I'm 7-5 and counting.  Here's your lineup for this week.

12/29/08
2:00 Papa Johns.com Bowl, NC State vs Rutgers
Both teams played North Carolina this year.  Rutgers was spanked in that game and UNC got spanked by NC State.  Rutgers is a more efficient team even in the weak big least.  Their 21st ranked pass efficiency will carve up the 71st ranked pass efficiency D of State.  NC State will give up some key sacks and Rutgers is good for a turnover at an inopportune time. 

NC State is giving 6.5.  I’m taking Rutgers and the points.  Besides I haven't respected NC State all year, why should I stop now? 

7:00 Alamo Bowl, Northwestern vs Missouri
First team to 50 wins this one.  The only problem is that Northwestern hasn’t scored 50 yet this year.  Northwestern’s only hope is to bring the heat fast and furious and hope that they get to Booger Daniel in time. Both teams beat Illinois on different ends of the season.  I’d say Mizzou’s win was more impressive. 

Mizzou is giving 13.5.  Air Booger is too much for Northwestern’s grind it out and short pass style.  Mizzou covers.

12/30/08
3:30 Smurf Turf Bowl, Nevada vs Maryland
At last count, each team had sold about 20 tickets to this one.  The question is which Terp team shows up?  When Nevada has the ball, expect lots of Vai Taua.  When the Terps have the ball, they will try to rely on their balanced attack to take advantage of the 84th ranked pass efficiency D.  Expect Nevada to bring and deliver lots of pressure and cause a turnover that will be the difference.

Even is what Vegas says.  The Q says Nevada. 

7:00 Texas Bowl, Western Michigan Vs Rice
Did you know that Rice has about 3000 students and it’s somewhere in Texas?  They also are ranked 9th in turnover margin, 7th in pass efficiency and 5th in scoring offense.  Of course directional Michigan will score some points too against rice’s 96th ranked pass efficiency D and 107th scoring D.  Even with an extra turnover, directional Michigan will stop Rice more than rice stops them.

Rice is giving 3, but directional Michigan covers.

7:00 Holiday Bowl, Oregon vs Oklahoma State
These teams are really mirror images of one another.  Here are some Poor Aggies to Oregon Stats: Scoring O #8 vs  #7, Scoring D #70 vs #78, Turnover Margin tied at 34th.  Now for some of the key differences.  The Pokes are much more efficient when passing the ball (4 vs 57) and the Ducks are more efficient defending the pass ( #57 vs #77).  The Ducks will get some penetration vs OSU’s O line with their 6th and 8th ranked Sack and TFL lines and when they do, Robinson will tear them up with his feet.  If it’s field position you want, the Pokes will have it all day long with their special teams that are #3 and #12 in punt returns/kickoff returns and the D will be in good shape with #2 punting team in the country. 

Pokes are giving 3.5.  They are itching for a fight and won’t be choking this time.  Pokes cover.