Penn State defeated Tennessee 20-10 in last year's Outback Bowl and is 25-12-2 in bowl games. Joe Paterno is 22-10-1 in bowl games.
Texas A&M lost to California 10-45 in last season's Holiday Bowl. The Aggies are 13-16 in bowl games.
Penn State is 2-1 against Texas A&M and defeated the Aggies 24-0 in the 1999 Alamo Bowl.
Penn State will have Joe Paterno and his previous 33 bowl games on the sideline. On the other sideline Texas A&M will have defensive coordinator Gary Darnell playing the role of interim coach. However, the players, not the coaches, will decide this game. I like the tandem of Penn State’s defensive end Maurice Evans and linebacker Dan Connor to shut down the running game of A&M’s Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane.
Penn State 27, Texas A&M 21
The Players
QB
TAM- Stephen McGee 2,147 yards, 12 TD, 7 INT, 57.7%
PSU- Anthony Morelli 2,508 yards, 18 TD, 9 INT, 59.0%
RB
TAM- Jorvorskie Lane 746 yards, 4.7 ypc, 16 TD
TAM- Stephen McGee 858 yards, 5.0 ypc, 5 TD
PSU- Rodney Kinlaw 1,186 yards, 5.3 ypc, 10 TD
WR
TAM- Martellus Bennett 45 rec, 541 yards, 12.0 ypc, 4 TD
PSU- Derrick Williams 50 rec, 490 yards, 9.8 ypc, 3 TD
PSU- Deon Butler 43 rec, 574 yards, 13.3 ypc, 3 TD
Defense
TAM- Cyril Obiozor 3.5 sacks, 9.5 TFL
PSU- Maurice Evans 12.5 sacks, 21.5 TFL
Friday, December 28, 2007
Liberty Bowl Mississippi State vs. UCF
Mississippi State is 1-1 in the Liberty Bowl and has a 6-6 bowl record.
UCF lost to Nevada 48-49 in OT in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl. That was UCF's only bowl appearance.
Mississippi defeated UCF 35-28 in 1997.
The good news for Mississippi State is that they have the nation’s tenth best pass defense. The bad news is that they are ranked 65th in rush defense. Worse news is that the Bulldogs will be facing UCF’s Kevin Smith. The same Kevin Smith that leads the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and will break Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record if he can gain 181 yards against MSU.
If Smith breaks Sanders’ record some will argue that Smith benefited from playing two extra games. However, nobody argue about UCF’s first bowl victory.
UCF 35, MSU 28
The Players
QB
MSU- Wesley Carroll -1,353 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT, 53.2%
UCF- Kyle Israel 2,085 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT, 59.9 %
RB
MSU- Anthony Dixon 980 yards, 3.7, 13 TD, 3 rec. TD
UCF- Kevin Smith 2,448 yards, 5.9, 29 TD, 1 rec. TD
WR
MSU- Jamayel Smith 31 rec, 503 yards, 16.2, 3 TD
UCF- Rocky Ross 48 rec, 631 yards, 13.1, 2 TD
Defense
MSU- Titus Brown 8 sacks, 13.5 TFL
UCF- Sha'reff Rashad 94 tackles
UCF lost to Nevada 48-49 in OT in the 2005 Hawaii Bowl. That was UCF's only bowl appearance.
Mississippi defeated UCF 35-28 in 1997.
The good news for Mississippi State is that they have the nation’s tenth best pass defense. The bad news is that they are ranked 65th in rush defense. Worse news is that the Bulldogs will be facing UCF’s Kevin Smith. The same Kevin Smith that leads the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and will break Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record if he can gain 181 yards against MSU.
If Smith breaks Sanders’ record some will argue that Smith benefited from playing two extra games. However, nobody argue about UCF’s first bowl victory.
UCF 35, MSU 28
The Players
QB
MSU- Wesley Carroll -1,353 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT, 53.2%
UCF- Kyle Israel 2,085 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT, 59.9 %
RB
MSU- Anthony Dixon 980 yards, 3.7, 13 TD, 3 rec. TD
UCF- Kevin Smith 2,448 yards, 5.9, 29 TD, 1 rec. TD
WR
MSU- Jamayel Smith 31 rec, 503 yards, 16.2, 3 TD
UCF- Rocky Ross 48 rec, 631 yards, 13.1, 2 TD
Defense
MSU- Titus Brown 8 sacks, 13.5 TFL
UCF- Sha'reff Rashad 94 tackles
Meineke Car Care Bowl No. 25 Connecticut vs. Wake Forest
Wake Forest lost to Louisville in last year's Orange Bowl and is 4-3 in bowl games.
