Bowl season is finally over with the Alabama Crimson Tide the #1 team in the nation at 14-0 and National Champions. So, here is edition 2.0 of the best and worst of bowl season. This edition focuses just on the five BCS games.
Best End to Career: Tim Tebow
Best Breakout Performance: Terrelle Pryor
Best Defense of Option: Iowa
Best Fake Punt: Boise State
Best Surprise Play: Texas onside kick
Best Player Whose Name We Should Remember for the next 3 years: Garrett Gilbert
Best Breaking of Heisman Curse: Mark Ingram
Best Defending Champ That Will #1 in Preseason: Alabama
Best Ending of Conference Rose Bowl Drought: Ohio State
Best Coach that Silenced Critics: Jim Tressel
Best Coach We Wish the Best in Recovery: Urban Meyer
Best BCS Conference in BCS Games: Big Ten
Worst Usage of Over 1,000 Uniform Combos: Oregon
Worst Thing To Happen to a Star Player: Colt McCoy's injury
Worst Team Effort: Cincinnati
Worst Effect of Coaching Changes: Cincinnati
Worst End to a Career: Colt McCoy
Worst Game That Failed to Live up to Hype: Fiesta Bowl
Worst Play that almost became a safety: Johnathan Dwyer's run ten yards behind the line of scrimmage into endzone.
Worst Trick Play: Alabama's Fake Punt
Worst Adaptation to Opponent's Strategy: Alabama on Texas' kickoffs.
Worst Miss of a Meaningless Extra Point: Leigh Tiffin
The BCS games defintely showed college football fans a glimpse of what we will see next year and also sent out some seniors with big wins and a certain senior quarterback injury that will always have Longhorn fans asking "What If?"
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Players to Watch in the BCS National Championship Game
The day college football fans, especially fans of the Longhorns and Crimson Tide,have waited for all year is upon us tonight at the Rose Bowl. Tonight a national champion will be crowned, Mark Ingram will try to break the Heisman curse and Colt McCoy's amazing college career will come to an end.
TEXAS PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB, Colt McCoy
McCoy's final game will have to include a stellar performance through the air. The Alabama defense is designed to stop the run and with the lack of a real running game for the Longhorns, McCoy will have to find his arsenal of receivers across the field tonight to win.
WR, Jordan Shipley
McCoy's roomate and favorite target will have to end his college career with a great performance as well. Shipley's speed will be put to the test with Javier Arenas covering him. Shipley's impact in the return game will help decide field possession and if he gets a big return to switch momentum, watch out for the Longhorns to take advantage of that.
DE, Sergio Kindle
When the Crimson Tide do go to the air, the Texas pass rush must get pressure on Greg McElroy. Kindle is just the player to do that. Kindle will also be counted on to cause pressure in the backfield and stop Mark Ingram for losses.
WR, James Kirkendoll
If Shipley is shut down by Arenas, Kirkendoll is one of the emerging talents in the Longhorn offense and will need to step up to make a few catches, even if Shipley has a career night, to help spread the field for McCoy's air attack.
S, Earl Thomas
Thomas is the heart and soul of the secondary and will need to come up with at least one big play against the Tide's receiving corps. Thomas has eight interceptions on the season and will be on the prowl for number nine but do not look for him to be over aggressive.
ALABAMA PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB, Mark Ingram
Ingram will try to break the Heisman curse and win a national championship tonight. When Ingram gets going, the Tide are able to open up the playbook and use playaction to catch the Texas secondary off guard, which will be hard to do. Ingram needs a performance like the one he had against Florida to secure the title for the Tide
WR, Julio Jones
The big 6'4" target will be McElroy's go-to man tonight. But, if Jones is covered he could end up being the game's biggest decoy. McElroy has shown that Jones is not his only target but if Jones catches a lot of passes tonight he could outshine the other number eight, Jordan Shipley, on the other sideline.
K, Leigh Tiffin
Alabama's all-time leading scorer could make the game-winning kick tonight and for coach Nick Saban there is no better choice in the nation to make a pressure kick than Tiffin. Tiffin has only missed four field goals this season and is one of the most reliable kickers in the nation.
DT, Terrence Cody
Cody could single-handedly be the reason why the Texas run game fails tonight. Cody has overshadowed by other top defensive tackles in the nation this season (Suh, Gerald McCoy) but SEC fans know the havoc Cody has wreaked on opponents, especially with his ability to get a good rush on kicks and has provided two blocks this season.
LB, Rolando McClain
In the second line of defense, McClain has been spectacular this season against some of the best running backs in the nation. If the Longhorn run games gets through Cody and the defensive line, McClain will be right there to stop any gains.
CB, Javier Arenas
Arenas is more than a dynamic, game-changing return man. He can also be a shutdown corner and he will have to be tonight against Jordan Shipley. Like Shipley, Arenas can provide a momentum turning return any time in the game.
PREDICTION
Both teams have dynamic return men, great secondaries and high-profile offensive stars. Alabama's ability to run the ball and Texas' strong passing game will be the main focuses of each defense. Look for a big play from McElroy to one of his receivers and for Texas RB Tre Newton to have a big play to provide a balance for each offense.
In the end, if it is a close game, Alabama has a better chance to win on a game-winning kick but it will not come down to that. McCoy wants to prove that his performance against a tough defense in Nebraska was a fluke. Look for McCoy to be the most motivated player on the field and that will have an influence on the rest of his team.
