.
DeAngelo Williams and Omar Jacobs are two of the nation's most underrated offensive players and both should have plenty of success in this high-scoring game. Williams and Memphis' ground game get the nod over the passing attack of Jacobs and the Falcons. Memphis 37, Bowling Green 35.
Fort Worth Bowl? Cincinnati vs. Marshall, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m.
The revolving door of Conference USA turns at the end of this game as Cincinnati leaves for the Big East and Marshall enters from the MAC. Gino Guidugli's return will be the difference for the Bearcats. Cincinnati 30, Marshall 21.
Las Vegas Bowl? Wyoming vs. UCLA, Dec. 23, 9:45 p.m.
Only the bright lights of Sin City can distract the Bruins from taking apart the Cowboys. UCLA 38, Wyoming 19.
Hawaii Bowl? UAB vs. Hawaii, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.
UAB can't ask for a much better location for its first bowl trip. The problem is that Hawaii's football team won't be as inviting as the rest of the scenery on the islands. Hawaii 34, UAB 26.
MPC Computers Bowl? Fresno State vs. Virginia, Dec. 27, 2 p.m.
By refusing to play in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Virginia gets its just reward ? a trip to Boise. That has to make Cavaliers fans happy. Fresno State has played giant-killer in the past and this will be another notch in their belt. Fresno State 27, Virginia 24.
Motor City Bowl? Toledo vs. Connecticut, Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m.
The rise of Connecticut under coach Randy Edsall is one of the better stories not mentioned earlier. Bruce Gradkowski and Toledo unfortunately ruin the ending to the season. Toledo 35, Connecticut 27.
Independence BowlMiami (Ohio) vs. Iowa State, Dec. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Both teams must rebound from disappointing finishes. The RedHawks fell to Toledo in the MAC title game and lost their coach, Terry Hoeppner, while the Cyclones fumbled an opportunity to make the Big 12 title game by losing to Missouri in their finale. Iowa State 23, Miami (Ohio) 21.
Insight Bowl? Oregon State vs. Notre Dame, Dec. 28, 9:45 p.m.
The hiring of Charlie Weis will pay dividends in 2005; however Notre Dame has to finish out this year without its new coach. Oregon State 28, Notre Dame 21.
Houston Bowl? Texas-El Paso vs. Colorado, Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.
Lost within the scandals of both Mike Price and Gary Barnett was the fact that both are outstanding football coaches. They proved that this year, with both the Miners and Buffaloes unexpectedly earning bowl berths. Barnett gets to go home a winner. Colorado 26, UTEP 20.
Alamo Bowl? Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State, Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
Ohio State is forced to go back to Justin Zwick with the suspension of starting quarterback Troy Smith. That will hurt the Buckeyes on offense. The positive is that the defense will be able to control the Oklahoma State running game and Vernand Morency enough to get a win. Ohio State 21, Oklahoma State 17.
Continental Tire Bowl? Boston College vs. North Carolina, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.
Boston College watched its final season in the Big East crumble with the loss of quarterback Paul Peterson before playing Syracuse. Peterson is expected back for the Eagles, who need a quick recovery as they get an early taste of the ACC before entering the league next year. Boston College 26, North Carolina 24.
Emerald Bowl? New Mexico vs. Navy, Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.
Paul Johnson is another coach that has bypassed some opportunities to stay with his school. Navy fans like the recent trips to the postseason. They'd like the results to change, however. New Mexico 20, Navy 19.
Holiday Bowl? California vs. Texas Tech, Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
As much as they'll try, the Golden Bears won't be able to overcome the distraction of being left out of the Rose Bowl. Couple that with the passing attack of the Red Raiders and you have the recipe for the upset of the bowl season. Texas Tech 35, California 34.
Silicon Valley Classic? Troy vs. Northern Illinois, Dec. 30, 11 p.m.
Not much postseason history here as Troy has never been to a bowl game and Northern Illinois hasn't been in 21 years. The Huskies, however, do have Garrett Wolfe, the nation's fifth-leading rusher. Northern Illinois 21, Troy 14.
Music City Bowl? Alabama vs. Minnesota, Dec. 31, noon
Great matchup between the running game of Minnesota and the defense of Alabama. That will be worth the price of admission. The Minnesota defense vs. the Alabama offense should pay to have people watch them play. Minnesota 23, Alabama 21.
Sun Bowl? Purdue vs. Arizona State, Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
This would have been a great matchup of senior quarterbacks before Arizona State lost Andrew Walter in the regular-season finale against Arizona. Sam Keller played well in his absence, but he will be unable to keep pace with Purdue's Kyle Orton and the Boilermakers' explosive offense. Purdue 34, Arizona State 23.
