Rose Bowl: Penn State vs. USC

USC vs. Penn State, Thurs. Jan 1, 2009 (5:00pm ET)

The granddaddy of them all!

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that this year’s Rose Bowl between the men of Troy and the boys from Happy Valley may very well be a battle between defenses. Most analysts and media types aren’t giving Penn State much of a chance, since everyone jocks USC’s defense about as much as they jock Tim Tebow…almost. The fact remains that the Nittany Lions D isn’t something you’d want to mess with either. Southern Cal does rank number 1 in the country in pass defense, while Penn State comes in at a meager number 12, but in comparing rushing defenses, SC ranks number 5 to Penn States number 9.
Neither of these teams jumps off the charts on the offensive side of the ball, but Mark Sanchez (USC) and Darryll Clark (Penn State) are both solid enough quarterbacks to at least be efficient with the pill come New Years day. With the decision of Penn State back up quarterback Pat Devlin to transfer out of the program, Joe Pa and the Lions could be in trouble if Rey Maualuga and the rest of the Trojans D do start to tee off on Clark. USC isn’t without a pre-bowl game loss, however. Fullback Stanley Havili has been declared academically ineligible, which means Sanchez will be without a potential weapon as Havili is thought to be an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

The front seven should match up pretty well in this game, so you’d have to think Joe Pa would want to spread the ball out, as that might be the only way to keep the Trojans D a little more back on its heels, and may keep them from shutting down Evan Royster and the Lions rushing attack. Pete Carroll and USC better come in ready to sling the pill. It’s going to be tough going for USC to gain significant yardage on the ground. Special teams will most likely be the biggest game changer. Both squads have more than capable return men, who could break for big yards at any time, so this probably won’t be a game your kicker would want to take off.

It does need to be said that the Pac-10 and Big Ten weren’t the strongest of conferences this year, and neither of these teams have played many meaningful games, so it will be nice to see these teams play against another quality program with something as prized as a Rose Bowl ring on the line.


Peace,

J-Money Millionare

Fed Ex Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

The Orange Bowl boasts two teams that have overcome a lot of adversity this season. Virginia Tech lost its first game of the season to East Carolina in a huge upset. The Bearcats have played seven different quarterbacks under center this season because of injuries. For both teams to win their conference championships against those odds is pretty outstanding.

The Bearcats have the 25 best passing offense even though they’ve played musical quarterbacks all season long. The stable starter for the Bearcats is Junior QB, Tony Pike, who has thrown 18Tds and only 7 picks. A lot of that has to be credited to his outstanding wideouts, Junior Marshwan Gilyard had 74 receptions for 1,118 yards and 10 TDs, while senior Dominick Goodman caught 78 passes for 977 yards and seven scores.

The Cincinnati defense is stout against the run allowing 104 yards per game which ranks them 13th in the FBS and 9th in sacks registering 2.85 sacks per game.

The Hokies defense, run game and special teams have been their staple since head coach Frank Beamer learned how to talk.

The Hokies offense is led by redshirt freshman Darren Evans, who rushed for 1,112 yards and 10 touchdowns. He showed his naked tail with a show out performance on national television with a 253-yard effort Nov. 6 in a 23-13 victory over then-No. 23 Maryland. Even though Evans leds the team, Sophomore QB Tyrod Taylor is the glue that holds the team together. His numbers aren’t stellar but he makes big plays when the Hokies need them and he is always a threat to run.

The Hokies defense is led by Senior Cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris, who leads the team with 6 picks. On the other side is Junior Cornerback Stephan Virgil who has 5 picks on the year. The defense ranks 7th in total defense and 18th in scoring defense only allowing 17.5 points per game. Nine of the 13 Hokies opponents have been held below 20 points. The defense have forced 30 turnovers tying them for 10th in the nation.

Who is going to win? I have to go with the Hokies. They will be able to rush the ball against Cincy with ease. The game will be won on the outside with Macho Harris and Stephan Virgil, the corners for the Hokies against, Marshawn Gilyard and Dominick Goodman, because the 7th rank Hokies defense will neutralize the rushing attack of the Bearcats.


Happy New Year,


Rajean Pierre Louis

Capital One Bowl: Georgia vs. Michigan State

This is a matchup between two of the best tailbacks in the country. JIMMY Award winners Javon Ringer and Knowshon Moreno will face off as Michigan State and Georgia go head to head in the Capital One Bowl.

The only meeting between these programs was Georgia's 34-27 win in the 1989 Gator Bowl. While Georgia certainly has fallen short of preseason expectations, this is still a remarkably talented team that's capable of beating anyone in the country on any given day.

Michigan State, on the other hand, is something of a surprise to be here, but rode workhorse RB Javon Ringer to an impressive 9-3 record, which is deceiving because Sparty resides in the Big 10 which has been weak as water this year.