Texas 26, Alabama 17
TEXAS PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB, Colt McCoy
McCoy's final game will have to include a stellar performance through the air. The Alabama defense is designed to stop the run and with the lack of a real running game for the Longhorns, McCoy will have to find his arsenal of receivers across the field tonight to win.
WR, Jordan Shipley
McCoy's roomate and favorite target will have to end his college career with a great performance as well. Shipley's speed will be put to the test with Javier Arenas covering him. Shipley's impact in the return game will help decide field possession and if he gets a big return to switch momentum, watch out for the Longhorns to take advantage of that.
DE, Sergio Kindle
When the Crimson Tide do go to the air, the Texas pass rush must get pressure on Greg McElroy. Kindle is just the player to do that. Kindle will also be counted on to cause pressure in the backfield and stop Mark Ingram for losses.
WR, James Kirkendoll
If Shipley is shut down by Arenas, Kirkendoll is one of the emerging talents in the Longhorn offense and will need to step up to make a few catches, even if Shipley has a career night, to help spread the field for McCoy's air attack.
S, Earl Thomas
Thomas is the heart and soul of the secondary and will need to come up with at least one big play against the Tide's receiving corps. Thomas has eight interceptions on the season and will be on the prowl for number nine but do not look for him to be over aggressive.
ALABAMA PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB, Mark Ingram
Ingram will try to break the Heisman curse and win a national championship tonight. When Ingram gets going, the Tide are able to open up the playbook and use playaction to catch the Texas secondary off guard, which will be hard to do. Ingram needs a performance like the one he had against Florida to secure the title for the Tide
WR, Julio Jones
The big 6'4" target will be McElroy's go-to man tonight. But, if Jones is covered he could end up being the game's biggest decoy. McElroy has shown that Jones is not his only target but if Jones catches a lot of passes tonight he could outshine the other number eight, Jordan Shipley, on the other sideline.
K, Leigh Tiffin
Alabama's all-time leading scorer could make the game-winning kick tonight and for coach Nick Saban there is no better choice in the nation to make a pressure kick than Tiffin. Tiffin has only missed four field goals this season and is one of the most reliable kickers in the nation.
DT, Terrence Cody
Cody could single-handedly be the reason why the Texas run game fails tonight. Cody has overshadowed by other top defensive tackles in the nation this season (Suh, Gerald McCoy) but SEC fans know the havoc Cody has wreaked on opponents, especially with his ability to get a good rush on kicks and has provided two blocks this season.
LB, Rolando McClain
In the second line of defense, McClain has been spectacular this season against some of the best running backs in the nation. If the Longhorn run games gets through Cody and the defensive line, McClain will be right there to stop any gains.
CB, Javier Arenas
Arenas is more than a dynamic, game-changing return man. He can also be a shutdown corner and he will have to be tonight against Jordan Shipley. Like Shipley, Arenas can provide a momentum turning return any time in the game.
PREDICTION
Both teams have dynamic return men, great secondaries and high-profile offensive stars. Alabama's ability to run the ball and Texas' strong passing game will be the main focuses of each defense. Look for a big play from McElroy to one of his receivers and for Texas RB Tre Newton to have a big play to provide a balance for each offense.
In the end, if it is a close game, Alabama has a better chance to win on a game-winning kick but it will not come down to that. McCoy wants to prove that his performance against a tough defense in Nebraska was a fluke. Look for McCoy to be the most motivated player on the field and that will have an influence on the rest of his team.
Texas 26, Alabama 17
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Z88.9 Sports Top 10 (January 5th)
TOP 10 IMPACT PLAYERS FOR THE NFL PLAYOFFS
10. Julian Edelman, WR, New England
9. Jai Ratliff, DT, Dallas
8. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis
7. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego
6. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets
5. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia
4. Tom Brady, QB, New England
3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
2. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis
1. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans
10. Julian Edelman, WR, New England
9. Jai Ratliff, DT, Dallas
8. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis
7. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego
6. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets
5. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia
4. Tom Brady, QB, New England
3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay
2. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis
1. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans
Monday, January 4, 2010
Best of Bowl Season Non-BCS Edition
After the exciting two week thrill ride college football fans have experienced through all of the bowls not associated with the BCS here are the moments that made it great.
Best Game: Humanitarian Bowl, Idaho 43, Bowling Green 42
Best Coaching Decision: Idaho's game winning 2-point conversion.
Best Offensive Performance: Kyle Padron, QB, SMU 32/41 460 yds. 2 TD in Hawai'i Bowl
Best Defensive Performance: Nebraska, allowed 109 total yards in 33-0 Holiday Bowl win over Arizona
Best Upset: Air Force over Houston 47-20 in Armed Forces Bowl
Best Home-Field Advantage: USC in San Francisco for Emerald Bowl
Best Backup: Steven Sheffield, Texas Tech 9/11 88 yds. TD in 4th quarter.
Best Senior Send-off: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Huskers' defense dominated Arizona and solidified Suh's claim to be the #1 pick in April.
Best Homecoming: June Jones, SMU head coach coming back to Hawai'i for first time and upsetting Nevada.
Best New Venue for Bowl Game: Cotton Bowl (Cowboys Stadium)
Best Underrated Game: Capital One Bowl: Auburn 38, Northwestern 35
Best Kicker That Decided Not to Come Ready to Play:
Stefan Demos, Northwestern 0/2 FG, 3/4 PAT and he added insult to injury when he got hurt on a field goal attempt in overtime.
