| 07 December 2009
But with 34 games on this year’s docket, is there really a reason to watch every one? As a matter of fact there is.
After painstaking research (ok, more like me sitting on my couch and intermittently browsing between Busted Coverage and ESPN), I have come up with a one to two paragraph synopsis on what to watch for in every bowl game this season, and have then gone ahead ranked the games in descending order of least watchable, to most exciting. Basically, I'm just trying to make viewing as easy as possible, for you, my loyal readers.
Along with my marginally exceptional analysis, I’ve also provided “Aaron’s Quick Pick,” a quick thought on what the final score of each game will be. However, because of injury, suspension, arrest, deportation, coaching change, and the threat of Tiger Woods’ wife attacking some of these players, a lot can change between now and kickoff, so I do reserve the right to adjust my picks at any time. And I promise you, I most certainly will.
Alright, enough chit-chat. Without further adieu, here is the bowl preview. And be sure to check back with www.AaronTorres-Sports.com all December long, for continuing college football bowl coverage.
(Aaron's Note: I started ranking at No. 33, because the 34th game has yet to be decided. Temple will either be playing against Army or UCLA. To get the most in-depth coverage of that game once it's announced, well, this website probably shouldn't be your first stop)
33. Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl, Wednesday, December 30, 2009: Bowling Green vs. Idaho
I’ve sat here for the last 35 minutes, and still can’t come up with one interesting angle on this game. Well, unless you really have a thing for the blue turf in Boise. Then this is definitely the game for you.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Idaho 31 Bowling Green 20
32. Little Caesar’s Bowl, Saturday, December 26, 2009: Ohio vs. Marshall
I said it before the MAC Championship game, and I’ll say it again: If you bet against Ohio , you’re betting against their quarterback Theo Scott. And you really don’t want to bet against a guy named Theo, do you?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Ohio 31 Marshall 10
31. R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Sunday, December 20, 2009: Middle Tennessee State vs. Southern Miss
Unless you’re a parent of, or having casual sex with one of the players in this game, I just don’t see a single reason to tune in.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Middle Tennessee 28 Southern Miss 17
30. New Mexico Bowl, Saturday, December 19, 2009: Fresno State vs. Wyoming
Want a fun fact? What’s that? Well, too bad I’m going to give it to you anyway.
As hard as it is to believe, Wyoming played three top 25 teams this year at home (No. 2 Texas, No. 4 TCU and No. 25 BYU), while Alabama, Florida and Texas combined to play just two home games against top 25 teams (No. 9 LSU and No. 22 South Carolina, both at Alabama). Isn’t that unbelievable? Ok, maybe it’s not that unbelievable. But still.
Want another fun fact? Fresno State crushes the Cowboys in this one.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Fresno State 38 Wyoming 13
29. International Bowl, Saturday, January 2, 2010: South Florida vs. Northern Illinois
You know who’s most pissed off about this one? South Florida basketball coach Stan Heath.
Because not only is B.J. Daniels an average quarterback for the Bulls football team, but that’s right folks, he’s also a below average guard on their basketball team too. And if USF is going to improve on their 4-15 record in the Big East last year, they’re going to need him, and they're going to need him before January 3rd dammit!
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Northern Illinois 27 South Florida 14
28. St. Petersburg Bowl, Saturday, December 19, 2009: Rutgers vs. Central Florida
Hey did you know that both teams are 8-4, and…
Wait, what’s that? You don’t care? Really? Me neither…
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Central Florida 27 Rutgers 17
27. Texas Bowl, Thursday, December 31, 2009: Navy vs. Missouri
My only thought on this one is, how does the Texas Bowl not have a real cool, Texas-themed sponsor? Like I don’t know, the “Uncle Bill’s Homemade Barbeque Sauce, Texas Bowl,” or something.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Navy 30 Missouri 17
26. Insight.com Bowl, Thursday, December 31, 2009: Iowa State vs. Minnesota
See this is why bowl season is great.
Sure, most of America finds this game about as exciting as a Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman marathon on Lifetime. Just don’t tell the folks at Iowa State that. They’re just excited to be going anywhere during bowl season, for the first time since 2005.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Iowa State 20 Minnesota 10
25. GMAC Bowl, Wednesday, January 6, 2010: Central Michigan vs. Troy
What says BCS National Championship game (being played one day later) better, than Central Michigan-Troy, live from Mobile! Nothing, I say.
