Fire Bobby Jack Wright

Who's playing for the crystal football next year? Rivals knows.

qc — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:59:00 GMT

We made it!!! 10 months until middle-aged, jort wearing bald guys are again fawning over and wringing hands about the decisions of 18 year old kids and where they are going to school. There are those who think that recruiting has "nothing" to do with what happens at the end of next year and who is playing for the BCS championship. I "used to" be in that group until a little research.

Using the Rivals.com rankings for the prior 4 years' recruiting classes for the 5 national champions, I established hte following trends:
- All but 1 (Texas), had an average recruiting class ranking of under 10 for the four prior years
- 4 of the 5 preceded their National championship season with top 10 recruiting classes
- and all 5 preceded their national championship season with a top 5 recruiting class

The 2009 Top 10 recruiting classes according to Rivals were:
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Ohio State
4. USC
5. Texas
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Michigan
9. North Carolina
10. Tennessee

The 2010 Top 5 were:
1.USC
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Auburn
5. Alabama

So there you go. If you are going to Vegas, the numbers tell you to put your money on the Tide, Trojans or shorthorns. Just make sure that you wash yourself after pulling for those last two.

Counting Down the Bowls: #30 The Train Wreck Bowl, Michigan State vs Texas Tech

qc — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:50:00 GMT

The Valero Alamo Bowl
Michigan State vs Texas Tech, ESPN, 8:00

You just have to wonder what will have the bigger impact on a team, losing a head coach and all the turmoil surrounding it or having 11 teammates suspended before the game. Ruffin McNeill, The nutty professor leads the Sand Aggies into this game. Michigan State is 96th in the country in pass efficiency D and Texas Tech is #2 passing offense. Any questions? Regardless of Mike Leach being gone, first one to 50 wins and that's the Sand Aggies. There's a reason they call it a "system."

Pick: Texas Tech is favored by 8. I'm picking the home team to cover.

Counting down the bowls: 26, 27, 28 International, Papajohns.com and AT&T Cotton

qc — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:28:00 GMT

International Bowl, ESPN2, 11:00
South Florida Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies

Jim Leavitt is hoping that since he's at the who cares bowl, it will be okay to manhandle his players. Huskies have the 17th ranked rushing O in the country and the 109th passing offense. Huskie Running Back Chad Spann is the 52nd ranked rusher in the nation. South Florida is 51st in rushing D. When the bulls are on O it's the BJ Daniels show.

Pick: South Florida is favored by 7. I'm taking them to cover.

Papajohns.com Bowl, ESPN, 1:00
South Carolina vs Connecticut

The mediocrity bowl pits a pretty sad South Carolina team led by Stephen Garcia who never managed to step up and be the leader that he was expected to be. UConn's front four will spend some time putting the spaniard on his back led by Lindsey Witten and Lawrence Wilson, 7th in sacks and fourth in tackles respectively. The UConn tragedy and feel good story will be oozing at us from all directions but they won't be enough for an SEC team, even a bad one.

Pick: The Cocks are favored by 4. The best player is the kicker. So I'm taking the Cocks to cover.

AT&T Cotton Bowl, Fox, 1:00
Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss

And of course in the "can't handle the pre-season hype" bowl you have the Pokes vs the Rebels. The pokes are playing for their first 10 win season. Ole Miss is led by Jevan "I had to leave Texas to become a starter" Snead who has thrown as many interceptions as anyone in the country. When he's not throwing picks, he's handing the ball off to Dexter McCluster who is 53rd in the country for all purpose yards. Look for the running game to be tested by the Poke's 6th ranked rushing D. Lots of balls up for grabs for the Pokes to pick. Expect Patrick Lavine and Perish Cox (20th and 37th in INT's) to have banner days.

When the Pokes have the ball, Russell Okung will be anchoring the O line for the 24th ranked rushing O and Keith Toston 25th rusher in the country. The Cowboys should be able to have their way with the Rebels 57th ranked rushing D in the country. If they load the box, Robinson can burn them through the air.

Pick: Oles Miss is favored by 3. Turnovers will be the difference in this one and Ole Miss is 105th in that category. I'm picking the Pokes to cover is if Zac Robinson can avoid doing his "Zac Robinson in a bowl game" imitation from last year.

