BOWL GAMES 2008-2009

I'm looking forward to the next two games....

Can Boise go undefeated?
Will Notre Dame lose another bowl

Bowl season preview

Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

• Ratings are one to four stars.

Saturday

EAGLEBANK BOWL

• Wake Forest 29 (7-5) vs. Navy 19 (8-4)

Kickoff: 11 a.m., RFK Stadium, Washington

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Navy leads the country in rushing (298.3 yards), and Shun White is the team's leading rusher (1,021 yards, eight TDs). The teams met during the regular season, with Navy winning, 24-17. Demon Deacons DB Alphonso Smith is second nationally in passes defended.

Rating: Two stars

Saturday

NEW MEXICO BOWL

• Colorado State 40 (6-6)     vs. Fresno State 35 (7-5)

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m., University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: This is the first bowl in four years for Colorado State, which is led by QB Billy Farris (17 TDs). Fresno State is in its ninth bowl in Pat Hill 's 12 seasons. QB Tom Brandstater has had a solid season (2,478 yards, 17 TDs).

Rating: Two stars

Saturday

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL

• Memphis 14 (6-6)     vs. South Florida 41 (7-5)

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m., Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.

TV: ESPN2  Payout: $1 million

Outlook: South Florida started 5-0, then finished 2-5. Still, this is the Bulls' fourth straight bowl, and they have home-field advantage. QB Matt Grothe has thrown for 15 TDs and rushed for four. Memphis is in its fifth bowl in six years.

Rating: One star

Saturday

LAS VEGAS BOWL

• BYU 21 (10-2) vs. Arizona 31 (7-5)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas

TV: ESPN  Payout: $1 million

Outlook: BYU is 17th in total offense (444.8 yards) and led by QB Max Hall (3,629 yards, 34 TDs). Arizona is playing in its first bowl in 10 years. The Wildcats feature balance and have two productive tailbacks -- Nick Grigsby (12 TDs) and Keola Antolin (10 TDs).

Rating: Three stars

Sunday

NEW ORLEANS BOWL

• Southern Mississippi 30 (6-6)     vs. Troy 27 (8-4) (OT)

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

TV: ESPN  Payout: $325,000

Outlook: QB Levi Brown (14 TDs) paces an offense that averages more than 33 points. Southern Miss won its final four games (allowed only 35 points) and is led by QB Austin Davis , who helped the offense set a school record for yards (5,220).

Rating: Two stars

Tuesday

POINSETTIA BOWL

• Boise State 16 (12-0) vs. TCU 17 (10-2)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Expect a shootout. Boise State is 12th in scoring (39.4 points) and 13th in total offense (457 yards). TCU is 20th in scoring (35 points), but perhaps more importantly, No. 2 in total defense (215.1). Boise State is tied for fifth in fewest sacks allowed (11).

Rating: Three stars

Dec. 24

HAWAII BOWL

• Hawaii 21 (7-6) vs. Notre Dame 49 (6-6)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Aloha Stadium, Honolulu

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is in place for another season with the Irish, but even he has said 6-6 is unacceptable. The Irish have lost nine straight bowls and need an improved performance from QB Jimmy Clausen (20 TDs, 17 INTs). Hawaii is ranked 74th in total offense (344.9 yards) but has a physical defensive line.

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 26

MOTOR CITY BOWL

• Florida Atlantic 24 (6-6)     vs. Central Michigan 21 (8-4)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Ford Field, Detroit

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: QB Dan LeFevour has led a productive Central offense (427.1 yards). But the Chippewas' defense has been less than stellar (30.8 points). Florida Atlantic, winner of five of its last six, is led by QB Rusty Smith (2,918 yards, 22 TDs).

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 27

MEINEKE BOWL

• West Virginia 31 (8-4)     vs. North Carolina 30 (8-4)

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $1 million

Outlook: West Virginia's key is QB Pat White (18 pass TDs, eight rush TDs). The Mountaineers' 3-3-5 defense leads the Big East in fewest points allowed (15.9). North Carolina's big offensive threat is WR Hakeem Hicks , who is capable of the big play.

