The College Football Blog: 2010 Bowl Season Betting Lines

Last Week’s Record

Biggest Game (Straight up: 1-0; Vs. Spread: 1-0)

Overall (Straight up: 1-0; Vs. Spread: 1-0; Moneyline Upsets: 0-0)

Season Record

Biggest 10 Games (Straight up: 111-45; Vs. Spread: 77-72-7)

Overall (Straight up: 512-171; Vs. Spread: 342-330-11; Moneyline Upsets: 18-28)

Week 15 Review: A perfect week. What a way to end the season!

Bowl Season Preview: I have no idea what to expect, and neither do you or anyone else. Well, actually, I do know what to expect. A slew of boring and unsatisfying matchups which produce meaningless results. But I was talking about the outcome of the games. I don’t have any idea what will happen. No one does. Anything can happen in bowls games, not because the teams are so evenly matched, or because there’s pressure, or because the games are played on a neutral field. Anything can happen because the games are played in an artificial setting, months after the end of the season. Anything can happen because the legitimacy of each and every game is compromised by a litany of other issues unique to the bowl season.

It’s a perfect way to end the season…if you’re the president of an FBS school (AKA: a greedy, gutless, elitist white male over the age of 65 who watches Fox News 24-7). For the rest of us, bowl season is about betting on games so that you have a reason to care about the outcome. And it’s about watching horrible, meaningless games between bad and boring teams because it beats allowing your sister or aunt to come in and put on Grey’s Anatomy. And because it beats watching any regular season college basketball game. And it beats doing a puzzle or getting exercise. Or doing dishes. Or watching Fox News. Okay so it’s not so bad…at least in comparison to hiking, cleaning, romantic comedies, and ultra right wing propaganda.

This year the bowl season is 35 games long, beginning on December 18th and ending January 10th. If Air Force had made the National Championship Game this season they would have played the game on 53 days rest. If Navy or Army had qualified for the game, they would have been playing the game on 30 days rest. Obviously it would have made perfect sense. What’s 23 days here or there between competitors?

This bowl season is packed full of blockbuster matchups, such as the #3 team in the Sun Belt facing the #3 team from the MAC. One of the unique aspects of this year’s bowl season is that in January there will be several matchups between Big Ten teams and SEC teams played in the state of Florida. This will be unlike anything we’ve seen before, except for when we saw the exact same thing in each of the last 25 bowl seasons.

One thing I will tell you—and I’m being sincere here—is that you may find that you don’t recognize the titles of half of this year’s bowl games. Honestly there might be more new names this season than there have been since the early 90’s when the Blockbuster Bowl took corporate sponsorship to a perverse new level. Seriously, you wouldn’t know the location of half of this year’s bowl games based on the title alone.

For these reasons I’m going to list the games by using my own personal tiles for each game--many of which simply reflect the location or are just the original titles before corporate greed whored them out--as well as the official corporate name of each bowl game just to clarify. I will also list any names that the bowl has gone by in the past. This way you’ll be able to know that what is now called the Order Now and Get a Free Second Bottle of Extends For Less Than the Price of a Postage Stamp.com Bowl is really just the Holliday Bowl with a more business savvy name. Giving the complete history of the different names will give you an idea of how long these bowls have been shamelessly whoring themselves out and how ridiculous the whole thing has gotten.

Several games share the exact same location, so some of the alternate names are dedicated to someone or something more worthy of being mentioned than Papa John. I’m going to try my best to refer to the games by the titles I come up with. I’m going to fight the good fight and rebel against the Go Daddy Bowl as best as I can.

I’ll also give the location of each game since it often won’t be clear from the official corporate name. I’ll let you know how long each particular bowl has been in the rotation. This should help clear up some of the confusion that the bowls have created by having multiple games played in the exact same location, and by moving games to different sites over the years.

One Final Note About the Titles: When re-titling the different bowls, I had originally given the Capital One Bowl the title of “The Southern Shame Bowl,” in reference to the incident in which Buffalo decided to decline their invitation to the 1958 game because their two black players would not have been allowed to play. This story gained attention a couple of years ago when the Bulls were going to their first bowl game since the 1958 incident occurred. However, it soon became clear that basically every bowl game played in the south—and I’m talking coast to coast here, folks—that has been around for a while has incidents of bigotry and hatred in its history. So, I decided just to add this note rather than have the situation addressed through the new titles.

As you know, I rarely discuss off the field issues on this blog unless it effects the action on the field, but I do sometimes feel the need to stray from this policy. This is one of those instances, and I actually think it pertains to the whole bowl game issue, because much of the garbage we hear in defensive of the bowls revolves around the idea of “tradition.” Traditions are important, but sometimes “preserving tradition” is a code name for “resisting change,” and often the group resisting change is doing so because they’re benefiting from the current situation. The BCS people aren’t resisting change because they’re worried about tainting the bowls; they’re doing it because they’re worried about themselves.

Look, I’m not taking the BCS and Jim Crow and saying the two are equally evil. I’m just saying that “tradition” is history. When the bowl people talk about tradition, they want you to think about little Timmy waking up on New Year’s Day and getting to watch the Rose Bowl. But we should remember that many other images need to be included in the great histories of the bowl games. It is true that the bowl games have a long history. But not all of it is good. Just remember that.

Now onto the matchups and the picks.

December 18th

The New Mexico Bowl (5th Annual)
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Official Corporate Name: The New Mexico Bowl (2006-Present)
Previously Known As: No previous titles
Matchup: UTEP (+11) vs. BYU
Pick: BYU covers
Overview: This one will kick off the bowl season, but if the bowl people were looking to get things started with a bang they have failed, at least as far as the matchup goes. It may end up being an entertaining game, but there’s not a whole lot to this matchup. This will be a game between a pair of middling teams who haven’t had very good seasons and really do anything special.
Records: Both teams come into the game at 6-6. The Miners ended the season in a swoon, losing 5 of their last 6 (2-4 ATS over that time), while the Cougars had to win 5 of their last 7 to get bowl eligible. They are 6-1 ATS over their last 7 games.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: This is a matchup of former WAC foes who have faced each other many times in the past. BYU has dominated the series, holding a 28-7-1 edge all-time, and having won 25 of 27 meetings since 1971. These two teams last played each other in 1998.
Bowl History: UTEP will be playing in a bowl for the first time since 2005. They are 5-7 all-time in bowl games and have lost their last 4. This will be BYU’s 6th straight bowl, but their streak of 5 consecutive Las Vegas Bowls will end. The Cougs are 10-17-1 all-time in bowl games.
Team Goals: The Miners are looking for their first winning season since 2005 and just their 5th winning season since 1970. A loss would mean a 5th straight losing season. With a win, BYU will have a 5th straight winning season. If they lose it will be their first losing season since 2004.

