Walkin’ in a Bowl Game Wonderland
2011 Bowl Game Preview
Surprise! Surprise! There are no new bowl games this season. We have the same number of bowls in 2011 that we had last season – 35. That means 70 teams needed to qualify to fill those 35 bowls.
Well, 73 qualified. And a 74th, UCLA, got a waiver from the NCAA to be bowl eligible. The Bruins finished the season at 6-6. That made them bowl eligible. Then they lost the Pac-12 championship game to Oregon. That made them ineligible. But UCLA requested and was granted permission to go to a bowl game on the basis that they won the Pac-12 South Division and finished the regular season bowl eligible.
Miami (Florida) qualified. But school authorities felt it was in the Hurricanes’ best interest not to participate in a bowl this year. That’s due to all the shenanigans that have been going on at Miami, along with the NCAA’s investigation of those shenanigans. So the Canes are sitting out the bowl party due to a self-imposed bowl ban. Shalala got out her shillelagh.
Then there’s poor Western Kentucky (7-5) and Ball State (6-6). Both teams qualified for a bowl, but no bowls wanted the Hilltoppers or the Cardinals. And since all bowl slots were filled, they can’t be wondering if the invitation got lost in the mail.
There may be no new bowl games, but three bowls have changed their names and/or locations since last season. The Humanitarian Bowl (Boise, Idaho) is now the Famous Potato Bowl. No comment. The Texas Bowl (Houston) is now the Meineke Car Care Bowl. And the Meineke Car Care Bowl (Charlotte) is now the Belk Bowl. Meineke didn’t die, it just moved from North Carolina to Texas.
The Big Ten has the most teams in a bowl game at 10. Right behind the Big Ten is the SEC with nine. The ACC and the Big 12 are represented with eight teams each in a bowl game. The Pac-12 comes in at seven teams. Next, the Big East, C-USA, MAC and MWC all have five teams playing in a bowl game. Two conferences – the Sun Belt and WAC – placed three teams each in a bowl. And finally, two Independents are bowling this season.
The 35 bowl games are played-out over a 24-day period, beginning on December 17 and ending on January 9. Three bowls – the New Mexico, Famous Idaho Potato (no comment) and the New Orleans – kick off the bowl season. The finale on January 9 is the National Championship Bowl, this year in New Orleans.
The three busiest bowl days are December 30, 31 and January 2, when 15 games will be played – four on December 30, five on December 31 and six on January 2. There’s a break in between on January 1 – a Sunday.
Three weeks and three days of bowl games – almost a month. What a high for bowl junkies! Time to stock up on your favorite football game munchies and brew. I’m stocking up now on pecan pie, bourbon balls, buckeyes (chocolate covered peanut balls) and cherry peppers stuffed with prosciutto ham and provolone cheese. Make sure you get enough to last you 24 days. And leave a note to be checked into the Betty Ford Center on January 10. Do they treat bowlaholics there?
Footballs fly, are you watching?
In the stadium, horns are glisteningA beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walkin’ in a bowl game wonderland
The New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque between Wyoming (8-4) of the MWC and Temple (8-4) of the MAC has the pleasure of kicking off the 2011 bowl season. Wyoming was a surprise team in 2011 and certainly not expected to be in a bowl game. Picked to finish sixth in the eight-team MWC, the Cowboys finished third, behind TCU and Boise State. The team’s two best wins were over San Diego State and Air Force. Temple, on the other hand, was expected to have a good season. Under first-year coach Steve Addazio, the Owls lived up to their expectations. Addazio, the former offensive coordinator at Florida under Urban Meyer, replaced Al Golden at Temple. Golden had turned around the program before leaving to take the job at Miami (Florida). The Owls have a great running back in Bernard Pierce. Temple’s best win this season was over Maryland, 38-7. The Owls barely lost to Penn State, 14-10.
