By
Pete Fiutak
Which bowls are the ones to see and
which ones can be missed? With
so many to watch, here are all the bowls ranked from the must-see to
the ones you might be able to skip if you need to do some holiday
shopping. These rankings are based on potential fun as well as importance.
Serious Dog Potential ... hang with the family, but keep the
TV on
You'll
watch, but you won't go out of
your way. These matchups just
aren't compelling and/or could
be blowouts. Worse yet, they could be boring.
32.
New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico vs. Nevada Dec. 22
New Mexico is fine, but nothing special after limping down the stretch
with two losses in its final four games. It can play a little bit of
defense and was strong at home going 5-1, but this isn't the most
exciting team around unless the passing game is efficient. Nevada's got
a strong offense with a good up-and-coming quarterback in Colin
Kaepernick, but it doesn't play defense. This could turn out to be
entertaining for the die-hard fans, but there's no compelling storyline
for the casual one.
Stars of the
show: 1) Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick, 2) New Mexico WR Marcus
Smith, 3) Nevada RB Luke Lippencott
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
New Mexico 31 ... Nevada 23
31.
Meineke
Car Care Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Connecticut Dec.
29
This is an even matchup between two teams that don't get any respect,
but Connecticut isn't exactly a thrill-ride to watch. The defense can be
stifling, but it it's not forcing turnovers, and if the running game
isn't working, this might not be pretty. Wake Forest proved its 2006 ACC
championship season wasn't a fluke with a nice 8-4 season, but it
doesn't come up with much in the way of offense. It'll be a bit of a
defensive battle with the team that wins the turnover battle getting the
win.
Stars of the
show: 1) Wake Forest PK Sam Swank, 2) Connecticut LB Danny
Lansanah, 3) Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Wake Forest 23 ... Connecticut 14
30.
PapaJohn’s.com Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss Dec.
22
Is Jeff Bower's final game going to get you to watch? If you're asking
who he is, the answer is no. USM runs the ball, plays defense, and moves
on, and while it's not always the most aesthetically pleasing brand of
football, it's usually effective. No offense Golden Eagles, but
Cincinnati deserves a bigger game than this. If the Bearcats don't come
in overconfident, it should win in a walk.
Stars of the
show: 1) Cincinnati QB Ben Mauk, 2) Southern Miss RB Damion
Fletcher, 3) Cincinnati DE Anthony Hoke
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Cincinnati 34 ... Southern Miss 13
29. Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
BYU vs. UCLA Dec. 22
Didn't we already do this? UCLA won the first meeting in L.A. 27-17, but
the two teams went in separate directions soon after. BYU has won
nine straight while the battered and banged up Bruins limped their way
through the second half of the year getting skill player after skill
player picked off. UCLA hasn't exactly overachieved in recent bowl
games, while BYU should close out the year with a nice feather in the
Mountain West's cap.
Stars of the
show: 1) BYU RB Harvey Unga, 2) UCLA DE Bruce Davis, 3) BYU DE
Jan Jorgensen
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
BYU 23 ... UCLA 17
28. Brut Sun Bowl
South Florida vs. Oregon Dec. 31
Back in September, this could've been considered a possible BCS matchup.
Oregon has lost four straight bowl games and is on a three-game losing
streak since QB Dennis Dixon went down. A decent showing against Oregon
State aside, the offense is one-dimensional and mediocre after rocking
and rolling through the first nine games. South Florida's defense will
be cranked up to close out its year on a high note, and if it's on, this
could quickly turn into an ugly blowout.
Stars of the
show: 1) South Florida DE George Selvie, 2) Oregon RB Jonathan
Stewart, 3) Oregon DE Nick Reed
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
South Florida 34 ... Oregon 17
27. International
Bowl
Rutgers vs. Ball State Jan. 5
Oh sure, you're not all that fired up about a MAC team taking on
Rutgers, but Ball State has a high-octane offense and a fun quarterback
in Nate Davis. If Rutgers underachieves, like it did for most of the
season, the MAC could have a stunner of a bowl win to get fired up
about. Don't expect a whole bunch of defense from the Cardinals, but if
the Rutgers pass defense plays up to its capabilities, this will be over
by halftime.
