s trustees to admit the disadvantaged boy.

However his presence on his friend’s couch has put a strain on them, so Michael is left to his own devices. He moves from place to place, silent and sad, a big sorrowful man-child without any hope or any joy. He doesn’t fit in at his new school, and his old neighborhood is becoming increasingly dangerous.

One cold night he is walking on the side of the road, trying to get into the school gym before it is locked so that he can have a warm place to sit for awhile when by chance the Tuohy family drives by. Its matriarch, Leigh Anne (Bullock) orders her husband Sean (McGraw) to stop the car and in her typically abrupt and no-nonsense manner interrogates the boy. Do you have a place to go? Don’t you dare lie to me! Oher admits he has nowhere to sleep and on the spur of the moment, Leigh Anne decides to bring the boy home and put him up for the night.

Her children SJ (Head) and Collins (Collins) range from enthusiastic (SJ) to not so much (Collins) about the new houseguest as one night stretches into several and then into weeks and at last, months. Leigh Anne drives Michael to his old home to pick up some clothes but they find that his mother has been evicted and nobody knows where she is. Instead, Leigh Anne drives Michael to the nearest Big and Tall store where Michael shows signs of life when offered a rugby shirt in his size.

As the days go by, Oher begins to respond to his academic environment although he is unable to learn in the traditional way. Instead, he picks up on what is told to him verbally. Leigh Ann hires a tutor (Bates) to help him get his grades up and soon he gets his average to the point where he can try out for the football team. The coach’s joy turns to disappointment when Oher turns out to be far too soft and unskilled to be much of a force. It is only when Leigh Anne, to whom Michael has become very attatched to, gives him a pep talk that Michael begins to show what he’s capable of and that is becoming an All-American offensive tackle. However, when he makes a choice for his future, the motivations of his family are called into question and the relationship between Michael and his new family becomes imperiled.

Director Hancock is something of a true sports movie expert, with The Rookie to his credit and again he pulls out all the stops with this one. His best move was casting Bullock in the lead role and she nails the role of Leigh Anne who could intimidate Kimbo Slice if she had half a mind to. She’s tough as nails, suffers no fools but is fiercely loyal to her family with a soft spot for underdogs. There are a surprising number of women like her in the South and if the region has any greatness at all to it, it’s because of them.

McGraw, whose easygoing charm translates nicely to the screen, is solid as the dad, a role he has begun to be attractive to casting agents in. While Head is a bit over-the-top in places as SJ the spirited son, he at least has a great smile and a good sense of comic timing for an actor his age. In fact, all of the actors who play the Tuohy family do a good job of creating a believable onscreen family.

If there’s a problem with The Blind Side it has to do with the script. True sports stories have tended to follow a very similar format in recent movies; an underdog gets inspired in the pursuit of a goal and that inspiration leads to overachievement. When the goal is in reach, something happens to jeopardize the achievement of the goal but in the end the team/individual pulls it together at the last minute to triumph over adversity.

Some of the adversity that is shown here feels scripted and not terribly authentic. Just because a movie says it’s based on a true story does it mean that everything in it is true. Something tells me that some incidents were embellished to create dramatic tension and normally I don’t have a problem with that, but in this case it didn’t feel organic. I think it’s possible that we’ve overdosed on the genre since it felt like I’ve seen it all before and in fact I have.

And that’s not to denigrate Michael Oher or his story in any way. I think it could have been handled a bit differently and written better is all I’m saying. Still in all despite my quibbling this is still a solid movie that I can recommend without hesitation. It gets you in all the right places and makes for a fine cathartic afternoon. Still, the best reason to see this is to watch Bullock at her very best.

REASONS TO GO: Bullock does some of the best work of her career. The family dynamic is believable even if S.J. is too cute to be believed.

REASONS TO STAY: The plot is a bit formula and some of the elements feel scripted instead of true-to-life. Aaron as Oher gives us little insight into his character.

FAMILY VALUES: Some language and some minor violence but otherwise okay for families.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT: There are cameos from several Southeastern college football colleges playing themselves, including Phil Fullmer, Nick Saban, Lou Holtz and Tommy Tuberville.

HOME OR THEATER: This can easily fit on the small screen.

FINAL RATING: 6/10

TOMORROW: Terminator Salvation

It’s official…. sort of….

Florida/Alabama winner to play Texas/TCU in BCS Championship.

Florida/Alabama loser to play Cincinnati in Sugar Bowl.

LSU to play Penn State in Capital One Bowl.

Ole Miss to play Oklahoma State in Cotton Bowl.

Auburn to play Wisconsin/Northwestern in Outback Bowl.

Tennessee to play Virginia Tech in Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Kentucky to play Miami/UNC in Music City Bowl.

Arkansas to play East Carolina/Houston in Liberty Bowl.

Georgia to play Iowa State in Independence Bowl.

South Carolina to play South Florida/UConn in PapaJohns Bowl.

And Barack Obama is cheering for the Gators this weekend.

• Chris Lowe says SEC more balanced than ever
• An Opinion on Sports has an opinion on Tiger
• Ole Miss to Cotton Bowl
• Bowden to retire today – more HERE – and HERE – but MS Bowden says, not so fast.
• SI has up a post saying that Oklahoma will play Florida in SEC title game. Nice.

