Besides the fact that UCLA managed to score 27pts with under 200 yards offense, what really bothered me was how Coach Long of New Mexico handled the last 4 minutes or so of the game. He needs two scores to tie..this is a bowl game, you try and win the game, who cares what the score is..you don't punt on a 4th and long with 3 minutes to go AND have to burn a timeout because your players have no clue what you are doing. Then you don't use a timeout (with 2 left) when UCLA has the ball until 3rd down with about a minute left? Piss poor job by Long in regards to his own team and anyone who wagered on New Mexico.
Bowl Record: 4-2
MOTOR CITY BOWL
Boston College -4
Toledo/Boston College Over 59
Chance for BC's seniors to amass the most amount of wins for a four year span in the last 50 years of BC football. This a physical, hard-working team that doesn't necessarily have top-notch talent. I think this works well for them in this instance, as this is the type of team that isn't going to go through the motions and lay down since they have to go to a lesser bowl game like this. Knight and this O-line is going to have a field day against Toledo's defense. Toledo hasn't played a group that is this physical on both sides of the ball. St Pierre has been terribly inconsistent, usually all or nothing with him...his scrambling ability is a plus. Some key injuries on BC's side, which is a bit of a concern. Toledo has nice offense..when they stepped up in comp though, they didn't do very well. Beaten soundly by Pitt and lost to a medicore Minnesota squad. Matching the Over with BC is a good play IMO, as I don't see how BC doesn't score 35..if they don't cover, worst case is a split.
INSIGHT BOWL
Pittsburgh +3
Key here is to limit Jackson's rushing yards and attempts, because I don't think Anderson can beat Pitt if he is forced to throw 30+ times. He's a poor percentage passer (completed less than 50% but somehow managed a 24-12 TD/INT ratio) and can be rattled easily. Oregon St hasn't played many tough defenses this season..the one I rate Pitt closest to that they have played (and so did Erickson) is USC's..Oregon St was shutout in that game. Certainly not saying that will be the case tonight, but I also don't see the Beavers lighting up the scoreboard as they have done against patsy defenses most of the year. Weathersby is a very good corner..I don't think he can handle Fitzgerald though. His size and hands are amazing for a frosh WR..looking for a big game from him...some key plays from Rutherford scrambing on 3rd down..turnovers and poor decisions from Anderson at the QB spot.
Bowl Record: 4-2
MOTOR CITY BOWL
Boston College -4
Toledo/Boston College Over 59
Chance for BC's seniors to amass the most amount of wins for a four year span in the last 50 years of BC football. This a physical, hard-working team that doesn't necessarily have top-notch talent. I think this works well for them in this instance, as this is the type of team that isn't going to go through the motions and lay down since they have to go to a lesser bowl game like this. Knight and this O-line is going to have a field day against Toledo's defense. Toledo hasn't played a group that is this physical on both sides of the ball. St Pierre has been terribly inconsistent, usually all or nothing with him...his scrambling ability is a plus. Some key injuries on BC's side, which is a bit of a concern. Toledo has nice offense..when they stepped up in comp though, they didn't do very well. Beaten soundly by Pitt and lost to a medicore Minnesota squad. Matching the Over with BC is a good play IMO, as I don't see how BC doesn't score 35..if they don't cover, worst case is a split.
INSIGHT BOWL
Pittsburgh +3
Key here is to limit Jackson's rushing yards and attempts, because I don't think Anderson can beat Pitt if he is forced to throw 30+ times. He's a poor percentage passer (completed less than 50% but somehow managed a 24-12 TD/INT ratio) and can be rattled easily. Oregon St hasn't played many tough defenses this season..the one I rate Pitt closest to that they have played (and so did Erickson) is USC's..Oregon St was shutout in that game. Certainly not saying that will be the case tonight, but I also don't see the Beavers lighting up the scoreboard as they have done against patsy defenses most of the year. Weathersby is a very good corner..I don't think he can handle Fitzgerald though. His size and hands are amazing for a frosh WR..looking for a big game from him...some key plays from Rutherford scrambing on 3rd down..turnovers and poor decisions from Anderson at the QB spot.