Connecticut defeated Toledo 39-10 in the 2004 Motor City Bowl and has a 1-0 bowl record.
Wake Forest beat Connecticut 24-13 in 2006 to tie the series 1-1.
This game features two schools with good defenses. UConn’s defense is anchored by linebacker Danny Lansanah and his 116 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. The Huskies are ranked 14th against the pass and allow fewer than 19 points per game. Led by Aaron Curry (96 tackles, 11.5 TFL), Wake Forest is ranked 17th against the run.
Coming off of a 21-66 embarrassment to West Virginia look for Connecticut to play inspired football.
UConn 17, Wake Forest 14
The Players
QB
WF- Riley Skinner 1,936 yards, 11 TD, 12 INT, 71.9%
UCONN- Tyler Lorenzen 2,269 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT, 57.3%
RB
WF- Josh Adams 887 yards, 4.4 ypc, 10 TD, 1 rec. TD
UCONN- Andre Dixon 809 yards, 5.1 ypc, 3 TD
WR
WF- Kenneth Moore 87 rec, 899 yards, 10.3. 5 TD
UCONN- Terence Jeffers 42 rec, 571 yards, 13.6, 5 TD
Defense
WF- Aaron Curry 96 tackles, 11.5 TFL
UCONN- Danny Lansanah 116 tackles, 13.5 TFL
Connecticut defeated Toledo 39-10 in the 2004 Motor City Bowl and has a 1-0 bowl record.
Wake Forest beat Connecticut 24-13 in 2006 to tie the series 1-1.
This game features two schools with good defenses. UConn’s defense is anchored by linebacker Danny Lansanah and his 116 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. The Huskies are ranked 14th against the pass and allow fewer than 19 points per game. Led by Aaron Curry (96 tackles, 11.5 TFL), Wake Forest is ranked 17th against the run.
Coming off of a 21-66 embarrassment to West Virginia look for Connecticut to play inspired football.
UConn 17, Wake Forest 14
The Players
QB
WF- Riley Skinner 1,936 yards, 11 TD, 12 INT, 71.9%
UCONN- Tyler Lorenzen 2,269 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT, 57.3%
RB
WF- Josh Adams 887 yards, 4.4 ypc, 10 TD, 1 rec. TD
UCONN- Andre Dixon 809 yards, 5.1 ypc, 3 TD
WR
WF- Kenneth Moore 87 rec, 899 yards, 10.3. 5 TD
UCONN- Terence Jeffers 42 rec, 571 yards, 13.6, 5 TD
Defense
WF- Aaron Curry 96 tackles, 11.5 TFL
UCONN- Danny Lansanah 116 tackles, 13.5 TFL
Emerald Bowl Maryland vs. Oregon State
Maryland defeated Purdue 24-7 in last year's Champ Sports Bowl and is 9-10-2 in bowl games.
Oregon State beat Missouri 39-38 in last season's Sun Bowl. The Beavers are 8-4 in bowl games.
This is the first football game between Maryland and Oregon State.
Maryland (6-6) finished the season winning only two of the last six games. However, one of those victories was against Boston College and the other was a 37-0 thrashing of N.C. State to become bowl eligible at the end of the season.
Oregon State (8-4) is coming into this game with a three-game winning streak and has Yvenson Bernard (1,037 yards, 12 TDs) at running back. However, Ralph Friedgen will have his Terrapins ready for the upset.
Maryland 28, Oregon State 24
The Players
QB
MARY- Chris Turner 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
OSU- Sean Canfield 1,593 yards, 8 TD, 14 INT, 57.7%
RB
MARY- Keon Lattimore 789 yards, 3.8 ypc, 13 TD
MARY- Lance Ball 763 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD
OSU- Yvenson Bernard 1,037 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD 1 rec. TD
WR
MARY- Darrius Heywood-Bey 48 rec, 687 yards, 14.3 ypc, 2 TD
OSU- Anthony Brown 39 rec, 550 yards, 14.1 ypc, 1 TD
Oregon State beat Missouri 39-38 in last season's Sun Bowl. The Beavers are 8-4 in bowl games.
This is the first football game between Maryland and Oregon State.
Maryland (6-6) finished the season winning only two of the last six games. However, one of those victories was against Boston College and the other was a 37-0 thrashing of N.C. State to become bowl eligible at the end of the season.
Oregon State (8-4) is coming into this game with a three-game winning streak and has Yvenson Bernard (1,037 yards, 12 TDs) at running back. However, Ralph Friedgen will have his Terrapins ready for the upset.