It’s The Week We’ve All Been Waiting For

It seems like just last week the college football season kicked off, and here it is the end of the regular season.  A handful of games can potentially scramble the bowl bids that will go out Sunday.  With the holidays bringing the five PiRates together under the same roof in northwest Wisconsin for too much turkey and other booty, we stayed up late gathering information for this special bowl edition.  We think through hard work and phone calls to contacts in multiple locations, we have one of the best views of the bowl games.

This edition will not be a speculative one.  We are actually trying to use information we have gathered to report where we believe the bowls are looking with six days to go.

The BCS Bowls

National Championship Game:  Obviously the winner of this week’s Alabama-Florida game in the SEC Championship will finish number one.  If Texas wins, then everything is rather easy.  The Longhorns will finish number two.  Here’s where things get dicey.  If Texas loses, there will be controversy no matter which team makes it to Pasadena.  TCU would be the logical choice, but Cincinnati could edge ahead of the Horned Frogs with a convincing win over Pittsburgh.  And, if Alabama were to edge Florida by a point or win in overtime, there is still a possibility that Alabama and Florida could meet in a rematch.  Remember something; part of the BCS equation is human voting.  The fourth estate has never been confused for being honest and just.  All it takes is for a few voters to move TCU down one spot, and the fix would be in.

We believe Nebraska’s lack of offense will make this all superfluous.  Texas will win by double digits this week and face the SEC winner for the national championship.  We’ve taken a vote here in the Northwoods; one of us believes Florida will win this week.  One of us believes Alabama will win, and the other three consider it a tossup.  It should be the next “greatest game,” in the mold of Ohio State and Michigan in 2006, Florida State and Florida in 1996, Notre Dame and USC in 1988, and the two greatest late season matchups of #1 vs. #2—Oklahoma and Nebraska in 1971 and Notre Dame and Michigan State in 1966. 

Orange Bowl: The winner of this week’s Clemson-Georgia Tech game for the ACC Championship will automatically go to Miami.  We believe Clemson has a better than 50% chance of pulling off the upset.  In their regular season game, Clemson’s comedy of errors led to the Yellow Jackets getting a big lead.  The Tigers made a great comeback and almost pulled it off.  We thing CU gets revenge this week and heads to Miami with a weak 8-4 record.  The Orange Bowl will get the third selection in the at-large draft if Texas wins.  The Sugar and Fiesta Bowls will have already picked because they will have lost teams to the National Championship Game.  With Alabama or Florida and Iowa already taken off the board, this pick will come down to either the Big East champion, Boise State, or TCU.  If Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh, we don’t see the Bearcats being chosen even though they would be 12-0.  Cincinnati played in Miami last year.  It would come down to TCU and Boise State.  Believe it or not, Boise’s fans travel better, so we will go with Boise State here.

If Pittsburgh beats Cincinnati, the Panthers will probably wind up here, and Boise State would head to the Fiesta Bowl.

Fiesta Bowl: Assuming Texas wins, the Fiesta Bowl will get the second and fourth picks in the at-large draft.  The SEC loser will be off the table, and we believe the best choice for this bowl will be Iowa.  After the Orange Bowl picks Boise State, TCU becomes the logical choice.  If Pittsburgh beats Cincinnati, then Boise State would land here.

Sugar Bowl: Without a doubt, the loser of the SEC Championship will play here if both SEC teams don’t play again in Pasadena.  The Sugar Bowl gets the first pick to replace the number one team being lost to the National Championship Game.  The Sugar Bowl also gets the last pick in the at-large draft.  Since this cannot be a Hobson’s Choice, Cincinnati would land here as the only option if the Bearcats beat Pittsburgh.  If Pittsburgh wins this week, then TCU would land here.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State is already assured of playing here.  The winner of Thursday night’s Oregon-Oregon State game will be the opponent.  There can be no other options this year.

The Top-Tier Non-BCS Bowls

Capital One Bowl: LSU seems to be a shoo-in for this bowl after Ole Miss fell to Mississippi State.  Penn State will land here if Iowa is chosen over the Lions for a BCS Bowl.  We see no reason for Penn State fans to believe they can beat out Iowa, especially if the bowl in question is the Fiesta Bowl.

Outback Bowl: The top remaining SEC East team is supposed to play here, while the top remaining SEC West team is supposed to play in the Cotton Bowl. Ole Miss played in Dallas last year, and there was talk that there could be a trade-off with Ole Miss heading to Tampa.  However, late news seems to support the Rebels playing in the Cotton Bowl again, so Tennessee looks like the choice here.  The Big Ten representative will be Wisconsin unless the Badgers lose in Hawaii this weekend.  If that happens, it changes a lot of other bowls. 

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State should receive this invitation, since the Cowboys have the second best record, but Nebraska or over Oklahoma could leapfrog them.  For now, we will stick with the most politically correct pick and go with Oklahoma State.  According to late-breaking news, the SEC representative will be Ole Miss. 