Counting down the bowls: #24 Grand Daddy of them all, The Rose Bowl

qc — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:34:00 GMT

Rose bowl
Ohio State vs Oregon

Ohio State is all about the rushing game on both sides of the ball ranked 19th in rushing O, 5th in rushing D and an impressive 7th in pass efficiency D. The Ducks come in with the 6th ranked rushing offense and 33rd in total D.

Pick: Ducks are favored by 5. I think the Buckeyes are more balanced than they get credit for. I'll take them and the points.

Counting Down the Bowls: #21, 22, 23 Outback, Gator and Capital One

qc — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:32:00 GMT

Outback Bowl
Northwestern vs Auburn, 10:00 ESPN

In another SEC vs Big 10 match up, the Wildcats will try to salvage the reputation of the conference and their post season play. They have not won a Bowl Game since 1949. Watch for Auburn's Chris Todd to steal the show picking apart Northwestern's pass defense. When that gets going they'll give the rock to Ben Tate and rely on their 13th ranked rushing O to take it to Northwestern. When Northwestern has the ball, they'll rely on the pass since their rushing O is a sad 93rd in the country. Expect Auburn's Antonio Coleman (24th in sacks and tfl's) to abuse the Northwestern O line that is 88th in sacks allowed.

Pick: The line is Auburn by 9. I'll take the tigers to cover in another cat fight.

Gator Bowl
West Virginia vs Florida State, 12:00 CBS

Love him or hate him, Bobby Bowden has left his legacy on college football dadgum. After 44 years as a head coach, it ends today. Emotions are going to be high for the FSU as they take on a Mountaineer squad that is on a four game bowl winning streak. When the Noles have the ball look for Christian ponder (3rd in total offense) to air it out to Reed and Owens. Of course the Mountaineers secondary is no slouch with Robert Sands and Keith Tandy, 20th and 90th in interceptions. The Mountaineers will look to run the ball with Noel Divine (20th in rushing) against the Noles 108th ranked rushing O.

Pick: West Virginia by 3 is what Vegas says. Sorry Bobby. Mountaineers win big and cover.

Capital One Bowl
#13 Penn State vs#12 LSU, noon ABC

LSU will rely on their 12th ranked scoring defense to try to shut down a pretty balanced Penn State attack. Darryl Clark is 35th in total offense as a QB and Evan Royster is 34th in rushing so this will be a battle of strength on strength when Penn State has the ball. When LSU has it Jordan Jefferson can air it out some but the Tigers will be in the hurt locker if Charles Scott can't go and Penn State will be be camping out in the LSU backfield.

Pick: Vegas says even so I'm going with LSU's D to be better than Penn State's O in another SEC vs Big 10 match up.

Counting Down the Bowls: #19 and #20 Insight and Eat More Chicken Bowl

qc — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Insight Bowl, Tempe, Az
Minnesota vs Iowa State, 5:00 NFL Network

Last time Iowa State beat Minnesota was 1898.

When Minnesota is on offense, their awfulness (113th in total offense) is only closely matched by the Cyclones suckage on defense (99th in total defense). The only bright point in this game is Iowa State's Alexander Robinson and Jesse Smith, 27th rusher and 11th tackler in the country respectively. Cyclones have the 36th ranked rushing O and that will be the difference.

Pick: Golden Gophers are favored by 2. You heard it here first. The century old streak is broken by the Cyclones.

Chik Fil A Bowl, Atlanta, GA
#11 Virginia Tech vs Tennessee, 6:30, ESPN

Hokies have the 15th ranked rushing O behind Ryan Williams. In the air, it's Tyrod Taylor throwing to Boykin. Might be a little tough since the Vols have the 8th ranked pass efficiency D in the country Vols have Montario Hardesty, 19th ranked rusher in the country who will be pounding on the Hokies' 14th ranked defense.

Pick: Hokies are favored by 6. I'll take the Hokies to cover.

Sorry Vols.

Counting them Down: #18 Texas Bowl, Navy vs Mizzou

qc — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:02:00 GMT

Texas Bowl
Navy vs Missouri, 2:30 ESPN

Fourth ranked Navy rushing offense vs 12th ranked rushing D of Mizzou. Tigers 12th ranked passing D vs Navy's 52nd ranked pass efficiency D. Watch for Danario Alexander (#1 ranked in receiving yards) for the Tigers wear out Navy's passing D. Watch for Navy's awesome QB Ricky Dobbs show why he is #2 in scoring in the country running that modified option of Navy.