Best Unknown Player who Made a Name for Himself:'
Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Wyoming
Best Game to Fall Asleep During: Cotton Bowl
Best Performance by a Player Named after a Former Coaching Legend: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma 30/51 418 yds. 3 TD
Best Representative of Burlington County:
Kashif Moore, WR, UCONN(Burlington Twp.) 40 yards receving, TD
Now for some awards that were the worst:
Worst Game: Cotton Bowl, Ole Miss 21, Oklahoma State 7
This game had no rhythm until the fourth quarter when the Rebels scored two touchdowns.
Worst Showing by a Ranked Team: Oregon State
Worst Field Conditions: Capital One Bowl
Worst Usage of Home-Field Advantage: Temple
Worst Special Teams Play: Texas A&M
Worst Way to Lose: Northwestern's Fake FG in overtime.
Worst Defense of the Triple Option: Houston and Missouri
Worst Offensive Performance: Arizona
Worst Defensive Performance: Tennessee
Worst Place to Have a Bowl Game: Toronto
Now that you have read my best and worst for the non-BCS bowls, come back Friday for the best and worst recap of the 5 BCS games.
Best Game: Humanitarian Bowl, Idaho 43, Bowling Green 42
Best Coaching Decision: Idaho's game winning 2-point conversion.
Best Offensive Performance: Kyle Padron, QB, SMU 32/41 460 yds. 2 TD in Hawai'i Bowl
Best Defensive Performance: Nebraska, allowed 109 total yards in 33-0 Holiday Bowl win over Arizona
Best Upset: Air Force over Houston 47-20 in Armed Forces Bowl
Best Home-Field Advantage: USC in San Francisco for Emerald Bowl
Best Backup: Steven Sheffield, Texas Tech 9/11 88 yds. TD in 4th quarter.
Best Senior Send-off: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Huskers' defense dominated Arizona and solidified Suh's claim to be the #1 pick in April.
Best Homecoming: June Jones, SMU head coach coming back to Hawai'i for first time and upsetting Nevada.
Best New Venue for Bowl Game: Cotton Bowl (Cowboys Stadium)
Best Underrated Game: Capital One Bowl: Auburn 38, Northwestern 35
Best Kicker That Decided Not to Come Ready to Play:
Stefan Demos, Northwestern 0/2 FG, 3/4 PAT and he added insult to injury when he got hurt on a field goal attempt in overtime.
Best Unknown Player who Made a Name for Himself:'
Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Wyoming
Best Game to Fall Asleep During: Cotton Bowl
Best Performance by a Player Named after a Former Coaching Legend: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma 30/51 418 yds. 3 TD
Best Representative of Burlington County:
Kashif Moore, WR, UCONN(Burlington Twp.) 40 yards receving, TD
Now for some awards that were the worst:
Worst Game: Cotton Bowl, Ole Miss 21, Oklahoma State 7
This game had no rhythm until the fourth quarter when the Rebels scored two touchdowns.
Worst Showing by a Ranked Team: Oregon State
Worst Field Conditions: Capital One Bowl
Worst Usage of Home-Field Advantage: Temple
Worst Special Teams Play: Texas A&M
Worst Way to Lose: Northwestern's Fake FG in overtime.
Worst Defense of the Triple Option: Houston and Missouri
Worst Offensive Performance: Arizona
Worst Defensive Performance: Tennessee
Worst Place to Have a Bowl Game: Toronto
Now that you have read my best and worst for the non-BCS bowls, come back Friday for the best and worst recap of the 5 BCS games.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Bowl Preview: December 31-January 2
Fifteen games in three days from Toronto to Fort Worth to Pasadena, thirty teams will play their final game of the season and many talented senoirs will be putting on their jerseys for the last time. So, here are my previews, players to watch and predictions for all fifteen games.
Thursday, December 31
ARMED FORCES BOWL
Houston v. Air Force (Fort Worth, 12:00, ESPN)
Case Keenum leads the Cougars into a rematch of the same bowl game from last year. Houston has the #1 passing offense while the Falcons boast the #1 passing defense. Expect Keenum to put up his normal 300 yard game but for the game to be closer than the average fan thinks it will.
Player to watch: James Cleveland, WR, Houston
Keenum needs a main target to hit and to be a decoy so he can hit other receivers. Cleveland is the only Cougar wideout over 100 catches and could a very reliable target Thursday.
Prediction: Houston 48, Air Force 31
SUN BOWL
Oklahoma v. (21)Stanford (El Paso, 2:00, CBS)
The obvious standout of this game will be Cardinal RB Toby Gerhart, who will most likely cause the OU defense problems. But if the Sooner D does stop Gerhart and gets pressure on the quarterback, especially if starter Andrew Luck is unable to play.
Player to watch: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The man who has been overshadowed this season by a more dominant defensive lineman in his own conference, Ndamukong Suh, McCoy is the anchor to the Sooner defense and will be the key to stopping Gerhart.
Prediction: Oklahoma 23, Stanford 21
TEXAS BOWL
Navy v. Missouri (Houston, 3:30, ESPN)
This game features two very different offensive styles in Navy's triple option and Mizzou's spread. Both quarterbacks are skilled in their respective offenses and this game should be a shootout.
Player to watch: Danario Alexander, WR, Missouri
Alexander's return to his home state could be very explosive if Blaine Gabbert finds him early and often to counter the scoring Navy should do.
