SI College "Foot Bowl" Predictions
In 1986, the rock band Boston released its third album, Third Stage, which was the musical equivalent to Colorado's effort in the Big 12 Championship game a few weeks back. The '70s air-guitar heroes had released one of the greatest all-time debut albums in 1976 (Boston) and then followed it up two years later with a sophomore effort (Don't Look Back) that hadn't been equaled until Dwayne Jarrett's 4th-down catch in South Bend.But then the self-proclaimed "just another band out of Boston" took eight years off. And look what happened. Bowl teams can be like that. After taking as many as five weeks off, they suit up in an unfamiliar city, on unfamiliar turf (unless they're Boise State) against an unfamiliar opponent -- and who can know how they will perform.Then again, Kate Bush just released her first album in 12 years last month (Aerial) and critics have fawned over it so much that you'd think it was a gay cowboy movie. The point is, after a long layoff, you never can tell. Whether it's college football or music. That is, unless a Bush is involved. You can always count on a Bush.
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)NEW ORLEANS BOWLArkansas State (6-5) at Southern Mississippi (6-5)Remember how Vince Vaughn pulled the "earmuffs" routine on his young son every time someone uttered a profanity in Old School? Show someone you love them by pulling a "blindfolds" stunt if they tune in to this contest. The Indians lost by four touchdowns to Army last month. You Could be Watching: Holiday Inn, on AMCSouthern Miss 38, Arkansas State 16Dec. 21
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)GMAC BOWLUTEP (8-3) at Toledo (8-3)A pair of mobile offenses rendezvous in Mobile, Ala. The Miners, led by QB Jordan Palmer (yes, Carson's little bro) and tailback Tyler Ebell (yes, the former UCLA back), are plumbing for the program's first bowl win since 1967. The Rockets, with senior QB Bruce Gradkowski and his 68 percent career completion mark, won't make it easy. You Could be Watching: High Fidelity, on OxygenToledo 47, UTEP 45Dec. 22
10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)POINSETTIA BOWLColorado State (6-5) at Navy (7-4)San Diego may as well be Annapolis West with all the sailors and Marines stationed nearby. The Middies have the nation's top rushing offense, while the Rams' rush defense is brutal (104th), but don't expect Navy coach Paul Johnson to preemptively unfurl the "Mission Accomplished" banner.You Could be Watching: A Christmas Story ("You'll shoot your eye out!"), on TCMNavy 24, Colorado State 20
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)LAS VEGAS BOWLBrigham Young (6-5) at California (7-4)Golden Bear QB Steve Levy has this annoying habit. Whenever there's an injury timeout on the field, Levy approaches the downed gridder and says, "He's tough; he's a hockey player." Totally inappropriate. Gimme a break, people. We've got 28 games to go through. Cal RB Marshawn Lynch was the Pac-10's fourth-leading rusher. Not bad when you consider the first two are first-team All-Americans.Cal 49, BYU 35Dec. 23
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)FORT WORTH BOWLHouston (6-5) at Kansas (6-5)Does a team whose offense cannot crack the nation's top 100 deserve an invite to a bowl game? That question will be answered Dec. 23 as the Jayhawks and their bottom-20 offense (but top-20 defense, led by linebacker Nick Reid) challenge the Cougars and quarterback Kevin Kolb. You Could be Watching: Killer Jellyfish, on DiscoveryHouston 21, Kansas 17Dec. 24
8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)HAWAII BOWLCentral Florida (8-4) at Nevada (8-3)The Golden Knights have come a long way, and I don't mean the 4,765 miles from Orlando to Honolulu. Props to Golden Knight coach George O'Leary for taking last year's 0-11 program to its first bowl. In terms an Orlandoan could understand, they've gone from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland. You Could be Watching: It's A Wonderful Life, NBCNevada 31, UCF 27Dec. 26