Pick: Missouri is favored by 7. I'm picking the Tigers to cover through the air. Go Sailors!

Counting down the bowls: #16 and #17 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl and Brut Sun Bowl

qc — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:26:00 GMT

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...

Breaking down the bowls: #15 Holiday Bowl #20 Arizona vs #22 Nebraska

qc — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:05:57 GMT

Breaking down the bowls: #15 Holiday Bowl #20 Arizona vs #22 Nebraska

Itâ€™s Pelini vs Stoops in the Youngstown Bowl.

Both defenses are pretty good but the nod has to go to the bruising blackshirts. They are single digits in almost every statistical category. As far as offense goes, Nebraskaâ€™s is quite offensive and stinks it up while Arizonaâ€™s is pretty balanced and not nearly as awful. The real battle will be Arizonaâ€™s O line rated ninth in sacks allowed battling Suh and Dillard for the Huskers. If Arizona has enough time to make the plays, they win.

Pick: Vegas says Nebraska by 3. Iâ€™m taking Nebraska to cover.

Keeping the streak alive (in spite of the odds) #14 the Humanitarian bowl with Idaho and Bowling Green.

qc — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:46:44 GMT

Keeping the streak alive, Itâ€™s #14 the Humanitarian bowl with Idaho and Bowling Green.

Idaho has the 11th ranked passing offense on the arm of Nathan Enderle and no defense to speak of. Bowling Green has the 8th ranked passing offense, Tyler Sheehan and Freddy Barnes with not much D to speak of.

Pick: Vegas says itâ€™s a wash so Iâ€™m taking the warriors to be a little more explosive than the Vandals in the cold to win.

Breaking Down the bowls: #12 and #13 The Champs Sports Citrus Bowl and the Eagle Bank Bowl December 29th

qc — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:11:00 GMT

Eagle Bank Bowl, Washington DC, 3:30 ESPN
UCLA vs Temple
Al Golden was snubbed by UCLA for Slick Rick. Temple is playing in their first bowl game in 30 years the other two appearances where in the Garden State Bowl in 1979 and the Sugar Bowl in 1935.

On offense UCLA is 99th in scoring offense, 102nd in pass efficiency. and 81st in sacks allowed but they have the #2 field goal kicker in the country Kai Forbath. They'll be matching up against an Owl Defense that is 33rd in the country in scoring offense and 17th in Sacks led by Adrian Robinson who is tied for 10th in the country.

When the Owls have the ball, it's all rushing all the time behind 11th ranked rusher Bernard Pierce and a salty O line. UCLA will be trying to stop them with their 60th ranked rushing D. If the Owls have to go to the air there could be trouble because UCLA's Rahim Moore has the most interceptions in the country.

Pick: UCLA is favored by 5. Stats tell me to take the Owls, but I'm taking UCLA to cover.

Champ Sports Bowl, Orlando, FL 7:00 ESPN
#15 Miami at #25 Wisconsin

The U is back in the post season and this time playing at home vs the Badgers. Miami will spend a lot of time trying to throw the ball with their 27th ranked passing offense and Jacory Harris to Hankerson and Benjamin. The Badgers will be tested on defense with The U's attack and their own 59th ranked pass efficiency D. If the Badgers are dropping seven into coverage, then the U will just wear them out with Graig Cooper. Wisconsin does have a pretty good front four that might give the U some fits including O'Brien Schofield and JJ Watt who are 2nd and 43rd in sacks respectively.

When the Badgers have the ball, they are a pretty typical big 10 grind it out offense behind John Clay who is the 14th ranked rusher in the country. The U's 28th ranked rushing D will get a test on this one but they should be careful to load the box against the Badgers because they also have the 33rd ranked pass efficiency in the country.

Pick: Miami is favored by 4. I'm taking the U to cover based on their 3-0 against bowl teams (Georgia Tech, FSU, OU) and the Badgers quality OOC win was Fresno St.