Prediction: Navy 45, Missouri 42
INSIGHT BOWL
Minnesota v. Iowa State (Tempe, 6:00, NFL Network) Both teams have been marred by injury to star players, for Minnesota it was WR Eric Decker, for the Cyclones QB Austen Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson. Decker is out for the year but Arnaud and Robinson have returned. Decker's absence has hurt Minnesota and will continue to.
Player to watch: Austen Arnaud, QB, Iowa State
If Arnaud does not turn the ball over, the Cyclones should coast to the victory but if his troubles continue, the Minnesota defense should have a field day.
Prediction: Iowa State 16, Minnesota 13
CHICK FIL-A BOWL
(11)Virginia Tech v. Tennessee (Atlanta, 7:30, ESPN)
The bowl with the best title sponsor ever will be a battle between the Hokies and Vols. Look for Va Tech to run early with Ryan Williams and then look to use the play-fake with Tyrod Taylor if the run works. The Vols will try to do the same thing by running Montario Hardesty as their main weapon on offense. But as so many Hokie games come down to, special teams will be the deciding factor.
Player to watch: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Berry is one of the top defensive backs in the nation and will be a high draft pick in the spring if decides to skip his senior year. Berry will cause havoc among the Hokie receiving corps and should be the defensive MVP.
Prediction: Tennessee 23, Va Tech 21
Friday, January 1
OUTBACK BOWL
Northwestern v. Auburn (Tampa, 11:00 AM, ESPN)
In the beginning of the year many fans would not expect to see this matchup on New Years' Day. Northwestern has surprised many people under coach Pat Fitzgerald and Auburn has been so disappointing this year that they don't deserve the honor of playing in this bowl.
Player to watch: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
The Tigers chances of winning rely on their senior running back and if has a big game in his last collegiate game then Auburn will win.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Northwestern 13
CAPITAL ONE BOWL
(13)Penn State v. (12)LSU (Orlando, 1:00, ABC)
This is the top non-BCS bowl matchup. Coaching great Joe Paterno leads his Penn State team to yet another New Years' Day bowl goes up against one of the top young coaches in college football in Les Miles. With plenty of talent on the Citrus Bowl field Friday this game is a toss-up.
Player to watch: Citrus Bowl field
There are many players to choose from but the biggest factor in this game will be the field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The same stadium in which Miami RB Graig Cooper broke his leg and will be out for the 2010 season. Many analysts have made this a big deal due to the number of games being played in such a small timespan, many Florida HS championships were played there.
Prediction: Penn State 16, LSU 9
GATOR BOWL
(16)West Virginia v. Florida State (Jacksonville, 1:00,CBS)
There is one and only one headline going into this game: Bobby Bowden's final game as Florida State head coach. The Seminoles were selected specifically for this bowl for Bowden to coach his last game in Florida. The explosive offense of the Mountaineers will put up a fight but emotions will be running high and there is no way Bowden wants to go out with a loss.
Player to watch: E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
Manuel will be reason that the Noles succeed on offense. With only a few starts under his belt, inexperience is a concern but the motivation to win Bowden's final game will be enough.
Prediction: Florida State 34, West Virginia 26
ROSE BOWL
(8) Ohio St. v. (7) Oregon (Pasadena, 4:30, ABC)
Both teams are coming off wins against rivals in their respective final games. That is where the similarities end. Oregon's spread offense will cause havoc with the Buckeye defense and Terrelle Pryor needs to show up and give Buckeye fans the performance they have been waiting for for two years.
Player to watch: Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
Buckeye fans are waiting to see which Terrelle Pryor shows up on New Years' Day and they hope it is the person that can control a game with his abilities.
Prediction: Oregon 37, Ohio State 20
SUGAR BOWL
(3) Cincinnati v. (5) Florida (New Orleans, 8:00, FOX)
Unfortuneately for both teams, the two main storylines going into this game involve the head coach position at both schools. Brian Kelly left the Bearcats for Notre Dame and their interim coach is leaving for the Buffalo head coaching position after the game. For the Gators, Urban Meyer's health problems have overshadowed the topic of Tim Tebow's last game.
Player to watch: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Tebow's final collegiate game will be classic Tebow, filled with emotion, especially after Meyer's announcement that he is taking an indefinite leave of absence after the game, and being the toughest man out on the field.
Prediction: Florida 35, Cincinnati 16
Saturday, January 2
INTERNATIONAL BOWL
South Florida v. Northern Illinois (Toronto, 12:00, ESPN2)
In a Big East-MAC matchup, the Bulls have the advantage but watchout if the Huskies do try and pull the upset since they are facing a Florida team in Toronto in January
Player to watch: B.J. Daniels, QB, South Florida
Daniels has stepped in to the starting role, after Matt Grothe was hurt early in the season, and has improved in every game.
Prediction: USF 21, N.Illinois 13
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL
South Carolina v. UCONN(Birmingham, 2:00, ESPN)
The coaching matchup in this bowl is one to watch for. Steve Spurrier is one of the best coaches in SEC history and Randy Edsall has brought UCONN to the top level of college football and excelled. The Huskies had a great end to the season by beating Notre Dame and will be motivated to put on a good show in SEC country against the Gamecocks.
Players to watch: Andre Dixon, Jordan Todman, RBs, UCONN
The two-headed rushing attack for the Huskies has given opposing defenses headaches all season and look for these two versatile backs to contribute alot Saturday.