Nothing about this MSU team really jumps out at you besides Ringer, who's rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 21 TDs. The defense is average and the passing game certainly leaves something to be desired. Sure, the 'Dawgs run D was gouged for 409 yards last time out against Georgia Tech, but the Spartans feature a more basic, pro-style run game with Ringer. Michigan State does not run an option and the more traditional running attack will allow the Dawgs ample opportunity to snuff out Ringer.

UGA still ranks in the top 40 rush defenses in the country, allowing 129.5 ypg on the ground. Before the "Wreckbone" (Georgia Tech rushing attack) debacle, the Dawgs were allowing just over 100 yards per game. If the 'Dawgs show up to play, this one won't be close. There's too much offensive firepower on the Georgia side, for an average Sparty D to try and contend, and Ringer will struggle to consistently produce against the 8 and 9-man boxes he'll be facing.

This may not be the ending to the season that Mathew Stafford and Moreno envisioned, but they'll end this season as big winners. Expect Georgia to use Stafford, Moreno, and freshman phenom receiver A.J. Green and really flex some muscle in this one winning going away 41-17.


Sincerely,


Claude of the Ozarks

Gator Bowl Preview: Nebraska vs. Clemson

This is a game between two teams that surged at the end of the year. Clemson,Before the Alabama beat down, looked to contend with the nations elite. Clemson boasted the nations best incoming recruiting class and James Davis and C.J. Spiller the best tailback tandem tandem in the country and a stingy defense.

Alas, things did not go Clemson's way as the Tiger's season started 3-4 and head coach Tommy Bowden was shown the door. Enter Dabo Swinney who led the Tigers to victories in 4 of their last 5 games. This performance by the Tigers led to the interim tag next to Swinney's name being removed and he will return to Clemson next year as head coach.

Nebraska on the other hand really has had a good year under first-year coach Bo Pelini. Nebraska, in its first season under Pelini, finds itself in the Gator Bowl for the first time. This will be the Cornhuskers' 45th bowl appearance. Although defense is Pelini's calling card, Nebraska averaged 36.2 points a game behind the arm of underrated Joe Ganz and the pass catching abilities of Nate Swift. Moreover, Swift has the best name for a wide receiver I've seen in some time. The emergence of Roy Helu at tailback has been critical for the Huskers, whom along with Marlon Lucky also at tailback, helped the Huskers lead the country in time of possession. This took the pressure off the Blackshirt defense and allowed the Huskers to beat who they were supposed to beat and hang in the big games besides being walloped by Oklahoma.

It is not yet know whom Clemson will start at QB Willie Korn or Cullen Harper. Korn is recovering from shoulder surgery during the break, therefore Clemson has yet to name a starter.

I really believe that these are two teams that are primed and ready to have break-out years in 2009. Clemson is used to the hype and if Nebraska can find a quarterback they will have a break out year as Roy Helu is one of the brightest young tailbacks in the country.

This will be a battle of who can establish a running game and which defense can force the issue as both are pretty good. The problems for Clemson at QB and great Nebraska pass defense lead me to believe that Nebraska will emerge the victor in what should be a very entertaining game. Look for Joe Ganz and steadily improving Nebraska offense to be consistent and deliver a victory to the Husker faithful. I'll take the Huskers 35-24 in a good game.

Peace,

Pirate Linus

Outback Bowl: Iowa vs. South Carolina

The Outback Bowl should be renamed the Defense Bowl. South Carolina and Iowa top the standings in the primary defensive statistics.

The Hawkeyes hold opponents to 13.3 points and 289.5 yards per game, ranking eighth and 12th in the FBS, respectively.

The Gamecocks also hold their own defensively, ranking 11th in the FBS with 288.9 yards allowed per game, including 160.3 in the air -- the third-best pass defense in the nation.

The Hawkeyes hopes to win this game is to give the ball to Shonn Greene, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's best running back. If the Hawkeyes can control the ball on offense and play as they have all year on defense they should win this game, because their anemic 89th overall passing attack will not cut it.

The only threat the Hawkeyes defense will have to worry about is Gamecocks Senior wideout Kenny McKinley, who is having a mild year because of spotty quarterback play. Don’t let McKinley’s 48 grabs for 556 yards and a mediocre 4Tds fool you, he is a primetime talent that can change a game. Expect the Hawkeyes to pressure Stephen Garcia all day long. Garcia is very inexperienced having only played in 7 of 12 games this year. He did not play in the season finale against Clemson, and he has only thrown 6Tds to 5 picks.

For the Gamecocks to win, Spurrier needs to be decisive and go with one quarterback all game long. Currently, Stephen Garcia has been tabbed as the starting QB. If Spurrier shows confidence in Garcia through the good and bad of the game look for Garcia to improve as the game goes along. Garcia will need plenty of help from his rushing attack, but it may not come being that the Gamecocks are ranked 108th in FBS with only 98 yards per game.

The Gamecocks defense has to come up big and load eight in the box to stop Shonn Greene and force Hawkeye QB Richard Stanzi to beat them.

Like I said before, don’t expect offensive fireworks. Defense and ball control with be both teams game plans. Look for the Hawkeyes to pull it out, 21-10.


