The Foundation for Individual Rights has announced that the University of Minnesota, in response to a letter from FIRE, promised that “[n]o University policy or practice ever will mandate any particular beliefs, or screen out people with ‘wrong beliefs’ from the University.” The FIRE letter was prompted by a proposal for the university’s school of education, to be voted on in January, that would require all ed students to study “white privilege, hegemonic masculinity, heteronormativity, and internalized oppression.” NAS wrote about it here.

FIRE is cautiously optimistic about the university’s response. While warning that “The next version of the college’s plans must reflect this promise,” it has declared a victory for freedom of conscience.

The letter from General Counsel Mark B. Rotenberg, however, gives cause for continuing concern. Rotenberg asserts that the university holds the right, under academic freedom, to “engage in creative thinking, dialogue, and advocacy with respect to a broad range of ideas for improving P-12 education.” He added, “Academic freedom means little if our teaching faculty is inhibited from discussing and proposing curriculum innovations simply because others find them ‘illiberal’ or ‘unjust.’”

Rotenberg is right to praise the exchange of different and competing viewpoints. But U Minnesota needs to be more thoughtful about its proposals. Even illiberal brainstorming can take root when it results in public documents ready for approval. Take Virginia Tech, for example. Its  College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences recently came out with a “Strategic Diversity Plan” that aimed to put in systems for logrolling; provide incentives (some monetary) for faculty and staff to take part in diversity activities and for departments to make faculty hires; implement College-wide diversity course requirements; and enact racial preferences in spite of a Virginia Tech ban on affirmative action.

It is not clear what bureaucratic hurtles remain for the Diversity Plan’s approval or when it is likely to be granted (although the general CLAHS Strategic Plan has already endorsed the Diversity Plan), but it is clear that such a plan, if approved, will leave Virginia Tech’s intellectual integrity in ruins.

So no, proposing illiberal or unjust “curriculum innovations” is not as benign as Rotenberg would like it to sound. But for now, we join with FIRE in encouragement over the University of Minnesota’s promises not to mandate particular points of view.

Is giving people an open forum always a good idea? (idiot warning)

Terrible fatherly advice…

Elmer’s Glue and eyes: a horrible combination…

Ladies, a warning: DO NOT reject this man’s affection…

Back in March, I received a leaked copy of a plan for one of the colleges at Virginia Tech.  It was a new set of guidelines for faculty promotion and tenure that would require every candidate to compile an annual record of “demonstrated” diversity accomplishments.  Other Virginia Tech documents spelled out in detail what would pass muster as a diversity accomplishment.  The new rules were intended to apply to the classroom, research, publication, faculty involvement with student activities, and everything else that faculty members might do.

I raised a fuss through the National  Association of Scholars website, and other organizations, including FIRE and ACTA joined in.  Eventually, the Virginia Tech board and the president backed down.  But after the furor subsided the president and other officials made clear that their commitment to a comprehensive diversity regime at this state university was unchanged.

Now comes a new document, a “Strategic Diversity Plan,” for Virginia Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.  I got this one by internal leak as well, but it has subsequently been posted publicly.

Should anyone much care what is happening at this large and pretty ordinary university in southern Virginia?  I suppose the taxpayers of Virginia should have some interest.  But the matter does seem to deserve a some broader attention if for one reason:  it is about as well-documented a case as we are ever likely to see of a university in the grip of a race preference ideology attempting to enforce that ideology over everyone and everything in its reach.  Nothing is too large (creation of whole new departments), or too small (flyers to be inserted in packets for job applicants) to escape the diversiphiles at Virginia Tech—and they propose to fund their whole enterprise not with line items in the budget, but with a fixed percentage of the whole budget!

Ashley Thorne and I have pored over the “Strategic Diversity Plan” and “fisked” it, i.e. added a critical commentary inside the original text:  http://www.nas.org/polArticles.cfm?Doc_Id=1133. Last week we summarized the developments leading up to this new plan:   http://www.nas.org/polArticles.cfm?Doc_Id=1131.

It’s hard to say whether this sort of effort on our part has any practical benefit.  Virginia Tech and a great many other colleges and universities are scudding along with their racial preference regimes (and other forms of diversity that likewise debase the academic mission) without serious public opposition.  But I do like the idea that we have paid attention and not just let this stuff settle in as though it made good sense and wise policy.

2009-10 NCAA College Football Computer Simulated Playoffs

Round One

The opening round of the computer simulated playoffs are in the books, and four teams have advanced to the quarterfinals to play the top four seeds, all of whom received first round byes.

For a better understanding of these playoffs, see my December 7, 2009, post.  In the opening round, the four bowls hosting these games were the Outback Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Holiday Bowl, and Gator Bowl.  

In the Outback Bowl, #5-Seed Florida did nothing offensively in the first half against #12 seed LSU, but the Gators outscored the Tigers 13-3 in the second half to win 16-9.

In the Alamo Bowl,  #6 Boise State started the game with a nine play, 80-yard touchdown drive and never looked back in t 34-13 win over  #11 Virginia Tech. 

In the Holiday Bowl,  #7 Oregon scored two touchdowns in the final 6:41 to come back and beat #10 Iowa 27-19.

In the Gator Bowl, #9 Georgia Tech rushed for 145 yards in the first quarter while building a 14-0 lead over #8 Ohio State and then held on as the Buckeyes rallied in the second half to make it a 30-24 final

Here are the statistics for the games:

Outback Bowl

Alamo Bowl

Holiday Bowl

Gator Bowl

Quarterfinal Round

In the next round, #5 Florida takes on #4 T C U in the Cotton Bowl; #6 Boise State plays #3 Cincinnati in the Capital One Bowl; #7 Oregon plays #2 Texas in the Rose Bowl; and #9 Georgia Tech plays #1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

These games would be the four New Year’s Day Bowl Games.  Wouldn’t it be great when all four January 1 bowls would actually mean something and guarantee that every game contributed to the real National Championship?

Check back on January 2 for results of the college football Elite Eight.

