Bowl Mania Day 10

As I anxiously await/plot Friday’s Sun Bowl between Notre Dame and Miami (for which there will be a link to a FULL COLUMN about on Friday morning), here are some really quck picks for Thursday’s game.

Why no piece by piece analysis you ask? Isn’t this kind of less- than-600 word post for four games a cop out of epic proportions?

Both valid gripes, but when you’re 12-2, you can afford to do this once in a blue
moon.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl – Army vs SMU

Not to be confused with the Military bowl, won by Maryland yesterday afternoon. Army may be the worst team in the post-season. That’s no lie. Sometimes it looks as if the offense (a seemingly less complex Navy triple spread option ) is too complicated for the talent they have. I wrote after Notre Dame beat Army at Yankee Stadium that Notre Dame knew what Army was doing more than Army did.

SMU isn’t great defensively, but they’ll be able to outscore the Black Knights.

The Pick: SMU

Pinstripe Bowl – Syracuse vs Kansas State

In my anger over West Virginia two nights ago, I swore off picking teams from the Big East. But I’m going to go against that already.

Nothing too scientific here. I think Syracuse will be pumped about 3 things

1. Being in a bowl

2. Being in a bowl in New York

3. Being in a bowl in Yankee Stadium

That, and an underrated defense will get them a win and the coveted title of first ever Pinstripe Bowl champion. Wow, Syracuse. Who would have guessed?

(Sidenote: remember the press conference to announce this bowl at the stadium last year (or maybe two?). Randy Levine spoke about this game like it was the national championship. I don’t know. I was still way more excited for Notre Dame/Army)

The Pick: Syracuse

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl – Tennessee vs North Carolina

No matter who wins this, it’ll be a good story. Tennessee was left in the dust by Lane Kiffin last year (who’s not in a bowl game. Thanks sanctions!) and managed to win 6 games. North Carolina had basically their entire team suspended and managed to win seven.

Tennessee would obviously be the more heartwarming of the two.

I still think North Carolina has more talent. Tyler Yates has cut down on the interceptions and is a fun quarterback to watch. Tennessee doesn’t do any one thing particularly well and was 3-5 in a down (compared to past years) SEC.

The Pick: North Carolina

Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl – 18 Nebraska vs Washington

This will be Jake Locker’s final game in college and Jake Locker’s final game where
he’s the story. An overrated quarterback who leads a mediocre pass offense on a 6-6 team, maybe I just don’t get it.

Anyway, here’s how the last matchup between the two teams on September 18th in Washington shook out.

1.Locker: 4 completed passes, 71 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 picks

2.Taylor Martinez – 137 rushing yards, 150 passing yards, 4 combined touchdowns.

3.Nebraska 56 Washington 21

Remember, that game was in Washington

This game won’t be as lopsided, but the result won’t change

The Pick: Nebraska

Bowl Mania: 12-2


Jordan Lauterbach