Next up on December 17 is the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise between Utah State (7-5) of the WAC and Ohio (9-4) of the MAC – a game between the WAC and the MAC. Why isn’t this just the Potato Bowl? I guess they are trying to tell us that all potatoes from Idaho are famous, while potatoes from the other states are just common-taters. Let’s hope it doesn’t become the Infamous Idaho Potato Bowl. And is Dan Quayle doing the coin toss? Like Wyoming, Utah State was a bit of a surprise in 2011. The Aggies were picked to finish sixth in the eight-team WAC. Instead, they finished second in the conference. And who can forget opening weekend when Utah State almost beat Auburn. The Tigers had to score twice in the closing minutes to win, 42-38. The Aggies’ best win was over Wyoming, 63-19. Utah State was 2-5 after seven games, but then the Aggies rolled off five-straight wins to finish the season strong. Ohio pretty much lived up to its expectations. The Bobcats won the MAC East Division, only to lose to Northern Illinois in the MAC title game. Ohio’s two best wins were 44-7 over Marshall and 35-31 over Temple. The Bobcats are coached by former Nebraska coach Frank Solich, who is 49-40 finishing up his seventh season in Athens.
And finally, the December 17th bowl action comes to a close in New Orleans where Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4) of the Sun Belt plays San Diego State (8-4) of the MWC in the New Orleans Bowl – the first of three bowl games to be played in the Crescent City. The Rajin’ Cajuns had an exceptional season under first-year coach Mark Hudspeth. Hudspeth previously was the receivers coach and passing-game coordinator for Dan Mullen at Mississippi State. ULL, picked to finish last in the nine-team Sun Belt Conference, finished third. The Rajin’ Cajuns’ best win was over Florida International. ULL began the season hot at 6-1, then cooled their heels, finishing 2-3. San Diego State had a good season under first-year coach Rocky Long. Brady Hoke left the Aztecs well-stocked when he bailed-out for Michigan. San Diego State has a strong backfield with quarterback Ryan Lindley and running back Ronnie Hillman. The Aztecs’ best wins were over Washington State and Air Force.
After a two-day break, the bowl action continues on December 20 in St. Petersburg, Florida, (not Russia) at the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl between Marshall (6-6) of C-USA and Florida International (8-4) from the Sun Belt. Marshall’s two best wins came earlier in the season over Southern Miss and Louisville. The Thundering Herd has a flashy and improving quarterback in freshman Rakeem Cato. FIU started the season strong, winning its first three games. And the Panthers ended strong, winning their final three games. In between, FIU was 2-4. The Panthers’ best wins were over Louisville and UCF.
The next day, December 21, TCU (10-2) of the MWC meets Louisiana Tech (8-4) of the WAC in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego. This is kind of a lowly bowl for TCU who finished 15th in the Coaches Poll and 16th in the AP Poll – a lowly opponent too. The Horned Frogs had another great season with good wins over BYU and Boise State. TCU finished strong, winning its last seven games. It was a great season for Louisiana Tech, under second-year coach Sonny Dykes, son of former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes. The Bulldogs, picked to finish fourth in the WAC, finished first and were WAC champions. Louisiana Tech had good wins over Ole Miss, Nevada and only lost to Houston by one point. The Bulldogs, 1-4 at the start, won their last seven games.
Boise State (11-1) of the MWC tangles with Arizona State (6-6) from the Pac-12 in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 22. Also a lowly bowl and opponent for Boise State who finished 6th in the Coaches Poll and 8th in the AP Poll. The Broncos are led by their quarterback Kellen Moore, a Heisman finalist in 2010, and their running back Doug Martin. Boise State’s best win was over Georgia in the season opener. Arizona State began the season hot. The Sun Devils were 6-2 after eight games. Then they fell onto hard times, losing their final four games. Head coach Dennis Erickson was fired. ASU has a solid quarterback in Brock Osweiler, one of the tallest quarterbacks in college football. He’s 6-8. The Sun Devils best wins were over Missouri, USC and Utah.
On Christmas Eve, Southern Miss (11-2) of C-USA meets Nevada (7-5) of the WAC in Honolulu in the Hawaii Bowl. Southern Miss won the C-USA championship, beating Houston in the title game and handing the Cougars their only loss of the season. The Eagles are led by a good quarterback in Austin Davis. At one point during the season, Southern Miss won eight-straight games. The Eagles best wins were over Louisiana Tech, Virginia and, of course, Houston. Southern Miss is coached by Larry Fedora, a former offensive coordinator at Florida under Ron Zook. Fedora has been mentioned as a candidate at some of the openings around the country. And he was just named the new coach at North Carolina. Nevada started the season rough, losing three of its first four games. Then the Wolf Pack reeled off five-straight wins. Nevada finished tied for second in the WAC.