The following teams have been added to the Watch List:

• Baylor
• Brigham Young
• Charlotte
• Georgetown
• Kansas State
• Kentucky
• Marshall
• Miami (FL)
• Mississippi
• Missouri State
• New Mexico
• Northwestern
• Oklahoma State
• Purdue
• Rhode Island
• Saint John’s
• Saint Mary’s
• Seton Hall
• Southern Miss
• Texas
• Texas Tech
• Tulsa
• UAB
• Virginia Tech
• Western Carolina
• Wichita State

Of course it’s early in the season and these teams are by no means locks to make the NCAA tournament but all above have 0 or 1 loss through 12/21/09.

Every one is talking about change these days. As a serial entrepreneur who would like to position our nation’s capital as the technology hub and center for entrepreneurship, I have been thinking of the changes I would like to see take place.

My proposed changes are based on my educational and professional background as a Washingtonian since 1986 – working for startups like Yurie Systems (acquired by Lucent for $1.23 Billion in 1998), Newbridge Networks (acquired by Alcatel for $440 million in 1999), working for a several government contractors, and dealing with a wide range of both venture capitalists and angel investors while raising a total of $7 million for my two internet businesses B2B telecom marketplace Telezoo in 1999 and social media & search company Searchles in 2006.

Let me address the problems first before I start talking change.

If you contact our census bureau, they will tell you that DC has the second highest technology population after Silicon Valley. In addition, we have the nation’s highest concentration of advanced and post graduate degrees – meaning there are more entrepreneurs in DC with advanced degrees than in Silicon Valley. So then, why are Washingtonians not even close to Silicon Valley in terms of technology, funded startups, and investment opportunities? Three reasons:

1. Our local media companies have not been particularily supportive of the little startups these past ten years. Take the Washington Post as a classic example – they don’t provide enough coverage of our local small ventures. They mostly cover the big boys with deeper pockets, possibly in anticipation of future advertising revenue. And when they do cover a couple of the larger players like Sprint Nextel or AOL, their coverage is hardly positive. They do a good job covering government contractors though, which I think explains why 80% of all businesses in our town originate from the US government and why our government ends up buying products and services that are “proven” and have been operational for years.

The other reason I think our local media holds back from covering the little guys is their bad experience from covering startups prior to the 2001 bubble. We all know what happened then – most of them ended up shutting down. Our media may have simply concluded that it wasn’t worth their while covering startups with no future. If that is the case, it is worth noting that the same situation existed in Silicon Valley during the Web 1.0 era. But you didn’t see it stop their local media from covering the startups popping up throughout their region.

2. Our VC (Venture Capital) Community has never been as involved with their portfolio companies. Their classic mistake is asking entrepreneurs the financial and business model question during the very first meeting.

Don’t bother. Most first-time, young entrepreneurs lack business and financial experience. They typically have an idea and have built only the prototype. If interested, like most VCs in Silicon Valley, you need to a) Do your own part to evaluate the market and its potential for the product, and b) Tap into your rolodex and help them bring in the business-minded management team to execute the company’s vision. This way, the entrepreneur/founder focuses on the technology. So, spare them the business questions. Unless they intend to stay as the CEO or you intend for them to stay on as the CEO.

3. There have been only a few great local entrepreneurs from Web 1.0 era like Mark Walsh, Steve Case and Doug Humphrey helping new entrepreneurs in the Web 2.0 climate, but given the number of potential entrepreneurs our local schools – University of Maryland, the George Washington University, Virginia Tech – matriculate annually, we need many more successful mentors active in the community. This “grooming” deficit has contributed to a shortage in quality managers who are supposed to run our region’s emerging growth companies.

I believe a combination of these factors have been killing the culture of risk that existed in the 80’s and 90’s in the DC area. We tend to be more conservative on this cost anyway – it doesn’t help that a budding entrepreneur coming out of our finest universities has to weigh the benefits of operating solo in this unpromising environment with tossing his/her hat in with an established firm offering a good starting salary. Referring to my earlier comment about DC with highest concentration in the country of advanced and post graduate degrees compare to the people in Silicon Valley, think about it. Why would someone who has invested many years of his or her life in an advanced degree program, wants to risk it to start a new company as supposed to working for a well established company with a much higher pay. It is easier for a person to take such risk if he/she has not gone through all that years of schooling. just a thought.

In terms of a solution, we need some robust team work between our universities, VCs, local media, bloggers and the Gov 2.0 folks. Here is my message to each one of them:

1. Local media – in particular, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, and Washingtonians – large and small alike – need to place more value on coverage of startups. They may not have the advertising dollars to help your revenue stream initially, but with your support, many of them will in future. So, think big PLEASE. We need you as much as you need us.

2. The VC community needs to lighten focus on Excel spread sheets and la-la land exit strategies and hone in on ideas, technology, market potential and entrepreneurial je ne sais quoi. Do your homework on our inventions and craft your own analysis of its business potential. Then, use your own business and financial experience to identify key executive hires like the CEO, CFO and VP of sales. As an entrepreneur – particularly a first time entrepreneur – don’t depend on our vision of an exit strategy to close your deal. We have probably never done it, and are dreaming a Google dream on your dime.

3. Washingtonian Bloggers… if our online media and VCs drop the ball, it is your job and mine to create the buzz desperately needed by our startups – blog, baby, blog. Stay positive though. We need to work with our local universities on this.

4. Local universities – particularity the University of Maryland, the George Washington University, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University – all offer some sort of entrepreneurial program. Well, please ramp it up. I myself am a member of the GWU NAC (George Washington University National Advisory Council) and am working on several initiatives on this matter.

5. Washingtonian Gov 2.0 gurus – Mark Drapeau, Alec Ross, Federal CIO Vivek Kundra and Federal CTO Aneesh Chopra – you heard the problem. There’s a way to figure out how Gov 2.0 efforts and initiatives can fundamentally shake up DC’s startup environment, and there are some best-practice examples across the country for you to draw on. Do it quickly and efficiently please. Our region needs an injection of entrepreneurial opportunity, fast.

I look forward to working with all of you to make our nation’s capital a truly Awesome technology town.