Breaking down the bowls: #11 The Bowl formerly known as the Poulan Weed eater Bowl, Texas A&M vs Georgia

qc — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:36:00 GMT

It's the Advocare 100 Independence Bowl Dec 28th, 4:00pm ESPN
Shreveport, LA
Texas A&M Aggies vs the Georgia Bulldogs

The big question is which Aggie team is going to show up? Is it the one that kept it close vs Texas and thumped Texas Tech or is it the one that was thumped by Kansas State and Oklahoma. What will the effect be on the Georgia defense with 3 D coaches fired at the end of the season? There's only one way to find out.

The Aggies come in ranked 5th in total offense with a very balanced run (25th) and passing (22nd) attack. Jerrod Johnson is ranked 6th in total offense in the country. They also have Cyrus Gray who is averaging 25 yds per kick return and 57th in all purpose yards. On teh opposite side of the ball, the Dawgs are 70th in scoring D and 17th in TFLs led by Justin Houston (7th in TFLs) and Rennie Curran (15th in tackles). To get something going, I expect the Aggies will need to get the passing game fired since they're facing a pretty solid from rushing D (41st) and a pretty weak pass efficiency d (90th).

When the Dawgs have the bone, look for Joe Cox to find his favorite target AJ Green against an 84th ranked Aggie pass efficiency D. Ealey and King will have some success running the ball against a balanced Aggie D. On defense, The aggies are really balanced in a really bad way. They are 107th in total defense and 104th in scoring defense. Their lone bright spot is Von Miller who is personally 1st in sacks and 5th in TFLs making the Aggie defense

Pick: Georgia is favored by 7. I'm taking the late season Aggies who scored in the 30's in 4of their last 5 games and the points.

Breaking Down the bowls: #10 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Kentucky vs Clemson

qc — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:59:00 GMT

Not quite a third of the way through and my record of picking them stinks. We'll see if this is redemption Saturday.

#10 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Dec 27th 7:30 ESPN
Nashville, Tn
Kentucky vs Clemson

Nothing like a good cat fight. Both teams are on a post season bowl streak of three in a row. Kentucky has won 3 in a row (starting with a victory in the same bowl against Clemson 3 years ago) and Clemson has lost 3 in a row. Says something about coaching/preparation and Dabo Swinney is wrapping up his first year as the head coach of Clemson while the Old Bull Rich Brooks is on the downhill side of his career at Kentucky.

When Kentucky has the rock, we're not sure if starting QB Mike Hartline will be playing or if it will be Freshmen backup Morgan Newton who is 5-2 as a starter but either way expect a healthy dose of Derrick Locke (59th ranked rusher) running the ball. Not a lot of passing going on for the Wildcats with their 114th ranked passing offense. Clemson will try to stop the run with their 69th ranked rushing D and by getting penetration with their front 4 who are 12th in tackles for loss and 25th in sacks this season. Everyone's' talking about CJ Spiller and kick returns but Derrick Locke is 8th in the nation in kick returns and Randall Cobb is 15th in punt returns so Kentucky has some special teams going for them too.

When Clemson has the ball All World Superman CJ Spiller is the key to their success. He's 4th in kickoff returns and all-purpose yards and 39th in the country in total rushing. The Wildcats haven't allowed a kickoff return for a TD all year but they do have the 100th ranked rushing D in the country and their front four is underwhelming with a ranking 92nd and 104th in TFL and sacks respectively.

Pick: Clemson is favored by 7. I'm taking the Tigers to cover against the Wildcats.

Bobby Jack Wright is in the midst of a banner year on the recruiting trail

qc — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:36:00 GMT

The Leaderboard

Oklahoma assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright is in the midst of a banner year on the recruiting trail. Recently, he landed five-star prospect Tony Jefferson (Chula Vista, Calif./Eastlake), the nation's top-rated prospect at the athlete position. Jefferson joins four-star safety Quentin Hayes (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster), four-star athlete James Haynes (Orange, Texas/West Orange Stark), four-star offensive tackle Tyrus Thompson (Pflugerville, Texas/Pflugerville), three-star safety Aaron Colvin (Owasso, Okla./Owasso), three-star safety Eddrick Loften (Irving, Texas/Nimitz) and three-star athlete Julian Wilson (Southmoore, Okla./Southmoore) in one of the most impressive hauls for a single recruiter in the country.