The Blue Turf Bowl (14th Annual)
Location: Boise, Idaho
Official Corporate Name: The uDrove Humanitarian Bowl (2010)
Previously Known As: The Humanitarian Bowl (1997-1998, 2003), The Crucial.com Humanitarian Bowl (1999-2002), The MPC Computers Bowl (2004-2006), The Roady’s Truck Stops Humanitarian Bowl (2007-2009).
Matchup: Northern Illinois (-1.5) vs. Fresno State
Pick: Fresno State pulls off the upset
Overview: This could be a competitive game, but the only thing intriguing is the question of whether or not Northern Illinois can rebound from their stunning loss in the MAC title game and the subsequent loss of their coach.
Records: The Huskies won the MAC West this season, dominating the conference with an 8-0 record, but they choked against Miami of Ohio in the championship game. They are 10-3 (9-3-1 ATS) and they had won 9 straight until the title game. They had been 9-0-1 ATS in their last 10 games prior to the championship game. Fresno State has had a typical season under Pat Hill. They are 8-4 and come into the game 5-2 over their last 7.
Changes/Injuries: The biggest question going into this game is how the Huskies will play without coach Jerry Hill, who left the team to take the Minnesota job soon after the loss in the championship game. NIU has hired Wisconsin DC Dave Doren but he will not join the team until after the Badgers’ game in January. Linebacker coach Tom Matukewicz will coach the team in the bowl game. Fresno State had to suspend a wide receiver and two linebackers for this game, including Kyle Knox who is 2nd on the team in tackles.
Matchup History: These teams have not played each other since 1991. They have played 4 times before, with each team winning twice.
Bowl History: NIU is playing in their 3rd straight bowl. They are 2-3 all-time and have lost 3 straight bowls. The Bulldogs are playing in a 4th straight bowl. They are 10-9 all-time in bowls.
Team Goals: The Huskies will be trying to win 11 games for the first time ever.

The New Orleans Bowl (10th Annual)
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Official Corporate Name: The H+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (2006-Present)
Previously Known As: The New Orleans Bowl (2001), The Wyndham New Orleans Bowl (2002-2004), The New Orleans Bowl at Lafayette (2005).
Matchup: Ohio (+2) vs. Troy
Pick: Troy covers
Overview: Ohio has been involved in some of the worst bowl matchups in recent history, including this one. The Bobcats contended for the MAC East title all year until they choked against Kent State in the season finale. Troy tied FIU for 1st in the Sun Belt but they lost the head to head meeting with the Panthers.
Records: Ohio is 8-4, and the Bobcats had won 7 straight until the debacle against Kent State. They are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games. Troy is 7-5 and just 4-8 against the spread. Normally getting to a bowl game would be a huge achievement for any SBC team, but this has been a disappointing year for the Trojans, who have been the top team in that conference for years.
Changes/Injuries: The Bobcats will be without QB Boo Jackson who is suspended for academic reasons.
Matchup History: First Meeting.
Bowl History: This is a 2nd straight bowl game for Ohio and the 3rd straight for Troy. The Bobcats are 0-4 all-time in bowl games. Troy is 1-3 in bowl games, and they will be playing in the New Orleans bowl for the 3rd time (1-1 in 2 previous New Orleans Bowls).
Team Goals: Ohio needs a win for a 2nd straight 9 win season. Troy will be trying for a 5th straight season with at least 8 wins.

December 21st

The St. Petersburg Bowl (3rd Annual)
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Official Corporate Name: The Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg (2010)
Previously Known As: The magicjack St. Petersburg Bowl (2008), The St. Petersburg Bowl presented by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s (2009).
Matchup: Louisville (-3) vs. Southern Mississippi
Pick: Southern Miss pulls off the upset
Overview: There’s nothing really interesting about this matchup, but at least it could be competitive.
Records: Louisville comes in 6-6, while the Eagles are 8-4. Southern Miss had won 3 in a row prior to a loss to Tulsa in the season finale.
Changes/Injuries: The Cardinals have two QB’s dealing with injuries, but both could be ready to go in time for this game, and they could use as many as 3 QB’s. Southern Miss had 3 defensive players shot recently, one of whom is paralyzed from the waist down.
Matchup History: These two teams have played each other many times, as they are former Conference USA foes. Southern Miss holds an 18-9-1 lead in the all-time series, but Louisville has won the last 4, including last season, 25-23 at home.
Bowl History: This will be the first bowl for Louisville since 2006. They are 6-7-1 all-time in bowls. Southern Miss will play in their 9th consecutive bowl. They are 9-6 all-time.
Team Goals: The Cardinals need a win for their first winning season since 2006. If they lose it will be their 3rd straight losing year.

December 22nd

The Las Vegas Bowl (19th Annual)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Official Corporate Name: The Maaco Bowl Las Vegas (2009-Present)
Previously Known As: The Las Vegas Bowl (1992-1998, 2000), The EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl (1999), The Sega Sports Las Vegas Bowl (2001-2002), The Pioneer Purevision Las Vegas Bowl (2003-2006), The Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl (2007-2008).
Matchup: Utah (+17) vs. Boise State
Pick: Boise State covers
Overview: While this could be a great game, it probably sounds like a better matchup than it really is. For one thing, nobody wants to see Boise State (or Utah for that matter) play another non-BCS conference team. We’ve seen enough of that. And yet, we’re going to get another helping this year. Utah may also be a paper tiger, especially with their star QB out. And it’s hard to say how motivated Boise State will be, as they were a short field goal away from at least playing in a BCS game, and there’s no denying that this is not where they expected to be playing.
Records: The Utes are 10-2, but just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. The Broncos finished in a 3-way tie with Nevada and Hawaii for the WAC championship. They are 11-1, but 0-2 ATS in their last 2 games.
Changes/Injuries: The Utes will be QB Jordan Wynn, and that figures to be a major blow. Senior Terrance Cain got almost no playing time this season, but he was 7-1 as a starter last year.
Matchup History: This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2006. Boise State holds a 4-2 lead in the series and has won 3 straight.
Bowl History: This will be Utah’s 8th straight bowl. They are 12-3 all-time in bowl games and have won 9 in a row. This will be their first Las Vegas Bowl since 2001, and they are 2-0 in this bowl. The Broncos are playing in a 9th straight bowl, and they are 6-4 all-time in bowls.
Team Goals: The Utes are trying for a 3rd season with at least 11 wins in the last 7 years, while the Broncos are going for their 3rd straight season with at least 12 wins.


December 23rd

The Jack Murphy Bowl (6th Annual)
Location: San Diego, California
Official Corporate Name: The San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (2005-Present)
Previously Known As: No previous titles
Matchup: Navy (+4.5) vs. San Diego State
Pick: Navy beats the spread
Overview: The most interesting thing about this game may be the crowd. The hometown Aztecs are playing in a bowl for the first time in ages, but San Diego is the site of the largest naval base on the west coast.
Records: Navy is 9-3, and the Midshipmen have won 4 straight and 7 of 8. They are 7-3 ATS in their last 10. San Diego State is 8-4.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: This is the 3rd meeting between these two, the first since 1997, and San Diego State has won the previous two.
Bowl History: This will be the 8th straight bowl for Navy, who is 7-8-1 in bowls all-time. This is their 3rd trip to the Poinsettia Bowl, the first since 2007, and they are 1-1 in this bowl. The Aztecs are playing in a bowl for the first time since 1998, and they are 1-4 all-time.
Team Goals: The Midshipmen are trying for a 2nd straight 10-win season, while the Aztecs are trying for their first 9-win season since winning 10 in 1977.