For start, someone has to tell our DC CTO, Chris Willey to smile a little bit when giving speech in front of a large audience or speak with enthusiasm as supposed putting them to sleep

Create Digital Music Wrote a semi guide for Linux music creation and interaction after interviewing the L2Ork group. L2Ork is a Virginia Tech based Orchestra that use only laptops loaded with a custom Linux kernel, Wii remotes, and home built speaker salad bowls to produce some surprisingly amazing music. We’ve seen music creation from Wii Remotes before, but it didn’t sound anything like what L2Ork has created. The best part of the project, there are several videos and guides produced by L2Ork so you don’t have to attend Virginia Tech to produce your own music.

After more than a month-long hiatus, College FootBlog is back and ready for this year’s bowl season.  On December 29th, the ACC’s Miami Hurricanes (9-3) will take on the Big Ten’s Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) in the Champs Sports Bowl.  In this match up, the ‘Canes will look to show the college football world that they were overlooked for a New Year’s Day bowl, while the Badgers will try to redeem themselves after getting blown out by Florida State in their bowl game last season.

College FootBlog will break down this match up, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and will conclude with a score prediction.

Quarterback Jacory Harris will try to use his weapons at WR against the Badgers (google images)

Miami

Strengths:  With sophomore Jacory Harris as the trigger man, the Hurricane’s passing attack has put up some big numbers in 2009.  After splitting time with Robert Marve last season, Harris has really developed since taking over as the full-time QB.

His corps of receivers has helped as well.  Junior wideout Leonard Hankerson leads the group with 773 yards and six touchdowns on the season, and if Laron Byrd can come up with 69 yards and Travis Benjamin can come up with ten yards, the ‘Canes would finish the season with three WR’s with at least 500 yards on the year.

Key Concern:  Despite having a ton of speed and athleticism, Miami has been very inconsistent on defense.  The ‘Canes rank 25th in yards per game on defense, they have given up some points.  In fact, the ‘Canes have given up over thirty points four times this season.

The bright side for Miami in this match up is their ability to stop the run, led by linebacker Colin McCarthy.

Wisconsin

Strengths:  As sophomore running back John Clay goes, so does the Badgers’ offense.  The bruising 248-pound back enters this bowl game just four yards shy of 1,400 and has rushed for 16 TD’s on the year.  Clay has enjoyed another great year, following the traditional stellar offensive line that consistently produces NFL talent.  

At 248 pounds, John Clay is a load coming out of the Wisconsin backfield (google images)

Key Concerns:  At nearly 220 yards passing allowed per game, the Badgers have not exactly been stingy this year, especially considering the Big Ten is not known for throwing the football around.

Wisconsin ranks 66th nationally against the pass, and despite shutting down pass-happy Hawaii and limiting them to ten points and 214 total yards, the Badger defensive backs will face much more speed than they have seen so far this season.

The Badgers will need a big day from their secondary if they want to stay in this game.

Wisconsin Offense vs. Miami Defense

Although Miami has seen a couple of dominant running teams this season in Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, they have not faced an offensive line like this.  Look for the ‘Canes to stack the box and force quarterback Scott Tolzien to beat them. 

Still, Clay will easily eclipse the 1,400 yard mark on the season, and he should make a real run at 1,500.  Slight EDGE:  Wisconsin

Miami Offense vs. Wisconsin Defense

As previously mentioned, the Wisconsin secondary should have their hands full with the speed and the talent that the ‘Canes possess at wide receiver.  The silver lining for the Badgers could be that Miami’s senior offensive tackle Jason Fox is out for this game. 

The Badgers will have to get pressure on Jacory Harris, or it will be a very long day.  Mix in Graig Cooper’s receiving ability out of the backfield, and Miami could score and score quickly.  EDGE:  Miami

Special Teams

The big difference here could be the return men.  Wisconsin’s David Gilreath is a dangerous returner on kick offs and punts.  Miami counters will very dangerous tandem of Travis Benjamin and Graig Cooper.   Both kickers, Miami’s Matt Bosher and Wiconsin’s Phillip Welch have been solid this season as well.  Slight EDGE:  Miami

Prediction

The Big Ten had another let down of a season in ‘09, but the ACC didn’t exactly light things up this year, either.  Wisconsin was supposed to have the big advantage last year against Florida State with their ability to run the football.  Things did not go so well for the Badgers, as the Seminoles rolled to a 42-13 win.

Like last year’s match up, the Badgers will likely have a difficult time keeping up with Miami’s speed on offense.  Wisconsin has shown that they can be vulnerable to the pass, and they could be facing the best passing offense they have gone against in a couple years.  Look for Miami to roll.  Score Prediction:  Miami 34, Wisconsin 17

I am sorry I haven’t been writing as much- I moved into a new apartment and it was finals week. But I’m home now, so I have time!

I worked pretty hard this week on a final in my community health class. One of the short papers I had to write was about racism and pregnancy outcomes. Here’s one of the clips we watched in class, from the PBS series “Unnatural Causes”

I can’t wait to see the whole thing. More clips from this episode can be found here, which I hope you will watch.

Other than learning about that, the suicide rates of veterans, FERPA and Virginia Tech, and occupational health hazards, I’ve had a fairly low-stress week. I turned 20, which is a big milestone for me. My boyfriend took me to see the seals outside the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, and then we went back to Lowell to watch some episodes of Twin Peaks Much better than last year’s birthday, where I returned to our ice storm-stricken North Central MA (for the record, I did lose power again right after I wrote that). We’re expecting another big snow storm here, which is exciting because my snowshoes have been looking at me anxiously and my skis are tired of being in the closet, and my brother is on a train home from his law school right now. My sister and her husband will be joining us in a few days.

Happy holidays, everyone!

-Althea

Bowl season gets underway Saturday with the first of 34 bowl games.  Damn, that’s 68 bowl bids.  I guess when a team loads up on FCS and Sun Belt teams in the nonconference, being bowl eligible doesn’t mean much.  But here we are anyway, and I’ll attempt to pick all 34, though I will likely only watch about half of them.