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 27

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL

• Wisconsin 13 (7-5)     vs. Florida State 42 (8-4)

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m., Citrus Bowl Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $2.125 million

Outlook: This will be the 27th straight bowl appearance for Florida State, a streak that leads the nation. Florida State is 8-2-1 against the Big Ten (first meeting vs. Wisconsin). Wisconsin struggled early but won its final three games. QB Dustin Sherer took over as starter the final six games, and the Badgers won four.

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 27

EMERALD BOWL

• Miami 17 (7-5) vs. California 24 (8-4)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., AT&T Park, San Francisco

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Cal is seventh nationally in turnover margin (1.17), and that includes 23 INTs. The Bears rely on the run, especially Jahvid Best , who has three TD runs of at least 80 yards. This should be a springboard game for Miami, a young team that is looking toward building for 2009.

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 28

INDEPENDENCE BOWL

• Northern Illinois 10 (6-6)     vs. Louisiana Tech 17 (7-5)

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $1.1 million

Outlook: Northern Illinois is 21st in total defense (303.7 yards) and 16th in scoring defense (18.1 points). Louisiana Tech likes to run (26th nationally, 195 yards), but has not been efficient in the red zone (89th -- 37 drives, 28 scores).

Rating: One star

Dec. 29

PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL

• N.C. State 23 (6-6) vs. Rutgers 29 (7-5)

Kickoff: 3 p.m., Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $300,000

Outlook: Rutgers started 1-5, but won its final six on the strength of its passing. The Scarlet Knights are led by QB Mike Teel (3,099 yards, 23 TDs). N.C. State started 0-4 in the ACC, but then went 4-0. The Wolfpack have had several injuries and are banged up in the secondary.

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 29

ALAMO BOWL

• Missouri 30 (9-4) vs. Northwestern 23 (9-3) OT

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Alamodome, San Antonio

TV: ESPN  Payout: $2.25 million

Outlook: Missouri had high hopes, as high as the national championship, but those fizzled when the Tigers lost their last two games, including the Big 12 title game. QB Chase Daniel has thrown for 4,135 yards and 37 TDs. Northwestern ranks 28th in pass efficiency defense (112.9 rating). The offense could get a boost if TB Tyrell Sutton (wrist) returns.

Rating: Three stars

Dec. 30

HUMANITARIAN BOWL

• Maryland 42 (7-5) vs. Nevada 35 (7-5)

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m., Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Nevada is No. 2 in rushing (291.4 yards), led by dual-threat QB Colin Kaepernick . Nevada also is third in rushing defense (74.5), but last in pass defense (321.1). Maryland is 76th in total offense (341.9) and 60th in defense (355).

Rating: One star

Dec. 30

TEXAS BOWL

• Rice 38 (9-3)     vs. Western Michigan 14 (9-3)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Reliant Stadium, Houston

TV: NFL  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Rice is 10th nationally in total offense (472.3 yards) and is led by QB Chase Clement . Western Michigan's secondary should match up well with Rice's receivers. Western's offense is led by QB Tim Hiller , ranked 17th in pass efficiency (148.4 rating), with 3,527 yards and 34 TDs.

Rating: Two stars

Dec. 30

HOLIDAY BOWL

• Oklahoma State 31 (9-3)     vs. Oregon 42 (9-3)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

TV: ESPN  Payout: $2.3 million

Outlook: Oregon is seventh in scoring offense (41.9 points), and the Ducks' bread and butter are TBs Jeremiah Johnson (12 TDs) and LaGarrette Blount (16 TDs). Oklahoma State is eighth in scoring offense (41.2), led by QB Zac Robinson (24 TDs).

Rating: Three stars

Dec. 31

ARMED FORCES BOWL

• Houston 34 (7-5) vs. Air Force 28 (8-4)

Kickoff: Noon, Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook: Houston leads the nation in total offense (575.1 yards) and is led by QB Case Keenum (11th in pass efficiency, 161.4; 43 TDs). Air Force is a run-first team. Tim Jefferson has run the triple-option threat for Air Force, but the Falcons allowed 82 points and 984 yards their last two games.