Prediction: South Carolina 24, UCONN 21
COTTON BOWL
(19) Oklahoma State v. Ole Miss(Arlington, 2:00, ESPN)
Both teams have had disappointing seasons and will look to rebound into 2010 with a win to boost morale. For Oklahoma State, the suspension of star wideout Dez Bryant slowed their progression. As for the Rebels, a #4 preseason ranking was too much to live up to after their first loss early in the year against South Carolina.
Player to watch: Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss
The most explosive and versatile offensive player in the nation will take the field at Cowboys Stadium and will give the Cowboys matchup problems all day. McCluster started the year at receiver but is now the starting running back and is very explosive once he touches the ball.
Prediction: Ole Miss 48, Oklahoma St. 27
LIBERTY BOWL
Arkansas v. East Carolina (Memphis, 5:30, ESPN)
The C-USA champions will have plenty to prove to the nation as they take on a talented Razorback team. This game has upset written all over it especially if Arkansas' passing attack is slowed.
Player to watch: Patrick Pinkney, QB, East Carolina
Pinkney's performance will decide how the Pirates fare in this game. With a C-USA title already under his belt, the Liberty Bowl title should be his as well.
Prediction: East Carolina 24, Arkansas 20
Thursday, December 31
ARMED FORCES BOWL
Houston v. Air Force (Fort Worth, 12:00, ESPN)
Case Keenum leads the Cougars into a rematch of the same bowl game from last year. Houston has the #1 passing offense while the Falcons boast the #1 passing defense. Expect Keenum to put up his normal 300 yard game but for the game to be closer than the average fan thinks it will.
Player to watch: James Cleveland, WR, Houston
Keenum needs a main target to hit and to be a decoy so he can hit other receivers. Cleveland is the only Cougar wideout over 100 catches and could a very reliable target Thursday.
Prediction: Houston 48, Air Force 31
SUN BOWL
Oklahoma v. (21)Stanford (El Paso, 2:00, CBS)
The obvious standout of this game will be Cardinal RB Toby Gerhart, who will most likely cause the OU defense problems. But if the Sooner D does stop Gerhart and gets pressure on the quarterback, especially if starter Andrew Luck is unable to play.
Player to watch: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The man who has been overshadowed this season by a more dominant defensive lineman in his own conference, Ndamukong Suh, McCoy is the anchor to the Sooner defense and will be the key to stopping Gerhart.
Prediction: Oklahoma 23, Stanford 21
TEXAS BOWL
Navy v. Missouri (Houston, 3:30, ESPN)
This game features two very different offensive styles in Navy's triple option and Mizzou's spread. Both quarterbacks are skilled in their respective offenses and this game should be a shootout.
Player to watch: Danario Alexander, WR, Missouri
Alexander's return to his home state could be very explosive if Blaine Gabbert finds him early and often to counter the scoring Navy should do.
Prediction: Navy 45, Missouri 42
INSIGHT BOWL
Minnesota v. Iowa State (Tempe, 6:00, NFL Network) Both teams have been marred by injury to star players, for Minnesota it was WR Eric Decker, for the Cyclones QB Austen Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson. Decker is out for the year but Arnaud and Robinson have returned. Decker's absence has hurt Minnesota and will continue to.
Player to watch: Austen Arnaud, QB, Iowa State
If Arnaud does not turn the ball over, the Cyclones should coast to the victory but if his troubles continue, the Minnesota defense should have a field day.
Prediction: Iowa State 16, Minnesota 13
CHICK FIL-A BOWL
(11)Virginia Tech v. Tennessee (Atlanta, 7:30, ESPN)
The bowl with the best title sponsor ever will be a battle between the Hokies and Vols. Look for Va Tech to run early with Ryan Williams and then look to use the play-fake with Tyrod Taylor if the run works. The Vols will try to do the same thing by running Montario Hardesty as their main weapon on offense. But as so many Hokie games come down to, special teams will be the deciding factor.
Player to watch: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Berry is one of the top defensive backs in the nation and will be a high draft pick in the spring if decides to skip his senior year. Berry will cause havoc among the Hokie receiving corps and should be the defensive MVP.
Prediction: Tennessee 23, Va Tech 21
Friday, January 1
OUTBACK BOWL
Northwestern v. Auburn (Tampa, 11:00 AM, ESPN)
In the beginning of the year many fans would not expect to see this matchup on New Years' Day. Northwestern has surprised many people under coach Pat Fitzgerald and Auburn has been so disappointing this year that they don't deserve the honor of playing in this bowl.
Player to watch: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
The Tigers chances of winning rely on their senior running back and if has a big game in his last collegiate game then Auburn will win.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Northwestern 13
CAPITAL ONE BOWL
(13)Penn State v. (12)LSU (Orlando, 1:00, ABC)
This is the top non-BCS bowl matchup. Coaching great Joe Paterno leads his Penn State team to yet another New Years' Day bowl goes up against one of the top young coaches in college football in Les Miles. With plenty of talent on the Citrus Bowl field Friday this game is a toss-up.
Player to watch: Citrus Bowl field
There are many players to choose from but the biggest factor in this game will be the field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The same stadium in which Miami RB Graig Cooper broke his leg and will be out for the 2010 season. Many analysts have made this a big deal due to the number of games being played in such a small timespan, many Florida HS championships were played there.
Prediction: Penn State 16, LSU 9
GATOR BOWL
(16)West Virginia v. Florida State (Jacksonville, 1:00,CBS)
There is one and only one headline going into this game: Bobby Bowden's final game as Florida State head coach. The Seminoles were selected specifically for this bowl for Bowden to coach his last game in Florida. The explosive offense of the Mountaineers will put up a fight but emotions will be running high and there is no way Bowden wants to go out with a loss.