5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)MOTOR CITY BOWLAkron (7-5) at Memphis (6-5)Just how good is Tiger tailback DeAngelo Williams? The senior, 3rd in the nation in rushing, had four 200-yard games this fall, but none against a defense ranked higher than 71st against the run (of course, he had something to do with that ranking). The Zips surrendered 270 yards to the nation's leading rusher, Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois, in the MAC Championship game -- but they won.Tigers: DeAngelo Williams, RBMemphis 30, Akron 26Dec. 27
5 p.m. ET (ESPN)CHAMPS SPORTS BOWLClemson (7-4) at Colorado (7-5)Oddity: After his defense allowed 70 points in their last outing, Buff defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz was named interim head coach following Gary Barnett's dismissal. Well, whom would you promote? The offense has not scored a touchdown in ten quarters. Cue Tom Petty's Free Fallin' as the Buffs' 2005 theme song.Tigers: Tye Hill, DB, Buffs: Mason Crosby, KClemson 22, Colorado 13
8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)INSIGHT BOWLArizona State (6-5) at Rutgers (7-4)The sad part is, I actually watched the 1978 Garden State Bowl in which the Sun Devils beat the Scarlet Knights 34-18. I was a Mark Malone fan. So sue me. This matchup is Rutgers' first bowl appearance since then, and it could get ugly. The Scarlet Knights surrendered 56 points at Louisville last month. What will they allow on Dec. 27, against the nation's third-best passing offense, in what is essentially a home game for the Sun Devils?Arizona State 55, Rutgers 16
MPC COMPUTERS BOWLBoise State (9-3) at Boston College (8-3)Awesome matchup: The Eagles have won their past five bowl games. The Broncos have not lost on the Smurf turf since 2001, a span of 31 games. This year's six home wins have come by an average of 29 points apiece. Meanwhile, Bronco coach Dan Hawkins (one of the coolest people in the business) is leaving for Colorado after the season, which may cause the Broncos' mood to match their turf.Eagles: Mathias Kiwanuka, DLBoise State 36, Boston College 35
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)ALAMO BOWLNebraska (7-4) at Michigan (7-4)A matchup for the ages ... in 1997. That was the year the Cornhuskers finished 13-0 and the Wolverines 12-0 and folks clamored for the bowls to realign themselves so that the two top teams would play -- because that would end all the fuss. Riiiiight. Was Cornhusker QB Zac Taylor's 392-yard passing day at Colorado the "Goodbye to Sandra Dee" moment that forever shut the door on the option in Lincoln in favor of a passing attack?Michigan 34, Nebraska 22Dec. 29
4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)EMERALD BOWLUtah (6-5) at Georgia Tech (7-4)There's no better college football atmosphere than Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, where the Yellow Jackets began the season with a win. And then there's San Francisco's SBC Park, where the Yellow Jackets will end the season with a win. Utes quarterback Brian Johnson will miss this game. I suggest you follow his lead. Yellow Jackets: Calvin Johnson, WR.Georgia Tech 29, Utah 13
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)HOLIDAY BOWLOregon (10-1) at Oklahoma (7-4)How fitting might disgruntled fans of Gang Green find this lyric from Green Day's song Holiday: Hear the drum pounding out of time/Another protestor has crossed the line (Hey!)/To find the money's on the other side? Duck fans may want to stop moaning long enough to remember that the Sooners' Adrian Peterson was the best rusher in America last year, and he's finally healthy. Can I get another "Amen"?Ducks: Haloti Ngata, DLOklahoma 35, Oregon 24Dec. 30
Noon ET (ESPN)MUSIC CITY BOWLMinnesota (7-4) at Virginia (6-5)Featuring three of the nation's top 10 blockers, this game should be shown on OLN: Offensive Lineman Network. The Golden Gophers, ranked second nationally in rushing, can run on anyone (except Penn State) and should run away with this one against a Cavalier defense that is, at best, average.Golden Gophers: Greg Eslinger, C; Mark Setterstrom, OL, Cavaliers: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OLMinnesota 37, Virginia 24