The day after Christmas, in Shreveport, Louisiana, North Carolina (7-5) from the ACC plays Missouri (7-5) of the Big 12 in the Independence Bowl. It was a strange year for North Carolina, playing under interim coach Everett Withers. The Tar Heels started out hot at 5-1. Then they lost four of their last six games. UNC’s best wins were over Rutgers, Virginia, Louisville and Wake Forest. The Heels looked good in close losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. North Carolina has talent in the backfield with running back Giovani Bernard and quarterback Bryn Renner. After nine games, Missouri was 4-5, but the Tigers won their final three. Missouri had good wins over Texas A&M and Texas. The Tigers are led by quarterback James Franklin.
The first of two bowls on December 27 takes place Detroit where Western Michigan (7-5) of the MAC tangles with Purdue (6-6) of the Big Ten in the Little Caesars Bowl. Pizza, pizza! Western Michigan has one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country in Alex Carder. The Broncos had good wins over Connecticut and Ball State. From September to December, Purdue was one of the most improved teams in the country. The Boilers looked awful at the beginning of the season, but as the season progressed, they were good enough to beat Ohio State – their best win.
The second bowl on December 27 pits N. C. State (7-5) of the ACC against Louisville (7-5) from the Big East in the Belk Bowl in Charlotte. I can just hear the public address announcer now, “Attention Belk shoppers. Athletic supporters are on sale on the 5-yard line.” Like its counterpart in Chapel Hill, N.C. State was a strange team in 2011 too. The Wolfpack were losing games they should have won and winning games they should have lost. But the Wolfpack won the most important one – they beat the Tar Heels. State also had good wins over Virginia and Clemson. Louisville has to be the most improved team over the season. At one point, the Cardinals were 2-4, with losses to Florida International and Marshall – both at home. Then they got hot and finished 5-1, with wins over Rutgers and West Virginia. Louisville finished in a three-way tie with Cincinnati and West Virginia for the Big East crown. The Cardinals’ coach – Charlie Strong – a long-time defensive coordinator at Florida has been mentioned as a candidate at some of the openings around the country.
The next day, there are two games. The first one is the Military Bowl in Washington, DC, between Air Force (7-5) of the MWC and Toledo (8-4) of the MAC. Air Force was down this year compared to recent years, but the Falcons still won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, beating both Army and Navy. At one point, the Falcons were 3-4, but then they won four of their final five games. Toledo finished the season tied with Northern Illinois for the MAC West Division title, but NIU won out, having beaten the Rockets in head-to-head competition during the season. Toledo lost that game 63-60. The Rockets scored 44 or more points in seven of their 12 games. Toledo had good wins over Temple and Western Michigan. They only lost to Ohio State by five points.
In the other game on December 28, California (7-5) of the Pac-12 meets Texas (7-5) of the Big 12 in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Cal won its first three games, then lost five of its next nine. The Golden Bears had good wins over Utah and Arizona State. Throughout the season, Cal was an up-and-down team. Texas started out hot. The Longhorns won their first four games and were 6-2 after eight contests. Then they lost three of their final four games. Many Longhorn fans were calling for Mack Brown’s hide at the end of the season. Texas had a losing record in Big 12 Conference play – their second in two years. The Longhorns had good wins over BYU and Texas A&M.
The bowl action moves to Florida on December 29 for the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando between Florida State (8-4) of the ACC and Notre Dame (8-4) an Independent. It was a disappointing year for Florida State. At preseason, the Noles were ranked in the Top10. Five games into the season and FSU was 2-3. Noles fans were calling Jimbo Fisher – Dumbo Fisher. They were calling Mark Stoops – Mark Oops. The situation improved as FSU won its next five games. Then came the loss to Virginia. The Noles had good wins over Miami (Florida) and N.C. State. Notre Dame got off to a rough start, losing its first two games. Then the Irish won eight of their next 10. Notre Dame had good wins over Michigan State, Pitt, Purdue and Wake Forest.
From Florida, the scene moves to Texas where Washington (7-5) from the Pac-12 plays Baylor (9-3) of the Big 12 in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. Washington started out good and the Huskies were 6-2 after their first seven games. Then the Huskies lost three straight, before winning their season finale. Washington had good wins over California and Utah. Baylor, led by sensational quarterback Robert Griffin, had a sensational season. It began with a big win over TCU and ended with another big win over Texas. Along the way, the Bears beat Missouri and Oklahoma. In addition to Griffin, Baylor has an outstanding running back – Terrance Ganaway – who continued to improve throughout the season. The Bears should have a big following in San Antonio.
The Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas between BYU (9-3) an Independent and Tulsa (8-4) of C-USA is the first of four bowls on December 30. BYU began the season 1-2, but then won eight of its next nine games. The Cougars switched starting quarterbacks during the season, going from Jake Heaps to Riley Nelson. BYU’s best win was over Utah State. Tulsa got its season off to a rough start at 1-3. But the Golden Hurricane’s three losses were to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise State. That’s excusable. Then Tulsa won seven in a row, before losing at the end to Houston. The Hurricane’s best wins were over SMU and Marshall. Tulsa has an exciting quarterback in G.J. Kinne.
Still on the 30th, the action moves to the Big Apple, where Rutgers (8-4) of the Big East tangles with Iowa State (6-6) from the Big 12 in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City. Rutgers had a pretty amazing season, considering the Scarlet Knights were picked to finish last in the Big East. RU didn’t win the Big East, but the Knights were far from last place. Rutgers’ best wins were over Pitt and Cincinnati. The Knights got off to a 5-1 start and finished the season 3-3. Iowa State’s biggest claim to fame was being the only team to beat Oklahoma State. And that’s pretty big. The Cyclones were streaky. They won three, lost four, won three and lost two. ISU’s best win, in addition to Okie State, was over intrastate rival Iowa.
From Broadway to Music Row we go as the bowl scene continues in Nashville, where Wake Forest (6-6) of the ACC plays Mississippi State (6-6) of the SEC in the Music City Bowl. Wake Forest began the season on a positive swing. The Demon Deacons were 5-2 out of the gate. Then they fell upon hard times down the stretch, going 1-4. The Deacons’ best wins were over N.C. State and Florida State. Mississippi State was a big disappointment in 2011. A lot was expected from the Bulldogs and it never materialized. Miss State finished 2-6 in SEC play. And the Bulldogs had no good wins during the season.
The last game on December 30 pits Oklahoma (9-3) of the Big 12 against Iowa (7-5) from the Big Ten in the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona. Oklahoma was picked to win it all this year – the Big 12 and to play for the national championship. Instead, the Sooners finished no better than third in the Big 12 and they are not playing for the national championship. It all began well, as OU quickly moved out to a 6-0 start. Then disaster set in and the Sooners went 3-3 in their final six games. They were never quite the same after that quirky loss to Texas Tech. OU has a solid quarterback in Landry Jones, as long as Landry throws the ball to his receivers and not to the other team’s defenders. The Sooners had good wins over Florida State, Missouri, Texas, Kansas State and Texas A&M. Iowa was an up-and-down team all season. But the Hawkeyes definitely improved by the end of the season. Iowa’s best wins were over Pitt, Northwestern, Michigan and Purdue.
The Meineke Car Care Bowl in Houston, Texas, kicks off the action on New Year’s Eve with a game between Texas A&M (6-6) of the Big 12 and Northwestern (6-6) of the Big Ten. Texas A&M was a big disappointment in 2011. So much so that the school fired head coach Mike Sherman. The Aggies had a decent start at 5-2, but then lost four of their final five games. A&M’s backfield of running back Cyrus Gray and quarterback Ryan Tannehill never lived up to their expectations. The Aggies only good win was over Baylor. Northwestern was a big disappointment during the first half of the season. After seven games, the Wildcats stood at 2-5. Then they woke up and won four of their final five games. Northwestern’s best victory was a 28-25 win over Nebraska in Lincoln. The Wildcats have a capable quarterback in Dan Persa.
The second of five bowls on New Year’s Eve is the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, between Utah (7-5) from the Pac-12 and Georgia Tech (8-4) of the ACC. Some thought Utah might win the Pac-12 South Division in their first year in the conference. That didn’t happen. In fact, after seven games, the Utes were a paltry 3-4. Then Utah won four in a row before the strange season-ending loss to Colorado. Utah’s best wins were over BYU, Pitt and UCLA. The Utes have an outstanding running back in John White. He is capable of making the difference in a game. Georgia Tech was a hot team early in the season. The Yellow Jackets started out 6-0. Then they lost their focus and were 2-4 in their final six games. Tech had good wins over North Carolina, N.C. State and Clemson.