Maryland 28, Oregon State 24
The Players
QB
MARY- Chris Turner 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
OSU- Sean Canfield 1,593 yards, 8 TD, 14 INT, 57.7%
RB
MARY- Keon Lattimore 789 yards, 3.8 ypc, 13 TD
MARY- Lance Ball 763 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD
OSU- Yvenson Bernard 1,037 yards, 4.4 ypc, 12 TD 1 rec. TD
WR
MARY- Darrius Heywood-Bey 48 rec, 687 yards, 14.3 ypc, 2 TD
OSU- Anthony Brown 39 rec, 550 yards, 14.1 ypc, 1 TD
Texas Bowl TCU vs. Houston
Houston is 7-9-1 in bowl games and has lost the last seven straight bowl games.
TCU has won two bowl games in a row and has a 9-13-1 bowl record.
Houston leads the series 13-11, but TCU has won the last seven games.
Houston (8-4) relies on its offense to win games. Anthony Alridge leads the Cougar’s tenth ranked rushing offense with 1,568 yards. Houston won the last two games of the season by a combined score of 94-34.
TCU (7-5) is the anti-Houston. The Horned Frogs rely on defense to win games. TCU held six teams to 20 or fewer points this season. The defense is ranked in the top 20 in the following categories: rushing, pass efficiency, sacks, scoring and total defense.
Houston ends TCU’s recent domination as they beat the Horned Frogs in their first meeting since TCU left Conference USA in 2005.
Houston 35, TCU 33
The Players
QB
TCU- Andy Dalton 368 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 50.7%
UH- Case Keenum 1,924 yards, 13 TD, 10 INT, 69.8 %
RB
TCU- Joseph Turner 587 yards, 5.2, 6 TD
TCU- Aaron Brown 490 yards, 4.6, 2 TD
UH- Anthony Alridge 1,568 yards, 6.4, 14 TD, 5 rec. TD
WR
TCU- Ervin Dickerson 37 rec, 457 yards, 12.4, 4 TD
UH- Donnie Avery 81 rec, 1,336 yards, 16.5, 7 TD
Defense
TCU- Chase Ortiz 8 sacks, 15.5 TFL
UH- Phillip Hunt 9.5 sacls 16 TFL
UH- Brendan Pahulu 7 sacks, 11 TFL
TCU has won two bowl games in a row and has a 9-13-1 bowl record.
Houston leads the series 13-11, but TCU has won the last seven games.
Houston (8-4) relies on its offense to win games. Anthony Alridge leads the Cougar’s tenth ranked rushing offense with 1,568 yards. Houston won the last two games of the season by a combined score of 94-34.
TCU (7-5) is the anti-Houston. The Horned Frogs rely on defense to win games. TCU held six teams to 20 or fewer points this season. The defense is ranked in the top 20 in the following categories: rushing, pass efficiency, sacks, scoring and total defense.
Houston ends TCU’s recent domination as they beat the Horned Frogs in their first meeting since TCU left Conference USA in 2005.
Houston 35, TCU 33
The Players
QB
TCU- Andy Dalton 368 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 50.7%
UH- Case Keenum 1,924 yards, 13 TD, 10 INT, 69.8 %
RB
TCU- Joseph Turner 587 yards, 5.2, 6 TD
TCU- Aaron Brown 490 yards, 4.6, 2 TD
UH- Anthony Alridge 1,568 yards, 6.4, 14 TD, 5 rec. TD
WR
TCU- Ervin Dickerson 37 rec, 457 yards, 12.4, 4 TD
UH- Donnie Avery 81 rec, 1,336 yards, 16.5, 7 TD
Defense
TCU- Chase Ortiz 8 sacks, 15.5 TFL
UH- Phillip Hunt 9.5 sacls 16 TFL
UH- Brendan Pahulu 7 sacks, 11 TFL
Champs Sports Bowl No. 14 Boston College vs. Michigan State
Boston College defeated Navy 25-24 in last year's Meineke Bowl and has won seven straight bowl games. The Eagles are 12-6 in bowl games.
This is Michigan State's first bowl game since losing 3-17 to Nebraska in the 2003 Alamo Bowl. The Spartans are 7-10 in bowl games.
This will be the sixth time Boston College (10-3) and Michigan State (7-5) have played each other. The Eagles lead the series 3-1-1. Boston College started the season 8-0, but could only muster two victories over the last five games of the season. The Eagles’ sixth ranked passing offense is lead by future NFL quarterback Matt Ryan (4,258 yards and 28 touchdowns). Ryan’s favorite receiver is Rich Gunnell. Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth split time running the ball.