Liberty Bowl? Boise State vs. Louisville, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.
After the Orange Bowl, this game matches teams with the best combined records. Boise State has run through the WAC without a loss. However, the Broncos are not the same team away from home and have not faced this level of competition. Louisville has the nation's top offense and scored more than 55 points in five straight games. This is the biggest laugher of the bowl season. Louisville 58, Boise State 30.
Peach Bowl? Miami (Fla.) vs. Florida, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
Georgia gets to host a game for bragging rights in the state of Florida. Something seems amiss here. The Gators closed Ron Zook's career with a big win at Florida State. The players won't have the same motivation for interim coach Charlie Strong. Miami 28, Florida 23.
Cotton Bowl? Tennessee vs. Texas A&M, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
Dennis Franchione continued his trend of turning around a program in his second year as the Aggies are back in the familiar atmosphere of the Cotton Bowl. Tennessee's defense allowed more than 30 points to Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Auburn down the stretch. Reggie McNeal and A&M should be able to follow suit and run the streak to four. Texas A&M 31, Tennessee 23.
Outback Bowl? Wisconsin vs. Georgia, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
Georgia quarterback David Greene has one final opportunity to add to his NCAA record of 41 career victories. The Wisconsin defense will make it close, however Greene will ring up No. 42 in his final game. Georgia 20, Wisconsin 17.
Gator Bowl? Florida State vs. West Virginia, Jan. 1, 12:30 p.m.
First Chris Rix, then Wyatt Sexton, then back to Rix, then back to Sexton and now back to Rix. And you wonder why the Florida State offense struggled at the quarterback position. The Seminoles were saved this year by one of the nation's top defenses, which will allow Bobby Bowden to defeat his former school for the second time. Florida State 24, West Virginia 12.
Capital One Bowl? Iowa vs. LSU, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
The two hottest NFL coaching prospects get to match wits and impress the professional owners looking for a new coach. Saban, of course, has already impressed the Dolphins enough to be their top candidate. That may be the distraction that tips the scales to the Hawkeyes. Iowa 21, LSU 20.
Rose Bowl? Michigan vs. Texas, Jan. 1, 5 p.m.
Mack Brown gets the award for coach most-likely to succeed in politics. After his campaigning put Longhorns in the Rose Bowl, maybe there will be another Texan in the White House after George W. Bush. Texas 31, Michigan 20.
DeAngelo Williams and Omar Jacobs are two of the nation's most underrated offensive players and both should have plenty of success in this high-scoring game. Williams and Memphis' ground game get the nod over the passing attack of Jacobs and the Falcons. Memphis 37, Bowling Green 35.
Fort Worth Bowl? Cincinnati vs. Marshall, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m.
The revolving door of Conference USA turns at the end of this game as Cincinnati leaves for the Big East and Marshall enters from the MAC. Gino Guidugli's return will be the difference for the Bearcats. Cincinnati 30, Marshall 21.
Las Vegas Bowl? Wyoming vs. UCLA, Dec. 23, 9:45 p.m.
Only the bright lights of Sin City can distract the Bruins from taking apart the Cowboys. UCLA 38, Wyoming 19.
Hawaii Bowl? UAB vs. Hawaii, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.
UAB can't ask for a much better location for its first bowl trip. The problem is that Hawaii's football team won't be as inviting as the rest of the scenery on the islands. Hawaii 34, UAB 26.
MPC Computers Bowl? Fresno State vs. Virginia, Dec. 27, 2 p.m.
By refusing to play in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Virginia gets its just reward ? a trip to Boise. That has to make Cavaliers fans happy. Fresno State has played giant-killer in the past and this will be another notch in their belt. Fresno State 27, Virginia 24.
Motor City Bowl? Toledo vs. Connecticut, Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m.
The rise of Connecticut under coach Randy Edsall is one of the better stories not mentioned earlier. Bruce Gradkowski and Toledo unfortunately ruin the ending to the season. Toledo 35, Connecticut 27.
Independence BowlMiami (Ohio) vs. Iowa State, Dec. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Both teams must rebound from disappointing finishes. The RedHawks fell to Toledo in the MAC title game and lost their coach, Terry Hoeppner, while the Cyclones fumbled an opportunity to make the Big 12 title game by losing to Missouri in their finale. Iowa State 23, Miami (Ohio) 21.
Insight Bowl? Oregon State vs. Notre Dame, Dec. 28, 9:45 p.m.
The hiring of Charlie Weis will pay dividends in 2005; however Notre Dame has to finish out this year without its new coach. Oregon State 28, Notre Dame 21.
Houston Bowl? Texas-El Paso vs. Colorado, Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.