Stars of the
show: 1) Rutgers RB Ray Rice, 2) Ball State QB Nate Davis, 3)
Rutgers DE Jamaal Westerman
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Rutgers 40 ... Ball State 17
26.
Humanitarian Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State
Dec. 31
Congratulations, your wish has finally come true. Yes, you've been
waiting five years for the rematch of the 2002 Silicon Valley Bowl when
Fresno State shocked the Yellow Jackets 30-21. Georgia Tech is headless
with Chan Gailey having his key to the executive washroom taken away,
but this is a good team with a great defense. There's enough talent here
to have won the ACC title, but it didn't happen. Fresno State is always
looking to prove itself against someone with a name, so it'll bring its
A game. If Georgia Tech wants to show up, it'll win. If.
Stars of the
show: 1) Georgia Tech LB Philip Wheeler, 2) Georgia Tech RB
Tashard Choice, 3) Fresno State TE Bear Pascoe.
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Georgia Tech 20 ... Fresno State 10
25.
Texas Bowl
Houston vs. TCU
Dec. 28
It might not have the sexy name value, but this is all Texas from the
matchup to the bowl name, and it could be a nice war for the alumni to
e-mail each other about. TCU has been a tremendous disappointment with a
lousy 7-5 season, but it won three of it final four games and brings one
of the nation's best defenses. Houston, if it gets rolling, is as much
fun to watch as any team in the early bowl games. If you want to get
ahead of the NFL scouting curve, here's your chance to scope out the
lightning fast Cougar RB Anthony Alridge and TCU DE Chase Ortiz, who'll
be two of the top 50 players taken in next year's draft.
Stars of the
show: 1) Houston RB Anthony Alridge, 2) TCU DE Chase Ortiz, 3)
Houston CB Donnie Avery
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
TCU 27 ... Houston 23
Bowl Games. Nothing more, nothing less.
You're a college football fan. You'll watch, you'll eat, you'll move on.
24.
GMAC Bowl
Tulsa vs. Bowling Green Jan. 6
You probably can't name any players on either of the teams, but you
might not have more fun watching a January bowl game. It's not going to
be good football, neither team can play defense, but there will be lots
and lots of home runs in a certain shootout between two great
quarterbacks. Bowling Green comes in on a four-game winning streak,
while Tulsa lost the Conference USA title game to UCF. The Falcons don't
have a Kevin Smith, but they should be able to move the ball without a
problem to keep up with the nation's No. 1 offense.
Stars of the
show: 1) Tulsa QB Paul Smith, 2) Bowling Green QB Tyler Sheehan,
3) Tulsa LB Chris Chamberlain
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Tulsa 45 ... Bowling Green 38
23.
Sheraton
Hawaii Bowl
East Carolina vs. Boise State Dec.
23
This might set the record for the fewest fans to ever be at a bowl game.
Boise State has a strong enough defense to keep the inconsistent East
Carolina offense in check, while the Pirate defense is lousy enough to
get blasted if the Broncos aren't mentally on the beach playing in the
waves. Losing to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl is one thing, but the WAC
can't afford one of its bright lights to lose to a mediocre Conference
USA team in a bowl.
Stars of the
show: 1) Boise State RB Ian Johnson, 2) East Carolina RB Chris
Johnson, 3) Boise State OT Ryan Clady
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Boise State 48 ... East Carolina 30
22. San
Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Utah vs. Navy Dec. 20
The Navy offense is always worth the price of admission, and it always
seems to show up and shine in bowl games. Utah closed out its season on
fire, with only a heartbreaking last-second loss to BYU ruining a big
second half run. Utah's defense is good enough to stuff the Midshipmen,
but stopping the option when it's rolling at full speed is far different
than it looks on film. Air Force beat Utah early in the year, so watch
out for this to be a down-to-the-wire battle.