With the loss of defensive stud Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State will try to use the running of Javon Ringer (1,346 yards) and Jehuu Caulcrick (813 yards, 21 TDs) to keep the ball out of the hands of Matt Ryan. If the Spartans can find success running the ball expect Devin Thomas (16.3 ypc) to have a big game against the Eagles’ 103rd ranked pass defense.
Michigan State wins a bowl game for the first time since winning the 2001 Silicon Valley Classic.
Michigan State 24, Boston College 21
The Players
QB
BC- Matt Ryan 4,258 yards, 28 TD, 18 INT, 60.3%
MSU- Brain Hoyer 2,594 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT, 61.5%
RB
BC- Andre Callender 956 yards, 4.6 ypc, 9 TD, 4 rec. TD BC- L.V. Whitworth 343 yards, 4.5 ypc, 3 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 1,346 yards, 6.0 ypc, 6 TD, MSU- Jehuu Caulcrick 813 yards, 3.9 ypc, 21 TD
WR
BC- Rich Gunnell 58 rec, 793 yards, 13.7. 5 TD
MSU- Devin Thomas 75 rec, 1,226 yards, 16.3, 8 TD
Defense
BC- Jamie Silva 6 INT, 115 tackles
MSU- Jonal Saint-Dic 10 sacks, 14.5 TFL
This is Michigan State's first bowl game since losing 3-17 to Nebraska in the 2003 Alamo Bowl. The Spartans are 7-10 in bowl games.
This will be the sixth time Boston College (10-3) and Michigan State (7-5) have played each other. The Eagles lead the series 3-1-1. Boston College started the season 8-0, but could only muster two victories over the last five games of the season. The Eagles’ sixth ranked passing offense is lead by future NFL quarterback Matt Ryan (4,258 yards and 28 touchdowns). Ryan’s favorite receiver is Rich Gunnell. Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth split time running the ball.
With the loss of defensive stud Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State will try to use the running of Javon Ringer (1,346 yards) and Jehuu Caulcrick (813 yards, 21 TDs) to keep the ball out of the hands of Matt Ryan. If the Spartans can find success running the ball expect Devin Thomas (16.3 ypc) to have a big game against the Eagles’ 103rd ranked pass defense.
Michigan State wins a bowl game for the first time since winning the 2001 Silicon Valley Classic.
Michigan State 24, Boston College 21
The Players
QB
BC- Matt Ryan 4,258 yards, 28 TD, 18 INT, 60.3%
MSU- Brain Hoyer 2,594 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT, 61.5%
RB
BC- Andre Callender 956 yards, 4.6 ypc, 9 TD, 4 rec. TD BC- L.V. Whitworth 343 yards, 4.5 ypc, 3 TD
MSU- Javon Ringer 1,346 yards, 6.0 ypc, 6 TD, MSU- Jehuu Caulcrick 813 yards, 3.9 ypc, 21 TD
WR
BC- Rich Gunnell 58 rec, 793 yards, 13.7. 5 TD
MSU- Devin Thomas 75 rec, 1,226 yards, 16.3, 8 TD
Defense
BC- Jamie Silva 6 INT, 115 tackles
MSU- Jonal Saint-Dic 10 sacks, 14.5 TFL
Friday, December 21, 2007
PapaJohns.com Bowl Southern Mississippi vs. No. 22 Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-4 in bowl games and has won two straight.
Southern Mississippi defeated Ohio 28-7 in last year's GMAC Bowl. The Golden Eagles have won three straight bowl games and have an 8-9 bowl record.
This will be the 15th time Southern Mississippi (7-5) and Cincinnati (9-3) have played each other. The series is tied 7-7.
USM's offense is powered by running back Damion Fletcher. Fletcher (1,431 yards, 15 touchdowns) will face a stiff challenge against Cincinnati's defense. A tougher challenge for Southern Mississippi might be getting over the firing of head coach Jeff Bower.
Cincinnati should win this game on both sides of the ball. Ben Mauk (2,787 yards, 27 TDs) has a great command of the offense. Mauk has faith in his talented receivers Dominick Goodman and Marcus Barnett. Goodman and Barnett have combined for 1,619 yards and 19 touchdowns.
If the Bearcats' 15th-ranked defense can stop the run Southern Mississippi will lose.