On a different note, if you haven’t made at least $1000 betting on Central Michigan and Dan LeFevour this season, well, I really don’t know what to tell you. Other than not to worry, there’s still plenty of time.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Central Michigan 37 Troy 17
24. Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Thursday, December 31, 2009: Houston vs. Air Force
Last season’s Armed Forces Bowl called. They want their bowl game back.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Houston 37 Air Force 21
23. Valero Alamo Bowl, Saturday, January 2, 2010: Michigan State-Texas Tech
This game would be infinitely more exciting if either of these teams were half as good as they were last year. But they’re not, so instead we’re stuck with the usual “Is Mike Leach staying or going,” chatter, and updates from the East Lansing Minimal Security Prison, on the Spartans suspended players. See you in San Antonio!
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Texas Tech 31 Michigan State 13
22. San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Wednesday, December 23, 2009: Cal vs. Utah
A game that just sounds a lot more enjoyable on paper, than it will be to actually watch. Is there a single player besides Jahvid Best/Shane Vereeen that will make this one worth tuning into at all? I say not.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Utah 24 Cal 16
21. Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, December 24, 2009: SMU vs. Nevada
Sadly, nothing in this game will top last year’s Hawaii Bowl, where Jimmy Clausen had his coming out party, and more importantly, Charlie Weis wore a Hawaiian shirt for an entire four quarters. (No seriously it happened, click here!)
But with June Jones returning to the islands, and Nevada due to put up about 97 points in this game, there’s still plenty to watch. So skip all the silly stuff on Christmas Eve, like “opening presents,” and “spending time with your family,” and join me on the couch for this one. You won’t be disappointed.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: SMU 41 Nevada 38
20. Champs Sports Bowl, Tuesday, December 29, 2009: Miami vs. Wisconsin
Poor Miami was the biggest loser in the ACC’s attempt to set up the Bobby Bowden's retirement party in Jacksonville. I guess it is sort of revenge for all of those "Wide Rights," and "Wide Lefts," though.
Anyway, Wisconsin is a sneaky good team, which means one of two things for the Hurricanes. They’re either going to show up and take their frustrations out on the Badgers, or sulk, and let the Badgers sneak a win. I’m going to hedge my bets for now, and take Miami in a tight one.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Miami 29 Wisconsin 27
19. Emerald Bowl, Saturday December 26, 2009: Boston College vs. USC
Everyone’s going to say that the story coming into this one is that both these teams have fickle fan bases that only travel to big-time bowl games. Which is true, sort of (Don’t worry folks, there’s plenty of good seats still available!).
What most people won’t talk about, is that these are two of the most supremely prepared bowl teams every year, regardless of who or where they play.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: USC 31 Boston College 21
18. PapaJohns.com Bowl, Saturday, January 2, 2010: South Carolina vs. UConn
Being a UConn alumnus I have no insight into this game other than to say I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled, they’re playing here and not against Central Florida in the St. Petersburg Bowl.
Granted, I’m sure St. Petersburg is a more fun place than Birmingham, especially around New Year’s. But since the only traveling I’ll be doing for this game is from my couch to fridge to the toilet back to the fridge and then back to the couch again, I honestly don't really care!
Aaron’s Quick Pick: South Carolina 23 Uconn 20
17. AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Saturday, January 2, 2010: Arkansas vs. East Carolina
If only Houston had won the Conference USA championship, this one would be about 30,000 times more exciting.
Either way, anytime Ryan Mallett is playing, I’m watching.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Arkansas 41 East Carolina 31
16. Meineke Car Care Bowl, Saturday, December 26, 2009: Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina
A really interesting matchup between North Carolina’s defense and Dave Wannstedt’s mustache…Umm, I mean Pitt’s running game. Woops, my bad.
But seriously, with Pitt missing out on the Sugar Bowl, and North Carolina coming to Charlotte for a second year in a row, will either of these teams going to be excited to play in this game?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Pittsburgh 20 North Carolina 16
15. Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Sunday, December 27, 2009: Clemson vs. Kentucky
Ok, so the schedule makers didn’t do these teams any favors by playing this game on an NFL Sunday. But honestly, this might be your last chance to root for someone named “Dabo,” in 2009. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Clemson 24 Kentucky 23
14. Independence Bowl, Monday, December 28, 2009: Texas A&M vs. Georgia
Watching this game will be like dating a really hot girl, that for some, inexplicable reason has stopped taking her meds. Your heart will be racing the whole time, you know it’s going to end ugly, but you just…can’t…get away.
Seriously would anything surprise you in this game? Georgia winning 6-3? A&M winning 66-61? Jerrod Johnson throwing for nine touchdowns? Joe Cox throwing 11 interceptions? Anything?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Texas A&M 33 Georgia 21
13. Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, Friday, January 1, 2010: Florida State vs. West Virginia
So wait, let me get this straight. Bobby Bowden is coaching the last game of his career at the exact same time Joe Paterno and Penn State kickoff in the Capital One Bowl?
Well somebody strap my Depends on extra tight and grab me a bowl of prunes, because daggumit, I just got excited!