Lost within the scandals of both Mike Price and Gary Barnett was the fact that both are outstanding football coaches. They proved that this year, with both the Miners and Buffaloes unexpectedly earning bowl berths. Barnett gets to go home a winner. Colorado 26, UTEP 20.
Alamo Bowl? Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State, Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
Ohio State is forced to go back to Justin Zwick with the suspension of starting quarterback Troy Smith. That will hurt the Buckeyes on offense. The positive is that the defense will be able to control the Oklahoma State running game and Vernand Morency enough to get a win. Ohio State 21, Oklahoma State 17.
Continental Tire Bowl? Boston College vs. North Carolina, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.
Boston College watched its final season in the Big East crumble with the loss of quarterback Paul Peterson before playing Syracuse. Peterson is expected back for the Eagles, who need a quick recovery as they get an early taste of the ACC before entering the league next year. Boston College 26, North Carolina 24.
Emerald Bowl? New Mexico vs. Navy, Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.
Paul Johnson is another coach that has bypassed some opportunities to stay with his school. Navy fans like the recent trips to the postseason. They'd like the results to change, however. New Mexico 20, Navy 19.
Holiday Bowl? California vs. Texas Tech, Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
As much as they'll try, the Golden Bears won't be able to overcome the distraction of being left out of the Rose Bowl. Couple that with the passing attack of the Red Raiders and you have the recipe for the upset of the bowl season. Texas Tech 35, California 34.
Silicon Valley Classic? Troy vs. Northern Illinois, Dec. 30, 11 p.m.
Not much postseason history here as Troy has never been to a bowl game and Northern Illinois hasn't been in 21 years. The Huskies, however, do have Garrett Wolfe, the nation's fifth-leading rusher. Northern Illinois 21, Troy 14.
Music City Bowl? Alabama vs. Minnesota, Dec. 31, noon
Great matchup between the running game of Minnesota and the defense of Alabama. That will be worth the price of admission. The Minnesota defense vs. the Alabama offense should pay to have people watch them play. Minnesota 23, Alabama 21.
Sun Bowl? Purdue vs. Arizona State, Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
This would have been a great matchup of senior quarterbacks before Arizona State lost Andrew Walter in the regular-season finale against Arizona. Sam Keller played well in his absence, but he will be unable to keep pace with Purdue's Kyle Orton and the Boilermakers' explosive offense. Purdue 34, Arizona State 23.
Liberty Bowl? Boise State vs. Louisville, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.
After the Orange Bowl, this game matches teams with the best combined records. Boise State has run through the WAC without a loss. However, the Broncos are not the same team away from home and have not faced this level of competition. Louisville has the nation's top offense and scored more than 55 points in five straight games. This is the biggest laugher of the bowl season. Louisville 58, Boise State 30.
Peach Bowl? Miami (Fla.) vs. Florida, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
Georgia gets to host a game for bragging rights in the state of Florida. Something seems amiss here. The Gators closed Ron Zook's career with a big win at Florida State. The players won't have the same motivation for interim coach Charlie Strong. Miami 28, Florida 23.
Cotton Bowl? Tennessee vs. Texas A&M, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
Dennis Franchione continued his trend of turning around a program in his second year as the Aggies are back in the familiar atmosphere of the Cotton Bowl. Tennessee's defense allowed more than 30 points to Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Auburn down the stretch. Reggie McNeal and A&M should be able to follow suit and run the streak to four. Texas A&M 31, Tennessee 23.
Outback Bowl? Wisconsin vs. Georgia, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.
Georgia quarterback David Greene has one final opportunity to add to his NCAA record of 41 career victories. The Wisconsin defense will make it close, however Greene will ring up No. 42 in his final game. Georgia 20, Wisconsin 17.
Gator Bowl? Florida State vs. West Virginia, Jan. 1, 12:30 p.m.
First Chris Rix, then Wyatt Sexton, then back to Rix, then back to Sexton and now back to Rix. And you wonder why the Florida State offense struggled at the quarterback position. The Seminoles were saved this year by one of the nation's top defenses, which will allow Bobby Bowden to defeat his former school for the second time. Florida State 24, West Virginia 12.
Capital One Bowl? Iowa vs. LSU, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.
The two hottest NFL coaching prospects get to match wits and impress the professional owners looking for a new coach. Saban, of course, has already impressed the Dolphins enough to be their top candidate. That may be the distraction that tips the scales to the Hawkeyes. Iowa 21, LSU 20.
Rose Bowl? Michigan vs. Texas, Jan. 1, 5 p.m.
Mack Brown gets the award for coach most-likely to succeed in politics. After his campaigning put Longhorns in the Rose Bowl, maybe there will be another Texan in the White House after George W. Bush. Texas 31, Michigan 20.