Gator Bowl: Notre Dame’s fold means the Big East gets this spot.  The loser of the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati game will end up in Jacksonville.  We believe Georgia Tech will lose to Clemson this week, so the Yellow Jackets will play here.  Our pick then is Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh.  If the Yellow Jackets win the ACC, then it appears that Miami would be the ACC representative.

Holiday Bowl: Southern Cal will get this bid if Oregon beats Oregon State.  If the Beavers beat the Ducks, then Oregon will drop to this bowl.  Nebraska is the logical Big 12 choice for this game.

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Georgia’s win over Georgia Tech will put the Bulldogs at the top of the list for this game, but a second year in a row of fewer hotel rooms needing to be booked (Georgia Tech played here last year) probably sends the Bulldogs somewhere else.  The likely ACC opponent will be Virginia Tech, and the SEC will try to find the best opponent.  Auburn would be the best choice, providing a match-up of offense against defense, but most of their fans can drive to this game.  We’re going with Auburn because officials from this bowl repeatedly attended their games.  Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The Mid-Level Bowls

Las Vegas Bowl: Even though they have been to this bowl four years in a row, it looks like Brigham Young is headed here again.  The Mountain West would like Utah to go here, but BYU will sell their allotment for this one, while the Utes will not.

The Pac-10 opponent could be a host of teams, but we think it will be either Stanford or Oregon State.  One of those two will play here, while the other plays in the Emerald Bowl.  We’ll go with Stanford here.  If Oregon State beats Oregon, then Southern Cal or California might fall to this game.

Meineke Car Care Bowl: This bowl will have a choice of Florida State or Boston College.  With Bobby Bowden announcing his retirement tomorrow, the Seminoles will jump over the Eagles.  Rutgers should get the Big East invitation in this game.

Music City Bowl: This could be an interesting rivalry game.  How about North Carolina facing South Carolina?  Since the Gamecocks joined the SEC in 1991, these two teams have played just once.

Liberty Bowl: Arkansas looks like the best option here.  The Razorbacks will fill up the stadium.  The Conference USA champion automatically plays here, so that means either Houston or East Carolina will be the opponent.  Houston and Arkansas would make this a 100-pass, 4-hour game with maybe 100+ points scored.

Sun Bowl: If Oregon wins Thursday, we believe California will be the Pac-10 representative.  Oklahoma looks like the best fit for the Big 12.

Champs Sports Bowl: If Clemson wins over Georgia Tech, Miami should fall to this bowl.  If Georgia Tech wins over Clemson, then Miami moves up to the Gator and Clemson falls here.  Northwestern should be the Big 10 opponent, but if Wisconsin loses to Hawaii, NU could move up and the Badgers could fall here.

Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech should receive this bid, and their opponent should be Michigan State.  It could take 40 points to win this game.

The Bottom Tier

St. Petersburg Bowl: This second year bowl has a chance to make a big splash by bringing together two in-state teams that played each other the last four years but not this year.  Central Florida and South Florida could sell this game out.  We think it is a strong possibility, but the chances for this dream game have dropped some the last few days.

New Mexico Bowl: Unless some back room deals are made, the Mountain West opponent will be Wyoming.  There could be some wheeling and dealing to bring an at-large team here and ship Wyoming to the Humanitarian Bowl, but for now, we’ll keep the Cowboys here.  The WAC opponent will be either Nevada or Fresno State.  If Hawaii upsets Wisconsin, then there will be one extra WAC team available.  For now, we’ll stick with Nevada.

New Orleans Bowl: Troy won the Sunbelt Conference Championship and earns the automatic bid here.  There is a rule where the SBC champion could move to a higher-paying bowl, but for that to happen, the SBC must supply two additional seven-win teams.  There are only two of these teams, so Troy will play here barring some “exception.”   The C-USA opponent should be Southern Mississippi.

Poinsettia Bowl: All signs point to BYU playing here, but we just don’t see the Las Vegas bowl passing over the Cougars for Utah.  So, we’re going against the grain and picking Utah to end up in San Diego.  Arizona looks like the Pac-10 opponent.  If the Wildcats upset USC, then there is a small chance they could move up.

Hawaii Bowl:  Here’s where a giant monkey wrench could be thrown into the bowl games.  Hawaii will get this bid with a win over Wisconsin.  We might be biased, but we think the Badgers can pull this one out.  So, in that case, Fresno State should be the WAC representative.  The hot CUSA choice is SMU, which would bring June Jones back to the island.  Since this bowl desperately wants a Hawaii-SMU game, look for this week’s Hawaii-Wisconsin game to be one of the most partially-biased officiated games.

Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl: This bowl could be in for a mess.  Central Michigan played here last year, so it looks like the Chippewas are headed to Mobile, Alabama.  A bigger problem is that there will not be a Big 10 team available for this game.  Because the at-large pool must take all the seven-win teams before any 6-6 team can be selected, this bowl might have to invite two MAC teams, neither of which are the conference champion.

Ohio U should be the official MAC selection.  This bowl would love to bring Notre Dame here, but even if one 6-6 team can be chosen, it looks like the Irish will vote not to play in any bowls.  Middle Tennessee, at 9-3, would be the best at-large option, but we believe the Blue Raiders will be invited somewhere else first.  So, this bowl will have to look for two MAC teams that have not played.  That leaves Northern Illinois against Bowling Green.