Peace,


Ricky Writer

Insight Bowl: Kansas vs. Minnesota

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- If the Minnesota Golden Gophers take another 31-point lead in the Insight Bowl on Wednesday, they plan on winning the game this time.

Two years ago, Minnesota led Texas Tech 38-7 midway through the third quarter only to watch the Red Raiders rally for a 44-41 overtime victory, the biggest comeback in major-college bowl history.

The fallout was swift for a Minnesota program long mired in mediocrity. Coach Glen Mason was fired almost as quickly as the big lead evaporated. Then the Golden Gophers stumbled to a 1-11 record in the following season under his successor, Tim Brewster.

Now Minnesota (7-5) returns to the scene of its collapse. The Golden Gophers will face Kansas (7-5) in the Insight Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium -- and they don't want to relive history.

"We do have a lot of players that were part of that football team," said Brewster, who was on the Denver Broncos' staff in 2006. "It was very disappointing to finish like it finished. But we can't control what happened two years ago. We can control (this) New Year's Eve."

This season, the Golden Gophers improved by six victories over 2007. But the season played out much like the 2006 Insight Bowl: Minnesota started fast and couldn't finish.

After opening 7-1 and cracking The Associated Press Top 25, the Golden Gophers dropped their last four games. The skid started on Homecoming, when Northwestern returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown with 12 seconds left to stun the Gophers 24-17. Twenty-one days later, suffered a humiliating 55-0 loss to border rival Iowa for its fourth straight defeat.

"We didn't finish the season the way we wanted," Brewster said. "But you know what, we accomplished a great deal this season. We're the biggest turnaround in college football: from one win to seven wins. We're awful proud of that."

To snap their skid, the Gophers may have to figure out a way to control KU quarterback Todd Reesing, who is among the national leaders in completions (seventh at 25.17 per game), passing yards (eighth at 297.2 yards per game) and total offense (ninth at 313.4 yards per game).

"Todd Reesing is as good a quarterback as there is in the country," Brewster said. "He does a great job with his feet. He is extremely dangerous."

Reesing has put up some startling numbers, but he spent this season in the background as three Big 12 South quarterbacks -- Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, Heisman runner-up Colt McCoy of Texas and Graham Harrell of Texas Tech -- dominated the spotlight.

Reesing's best moment may have come in the regular-season finale, when he connected with Kerry Meier on a 26-yard score with 27 seconds left to beat arch rival No. 12 Missouri 40-37 in Kansas City.

Reesing is 19-6 as a starter and has played a central role in Kansas' march to national prominence. A school known for basketball dominance -- KU won the NCAA tournament last spring -- has upgraded its football profile under coach Mark Mangino.

Last year, the Jayhawks made their first Bowl Championship Series appearance, defeating Virginia Tech 24-21 in the Orange Bowl.

The victory came 60 years and two days after Kansas' first bowl appearance. In between, the Jayhawks played in only nine other bowl games.

On Wednesday, they'll make back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time. Mangino and his players have been savoring their success since arriving in the desert last week.

"What you are seeing now is not just a couple of years," said Mangino, who is 44-41 in seven seasons. "This is a body of work that started in 2002, and our program has taken steps continually since then.

"Our feeling is that we are still a work in progress," Mangino said. "We haven't arrived. There is no great destination for us. We just keep at it all of the time and keep working at it."

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Vanderbilt wants to clear up any misconceptions.

The Commodores are not simply satisfied with being the first Vanderbilt team since 1982 to play in a bowl game.

"We all know that in the back of our minds ... that we're playing for a lot more than just for the guys in that span that couldn't make it or didn't have a chance to play in a bowl game," Vanderbilt senior safety Reshard Langford said.

"We're just trying to start something new and keep building on it."

Vandy's first postseason trip in 26 years is a short one -- 3.7 miles away from campus to LP Field, the home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans. The Commodores (6-6) face Boston College (9-4), making its 10th straight bowl appearance and riding an eight-game bowl winning streak that's currently the best in the nation.

Vanderbilt will be making its fourth bowl appearance overall and first since the 1982 Hall of Fame Bowl. The Commodores' lone win came in the 1955 Gator Bowl. A victory against the Eagles would give the Commodores their first winning season since 1982 and just their fourth seven-win season the past 50 years.

"We thought getting to a bowl was the next step our program needed to make," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "Obviously, a winning season to go along with that really would make it nice."

Boston College had a chance to be playing in the Orange Bowl before a 30-12 loss to Virginia Tech in the Atlantic Coast Conference dropped the Eagles out of the Top 25 and into this bowl.

But the Eagles insist they're over any disappointment from that title game loss. They can reach double-digit wins for a third straight year for the first time in school history.

Eagles coach Jeff Jagodzinski called it a magical number since Boston College has only four seasons with 10 or more wins in its history.

"It's a pretty good milestone," Jagodzinski said.

Even with their loss in the ACC title game on Dec. 6, the Eagles are the hotter of these teams.