New Mexico Bowl – Fresno State vs Wyoming
Fresno finished strong with a dramatic overtime win over Illinois in Champaign.  A loaded schedule included losses to Wisconsin, Cincinnati and Boise State, but that should have them ready.  Props for Dave Christensen for getting Wyoming back to a bowl in his first season.
Pick:  Fresno State

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl – Central Florida vs Rutgers
When Rutgers lost by 32 at home to Cincinnati in week one, things weren’t looking good.  But the Scarlet Knights pulled it together and finished 8-4 in a surprisingly competitive Big East.  However, Central Florida basically has a home game here, and containing Tim Brown’s big play ability will be key.  Rutgers’ D ranks 99th.
Pick:  Central Florida

New Orleans Bowl – Southern Mississippi vs Middle Tennessee State
Sub Belt runner-up Middle Tennessee’s lone conference loss was to Troy, and 9-3 should be considered a success.  Al logic says pick the Blue Raiders, but I’m going against my logic on this.  Southern Mississippi had some heartbreaking losses against good teams, which will ultimately have them prepared for this game.
Pick:  Southern Mississippi

Las Vegas Bowl – Oregon State vs BYU
The Beavers were just a few plays away from playing Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.  Instead, they settle for Vegas and a great matchup with BYU.  The Beavers played five teams in the top 25, while the Cougars played just two.  Max Hall should have fun with the Beaver defense, but Oregon State will win a high-scoring game.
Pick:  Oregon State

Poinsettia Bowl – Utah vs California
Jahvid Best should be ready for this game, but how well he will do coming back from the concussion is unknown.  The Golden Bears, ranked as high as #6 earlier this year, fell after back to back blowout losses mid-season.  Utah’s defense is #20 in the country, while Cal ranks at #70.
Pick:  Utah

Sheraton Bowl – Nevada vs SMU
SMU will snap its 25 year bowl drought when it takes the field in Honolulu on Christmas Eve to play Nevada.  The Wolfpack got hot at the end of the season, winning eight of their final nine after an 0-3 start.  SMU will be happy to be here.  Nevada isn’t leaving without a win.
Pick:  Nevada

Little Caesars Bowl – Marshall vs Ohio
One of only two bowls north of the Mason Dixon line takes place in Detroit between two virtually equal teams.  Marshall is 6-6 but has played a tougher schedule.  Ohio is 9-4 after a MAC Championship loss to Central Michigan.  Ohio did play Tennessee and UConn tough.
Pick:  Ohio

Meineke Car Care Bowl – Pittsburgh vs North Carolina
Like Oregon State, Pittsburgh has to be crushed knowing that an Orange Bowl date with Georgia Tech was probably one or two plays away.  After a heartbreaking loss to Cincinnati, the Panthers settle for a “neutral” site game in Charlotte with the Heels.  Carolina’s defense will keep it close, but the ‘Heels just can’t score.
Pick:  Pittsburgh

Emerald Bowl – Boston College vs USC
I’m really entertained to see what the line on this game will turn out to be.  Right now it’s USC -9, and I’ll take the Trojans to cover.  Boston College has a terrible offense, and USC’s defense can be good despite some poor games.  This is a weird bowl to see USC playing in, and you know they are peeved about it.  Watch out BC.
Pick:  USC

Music City Bowl – Kentucky vs Clemson
Clemson, suffering from the Pitt/Oregon State virus, will have to watch their team take on a -not-as-good-as-their-record Kentucky team.  I’ve thought the ‘Cats were overrated all year, and Clemson has a chance to prove me right.  Kentucky’s rush D is ranked #100.  C.J. Spiller will have a field day.
Pick:  Clemson

Independence Bowl – Texas A&M vs Georgia
The interesting matchup here is Georgia’s fairly good defense against Texas A&M’s explosive offense.  The Aggies lit up Texas’ third ranked D and can do it again when they play the Bulldogs.  But the Aggie defense is awful, and Georgia should have its chances to score as well.
Pick:  Georgia

EagleBank Bowl – UCLA vs Temple
Games like this are the toughest to pick.  UCLA is 6-6, but with the #11 schedule in the nation.  Temple is 9-3, but had the sixth easiest schedule.  UCLA’s offense is ranked #88.  Temple’s is #89.  UCLA’s defense is #39, Temple’s is #37.  I’ll take the Bruins because of the schedule.
Pick:  UCLA

Champs Sports Bowl – Miami vs Wisconsin
Another game with no distinct advantage is a good one which features two 9-3 teams.  Wisconsin’s loss to Northwestern cost them their shot at a New Year’s Day bowl game despite a better overall record than the Wildcats.  Jacory Harris will make enough plays to push the ‘Canes to victory in their home state.
Pick:  Miami

Humanitarian Bowl – Bowling Green vs Idaho
Idaho fans were on a roller coaster early this season with the team’s 6-1 start.  But that vanished after the Vandals lost four of their final five, and they limp into Boise, where they lost on the same field by 38.  This time, Tyler Sheehan and Bowling Green are the opponents.  Limiting Sheehan’s big plays will be key for Idaho.
Pick:  Idaho

Holiday Bowl – Arizona vs Nebraska
Geographically, Arizona has the edge, but Husker fans will travel to watch their near Big 12 champions play.  Both defenses are really good, which is why I think 17 points may be enough.  The difference is that Arizona can score, and has, against good teams.  The Huskers haven’t shown consistent offense all season.
Pick:  Arizona

Armed Forces Bowl – Houston vs Air Force
The Armed Forces have their team, the Falcons, in this game.  Awaiting the Falcons is the #1 offense in the nation – the Houston Cougars.  Case Keenum and James Cleveland will be faced with its toughest task of the season with the Falcons’ #10 defense.  It’s Keenum’s chance to prove he deserved an invite to New York.
Pick:  Houston

Sun Bowl – Oklahoma vs Stanford
How about this high-profile matchup?  Last year, the final score of the Sun Bowl was 3-0.  This year Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart and the Cardinal will need more than that to beat the Sooners.  Gerhart will look to add to his nation-best 26 touchdowns against the seventh ranked Sooner rush defense.
Pick:  Stanford