Emerald Bowl: Boston College will be the last available ACC team, and they will fortunate to sell half of their ticket allotment.  Oregon State or Stanford will be the opponent here, and since we pegged Stanford for the Las Vegas Bowl, we’ll put the Beavers here.

Independence Bowl: This bowl is tired of having teams that don’t want to be here, but it will be the case once again with the SEC.  Georgia could very well end up here if the Chick-fil-A looks elsewhere.  The Big 12 representative will come down to either Texas A&M or Iowa State.  If Georgia is chosen to play in Atlanta, then this bowl will jump at the chance to pit Auburn with Iowa State for obvious reasons (Auburn coach Gene Chizik was at Iowa State and Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads was at Auburn).  Under the assumption that Auburn will play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, we’ll slate Georgia here against Texas A&M.

Eagle Bank Bowl: This second year bowl faces the possibility that neither of its two tie-ins will be able to supply a team.  Army has to beat Navy to earn their bid.  We believe that will happen, and the Cadets will make life easier for this bowl.  The ACC will definitely not have an available team for this bowl, so an at-large team will be selected.  Temple will be making its first bowl trip in almost two decades, so the Owls will be a good choice.  If Army loses to Navy, then a 6-6 team will end up here.  Since Notre Dame will not be available if they vote not to go to a bowl, Marshall may get this bid, even though Coach Mark Snyder just resigned.

Humanitarian Bowl: With Boise State almost assured of making it to a BCS Bowl if Texas beats Nebraska, this bowl will look to Idaho to replace the Broncos.  With TCU earning a BCS bowl, the MWC will not have an available team for this game.  With all the seven-win teams coming from over 1,500 miles away from Boise, it looks like UCLA could become the one 6-6 bowl team and play here.

Armed Forces Bowl:  The MWC team should be Air Force, as it is a no-brainer to have a service academy playing here.  The C-USA opponent should be the loser of the ECU-Houston game this week.  Houston would be a great counterpart.

Texas Bowl: Navy has already secured one of these spots.  Iowa State or Texas A&M will be the opponent depending on which way the Independence bowl goes.

Insight.com Bowl: Minnesota will be the last Big Ten team in the bowl pecking order, so the Gophers will get this bid.  Missouri is the likely Big 12 opponent.

International Bowl:  Connecticut is the logical choice as the Big East representative.  Ohio U may be shipped here, as they cannot play in the Pizza Bowl against either Bowling Green or Northern Illinois (they beat both).

PapaJohns.com Bowl: Kentucky should be the last available SEC team, and the Wildcats will travel well to Birmingham.  West Virginia would be an excellent opponent here.

The SEC will once again be sending a representative to play for win the National Championship.

Yesterday was a classic day in the SEC.  Just when you thought things were starting to fall into place with the SEC Bowl destinations, all hell broke loose.  It started early in the day when Mississippi State upset took Ole Miss to the woodshed for an “Ole Fashioned Beatdown.”  Houston Nutt once again failed to deliver in a big game in which he was favored (see: Ole Miss at Auburn, or ask any Arkansas fan).  The chaotic day continued when the SEC flexed its muscles on the inferior ACC, and South Carolina dominated Clemson and ruined CJ Spiller’s hopes as a Heisman darkhorse.

Later in the day, the SEC continued its rampage as Florida (-25) covered against FSU, 37-10.  CBS decided that it was going to air clips and bits from the game, but it was generally consumed with the Tim Tebow Senior Day coverage (yes, I also just vomited in my mouth).  In the nightcap, Tennessee held off a tough Kentucky team (like it has done for the past quarter century–think about that), Georgia went down to Atlanta and got some payback on Ga. Tech from last year’s upset, and LSU held off the Arkansas Fighting Malletts in OT to capture the Golden Boot for the first time in three years.

So for you scoring at home, that’s SEC 3, ACC 0.

It also means the SEC bowl picture is about as clear as the Tennessee football team’s legal records.

Here’s what we know:

-Alabama and Florida will play for it all in Atlanta on Saturday. Saban vs. Meyer.  Roll Tide vs. Go Gators.  Houndstooth vs. Jean Shorts.  The winner will go west to Pasadena to beat Ohio State again face Texas, barring a Longhorn collapse in Dallas.  The loser will head south for New Orleans to play (your guess is as good as mine) in the Sugar Bowl.

-LSU is probably going to Orlando to play in the Capital One Bowl.  Les Miles and the fighting hats will likely face Penn State (intriguing matchup) or Iowa.  The fans travel well and LSU has good national recognition.  No way Capital One passes on them.

-Ole Miss and Tennessee will be the next two teams picked because the Rebels finished third in the West and the Vols have the tiebreaker over UGA in the East.  I don’t think the rumors of the Cotton Bowl and Outback Bowl “trading picks” are true–I’m betting Ole Miss will return to Dallas and play in the ‘09 Cotton Bowl (although the game is not in 2009 and isn’t being played in the Cotton Bowl), and the Vols will ring in the new year in Tampa (watch your gas stations, Floridians).