December 24th

The Hawaii Bowl (9th Annual)
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Official Corporate Name: The Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl (2003-Present)
Previously Known As: The ConAgra Foods Hawaii Bowl (2002)
Matchup: Tulsa (+10) vs. Hawaii
Pick: Hawaii covers
Overview: There should be plenty of scoring in this one. Hawaii will obviously have the home field advantage, but unlike during a regular season game, Tulsa will have a chance to get adapted to the time change.
Records: Hawaii ended up in a 3-way tie for the WAC title with Nevada and Boise State. The Warriors are 10-3 and a sparkling 11-2 ATS. They have won 3 straight and 9 of 10 (9-1 ATS in that stretch). Tulsa is 9-3, and they finished tied for 1st in the C-USA West with SMU, but they lost the head to head tiebreaker. The Golden Hurricane are also hot, having won 6 straight and 8 of 9 (8-1 ATS over that stretch).
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: These two used to be WAC rivals. This will be the first meeting since 2004. The Warriors lead the all-time series 5-3, including 3-1 at home.
Bowl History: This is the first bowl game since 2008 for both teams. Tulsa is 7-9 in bowl games, while the Warriors are 5-4. This will be the 6th Hawaii Bowl for the Warriors (3-2) and the their 8th bowl game played on the island (4-3).
Team Goals: The Hurricane are looking for their 4th season of at least 10 wins in the last 4 years. The Warriors will be trying to win 11+ games for the 3rd time in the last 5 years.

December 26th

The Motor City Bowl (14th Annual)
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Official Corporate Name: The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (2009-Present)
Previously Known As: The Ford Motor City Bowl (1997), The Motor City Bowl (1998-2008)
Matchup: Florida International (+1.5) vs. Toledo
Pick: Toledo covers
Overview: This is the definition of an unnecessary bowl game. Yes, it might be competitive, but does it really need to be played? A Minnesota vs. Vanderbilt game would also probably be competitive. FIU will be playing in their first ever bowl, so at least they’ll be excited (maybe).
Records: The Panthers are 6-6. They tied for 1st in the SBC with Troy and won the head to head tiebreaker to earn the title. They had won 6 of 7 until a 1-point loss to Middle Tennessee State in the season finale. Toledo is 8-4, despite having been outscored by opponents on the season. They are 5-1 in their last 6.
Changes/Injuries: Both of Toledo’s kickers are hurt.
Matchup History: These two teams played in each of the previous two seasons. In 2008, FIU won at Toledo, 35-16. Last season Toledo returned the favor, winning 41-31 on the road.
Bowl History: This will be the first ever bowl game for Florida International. The Rockets will play in a bowl for the first time since 2005, and they have a 7-3 all-time record. This will be their 4th Motor City Bowl (1-2).
Team Goals: If the Panthers win it will be their first winning season in program history. If they lose, it will be a 9th losing season in 9 years of existence. Toledo needs a win for their first 9-win season since 2005.

December 27th

The Independence Bowl (35th Annual)
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Official Corporate Name: The AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (2009-Present)
Previously Known As: The Independence Bowl (1976-1989, 1997, 2004-2005, 2008), The Poulan Weed-Eater Independence Bowl (1990-1996), The Sanford Independence Bowl (1998-2000), The MainStay Investments Independence Bowl (2001-2003), The PetroSun Independence Bowl (2006-2007).
Matchup: Georgia Tech (+3) vs. Air Force
Pick: Air Force covers
Overview: Usually all the talk about interesting matchups is just a desperate attempt by commentators to make dull games seem intriguing. This is an exception, as it truly should be fun to watch these two option attacks go at it. For those of us who like old school football this will be an exciting matchup.
Records: The Jackets are just 6-6 and 1-4 ATS in their last 5. Air Force has won their last 3 games and they are 8-4 on the year.
Changes/Injuries: Jackets QB Josh Nesbitt hasn’t been ruled out for this game but it would be a big surprise if he plays. That’s bad news for Tech, as the offense hasn’t been nearly as good since he went down. The Falcons could get FB Mike DeWitt back for this game, although RB Jared Tew remains doubtful.
Matchup History: This is the first meeting since 1979, and Tech has won all 3 previous encounters.
Bowl History: Tech will extend their streak to 14 straight bowls, although they have lost their last 5. They are 22-16 all-time. The Falcons are playing in a 4th straight bowl and they are 9-10-1 all-time. This is their 3rd trip to the Independence Bowl and their first since 1984 (2-0).
Team Goals: If the Jackets win it will be their 14th straight winning season. If they lose it will be their first losing season since 1996. Air Force is trying for their 2nd 9-win season in the last 4 years.

December 28th

The Sunshine Classic Bowl (21st Annual)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Official Corporate Name: The Champs Sports Bowl (2004-Present)
Previously Known As: The Blockbuster Bowl (1990-1993), The Carquest Bowl (1994-1997), The MicronPC Bowl (1998), The MicronPC.com Bowl (1999-2000), The Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl (2001), The Mazda Tangerine Bowl (2002-2003).
Matchup: North Carolina State (+3) vs. West Virginia
Pick: West Virginia covers
Overview: I guess this is a decent matchup, but why do we need to see it? Wouldn’t it be a lot better if NC State were playing Utah, and West Virginia were playing Boise State?
Records: NC State is 8-4 (9-3 ATS) and 4-1 ATS in their last 5. The Mountaineers are 9-3 and have won 4 straight (3-0-1 ATS in that stretch). West Virginia finished in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Big East with Pitt and UConn, but the Huskies had the head to head tiebreaker. The Wolfpack had a surprise trip to the ACC title game in their hands until they choked against Maryland in the season finale.
Changes/Injuries: I wasn’t sure how West Virginia would handle the situation if Bill Stewart continued to produce good but not awesome results. Apparently, his good nature made things easy on the higher-ups. Oklahoma State OC Dana Holgorsen has been hired as the WV offensive coordinator and coach-in-waiting. Stewart will coach one more season and then Holgorsen will take over in 2012. Holgorsen replaces current OC and QB coach Jeff Mullen. Holgorsen won’t be with the team until after both WV and Okie State play their bowl games.
Matchup History: This will be the first meeting between these two since 1979, with West Virginia holding a 5-4 advantage all-time. They have met twice before in bowl games (1972 and 1975 Peach Bowls), with each team winning once.
Bowl History: The Mountaineers will be playing in a 9th straight bowl, and they are 13-16 all-time. This is their 3rd Sunshine Classic (0-2) and their first since 1997. The Wolfpack are playing in a bowl for the first time since 2008. They are 12-11-1 all-time. They will be playing in their 5th Sunshine Classic (2-2) and their first since 2003.
Team Goals: NC State needs a win to get their first 9+ win season since they won 11 in 2002. West Virginia is aiming for a 4th 10-win season in 6 years.