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Florida State 24 West Virginia 21
12. AT&T Cotton Bowl, Saturday, January 2, 2010: Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State
Is it just me, or did this game sound a lot more exciting in August?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Ole Miss 27 Oklahoma State 24
11. Outback Bowl, Saturday, January 1, 2010: Northwestern vs. Auburn
One of my good friends is a Northwestern alumnus. I am happy for him, his classmates, and everyone who has any affiliation with the school. But does anyone besides them actually think the Wildcats can win?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Auburn 41 Northwestern 21
10. Las Vegas Bowl, Tuesday, December 22, 2009: Oregon State vs. BYU
Strange but true story: Last time I was in Las Vegas, I was at an outdoor bar and started talking to the most beautiful girl that to this day, I’ve ever seen. She was 21, blonde, and had already graduated college and was working on her Master’s.
She was also Mormon, married, and had a kid. And her husband almost beat me up.
Now, if that isn’t the most polarizing reason to root for or against BYU (depending on your stance on beautiful, married Mormon mothers, and their aggressive husbands), I don’t know what is.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Oregon State 31 BYU 28
9. Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, Wednesday, December 30, 2009: Arizona vs. Nebraska
Question: In leading up to this game, how many times are we going to hear the same story about how the Pelini and Stoops brothers went to high school together? 1,000? 1,500?
Also, at any point in the pregame, do you think Mark Stoops has the guts to bring up the time he and Bo Pelini skipped 6th period history class to smoke pot behind the bleachers? What? I’m just asking!
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Nebraska 20 Arizona 10
8. Brut Sun Bowl, Thursday, December 31, 2009: Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Sneaky good game between Oklahoma’s phenomenal front seven, and Toby Gerhart and the Stanford run game.
And with Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck questionable for this one after surgery this past weekend, expect to see at least 3,000 features, columns and game previews with some variation on the headline, “Is Stanford out of Luck against Oklahoma?” It’s going to be redundant, and it’s going to be annoying. And don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Oklahoma 23 Stanford 17
7. Chick Fil-A Bowl, Thursday, December 31, 2009: Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech
Sure you might be 10 vodka tonics deep by the time this one kicks off on New Years Eve, but the Vols will be ready to play.
Lane Kiffin learned from the best bowl preparation guy out there (Pete Carroll) and has the defensive coordinator too (Monte Kiffin). Needless to say, I like the kid’s chances.
Even if you have your head in the toilet by halftime.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Tennessee 33 Virginia Tech 17
6. Capital One Bowl, Friday, January 1, 2010: LSU vs. Penn State
As much as I’d love to take few cheap shots at Joe Pa’s senility here (and believe me, it’s taking every ounce to hold back), it’s only fair that I also acknowledge Les Miles for his total ineptitude all season long as well. Splendid job Coach!
On a different note, when these two get together for their pregame chit chat, what could they possibly have to talk about? Joe Pa’s indigestion? Miles coaching at Michigan in a year? Seriously, does anyone have any idea?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: LSU 28 Penn State 13
5. FedEx Orange Bowl, Tuesday, January 5, 2010: Iowa vs. Georgia Tech
If you’re a college football junkie like me, you’re loving the old school, new school running matchup.
If you’re not a college football junkie like me, well at least you’ve got James Vandenberg’s mom. Unless Ricky Stanzi starts at quarterback. Then you’re really on your own.
Aaron's Quick Pick: Georgia Tech 33 Iowa 21
4. Rose Bowl, Friday, January 1, 2010: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Usually this time of year, we’re wondering how Ohio State is going to handle the speed of an SEC opponent in a big-time bowl game. This year, in a nice change of pace, we get to discuss how Ohio State is going to handle the speed of a Pac-10 opponent in a big bowl game. Now that my friends, is progress!
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Oregon 27 Ohio State 21
3. Allstate Sugar Bowl, Saturday, January 1, 2010: Florida vs. Cincinnati
I’m curious as to what this game will turn into, since by kickoff both these teams might be more bummed out than a virgin after prom night. For Florida, are they going to care? And for Cincinnati, who the heck is going to be coaching them?
Aaron’s Quick Pick: Florida 28 Cincinnati 20
2. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Monday, January 4, 2010: Boise State vs. TCU
I’m not even going to make a joke here. These are just two phenomenal teams that play really good football and are exceptionally fun to watch. I just wish TCU could have played Florida and Boise played Cincinnati or Iowa. That’s all.
Aaron’s Quick Pick: TCU 28 Boise State 17
1. BCS National Championship Game, Thursday, January 7, 2010: Alabama vs. Texas
So many stories. So many great players. Two unbelievable coaches. But only one championship trophy.
Call me old-fashioned, but I’m ok without a playoff. Give me Alabama and Texas, and I’ll be just fine.
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