This is where it gets shaky.  After the first three teams (and the two teams bound for BCS bowls), we have five teams at 7-5: Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina.  The bowl pecking order is as follows: Chick-fil-A (Atlanta), Music City (Nashville), Liberty (Memphis), Independence (Shreveport), and PapaJohns (Birmingham).

Arkansas (7-5)
Pros: good traveling fan base, new coach, strong finish, difficult schedule, played UGA, UF, LSU close, exciting offense
Cons: 3-5 in conference, haven’t won bowl game since 2003
Outcome: The Hogs are a great fit for both the Liberty Bowl and the Independence Bowl because of proximity.  If it comes down to it, I would expect the Liberty to take Arkansas.

Auburn (7-5)
Pros: good traveling fan base, new coach, strong finish, national recognition, played Bama close in Iron Bowl
Cons: lost 5 of 7, including final two rivalry games, 3-5 in conference
Outcome: I don’t see Chick-Fil-A taking Auburn, but they could be in play for Nashville.  I think both of the next bowls will pass on the Tigers and you’ll find them in Shreveport, with an outside chance of the Liberty bowl taking them.  Enjoy Northern Louisiana, Auburn.

Georgia (7-5)
Pros: solid traveling fan base, difficult schedule helps explain 5 losses, national recognition, coming off big win, 4-4 in conference.
Cons: fans are less than excited, staff changes are coming, 1-3 vs. ranked opponents this year
Outcome: expect the Dawgs to go bowling at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.  The only possibility of this not happening is if Chick-fil-A goes with South Carolina, in which case UGA plays an ACC team in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.

Kentucky (7-5)
Pros: strong finish, excited program, won at Auburn and at UGA, 4th bowl in a row w/strong showings in all 3
Cons: fan base is not Georgia or Auburn, 3-5 in conference
Outcome: the Cats are the interesting case here.  Kentucky fans always turn out in Atlanta for SEC basketball tournament, but I don’t see them being taken ahead of both Georgia and Auburn.  Nashville is an outside shot because of strong showings in prior Music City Bowls.  If Nashville passes on the Cats, expect them to drop down the ladder all the way to… Birmingham.

South Carolina (7-5)
Pros: fair traveling fan base, coming off big win, played Bama and UF close, Spurrier name recognition
Cons: 2-4 finish, poor showing in Outback Bowl last year, 3-5 in conference
Outcome: Also a toss-up, but I don’t see SC in Atlanta over AU and UGA.  Likely destination is Nashville, unless they get shunned for Kentucky or Auburn, in which case they plummet to Birmingham.

So there it is folks, probably no clearer than when you started reading.  What do you think?

 The most important of all the lessons was the one Without Prejudice.  A white couple took in an Afro-American boy into their home. Many other people have taken into their homes children and adult of other races, cultures and ethnic groups, but few get such recognition.  People quietly do their part in changing the world. They look in the mirror and know it starts with them – then they make the world a better place.

click for more:  http://hubpages.com/_1jlqz2sadegzu/hub/Blind-Side-The-Story-Lessons-Learned

This is a great movie.  I am not a football fan, but I do like football movies.  This movie goes well beyond football, however.  It is a story about generational poverty, substance abuse, gangs, privileged White southerners, Christian private schools, generosity, compassion, and family.  Sandra Bullock plays a pistol-packing mama who takes in a young man who is big for his age.  No one knows how old he really is.  His documentation is messed up.  His mother is a junkie.  But he is good at football; and eventually, he does well enough in a private Christian school to receive a scholarship to Ole Miss.  This movie is based upon the true story of Michael Oher, a 2009 draft pick for the Ravens.  It is a great story.  Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw are outstanding as the foster parents; Kathy Bates excels as Michael’s tutor.  SJ (little brother) is incredible; Collins (little sister) shows her mean girl friends how to behave appropriately around her big brother, Michael.  You will love this movie!

Ill attempt to my best Dave Zirin impersonation here.

The night before Thanksgiving Katy and I saw The Blind Side.

I had been familiar with the story when I read this New York Times Magazine profile of Michael Oher a few years ago.   After reading the article I bought the book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game.

The book was great but the posters for the movie version of The Blind Side looked horrible.  It seemed to me that this was going to be a sports movie version of Mississippi Burning .  Or might qualify for a recent blog post titled “The Five Most Unintentionally Racist Movies about Racism. Anyways, here is a nice summary of the criticism about Mississippi Burning:

[Missisippi Burning] been criticized by many, including historian Howard Zinn, for its fictionalization of history. According to Zinn: while FBI agents are portrayed as heroes who descend upon the town by the hundreds, in reality the FBI and the Justice Department only reluctantly protected civil rights workers and protesters and reportedly witnessed beatings without intervening.^[1] It was also criticized due to its portrayal of southern African-Americans as passive victims. The image of African-Americans as being passive also shapes the film’s reenactment of the assassinations;^[2] New York Times film reviewer wrote that the film’s alleged distortions amounted to a “cinematic lynching” of history.

