For your weekend viewing pleasure we have a few interesting games on tap.  As for those of you not keeping score at home, I'm 4-4 on the bowl season and poised for a come back.  

Saturday, Dec 27
12:00 Meineke Bowl, North Carolina vs West Virginia
I’m with Vegas on this one, it’s really too close to call.  For the Moutaineers it’s all about defense and controlling the ball.  Do that and they win.  The Tarheels will rely on field position for this one.  Both teams beat Rutgers and UConn.  Mountaineers will probably turn it on like they did in last year's Fiesta Bowl.

Even is what Vegas is saying.  I’m picking NC to win it. 

3:30 Champs Sports Bowl, Florida St vs Wisconsin
The Badgers are 14th in rushing O.  That’s pretty much where any significant advantage begins and ends in this one.  Florida St will be in the Wisconsin backfield quite a bit with their 6th and 2nd ranked D line (Sacks and TFL’s).  Florida St will do more with special teams.

FSU is giving 5.5.  Badgers?  We don’t need no stinking Badgers.  Take Free Shoe U to cover. 

7:00 Emerald Bowl, California vs Miami
I don’t give the Canes much of a shot in this one.  This is based on my assumption that the ACC and the Pac 10 are pretty much on par competitively this year and Cal is statistically better than Miami.  Turnover margin is 1.17 (Cal) to -.75 (the U).  Cal will convert and Miami won’t especially with their Marve suspended. 

Cal is giving 6.  Take Cal and the points.  The rebuilding of the U continues.

Sunday Dec 28th
The Bowl formerly known as the Poulan Weedeater Bowl, Northern Illinois vs Louisiana Tech
It will probably rain and it might even sleet.  Both of these teams have mudders who can grind it out.  NIU scoring D has the ability to force some 3 and outs.  Tech will win the field position battle and get an extra field goal.  That’s the difference.

Tech is getting 2.  Take the two points and run.  Tech should win this home game and make this guy happy.