Player to watch: E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
Manuel will be reason that the Noles succeed on offense. With only a few starts under his belt, inexperience is a concern but the motivation to win Bowden's final game will be enough.
Prediction: Florida State 34, West Virginia 26
ROSE BOWL
(8) Ohio St. v. (7) Oregon (Pasadena, 4:30, ABC)
Both teams are coming off wins against rivals in their respective final games. That is where the similarities end. Oregon's spread offense will cause havoc with the Buckeye defense and Terrelle Pryor needs to show up and give Buckeye fans the performance they have been waiting for for two years.
Player to watch: Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
Buckeye fans are waiting to see which Terrelle Pryor shows up on New Years' Day and they hope it is the person that can control a game with his abilities.
Prediction: Oregon 37, Ohio State 20
SUGAR BOWL
(3) Cincinnati v. (5) Florida (New Orleans, 8:00, FOX)
Unfortuneately for both teams, the two main storylines going into this game involve the head coach position at both schools. Brian Kelly left the Bearcats for Notre Dame and their interim coach is leaving for the Buffalo head coaching position after the game. For the Gators, Urban Meyer's health problems have overshadowed the topic of Tim Tebow's last game.
Player to watch: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Tebow's final collegiate game will be classic Tebow, filled with emotion, especially after Meyer's announcement that he is taking an indefinite leave of absence after the game, and being the toughest man out on the field.
Prediction: Florida 35, Cincinnati 16
Saturday, January 2
INTERNATIONAL BOWL
South Florida v. Northern Illinois (Toronto, 12:00, ESPN2)
In a Big East-MAC matchup, the Bulls have the advantage but watchout if the Huskies do try and pull the upset since they are facing a Florida team in Toronto in January
Player to watch: B.J. Daniels, QB, South Florida
Daniels has stepped in to the starting role, after Matt Grothe was hurt early in the season, and has improved in every game.
Prediction: USF 21, N.Illinois 13
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL
South Carolina v. UCONN(Birmingham, 2:00, ESPN)
The coaching matchup in this bowl is one to watch for. Steve Spurrier is one of the best coaches in SEC history and Randy Edsall has brought UCONN to the top level of college football and excelled. The Huskies had a great end to the season by beating Notre Dame and will be motivated to put on a good show in SEC country against the Gamecocks.
Players to watch: Andre Dixon, Jordan Todman, RBs, UCONN
The two-headed rushing attack for the Huskies has given opposing defenses headaches all season and look for these two versatile backs to contribute alot Saturday.
Prediction: South Carolina 24, UCONN 21
COTTON BOWL
(19) Oklahoma State v. Ole Miss(Arlington, 2:00, ESPN)
Both teams have had disappointing seasons and will look to rebound into 2010 with a win to boost morale. For Oklahoma State, the suspension of star wideout Dez Bryant slowed their progression. As for the Rebels, a #4 preseason ranking was too much to live up to after their first loss early in the year against South Carolina.
Player to watch: Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss
The most explosive and versatile offensive player in the nation will take the field at Cowboys Stadium and will give the Cowboys matchup problems all day. McCluster started the year at receiver but is now the starting running back and is very explosive once he touches the ball.
Prediction: Ole Miss 48, Oklahoma St. 27
LIBERTY BOWL
Arkansas v. East Carolina (Memphis, 5:30, ESPN)
The C-USA champions will have plenty to prove to the nation as they take on a talented Razorback team. This game has upset written all over it especially if Arkansas' passing attack is slowed.
Player to watch: Patrick Pinkney, QB, East Carolina
Pinkney's performance will decide how the Pirates fare in this game. With a C-USA title already under his belt, the Liberty Bowl title should be his as well.
Prediction: East Carolina 24, Arkansas 20
ALAMO BOWL
Michigan State v. Texas Tech (San Antonio, 9, ESPN)
This game is marred by controversy whether it be the Spartans suspending eight players for the game or Texas Tech firing head coach Mike Leach this week. Both teams will have to face adversity going into the game and it is hard to predict who will respond better.
Player to watch: Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech
Batch is the Red Raiders' leading rusher and will help to provide balance to a pass happy offense. Batch can also come out of the backfield to catch screen passes for long gains.
Prediction: Texas Tech 38, Michigan State 17
Best of Decade: March Madness
The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, provides madness every season with a new mid-major coming to rise after upsets or games that still keep fans sharing memories of how great they were. Along with the upsets and great games, individuals also rise to the occasion and make their draft stock rise and solidify their great college careers.
TOP 10 MARCH MADNESS GAMES OF THE DECADE
10. Vanderbilt 78, Washington St. 74(2OT) 2nd round, 2007
A six versus three matchup that was supposed to be a toss-up became an instant classic with a barrage of threes from the Commodores being the difference.
9. Michigan State 94, Kentucky 88 (2OT) Elite 8,2005
Two traditional powerhouses met up in this matchup with the winner advancing to the Final Four. In the end, Tom Izzo's Spartans took the win but fell short in the Final Four with UNC winning it all.
8. Siena 74, Ohio State 72(2OT), 1st round, 2009
In a game in which many experts predicted an upset, the Saints and Buckeyes put on a show in a game a lot of people did not see because of its afternoon start.