Texas Bowl – Navy vs Missouri
Missouri became the first team in college football history to scout its bowl opponent in a live game, as the Army/Navy game took place after the bowl selection process.  It’s Navy’s fourth ranked rush attack vs Missouri’s #12 rush defense.  Navy’s only chance is if they can find a way to pass.
Pick:  Missouri

Insight Bowl – Minnesota vs Iowa State
The Insight Bowl took the Cyclones, who are bowling for the first time since 2001.  That decision makes for a good game.  Neither team’s offense or defense is any good, but the Gophers at least have a respectable defense.  Iowa State can’t stop anyone.
Pick:  Minnesota

Chick-fil-A Bowl – Virginia Tech vs Tennessee
Here’s a game that I don’t think will be close.  Virginia Tech has an outstanding defense, and Tennessee doesn’t do much to move the ball.  The Vols defense may keep it respectable for a while, but eventually Virginia Tech, who was ranked as high as number four even after the ‘Bama loss, will pull away.
Pick:  Virginia Tech

Outback Bowl – Northwestern vs Auburn
Would you believe me if I told you Auburn has played seven top 30 teams?  That’s right, seven.  The Tigers won three of those games, but it’s more about the fact that they played those games that has them prepared for this New Year’s Day dandy.  Northwestern played well at the end of the year and won’t go down without a fight.
Pick:  Auburn

Capital One Bowl – Penn State vs LSU
The best bowl game of the season is in Orlando.  LSU played Florida and Alabama tough, but Penn State will be a monstrous challenge as well.  The Lions’ D is eighth best in the country, and LSU has the twelfth worst offense in the nation.  It’s going to be tough for the Tigers to score.
Pick:  Penn State

Gator Bowl – West Virginia vs Florida State
How ironic is it that Bobby Bowden’s last game is against the team he used to coach?  As fun as the Bowden storyline should be, the Seminoles have no business being in this game.  Other ACC schools (Clemson, Miami) have to be peeved about the ‘Noles getting the Gator bid.
Pick:  West Virginia

International Bowl – South Florida vs Northern Illinois
Sophomore quarterback Chandler Harnish has been very efficient for Northern Illinois, but they haven’t played a team nearly as good as South Florida since a week one loss to Wisconsin.  The Bulls played tough in a good Big East conference.  The only bowl not played in the U.S. should be a fun one.
Pick:  South Florida

Papajohns.com Bowl – South Carolina vs Connecticut
Middle-of-the-pack teams clash in the only bowl named for a pizza.  UConn lost all five games by four points or fewer, which is quite unbelievable when you think about it.  A few bounces going the other way could make this team 12-0.  Four of South Carolina’s five losses came by double digits.
Pick:  Connecticut

Cotton Bowl – Oklahoma State vs Mississippi
Both of these teams started the season in the top 10 and had national championship aspirations.  Jevan Snead was supposed to win the Heisman and go #1.  Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant were supposed to combine to form the best offense in the country.  This is a game of disappointment.
Pick:  Mississippi

Liberty Bowl – Arkansas vs East Carolina
The Pirates were awfully impressive in capturing their second straight Conference USA championship by knocking off Houston.  Their reward is a date with Arkansas.  Ryan Mallett had a heck of a year that went unnoticed because the Hogs lost five games.
Pick:  Arkansas

Alamo Bowl – Michigan State vs Texas Tech
Everyone knew this would be a down year for Texas Tech following the losses of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, but 8-4 is surprisingly respectable for the Red Raiders.  First year starter Taylor Potts threw for more than 3,000 yards, and he’ll have another big game against the Spartans.
Pick:  Texas Tech

GMAC Bowl – Central Michigan vs Troy
Central Michigan’s turnaround led to a MAC championship.  Now Butch Jones is bolting for Cincinnati to fill the void left by Brian Kelly.  Coach or no coach, the Chippewas should have no trouble moving the ball at will against Troy.  Troy has the offense to keep it close, so look for a high-scoring game.
Pick:  Central Michigan

Rose Bowl – Ohio State vs Oregon
Jeremiah Masoli and the Ducks could have folded after losing to Boise State to open the season.  Instead, the Ducks won 10 of 11, dethroned USC to win the Pac 10, and earned a Rose Bowl berth.  Ohio State is on the other end, making this the best BCS game on this year’s slate.
Pick:  Oregon

Sugar Bowl – Cincinnati vs Florida
Tim Tebow lost the game he wanted to win more than anything.  Now he plays his last college game against a team without a coach.  Cincinnati has scored a lot of points on a lot of people, but they haven’t faced a defense like Florida’s.  Tebow won’t let the Gators lose this one.
Pick:  Florida

Fiesta Bowl – Boise State vs TCU
We can talk all we want about the fact that these are two non-BCS teams playing each other, or about them both being undefeated, or about them playing in the national championship game.  But the matchup is what it is, and it should be entertaining.  TCU won last year, and they’ll repeat this year.
Pick:  TCU

Orange Bowl – Iowa vs Georgia Tech
The Hawkeyes were an overtime loss away from winning the Big Ten, but they’ll take their first BCS bowl game since the era began.  Awaiting Iowa and its #11 defense is Georgia Tech’s second ranked rush offense, led by Jonathan Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt.
Pick:  Georgia Tech

BCS National Championship – Alabama vs Texas
Which Texas team will show up?  The Horns that blew out Okie State in Stillwater?  It better be.  The team that “beat” Nebraska?  Stay home.  We know the Tide and Heisman winner Mark Ingram will be there.  Both teams have good enough defenses to keep from getting blown out.  Bottom line: roll Tide.
Pick:  Alabama

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.

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

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I hope you all have the chance to drop in and partake in my vision. I’m just a simple man with a goal to create a menu that offers you all the very best. Believe me, there’s something in here for everyone to enjoy, so next time you have to think about where to dine out next, I think you’ll find the choice is clear. The Carb Factory – Wheat love to see you!

RH

THE DEADLINE FOR THIS APPLICATION HAS PASSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Application Deadline: December 15th at 5 pm

The YMCA at Virginia Tech and VT’s Center for Community Engagement and Community Partnerships (CSECP) have a new AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer position. The volunteer will help build the capacity of local food pantries and hunger relief agencies in the New River Valley by identifying and addressing their needs through the YMCA at VT’s Neighborhood Harvest Program and cultivating partnerships with and among the following constituencies: interested hunger relief agencies/programs, local farmers/residents, and Virginia Tech.