With the addition of Jefferson, that gives Oklahoma three of California's top prospects. He joins running back Brennan Clay (San Diego, Calif./Scripps Ranch) and wide receiver Kenny Stills (Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon) from the Golden State in this class.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=shurburtt_jc&id=4767397

Bobby Jack Wright is in the midst of a banner year on the recruiting trail

qc — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:36:00 GMT

The Leaderboard

Breaking down the bowls: #7, 8, 9: Pizza, Car Care and Emeralds Oh My!

qc — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:03:00 GMT

#7 Little Cesars Bowl, Detroit, Michigan, Dec 26th, 12:00 ESPN
Marshall vs Ohio
Ohio is going for their first ever bowl win. Senior Theo Scott will be back at full strength and most likely targeting Terrence McCrae and Taylor Price. Also keep an eye on Punt Return man, Chris Garrett for the Bobcats who averages 27yds per return. The Herd has an interim coach after Mark Snyder resigned after the last game of the season. The Herd is led by Jr QB Brian Anderson and a couple of standout freshmen receivers, Wilson and Dobson as well as 9th ranked all purpose yds RB DArius Marshall. Defense will be the difference on this one and Ohio has the #1 ranked take away defense in teh country. As the Dash said "Moderately useful Dash fact: Marshall (11) excels at nothing. The Thundering Herd do not rank higher than 47th in any major statistical categories and are 59th or lower in 16 of 17 categories."

Pick: Ohio is favored by 3. I'm picking Ohio to get their first bowl victory and cover.

#8 Meineke Car Car Bowl, Charlotte, NC 3:30 ESPN
#17 Pittsburgh vs North Carolina
You've got to wonder if Pitt can bounce back from that last second loss to to Cincy (and West Virginia) and blowing a ridiculous lead and a chance to go to a BCS bowl. If they can it will be on the shoulders of Freshman RB and 3rd ranked rusher in the country Dion Lewis and 15th ranked receiver Jonathan Baldwin. But it won't be easy. The Heels have a really solid defense ranking 9th in Rushing Defense and 13th in pass efficiency defense and scoring defense not to mention being ranked 3rd in tackles for loss (TFL's).

When UNC has the ball, you should go get a beer until they get back on defense. Their offense is horrible ranking 107th in total offense. That won't be helped by the fact that Pitt is #1 in Sacks and 11th in TFLs in teh country. When your offense sucks and you are 8-4 you have to have a bright spot. Casey Barth the UNC kicker has accounted for almost 8pts of their 24 per game and is tied for 6th in field goals and 44th in scoring. Unfortunately he doesn't run, pass or catch.

Not sure how it affects hte game but Dave Wannstedt and Butch Davis both coached under Jimmy Johnson at the U and in fact Butch Davis is blamed by many to be the reason that the U's Dynasty came to an end. This is also virtually a home game for UNC playing in Charlotte.

Pick: Vegas says Pitt by 3. The Dash says UNC keeps it to 2. I think the statistical edge goes to Pitt but the only teams that they beat on the road this year were Buffalo and Lousyville. I'm taking UNC and the points.

#9 Emerald Bowl, San Francisco, CA 7:00 ESPN
Boston College vs USC
Everyone is concerned about USC mailing it in after a crappy season and showing up with their pouty faces on. I'm just wondering if Joe McKnight shows up in an escalade or at all. Boston College is definitely happy to be there but you just don't know if their notoriously aloof fans will actually make the drive. We'll see.

When USC has the ball watch for Joe McKnight (if he is cleared to play after Escalade-gate). This will be the battle to watch against BC's 16th ranked rushing D. If McKnight doesn't play it will be 19yr old Matt Barkley and his go to guy Damian Williams trying to get it done against BC's 31st ranked pass efficiency D and Luke Kuechly who averages 11 tackles per game. When BC has the ball it's the Montel show, Montel Harris that is who is ranked 18th in the country for rushing going against the Trojans 42nd ranked rushing D. Look for BC to pass the ball only as a last resort because they are horrible (90th in pass efficiency) and they will be going up against the 16th ranked pass efficiency D in the country.

Pick: USC is favored by 7. As far as I'm concerned with or without McKnight it's a pick'em but I'll take BC and the points.