See, The Blind Side takes place in Memphis and essentially a rich white woman comes to the rescue of a homeless black kid with an NFL body.  Hollywood could have very easily taken the very powerful story of Michael Oher and Leigh Anne Tuohy and turned into a Disnified, racial fantasy.

Never mind the fact that  Memphis might be one of the most racially polarized cities in the country and the place where Martin Luther kIng was assassinated. And the University of Missisippi?  It’s racial history is just as brutal. And “Ole Miss,”– the college’s nickname?  That is what slaves called the slave master’s wife.

Overall,  the book was better and the movie is far from being perfect.  The Border’s commercial that breaks out in the middle of the movie also might be the most annoying product placement I have ever experienced.

But still, the movie made me cry.  (The last time I cried in a movie might have been in Top Gun when Goose died.)

And I cried, I think, because I grew up around families like the Tuohy’s.  Rich. White. Christian. Republican.  I never once met someone from that background who would have opened the car door for a homeless black teenager, even if he had NFL tackle written all over his body.

And that is why I loved the movie–because if you are rich and white and powerful, it means nothing if you don’t open the door for others.

P.S. I also thought it was interesting that at the end of the movie when they were showing newspaper clippings of Michael Oher’s career the other story that appeared on the “newspaper” was about Darfur.  I think the movie producer’s were trying to make a point….

This post is in progess at present; so if your city is not listed yet with video and you want to help comment below and provide the links please!

Special thanks to all who have helped so far and to all who made these rallies such a success.  Please keep educating friends and neighbors and sharing our message with facts and figures and a lot of love!

Houston, Texas

November 22, 2009

Paula Stang at the Houston End The Fed Rally gives a brief but poignant history of the federal reserve system.  She is doing her thesis on topic and I am sure she will educate many in the process!

OKC, Oklahoma

November 22, 2009

RJ Harris at the OKC End the Fed Rally takes a look at the creation of the federal reserve system and the proper Constitutional restraints  – no massive federal bureaucracy ever intended!

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Nathan Dahm at the OKC End the Fed Rally

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Ryan Underwood at the OKC End the Fed Rally

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Porter Davis at the OKC End the Fed Rally (part 1 of 2)

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Tulsa – Sign Wave (photos soon)

Every Wednesday, from today until the end of time, my close friend and bitter foe Mad Adam is going to stop by and attempt to clarify his delusions of grandeur, dominance, and defeatism. He’s very complex. And, as you’ll soon find out, most of what he has to say comes out of his ass, but man, is he angry! And I’m not talking the kind of angry that can be aptly expressed with all caps and exclamation marks, or even simple declarations of anger… you’ll have to use your imagination a little. Picture the bright red face. Picture the popping veins. Picture the holes in the wall, the shattered remotes, the hospitalized “friends”. Now, multiply it by 386. That gets you halfway there. But here, we’ll let him explain it…

Hello everyone.  Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Mad Adam.  That’s right, not Mad Hatter (Les Miles), Mad Max (Mel Gibson) or Mad Men (those booze swilling cats at Sterling Cooper).  No, just Mad Adam.

Why Mad Adam?  First, I have an anger control problem. This is particularly true when it comes to my sports teams.  I get mad when they let me down.  I get mad when they get screwed over.  I sometimes get mad even when things are going well. What can I say….I’m Mad Adam.  As a bonus, my name is a palindrome.  Don’t know that is? Look it up loser.  And while you are at it, send some hate mail to your language teachers who obviously let you down.

Now that I have revealed that much of my anger is centered on my favorite teams, I better let you in on who those teams are.  Warning, I grew up as a military brat, so I never stayed in a place long enough to pick a team based on geography.  So, I have a pretty disparate set of favorite teams (with the exception of my college team which is clearly a result of the totally awesome education I received at the undergraduate and law schools of the institution listed below).  So, in no particular order, here are the teams that matter most to me: New York Jets (last Super Bowl….1969, the roots of my anger begin to surface); Los Angeles Dodgers; Los Angeles Lakers; Manchester City Citizens (EPL soccer you morons); and of course, my beloved OU Sooners.  Looking for a hockey team?  Go (ice) fish.  Not a fun game to watch on TV.

My proclivity for temper tantrums does not end with my favorite teams.  I also get mad about betting on sports (i.e. placing bad bets, not the act of betting on sports which I am very much in favor of), bad calls, terrible commentators, incomprehensible TV twists, bad uniforms, those who don’t appreciate good music, politics, stupid fans, silly traditions, inane rules….you get the idea.  I am Mad Adam.

The gracious, yet logic deficient Ed Honcho, has asked that I occasionally drop by this site and let all of you know what I am currently mad about.  I appreciate the forum and the opportunity to vent.  I would be remiss if I did not kick things off with a mailbag devoted to my legions of fans and their questions.  So, without further ado, away we go…..

Q: Did you see the Patriots throw a deep pass with only 30 seconds to go this past weekend when they were up 31 – 14 on the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets? How did that make you feel? Cuz, I will tell you how it made me feel.  It made me feel like punching Tom Brady in his pretty face and defecating on Bill Belichik’s car.