The Copper Bowl (22nd Annual)
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Official Corporate Name: The Insight Bowl (2002-Present)
Previously Known As: The Copper Bowl (1989, 1996), The Domino’s Pizza Copper Bowl (1990-1991), The Weiser Lock Copper Bowl (1992-1995), The Insight.com Bowl (1997-2001).
Matchup: Missouri (-1) vs. Iowa
Pick: Missouri covers
Overview: Again, maybe it will be close, but here are two more teams that could have been a better matchup for Boise State, Utah, Hawaii, etc.
Records: Missouri is 10-2 and they have won 3 straight. The Tigers finished tied for 1st in the Big XII North wit Nebraska, but they lost the head to head tiebreaker to the Cornhuskers. Iowa is a disappointing 7-5, and the Hawkeyes have dropped 3 straight. They are 0-3-1 in their last 4 ATS.
Changes/Injuries: Iowa is somewhat of a disaster right now. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (46 catches, 10 TD) was arrested on several drug charges and forced to leave the program. Top RB Adam Robinson was also suspended for undisclosed reasons. Add this to the knee injury that knocked RB Jewel Hampton out for the entire season, as well as the transfer of RB Brandon Wegher, who has also been out all year. They are now saying that their drug testing program has “holes,” which leads one to believe that it may be bigger than just 1 guy who got caught. This could help explain why the Hawkeyes have underachieved as much as any team in the country this season.
Matchup History: Mizzu leads the all-time series 7-5, but this will be the first meeting since 1910.
Bowl History: The Tigers are playing in a 6th straight bowl, and they are 12-15 all-time. This is their 2nd Copper Bowl (1-0) and their first since 1998. Iowa is playing in their 3rd straight bowl and they are 13-10-1 all-time.
Team Goals: The Tigers are going for their 2nd season of 11+ wins in the last 4 years and just the 3rd in program history. The Hawkeyes need a win to get their 3rd straight season of 8+ victories.

December 29th

The General George Washington Bowl (3rd Annual)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Official Corporate Name: The Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman (2010)
Previously Known As: The EagleBank Bowl (2008-2009)
Matchup: East Carolina (+7) vs. Maryland
Pick: East Carolina beats the spread
Overview: Bawwww--ring! Bawwww---ring!
Records: ECU finished 6-6 to get bowl eligible, despite having been outscored by an average of 5.2 points a game on the year. They have lost 4 of their last 5 (1-4 ATS). The Terps finished 8-4 (8-4 ATS) and they are 5-1 in their last 6 ATS.
Changes/Injuries: The way Maryland’s AD is acting, it almost seems like their out-of-nowhere 8-win season has become more of a problem than a pleasant surprise. OC James Franklin was supposed to be the coach-in-waiting, but then the team went 5-3 in the ACC, and Franklin decided he couldn’t afford to pass up any more offers. He accepted the head coaching job at Vandy. Time will tell if this was a smart move, considering he had strong ties to Maryland and had been promised the future head coaching position. Either way, that move seemed to give the AD a sense of urgency. Reports say he essentially forced Ralph Friedgen into retirement, although Fridge will coach in the bowl game. The entire remaining staff had been in limbo, as Franklin may want to bring them along to Nashville. Franklin will not coach in the bowl game.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: This will be an impressive 5th straight bowl for East Carolina, and the Pirates are 5-6 all-time. This is Maryland’s first bowl since 2008. They are 10-11-2 all-time.
Team Goals: The Pirates need a win for their 5th straight winning season, while a loss would mean their first losing year since 2005. The Terps need a win for their 5th season of 9+ victories in the last 10 years.


The Texas Bowl (5th Annual)
Location: Houston, Texas
Official Corporate Name: The Texas Bowl (2006-Present)
Previously Known As: No previous titles
Matchup: Illinois (+1) vs. Baylor
Pick: Baylor covers
Overview: Outside of Baylor being in a bowl game for the first time in ages, there’s not much to this one.
Records: The Illini lost 3 of their final 4 games to finish 6-6 (8-4 ATS). The Bears also lost their final 3 games, finishing up 7-5. They were 0-3 ATS in their last 3.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: Baylor won the only previous meeting in 1976.
Bowl History: Baylor will be playing in a bowl game for the first time since 1994. Illinois will be in a bowl for the first time since 2007. The Bears are 8-8 all-time, while the Illini are 6-9.
Team Goals: Illinois needs a win to achieve just their 2nd winning season in the last 9 years, while a loss would mean a 3rd straight losing season. A win for Baylor would give them an 8-win season for the first time since 1991.

The Alamo Bowl (18th Annual)
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Official Corporate Name: The Valero Alamo Bowl (2007-Present)
Previously Known As: The Builders Square Alamo Bowl (1993-1998), The Sylvania Alamo Bowl (1999-2001), The MasterCard Alamo Bowl (2002-2005), The Alamo Bowl (2006).
Matchup: Arizona (+4.5) vs. Oklahoma State
Pick: Oklahoma State covers
Overview: This is a matchup of an overachieving team and an underachieving team.
Records: Arizona lost their last 4 games (1-3 ATS) to finish 7-5 (6-6 ATS). The Cowboys were one of the more surprising teams in the country this season. They had won 4 in a row before a loss to Oklahoma in the season finale. They finished 10-2 (9-3 ATS) and in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Big XII South with Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but the Sooners got to go to the title game by virtue of having the highest BCS ranking.
Changes/Injuries: Okie State OC Dana Holgorsen has been hired to be the coach-in-waiting at West Virginia, but he will coach in the bowl game. The Wildcats will have all of their QB’s available for the bowl.
Matchup History: These teams have met 6 times before, with both sides winning 3 times, but this will be the first meeting since 1942.
Bowl History: Arizona will be in a 3rd straight bowl and they are 6-8-1 all-time. Oklahoma State is in a 5th straight bowl. The Cowboys are 12-8 all-time in bowl games. This is their 3rd Alamo Bowl (0-2) and their first since 2004.
Team Goals: A win would give Arizona 3 straight 8-win seasons. The Cowboys are looking for their first ever 11-win season.

December 30th

The Oil Bowl (8th Annual)
Location: Dallas, Texas
Official Corporate Name: The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (2006-Present)
Previously Known As: The PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl (2003-2004), The Fort Worth Bowl (2005).
Matchup: Army (+7.5) vs. SMU
Pick: SMU covers
Overview: It’s nice that Army is in a bowl and that SMU has now made it to 2 straight. That’s about all I can say.
Records: Army lost 3 of their last 4 but they did enough to finish 6-6 and get bowl eligible. They are 1-4 ATS in their last 5. SMU finished tied with Tulsa for 1st in the C-USA West, and they had the head to head tiebreaker, but they lost to Central Florida in the title game to finish 7-6.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: Army has won each of the two previous meetings, but the two have not played each other since 1967.
Bowl History: SMU will be playing in a 2nd straight bowl, after going to their first bowl since 1984 last year. They are 5-6-1 all-time. Army is finally back in a bowl for the first time since 1996. They are 2-2 all-time.
Team Goals: SMU needs a win for a 2nd straight winning season and 2nd straight 8-win season. If the Black Knights lose, it will be their 14th straight losing season. A win would give them their first winning year since 1996.