Stars of the
show: 1) Utah QB Brian Johnson, 2) Navy RB Reggie Campbell, 3)
Navy QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Navy 38 ... Utah 34
21. Emerald Bowl
Maryland vs. Oregon State Dec. 28
How did Oregon State end up in the Emerald Bowl? After winning six of
their final seven games, the Beavers turned into the third best team in
the Pac 10, and might have been better than Arizona State by the end of
the year, and now they have to play an average Maryland team that got a
13th game by the skin of its teeth. If the Beaver defense shows up and
plays like it's capable of, this won't be worth hanging around for. But
if Maryland steps up and gets all its great athletes rolling on both
sides of the ball, the ACC could have a nice win to brag about. This is
a more intriguing game than it probably appears.
Stars of the
show: 1) Oregon State RB Yvenson Bernard, 2) Maryland LB Erin
Henderson, 3) Oregon State LB Derrick Doggett
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Oregon State 30 ... Maryland 13
20. Petro Sun Independence Bowl
Colorado vs. Alabama Dec.
30
This will likely be a really strong matchup in about two years. The
coaches are terrific, the teams are in rebuilding mode, and a win is
desperately needed by each.considering the Buffs have lost three of
their last four bowls and Alabama closed out the year with a four-game
losing streak.These two are evenly average, so while it might not be
scintallating, it should be close.
Stars of the
show: 1) Colorado LB Jordon Dizon, 2) Alabama S Rashad Johnson,
3) Colorado CB Terrence Wheatley
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Alabama 20 ... Colorado 17
19.
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Florida State vs. Kentucky Dec.
31
For all of Florida State's problems in recent years, it usually plays
well in bowl games. It doesn't always win, and has been in an overall
deep funk since losing to Oklahoma in the 2000 national championship,
but it battles well when it gets time to prepare. The question is
whether or not Kentucky is fired up for its second straight Music City
Bowl. This wasn't the same team over the second half of the year that it
was early on, but it should put some points on the board.
Stars of the
show: 1) Kentucky QB Andre Woodson, 2) Florida State LB Geno
Hayes, 3) Kentucky LB Wesley Woodyard
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Florida State 34 ... Kentucky 30
18.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
UCF vs. Mississippi State Dec. 29
Admit it. You wanted to finally get a chance to see UCF's Kevin Smith,
but you missed the Conference USA championship game because you were out
shopping with the family. With 2,448 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns,
he's a superstar player who's flying under the radar. He ran well
against Texas, was held in check by South Florida, and now gets a chance
to make a big final statement with a chance to break the single season
D-I record, held by Barry Sanders, if he gets 181 yards. Mississippi
State will be pumped up to be playing in a bowl game and will be sure to
bring it maximum effort. Two motivated teams equals a good bowl game.
Stars of the
show: 1) UCF RB Kevin Smith, 2) Mississippi State CB Derek
Pegues, 3) UCF DE Leger Douzable
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
UCF 20 ... Mississippi State 17
17.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force vs. California
Dec. 31
Talk about your intrigue, Cal went from a possible No. 1 team in
America to the freakin' Armed Forced Bowl after losing six of its final
seven games including a shocker against Stanford. This could turn out to
be the biggest clunker in the Jeff Tedford era if all the parts don't
start clicking against an Air Force team that was as fun to watch as
anyone. This Falcons are creative, can play a little defense, and run
very, very well. This could be the start of something special for the
Troy Calhoun era with a chance at the program's first ten-win season
since 1998.
Stars of the
show: 1) Air Force RB Chad Hall, 2) California RB Justin Forsett,
3) California WR DeSean Jackson
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
California 38 ... Air Force 30
16. R&L
Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis Dec.
21
What?! Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis? The
New Orleans Bowl? Yeah, like you're going to cancel your holiday party
for this one. Actually, it's a nice bowl to ease you into the rest of
the season thanks to two key elements: 1) Motivation. This is Florida
Atlantic's first bowl game, and 2) offense. Memphis likes to bomb away
with a passing attack that averages 308 yards per game, while
Florida Atlantic bombs away for 286 yards per game. Neither team plays
much defense so there will be plenty of points, solid efforts, and a
surprising amount of fun.