7. Oklahoma State 64, St. Joseph's 62, Elite 8, 2004
The Hawks were flying high in the 03-04 season going undefeated led by Jameer Nelson. But, in the Elite 8, the Hawks hit a road bump in the Cowboys and suffered their only loss of the season.
6. Syracuse 81, Kansas 78, Championship, 2003
This game was highlighted by Kansas' inability to score at the beginning of the second half and was the coming out party for Carmelo Anthony, who is one of the few one-and-done players to make a mark in their school's history before fleeing to the NBA.
5. Louisville 93, West Virginia 85 (OT), Elite 8, 2005
The Cardinals ended the magical run of Kevin Pittsnogle and the three-point shooting Mountaineers. After playing 2 overtimes just two days before, West Virginia ran out of gas in overtime and sent the Cardinals to the Final Four.
4. West Virginia 111, Wake Forest 105 (2OT), Sweet 16, 2005
The above mentioned Mountaineers came out on fire and so did the Demon Deacons. In a game that was a shootout from the start, the Mountaineers pulled off the upset in a thrilling sceond overtime.
3. Villanova 78, Pittsburgh 76, Elite 8, 2009
Scottie Reynolds. A name that will haunt Pitt fans for years and a name that will live in Villanova history. At the end of a hard fought game between the Big East rivals, Reynolds drove across the floor after taking the in-bound pass and made a layup with time expiring.
2. Arizona 96, Gonzaga 95 (2OT), 2nd round, 2003
One of the most exciting games in tournament history went back and forth for the last ten minutes of regulation, the first overtime, and the second overtime. By the end of the game everyone watching the game and those in Salt Lake City knew they had just witnessed an instant classic.
1. Kansas 75, Memphis 68, Championship, 2008
Memphis' inability to make free throws kept the Jayhawks in the game during the second half and led to Mario Chalmers' three-pointer to end regulation. Once overtime began, Kansas took the momentum from Chalmers' shot and ran with it to win the 2008 title.
TOP 10 UPSETS OF THE DECADE
10. (12) Manhattan over (5) Florida, 1st round, 2004
9. (13) Bradley over (4) Kansas, 1st round, 2006
8. (13) Vermont over (4) Syracuse, 1st round, 2005
7. (14) Bucknell over (3) Kansas, 1st round, 2005
6. (10) Kent State over (3) Pittsburgh, Sweet 16, 2002
5. (10) Davidson over (3) Wisconsin, Sweet 16, 2008
4. (11) George Mason over (3) UNC, 2nd round, 2006
3. (14) Northwestern St. over (3) Iowa, 1st round, 2005
2. (15) Hampton over (2) Iowa State, 1st round, 2001
1. (11) George Mason over (1) UCONN, Elite 8, 2006
TOP 10 PLAYERS OF THE DECADE
10. Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
9. T.J. Ford, Texas
8. J.J. Redick, Duke
7. Stephon Curry, Davidson
6. Kevin Durant, Texas
5. Shane Battier, Duke
4. Emeka Okafor, UCONN
3. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
2. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse
1. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
TOP 10 MARCH MADNESS GAMES OF THE DECADE
10. Vanderbilt 78, Washington St. 74(2OT) 2nd round, 2007
A six versus three matchup that was supposed to be a toss-up became an instant classic with a barrage of threes from the Commodores being the difference.
9. Michigan State 94, Kentucky 88 (2OT) Elite 8,2005
Two traditional powerhouses met up in this matchup with the winner advancing to the Final Four. In the end, Tom Izzo's Spartans took the win but fell short in the Final Four with UNC winning it all.
8. Siena 74, Ohio State 72(2OT), 1st round, 2009
In a game in which many experts predicted an upset, the Saints and Buckeyes put on a show in a game a lot of people did not see because of its afternoon start.
7. Oklahoma State 64, St. Joseph's 62, Elite 8, 2004
The Hawks were flying high in the 03-04 season going undefeated led by Jameer Nelson. But, in the Elite 8, the Hawks hit a road bump in the Cowboys and suffered their only loss of the season.
6. Syracuse 81, Kansas 78, Championship, 2003
This game was highlighted by Kansas' inability to score at the beginning of the second half and was the coming out party for Carmelo Anthony, who is one of the few one-and-done players to make a mark in their school's history before fleeing to the NBA.
5. Louisville 93, West Virginia 85 (OT), Elite 8, 2005
The Cardinals ended the magical run of Kevin Pittsnogle and the three-point shooting Mountaineers. After playing 2 overtimes just two days before, West Virginia ran out of gas in overtime and sent the Cardinals to the Final Four.
4. West Virginia 111, Wake Forest 105 (2OT), Sweet 16, 2005
The above mentioned Mountaineers came out on fire and so did the Demon Deacons. In a game that was a shootout from the start, the Mountaineers pulled off the upset in a thrilling sceond overtime.
3. Villanova 78, Pittsburgh 76, Elite 8, 2009
Scottie Reynolds. A name that will haunt Pitt fans for years and a name that will live in Villanova history. At the end of a hard fought game between the Big East rivals, Reynolds drove across the floor after taking the in-bound pass and made a layup with time expiring.
2. Arizona 96, Gonzaga 95 (2OT), 2nd round, 2003
One of the most exciting games in tournament history went back and forth for the last ten minutes of regulation, the first overtime, and the second overtime. By the end of the game everyone watching the game and those in Salt Lake City knew they had just witnessed an instant classic.