Term of Service: 12 months full-time (Feb 2010-Feb 2011)

Location: Blacksburg VA and the surrounding New River Valley communities

Stipend: Per AmeriCorps VISTA guidelines

Benefits: Per AmeriCorps VISTA benefits (includes health coverage; federal holidays; 10 sick and 10 vacation days; relocation allowance if eligible, choice of $5350 education award or $1200 cash stipend upon completion; mileage reimbursement for work-related travel); housing is provided if desired

Reports to: Garden Coordinator/Neighborhood Harvest Supervisor (YMCA at VT) and Assistant Director for Student Engagement Programs (VT’s CSECP)

General Function:
Build the capacity of hunger relief groups and programs in the New River Valley. The coordinator will identify and address constituent needs through the YMCA at VT’s Neighborhood Harvest Program and other collaborative efforts among interested hunger relief agencies/programs, local farmers/residents, and Virginia Tech.

Principal Activities:
1. Co-facilitate a regional coalition to support and coordinate hunger relief efforts in the New River Valley;
2. Develop and maintain database of hunger relief agencies/programs, food drive efforts, volunteer opportunities, etc. to support all interested constituents within the NRV;
3. Identify and network existing volunteer groups interested in hunger relief efforts;
4. Work with Y Neighborhood Harvest Supervisor to develop and help coordinate, promote, and network locally grown food sources and volunteers to those in need;
5. Facilitate and utilize the Sustainable Food Corps (VT student organization) as a resource of both food and volunteers for the Y Neighborhood Harvest program and the overarching project
6. Cultivate partnerships between hunger relief agencies and VT dining services to facilitate food diversion efforts;
7. Coordinate food safety training programs/presentations to interested constituents

Bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience is preferred.
Cover letter, one page resume, and potential availability for interview on December 16th and 17th should be mailed/emailed to:
Jake Grohs
jrgrohs (at) vt.edu
1250 Litton Reaves Hall (0168)
Blacksburg, VA 24060

Be sure to mention in your cover letter that you found this listing on the Sustainable Food Jobs website!

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

Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

Old Dominion fans, take note! This week our rivalry takes us to the fair state of Virginia, where the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech hope to take home top honors.

Quick Facts

Virginia: University of Virginia or UVA, a public research university in Charlottesville, VA with 13,000 undergraduates.  Mascot is the Cavalier (or Wahoo).
Virginia Tech: The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a public land grant polytech university in  Blacksburg, VA with 24,00 undergraduates. Mascot is the Hokie.

1. Commonwealth Cup / Rivalry Record

Virginia: 3 wins/ 37 wins (5 games tied)
Virginia Tech: 11 wins / 49 wins

Three credits to: No question, Virginia Tech! Good show!

2. Mascot Matchup

Virginia: Officially known as the UVA Cavaliers, for its historical significance, the ladies and gents of Virginia are also known as the Wahoos, for the school’s rallying cry (“wah-hoo-wah!”)
Virginia Tech: The Hokies are also known as the Fighting Gobblers, and are represented by a giant turkey!

Three credits to: Virginia. Amongst these multi-moniker’d rivals, “Wahoo” is just more fun to say.

3. Fun Facts

Virginia: Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA is the only university in the United States to be named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Virginia Tech: Was twice named by Princeton Review as #1 in the Best Campus Food category. No mystery meat here!

Three credits to:  A close one…but we’ll go with Virginia Tech. Never underestimate the value of good food on campus!

4. Ass-Kicking Alumni

Virginia: Katie Couric, Tina Fey, Tiki Barber, Ted Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy
Virginia Tech: Michael Vick, Nikki Giovanni (Professor)

Three credits to: Sorry, Virgina Tech, but Michael Vick is really not helping your case. Virginia knocks this one out of the park!

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

Virginia: 36.7%
Virginia Tech: 65.4%

Three credits to:  Absolutely Virginia.

And the diploma goes to: Virginia! Though the Hokies crush the Cavaliers in football, UVA gets a “wah-hoo-wah” in nearly everything else.

I’m going to discuss the actual basketball played by The Citadel over the past week and a half, including some statistics.  Before I do that, though, I’m going to mention some other statistics…about officials.

On Monday night The Citadel hosted Michigan State at McAlister Field House.  It was good of Tom Izzo to honor a commitment to play the game in Charleston (West Virginia decided to buy its way out of a trip), but I’m guessing he did ask for some big-time officials to work the game, just to make sure that the lead referee wasn’t General Rosa’s brother or something.  That’s fine, and as a result the game was officiated by Karl Hess, Jamie Luckie, and Mike Wood.

If you follow college basketball at all, you probably recognize those names, because they are on television all the time, working games from coast to coast.  They’re certainly on TV more than The Citadel (the MSU game will be the only nationally televised game this season to feature the Bulldogs). 

Mike Wood has actually worked five games in Charleston so far this season, a bit of an oddity.  He called three games at the Charleston Classic, and then worked the Thursday night game between Davidson and The Citadel.  Wood has called two games involving Davidson and two involving Penn State, and all four games were played in Charleston.  He probably did a lot of Christmas shopping on King Street, but he didn’t do any the weekend between the Davidson and MSU games. 

No, on the Saturday after the Davidson game Wood worked the Arkansas Pine Bluff-Michigan game in Ann Arbor; he then flew to Tallahassee to call the Florida International-Florida State game on Sunday before venturing back to Charleston.  The game between the Spartans and Bulldogs was Wood’s 19th of the season.

Wood actually hasn’t worked as many games as either of his Monday night colleagues.  Both Karl Hess and Jamie Luckie were working their 21st game of the season that night.  Hess had been in Washington, DC, on Sunday, calling Villanova-Maryland; the game in Charleston was his fourth in four days and his seventh in eight days.  However, Luckie had actually been a touch busier, as he was calling his tenth game in eleven days.  Luckie had been in Blacksburg on Sunday to call Georgia-Virginia Tech.