Boston College wrapped up the regular season with four straight wins. Vanderbilt lost six of its final seven after a 5-0 start put the Commodores as high as No. 13 in the rankings.

Each plays strong defense. Boston College leads the nation with 26 interceptions and 36 turnovers. Linebacker Mark Herzlich, the ACC defensive player of the year, returned two of his six interceptions for touchdowns.

"It gets us motivated," Herzlich said. "And we come out flying around early, we get one of those plays, it sets the tone for the game."

The Eagles also had three shutouts -- best in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Vandy ranked second in the Southeastern Conference with 18 interceptions led by All-SEC cornerback D.J. Moore. This could be the final game for a junior so versatile he returns punts and kicks and caught two touchdown passes.

"He does it all," Jagodzinski said. "But you put your best players in a position to have the ball in their hands, and that's what Vandy's going to do. And that's what I would do too if I had a player like him."

Redshirt freshman quarterback Dominique Davis will make only his third career start for the Eagles with Chris Crane unable to return from a fractured collarbone. Davis was intercepted twice in the ACC title game.

Johnson wouldn't say if he is starting either Chris Nickson or Mackenzi Adams after going back and forth between the two this season. Larry Smith also could play.

"All their quarterbacks are good on the ground running," Herzlich said. "Our goal every game all year is stop the run and get the ball in the air so we can make some plays."

Vandy should get leading rusher Jared Hawkins back from a foot injury. But Jamie Graham, who also has played receiver, may get the start. Graham, a redshirt freshman who also plays on the basketball team, has his own goal.

"I'd rather my ring say champion rather than just Vanderbilt," he said.

Sun Bowl Preview: Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Comparisons are inevitable for Pittsburgh tailback LeSean McCoy. After all, the super sophomore plays at the school that produced 1976 Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett.

But it's not that simple, coach Dave Wannstedt cautioned Tuesday.

"He has a little bit of what Ricky Williams does. He has a little bit of Tony Dorsett, who I played with," said Wannstedt, a former Pitt offensive tackle. "He has a little bit of Emmitt Smith, and Rashaan Salaam, another Heisman Trophy winner."

Yet through it all, McCoy has been his own man, Wannstedt said.

"He has his own style. All the great backs, they all do," the coach said. "He is a combination of the great ones, but I think he is also his own guy."

Still, the Dorsett analogy fits in El Paso like a tamale on a combination plate.

As No. 18 Pitt (9-3) prepares to play Wednesday against No. 24 Oregon State (8-4) in the Sun Bowl, its first bowl game in four seasons under Wannstedt, old-timers are reminiscing about the 1975 game.

That year, Dorsett had 27 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers beat Kansas 33-19 in the Sun Bowl.

McCoy ranked No. 10 nationally this fall, averaging 116.9 yards rushing per game. His 35 rushing TDs are a school record for a player through his sophomore season, breaking the mark Dorsett set with 24 from 1973-74.

"To be mentioned with Mr. Dorsett is excellent," McCoy said. "That's someone anybody would want to be mentioned with."

There's even a little more Pittsburgh history going on because the Panthers are seeking their first 10-win season since quarterback Dan Marino led the way to an 11-1 record in 1981.

Oregon State, meanwhile, is still giddy about a thrilling 39-38 victory over Missouri two years ago in the Sun Bowl. The Beavers scored a touchdown with 22 seconds remaining and added a gutsy 2-point conversion.

"That's a beautiful story," Oregon State coach Mike Riley said.

This is the 75th Sun Bowl, making it the nation's second-oldest postseason game behind the Rose Bowl.

Speaking of the Rose Bowl, it will be interesting to see how the Beavers bounce back after missing out on a trip to Pasadena.

"Everybody wondered about that," said Riley, who is 4-0 in bowl games since starting his second stint at Oregon State in 2003.

The Beavers beat USC 27-21 on Sept. 25 but whiffed on the Pac-10 title with a 65-38 loss to Oregon last month.

Riley, who was rewarded with a one-year contract extension during his visit to El Paso, figured he'd know how much his team wanted to play after judging their enthusiasm and commitment to details in practice.

"I've been impressed by that," he said. "Once you find out where you're slotted, you just go full speed ahead. There's no room for babies after that."

Oregon State won't have two of its offensive standouts. Running back Jacquizz Rodgers and his brother, receiver James Rodgers, are both out with late-season shoulder injuries.

Riley said it presents a great opportunity for backup tailback Ryan McCants, who started the season finale against Oregon.

"He has played quite a bit and I think he's a good back," Riley said.

Wannstedt was asked about Oregon State's apparent problems at running back and responded by focusing on the passing game. Lyle Moevao has completed 60 percent of his throws for 2,341 yards and 19 TDs.

"They're No. 1 in their conference in passing, and that doesn't happen by accident," Wannstedt said. "It's a compliment to Mike and his offensive line coach that they've given up 12 sacks in 12 games."

Houston vs. Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl Preview

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- There was a surreal atmosphere and somewhat empty feeling when Air Force and Houston played earlier this season.

