Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Houston vs Air Force, ESPN 11:00

This amounts to a home game for the Cougars.   It's also a rematch from last year's bowl game where Houston came out ahead.   It's the #1 passing offense of Houston vs the #1 pass defense of Air Force.  And the #3 rushing O of Air Force vs the 111th ranked rushing D of Houston.  First team to 50 wins.  Players to watch are Case Keenum (#1 passer in the country), James Cleveland (#2 Receiver in the country) and Marcus McGraw flying all over the field on D.  There's not a play McGraw isn't in on the tackle or close. 

Pick: Vegas says Houston by 5.  I'm thinking Houston in a home game, Case on the case covers.


Brut Sun Bowl, #19 Stanford vs Oklahoma, CBS, 1:00
Stanford vs Oklahoma

This could also be called the confusing mascot bowl. The Sooners have the horse pigs and Stanford is a Cardinal Tree or something like that.  Hopefully all of the "Bob Stoops going to Texas Tech" chatter doesn't distract anyone. 

When the Cardinal trees have the ball, look for them to saddle up on Toby Gerhardt and prove why they have the 11th ranked rushing O in the country.  They'll be able to mix it up a little if Andrew Luck actually comes back for the game.  He's the 25th ranked passer in the country.  The Sooners are bringing in the 7th ranked rushing D and 9th ranked pass efficiency D in the country.  The Sooner D is 4th in sacks and 8th in TFL's behind Jeremy Beal and Gerald McCoy so this will be the game is won or lost.

When the Sooners have the rock, there's a chance of establishing the run with the 69th ranked rushing O against an equally mediocre rushing D.  Landry Jones might be be able to complete some passes to Broyles against Stanford's 95th ranked pass efficiency D. 

Pick:  Vegas says Oklahoma by 10.  Sooner D is too balanced for the reds.  I'll take the Sooners to cover (surprise).

Having never seen their mascot, I googled Houston Cougar and here's what I got...