Rating: One star

Dec. 31

SUN BOWL

• Oregon State 3 (8-4)     vs. Pittsburgh 0 (9-3)

Kickoff: 2 p.m., Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas

TV: CBS  Payout: $1.9 million

Outlook: Pitt is led by TB LeSean McCoy , who finished second in the Big East in rushing (116.9 yards). The Panthers earned this bowl berth after beating Connecticut in the finale. The Beavers are led by QB Lyle Moevao (19 TDs) and TB Jacquizz Rodgers (11 TDs, shoulder injury).

Rating: Three stars

Dec. 31

MUSIC CITY BOWL

• Boston College 14 (9-4)     vs. Vanderbilt 16 (6-6)

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m., The Coliseum, Nashville, Tenn.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $1.7 million

Outlook: Boston College QB Dominique Davis will get his third career start. Boston College led the nation with 26 INTs and is facing a Vanderbilt offense that ranks 112th in passing (112.8 yards) and 117th in total offense (260.9).

Rating: One star

Dec. 31

INSIGHT BOWL

• Kansas 42 (7-5) vs. Minnesota 21 (7-5)

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m., Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz.

TV: NFL  Payout: $1.2 million

Outlook: Minnesota lost its final four after opening 7-1 and breaking into the Top 25. QB Adam Weber has thrown for 2,588 yards and 14 TDs. Kansas is playing in its second consecutive bowl game and is led by QB Todd Reesing (3,575 yards, 28 TDs).

Rating: One star

Dec. 31

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL

• LSU 38 (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech 3 (9-3)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Georgia Dome, Atlanta

TV: ESPN  Payout: $3 million

Outlook: LSU, the defending national champion, lost its final two games. In their final three games, the Tigers allowed 93 points and finished ninth in the SEC in total defense (326.5). Georgia Tech, third nationally in rushing (282.3 yards) is led by RB Jonathan Dwyer (1,328 yards, 12 TDs).

Rating: Two stars

Jan. 1

OUTBACK BOWL

• South Carolina 10 (7-5) vs. Iowa 31 (8-4)

Kickoff: 11 a.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $3.2 million

Outlook:
This might be the last chance to watch Iowa TB Shonn Greene , the Big
Ten offensive player of the year who rushed for 1,729 yards and 17 TDs.
The Gamecocks, losers of their last two, had the worst rushing offense
in the SEC (98.3 yards) and an uncertain situation at quarterback.

Rating: Two stars

Jan. 1

CAPITAL ONE BOWL

• Georgia 24 (9-3) vs.Michigan State 12 (9-3)

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Citrus Bowl Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

TV: ABC  Payout: $4.25 million

Outlook:
This game is going to showcase two terrific tailbacks. Javon Ringer
leads Michigan State and is the nation's third-leading rusher (1,590
yards, 21 TDs). Georgia's Knowshon Moreno is dynamic, and rushed for
1,338 yards and 16 TDs.

Rating: Three stars

Jan. 1

GATOR BOWL

• Clemson 21 (7-5) vs. Nebraska 26 (8-4)

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.

TV: CBS  Payout: $2.5 million

Outlook:
Clemson won four of its last five and is led by QB Cullen Harper (2,395
yards, 11 TDs). The Tigers are 17th nationally in total defense (294.8
yards). Nebraska has the nation's 12th most productive offense (458.3),
led by QB Joe Ganz (3,332 yards, 23 TDs) and TB Ray Helu (510 of his
804 yards in the final four games).

Rating: Two stars

Jan. 1

ROSE BOWL

• Penn State 24 (11-1)     vs. Southern California 38 (11-1)

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m., Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, Calif.

TV: ABC  Payout: $17 million

Outlook:
Penn State is loaded with offensive talent (QB Daryll Clark , TB Evan
Royster and WR Derrick Williams ). Penn Sate faces a USC team playing
in the Rose Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. The Trojans feature a
dynamic defense that ranks first in four major categories.

Rating: Four stars

Jan. 1

ORANGE BOWL

• Cincinnati 7 (11-2)     vs. Virginia Tech 20 (9-4)

Kickoff: 8:30 p.m., Dolphin Stadium, Miami

TV: FOX  Payout: $17 million

Outlook:
Cincinnati won its final six games en route to its first BCS game. The
Bearcats are among the nation's most prolific on offense (50th, 375.3
yards), and their defense had an INT in each of the last six games.
Virginia Tech is tough against the run and pass, with Macho Harris
considered one of the country's best corners.