Next up on December 31 is a game between UCLA (6-7) of the Pac-12 and Illinois (6-6) from the Big Ten in the Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco. A better name for this bowl would be the Fired Coaches Bowl. Both teams fired their coaches – Rick Neuheisel (UCLA) and Ron Zook (Illinois) – at the end of the season. The Bruins were an up-and-down team all season. UCLA’s best wins were over California and Arizona State. Illinois was one of this year’s strangest teams. The Banned Indians started out 6-0. They finished up 0-6. Illinois’ only good wins were over Arizona State and Northwestern.
The finale on New Year’s Eve is the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta between Virginia (8-4) of the ACC and Auburn (7-5) of the SEC. The Chick-fil-A is traditionally the last bowl game of the year, generally ending shortly before midnight. It has often been one of the better bowl games. Virginia was one of the surprise teams of 2011. Picked to finish near the bottom of the ACC’s Coastal Division, the Cavaliers challenged Virginia Tech for the division title right down to the final game. The Cavs were only 4-3 at mid-season, but finished strong, going 4-1 in their final five games. Virginia had good wins over Georgia Tech, Miami (Florida) and Florida State. Auburn was a bit of a mystery coming into the 2011 season. Having lost Cam Newton to the NFL, it was a given that the Tigers would be down. But just how far down was uncertain. As it turned out, Auburn looked wobbly at times, even in some wins, and was basically up-and-down all season. The Tigers’ best win was over South Carolina. If on, Auburn running back Michael Dyer can be a threat.
The first bowl and college football game of 2012 is the Ticket City Bowl in Dallas on January 2 between Houston (12-1) of C-USA and Penn State (9-3) of the Big Ten. First let me say, I think Penn State should have declined a bowl bid. However, it is good the school is donating its proceeds from the game to a children’s fund. I hope Penn State has sense enough to keep its band and cheerleaders home so they can make a bigger profit on the game for the kids. And besides, it’s not a time for Penn State’s band and cheerleaders to be celebrating. That said, the Nittany Lions got off to a good start, going 8-1 in their first nine games. Then they dropped two of their last three. Penn State never demonstrated much of an offense all season. Its defense kept them in the games. The Nittany Lions had good wins over Temple, Iowa, Purdue, Northwestern and Ohio State. Houston was all set to go to a BCS bowl until the Cougars lost to Southern Miss in the C-USA title game. It was Houston’s first loss of the season. And many attribute it to coach Kevin Sumlin preparing more for his interviews at other schools than preparing his team for Southern Miss. Houston is loaded on offense with quarterback Case Keenum. Keenum broke about every passing record in the books this year. The Cougars had good wins over UCLA, Louisiana Tech and Tulsa.
The second of six bowls on January 2 is the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, between Michigan State (10-3) of the Big Ten and Georgia (10-3) from the SEC. Michigan State had a great season. The Spartans won the Legends Division of the Big Ten, but lost to Wisconsin in the conference title game, after beating the Badgers during the season. The Spartans are led by a solid quarterback in Kirk Cousins. State had good wins over Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa and Northwestern. Georgia had a strange season. The Dawgs lost their first two games and then won their next 10, before losing to LSU in the SEC title game. The interesting thing is that Georgia only played three good teams all season and those were the three teams the Bulldogs lost too. All three of those teams – Boise State, South Carolina and LSU – finished the season in the Top 10. Still, it was quite a comeback year for Georgia, after being down for a couple seasons. The Dawgs are led by quarterback Aaron Murray.
Next up, Nebraska (9-3) of the Big Ten vs. South Carolina (10-2) of the SEC in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida. What’s in your wallet? It was Nebraska’s first year in the Big Ten. The Huskers had hoped to play in the Big Ten title game this season. They came close, but no banana. Nebraska had strength in the backfield with running back Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez. But Burkhead and Martinez could be inconsistent at times. Same for the Huskers defense – inconsistent at times. Nebraska got off to a great start – 7-1 after eight games. Then they split their final four games – 2-2. The Huskers had good wins over Washington, Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State and Iowa. South Carolina may have been the best team in the SEC East, but a tougher conference schedule kept the Gamecocks from winning the division. The Cocks were also hurt when they lost the services of running back Marcus Lattimore to a season ending injury. South Carolina’s best wins were over Georgia and Clemson.
