Well, I did my first go-thru of bowl picks earlier this month. I mentioned that I would finish the job, but have not delivered as of yet. Well, hold on to your hats, folks. First off, let me amend some of my previously-made picks.
During my first analysis of the Florida State-Kentucky matchup, I said that it could go either way, depending on which Florida State team shows up. As we all know now, only about half the Florida State team will be ALLOWED to show up. Kentucky will win it.
I said Arkansas would have no problem beating Missouri, but I don't know how the 'Hogs will handle the coaching change, and Chase Daniel will want to have an amazing game to improve his draft status. This one goes back to the "anyone's game" category.
And now, our feature presentation:
Navy vs Utah in Poinsettia Bowl
At first, I was convinced that Utah would have no answer for Navy's running game. Now, with Coach Johnson leaving for Georgia Tech, I think Utah might have a chance at out-playing the Midshipmen. I think this game will go down to the wire and provide us with an excellent introduction to Bowl-a-palooza 2007.
Florida Atlantic vs Memphis in New Orleans Bowl
All I can say is: Your better off catching up on some last minute Christmas shopping. I don't know who will win this one, and frankly, I don't care. But, if I had to pick, I would choose Memphis over FAU.
Southern Mississippi vs Cincinnati in Papajohns.com Bowl
The Eagles are in the middle of a head coaching transition. The bearcats have a head coach that was on everyone's wish list. I think that's enough to put Cincy over Southern Miss.
Nevada vs New Mexico in New Mexico Bowl
Ahh, a tale of two wolves... I'll keep this one simple: The home team wins by two touchdowns.
UCLA vs BYU in Las Vegas Bowl
The Bruins have already beaten the Cougs once this year, but BYU is on a hot streak, and UCLA did lose to Notre Dame. I guess this could be a toss up, but my money is on BYU.
Boise State vs East Carolina in Hawaii Bowl
Boise State won't need a "hitch & pitch", a "halfback pass", or a "statue of liberty" to pull of this victory. An all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii for a week makes everyone a winner in this game.
Purdue vs Central Michigan in Motor City Bowl
Earlier in the year, Purdue beat Central Michigan, but that should be no precursor to what will happen in this game. Watch for talented Chippewa Quarterback Dan LeFevour to finish strong as he caps a very impressive season. In this one, the Chippewas fight back.
Boston College vs Michigan State in Champs Sports Bowl
Boston College was in the hunt for the National Championship earlier in the season. Quarterback Matt Ryan was a Heisman favorite. Both BC and Ryan's level of play dropped off near the end of the season. Look for the Eagles to redeem themselves in Orlando.
Houston vs TCU in Texas Bowl
Well, it's a Texas school playing a Texas school in the Texas Bowl. The game will be played in Houston, but don't give the victory to the Cougars. Coach Art Briles packed up and left for Waco earlier this month. Even with Briles at the helm, the Frogs would still be too much for U of H. This one stays close for a while, but the Frogs pull away in the fourth.
Maryland vs Oregon State in Emerald Bowl
I've always thought that Oregon State consistently fields a tough, competitive team. Maryland, on the other hand, spent the season losing to some weak teams and beating some good teams. This becomes a case of "Which Maryland team will show up?" I think the Terps will come up short, and/or the Beavers will play very strong football.
UConn vs Wake Forest Meineke Car Care Bowl
Wake Forest won the ACC last year, but finished fifth in the conference this year. UConn finished 4-8 last year, but finished a very good 9-3. The Huskies have all the momentum in the world. I think they'll come away with a victory.
Air Force vs Cal in Armed Forces Bowl
Yeah, I know a service academy should win the Armed Forces Bowl, but quite frankly, I don't think Air Force has the firepower (no pun intended) to keep up with an explosive Cal team.
Oregon vs USF in Sun Bowl
The only way Oregon wins this game is if Dennis Dixon starts and plays the entire game. I don't see this happening, so... Matt Grothe and the Bulls will come out with a victory in a close one.
Fresno St. vs Georgia Tech in Humanitarian Bowl
I think Fresno St. is a good team that always plays tough even with lesser talent. But, I like the Yellow Jackets in this one. Tech's offense will outscore the Bulldogs' offense.
Well, it's getting late, so I'll finish these up later later. Not right now, right now.