Stars of the
show: 1) Memphis QB Marin Hankins, 2) Florida Atlantic QB Rusty
Smith, 3) Florida Atlantic CB Tavious Polo
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Memphis 45 ... Florida Atlantic 38
15. Motor City
Bowl
Purdue vs. Central Michigan Dec.
26
Keeping with the theme that offense
makes for strong mid-level bowl games, the Central Michigan attack is
worth the price of admission for QB Dan LeFevour alone. The defense is
also worth watching if only to see just how many points Purdue can hang
on the board. The Chippewas played great in the MAC title win over
Miami, but gave up 583 yards in the first meeting between these two, a
45-22 Boilermaker win. Rematches might not be fun for a bowl game, but
the two teams will combine for almost 1,000 yards.
Stars of the
show: 1) Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour, 2) Purdue WR Dorien
Bryant, 3) Purdue QB Curtis Painter
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Purdue 52 ... Central Michigan 31
14. Alamo
Bowl
Penn State vs. Texas A&M Dec. 29
The names are big, but the matchup might
not be as strong as you'd think. Texas A&M has lost its last game of the
year, whether against Texas or in a bowl, in ten of the last 11 years,
including a 1999 Alamo Bowl loss to the Nittany Lions and a 45-10
embarrassment to Cal in last year's Holiday Bowl. However, Aggie fans
aren't going to have Dennis Franchione to kick around anymore, with Gary
Darnell taking over until Mike Sherman can get his feet wet. This is the
500th game in the glorious coaching career of Joe Paterno, and
considering the way the team collapsed in the regular-season ending loss
to Michigan State, it's an important one.
Stars of the
show: 1) Penn State LB Dan Connor, 2) Penn State LB Sean Lee, 3)
Texas A&M QB Stephen McGee
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Penn State 27 .... Texas A&M 13
Great matchups. Don't miss ... you'll be a better person for watching.
These aren't guaranteed to be classics, but they should be worth your
four hours.
13.
Gator Bowl
Virginia vs. Texas Tech Jan. 1
It's Texas Tech in a bowl game. That's
all you need. It pulled out a 44-41 win over Minnesota in a classic of
an Insight Bowl last season, and has managed to win four of its last
five bowl games with its high-powered offense. On the flip side is
Virginia, who got through the ACC season by winning almost every close
game by the skin of its teeth before losing to Virginia Tech late. It's
the solid defense vs. the killer offense in what should be a close New
Year's Day fight.
Stars of the
show: 1) Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, 2) Virginia DE Chris
Long, 3) Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Texas Tech 31... Virginia 27
12. Champs Sports
Bowl
Boston College vs. Michigan State
Dec. 28
Talk about getting hosed, Boston College
always seems to get the rock in the ACC bag of treats even though it's
won seven straight bowl games. Despite playing in the ACC title game, do
the Eagles get a shot at a New Year's Day game? Nope. It gets a fired up
Michigan State team that'll get off the bus running the ball and getting
into the backfield. BC has the nation's No. 1 run defense, but it'll be
put to the test from the start by Javon Ringer and the tough Spartan
ground game. This could be the game that launches the Mark Dantonio era
to another level in East Lansing, while it'll be the final game in the
great career of BC's Matt Ryan.
Stars of the
show: 1) Boston College QB Matt Ryan, 2) Michigan State RB Javon
Ringer, 3) Michigan State DE Jonal Saint-Dic
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Boston College 24 ... Michigan
State 20
11.
Insight Bowl
Indiana vs. Oklahoma State Dec.
31
Off to its first bowl game since losing
the 1993 Independence Bowl, Indiana fulfills the promise made by the
late Terry Hoeppner that is was possible to win in Bloomington. The
offense is just explosive enough to hang a huge number on a porous
Oklahoma State defense, but there will be plenty of big play from both
sides. The two defenses are ultra-aggressive, but they also get burned.
The Cowboys are ninth in the nation in total offense, while IU can put
up points in bunches when it gets on a roll.