With Hurricane Ike approaching the Texas coast in September, the game was moved from Houston north to the SMU campus. Then kickoff was switched from mid-afternoon to midmorning and played in windy and rainy conditions in a near-empty stadium.

"It was just every different possibility, every different circumstance that could happen before a game happened," Houston quarterback Case Keenum said.

"Nobody saw the game anyway," coach Kevin Sumlin said.

Houston (7-5), which hasn't won a bowl game in 28 years, and Air Force get another chance to play in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Wednesday, this time in the Armed Forces Bowl on the TCU campus. The weather forecast calls for sunny skies and more than 40,000 tickets have been sold for the game.

"It was like a JV high school game with the amount of people there," Air Force tight end Travis Dekker recalled.

Air Force (8-4) didn't complete a pass in the first-ever meeting between the teams Sept. 13, but held on for a 31-28 victory after building an early 24-point lead against an understandably distracted Houston team.

Instead of returning to hurricane-ravaged Houston, the Cougars stayed in the Dallas area another week before going to Colorado State. After another three-point loss, the Cougars then went 6-2 the rest of the season and scored at least 41 points in all but one of those games.

Now the Cougars are trying to avoid a record they don't want to share with Notre Dame.

With the Irish ending their NCAA-record bowl losing streak at nine in last week's Hawaii Bowl, Houston now has the longest run of postseason futility with eight consecutive bowl losses.

"For our seniors, it's about your legacy, who you are, what you did. ... They can be the team, the senior class, that erases that, which is huge," Sumlin said. "For the young guys, it's the first game of next year and how you kick off next season."

Sumlin is bothered every time he is reminded of that nearly three-decade postseason drought.

"That's not a good thing to be remembered by," said linebacker Phillip Hunt, whose final college game comes in his hometown. "Me as a senior, I just want to change that and build a new winning tradition and a new legacy around here, and get something started for the young guys."

This is Houston's fifth bowl trip in six seasons and fourth in a row -- both matching school records. But the Cougars' last postseason victory came in the 1980 Garden State Bowl.

Air Force is playing in its second consecutive Armed Forces Bowl. The Falcons lost to California last year, and ended this regular season last month at the same stadium, losing 44-10 to TCU.

Not only will the atmosphere be different this time, Air Force and Houston are changed since then.

"You're talking apples and oranges," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. "They're a completely different team and in a lot of ways we are too. That's kind of a natural growth and evolution of any squad, but especially with these two teams."

The Cougars were still adjusting to first-year coach Sumlin, finding their way and dealing with the disruption caused by the hurricane that created a nearly six-week gap between games on their own campus.

Led by sophomore Keenum, who has 13 consecutive 300-yard passing games and at least 480 in each of the last two, the Cougars are second nationally with 414 passing yards a game. In the regular season-ending 56-42 loss to crosstown rival Rice, Houston had three 100-yard receivers for the first time in 16 years.

Air Force is a young squad, especially at the skill positions.

Midway through the season Tim Jefferson became on the fourth freshman starting quarterback in Air Force history and went 5-2. Freshman running back Asher Clark ran for 508 yards the last seven games and the Falcons finished fifth among FBS teams with 269 rushing yards a game.

"It was a group that in mid-August, fortunately we didn't have to play games then," Calhoun said. "We didn't have a single returning starter at the skill positions. In a lot of ways, we're still continuing to grow. ... Once they start shaving, we'll be a better football team next year."

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Preview: LSU vs Georgia Tech

This year’s Peach Bowl game will be a re-match of the 2000 Peach Bowl.

I think it will be challenge for LSU to win this one simply because this game is essentially a home game for the Yellow Jackets. The game features an LSU team that underachieved during the season and a Georgia Tech team that exceeded expectations this year.

A duo of All-SEC Defensive Ends in Rahim Alem and Tyson Jackson of LSU will attempt to slow down All-ACC tailback Jonathan Dwyer and option wizard quarterback Josh Nesbitt. The Jacket's "Wreckbone" offense has already torched SEC opponents MSU and UGA to the tune of 847 rushing yards and 83 points while the Tigers have not lost to any ACC opponent since 1955.

The LSU defense will have to be disciplined to stifle Tech's option-based attack. The question that will decide this game is will the talented LSU defense hold up against a Tech offense that has been as hard to stop, as they are fun to watch this year. Furthermore, LSU will start freshman signal caller Jordan Jefferson in the game. Jefferson makes up for his lack of experience with great athleticism but will it be enough to topple the Rambling Wreck. Georgia Tech finished third in the nation with 282.3 rushing yards per game, and whether that powerful ground attack dominates once more will likely be what decides this game. LSU was 17th in the country in run defense at 105.7 yards allowed per contest.

Look for a low scoring affair as LSU will limit its offense and look to jump-start Charles Scott while Jefferson settles in. On defense look for LSU to try scheme up and let their great defensive line try to stop the option attack of Georgia Tech. In a low scoring game I give the edge to Georgia Tech 28-24

Yours Truly,



Claude Clayborne

Holiday Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys

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Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy already has fond memories of the Holiday Bowl. A win over Oregon in this year's game will also give him something to be happy about for years to come.