Cincinnati 30, Southern Miss. 20
The Players
QB
USM- Jermey Young 1,342 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT, 53.1%
UC- Ben Mauk 2,787 yards, 27 TD, 6 INT, 61.4 %
RB
USM- Damion Fletcher 1,431 yards, 5.4, 15 TD
UC- Butler Benton 499 yards, 5.0, 2 TD
WR
USM- Torris Magee 42 rec, 617 yards, 14.7, 3 TD
UC- Dominick Goodman 61 rec, 774 yards, 12.7, 6 TD
UC- Marcus Barnett 60 rec, 845 yards, 14.1, 13 TD
Defense
USM- Gerald McRath 131 tackles, 9.5 TFL
UC- Haruki Makamura 86 tackles
Las Vegas Bowl UCLA vs. No. 17 BYU
UCLA lost to Florida State in last year's Emerald Bowl. The Bruins are 13-14-1 in bowl games.
The Players
QB
UCLA- Ben Olson 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
BYU- Max Hall 3,617 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT, 60.1%
RB
UCLA- Chris Markey 598 yards, 4.0 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Harvey Unga 1,211 yards, 5.3 ypc, 13 TD
WR
UCLA- Brandon Breazell 47 rec, 766 yards, 16.3 ypc, 3 TD
BYU- Dennis Pitta 54 rec, 775 yards, 14.4 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Austin Collie 50 rec, 839 yards, 16.8 ypc, 6 TD
Defense
UCLA- Bruce Davis 9.5 sacks, 12 TFL
BYU- Jan Jorgensen 11.5 sacks, 18 TFL
BYU defeated Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl last year and is 7-16-1 in bowl games.
UCLA is 7-1 against BYU and has won the past seven games in the series. The Bruins defeated the Cougars 27-17 on Sept. 8.
Although BYU (10-2) lost to UCLA (6-6) many things have changed since that game.
BYU's Max Hall threw for 3,617 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. Running back Harvey Unga rushed for 1,211 yards and 13 touchdowns and the Cougars finished the season with a nine-game winning streak.
Conversely UCLA finished the year losing three of their past four games and fired head coach Karl Dorrell. After playing BYU, UCLA will have lost four out of the past five games.
BYU 33, UCLA 17The Players
QB
UCLA- Ben Olson 1,040 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT, 48.3%
BYU- Max Hall 3,617 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT, 60.1%
RB
UCLA- Chris Markey 598 yards, 4.0 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Harvey Unga 1,211 yards, 5.3 ypc, 13 TD
WR
UCLA- Brandon Breazell 47 rec, 766 yards, 16.3 ypc, 3 TD
BYU- Dennis Pitta 54 rec, 775 yards, 14.4 ypc, 5 TD
BYU- Austin Collie 50 rec, 839 yards, 16.8 ypc, 6 TD
Defense
UCLA- Bruce Davis 9.5 sacks, 12 TFL
BYU- Jan Jorgensen 11.5 sacks, 18 TFL
New Mexico Bowl Nevada vs. New Mexico
New Mexico (8-4) has lost five straight bowl games including a loss to San Jose State in last year's New Mexico Bowl. The Lobos are 2-7-1 in bowl games.
Nevada (6-6) is 3-4 in bowl games and lost to Miami, Fl. 20-21 in last season's MPC Computers Bowl.
New Mexico leads the series 1-0-1. A 0-0 tie in 1942 was the last time these schools played each other.
Nevada's high-powered offense is guided by sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick draws comparisons to Vince Young and provides the ammo for coach Chris Ault's pistol offense. With the rushing of Luke Lippincott (1,380 yards, 15 TDs) and the receiving of Marko Mitchell (1,033 yards) the Wolf Pack can score by ground and air.
Earlier this week New Mexico’s running back Rodney Ferguson (1,177 yards, 13 TDs) was ruled academically ineligible. Ferguson should be replaced by little used Paul Baker.
That leaves the Lobos’ offense in the hands of quarterback Donovan Porterie and wide receiver Marcus Smith. Their efforts won’t be enough. The hometown fans will be going home disappointed for the second time in as many years.
Nevada 45, New Mexico 33
The Players
QB
NM- Donovan Porterie 2,652 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT, 58.6%
NEV- Colin Kaepernick 2,038 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT, 55.6%
RB
NM- Rodney Ferguson 1,177 yards, 4.0 ypc, 13 TD NEV- Luke Lippincott 1,380 yards, 5.4 ypc, 15 TD, 3 rec. TD
NEV- Colin Kaepernic567 yards, 6.1 ypc, 6 TD
WR
NM- Marcus Smith 86 rec, 1,039 yards, 12.1 3 TD
NM- Travis Brown 69 rec, 911 yards, 13.2, 5 TD
NEV- Marko Mitchell 47 rec, 1,033 yards, 22.0, 8 TD
Defense
NM- Tyler Donaldson 15 TFL, 4.5 sacks
NEV- Ezra Butler 104 tackles, 15 TFL
Nevada (6-6) is 3-4 in bowl games and lost to Miami, Fl. 20-21 in last season's MPC Computers Bowl.