Still in Florida, it’s the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville between Ohio State (6-6) of the Big Ten and Florida (6-6) of the SEC. Also known this year as the Urban Bowl. Usually, the Gator Bowl selects better teams, but they couldn’t resist taking the Buckeyes and the Gators with the Urban situation as it is. Ohio State started off pretty good. The Buckeyes were 6-3 at one point. Then they lost their last three games. In spite of the losses at the end of the season, quarterback Braxton Miller was a much improved player. Ohio State’s only good win was over Wisconsin. This will be interim coach Luke Fickell’s last game coaching the Buckeyes. Florida is lucky to be in a bowl game. Somehow the Gators managed to beat Vanderbilt. Florida had no offense in 2011 – none whatsoever. It was vacationing in the Bahamas or somewhere. Just when Gator fans thought this was the offense that would suit John Brantley, boy were they ever fooled. Oh well, you have to give first year coaches a chance. Saying that Florida’s best win was over Vanderbilt isn’t saying much.
The bowl activity moves out west to Pasadena for the granddaddy of them all – the Rose Bowl between Oregon (11-2) of the Pac-12 and Wisconsin (11-2) from the Big Ten. After losing their season opener to LSU, Oregon reeled off nine straight wins, before losing their only other game. The Ducks are fast. They pick up the pace. Oregon is led by running back LaMichael James, a Heisman finalist in 2010. The ducks best wins were over California, Washington, Arizona State and Stanford. Wisconsin suffered a two-game bleep in the middle of their schedule, which kept them from a perfect season. The Badgers were 6-0 and sitting pretty. Then they not only lost one, but two games, and in a row. The Badgers finished strong winning their final five games. Wisconsin’s strength is in its quarterback Russell Wilson and its running back Montee Ball. Ball is a Heisman finalist. The Badgers had good wins over Nebraska, Penn State and Michigan State in the Big Ten title game.
The closer on January 2 takes place in Glendale, Arizona, where Oklahoma State (11-1) of the Big 12 tangles with Stanford (11-1) of the Pac-12 in the Fiesta Bowl. Oklahoma State should be out to prove something in this game. The Cowboys felt they should have been in the national championship game, playing LSU. They would be if it had not been for one little slip up against Iowa State – the Pokes only loss. Okie State was 10-0 when it lost to the Cyclones. For the Cowboys, it’s a passing attack – Brandon Weeden to Justin Blackmon. Okie State will be out to prove it can play defense too. The Cowboys had several good wins over Texas A&M, Texas, Missouri, Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma. Stanford has a lot of talent, but the Cardinal would not be where they are if it wasn’t for quarterback Andrew Luck – a two-time Heisman finalist. Stanford was 9-0 when it lost its only game to Oregon. The Cardinal can’t be taken for granted. They can fool you. Stanford had good wins over Washington, USC, California and Notre Dame.
The next day, Michigan (10-2) of the Big Ten plays Virginia Tech (11-2) of the ACC in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. This was Brady Hoke’s first year coaching Michigan and I think Wolverine fans are happy. They beat Ohio State. Hadn’t done that since 2003. Hoke had the Wolverines playing better defense this season. Michigan’s offense continued to roll behind quarterback Denard Robinson. Running back Fitzgerald Toussaint came on strong in the latter half of the season. The Wolverines won their first six games, and won their last three. Michigan had good wins over Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. Many are questioning Virginia Tech’s right to be in a BCS bowl. They think both Boise State and Kansas State belonged in the Sugar Bowl before the Hokies. So right off the bat, the Hokies have something to prove, especially after that embarrassing loss to Clemson in the ACC title game. Tech is loaded in the backfield with quarterback Logan Thomas and running back David Wilson. The Hokies had good wins over Miami (Florida), Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Virginia.
On January 4, the action continues in Miami Gardens, Florida, at the Orange Bowl between Clemson (10-3) of the ACC and West Virginia (9-3) from the Big East. Clemson was sailing along fine this season at 8-0. Then the Tigers ran into Georgia Tech and absorbed their first loss. That drubbing seemed to get the Tigers out of sync, because they lost their last two regular season games after that – and badly too. But Clemson got its act back together for the ACC title game, where the Tigers thumped Virginia Tech. The Tigers are led by quarterback Tajh Boyd – a sophomore. Boyd, interestingly enough, originally committed to West Virginia when he was being recruited. But before signing day, he reneged and signed with Clemson. The Tigers also have a good running back in Andre Ellington. Clemson had good wins over Auburn, Florida State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina. West Virginia, under first-year coach Dana Holgorsen, was picked to win the Big East. But after losing to Syracuse and Louisville, it looked doubtful for the Eers. But WVU won three-straight conference games to close the season and capture the Big East’s BCS bid. The Mountaineers, strong on the pass and weak on the run, are led by quarterback Geno Smith and his favorite receivers Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin. The Mountaineers won their first three games, their last three games and went 3-3 in between. WVU’s best wins were over Rutgers, Cincinnati and Pitt.