Noon ET (CBS)SUN BOWLNorthwestern (7-4) at UCLA (9-2)El Paso, a city attuned to the quandaries of a porous border, will watch with empathy as each school's goal line is crossed this afternoon frequently and with impunity. Quarterbacks Brett Basanez (Wildcats) and Drew Olson (Bruins) will treat this game like a Senior Bowl dress rehearsal, while tailbacks Tyrell Sutton and Maurice Drew will perform as if it's the Iowa caucus of the 2006 Heisman vote. Bruins: Maurice Drew, All-Purpose; Marcedes Lewis, TEUCLA 117, Northwestern 111*(* the opposing team's rank in total defense)
3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)INDEPENDENCE BOWLMissouri (6-5) at South Carolina (7-4)Now everyone can see quarterback Brad Smith play, in his final game at Mizzou. And, if Gamecock evil genius Steve Spurrier is able to stop Smith, it could be Tiger coach Gary Pinkel's final game at Mizzou as well.South Carolina 23, Missouri 21
7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)PEACH BOWLMiami (9-2) at LSU (10-2)Quite a pair in the Peach, with two top-10 teams who are at least as good as half the eight teams in the BCS bowls. The Tigers' JaMarcus Russell, who separated his shoulder on the Georgia Dome turf earlier this month in the SEC Championship game loss to Georgia, will be replaced by backup Matt Flynn. That won't change the defensive intensity of both teams.Hurricanes: Eric Winston, OL; Orien Harris, DL; Kyle Jennings, DB Tigers: Kyle Williams, DLLSU 18, Miami 16
Dec. 31
11 a.m. ET (ESPN)MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWLN.C. State (6-5) at South Florida (6-5)If you saw N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams in the Wolfpack's season-ending win against Maryland, then you know there's at least one reason to tune in. The 6-foot-7, 290-pound junior had four unassisted sacks and looked like an Elvis (Dumervil) impersonator.N.C. State 20, USF 16
1 p.m. ET (ESPN)LIBERTY BOWLTulsa (8-4) at Fresno State (8-4)The Bulldogs seem unable to get past the fact that on Nov. 19 they were 8-1 and leading USC 42-41 midway through the fourth quarter. We advise counseling or primal scream therapy (Shout, shout, let it all out). Oh, and maybe double coverage on Golden Hurricane tight end Garrett Mills (83 catches).Fresno State 42, Tulsa 34
2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)HOUSTON BOWLIowa State (7-4) at TCU (10-1)The Cyclones and Horned Frogs have a few things in common: both have only lost one game in regulation this season, and both to a school from the Lone Star State that finished below .500. TCU would be perfect were it not for a 21-10, Week 2 loss at Southern Methodist. Iowa State, which went 0-3 in OT this autumn, also lost at home to Baylor, 23-13.TCU 27, Iowa State 23Jan. 2
11 a.m. ET (ESPN)OUTBACK BOWLIowa (7-4) at Florida (8-3)The Hawkeyes pulled off the niftiest bowl win of last season when Drew Tate connected with Warren Holloway on a 56-yard touchdown pass on the game's final play to erase a one-point deficit. New year, new SEC opponent, and new Sunshine State bowl, but it's still the same ol' Drew Tate.Hawkeyes: Chad Greenway, LBFlorida 25, Iowa 23
11 a.m. ET (FOX)COTTON BOWLTexas Tech (9-2) at Alabama (9-2)This game is brought to you by the number "2." As in, the Red Raiders are No. 2 in total offense and the Crimson Tide are No. 2 in total defense, both schools have 2 losses, and the continued absence of Bama's electrifying Tyrone Prothro is 2 bad. Tide: DeMeco Ryans, LBTexas Tech 24, Alabama 19
12:30 p.m. ET (NBC)GATOR BOWLVirginia Tech (10-2) at Louisville (9-2)The Hokies return to Jacksonville, where they squandered an Orange Bowl berth to Florida State in the ACC title game in early December. Worse, Beamer's special teamers were outhustled by the Seminoles. The Cardinals return to the state where they, too, were embarrassed earlier this season, at USF. Future first-round NFL Draft picks on defense suit up for both squads.Hokies: Jimmy Williams, DB; Darryl Tapp, DL, Cardinals: Elvis Dumervil, DLVirginia Tech 31, Louisville 21
1 p.m. ET (ABC)CAPITAL ONE BOWLWisconsin (9-3) at Auburn (9-2)Brian Calhoun (Badgers) and Kenny Irons (Tigers) are two of the least-appreciated 100-yard per-game rushers in the nation, but not by their coaches. Considering the game's title sponsor, it's likely only David Spade will get more carries this afternoon.Badgers: Brian Calhoun, RB, Brandon Williams, All-Purpose, Tigers: Marcus McNeill, OLAuburn 24, Wisconsin 20