In terms of number of games officiated, the contrast between those three officials and the trio who worked the game on Saturday between Georgia Southern and The Citadel is stark.  Bill Cheek, John Corio, and Robert Robinson combined have worked only eleven games, just more than half of the total worked by Luckie (and Hess) alone.

This leads me to mention the difference in officiating in lower-echelon conferences between games played on weekdays and those on weekends.  During the week, there aren’t as many games played every night, because there are five days in which most schools will play just once.  However, on weekends there are obviously just two days, and most schools play on either Saturday or Sunday.  

The big-time officials follow the money, naturally, and the BCS leagues have the most money, so guys like Hess and Wood will work ACC or Big East games during the weekend, leaving lower-profile officials for leagues like the SoCon or the Big South.  On weeknights, it’s different; you might see one of those guys or some other TV-star ref working in the smaller conferences, because there aren’t as many games in the larger conferences on that particular night.

The quality of officiating in leagues like the Southern Conference is thus wildly variable, depending on what day a game is played.  I think this is a problem.  I don’t believe it’s a good idea for some of these guys to work so many games, either, although I can’t really fault them for doing so — they’re independent contractors, trying to make a living. 

What I would like to see is a system where a league like the SoCon can count on at least one quality veteran ref for all of its games.  This would probably mean the NCAA would have to get involved, which I realize wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing, but ultimately I think there needs to be an adjustment made in the way officials are assigned to contests. 

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The first game in the recent five-game homestand for The Citadel was a 69-37 pummeling of UVA-Wise, an NAIA school that was no match for the Bulldogs.  The game didn’t really do much for The Citadel, although it’s a win, and every win counts.  The defense was excellent throughout; the offense was okay but not great.  Not much else to say about that game, really.

The next night, The Citadel defeated Central Connecticut State 67-53, pulling away late in the contest.  This was a slowly-paced game (CCSU had only 53 possessions) in which the Blue Devils played zone and dared the Bulldogs to beat them from outside.  CCSU actually led at halftime, but the strategy couldn’t hold up for 40 minutes. 

Zach Urbanus was 7-13 from beyond the arc, and Cosmo Morabbi added four three-pointers of his own.  Cameron Wells had nine assists against only one turnover.  Statistically, the defense for the Bulldogs was average; perhaps playing the second game of a back-to-backer was an issue.  The Citadel also got lucky (or rather, CCSU was unlucky) in that Devil starting guard Shemik Thompson was injured and unable to play.

On Saturday, The Citadel got blitzed by a barrage of three-pointers by Davidson and lost, 74-61.  The Wildcats scored 74 points in only 61 possessions, which isn’t easy to do, but then again converting 15 three-pointers during a game isn’t easy to do either.  Six of those shots from beyond the arc came from William Archambault, who two nights later against the College of Charleston would go 0-5 from three-point land.  Against The Citadel, Davidson shot 56% from outside the line; against the Cougars the Wildcats were 4-24. 

I thought The Citadel didn’t defend that badly along the perimeter, but Davidson made its shots anyway.  That kind of thing happens sometimes, and you just hope that if it happens to your team, that the squad is good enough to hang on against the onslaught and survive.  Michigan State faced something similar in the early going against the Bulldogs (when five different players hit three-pointers before the first TV timeout), but MSU’s clear physical superiority eventually won out.  The Citadel doesn’t have the luxury of a margin for error, though.

Georgia Southern is rebuilding under new coach Charlton Young, and he’s got a bit of a job to do.  GSU has little size (at least, among its regulars in the rotation) and doesn’t shoot well from outside.  Thus, Young and the Eagles try to scramble the game.  However, against The Citadel all that scrambling resulted in only eight turnovers by the Bulldogs.  The Citadel ran its offense well, got plenty of open looks from outside and was 10-22 from three-land.  The Eagles, on the other hand, committed twenty turnovers and made only three shots from beyond the arc.

None of those made three-pointers for The Citadel came from Joe Wolfinger, as the 7-footer seemed out of place in the game and only played eleven minutes.  Another interesting move in the game was to bring Austin Dahn and Bryan Streeter off the bench.  This decision seemed to work, particularly for Dahn, who played fewer minutes than his norm but was more effective offensively.  Both players against came off the bench against Michigan State, too (with Cosmo Morabbi and Matt Clark starting).

As a starter, Dahn is 5-32 from 3-point land.  In two games as a sub, he is 4-9.  Sample size and all that, but if Dahn comes out of long shooting slump, The Citadel is a much better team, one that will be very hard for SoCon opponents to handle from an offensive perspective.

The final game of the homestand (not counting the exhibition game against Allen on Dec. 16) was the much-anticipated clash with Michigan State, live and in color on ESPNU (and in HD, unless you have DirecTV).  I was glad to see the crowd in full voice for the game, with a healthy contingent of the corps present and creating havoc.  I think most of the MSU players got a kick out of the atmosphere (Izzo certainly did).  The TV announcers seemed to enjoy working the game, too (Mark Gottfried referred to people “hanging from the rafters” at least three times).

Tangent:  I wish that type of atmosphere was the norm, or at least close to the norm, at McAlister.  The key to it being so, of course, is the corps of cadets.  There is always a hardy group of cadets at home games, often patrolling one of the baselines, but there aren’t enough of them.  As someone who regularly attended basketball games while a cadet, I find this somewhat frustrating. 

When I was in school, the cadets usually at the games were either A) football/baseball players, B) all-around sports fans (not many of those at The Citadel), and C) native New Yorkers.   Okay, that last one is a semi-exaggeration, but there were several guys from points north who had grown up on college basketball (rooting for the likes of Iona or Seton Hall) and enjoyed getting a “fix” at McAlister.  They were world-class hecklers, too.  No opponent was ever safe at a shootaround, that’s for sure.

One cool thing that happened at the Davidson game was that one of the trainers gave away some old warmups to the cadets assembled along the baseline.  I thought that was a nice gesture. 

I would like for someone (administration, leadership within the corps, whoever) to come up with a way to ensure that at least one-fourth of the cadets attend every home game.  Really, it should be more than that, but I’ll settle for one-fourth right now.