New Mexico leads the series 1-0-1. A 0-0 tie in 1942 was the last time these schools played each other.
Nevada's high-powered offense is guided by sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick draws comparisons to Vince Young and provides the ammo for coach Chris Ault's pistol offense. With the rushing of Luke Lippincott (1,380 yards, 15 TDs) and the receiving of Marko Mitchell (1,033 yards) the Wolf Pack can score by ground and air.
Earlier this week New Mexico’s running back Rodney Ferguson (1,177 yards, 13 TDs) was ruled academically ineligible. Ferguson should be replaced by little used Paul Baker.
That leaves the Lobos’ offense in the hands of quarterback Donovan Porterie and wide receiver Marcus Smith. Their efforts won’t be enough. The hometown fans will be going home disappointed for the second time in as many years.
Nevada 45, New Mexico 33
The Players
QB
NM- Donovan Porterie 2,652 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT, 58.6%
NEV- Colin Kaepernick 2,038 yards, 19 TD, 3 INT, 55.6%
RB
NM- Rodney Ferguson 1,177 yards, 4.0 ypc, 13 TD NEV- Luke Lippincott 1,380 yards, 5.4 ypc, 15 TD, 3 rec. TD
NEV- Colin Kaepernic567 yards, 6.1 ypc, 6 TD
WR
NM- Marcus Smith 86 rec, 1,039 yards, 12.1 3 TD
NM- Travis Brown 69 rec, 911 yards, 13.2, 5 TD
NEV- Marko Mitchell 47 rec, 1,033 yards, 22.0, 8 TD
Defense
NM- Tyler Donaldson 15 TFL, 4.5 sacks
NEV- Ezra Butler 104 tackles, 15 TFL
Hawaii Bowl No. 24 Boise State vs. East Carolina
Boise State defeated Oklahoma (43-42 OT) in last year's Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos are 5-2 in bowl games.
East Carolina has a two-game losing streak in bowl games including a 7-24 loss to South Florida in last year's PapaJohns.com Bowl. East Carolina has a 7-6 bowl record.
Will Boise State (10-2) have a let down playing East Carolina (7-5) in the Hawaii Bowl? Unlikely.
Quarterback Taylor Tharp (3,070 yards, 28 TDs) and running back Ian Johnson (1,030 yards, 16 TDs) will be too much for East Carolina's 98th ranked defense to handle.
Boise State 37, East Carolina 21
The Players
QB
BSU- Taylor Tharp 3,070 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT, 68.3%
ECU- Patrick Pinkney 1,240 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT, 60.2%,
RB
BSU- Ian Johnson 1,030 yards, 5.1, 16 TD, 1 rec. TD ECU- Chris Johnson 1,200 yards, 5.8, 16 TD 5 rec. TD
WR
BSU- Jeremy Childs 82 rec, 1,045 yards, 12.7, 9 TD
ECU- Jamar Bryant 42 rec, 626 yards, 14.9, 6 TD
Defense
BSU- Kyle Gingg 86 tackles, 7.5 TFL
ECU- C.J. Wilson 6 sacks, 9.5 TFL
East Carolina has a two-game losing streak in bowl games including a 7-24 loss to South Florida in last year's PapaJohns.com Bowl. East Carolina has a 7-6 bowl record.
Will Boise State (10-2) have a let down playing East Carolina (7-5) in the Hawaii Bowl? Unlikely.
Quarterback Taylor Tharp (3,070 yards, 28 TDs) and running back Ian Johnson (1,030 yards, 16 TDs) will be too much for East Carolina's 98th ranked defense to handle.
Boise State 37, East Carolina 21
The Players
QB
BSU- Taylor Tharp 3,070 yards, 28 TD, 9 INT, 68.3%
ECU- Patrick Pinkney 1,240 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT, 60.2%,
RB
BSU- Ian Johnson 1,030 yards, 5.1, 16 TD, 1 rec. TD ECU- Chris Johnson 1,200 yards, 5.8, 16 TD 5 rec. TD
WR
BSU- Jeremy Childs 82 rec, 1,045 yards, 12.7, 9 TD
ECU- Jamar Bryant 42 rec, 626 yards, 14.9, 6 TD
Defense
BSU- Kyle Gingg 86 tackles, 7.5 TFL
ECU- C.J. Wilson 6 sacks, 9.5 TFL
Saturday, December 15, 2007
If you’re reading this it is safe to say that you know Ohio State is playing LSU in the BCS National Championship Game. However, do you know the teams playing in the “other” bowl games? Challenge yourself to pick the correct teams playing in the bowl games deemed more important than having a playoff.