4:30 p.m. ET (ABC)FIESTA BOWLNotre Dame (9-2) at Ohio State (9-2)The Irish are making their third bowl visit to the Valley of the Sun to play a school with the initials OSU in the last six years. The previous two pilgrimages, a 2001 Fiesta Bowl emasculation by Oregon State and last year's Insight Bowl thumping by those same Beavers, were Catholic cactus calamities. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are seeking their third Fiesta Bowl win in the past four years.Fighting Irish: Jeff Samardzija, WR, Buckeyes: A.J. Hawk, LBOhio State 31, Notre Dame 20
8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)SUGAR BOWLGeorgia (10-2) at West Virginia (10-1)Freshmen Pat White and Steve Slaton have been a minor Morgantown miracle this autumn, but they'll be facing a virtual Bulldog home crowd as the Sugar bivouacs in Atlanta tonight. Georgia's No. 4 scoring defense has the speed to frazzle these frosh.Bulldogs: Max Jean-Gilles, OL; Greg Blue, DB, Mountaineers: Dan Mozes, C.Georgia 33, West Virginia 23Jan. 3
8 p.m. ET (ABC)ORANGE BOWLFlorida State (8-4) at Penn State (10-1)Life would be perfect if Wilfred Brimley did the coin toss. This contest pits coaching legends Bobby Bowden (76) and Joe Paterno (79) against one another for the first time in 16 years while journalists scurry to check the spelling of "septuagenarian". The Nittany Lion defense should be too much for Seminole freshman quarterback Drew Weatherford, but then again, last month he stared down the nation's No. 1 defense, Virginia Tech.Nittany Lions: Tamba Hali, DL; Paul Posluszny, LB; Levi Brown, OL; Alan Zemaitis, DBPenn State 24, Florida State 14Jan. 4
8 p.m. ET (ABC)ROSE BOWLUSC (12-0) at Texas (12-0)To quote Steve Carell's character in Anchorman, "LOUD NOISES!" The best performance by a team in a bowl last season was undoubtedly the Trojans' Orange Bowl triumph, but the top individual performance had to be Vince Young's against Michigan here in Pasadena. Statistically, you can certainly make a case that the Longhorns are more balanced on both sides of the ball and that the Trojans' special teams is suspect, but come on ... are you really going to bet against USC in Matt Leinart's and (most likely) Reggie Bush's final game? In southern California?Trojans: Reggie Bush, RB; Dwayne Jarrett, WR; Darnell Bing, DB; Matt Leinart, QB; Taitusi Lutui, OL Longhorns: Vince Young, QB; Jonathan Scott, OL; Rodrique Wright, DL; Michael Huff, DBUSC 37, Texas 33
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)NEW ORLEANS BOWLArkansas State (6-5) at Southern Mississippi (6-5)Remember how Vince Vaughn pulled the "earmuffs" routine on his young son every time someone uttered a profanity in Old School? Show someone you love them by pulling a "blindfolds" stunt if they tune in to this contest. The Indians lost by four touchdowns to Army last month. You Could be Watching: Holiday Inn, on AMCSouthern Miss 38, Arkansas State 16Dec. 21
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)GMAC BOWLUTEP (8-3) at Toledo (8-3)A pair of mobile offenses rendezvous in Mobile, Ala. The Miners, led by QB Jordan Palmer (yes, Carson's little bro) and tailback Tyler Ebell (yes, the former UCLA back), are plumbing for the program's first bowl win since 1967. The Rockets, with senior QB Bruce Gradkowski and his 68 percent career completion mark, won't make it easy. You Could be Watching: High Fidelity, on OxygenToledo 47, UTEP 45Dec. 22
10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)POINSETTIA BOWLColorado State (6-5) at Navy (7-4)San Diego may as well be Annapolis West with all the sailors and Marines stationed nearby. The Middies have the nation's top rushing offense, while the Rams' rush defense is brutal (104th), but don't expect Navy coach Paul Johnson to preemptively unfurl the "Mission Accomplished" banner.You Could be Watching: A Christmas Story ("You'll shoot your eye out!"), on TCMNavy 24, Colorado State 20
