- Trend #1- Teams with interim coaches are having issues. So far 5 of 6 teams that have fired their coach before their bowl game have lost. The only won that won, was Michigan who allowed Lloyd Carr to coach the game. So, teams with interim coaches are 0-5 this Bowl season with West Virginia still to go
- Trend #2- The Big East is 1-2 so far, with West Virginia and Rutgers still to play. South Florida did not show up against Oregon, and UCONN couldn't get past Wake Forest. It is very possible that the Big East will finish the Bowl season 1-4.
- Trend #3- Teams that were snubbed of the BCS Championship Game are winning, and doing it quite convincingly. Missouri didn't even get a BCS bid, and killed Arkansas 38-7, USC handled Illinois easily, and Georgia shut up all the Hawaii lovers, including myself, with a perfect game against the Warriors. Oklahoma is the only team left that was has a legitimate case for a National Championship, and they play tonight.
- Trend #4- The SEC is the dominate conference as they have shown all season, with a record of 6-2. Their only losses were by Arkansas which fell into 2 of the other 3 above mentioned trends, and Florida who was outplayed by the most up and down team ever, Michigan. LSU is the only SEC team left to play, and they are favored to win the National Championship.
- Trend #5- After watching dozens of Bowl games, and 2 BCS games, the final 3 BCS Bowl Games will have a running time of over 4 hours.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
West Virginia vs. Oklahoma
Wed. Jan. 2nd 8pm FOX @Glendale, AZ
This game features 2 teams that have a bone to pick with different people, and are out to prove something. Oklahoma wants to prove they should have been in the BCS Championship Game, and that they also want to get the bad taste out of their mouth from last years Boise St. game. West Virginia on the other hand is out to prove they can come together as one, after their coach Rich Rodriguez left them. Oklahoma will put the game in the hands of their Freshman QB Sam Bradford who threw 34 TDs this season to lead the Sooners. West Virginia will rely on their three headed running monster with Steve Slaton, Pat White, and up and coming Freshman Noel Devine. In the end I will continue to following the aforementioned trends of the Bowl Season. My prediction: Oklahoma 38 West Virginia 27.
Fedex Orange Bowl
Kansas vs. Virginia Tech
Thur. Jan 3rd 8pm FOX @Miami, FL
In my opinion this is the worst of all the BCS Match ups, but both of these teams have something to prove. VA Tech has been overlooked ever since the final BCS standings were put out. In reality they are the #3 ranked team behind Ohio St and LSU, and may be on the cusp of a split National Championship if they win convincingly. Kansas has had a remarkable season, and are out to prove they were the right team chosen for this game, over Missouri. I am sticking to my original opinion, that Kansas is severely overrated. The Hokies have been forgotten a lot this season, but they have a great defense, and coach Frank Beamer will definitely have them ready to go. My prediction: Virginia Tech 31 Kansas 17.
International Bowl
Rutgers vs. Ball State
Sat. Jan 5th 12pm ESPN2 @Toronto, Canada
This bowl is pretty boring for the casual college football fan, but for people in Central Jersey this is a pretty big deal. Rutgers is entering their 3rd straight Bowl, and although they would have liked more than to be in a bowl in Canada, they will be ready to go for this one. Ray Rice is an NFL ready running back, who will put on a show against Ball St. For Ball State, they are led by their QB Nate Davis who passed for over 3300 yards, leading Ball State to a 7-5 record. My prediction: Rutgers 34 Ball State 21.
GMAC Bowl
Bowling Green vs. Tulsa
Sun. Jan. 6th 8pm ESPN @Mobile, AL
If the International Bowl is a boring bowl, this is a snoozefest. For some reason this game is being played the night before the Championship Game, and after the First Round of the NFL Playoffs. I don't know much about this game, but Tulsa has a very explosive offense led by Senior QB Paul Smith, and I'm pretty sure no one is going to be watching this game. My prediction: Tulsa 55 Bowling Green 38.
Allstate BCS National Championship Game
#2 LSU vs. #1 Ohio State
Mon. Jan. 7th 8pm FOX @New Orleans, LA
The only game of the 32 Bowl schedule that matters, and it may not even be against the 2 best teams in the country. Instead of complaining though everyone will be watching the conclusion to a crazy and unpredictable College Football Season. LSU is everyones favorite, and with their physical defense and capable offense they deserve it. LSU has athletes at almost every position, but they will need QB Matt Flynn to lead them them to victory if they are going to win. Ohio St. let up only 2 rushing TDs all season, and if you're into great defensive teams, the Buckeyes are your team. If Beanie Wells can get going for Ohio State, they will have a good chance of taking down the Tigers for the National Championship. I just hope this game is close and watchable, unlike last seasons Championship stinker. Ohio State is looking to not become the 2nd team to lose the BCS Championship Game for 2 straight years, and LSU is looking to continue the SEC's 3-0 record in these games. My prediction: LSU 24 Ohio State 20.
4th and Goal
Finally here are my predictions for the NFL Wild Card Round. Seattle over Washington in a boring low scoring game. Jacksonville over Pittsburgh, with Fred Taylor running for 2 TDs and 150 yards. Giants over Tampa Bay, because I will be rooting for Eli to finally win a playoff game. San Diego over Tennessee, Vince Young just isn't that great, and Tomlinson is.