The Bronx Bowl (1st Annual)
Location: The Bronx, New York
Official Corporate Name: The New Era Pinstripe Bowl (2010)
Previously Known As: No previous titles
Matchup: Kansas State (+1) vs. Syracuse
Pick: Syracuse covers
Overview: Well, I guess it’s interesting to see a bowl game in the Bronx. And it’s been a long time since we’ve seen Syracuse in a bowl game.
Records: KSU lost 4 of their final 6 games to finish 7-5. Syracuse was just 1-3 in their final 4 games (1-3 ATS) and they also come into this one at 7-5.
Changes/Injuries: Cuse RB Delane Carter should be good to go, but punter Rob Long will not play after having brain surgery to remove a benign tumor.
Matchup History: Both previous meetings have been in bowl games. As hard as it is to believe, these two played in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl. Their last meeting was in the 2001 Copper Bowl. They have split the two previous meetings.
Bowl History: The Wildcats are bowling for the first time since 2006 and they are 6-7 all-time. Syracuse is in a bowl for the first time since 2004, and the Orangemen are 12-9-1 all-time.
Team Goals: KSU is trying for their first 8+ win season since they won 11 in 2003. Syracuse needs a win for their first 8-win season since they won 10 in 2001.


The Music City Bowl (13th Annual)
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Official Corporate Name: The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (2010)
Previously Known As: The Music City Bowl (1998-2001), The Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (2002, 2008-2009), The Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented by Bridgestone (2003-2007).
Matchup: North Carolina (-1.5) vs. Tennessee
Pick: North Carolina covers
Overview: It will be interesting to see if the Tar Heels have anything left to give after one of the most frustrating seasons any team has endured in recent memory. It will also be interesting to see what kind of support the Vols get in their home state. One other side note is that these two were supposed to play a home-and-home series over the next two years, but Tennessee backed out of the agreement last offseason after Lane Kiffin bolted to USC.
Records: UNC is 7-5, having gone 1-5 ATS over their last 6. The Vols won their final 4 games to get bowl eligible at 6-6. They have won 5 straight ATS.
Changes/Injuries: The Heels have been without many of their most talented players since before the start of the season due to eligibility problems and injuries. Further injuries during the season have taken a toll on the depth of the roster. And now just when you though it couldn’t get worse, the Heels have lost 2 more starters for the bowl game, as LB Bruce Carter and OL Alan Pelc have both been ruled out.
Matchup History: These two teams played each other regularly as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Southern Conference. Tennessee holds a commanding 20-10-1 lead in the all-time series, but the two have not squared off since 1961.
Bowl History: The Heels are in their 3rd straight bowl. They are 12-15 all-time and have lost 3 bowl games in a row. The Vols are in a 2nd straight bowl and they are 25-23 all-time.
Team Goals: UNC needs a win to complete a 3rd straight 8-win season. If Tennessee loses it will be their 3rd losing season in the last 6 years.

The Holliday Bowl (33rd Annual)
Location: San Diego, California
Official Corporate Name: The Bridgepoint Education Holliday Bowl (2010)
Previously Known As: The Holliday Bowl (1978-1985), The SeaWorld Holliday Bowl (1986-1990), The Thrifty Car Rental Holliday Bowl (1991-1994), The Plymouth Holliday Bowl (1995-1997), The Culligan Holliday Bowl (1998-2001), The Pacific Life Holliday Bowl (2002-2009).
Matchup: Washington (+14) vs. Nebraska
Pick: Nebraska covers
Overview: Easily this year’s worst matchup, as well as this year’s best evidence that the bowl system has more flaws than the Genesis creation story.
Records: Washington beat Wazu (barley) in the season finale to get bowl eligible at 6-6, despite being outscored by 9.1 points a game this season. They have won their last 3 (3-0 ATS). Nebraska won the head to head tiebreaker over Missouri and was the Big XII North’s representative in the title game, but they lost to Oklahoma. They are 10-3 (6-6-1 ATS).
Changes/Injuries: The suspension of Cornhuskers NT Baker Steinkuhler isn’t getting much coverage but it could be huge.
Matchup History: The Cornhuskers have won the last 3 between these two and hold a 4-3-1 edge in the all-time series. These two have actually gotten together quite recently. In fact, they last met in week 3 of this season, when the Cornhuskers dismantled the Huskies, 56-21, in Washington.
Bowl History: This is the 3rd straight bowl for Nebraska and they are 24-22 all-time. This is their 3rd Holliday Bowl (1-1) and their 2nd straight (33-0 over Arizona last year). Washington is in a bowl for the first time since 2002. They are 14-14-1 all-time. This is their first trip to the Holliday Bowl since 2001, and they are 0-3 in their previous trips.
Team Goals: Nebraska is aiming for their first 11-win season since 2001. A win for the Huskies would mean their first winning year since 2002. A loss would mean their 7th straight losing season.

December 31st

The Queen City Bowl (9th Annual)
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Official Corporate Name: The Mienike Car Care Bowl (2005-Present)
Previously Known As: The Continental Tire Bowl (2002-2004)
Matchup: South Florida (+5) vs. Clemson
Pick: South Florida beats the spread
Overview: I don’t know, it just seems like we get more or less the same matchups every year.
Records: The Bulls are 7-5 and 5-7 ATS. The Tigers are just 6-6 and 5-7 ATS.
Changes/Injuries: SF QB BJ Daniels is doubtful, and if he can’t go it will be up to former walk-on Bobby Eveld. Clemson will likely miss RB/KR Andre Ellington (10 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD) due to a foot injury.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: The Bulls are in a 6th straight bowl (3-2 all-time) and their first Queen City Bowl since 2005 (0-1). This is a 6th straight bowl for the Tigers, who are 16-16 all-time.
Team Goals: USF is going for their 5th straight 8-win season. Clemson needs a victory to achieve their 11th straight winning season. A loss would mean their first losing season since 1998.

The Sun Bowl (77th Annual)
Location: El Paso, Texas
Official Corporate Name: The Hyundai Sun Bowl (2010)
Previously Known As: The Sun Bowl (1935-1985, 1994-1995), The John Hancock Sun Bowl (1986-1988), The John Hancock Bowl (1989-1993), The Norwest Sun Bowl (1996-1998), The Wells Fargo Sun Bowl (1999-2003), The Vitalis Sun Bowl (2004-2005), The Brut Sun Bowl (2006-2009).
Matchup: Notre Dame (+3) vs. Miami
Pick: Notre Dame beats the spread
Overview: It’s amazing how quickly people bring up the rivalry these two had in the 80’s, as if that does anything to make this year’s matchup more interesting. It seems like that was the main motivation for bringing these two out to Texas. The problem is that those images will disappear as soon as the current players and coaches take the field.
Records: The Irish won their final 3 games (3-0 ATS) to finish 7-5. The Canes are also 7-5. They are 2-6 ATS in their last 8.
Changes/Injuries: Both teams have plenty of injuries, but the biggest issue is the firing of Randy Shannon, which came as a shock to many of the Miami players and coaches. OL coach Jeff Stoutland is the interim coach, and Al Golden will take over as soon as the game ends.
Matchup History: Notre Dame holds a 15-7-1 lead all-time, but the teams have not met since 1990.
Bowl History: This is the 3rd straight bowl for the Canes, who are 18-15 all-time. Notre Dame is in a bowl for the first time since 2008. They are 14-15 all-time, and their win over Hawaii in 2008 ended a 9-game skid in bowls.
Team Goals: The Irish need a win to achieve their first 8+ win season since they won 10 in 2006.