Stars of the
show: 1) Indiana WR James Hardy, 2) Oklahoma State RB Dantrell
Savage, 3) Indiana QB Kellen Lewis
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Indiana 38 ... Oklahoma State 27
10.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Texas vs. Arizona State Dec. 27
Arizona State might be a bit down after
getting shoved aside by the BCS, but it'll have its hands full against a
Texas team looking to close out the mediocre season on a high note. A
win for the Sun Devils would put a great bow on a fantastic first season
for Dennis Erickson, and would do wonders going into 2008, while a loss
for Texas would send up panic flares that the program is slipping. After
losing to Texas A&M, Mack Brown could use something positive. The
Longhorns have won five of their last six bowl games.
Stars of the
show: 1) Texas RB Jamaal Charles, 2) Arizona State QB Rudy
Carpenter, 3) Texas QB Colt McCoy
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Texas 24 ... Arizona State 17
9.
Rose Bowl presented by Citi
USC vs. Illinois Jan. 1
It's the Big Ten vs. the Pac 10 in the
Rose Bowl. You know this is required viewing after a night out. Even if
this is yet another confirmation of the greatness of USC under Pete
Carroll, it'll still be interesting. Will USC be able to rise up and
make a statement that it deserved to be more in the national title
discussion at the end of the year, or will Ron Zook and his exciting
young Illini pull off a shocker and bring the Big Ten its first Rose
Bowl win since 2000? Illinois can be breathtaking if it gets its ground
game going, but USC's defense is full of future NFL playmakers ready to
stuff the run.
Stars of the
show: 1) Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall, 2) USC DT Sedrick
Ellis, 3) Illinois LB J Leman
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
USC 31 ... Illinois 10
8. Chick-fil-A
Bowl
Clemson vs. Auburn Dec. 31
Always a battle of teams that just missed out on big
things, the Chick-fil-A Bowl should have plenty of speed, athleticism
and defense. Auburn hasn't exactly been a killer offensively, but the
defense led the SEC in points allowed and was eighth in the nation
overall. Clemson is sixth in the country in defense but has a balanced
offense that can score from anywhere on the field. Tommy Bowden could
use a big bowl win over a big-name team after losing to Kentucky last
year, while Tommy Tuberville is shooting for his fifth bowl win in six
years.
Stars of the
show: 1) Auburn DE Quentin Groves, 2) Clemson QB Cullen Harper,
3) Clemson RB James Davis
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Auburn 24 ... Clemson 20
Can't miss no matter what. Cancel all other plans and send the family off
to the mall.
These
games promise to be fun
7.
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Missouri vs. Arkansas Jan. 1
If Missouri's ticked off over being
screwed by the BCS process, it can prove it deserved the Orange Bowl
with a win over Darren McFadden and the Hog team that's always worth
watching for its running game. The Tigers have a strong run defense,
but everything goes through Chase Daniel and a thrilling offense
that moves the ball at will on anyone not named Oklahoma. One of the
closer bowl games over the last few years, this should be a shootout
with plenty of home runs and lots of wow moments from the
superstars.
Stars of the
show: 1) Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, 2) Missouri QB Chase
Daniel, 3) Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Missouri 38 ... Arkansas 35
6.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Hawaii vs. Georgia Jan. 1
Chances are you haven't seen Hawaii and Colt Brennan, and
if you have, you watched through half-open eyelids. It's the novelty
act vs. the hottest team in the country, with the run 'n' shoot
getting its shot at a Bulldog secondary that hasn't seen too many
up-tempo, scary-good passing games. This could be the make-or-break
moment for Brennan with the pro scouts. Everyone knows he's accurate
and has a nice arm, but if he can throw on Georgia like it's Utah
State, then No. 15 will make himself a lot of money. Next year is
supposed to be Georgia's big season, and a dominant win would assure
a preseason top five spot.
Stars of the
show: 1) Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, 2) Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno,
3) Hawaii WR Davone Bess
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Georgia 34 ... Hawaii 27
5.
FedEx Orange Bowl
Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
Jan. 3
Kansas got a gift from the BCS gods by getting the Orange
Bowl nod over Missouri. Will the team show that it deserves to high
honor and play like it did throughout the first 11 games of the
year, and in the second half against the Tigers, or will it prove to
be a fraud that fattened up on the nation's 109th toughest schedule?