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)LAS VEGAS BOWLBrigham Young (6-5) at California (7-4)Golden Bear QB Steve Levy has this annoying habit. Whenever there's an injury timeout on the field, Levy approaches the downed gridder and says, "He's tough; he's a hockey player." Totally inappropriate. Gimme a break, people. We've got 28 games to go through. Cal RB Marshawn Lynch was the Pac-10's fourth-leading rusher. Not bad when you consider the first two are first-team All-Americans.Cal 49, BYU 35Dec. 23
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)FORT WORTH BOWLHouston (6-5) at Kansas (6-5)Does a team whose offense cannot crack the nation's top 100 deserve an invite to a bowl game? That question will be answered Dec. 23 as the Jayhawks and their bottom-20 offense (but top-20 defense, led by linebacker Nick Reid) challenge the Cougars and quarterback Kevin Kolb. You Could be Watching: Killer Jellyfish, on DiscoveryHouston 21, Kansas 17Dec. 24
8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)HAWAII BOWLCentral Florida (8-4) at Nevada (8-3)The Golden Knights have come a long way, and I don't mean the 4,765 miles from Orlando to Honolulu. Props to Golden Knight coach George O'Leary for taking last year's 0-11 program to its first bowl. In terms an Orlandoan could understand, they've gone from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland. You Could be Watching: It's A Wonderful Life, NBCNevada 31, UCF 27Dec. 26
5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)MOTOR CITY BOWLAkron (7-5) at Memphis (6-5)Just how good is Tiger tailback DeAngelo Williams? The senior, 3rd in the nation in rushing, had four 200-yard games this fall, but none against a defense ranked higher than 71st against the run (of course, he had something to do with that ranking). The Zips surrendered 270 yards to the nation's leading rusher, Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois, in the MAC Championship game -- but they won.Tigers: DeAngelo Williams, RBMemphis 30, Akron 26Dec. 27
5 p.m. ET (ESPN)CHAMPS SPORTS BOWLClemson (7-4) at Colorado (7-5)Oddity: After his defense allowed 70 points in their last outing, Buff defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz was named interim head coach following Gary Barnett's dismissal. Well, whom would you promote? The offense has not scored a touchdown in ten quarters. Cue Tom Petty's Free Fallin' as the Buffs' 2005 theme song.Tigers: Tye Hill, DB, Buffs: Mason Crosby, KClemson 22, Colorado 13
8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)INSIGHT BOWLArizona State (6-5) at Rutgers (7-4)The sad part is, I actually watched the 1978 Garden State Bowl in which the Sun Devils beat the Scarlet Knights 34-18. I was a Mark Malone fan. So sue me. This matchup is Rutgers' first bowl appearance since then, and it could get ugly. The Scarlet Knights surrendered 56 points at Louisville last month. What will they allow on Dec. 27, against the nation's third-best passing offense, in what is essentially a home game for the Sun Devils?Arizona State 55, Rutgers 16
MPC COMPUTERS BOWLBoise State (9-3) at Boston College (8-3)Awesome matchup: The Eagles have won their past five bowl games. The Broncos have not lost on the Smurf turf since 2001, a span of 31 games. This year's six home wins have come by an average of 29 points apiece. Meanwhile, Bronco coach Dan Hawkins (one of the coolest people in the business) is leaving for Colorado after the season, which may cause the Broncos' mood to match their turf.Eagles: Mathias Kiwanuka, DLBoise State 36, Boston College 35
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)ALAMO BOWLNebraska (7-4) at Michigan (7-4)A matchup for the ages ... in 1997. That was the year the Cornhuskers finished 13-0 and the Wolverines 12-0 and folks clamored for the bowls to realign themselves so that the two top teams would play -- because that would end all the fuss. Riiiiight. Was Cornhusker QB Zac Taylor's 392-yard passing day at Colorado the "Goodbye to Sandra Dee" moment that forever shut the door on the option in Lincoln in favor of a passing attack?Michigan 34, Nebraska 22Dec. 29