1. Kansas 75, Memphis 68, Championship, 2008
Memphis' inability to make free throws kept the Jayhawks in the game during the second half and led to Mario Chalmers' three-pointer to end regulation. Once overtime began, Kansas took the momentum from Chalmers' shot and ran with it to win the 2008 title.
TOP 10 UPSETS OF THE DECADE
10. (12) Manhattan over (5) Florida, 1st round, 2004
9. (13) Bradley over (4) Kansas, 1st round, 2006
8. (13) Vermont over (4) Syracuse, 1st round, 2005
7. (14) Bucknell over (3) Kansas, 1st round, 2005
6. (10) Kent State over (3) Pittsburgh, Sweet 16, 2002
5. (10) Davidson over (3) Wisconsin, Sweet 16, 2008
4. (11) George Mason over (3) UNC, 2nd round, 2006
3. (14) Northwestern St. over (3) Iowa, 1st round, 2005
2. (15) Hampton over (2) Iowa State, 1st round, 2001
1. (11) George Mason over (1) UCONN, Elite 8, 2006
TOP 10 PLAYERS OF THE DECADE
10. Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
9. T.J. Ford, Texas
8. J.J. Redick, Duke
7. Stephon Curry, Davidson
6. Kevin Durant, Texas
5. Shane Battier, Duke
4. Emeka Okafor, UCONN
3. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
2. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse
1. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Top World Cup Moments of the Decade
Soccer's biggest international competition was played only twice this decade but gave soccer fans some great memories and a headbutt seen around the world.
10. Roy Keane sent home days before 2002 World Cup
Ireland's captain was back home from Korea days before the World Cup. Ireland advanced past the group stage and who knows if they would have gone farther with their captain and emotional leader on the pitch.
9. United States shock run to quarterfinals in 2002.
The American team was thought have a chance at advancing to the group stage but the '02 team did a lot more than that. In the opener, they beat Portugal 3-2, then in the round of 16 beat rivals Mexico 2-0, and then played a great game against Germany that still to this day is controversial.
8. Germany's 8-0 victory over Saudi Arabia
The Germans put a whooping on the Saudis in the group stage and carried that momentum all the way to the final, losing to Brazil.
7. Italy-United States 1-1 draw in 2006
In one of the worst officiated games in recent soccer history, the United States scrapped with the Azzurri for a draw after Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope were sent off for calls that were not even worthy of yellow cards.
6. Klose's 2 goals help Germany open World Cup at home
Miroslav Klose got the 2006 World Cup off to a bang in Germany's 4-1 win over Poland. The Bayern Munich striker hit the opener and third goal for the home side.
5. Brazil wins 2002 World Cup
The 2002 World Cup was filled with unexpected runs deep into the tournament by lower ranked nations but the number one team in the world came through beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
4. Maxi Rodriguez's game winner against Mexico
The goal of the tournament in 2006 advanced Argentina into the quarterfinals. Rodriguez controlled the ball with his chest and sailed the ball into the left corner of the goal in extra time.
3. Shootouts galore in Germany
Four matches in the knockout rounds, including the France-Italy final, went to shootouts. With at least one in each knockout round, the World Cup provided even more excitement with drama a shootout brings.
2. South Korea advances to semifinals
In the biggest shocker of the 2002 World Cup, co-hosts South Korea went on a magical run beating Italy and Spain in the first two knockout rounds before losing to Germany in the semis.
1. Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi
In the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin, Zidane said after the match that Materazzi said something about his sister and that is why his head found Materazzi's chest and ended up in a red card that cost France the World Cup.
10. Roy Keane sent home days before 2002 World Cup
Ireland's captain was back home from Korea days before the World Cup. Ireland advanced past the group stage and who knows if they would have gone farther with their captain and emotional leader on the pitch.
9. United States shock run to quarterfinals in 2002.
The American team was thought have a chance at advancing to the group stage but the '02 team did a lot more than that. In the opener, they beat Portugal 3-2, then in the round of 16 beat rivals Mexico 2-0, and then played a great game against Germany that still to this day is controversial.
8. Germany's 8-0 victory over Saudi Arabia
The Germans put a whooping on the Saudis in the group stage and carried that momentum all the way to the final, losing to Brazil.
7. Italy-United States 1-1 draw in 2006
In one of the worst officiated games in recent soccer history, the United States scrapped with the Azzurri for a draw after Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope were sent off for calls that were not even worthy of yellow cards.
6. Klose's 2 goals help Germany open World Cup at home
Miroslav Klose got the 2006 World Cup off to a bang in Germany's 4-1 win over Poland. The Bayern Munich striker hit the opener and third goal for the home side.
5. Brazil wins 2002 World Cup
The 2002 World Cup was filled with unexpected runs deep into the tournament by lower ranked nations but the number one team in the world came through beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
4. Maxi Rodriguez's game winner against Mexico
The goal of the tournament in 2006 advanced Argentina into the quarterfinals. Rodriguez controlled the ball with his chest and sailed the ball into the left corner of the goal in extra time.
3. Shootouts galore in Germany
Four matches in the knockout rounds, including the France-Italy final, went to shootouts. With at least one in each knockout round, the World Cup provided even more excitement with drama a shootout brings.
2. South Korea advances to semifinals
In the biggest shocker of the 2002 World Cup, co-hosts South Korea went on a magical run beating Italy and Spain in the first two knockout rounds before losing to Germany in the semis.
1. Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi
In the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin, Zidane said after the match that Materazzi said something about his sister and that is why his head found Materazzi's chest and ended up in a red card that cost France the World Cup.
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