- Francis Anastasio, Elizabeth, New Jersey

A: Francis, or can I call you Frank? No? OK. Francis, you could not be more right (except the part about shitting on his car, which is a tad bit weird). Not since Michael Bay decided to have “ghetto” robots in the newest Transformers movie have I seen such a brash and uncalled for decision.

What is he hoping to accomplish?  By kicking the Jets when they are down, does he hope to draw attention away from the most colossal coaching mistake in his career from the week prior against the Colts? By allowing a long pass to Randy Moss did he hope to show that Moss does in fact own Darrelle Revis? (if so, too bad, because Moss turned in a pedestrian 5 catches for 34 yards against my boy Revis).

Or is this just one more bully move by a guy that thinks he is God, but is in fact still the same a-hole that could not turn around the Browns and WHO WALKED OUT ON THE JETS IN 1999 A DAY AFTER TAKING THE HEAD COACHING JOB? What a loser. I HATE that guy. And, I really hate those spy-gate cheating, pretty boy Pats(ies).

Q: How are you feeling about the Lakers so far?

- Bonita Benson, Culver City, California

A: In a word….AWESOME.  So far, Khlomar has not been a distraction.  The return of Gasol has transformed the team.  Ron Artest is playing within the system and has not punched Nicholson in the face on his way down the court yet. And Kobe? Well, he is busy doing work.

Since the Lakers’ Western Conference coronation is all but assured, let’s turn to the more important issue.  Will those turd burgers from Boston make an appearance and get the whupping they deserved two years ago? As of this writing they are 10-4, and look pretty good (for a team in puke green adorned with a picture of a leprechaun sporting a vest, hat and bow-tie covered in freaking shamrocks).  I don’t want another beat-down on Orlando.  I want Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and “look at me I am yelling a lot, I must be really intense” Kevin Garnett to face the music like they did in 1985 and 1987 when Magic and crew beat Bird and his brigade of losers (like Kevin “the Armpits” McHale and Robert “Reefer” Parrish). SCREW THE CELTICS!

Q: When are you going to talk about the Sooners? Texas Tech destroyed Stoops and company and the crowd turned the House of Pain “Jump Around” into an anti-Sooner anthem.  And, don’t forget Capel’s b-ball team that got rocked by the VCU Rams, his former team.  Seriously, did you jump off a cliff this weekend?

- Rusty Jackson, Texhoma, Texas

A: I am typing out this response from the rather large ravine that I did indeed toss myself into after the collective DUMP THAT OU TOOK ON ME THIS WEEKEND.  This is the kind of showing that makes you want to give up sports.

That raises the issue.  Is it possible to really give up on your favorite team?  I say no.  The first time I ever tried to do it was when I was 8 years old and the Dodgers were on a serious losing streak. I declared that I was no longer a fan of Dodger blue and tried to become a Cincinnati Reds fan.  However, each morning when I would look through the box scores in the local paper I found my gaze straying from the Reds to find out what the Dodgers had done the night before. The reason?  If you are a true fan, you can NEVER give up on your team.  Even when they TEAR OUT YOUR HEART, LIKE OU DID TO ME THIS WEEKEND.

Did I kinda avoid answering your questions Rusty? You bet. Stay tuned, though, because if those goat loving, tobacco chewing troglodytes from Stillwater win Bedlam this weekend, then I may have to dedicate an entire column to how FREAKING BAD THIS OU FOOTBALL SEASON HAS REALLY BEEN.

Q: So, how about Les Miles and his clock management skills?

- Earl Papadeaux, Natchez, Louisiana

A: Oh, how I detest Les Miles.  What an overrated, egotistical, arrogant insipid little man crowned with an ill-fitting hat. How many times must he do something like this before Tiger Nation rises up and says enough is enough.  The LSU school newspaper, “The Daily Reveille” is calling for the firing of offensive coordinator Gary Crowton over this debacle.

First, “The Daily Reveille,” really? I had to look up “reveille” to even know what the students there are referencing.  It is a bugle call associated with the military.  So, the newspaper is a daily bugle call.   Whatever.

Second, firing the offensive coordinator is completely missing the point.  Did anyone see Les Miles’ patented “deer in headlights” look as the precious seconds ticked away in the game against Ole Miss? He was befuddled, bamboozled and flummoxed all at the same time. This man could not coach his way out of a paper bag when decisions that are tougher than what to eat after the game are on the line.  Speaking of food…

Q: Don’t you think that Mark Mangino is just mean, mean, mean!

- Dolores Bitterbottom, Mulberry, Kansas

A: Look, I have had my share of crude talking insensitive coaches.  Heck, it is really part of the job description as far as I can tell.  Reminds me of a funny story.  Ed Honcho and I used to have a baseball coach that referred to him as “Colonel Sanders” because he was too “chicken” to get down on the ball when fielding grounders in practice.  That was funny. What Mangino (allegedly) has been doing?  Not cool.

When a college student confides in a coach about his alcoholic father, that should remain between him and the coach. Same thing with a player that tells coach about his brother getting shot in the neighborhood he grew up in .  To use that information against the players is the sign of a man that has lost touch with reality.  He is not breaking players down and then building them up.  He is just breaking them.