The Liberty Bowl (52nd Annual)
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Official Corporate Name: The AutoZone Liberty Bowl (2004-Present)
Previously Known As: The Liberty Bowl (1959-1996), The AXA Liberty Bowl (1997-2003).
Matchup: Central Florida (+6.5) vs. Georgia
Pick: Central Florida beats the spread
Overview: This is a very scary and very important bowl game for me.
Records: Central Florida dominated C-USA this season, beating SMU in the title game to win the championship. They are 10-3 and 10-3 ATS. They have won 3 straight and 8 of 9. They are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games. The Dawgs won 5 of their last 7 to get bowl eligible at 6-6. They are 1-3 ATS in their last 4.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: The Dawgs won the only prior meeting, 24-23, at home in 1999, when the Central Florida went for the 2-pt conversion and the win and the Dawgs intercepted. I remember it vividly.
Bowl History: This will be a 2nd straight bowl appearance for the Knights, who are 0-3 all-time. This is their first Liberty Bowl since 2007 (0-1). The Dawgs will be playing in a 14th straight bowl, and they are 26-16-3 all-time. They have won their last 4 bowl games and 11 of their last 13. This is their first Liberty Bowl since 1987 (1-1).
Team Goals: Central Florida will be trying for their first 11 win season. The Dawgs need a win to finish with a winning record for a 14th straight season. A loss would mean their first losing season since 1996.

The Peach Bowl (43rd Annual)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Official Corporate Name: The Chick-fil-A Bowl (2006-Present)
Previously Known As: The Peach Bowl (1968-1997), The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (1998-2005).
Matchup: Florida State (+3) vs. South Carolina
Pick: Florida State beats the spread
Overview: This is a most interesting matchup, and a tough one for South Carolina in my opinion. This has to be one of the better Peach Bowl matchups of all-time.
Records: FSU had won 3 in a row before losing to VT in the ACC Championship Game to finish 9-4. They are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7. The Cocks had also won 3 in a row before losing the SEC title game to Auburn.
Changes/Injuries: It’s looking more and more likely that Christian Ponder will be able to play in this game and that is huge.
Matchup History: FSU has dominated this series. They are 15-3 all-time vs. South Carolina and they have won the last 6 meetings. These two have not met since 1991.
Bowl History: The Gamecocks are in a 3rd straight bowl. They are just 4-11 all-time in bowl games. They lost their only previous trip to the Peach Bowl back in 1969. The Noles are back in the bowls for a 29th consecutive season. They are 22-14-2 all-time. They are in the Peach Bowl for the first time since 1983 (1-1).
Team Goals: South Carolina is trying for their first 10-win season since 1984 and just the 2nd in program history. The Noles are looking for their first 10-win season since 2003.

January 1st


The Fair Park Bowl (1st Annual)
Location: Dallas, Texas
Official Corporate Name: The TicketCity Bowl (2011)
Previously Known As: No previous titles.
Matchup: Northwestern (+9.5) vs. Texas Tech
Pick: Texas Tech covers
Overview: This would have been an offensive shootout if Dan Persa hadn’t hurt himself. Now it’s just a game with zero defense.
Records: Both teams are 7-5. The Wildcats are just 3-9 ATS and they have been outscored by an average of 2.3 points a game this season. They are 2-5 in their last 7 and just 1-8 ATS in their last 9. The Red Raiders are 3-1 in their last 4 (3-1 ATS).
Changes/Injuries: The key injured player is QB Dan Persa. When he went down the NW season basically ended. Making matters worse, the Wildcats have a slew of injuries in the running back corps. Arby Field and Scott Concannon are out, and Mike Trumpy and Jacob Schmidt are questionable.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: This is the 3rd straight bowl for NW. The Cats are 1-7 all-time and have lost 6 straight. Texas Tech is back in a bowl for an 11th straight year. They are 11-21-1 all-time.
Team Goals: NW is trying for a 3rd straight 8-win season, while Texas Tech is going for a 9th straight 8-win season.

The Cigar Bowl (25th Annual)
Location: Tampa, Florida
Official Corporate Name: The Outback Bowl (1995-Present)
Previously Known As: The Hall-of-Fame Bowl (1986-1994).
Matchup: Penn State (+7.5) vs. Florida
Pick: Penn State beats the spread
Overview: A lot of the problems with the bowl system can be seen in this matchup. For starters, we see big programs from the Big Ten play big programs from the SEC in these games every season and it’s just not that exciting anymore. Secondly, this was clearly an attractive matchup for the bowl only because of the name recognition and history of the teams. Neither of these teams had a very good season.
Records: Both teams are 7-5. PSU won 4 of their last 6 (4-2 ATS). Both teams lost their final games of the year.
Changes/Injuries: What’s weirder: the fact that Urban Meyer will step down as Gator’s coach after this game in large part due to health reasons, or the fact that Joe Pa will not?
Matchup History: Both previous meetings have been in bowls and the Gators have won both games (1962 Gator, 1997 Citrus). First meeting since 1997 Citrus.
Bowl History: This will be a 6th straight bowl game for the Nittany Lions, who are 27-13-2 all-time. They have won 10 of their last 13 bowl games. This is their first Cigar Bowl since 2006, and they are 3-0 all-time. The Gators are in their 20th straight bowl and they are 18-19 all-time. This is their first Cigar Bowl since 2005 and they are 1-2 all-time.
Team Goals: PSU will be trying for a 6th straight 8+ win season. The Gators also need a win for a 6th straight 8+ win season, but a loss would be their first 6-loss season since 1987.

The Tangerine Bowl (65th Annual)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Official Corporate Name: The Capital One Bowl (2003-Present)
Previously Known As: The Tangerine Bowl (1947-1982), The Florida Citrus Bowl (1983-1993), The CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl (1994-1999), The Ourhouse.com Florida Citrus Bowl (2000), The Capital One Florida Citrus Bowl (2001-2002).
Matchup: Michigan State (+10) vs. Alabama
Pick: Michigan State beats the spread
Overview: I feel bad that MSU had to be the team that got left out, but I think this is one of the better matchups of the bowl season. It will be interesting to see how motivated Bama will be.
Records: Michigan State is 11-1. They won their last 3 to finish in a 3-way tie for the Big Ten title with Wisconsin and Ohio State. They lost out on BCS bids due to having the lower BCS ranking. They are 1-3 ATS in their last 4. Bama ended the season a disappointing 9-3.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: This is a 4th straight bowl for the Spartans, who are 7-13 all-time. They’ve lost 4 straight. This is their first Tangerine Bowl since 2008 (1-1 all-time). Bama is in a 7th straight bowl. They are 32-22-3 all-time. This is their first Tangerine Bowl since 1994 (1-0 all-time).
Team Goals: The Tide need a win to achieve a 3rd straight 10-win season. The Spartans have already won 11 games for the first time, and they are looking to be the first 12-win Michigan State team. They would also be the first Spartans team to finish the season with less than 2 losses since 1966.

