The regular season has come and gone. Each conference has crowned a champion, and we now know who will be playing in all 35 bowl games. LOHD will break down each of the 35 bowl games over the next couple weeks to give you some insight as to what to expect from each of the bowl games. Granted some of the games you might not care to watch but it is still college football.
New Mexico Bowl BYU vs. UTEP
Albuquerque, NM Saturday 12/18/2010
Breakdown: If a pair of 6-6 teams playing in New Mexico on December 18 doesn’t get you fired up for Bowl Season, then nothing will. Ok, that might be a little dramatic for two teams that most people outside of their respected universities could give two shits about. A middle of the road C-USA and Mountain West team should make for a sloppy football game. UTEP’s campus is only 4 hour away from Albuquerque, so the Miners should have the bigger crowd, but BYU is the better football team. The formal rivals in the WAC haven’t played since 1998, but when they did play every year the Cougars lead the head to head series 27-7-1.
*Moose’s Pick: BYU
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl- Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
Boise, Idaho Saturday 12/18/2010
Breakdown: N. Illinois might be the best team in the MAC, but that is like saying Clemson is the best College in Pickens county, nobody cares. After losing a close game to the come back team of the year, Miami (OH) in the MAC title game, Northern Illinois will look to win a school record 11th game of the season. I don’t see Coach Hill and the Bulldogs allowing that to happen. The Bulldogs are a well coached team, that plays quality opponents every year out of conference, and just have to much overall talent to lose to a MAC team.
*Moose’s Pick: Fresno State
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl- Ohio vs. Troy
New Orleans Saturday 12/18/2010
Breakdown: Anything can happen in New Orleans after the sun sets, even a bowl game with Troy vs. Ohio. Troy likes to throw the ball around and Ohio offense can’t throw the ball at all. The Bobcats are ranked 108 in passing offense and have been one dimensional all season. Ohio University has never won a bowl game (0-4 all time) and will still be looking for its first bowl game victory after the game.
*Moose’s Pick: Troy
Beef ‘O” Brady’s Bowl- Southern Miss vs. Louisville
St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday 12/21/2010
Breakdown: A match up of good defense vs. a good offense, Southern Miss is ranked 15th in the nation is scoring offense vs. Louisville, whose defense is ranked 11th in total defense. As the saying goes, a good defense win games, and I agree. Coach Strong’s defense will get the job done in a close game.
*Moose’s pick: Louisville
Maaco Bowl- Boise State vs. Utah
Las Vegas Wednesday 12/22/2010
Breakdown: 5 weeks ago, both these teams were thinking they could be BCS buster. Now they are playing in a bottom of the barrel bowl game before Christmas. Both teams can score a ton of points, so don’t be surpried if this game turns into a shoot out. The Bronco’s defense will be the difference in the game, as they have played well all season. Utah will also be without starting QB Jordan Wynn.
*Moose’s Pick: Boise State
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl- Navy Vs. SDSU
San Diego, CA Thursday 12/23/2010
Breakdown: The perfect storm for a bowl game looking to sell tickets. A local team, and a Navy base located in the same city. That should make for a rocking environment in San Diego that night. The game should be a good one as well, Navy’s has a top 5 rushing attack, and the Aztecs have a top 15 passing attack. It will come down to defense once again, ball control and time of possession.
*Moose’s Pick: Navy
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl- Hawaii vs. Tulsa
Honolulu, Hawaii Friday 12/24/2010
Breakdown: Nothing says Christmas Eve like a bowl game in Hawaii. Just like most of the early bowl games, both teams can score points. Hawaii’s offensive numbers are crazy, Moniz the Warriors QB has thrown for 4,629 yards on the season, Green the running back has 1168 rushing yards, and they have two wide receivers with over 1300. Santa better watch out, as this game could take all night, as the Warriors are averaging 46 passing plays a game.
*Moose’s pick: Hawaii