1. Orange Bowl
A. Hawaii vs. Georgia
B. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
C. USC vs. Illinois
D. Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
2. Insight Bowl
A. BYU vs. UCLA
B. Central Michigan vs. Purdue
C. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
D. Miss. State vs. UCF
3. Meineke Bowl
A. Clemson vs. Auburn
B. Colorado vs. Alabama
C. South Florida vs. Oregon
D. UConn vs. Wake Forest
4. Texas Bowl
A. Arizona State vs. Texas
B. Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Penn State vs. Texas A&M
5. Emerald Bowl
A. Florida State vs. Kentucky
B. Maryland vs. Oregon State
C. Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic
D. Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
6. Champ Sports Bowl
A. Boston College vs. Michigan State
B. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Maryland vs. Oregon State
7. PapaJohns.com Bowl
A. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
B. East Carolina vs. Boise State
C. Nevada vs. New Mexico
D. Rutgers vs. Ball State
8. Poinsettia Bowl
A. California vs. Air Force
B. Michigan vs. Florida
C. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green
D. Utah vs. Navy
Number of Correct Answers
7-8: You must be on the bowl selection committee.
4-6: Advertising money is well spent on you.
1-3: You drank too much during the bowl selection show.
0: You’re probably a Notre Dame fan and don’t care about the bowls this year.
Answers:
1. d, 2. c, 3. d, 4. c, 5. b, 6. a, 7. a, 8. d
1. Orange Bowl
A. Hawaii vs. Georgia
B. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
C. USC vs. Illinois
D. Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
2. Insight Bowl
A. BYU vs. UCLA
B. Central Michigan vs. Purdue
C. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
D. Miss. State vs. UCF
3. Meineke Bowl
A. Clemson vs. Auburn
B. Colorado vs. Alabama
C. South Florida vs. Oregon
D. UConn vs. Wake Forest
4. Texas Bowl
A. Arizona State vs. Texas
B. Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Penn State vs. Texas A&M
5. Emerald Bowl
A. Florida State vs. Kentucky
B. Maryland vs. Oregon State
C. Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic
D. Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
6. Champ Sports Bowl
A. Boston College vs. Michigan State
B. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
C. Houston vs. TCU
D. Maryland vs. Oregon State
7. PapaJohns.com Bowl
A. Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss.
B. East Carolina vs. Boise State
C. Nevada vs. New Mexico
D. Rutgers vs. Ball State
8. Poinsettia Bowl
A. California vs. Air Force
B. Michigan vs. Florida
C. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green
D. Utah vs. Navy
Number of Correct Answers
7-8: You must be on the bowl selection committee.
4-6: Advertising money is well spent on you.
1-3: You drank too much during the bowl selection show.
0: You’re probably a Notre Dame fan and don’t care about the bowls this year.
Answers:
1. d, 2. c, 3. d, 4. c, 5. b, 6. a, 7. a, 8. d
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
2007 Matt Stat Awards
The Matt Stat Awards are given to the players that had the best statistics in college football this season. Awards are not determined by feelings, team success, politics or bribery. Winners are based only on cold hard cash. Err, I mean stats.
Best Quarterback
The candidates are: Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Paul Smith (Tulsa).
The award goes to Graham Harrell, Texas Tech. This season Harrell threw for 5,298 yards, 45 touchdowns and completed 72.67% of his passes. All of those stats were best in the nation.
Brennan receives an achievement award for ending his career with 20 NCAA records.
Best Tailback
Surprisingly two finalists from last year (Ian Johnson and Steve Slaton) are not ranked among the top 25 in yards per game this season.
This year’s candidates are: Matt Forte (Tulane), Darren McFadden (Arkansas) and Kevin Smith (UCF).
Leading the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, the winner is Kevin Smith. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 188.31 yards per game. Smith is 180 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards in a season.
Best Receiver
The candidates are: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) Ryan Grice-Mullen (Hawaii) and Jordy Nelson (Kansas State).
The receiver who had a nation’s best 125 receptions, 1,861 yards, 10.42 receptions a game and 155 yards a game is Michael Crabtree. Crabtree is only a freshman and could easily win this award the next two years.
Wrap Him Up Award
This award goes to the player with the most tackles this season. The candidates are: Dan Connor (Penn State), Jordon Dizon (Colorado) and Scott McKillop (Pitt).
The winner is linebacker Scott McKillop. McKillop made 151 tackles, 98 of which were solo tackles. Dizon led the nation with 107 solo tackles.
Sack Man Award
The candidates are: Greg Middleton (Indiana), George Selvie (USF) and Ken from Kroger.