Trying to lead the 13th-ranked Cowboys to a school record-tying 10th win, Gundy will become the first person to play and coach in a Holiday Bowl when his team takes on the No. 15 Ducks for the first time on Dec. 30 in San Diego.

Gundy is in the Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame after completing 20 of 24 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns in Oklahoma State's 62-14 victory over Wyoming in 1988, the only appearance in the Holiday Bowl for the Cowboys.

Oklahoma State (9-3) is returning to this year's game because it was the highest-ranked remaining team in the Big 12 after No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 3 Texas were selected for BCS games and eighth-ranked Texas Tech was picked by the Cotton Bowl.

"We're very excited about heading to San Diego for the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl," Gundy said. "It was a tremendous experience for me as a player and I'm happy our team will get to enjoy San Diego and the festivities that surround a great bowl game. ... We look forward to playing an excellent Oregon team."

The Ducks (9-3) and Cowboys are very similar, with each team boasting an outstanding rushing attack and a high-scoring offense. Oregon is averaging 41.9 points while Oklahoma puts up 41.6 per game, and the Ducks have rushed for 3,334 yards compared to 3,072 for the Cowboys.

"They rush the football very well and statistically they are ahead of us in that area," said Gundy, who received a new seven-year, $15.7 million contract Dec. 5 after guiding the Cowboys to just the sixth nine-win regular season in school history. "I think they use multiple formations and have skilled players that make plays."

One of those skilled Oregon players is senior running back Jeremiah Johnson, who finished the regular season with 1,082 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Junior LeGarrette Blount, a 6-foot-2, 229-pound junior college transfer, set a school record with 16 rushing TDs and also ran for 928 yards.

Oklahoma State is led on the ground by sophomore running back Kendall Hunter, who rushed for a conference-best 1,518 yards on just 228 carries and also scored 14 touchdowns.

"Both of these teams run the ball really well," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "But in the final analysis the team that plays the best defense in the game is going to win."

Oklahoma State's defense didn't play well down the stretch. The Cowboys opened the season with seven straight wins, holding opponents to 20.6 points, but went on to give up 48.3 in three losses in their last five games. Each of those defeats, though, came to teams ranked in the top 3 at the time.

The Cowboys ended the regular season with a 61-41 defeat to the Sooners, who went on to win the Big 12 title game and will be playing top-ranked Florida for the national championship Jan. 8. Oklahoma State allowed Oklahoma's Sam Bradford to go 30-of-44 for 370 yards and four TDs, falling to 110th out of 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams against the pass.

"We do have a bowl game to finish the season with, and we can still finish with a win," Gundy said. "And what the seniors need to know is that they're responsible for turning this program around and bringing it to the level it is right now. They've provided great leadership."

To make matters worse for Oklahoma State, it will be without defensive coordinator Tim Beckman, who has accepted the head coaching position at Toledo, as it faces an Oregon team riding high after its latest win.

The Ducks had a chance to help end Pac-10 rival Oregon State's Rose Bowl hopes in their final game of the regular season, and they routed the Beavers 65-38 on Nov. 29. Southern California beat UCLA the following week to earn the spot in Pasadena.

Oregon finished the regular season on a three-game winning streak, averaging 51.7 points behind the play of sophomore Jeremiah Masoli, who completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 716 yards with six TDs and no interceptions. He also rushed 34 times for 188 yards and four scores over that span.

Masoli started fall practice as Oregon's third-string quarterback, behind Nate Costa and Justin Roper. Costa, though, suffered a knee injury a week before the opener that required season-ending surgery and Roper missed nearly four weeks because of a knee injury and an illness.

Masoli's counterpart, Zac Robinson, passed for 2,735 yards with 24 TDs and eight interceptions this season for Oklahoma State. He'll be facing an Oregon defense that is 108th in the nation against the pass.

"We can talk about the offenses coming in but I have a feeling well be talking about the defenses going out," Bellotti said.

Oregon is led defensively by senior Nick Reed, who topped the nation with five fumble recoveries and was second with a school record-tying 13 sacks.

The Cowboys will be making their sixth bowl appearance in the last seven seasons, while the Ducks are heading to a bowl game for the fourth straight year and 12th time in 14 seasons under Bellotti.

Oregon is appearing in the Holiday Bowl for the third time this decade after beating Texas 35-30 in 2000 and losing 17-14 to Oklahoma in 2005.

NFL Regular Season Wrap-Up

Here are my thoughts on the 2008 NFL Season for every single team in no particular order either.
Buffalo Bills

What happened guys? I mean you started 4-0. Was Trent Edward's injury literally take the fight out of the team? Nope, because he was only out 2 games. Bills, learn to finish the season.
Miami Dolphins

All I have to say is Bill Parcels. Maybe if Parcells was a marriage counselor he could save marriages too because he certainly knows how to fix things. Parcells is the NFL's greatest handy man of all time. Let's also give credit to Chad Pennington who out played Brett Favre. One man's team's trash is another team's treasure.