Rating: Two stars

Jan. 2

COTTON BOWL

• Mississippi 47 (8-4) vs. Texas Tech 34 (11-1)

Kickoff: 2 p.m., Cotton Bowl, Dallas

TV: FOX  Payout: $3 million

Outlook:
Texas Tech's high-octane offense, ranked fourth nationally (536.2
yards) and No. 1 in passing (417.3), is led by QB Graham Harrell (4,747
yards, 41 TDs). Mississippi is stingy against the run (85 yards), and
is balanced offensively.

Rating: Three stars

Jan. 2

LIBERTY BOWL

• Kentucky 25 (6-6) vs. East Carolina 19 (9-4)

Kickoff: 5 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tenn.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $1.8 million

Outlook:
Kentucky, which finished the season with three straight losses, is
expected to be without freshman QB Randall Cobb (left knee surgery).
Mike Hartline would get the start. East Carolina, which won its final
three games, is keyed on offense by WR Dwayne Harris .

Rating: Two stars

Jan. 2

SUGAR BOWL

• Utah 31 (12-0) vs. Alabama 17 (12-1)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

TV: FOX  Payout: $17 million

Outlook:
Alabama strength is its defense, which is third nationally (256.9
yards). Offensively, Alabama has a run-first approach and led the SEC
in time of possession (32 minutes). Utah is 14th nationally in rush
defense (104.8) and the Utes also boast the 18th ranked total defense
(295.9).

Rating: Four stars

Jan. 3

INTERNATIONAL BOWL

• Buffalo 20 (8-5) vs. Connecticut 38 (7-5)

Kickoff: Noon, Rogers Centre, Toronto

TV: ESPN2  Payout: $750,000

Outlook:
TB Donald Brown , the nation's leading rusher in yards per game
(151.8), dictates the offense for Connecticut, which ended the season
on a low with a 34-10 loss to Pittsburgh in the Big East. Buffalo,
which scored a program-best 362 points, is headed to its first bowl.

Rating: One star

Jan. 5

FIESTA BOWL

• Ohio State 21 (10-2) vs. Texas 24 (11-1)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.

TV: FOX  Payout: $17 million

Outlook:
Texas might not quite be over missing out on the national championship
game and could make Ohio State pay. Texas is ninth nationally in
offense (476.4 yards) and is run by Heisman Trophy runner-up Colt McCoy
. But Ohio State is eighth in total defense (279.3), and the offense
improved the last month.

Rating: Four stars

Jan. 6

GMAC BOWL

• Tulsa 45 (10-3) vs. Ball State 13 (12-1)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.

TV: ESPN  Payout: $750,000

Outlook:
Can you say, shootout? Tulsa is second nationally in total offense
(565.1 yards) while Ball State is 11th (459.3). Cardinals QB Nate Davis
is sixth nationally in pass efficiency (164 rating). Ball State has the
edge on defense, ranked 21st in scoring (18.6 points), while Tulsa is
84th in total defense (391.2 yards).

Rating: Two stars

Jan. 8

BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

• Florida 24 (12-1) vs. Oklahoma 14 (12-1)

Kickoff: 8 p.m., Dolphin Stadium, Miami

TV: FOX  Payout: $17 million

Outlook:
Oklahoma, directed by Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford (48 TDs), led
the nation in scoring during the regular season (54 points). Florida
isn't too shabby, either. The Gators, led by QB Tim Tebow , who
finished third in Heisman voting, averaged 45.2 points. Florida plays
terrific defense and is fifth nationally in scoring defense (12.8
points).

Rating: Four stars

Michigan colleges 0-2 so far in the bowl games

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

Michigan colleges 0-2 so far in the bowl games

They'll end up 0-3

Spartans lost

What a surprise


They were the biggest fraud at 9-3 this year


They lucky they got a New Years Day Bowl

Better luck next year MSU

gs78 wrote:

Spartans lost

What a surprise


They were the biggest fraud at 9-3 this year


They lucky they got a New Years Day Bowl

I'm surprised they did as well as they did. Over half the team had flu and were very sick.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

gs78 wrote:

Spartans lost

What a surprise


They were the biggest fraud at 9-3 this year


They lucky they got a New Years Day Bowl

I'm surprised they did as well as they did. Over half the team had flu and were very sick.