The Gator Bowl (66th Annual)
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Official Corporate Name: The Gator Bowl (1946-1985, 2011)
Previously Known As: The Mazda Gator Bowl (1986-1991), The Outback Steakhouse Gator Bowl (1992-1994), The Toyota Gator Bowl (1996-2006), The Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (2007-2010).
Matchup: Michigan (+4.5) vs. Mississippi State
Pick: Mississippi State covers
Overview: If history and reputation has zero effect on the game, the Wolverines have no shot. This could end up being the game that costs Rich Rod his job.
Records: Michigan lost 5 of their last 7 to finish 7-5 and just 3-9 ATS. They have lost 8 in a row ATS. The Maroon Dogs beat rival Mississippi to finish the year at 8-4, their best in a long time.
Changes/Injuries: Miss State WR/PR Chad Bumphis (44 catches, 5 TD) is doubtful.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: This the first bowl since 2007 for each team. Michigan is 19-20 all-time, while the Maroon Dogs are 7-6. Miss State has won 3 straight bowls. This is the first Gator Bowl for the Wolverines since 1990 (1-1).
Team Goals: Mississippi State needs a win for their first 9+ win season since they won 10 in 1999.


The Keith Jackson Bowl (97th, 96th Annual [first game in 1902])
Location: Pasadena, California
Official Corporate Name: The Rose Bowl Game Presented by VIZIO (2011)
Previously Known As: The Tournament East-West Football Game (1902, 1916-1922), The Rose Bowl Game (1923-1998), The Rose Bowl Game Presented by AT&T (1999-2002), The Rose Bowl Game Presented by Play Station 2 (2003), The Rose Bowl Game Presented by Citi (2004-2010).
Matchup: TCU (-2.5) vs. Wisconsin
Pick: Wisconsin pulls off the upset
Overview: I think almost everyone would agree that this is the best matchup outside of the National Championship Game. Actually, you could make a case that this is the only game other than the NCG that means anything at all.
Records: TCU is perfect at 12-0. They are 4-1 ATS in their last 5. The Badgers won their final 7 games to finish in a 3-way tie with Michigan State and Ohio State atop the Big Ten standings. They are 11-1. Wisconsin has won 6 straight ATS.
Changes/Injuries: Wisconsin RB John Clay should be ready for this one.
Matchup History: The only previous meeting occurred in 1970 and ended in a 14-14 tie.
Bowl History: This will be the 6th straight bowl for TCU. The Horned Frogs are 11-14-1 all-time in bowl games. They had won 4 straight before losing last year. This will be their 2nd straight BCS game (0-1 all-time). Wisconsin will play in their 9th straight bowl (11-10 all-time) and their first Rose Bowl since 1999 (3-3 all-time). This will be their 3rd BCS bowl and their first since 1999 (2-0 all-time).
Team Goals: TCU is looking for their first ever 13-win season. A win would also give them their first undefeated team since 1938 and just their second ever. The Badgers are looking for their 2nd 12-win season in the last 5 years (it would also be just 2nd in program history).

The Fiesta Bowl (40th Annual)
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Official Corporate Name: The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (1996-2011)
Previously Known As: The Sunkist Fiesta Bowl (1986-1992), The IBM Fiesta Bowl (1993-1995).
Matchup: Connecticut (+17) vs. Oklahoma
Pick: Oklahoma covers
Overview: Trash. The only reason this one is at all interesting is that you want to see if the Sooners can figure out a way not to win.
Records: The Huskies won their final 5 games (5-0 ATS) to finish 8-4 and in a 3-way tie with Pitt and West Virginia for 1st in the Big East. UConn had the head to head tiebreaker and won the BCS birth. Oklahoma also finished in a 3-way tie with Okie State and A&M for the Big XII South. They won the trip to the conference title game due to having the higher ranking in the BCS. The Sooners beat Nebraska to win the conference and finish 11-2 (7-6 ATS). They have won 4 straight (3-1 ATS).
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: This is a 4th straight bowl for the Huskies (3-1 all-time) and their 1st ever BCS bowl. The Sooners will play in their 12th straight bowl and they are 25-17-1 all-time. They have lost 5 of their last 7 bowl games. This is their first Fiesta Bowl since 2007 (1-3 al-time) and they have lost their last 3 in this bowl game. This is their 8th BCS bowl and their first since 2008 (2-5 all-time, lost 5 straight).
Team Goals: The Sooners are aiming for their 6th season of at least 12 wins in the last 11 years.

January 3rd

The Orange Bowl (77th Annual)
Location: Miami, Florida
Official Corporate Name: The Discover Orange Bowl (2011)
Previously Known As: The Orange Bowl (1935-1988), The FedEx Orange Bowl (1989-2010).
Matchup: Virginia Tech (+3) vs. Stanford
Pick: Stanford covers
Overview: This is a great matchup involving two very good teams. But what does it mean?
Records: After losing their first 2 games, VT won their last 11 (10-1 ATS), beating FSU in the conference title game to win the ACC. They are 11-2 (10-3 ATS) and they have won 4 straight ATS. Stanford is 11-1 with only a loss at Oregon. They have won 7 straight and they are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: The Hokies are playing in a remarkable 18th straight bowl game (9-14 all-time). This is their first Orange Bowl since 2008 (1-2 all-time) and their first BCS bowl since then. They are 1-3 all-time in BCS bowls. Stanford is playing in a 2nd straight bowl. They are 9-11-1 all-time, having lost their last 3. This is their 2nd BCS game and their first since 1999 (0-1).
Team Goals: The Stanford Indians have already won 11 games for the first time ever and they are looking to get to 12 wins. VT will also be going for a first ever 12-win season.

January 4th

The Sugar Bowl (77th Annual)
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Official Corporate Name: The Allstate Sugar Bowl (2007-Present)
Previously Known As: The Sugar Bowl (1935-1986), The USF&G Sugar Bowl (1987-1995), The Nokia Sugar Bowl (1996-2006).
Matchup: Arkansas (+3.5) vs. Ohio State
Pick: Ohio State covers
Overview: This is another good matchup and this one perhaps has some meaning, as Ohio State has had a hard time with the SEC in recent years.
Records: Arkansas won their last 6 games (6-0 ATS) to finish 10-2 (9-3 ATS). They are 9-1 ATS in their last 10. The Buckeyes won their last 5 games (4-0-1 ATS) to finish in a 3-way tie for the Big Ten title. They are 11-1 and 9-2-1 ATS.
Changes/Injuries: Ark WR Greg Childs is out for the year.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: This will be a 2nd straight bowl for the Hogs (12-22-3 all-time). They have lost 12 of their last 15 bowls. They are in the Sugar for the first time since 1979 (1-4 all-time). This is their first ever BCS bowl. The Buckeyes are playing in an 11th straight bowl game (19-22 all-time) and their first Sugar since 1998 (1-2 all-time). The Buckeyes will be playing in a ridiculous 6th straight BCS game and their 9th in the last 12 years (5-3 all-time).
Team Goals: The Hogs are looking for their first 11-win season since 1977 and just their 3rd ever. The Buckeyes are trying for their 3rd 12+ win season in the last 9 years (and 3rd ever).