New England Patriots

Bill Belichick should win coach of the year. Why not? I know Harbaugh in Baltimore and Mike Smith in Atlanta will probably win it, but look at the job B-Chick did. Lose the best quarteback in the game. Start of rocky with essentially a high school quarterback. Lose your top two running backs. Turn the season around and go 11-5 and get robbed of the playoffs by the 8-8 San Diego Chargers. Matt Cassel should be the rookie of the year, or freshman of the year or high school player of the year, hell he should get one of those.
New York Jets

Before Christmas, the possibility of both Conference Championship games being played in the Meadowlands and an all New York Superbowl. The defense wasn't too hot down the stretch nor was Mangini's coaching. Thank goodness he is gone, I never liked the guy and Herm Edwards should have never been fired. But all those things aside, Brett Favre was brought in to overcome all of those afore mentioned things. He started out hot and ended cold. Live by the Favre and die by the Favre.

Baltimore Ravens

Rookie QB and rookie head coach, no problem. John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco exceeded expectations this season. You knew what you were getting out of the defense (I don't think I'll be alive to see this defense be horrible, and I am 26 and don't plan on dying anytime soon). I've said it all season long, I have a man crush on Ed Reed. He had 9 picks this year leading the NFL. Ray Lewis is still the leader and intimidator. Don't forget that Chris McAlister was injured much of the season and the defense still balled out. That's very scary. Look for the Ravens to go all the way to the conference championship. Mark my words.

Cincinnati Bengals

I am Bengals management. Marvin Lewis is not coaching very well. Carson Palmer only played 4 games. We as management have signed/drafted a team of misfits. Let's blame it on Chad Johnson, yep that's what we will do. It's all his fault. Big ups to Ocho Cinco for closing his mouth so that they can't use him as a scapegoat. This is a great team with bad leaders in upper management bottom line.

Cleveland Browns

What is in the water in Ohio? Great teams with bad upper management. Derek Anderson goes to a Pro Bowl last season. His offensive line was injured beyond repair, receivers are dropping balls left and right, and the defense isn't giving you much help either. What does management do, find a reason to start Brady Quinn who didn't perform much better. The idiots actually admitted that they changed quarterbacks to appease the fans. Wow. Idiots, plain and simple. Call Parcells, hell fix you up right.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Defense, defense, and more defense. I don't think the Steelers would have it any other way. They lost their star rookie tailback, Willie Parker was oft injured, B Roth was robbed of a Pro Bowl spot, and the Steelers stil clinched the #2 seed in the AFC with a 12-4 record. Haven't heard Mike Tomlin's name in the coach of the year talks. Not gonna take it to the race issue, but his name needs to be mentioned.

Houston Texans

We already know Andre Johnson is a star. Steve Slaton has proved to be a great find. Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Dunta Robinson are all studs at every level of the defense. All they need is a quarterback. We've been saying that for the past 8 years too.

Indianapolis Colts

Yes the team did get off to a slow start, but as of now they are the hottest team in the NFL hands down. Peyton, Marvin, and Reggie are all on the same page. Bob Sanders in the the defense, which changes everything. Dallas needs to take a page out of the Colts book to see how a "team" operates.

Jacksonville Jaguars

I don't know what to say about this team. Maybe they were reading too much of their press clippings. David Garrad last year threw 18TDs and only 3 picks. This year, 15Tds and 13 picks. The defense wasn't near as good. Fred Taylor made his first ever pro bowl last season, but was slowly phased out of the offense this season. All that sound confusing, because that's exactly what the Jags were this year.

Tennessee Titans

If I told you that Vince Young was not the starting QB and this team still went 13-3 and clinched the #1 seed in the playoffs, you wouldn't believe me. Kerry Collins showed he is more than a backup and Chris Johnson proved he should have been the first running back selected in last year's draft. Albert Haynesworth staked his claim as the league's best defensive tackle. Cortland Finnegan earned his spot to the Pro Bowl at corner. Let's give the WR some love too, all preseason you heard that the QBs had no one to throw to, but Brandon Jones and Justin Gage had stellar years.

CAUTION!

I have to talk about the AFC West, because they are apart of the league. To paraphrase the words of Jay-Z, "yall only get half a bar...."

Denver Broncos

Even though you lost virtually all our running backs, Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall both made the Pro Bowl, and Champ Bailey was hurt much of the year, an 8-8 record is pathetic with the amount of talent this team has.

San Diego Chargers

I think the fact that an AFC West team is allowed into the playoffs is more of a crock that the BCS as a whole and the Big 12 shunning Texas of the chance to play for a conference title. This team under performed all season long, and I think USC should be representing the AFC West in the playoffs.

Oakland Raiders

Dante Hall and Lane Kiffin are the happiest people in the world. I feel your pain JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. I also pray that Nmandi Asomugha doesn't get franchised. Al Davis is senile, plain and simple. This organization is NFL Hell, and unfortunatley I am l
loyal to a fault because I love the Raiders, but if the losing consists I won't live very long.