Two days later, on January 6, the bowl marathon resumes with the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, between Arkansas (10-2) of the SEC and Kansas State (10-2) of the Big 12. The Cotton Bowl is really like a BCS bowl this season with Arkansas and Kansas State finishing 6th and 8th respectively in the final BCS poll. The Razorbacks’ only two losses were to Alabama and LSU. Arkansas is led by quarterback Tyler Wilson. The Hogs best wins were over Texas A&M, Auburn and South Carolina. Kansas State was, without a doubt, the biggest surprise in college football this season. Picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12, the Wildcats finished second. Head coach Bill Snyder has been a miracle worker. K-State is led by quarterback Collin Klein, who reminds people of Tim Tebow. The Wildcats won their first seven games, dropped a couple and then won their last three. K-State had good wins over Miami (Florida), Baylor, Missouri, Texas A&M and Texas.
Next up is the Compass Bowl in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 7, where SMU (7-5) of C-USA plays Pitt (6-6) of the Big East. SMU started the season hot. The Mustangs won five of their first six games. Then the going got tough for SMU and the Mustangs only won 2 of their final six. Distraction could be a problem for the Mustangs. Coach June Jones accepted the job at Arizona State. Then ASU pulled its offer. Don’t know what that was all about. SMU’s best win was over TCU. Pitt, under first-year coach Todd Graham, apparently wasn’t happy with its season. Graham fired three of his assistants, including his offensive coordinator. Panther quarterback Tino Sunseri is up-and-down. And that’s what the Panthers were all season – up-and-down. Pitt’s best win was over Louisville.
The bowl action remains in Alabama on January 8 where Arkansas State (10-2) of the Sun Belt meets Northern Illinois (10-3) of the MAC in the Go Daddy Bowl in Mobile. This is the appetizer before the big bowl. Arkansas State had an amazing season under first-year coach Hugh Freeze. And now Freeze is off to coach Ole Miss. He didn’t hang around very long. The Red Wolves have an exceptional quarterback in Ryan Alpin. Arkansas State was undefeated in Sun Belt play, with quality wins over Western Kentucky, Florida International and Louisiana-Lafayette. Northern Illinois was the champions of the MAC. The Huskies also have a first-year coach – Dave Doeren. NIU also has an exceptional quarterback – very exceptional. His name is Chandler Harnish. Harnish can run and throw. The Huskies had good wins over Western Michigan, Toledo and Ohio.
And finally, it all comes down to the BCS National Championship Bowl between LSU (13-0) of the SEC and Alabama (11-1) also from the SEC in New Orleans on January 9. The game is a rematch. LSU beat Alabama during the season, 9-6 in overtime – a game of all field goals and no touchdowns. Two Heisman finalists are playing in this game – Tide running back Trent Richardson, and Tiger cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. Either could be the difference in the game. They are that big of an impact on their teams. Both teams are solid on defense, as demonstrated in the first game. In fact these are the best two defenses in the country. One would think Bama has the edge on offense. Aside from LSU, no one came close to beating Alabama all season. Likewise, aside from Alabama, no one came close to beating LSU all season. The game is about as close a matchup as you can get. Whoever wins, it’s going to be close. You just can’t imagine one team running away from the other. But will this one be another low-scoring affair? Stay tuned!
WARNING!: After 24 days of 35 bowls, withdrawal can be painful.
When it’s over, ain’t it thrilling?
Though your team gets a chilling We’ll frolic and play, the post-game way
Walkin’ in a bowl game wonderland
So, that’s your college football lineup for the Holidays and then some. The seven-day week from December 27 to January 2 (21 games) should be awesome. I hope my pecan pie, bourbon balls, buckeyes and stuffed cherry peppers hold out. I’d hate to be running on empty come January 9.
Have a good weekend college football fans! Enjoy the Army-Navy game (Go Navy!) and the Heisman Trophy presentation. See you Monday with my annual forecast of all 35 bowl games.
Touchdown Tom
December 9, 2011P.S. Charlie Weis is leaving Florida to become the new head coach at Kansas. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hal-le-lu-jah!!!
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