The Citadel got off to the aforementioned hot start against the Spartans and finished 12-20 from beyond the arc.  Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were only 7-29 inside the arc, which tells you which team dominated the paint (and the glass; MSU outrebounded The Citadel 35-16).  The Spartans also took 19 more free throws than the Bulldogs (two of those were by Derrick Nix, who went 0-2 and is now an almost impossible 1-19 from the free throw line for the season).

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A few odds and ends, observations, etc.:

– Number of possessions for the five games, in order:  67, 55, 66, 61, 57.  Considering that the UVA-Wise game (67 possessions) was a blowout, and that the Davidson game (66) was one in which The Citadel had to increase the number of possessions because it was trailing, I think the team’s pace of play is just about where it needs to be.  Fewer than ten teams nationally play at a slower tempo. 

– After 11 games, The Citadel is 6-5.  After 11 games last season, The Citadel was 5-6.  Incidentally, Michigan State was the eleventh game in both seasons.

– I think it’s fairly clear after eleven games that Joe Wolfinger isn’t going to be a “like for like” substitute for Demetrius Nelson.  Just some raw stats from the first nine games against Division I opponents:  Wolfinger has 84 shot attempts, with 33 coming from beyond the arc, and 18 free throw attempts, while Nelson had 62 shot attempts, none of them from 3-land, and 33 free throw attempts.  Wolfinger has 52 rebounds (15 offensive) and 13 turnovers, while Nelson had 42 rebounds (16 offensive) and 19 turnovers.

Nelson got better as the season progressed (and also started taking more shots), and Wolfinger certainly has the potential to do so as well.  I think the above stats show that he needs to do a slightly better job grabbing offensive boards, and part of that has to do with shot selection — namely, his. 

When Wolfinger is shooting the three, The Citadel’s tallest player isn’t under the basket to grab an offensive rebound.  He’s obviously an excellent shooter for his size, but he probably needs to be a bit more judicious about when to shoot.  He also is going to have lots of chances to pass out of the post and pick up assists as the season goes on; he only has two assists so far. 

There is definitely something to be said, however, about having a big man who is capable of having a big night from three-land.  It’s disorienting (and sometimes disheartening) for an opponent when he converts those jumpers, and also opens up a lot of things for the other offensive players. 

– Twelve different players have seen significant time in at least one game this season.  Bo Holston followed up a DNP against Davidson with 20+ minute performances against both Georgia Southern and Michigan State.  Mike Groselle has looked very good in spot duty, but is currently struggling with a bad ankle, which just means he could play quarterback for The Citadel.  Ben Cherry and Daniel Eykyn have both had their moments, as has the Midwest City Masked Man, Harrison Dupont.

Basically, if you’re in uniform, be ready for action, because you never know when Ed Conroy is going to wave you into the game.  I guess there is a reason the Bulldogs have so many players on the roster…

– The Citadel is shooting 37.9% from 3-point land, currently second-best in the conference and in the top 70 nationally.  The Bulldogs average only 10.8 turnovers per game, 11th-best in the country, although part of that is due to a lack of possessions.  However, The Citadel’s turnover rate is still solid, as is its assist-to-turnover ratio and assist-to-made-basket ratio (top 75 overall in all three statistics). 

The Citadel commits just 14.4 fouls per game, which is in the top 10 nationally (and was even better before being called for 18 fouls against Michigan State; in that game Cosmo Morabbi was a very unlucky foul magnet).

What are things that need improvement?  Three point defense, for one.  Davidson wasn’t the only team to make more than its fair share of three-pointers against the Bulldogs; at 39.5% against, The Citadel is in the bottom 50 nationally in that category.  The Bulldogs also need to improve their rebounding (particularly on the offensive glass) and force a few more turnovers, as opponents are averaging only 12.1 per game (although part of that, again, is a function of tempo).

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Now it’s time for the players to win the game called Exam Week.

Well, it’s easy enough to say who’s the champ this year …

GEORGIA TECH 39, Clemson 34

Congratulations to the Yellowjackets on winning the 2009 ACC Championship and best wishes in the Orange Bowl!

And now, here are the bowl games with ACC tie-ins:

• Meineke Car Care Bowl (Dec. 26, Charlotte) – North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
• Emerald Bowl (Dec. 26, San Francisco) – Boston College vs. USC
• Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (Dec. 27, Nashville) – Clemson vs. Kentucky
• Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 29, Orland0) – Miami vs. Wisconsin
• Chick-Fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, Atlanta) – Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
• Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (Jan. 1, Jacksonville, FL) – Florida State vs. West Virginia
• FedEx Orange Bowl (Jan. 5, Miami) – Georgia Tech vs. Iowa

1. Get my license back

2. Get a job, save money.

3. Join the cycling and triathlon teams and be involved OR Join an intramural team and goof around

4. Study hard. Study really hard

5. Embark on an adventure every weekend. Be independent. Be alone. Be happy.

The problem with last year is that I was trying to live my life the normal way. I thought that my college experience should be just like everyone else’s. But I am not normal and I do not want my life to be the way everyone else’s is.

I want to come back every Sunday with a new story to tell my friends. I want to not only remember every weekend but let every one be more adventurous than the one before it. And I want my stories to be ones that I can tell my children with pride.

I do not want to limit my enjoyment of life in college to the couple hours of triathlon training each day. I want to bike into West Virginia, sleep in the woods, bike to the highest peaks, sleep again, and return the next day. I want to kayak down the New River for a two day trip. I want to hike deep into the woods and sleep under the magnificent unhindered light of stars.

I have a severe disorder. It is called itchy feet. It is not that I am never content where I am; it is just that the world is too big to stay in one place for too long.

Hiking the Appalachian trail is perfect for me right now because I am always moving. But what happens when I return home? I know what life was like when I sat still. When in school, I will have less than 72 hours to explore and I need to do just that. Beyond those 72 hours I’ll be trapped in the small dorm room for sanctuary and the small campus for entertainment.

I know there are others just like me who want to explore. I know there are others who think that crowding into the smallest space that possibly fits us all is not how we want to continue our experience here.