4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)EMERALD BOWLUtah (6-5) at Georgia Tech (7-4)There's no better college football atmosphere than Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, where the Yellow Jackets began the season with a win. And then there's San Francisco's SBC Park, where the Yellow Jackets will end the season with a win. Utes quarterback Brian Johnson will miss this game. I suggest you follow his lead. Yellow Jackets: Calvin Johnson, WR.Georgia Tech 29, Utah 13
8 p.m. ET (ESPN)HOLIDAY BOWLOregon (10-1) at Oklahoma (7-4)How fitting might disgruntled fans of Gang Green find this lyric from Green Day's song Holiday: Hear the drum pounding out of time/Another protestor has crossed the line (Hey!)/To find the money's on the other side? Duck fans may want to stop moaning long enough to remember that the Sooners' Adrian Peterson was the best rusher in America last year, and he's finally healthy. Can I get another "Amen"?Ducks: Haloti Ngata, DLOklahoma 35, Oregon 24Dec. 30
Noon ET (ESPN)MUSIC CITY BOWLMinnesota (7-4) at Virginia (6-5)Featuring three of the nation's top 10 blockers, this game should be shown on OLN: Offensive Lineman Network. The Golden Gophers, ranked second nationally in rushing, can run on anyone (except Penn State) and should run away with this one against a Cavalier defense that is, at best, average.Golden Gophers: Greg Eslinger, C; Mark Setterstrom, OL, Cavaliers: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OLMinnesota 37, Virginia 24
Noon ET (CBS)SUN BOWLNorthwestern (7-4) at UCLA (9-2)El Paso, a city attuned to the quandaries of a porous border, will watch with empathy as each school's goal line is crossed this afternoon frequently and with impunity. Quarterbacks Brett Basanez (Wildcats) and Drew Olson (Bruins) will treat this game like a Senior Bowl dress rehearsal, while tailbacks Tyrell Sutton and Maurice Drew will perform as if it's the Iowa caucus of the 2006 Heisman vote. Bruins: Maurice Drew, All-Purpose; Marcedes Lewis, TEUCLA 117, Northwestern 111*(* the opposing team's rank in total defense)
3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)INDEPENDENCE BOWLMissouri (6-5) at South Carolina (7-4)Now everyone can see quarterback Brad Smith play, in his final game at Mizzou. And, if Gamecock evil genius Steve Spurrier is able to stop Smith, it could be Tiger coach Gary Pinkel's final game at Mizzou as well.South Carolina 23, Missouri 21
7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)PEACH BOWLMiami (9-2) at LSU (10-2)Quite a pair in the Peach, with two top-10 teams who are at least as good as half the eight teams in the BCS bowls. The Tigers' JaMarcus Russell, who separated his shoulder on the Georgia Dome turf earlier this month in the SEC Championship game loss to Georgia, will be replaced by backup Matt Flynn. That won't change the defensive intensity of both teams.Hurricanes: Eric Winston, OL; Orien Harris, DL; Kyle Jennings, DB Tigers: Kyle Williams, DLLSU 18, Miami 16
Dec. 31
11 a.m. ET (ESPN)MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWLN.C. State (6-5) at South Florida (6-5)If you saw N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams in the Wolfpack's season-ending win against Maryland, then you know there's at least one reason to tune in. The 6-foot-7, 290-pound junior had four unassisted sacks and looked like an Elvis (Dumervil) impersonator.N.C. State 20, USF 16
1 p.m. ET (ESPN)LIBERTY BOWLTulsa (8-4) at Fresno State (8-4)The Bulldogs seem unable to get past the fact that on Nov. 19 they were 8-1 and leading USC 42-41 midway through the fourth quarter. We advise counseling or primal scream therapy (Shout, shout, let it all out). Oh, and maybe double coverage on Golden Hurricane tight end Garrett Mills (83 catches).Fresno State 42, Tulsa 34
2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)HOUSTON BOWLIowa State (7-4) at TCU (10-1)The Cyclones and Horned Frogs have a few things in common: both have only lost one game in regulation this season, and both to a school from the Lone Star State that finished below .500. TCU would be perfect were it not for a 21-10, Week 2 loss at Southern Methodist. Iowa State, which went 0-3 in OT this autumn, also lost at home to Baylor, 23-13.TCU 27, Iowa State 23Jan. 2