January 6th

The Titties Bowl (12th Annual)
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Official Corporate Name: The GoDaddy.com Bowl (2011)
Previously Known As: The Mobile Alabama Bowl (1999), The GMAC Mobile Alabama Bowl (2000), The GMAC Bowl (2001-2010).
Matchup: Middle Tennessee State (+1) vs. Miami (Ohio)
Pick: Miami (Ohio) covers
Overview: Having the MAC champion play a team from the SBC in Alabama on January 6th is totally stupid. This season there are 3 different MAC vs. SBC matchups. The only other game involving either a MAC or SBC team is the Humanitarian Bowl which is NIU against the #4 team from the WAC. If the teams from the SBC and the MAC—even the champions of these leagues—are not even good enough to put up a decent fight against the middling teams from the big conferences, than they really should be in the FCS. What’s the point of sending them to bowl games if they are only going to serve as schedule fillers and coaching farm systems for the big teams?
Records: This is a matchup of two of the worst bowl eligible teams. Middle Tennessee State came on strong, winning their final 3 to finish 6-6, but they were just 4-8 ATS and they were outscored by 0.6 points a game on the year. Miami (Ohio) shocked everyone by winning their final 5 games (4-1 ATS), including upsetting NIU in the MAC title game to win the championship. They are 9-4 despite having been outscored by an average of 2.9 points a game on the year.
Changes/Injuries: RedHawks head coach Mike Hayward has taken the job as head coach at Pitt and will not coach in this game. DB coach Lance Guidry will be the interim coach for the bowl. This is not a great hire in my opinion, or rather, it might end up being a good hire, but it seems like a reach. It reminds me of the Turner Gil hire by Kansas. But again, if every coach that succeeds in the MAC is hired immediately by a bigger school, why not just have the MAC be a part of the FCS? Miami (Ohio) QB Zac Dysert is doubtful, but Austin Boucher is 3-0 in his absence.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: 2nd straight bowl for MTS (1-1 all-time). This the first bowl for the RedHawks since 2004 (6-2 all-time). This will be Miami of Ohio’s first trip to the Titties Bowl since 2003 (1-0 all-time).
Team Goals: The RedHawks need a win to achieve their first 10+ win season since they won 13 in 2003.

January 7th

The Cotton Bowl (75th Annual)
Location: Arlington, Texas
Official Corporate Name: The AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic (2006-Present)
Previously Known As: The Cotton Bowl Classic (1937-1988), The Mobil Cotton Bowl Classic (1989-1995), The Southwestern Bell Cotton Bowl Classic (1996-1999), The SBC Communications Cotton Bowl Classic (2000-2005).
Matchup: Texas A&M (+1) LSU
Pick: LSU covers
Overview: The Cotton Bowl has had good matchups in recent years. This is a tough one for LSU in my opinion.
Records: A&M caught fire midway through the season, winning their last 6 games (6-0 ATS) to finish 9-3 and in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Big XII South. They lost out on the tiebreaker which was based on BCS ranking. LSU went just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 but they still ended up 10-2.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: These two are former members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and this will be their 50th meeting (LSU leads series 26-20-3). They last met in 1995 and A&M has won 5 in a row. Their only other meeting in a bowl game was in the 1943 Orange Bowl won by LSU.
Bowl History: Texas A&M is in a bowl for a 2nd straight year. They are 13-18 all-time and have lost their last 4 and 11 of 13. This is their first trip to the Cotton Bowl since 2004 (4-7 all-time, lost last 5). LSU will play in their 11th straight bowl (21-19-1 all-time). They have won 10 of their last 13 bowls and they had won 4 in a row prior to last season. This will be their first Cotton Bowl since 2002 (2-1-1 all-time).
Team Goals: A&M is looking for their first 10+ win season since they won 11 in 1998. The Tigers are going for their 5th 11+ win season in the last 8 years.

January 8th

The Birmingham Bowl (5th Annual)
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Official Corporate Name: The BBVA Compass Bowl (2011)
Previously Known As: The PapaJohns.com Bowl (2006-2010).
Matchup: Kentucky (+3) vs. Pittsburgh
Pick: Pitt covers
Overview: A tough draw for Kentucky. Also, one of these two could have played the SBC or MAC champ.
Records: Kentucky is 6-6. They are 1-4 ATS in their last 5. The Panthers went 7-5 and actually finished in a 3-way tie for 1st in the Big East but lost the head to head tiebreaker.
Changes/Injuries: Dave Wannstedt resigned following the last game of the season but he will coach in the bowl. DE Greg Romeus is out with an injury and the Panthers have had to suspend an offensive lineman and a running back. Kentucky’s chances took a serious blow when QB Mike Hartline was suspended for a run-in with the police. The Cats also suspended a defensive lineman. Sophomore Morgan Newton, who struggled when filling in for Hartline last season, will be the QB.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: 5th straight bowl appearance for the Cats (8-6). The Panthers are in a 3rd straight bowl (11-15).
Team Goals: The Cats are trying for a 5th straight winning season. A loss would mean their first losing season since 2005. The Panthers are trying for a 3rd straight 8-win season.

January 9th

The San Francisco Bowl (9th Annual)
Location: San Francisco, California
Official Corporate Name: The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (2011)
Previously Known As: The Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl (2002-2003), The Emerald Bowl (2004-2009).
Matchup: Boston College (+9.5) vs. Nevada
Pick: Nevada covers
Overview: I guess this is interesting, although by that time I think we’ll be ready for the big one.
Records: BC was actually outscored by their opponents this season, but they won their last 5 (4-1 ATS) to finish 7-5. Nevada won their last 6, including the huge win over Boise State, to finish 12-1 and in a 3-way tie for 1st in the WAC. They are 4-1 ATS in their last 5.
Changes/Injuries: BC RB Montel Harris should be ready to go.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: The Eagles made it to a 12th straight bowl game (13-8 all-time). This will be their 2nd straight SF Bowl and their 3rd all-time (1-1). This will be a 6th straight bowl for Nevada. They are 3-7 all-time in bowls, having lost their last 4.
Team Goals: BC will be trying for a 10th straight 8+ win season. Nevada will be trying for their first 13-win season since they did it in 1990 as a Division-IAA school in the Big Sky.

January 10th

The Fraudulent National Championship Game (5th Annual)
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Official Corporate Name: The Tostitos BCS National Championship Game (2007, 2011)
Previously Known As: The Allstate BCS National Championship Game (2008), The FedEx BCS National Championship Game (2009), The Citi BCS National Championship Game (2010).
Matchup: Oregon (+3) vs. Auburn
Pick: Auburn covers
Overview: An excellent matchup of the two best teams and the two most explosive offenses.
Records: The Ducks went 12-0 to win the Pac-10. They are 1-2-1 ATS in their last 4. The Tigers went 13-0 and beat South Carolina to win the SEC Championship. They are 8-2 ATS in their last 10.
Changes/Injuries: None notable.
Matchup History: First meeting.
Bowl History: The Ducks will be in their 6th straight bowl (9-14 all-time) and their 2nd straight BCS bowl (1-1). The Tigers will be in a 2nd straight bowl (20-13-2 all-time). They have won 3 straight bowl games and 6 of their last 7. This is their first BCS bowl since 2004 (1-0).
Team Goals: Oregon will be trying for their first 13-win season, their first undefeated season since they went 4-0 in 1895, and their first national title. Auburn will trying for their first 14-win season, their 2nd perfect season in the last 7 years and their 3rd in the last 18, and their first national title since 1957 (it would be 3rd in their history).