While we are on the subject, I am wondering if any Jayhawk ever gave it back to the coach? In case they have not, and current Jayhawks are looking for some ideas, here is my humble proposal for a dialogue with Mangino:

Mangino – “Hey, stop loafing WR!  You keep that up and you will wind up on welfare and turning tricks in an alley for crack cocaine like that story about your mom you shared with me in a closed door meeting the other day.”

WR – “Hey Coach.  Here’s a thought.  Maybe you should drop your daily caloric intake by, I don’t know, maybe 40,000 calories.  Seriously, do you really need that entire rack of ribs to go with your 22 ounce steak, double cheese-burger and fried okra covered in brown gravy?  I’m just looking out for you.  Well, I am also looking out for the players that keep getting hit by one of your 17 chins when you move suddenly on the sideline.”

Q: How about Jimmy Clausen getting cold-cocked by an angry Irish fan at local bar?

- Gaye Barr, Elkhart, Indiana

A: This had to be the first time anything associated with the Irish was on target this whole season.  My only question is why not track down and punch Charlie Weis?  The guy is pushing 3 bills and his knees are shot.  There is no way he could get away quickly enough to avoid a total pummeling. (please note that Mad Adam, while prone to fits of anger, does not condone nor promote violence against athletes and/or coaches….you know, unless they really deserve it).

Q: As an unabashed fan of front-running, big money teams like the Lakers and Sooners, is it any surprise that you’ve recently declared yourself a Manchester City fan? And even though you’ll do your best to spin the answer, it’s mostly rhetorical, as the indisputable answer is “no.”

- Ed Honcho, Sunbathing on the French Riviera

A: Nice try Ed.  You are clearly trying to bait me into a fit of rage.  However, unlike Tila Tequila, I am not that easy.  You see, what you are failing to tell our readers is that it is “undisputable” that I became a fan of the Blues prior to September 2008 when Man City was purchased by the Abu Dhabi United Group, making it the wealthiest club in the world.

Which means that I became a fan of Man City, a team that has not won silverware since 1976, before this fortuitous twist transformed them into the Champions League chasing team they are today.  So, SUCK IT ED.  Seriously.

Q: Is it true that you’ve been in the same fantasy football league for almost 20 years and never won?

- Bjorn Bjornssen, Hammerfest, Norway

A: Bjorn, now I am starting to get pissed.  Your “source” is mistaken.  Allow me to provide you a history lesson. Yes, I have been in the same fantasy football league since 1988.  In fact, Ed Honcho, myself and friends may have indeed invented fantasy football.

No, it is NOT true that I have failed to ever be crowned champion.  My team has a long and storied history.  I consistently make the playoffs, and I have been in not one, not two, but THREE championship games.  Several years ago Ed Honcho and I squared off in the championship game.  The game ended in a tie according to an on-line fantasy sports site that will not be named.  Incredibly, after nearly two decades of fantasy sports our collective group had never devised a tie-breaker scenario.  So, we declared a tie and the championship was split between Mad Adam and Ed Honcho.

Now things get interesting.  Approximately 6 months later, one of our friends and fellow fantasy owner, we will call him “ass-wipe,” decided to peruse the web-site because he had nothing better to do.  He was surprised to see that the CRAPPY, STUPID AND PROFESSIONALLY NEGLIGENT web-site that shall not be named had changed the score for Jeff Garcia (my starting QB at the time) by one measly STUPID point.  Ass-wipe decides to share this information with the league.  The result? Years of bickering and a COMPLETELY FALSE AND WHOLLY UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIM of an undisputed and sole championship by Ed.

Many of you may ask, and rightly so, how in the world can you change the score of a fantasy sports championship MONTHS after the fact?  Isn’t that like tuning in for the Super Bowl and watching the Pats lose to the Giants, only to find out the following summer that the NFL had changed its mind and declared that the David Tyree “helmet catch” was an incompletion and the Pats actually won?  Good point.  And Bjorn, you no fantasy knowledge having dude from Hammerfest, did you stop to ask what would have happened if we applied the tie-breaking rules we have today?  No? Well, let me tell you what would have happened. I WOULD HAVE WON.  And, what would have happened if we played the next week (since we tabulated the points just to see)?….wait for it….that’s right….. I WOULD HAVE WON.

Dammit.  Now my blood pressure is though the roof.  Bjorn, I am sure you can see from the foregoing synopsis that in fact I DID WIN A FREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP.  And, if you don’t agree with me then you CAN JUST ENJOY YOUR CITY WHICH REEKS OF REINDEER MANURE.  That’s right, I said it.

Q: Why so angry? Childhood trauma? Life stacked against you? What?

- Adolfo Ocampo, Ushuaia, Argentina

A: As I am sure you can see from the questions posed by some ingrates above, as well as the other stupid topics that got me riled up, there are plenty of reasons I am angry.  SO, STICK YOUR POP PSYCHOLOGY UP YOUR ASS ADOLFO.  I will be sure to call if I ever need your attention.  Don’t hold your breath in the meantime.

Thank you loyal readers.  Until next time, keep watching sports and DON’T PISS ME OFF!!!

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Ole Miss!

Address: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, the United States (Zip code: 38655)