Ken stepped up his sacking ability on my groceries, but still fell short again. Greg Middleton is the recipient of this year's Sack Man Award. Middleton collected 16 sacks which were 1.5 more than Selvie.
Blowin' Up Backfields Award
Awarded to the player who recorded the most tackles for loss. The candidates are: Shawn Crable (Michigan), Nick Reed (Oregon) and George Selvie.
Selvie, the runner-up for the Sack Man Award, takes the prize. Selvie recorded an 31.5 TFL. Incredibly 31were solo TFL. Combine that with his 14.5 sacks and Selvie was a one man wrecking crew.
Golden Arch Award
The Golden Arch goes to the kicker who made the most field goals per game. The candidates are: Gary Cismesia (Florida State), Colt David (LSU) and John Sullivan (New Mexico).
This year's winner is John Sullivan. Sullivan made 26 of 29 field goal attempts (.897) and averaged 2.36 made field goals a game.
For the final two awards we travel out of the world of the objective and into the nether regions of most awards, the subjective.
Best Analyst
The candidates are: Gary Danielson (CBS), Bob Greise (ABC) and Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN).
Herbstreit wins again. Having to share the booth with Brent Musburger for the entire season deserves more than a big paycheck.
Worst Analyst
The candidates are: Doug Flutie, Mark May and John Saunders.
Although it was close, Saunders edges out Flutie and May. Flutie adds little factual or insightful information while May might still believe that South Florida deserves to be ranked No. 1. However, Saunders receives the award for his steadfast belief that the BCS is better than a playoff.
Best Quarterback
The candidates are: Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Paul Smith (Tulsa).
The award goes to Graham Harrell, Texas Tech. This season Harrell threw for 5,298 yards, 45 touchdowns and completed 72.67% of his passes. All of those stats were best in the nation.
Brennan receives an achievement award for ending his career with 20 NCAA records.
Best Tailback
Surprisingly two finalists from last year (Ian Johnson and Steve Slaton) are not ranked among the top 25 in yards per game this season.
This year’s candidates are: Matt Forte (Tulane), Darren McFadden (Arkansas) and Kevin Smith (UCF).
Leading the nation with 2,448 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, the winner is Kevin Smith. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 188.31 yards per game. Smith is 180 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards in a season.
Best Receiver
The candidates are: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) Ryan Grice-Mullen (Hawaii) and Jordy Nelson (Kansas State).
The receiver who had a nation’s best 125 receptions, 1,861 yards, 10.42 receptions a game and 155 yards a game is Michael Crabtree. Crabtree is only a freshman and could easily win this award the next two years.
Wrap Him Up Award
This award goes to the player with the most tackles this season. The candidates are: Dan Connor (Penn State), Jordon Dizon (Colorado) and Scott McKillop (Pitt).
The winner is linebacker Scott McKillop. McKillop made 151 tackles, 98 of which were solo tackles. Dizon led the nation with 107 solo tackles.
Sack Man Award
The candidates are: Greg Middleton (Indiana), George Selvie (USF) and Ken from Kroger.
Ken stepped up his sacking ability on my groceries, but still fell short again. Greg Middleton is the recipient of this year's Sack Man Award. Middleton collected 16 sacks which were 1.5 more than Selvie.
Blowin' Up Backfields Award
Awarded to the player who recorded the most tackles for loss. The candidates are: Shawn Crable (Michigan), Nick Reed (Oregon) and George Selvie.
Selvie, the runner-up for the Sack Man Award, takes the prize. Selvie recorded an 31.5 TFL. Incredibly 31were solo TFL. Combine that with his 14.5 sacks and Selvie was a one man wrecking crew.
Golden Arch Award
The Golden Arch goes to the kicker who made the most field goals per game. The candidates are: Gary Cismesia (Florida State), Colt David (LSU) and John Sullivan (New Mexico).
This year's winner is John Sullivan. Sullivan made 26 of 29 field goal attempts (.897) and averaged 2.36 made field goals a game.
For the final two awards we travel out of the world of the objective and into the nether regions of most awards, the subjective.
Best Analyst
The candidates are: Gary Danielson (CBS), Bob Greise (ABC) and Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN).
Herbstreit wins again. Having to share the booth with Brent Musburger for the entire season deserves more than a big paycheck.
Worst Analyst
The candidates are: Doug Flutie, Mark May and John Saunders.
Although it was close, Saunders edges out Flutie and May. Flutie adds little factual or insightful information while May might still believe that South Florida deserves to be ranked No. 1. However, Saunders receives the award for his steadfast belief that the BCS is better than a playoff.
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