Virginia Tech has had a fabulous season after a rough start and a
tragic offseason, and now it can close out with the first 12-win
season in the Frank Beamer era. Tech has lost three of its last four
bowl games, including a strange clunker to Georgia in last year's
Chick-fil-A Bowl. There has to be an upset in the mix somewhere, and
this might be it with Kansas coming up with an efficient offensive
performance to stun the tremendous Hokie D.
Stars of the
show: 1) Kansas QB Todd Reesing, 2) Virginia Tech LB Vince Hall,
3) Virginia Tech LB Xavier Adibi
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Kansas 27 ... Virginia Tech 23
4.
Capital One Bowl
Michigan vs. Florida Jan. 1
Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Jake Long
all came back for their senior seasons to change their legacy after
going 0-3 in bowls and winless against Ohio State. Make it an
0-for-career against the Buckeyes, but a win over the Gators would
be a tremendous send-off for Lloyd Carr, who was much-maligned for
being unable to win the big game over the last several years. With
the stars hurting down the stretch, this wasn't a Michigan team at
it's full capacity. It will be on New Year's Day, but there aren't
any better coaches with time to prepare than Urban Meyer. 2007 was a
rebuilding season for Florida, and a dominant win would all but
cement a preseason top three spot for 2008.
Stars of the
show: 1) Florida QB Tim Tebow, 2) Michigan RB Mike Hart, 3)
Michigan QB Chad Henne
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Florida 28 ... Michigan 23
3.
Outback Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Tennessee Jan.
1
Within every bowl season is one big non-BCS level matchup
that serves as the litmus test for the fan bases of two power
conferences. This is that game. Wisconsin beat Arkansas in last
year's Capital One Bowl, while Tennessee lost to Penn State in the
Outback Bowl, but the Big Ten triumphs were glossed over in the
debating between the two leagues. This is either the third or fourth
best SEC team vs. the third or fourth best Big Ten team in what
should be a hard-hitting thriller. Wisconsin was crushed by injuries
over the final few games of the year and should get several key
parts back.
Stars of the
show: 1) Wisconsin RB P.J. Hill, 2) Tennessee QB Erik Ainge, 3)
Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Wisconsin 24 ... Tennessee 20
2. Tostitos
Fiesta Bowl
West Virginia vs. Oklahoma
Jan. 2
Call it the National Title Lite. Each team came within a
choke against an inferior squad from playing for the big crystal ball,
and each team will be looking to make a big statement in the likely
battle for the final No. 2 spot in the polls. There's still a question
mark about West Virginia after the loss to Pitt and with the lack of a
really, really good win. The Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia two seasons
ago is now well in the rear-view mirror, and it's time for another
statement win to cement the program as one of the elite of the elite.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma might just be the best team in the country, but it
has to show some consistency away from home. If it's even half as good
as last year's Fiesta Bowl, it'll be the showdown of the bowl season.
Stars of the
show: 1) West Virginia QB Pat White, 2) Oklahoma LB Curtis
Lofton, 3) Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
Oklahoma 38 ... West Virginia 14
1. Allstate BCS
National Championship
Ohio State vs. LSU
Jan. 7
You knew there was eventually going to be a clash of
heavyweights for the national title once all the dust settled. Ohio
State has a lot to prove after last year's debacle in the loss to
Florida. With the 2003 win over Miami for the national title a distant
memory, this is the game the Buckeyes need to show the world that the
Big Ten isn't five steps slower than the SEC, and to show that the Big
Ten deserves to have a team in the title game two years in a row.
However, the Buckeyes could play their best game of the year and still
get their doors blown off it everyone is healthy again for LSU. This is
a phenomenally talented team that should finally be able to overcome
injuries and the Les Miles-to-Michigan distraction to win the program's
second national title in five years.
Stars of the
show: 1) LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, 2) Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis,
3) Ohio State RB Chris Wells
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction:
LSU 27 ... Ohio State 17