NFC

Dallas Cowboys

The ghost of Bill Parcells shall forever haunt you Jerry Jones. Tony Romo is not even Danny White.

New York Giants

Thank you for not robbing the Patriots of the Super Bowl but beating them fair and square. Most teams that win a Super Bowl come back and don't even make the playoffs. Not you NYG, not you, you simply deal with Plaxico and Brandon Jacobs injuries and clinch the #1 seed in the NFC. I love NYG.

Philadelphia Eagles

Can Donovan McNabb get some love. Geez. The guy gets benched after a bad stretch, the whole overtime scandal and still leads his team to the playoffs. Let's give some love to Brian Dawkins for leading the defense in their route of the Cowboys on the last week of the season.

Washington Redskins

First 8 games of the year, 6-2. Last 8 games 2-6. Funny how when Portis rushes for over 90 yards the Skins win. Give the man the rock, and stop getting fancy and throwing the ball. Setup the pass by running the ball, and be who you are, which is a running football team.

Chicago Bears

The Bears defense wasn't the same Bears defense we have come to know and love, and injuries played a major role in that. If anyone would have said that Devin Hester would have not had a kickoff or punt return touchdown all year, I would have told them that George Bush was going to lead our nation for a 3rd presential term. Well thankfully Bush isn't leading us for a 3rd term, but Hester didn't run anything back either. Draft a QB Chicago and quit being cheap. Let Devin play safety since Mike Brown is old and can't stay healthy, and that way Devin will be the old Devin.

Green Bay Packers

The best secondary in the league hands down. Aaron Rodgers proved he could play and be the long term answer at QB. However, he was not the short term answer, because the Pack didn't even sniff the playoffs. Who knows what would have happened if Brett had been allowed to compete for his QB job.

Minnesota Vikings

Tavaris Jackson got the boot a little to fast, but how sweet it is that he is now leading the Vikings into playoffs and their first division title since 2003. Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing and the defense led by the Williams' in the middle are on their way to the playoffs.

Detroit Lions

0-16. Charles Johson might as well be Michael Jordan on Jupiter.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Smith, and consistency from the wide receivers makes for the bad season last year a distant memory. Congrats ATL.

Carolina Panthers

Two headed monster at running back. Steve Smith at reciever. A defense that doesn't get near as much respect as they deserve. Sound like the New York Giants from last year. 2008 NFL Super Bowl Champions, mark my words.
Tampa Bay Buccanners

Too inconsistent all season long. Antonio Bryant revived his career. D-Brooks and Ronde Barber performed well as expected. You know exactly what you are going to get in Jeff Garcia also, maybe they aren't the problem, but Coach Gruden is.
New Orleans Saints

As much as ESPN rips Reggie Bush, he was playing very well and hitting the whole very hard this year. I gurantee you the Saints would have been in the playoffs if Reggie was not hurt. Drew Brees was the best quarterback of the 2008 NFL season.

Arizona Cardinals

Kurt Warner is the NFL MVP. I still don't understand how you can have Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, which means you don't have 8 in the box to stop the run and their run game is so ineffective. I wish Edge woudl have stayed in Indy, he could have got a Super Bowl ring.

San Francisco 49ers

About time Nolan was let go. As long as Singletary can control Mike Martz and run the ball with Frank Gore, this time will reclaim its prestige.

Seattle Seahawks

Way to send Mike Holmgreen off graciously. Morons! Only thing good that happened was the play of Seneca Wallace who showed scouts that you can be an extremely athletic short black quarterback from a running/spread offense in college and succeed in the NFL. Pat White, thank Seneca.

St. Louis Rams

2-14 is what happens when you hire an accountant as your General Manager. Call Parcells.


Thats all I got. Peace,


Riverboat Ricky

NFL Week 17 JIMMYS

NFL JIMMYS
Drew Brees, QB Saints

Brees had his best season ever. He was 16 yards short of breaking Dan Marino's single season passing yards record. Brees finished the day 30 for 49, 386 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Michael Turner, RB Falcons

Turner proved the Falcons management correct when they invested 34.5 million dollars in him over 6 years. Oh yah, don't forget that 15 million up front signing bonus. This was a tremendous investment because he was in San Diego behind LT the first four years of this career. Turner was 2nd in the league in rushing with 1699 yards for a league leading 377 carries. He was nothing short of excellent on Sunday, rushing 25 times for 308 yards and 1TD.

Andre' Goodman, CB Dolphins

Goodman balled out with 4 tackles, a forced fumble, and had 2 of Brett Favre's 3 picks on the day. I don't think he is well liked in either New York or Boston right now, so stay out of those areas Dre Good. Good game!

Ed Reed, S Ravens

Words can't describe how much I love Ed Reed. Yes, those are the words of a man crush you are reading right there. Reed had two picks (his second consecutive week with two picks) and 3 tackles to seal the deal clinch the playoff berth for the Baltimore Ravens.