Philadelphia @ Dallas (Sat. 8:00, NBC)
In the most anticipated matchup of the Wild Card round, these two bitter NFC East rivals meet for the third time this season and the second time in two weeks. Dallas embarrased the Eagles in both regular season games and looking to win their first playoff game since 1996. The Eagles have one at least one playoff game every time they made the playoffs under Andy Reid.
The keys for the Eagles to win this matchup are to make sure their offense does not stall like last week in Dallas. Donovan McNabb and his arsenal of young weapons need to have a big game to ensure a date with the Saints next weekend. The running game must get going against the aggressive Dallas defense to give the Eagles' offense balance. With Brian Westbrook just getting back to full strength from his two concussions, look for him to get the ball more often than he has in the past two weeks. The Eagles' defense look better in the second half of last week's game and gave Philly fans some hope that their defense could put a stop to the Cowboy offense. The revolving door of starting linebackers has hurt the Eagles since training camp opened and is the biggest concern on a defense whose secondary and line are strong.
For the Cowboys, since their win in New Orleans to break the Saints undefeated run, they have been on fire in December. Tony Romo has been able to find Jason Witten, who seems like he can not be stopped right now, and Miles Austin for big gains. The running game got going last week against the Eagles with Felix Jones running along the outside of the field, which created a good change of direction with Marion Barber being stonewalled up the middle. On defense, the Cowboys just need to play half as good of a game that they played on Sunday and they should be good. Jai Ratliff's rush up the middle cause trouble for Eagles center Nick Cole and opened up the middle for DeMarcus Ware and company to plow right through the line. The Cowboys must not be over aggresive since the Eagles are one of the best screen teams in the league and will take advantage of the front seven looking for sacks.
5 Players to Watch for the Eagles
C Nick Cole
QB Donovan McNabb
CB Asante Samuel
WR DeSean Jackson
TE Brent Celek
5 Players to Watch for the Cowboys
DT Jai Ratliff
QB Tony Romo
CB Mike Jenkins
WR Miles Austin
TE Jason Witten
Key Matchup: Cole vs. Ratliff
Prediction: Eagles
Friday, January 8, 2010
Playoff Preview (Jets @ Bengals)
NY Jets @ Cincinnati (Sat. 4:30, NBC)
In the first of three rematches from Week 17, the venue changes to Paul Brown Stadium. In the biggest fight of words under 140 characters between Chad Ochocinco and Darrelle Revis on Twitter before last week's game, Ochocinco said he would change his last name back to Johnson if Revis shut him down. Revis did but Ochocinco claimed it was not enough because he did not play as much as he thought. But Ochocinco might have to be forced to live up to his bet with Revis because Revis is the best shutdown corner in the NFL. Carson Palmer will need to hit Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell to open up the passing game to succeed.
For the Jets, the run game must work for them to win and follow through on coach Rex Ryan's guarantee of making the Super Bowl, which is completely ridiculous. Mark Sanchez has shown all season that he has the inability to win games when the run has been shut down, even with the addition of Braylon Edwards. On the defensive side of the ball, David Harris and Bart Scott need to wreak havoc on the Bengals' O-Line in the pass rush and will also have to be able to cover Cedric Benson and Brian Leonard out of the backfield. Although they will not have the game handed to them this time, the Jets can pose a serious threat in the playoffs if everything goes well.
5 Players To Watch for the Jets
RB Thomas Jones
LB David Harris
LB Bart Scott
CB Darrelle Revis
WR Braylon Edwards
5 Players To Watch for the Bengals
RB Brian Leonard
LB Rey Maualuga
RB Cedric Benson
WR Laveranues Coles
K Shayne Graham
Key Matchup: Ochocinco vs. Revis
Prediction: J-E-T-S JETS JETS
In the first of three rematches from Week 17, the venue changes to Paul Brown Stadium. In the biggest fight of words under 140 characters between Chad Ochocinco and Darrelle Revis on Twitter before last week's game, Ochocinco said he would change his last name back to Johnson if Revis shut him down. Revis did but Ochocinco claimed it was not enough because he did not play as much as he thought. But Ochocinco might have to be forced to live up to his bet with Revis because Revis is the best shutdown corner in the NFL. Carson Palmer will need to hit Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell to open up the passing game to succeed.
For the Jets, the run game must work for them to win and follow through on coach Rex Ryan's guarantee of making the Super Bowl, which is completely ridiculous. Mark Sanchez has shown all season that he has the inability to win games when the run has been shut down, even with the addition of Braylon Edwards. On the defensive side of the ball, David Harris and Bart Scott need to wreak havoc on the Bengals' O-Line in the pass rush and will also have to be able to cover Cedric Benson and Brian Leonard out of the backfield. Although they will not have the game handed to them this time, the Jets can pose a serious threat in the playoffs if everything goes well.
5 Players To Watch for the Jets
RB Thomas Jones
LB David Harris
LB Bart Scott
CB Darrelle Revis
WR Braylon Edwards
5 Players To Watch for the Bengals
RB Brian Leonard
LB Rey Maualuga
RB Cedric Benson
WR Laveranues Coles
K Shayne Graham
Key Matchup: Ochocinco vs. Revis
Prediction: J-E-T-S JETS JETS
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Best and Worst- BCS Bowl Edition
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?"
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?"
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
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