Breaking down the Bowl Games: #6 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Nevada vs SMU, 7:00 Dec 24th ESPN

qc — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:46:00 GMT

#6 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl,
Nevada vs SMU, 7:00 Dec 24th ESPN

June Jones will be a big part of the story as he is bringing his SMU Mustangs back to Hawaii after leaving 2 years ago and the Mustangs not reaching a bowl game in 25 years. It could be a VERY long day for the Wolfpack when their 119th ranked passing defense tries to shut down SMU's 28th ranked run and shoot offense. When the Wolf Pack has the ball, you are going to see some running by their #1 ranked rushing offense with the threats of Taua, Kaepernick and Lippincott (ranked 9th, 27th and 42nd in NCAA rushing) challenging SMU's 88th ranked run defense to stop them.

Pick: Nevada is favored by 13. I'll take SMU to keep it close.

Breaking down the Bowl Games: #5 Poinsettia Bowl #23 Utah vs Cal

qc — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:23:40 GMT

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, ESPN, Wednesday, Dec 23rd, 7:00

#23 Utah vs Cal

Both teams are coming off of a loss to end the season but Utah has the longest active post season winning streak with 8 wins in a row. When Cal has the ball, watch backup running back, Shane Vereen since Jahvid Best is still out with a concussion. He'll be facing the 57th ranked rushing defense in the country. If the Bears go to the air, Kevin Riley will be facing the 9th ranked pass efficiency D in the country. When the Utes have the rock look for a lot of Jordan Wynn freshmen QB handing off to Eddie Wide. Andy Ludwig Cal O coordinator was the Utes O Coordinator last year so look for the game inside the game on both sides of the ball.

Pick: Cal is favored by 3. But I'm picking the Utes to stretch their post season win streak to 9.

Breaking Down the Bowl Games: #4 MAACO Las Vegas Bowl #18 Oregon State vs #14 BYU

qc — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:02:00 GMT

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl, ESPN, Tuesday, Dec 22nd, 7:00
#18 Oregon State vs #14 BYU

It’s the Beavers vs the Cougars in what could otherwise be called the double entendre bowl. This game could show a massive let down by the Beavers since it was just a couple weeks ago that they were playing the Ducks for a chance to go to the Grand Daddy of the all. When the Cougars have the ball, you can sit back and watch them set up the run with the pass. BYU QB Max Hall is 3rd in the country for pass efficiency and they will put some points up against the Beavers 60th ranked pass efficiency D. If the Cougars get up on the Beaver, expect a healthy dose of Harvey Unga to hammer the Beaver into submission. When the Beavers have the ball, watch for the Rogers brothers who are 5th and 18th in the country with all purpose yards for Oregon State against a pretty good BYU rushing defense. If the Beavers are going to top the Cougars, they’ll need to rely on Sean Canfield’s arm and their passing game which is really no slouch with the 15th ranked pass efficiency O.

Pick: BYU is favored by 3. Let down be damned. I’m taking the fighting Beavers and the points. Whats the old joke..the mormon went to the las vegas bowl with his virginity and a 20 dollar bill....and came back with both.

Breaking Down the Bowl Games: #3 New Orleans Bowl. You don't want to miss this one

qc — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:51:00 GMT

New Orleans Bowl, Sunday Dec 20th, 7:30, ESPN
Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee
This is the point that you start getting tested to keep your streak alive. There are 34 games and you’re only on #3 and “Oh it’s Southern Miss and Middle Tennessee and they Suck” you say. These are the times that try men’s souls. Are you kidding me?

Southern Miss only has Tracy Lampley who can light it up on punt and kick returns any time he touches the rock. Lightning in a bottle I tell you. He can rip off an 80 yarder while your dipping your chip. On Southern Miss, you also have Damion Fletcher who is “only” the active leading rusher in FBS with 5,200+ yards. Middle Tennessee has an awesome front on both sides of the ball and Quarterback Dwight “On” Dasher is ranked 9th in Total offense nationally while on the D side of the ball Marcus Udell is tied at 4th for interceptions and Chris McCoy is 6th for TFL.

Now. Go Forward! And Watch! Watch I say!

Pick: Southern Miss is giving 3. I'm picking them to uhhhh errrrr cover.