Christmas has come and gone, now it is time to focus on the New Year and some good bowl match ups. So far the bowl games have been better then expected, with a couple thrillers like Louisville come back win against Southern Miss, and FIU taking down Toledo. We can only hope for even better games as we get closer to New Years Days.
Air Force vs. Georgia Tech
Breakdown: The SEC got out of the Independence bowl and now the ACC has it. Thank god, as nobody wants to go to Shreveport Louisiana for a bowl game. This might be the fastest bowl game, as both teams probably won’t throw a pass. Georgia Tech leads the nation in rushing yards per game, and Air Force is right behind them. I have to give teh Independence Bowl some credit, this is a pretty interesting match up of running teams.
Moose’s Pick: GT
West Virginia vs. NC State
Breakdown: Another good match up of ACC vs. Big East. This game will come down to QB play, Russell Wilson or Geno Smith. Both have the ability to run or throw all day long, but West Virginia’s defense might be a little bit better the NC State’s. For the season West Virginia is only giving up 12. 8 points per game, which is 2nd best in the country.
Moose’s Pick: WVU
Iowa vs. Missouri
Breakdown: These two teams are heading in opposite directions. Some what of a disappointing season for the Hawkeye’s as they had expected to be in a BCS bowl, but ended up losing its final 3 games of the season. On the other hand the Tigers had a great season going 10-2, and just missing out on a chance to play for the Big 12 Championship. If Iowa’s QB Ricky Stanzi can get it going early, Iowa has a chance to dominate this game, but I think the Tigers have to much on both sides of the ball to let that happen.
Moose’s Pick: Missouri
Military Bowl Pres. By Northrop Grumman
WASHINGTON, D.C
East Carolina vs. Maryland
Breakdown: If you had asked me two weeks ago about this game, I would have said Maryland would be the clear favorite, but after firing Ralph Friedgen, I am not sure where Maryland’s focus will be. East Carolina has the ability to upset plenty of ACC teams, just ask NC State and VT. If this game becomes a shoot-out, look for ECU to win, but if Maryland can control the ball, and keep Dominique Davis from throwing it for 300 yards, they should win easily. ECU has given up on average 54.8 points per game over their last 5 games, so defense won’t be a factor in this one.
Moose’s Pick: Maryland
Baylor vs. Illinois
Breakdown: Baylor’s QB Robert Griffin III is the real deal. If he was at a major school, you would hear his name everyday on ESPN. But he plays for Baylor, so this is a great opportunity for you to see him play. Both Baylor and Illinois have exciting offenses, that can score some points. Both teams averaged more then 30 points a game this season, and this should be a fun bowl game to watch. The difference could be Baylor playing in their home state, but then again it is Baylor.
Moose’s Pick: Baylor
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Breakdown: Two of the best players in the country Kendall Hunter and Justin Blackmon lead the Cowboy’s offense, which averaged over 40 points a game this season against a very good Wildcat team. Once again this bowl will be about offense, as we all have seen what Oklahoma State can do on the offensive side of the ball, but Arizona isn’t to shabby either. Averaging 326 passing yards a game this season, and scoring 30 points on average per game this season. This should be a great game, as both teams can put up some points.
Moose’s Pick: Oklahoma State
SMU vs. Army
Breakdown: This will be Army’s first bowl game in 14 years, and they are playing SMU in Dallas. SMU and coach June Jones can spread the ball around in the run and shoot offense that he perfected in Hawaii before heading to the mainland. I don’t know if Army has a defense that can keep the Mustangs out of the end zone, but the Black Knight’s do run a triple option offense that should be able to eat up a bunch of clock.
Moose’s Pick: SMU
Kansas State vs. Syracuse
Breakdown: The first ever bowl game played at New Yankee Stadium should be a frozen mess. A better name for the bowl game should be the Stouffer’s Frozen Lasagna Bowl. The only game I watched all season that involved the Wildcat’s was when they played Nebraska on a Thursday night, they didn’t look to good then and I was pretty sure Syracuse did away with their football program 10 years ago to only focus on Basketball. I guess I misread that.
Moose’s pick: Kansas State
UNC vs. Tennessee
Breakdown: Tennessee actually dropped UNC from it’s schedule this year as they wanted a easier schedule for new head coach Derek Dooley, well UNC will get its chance now in Nashville. The crowd should be heavily in favor of the Vols, which should help a much improved Tennessee team that won its last 4 games. QB Tyler Bray came on strong at the end of the season, and he should continue to play well in the Music City Bowl. UNC had a disappointing season after losing 14 players for least one game and seven sitting out the entire season. The Tar Heels were able to win 7 games without these players but it has been somewhat of a struggle all season.
Moose’s Pick: Tennessee
Nebraska vs. Washington
Breakdown: This will be a rematch from earlier in the year when Nebraska beat the Huskies 56-21 back in September. I don’t see this game going any different then the first meeting as Washington isn’t that good. Nebraska had a chance to win the Big 12 Championship before falling apart in the second half to Oklahoma. Look for freshman star Tyler Martinez to have another big game, as the first go round he rushed for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns. Moose’s Pick: Nebraska
South Florida vs. Clemson
Breakdown: This will Clemson’s Qb Kyle Parkers last game as a Tiger before he heads to play professional baseball. Most Clemson fans are ready for the future, and Tajh Boyd to take control of the offense. As bad as Clemson’s offense is, the Defense came to play this season. Giving up only 17 points a game this season, the Tigers will look to complete shut down a bad South Florida offense. Clemson Star De’Quan Bowers could have a career day if Coach Holtz doesn’t find a way to stop him. Playing in Charlotte should give the Tigers a big edge in this game.
Moose’s Pick: Clemson
Miami vs. Notre Dame
Breakdown: A match up of two past powerhouses in college football. The names might mean a lot more then the teams this year as both had had mediocre seasons at best. Shannon is out at Miami and Coach Kelly will be looking to make a statement for next season. The Canes will have to much talent for a Fighting Irish team still looking for an identity.
Moose’s Pick: Miami
Georgia vs. Central Florida
Breakdown: Central Florida has everything to gain in the game, but Georgia will look to rebound from a bad season with a season ending bowl victory. The bulldogs have been off all season, but redshirt freshman Aaron Murry has looked good at moments. If Murray has a good game, Georgia should win easily.
If they lose it could be a long off season for Mark Richt as it would be the first losing season for the Dawgs in 14 years.
Moose’s Pick: Georgia
South Carolina vs. Florida State
***Preview coming later in the week, please stay tuned***
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