11 a.m. ET (ESPN)OUTBACK BOWLIowa (7-4) at Florida (8-3)The Hawkeyes pulled off the niftiest bowl win of last season when Drew Tate connected with Warren Holloway on a 56-yard touchdown pass on the game's final play to erase a one-point deficit. New year, new SEC opponent, and new Sunshine State bowl, but it's still the same ol' Drew Tate.Hawkeyes: Chad Greenway, LBFlorida 25, Iowa 23
11 a.m. ET (FOX)COTTON BOWLTexas Tech (9-2) at Alabama (9-2)This game is brought to you by the number "2." As in, the Red Raiders are No. 2 in total offense and the Crimson Tide are No. 2 in total defense, both schools have 2 losses, and the continued absence of Bama's electrifying Tyrone Prothro is 2 bad. Tide: DeMeco Ryans, LBTexas Tech 24, Alabama 19
12:30 p.m. ET (NBC)GATOR BOWLVirginia Tech (10-2) at Louisville (9-2)The Hokies return to Jacksonville, where they squandered an Orange Bowl berth to Florida State in the ACC title game in early December. Worse, Beamer's special teamers were outhustled by the Seminoles. The Cardinals return to the state where they, too, were embarrassed earlier this season, at USF. Future first-round NFL Draft picks on defense suit up for both squads.Hokies: Jimmy Williams, DB; Darryl Tapp, DL, Cardinals: Elvis Dumervil, DLVirginia Tech 31, Louisville 21
1 p.m. ET (ABC)CAPITAL ONE BOWLWisconsin (9-3) at Auburn (9-2)Brian Calhoun (Badgers) and Kenny Irons (Tigers) are two of the least-appreciated 100-yard per-game rushers in the nation, but not by their coaches. Considering the game's title sponsor, it's likely only David Spade will get more carries this afternoon.Badgers: Brian Calhoun, RB, Brandon Williams, All-Purpose, Tigers: Marcus McNeill, OLAuburn 24, Wisconsin 20
4:30 p.m. ET (ABC)FIESTA BOWLNotre Dame (9-2) at Ohio State (9-2)The Irish are making their third bowl visit to the Valley of the Sun to play a school with the initials OSU in the last six years. The previous two pilgrimages, a 2001 Fiesta Bowl emasculation by Oregon State and last year's Insight Bowl thumping by those same Beavers, were Catholic cactus calamities. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are seeking their third Fiesta Bowl win in the past four years.Fighting Irish: Jeff Samardzija, WR, Buckeyes: A.J. Hawk, LBOhio State 31, Notre Dame 20
8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)SUGAR BOWLGeorgia (10-2) at West Virginia (10-1)Freshmen Pat White and Steve Slaton have been a minor Morgantown miracle this autumn, but they'll be facing a virtual Bulldog home crowd as the Sugar bivouacs in Atlanta tonight. Georgia's No. 4 scoring defense has the speed to frazzle these frosh.Bulldogs: Max Jean-Gilles, OL; Greg Blue, DB, Mountaineers: Dan Mozes, C.Georgia 33, West Virginia 23Jan. 3
8 p.m. ET (ABC)ORANGE BOWLFlorida State (8-4) at Penn State (10-1)Life would be perfect if Wilfred Brimley did the coin toss. This contest pits coaching legends Bobby Bowden (76) and Joe Paterno (79) against one another for the first time in 16 years while journalists scurry to check the spelling of "septuagenarian". The Nittany Lion defense should be too much for Seminole freshman quarterback Drew Weatherford, but then again, last month he stared down the nation's No. 1 defense, Virginia Tech.Nittany Lions: Tamba Hali, DL; Paul Posluszny, LB; Levi Brown, OL; Alan Zemaitis, DBPenn State 24, Florida State 14Jan. 4
8 p.m. ET (ABC)ROSE BOWLUSC (12-0) at Texas (12-0)To quote Steve Carell's character in Anchorman, "LOUD NOISES!" The best performance by a team in a bowl last season was undoubtedly the Trojans' Orange Bowl triumph, but the top individual performance had to be Vince Young's against Michigan here in Pasadena. Statistically, you can certainly make a case that the Longhorns are more balanced on both sides of the ball and that the Trojans' special teams is suspect, but come on ... are you really going to bet against USC in Matt Leinart's and (most likely) Reggie Bush's final game? In southern California?Trojans: Reggie Bush, RB; Dwayne Jarrett, WR; Darnell Bing, DB; Matt Leinart, QB; Taitusi Lutui, OL Longhorns: Vince Young, QB; Jonathan Scott, OL; Rodrique Wright, DL; Michael Huff, DBUSC 37, Texas 33
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