Why didn't they get Flu Shots


Even so that doesn't explain huge losses to OSU and PSU

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

gs78 wrote:

Spartans lost

What a surprise


They were the biggest fraud at 9-3 this year


They lucky they got a New Years Day Bowl

I'm surprised they did as well as they did. Over half the team had flu and were very sick.

If they even had the flu


More likely they partied too much and were hung over

Partying does not give you uncontrollable trots...

Remember, just because you get the flu shot does not stop you from getting the flu... they guess what strains of flu will be going around and that is the flu viruses the shot covers, yet there are hundreds of strains of flu... they really missed this year.

There is one virus they are calling "flu" but it is not flu. And millions are getting it worldwide! I got it, my dogs got it, my mom got it... and just about everyone I know has gotten it this winter. It really hits you for 2-3 days. I would guess, from what they reported, that this is what the team got. It really makes you weak and tired after.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

Partying does not give you uncontrollable trots...

Remember, just because you get the flu shot does not stop you from getting the flu... they guess what strains of flu will be going around and that is the flu viruses the shot covers, yet there are hundreds of strains of flu... they really missed this year.

There is one virus they are calling "flu" but it is not flu. And millions are getting it worldwide! I got it, my dogs got it, my mom got it... and just about everyone I know has gotten it this winter. It really hits you for 2-3 days. I would guess, from what they reported, that this is what the team got. It really makes you weak and tired after.

Eating too much Mexican Food



I never get the flu

Never get Flu Shots either

But I do know what hangovers feel like


And being stoned

Back to the Subject


I liked it better when all the bowls were on New Years

Funny they are so against a playoff system

But they are spreading the games out nearly as a system would

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

Partying does not give you uncontrollable trots...

Remember, just because you get the flu shot does not stop you from getting the flu... they guess what strains of flu will be going around and that is the flu viruses the shot covers, yet there are hundreds of strains of flu... they really missed this year.

There is one virus they are calling "flu" but it is not flu. And millions are getting it worldwide! I got it, my dogs got it, my mom got it... and just about everyone I know has gotten it this winter. It really hits you for 2-3 days. I would guess, from what they reported, that this is what the team got. It really makes you weak and tired after.

Sorry you got

Dogs can get human sickness too?

gs78 wrote:

Dogs can get human sickness too?

Yep. I did not know that until recently. When the 1st dog got sick, then mom, then me and finally the second dog, took them in to the vets. He said dogs can get many of the same viruses we get. Poor doggies. We can understand why we feel bad, they can't. They just look at you with that look of "Please help me, I don't feel good"

Utah beats Alabama!
Utah beats Oregon State who beat USC.
Utah beats Alabama who beat Ole Miss who beat Texas Tech who beat Texas who beat Oklahoma.
Utah beats Alabama who beat Florida.

Why is Utah not ranked #1?
They beat everybody they played and based on the teams their teams beat you could show they're better than USC, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. They also beat TCU who beat the only other undefeated regular season team (Boise State) and they beat BYU who will end up ranked in the top-20 this year.

Who's Florida beat? The Citadel.

They need to get rid of the BCS


Should be a playoff system

gs78 wrote:

They need to get rid of the BCS


Should be a playoff system

Yeah!

And what's with all these stupid bowls? A part of me doesn't mind the galleryfurniture.com bowl by AT&T with two 6-6 teams squaring off, but why is it we have these loser teams playing in January games now? I thought January bowls were for good teams.....and why does Bowl season last a month?

catbox_9 wrote:

gs78 wrote:

They need to get rid of the BCS


Should be a playoff system

Yeah!

And what's with all these stupid bowls? A part of me doesn't mind the galleryfurniture.com bowl by AT&T with two 6-6 teams squaring off, but why is it we have these loser teams playing in January games now? I thought January bowls were for good teams.....and why does Bowl season last a month?

I liked it better when the smaller bowls were all before New Years

And the Big Games all on New Years Day

It all messed up now