Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Dec. 17th, 2 p.m. EST, ESPN
Temple vs. Wyoming:
Temple vs. Wyoming:
The Gildan New Mexico Bowl will kick of bowl season this year matching up two 8-4 football teams. Temple, the runner up in the MAC East, behind runner up of the conference Ohio, comes into this game with the third ranked scoring defense at 13.8 Points Allowed/game. Temple is also 7th in Rushing yards. They face a Wyoming squad who finished third in the Mt. West behind only Boise State and TCU. Wyoming's tandem back system of Alexander and Smith will look to put up some serious yardage against a tough Temple Run defenseJimbo Says early favorite: Temple
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Dec. 17th, 5:30 p.m. EST, ESPNOhio vs. Utah State:
The Bobcats came just short of winning the MAC championship game against Northern Illinois, and look to avenge that loss by getting a bowl victory in the second bowl game of the post-season. The Bobcats very balanced offensive attack (25th in passing and 39th in rushing offense), look to put up some big numbers against a Utah State defense that ranked 73rd in scoring defense, giving up an average of 28.3 points a game. Utah State finished 2nd in the WAC.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Ohio
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Dec. 17th, 9 p.m. EST, ESPN
San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette:
The Mountain West conferences fourth ranked team San Diego State will face the Sun Belt's third ranked team in the New Orleans bowl. Lafayette led by Junior quarter back Blane Gautier, will look to air it out against a San Diego State defense that yields over 24 points a game.
Jimbo Says early favorite: San Diego State
Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl, Dec. 20th, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
Florida International vs. Marshall:
The Petersburg Bowl pairs a the fourth ranked squad from the Sun Belt, Florida International, vs .500 Marshall team who ranked second in the C-USA East. FIU has the 16th ranked scoring defense in the country and will likely be favored in this game against a down Marshall squad. Watch for FIU Sophomore RB Kedrick Rhodes, an 1100+ yard rusher this season, to slice and dice through the Marshall defense for a big game.
Jimbo Says early favorite: FIU
S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 21st, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
(18) TCU vs. Louisiana Tech
One year removed from star QBAndy Dalton, TCU still put up an impressive season, coming one victory away from busting the BCS once again. With tough losses to Baylor and SMU, and a key win over #5 Boise State, the Horned Frogs will likely be favored in this one. Don't count out the champions from the WAC though, La. Tech can throw the football (45th in passing), and will come out with a unique game plan in what would be a HUGE upset for the program.
Jimbo Says early favorite: TCU
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22nd, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
Arizona State vs. (7) Boise State
Boise State fans are likely upset for being overlooked and being knocked out of a chance at a BCS game. Teams like Michigan and Virginia Tech were chosen over the Broncos after BSU had a tough 36-35 loss against TCU. The Broncos will likely be favored int his game as the Sun Devils, without a head coach look to salvage a rough 6-6 campaign in 2011. BSU Kellen Moore, who is getting a lot less Heisman hype than he deserves will likely lead the Broncos to a sizable victory over the Sun Devils.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Boise State
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Dec. 24th, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
Nevada vs. (21) Southern Miss
On Christmas Eve fans will be in for a treat as this match-up pairs two teams coming off of very good seasons. The Nevada Wolfpack and their always exciting Pistol offense will be set to knock of #21 ranked Southern Miss. Southern Miss, who played the role of spoiler last week against then-undefeated Houston, will look to do it again against a Nevada team coming off a 56-3 blowout win against Idaho. The Wolfpack, although only 7-5 this season, come in with the 8th best rushing offense in the country. Southern Miss has a balanced offensive attack and will to Senior QB Austin Davis to lead them to victory.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Southern Miss
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, Dec. 26th, 5 p.m. EST, ESPN2
Missouri vs. North Carolina:
The Tar Heels will have their work cut out for them in this post-Christmas day bowl match-up. Both teams finished with a 7-5 record, but Missouri battled through an extremely strong Big 12 schedule to get there. Mizzou has the 12th ranked rushing attack in the country, and will look to pile up the yardage on the ground against UNC. The Tar Heels have a chance in this ball game but will need to have an efficient day passing the ball from QB Bryn Renner. The Sophomore will certainly have to have a good day if the Tar Heels want to pull of this upset.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Mizzou
Little Caesars Bowl, Dec. 27th, 4:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Western Michigan vs. Purdue
The Little Caesars Bowl this season pairs up the classic Big Ten vs MAC match-up. Western Michigan comes in at 7-5, and has had a solid season, playing competitively against ranked Illinois and Michigan for one half. If W. Michigan can put together 4 full quarters, they have a shot against a Purdue team who is happy to be in a bowl game at 6-6. W. Michigan brings int he 7th ranked passing offense and the 18th ranked scoring attack in the country. They will face a stingy Purdue defense that has improved since it's 62 points allowed against a strong Wisconsin offense.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Purdue
Belk Bowl, Dec. 27th, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
Louisville vs. NC State:
Louisville of the Big East was still thinking it had a shot at a BCS automatic qualifying bid, but unfortunately for Cardinal fans the BCS standings did not break the tie for them and put them into a game. This however makes for a fun Belk Bowl match-up as the co-champions of the Big East faces the 4th ranked ACC team int he Atlantic division. Louisville's porous offense is covered up by a scoring defense that is ranked 14th in the country. NC State will rely on Senior QB Mike Glennon and the passing game, as their run game is virtually non-existent. This will be a tough game to pick and should end up in a close one. If Louisville can force some turnovers and stop the NC State passing attack, then they'll be favored in this one. Still, it could go either way.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Louisville
Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman, Dec. 28th, 4:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Toledo vs. Air Force:
The Military Bowl this season features two of the most exciting rushing offenses in the country. This game will also be featuring star WR Eric Page. Toledo ranks 8th in the country in scoring offense and 14th in rushing yardage per game. Its defense has given up over 60 twice though on the year. The Air Force however features the 2nd ranked rushing attack in the nation. Air Force has the slightly better defense, but the team with more rushing yards in this one will likely be the victor. Air Force may be slight favorites, but I think the multi-faceted Toledo offense, led by Page, will give Toledo a slight edge.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Toledo
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, Dec. 28th, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN
California vs. (24) Texas
The Education Holiday bowl will feature two state colleges that happen to be located in the places where High School football is most prevalent in the country. Which team will earn bragging rights? The 7-5 Longhorns are coming off of a very difficult season and most recently a blowout loss to the Baylor Bears. Cal on the other hand was also 7-5, suffering 5-losses through a brutal PAC-12 schedule. Both teams are fairly even matched. Cal has a very balanced offensive arsenal, and Texas will need to take care of the football in order to win the ball game. Ball control offense will be the key for the Longhorns.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Texas
Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29th, 5:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Florida State vs. Notre Dame
This year in the 'we lost every meaningful game' bowl. Two teams who had BCS expectations before the season, stumble into a chance to salvage their seasons. The Irish led by superstar WR Michael Floyd, will need to limit turnovers against an opportunistic FSU defense. The Seminoles have the 4th ranked scoring defense in the country and will likely shut down the Irish early and often. If the Seminoles QB E.J. Manuel can put up a decent game, they will roll in this one. Then again, don't count out Brian Kelly and the Irish, because if they come out with a creative gameplan, they could make it competitive.
Jimbo Says early favorite: FSU
Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29th, 9 p.m. EST, ESPN
Washington vs. (12) Baylor
In what I think of as one of the most lopsided match-ups of bowl season, Washington will face red hot Baylor in the Alamo Bowl. Baylor finished 9-3, led by Heisman candidate Robert Griffin III. They're coming off of a blowout victory over Texas and feeling snubbed out of a BCS game. Washington is a tough squad but will find themselves over-matched by a much more athletic and stronger football team.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Baylor
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 30th, Noon EST, ESPN
BYU vs. Tulsa
BYU is a tough team to read, coming with 1 point against a ranked Texas squad 17-16, but also being blown out by Utah 54-10 the next week. BYU, an independent team, finished 9-3 on the year. Tulsa finished 8-4 and missed out on the Conference USA championship game behind a 12-1 Houston squad. BYU has the better defense in this one, but Tulsa's offense is a little bit more exciting.
Jimbo Says early favorite: BYU
New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Dec. 30th, 3:20 p.m. EST, ESPN
Rutgers vs. Iowa State
Iowa State, the lone team to beat #3 Oklahoma State this season, also has an upset win over Big Ten foe Iowa. If the Cyclone team that shows up to this game is the same as the others, then they will likely roll Rutgers. Rutgers has no running attack, they spread the ball out on offense, and they win ball games with their defense. Their scoring defense ranks 12th in the nation, and they will need to force turnovers to beat they Cyclones. Iowa State has been very inconsistent, granted, they've played a very tough Big 12 schedule. They Cyclones will try and run the ball, control the clock, and grind it out against a tough Rutgers defense.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Iowa State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Dec. 30th, 6:40 p.m. EST, ESPN
Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest finished 6-6 this season in the ACC. The Bulldogs also finished 6-6 but with a much tougher SEC schedule. MSU's defense will likely stalwart the Demon Deacons, and you might see an SEC bowl blowout in this one.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Mississippi State
Insight Bowl, Dec. 30th, 10 p.m. EST, ESPN
Iowa vs. (14) Oklahoma
Oklahoma might be one of the most disappointed seasons in the country. The Sooners came into the seasons as many people's favorite to be National Champions. Now they find themselves in the insight bowl coming off of a blowout loss to in-state rival Oklahoma State. The 9-3 Sooners face a dangerous 7-5 Iowa Hawkeyes squad who already has and upset over Michigan this season. The Sooners have a lot more talent, and with a 4th ranked passing offense will probably go to the air, attacking Micah Hyde and the Hawkeye secondary. This one might stay close for a half, but the Sooners will likely win big.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Oklahoma
Meineke Car Care of Texas Bowl, Dec. 31st, Noon EST, ESPN
Texas A&M vs. Northwestern
When Northwestern QB Dan Persa is healthy, the Huskies can play with any team in the country. The Huskies showed this against #10 Nebraska in an upset this season. Texas A&M has a very prolific offense though, and this game will probably come down to the play of Northwestern's offense. A&M is guaranteed to put up some points in this classic Big Ten defense vs a wide open Big 12 offense. My money's on the defense.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Northwestern
Hyundai Sun Bowl, Dec. 31st, 2 p.m. EST, CBS
Georgia Tech vs. Utah
Triple-option minded Georgia Tech faces Utah in this ACC vs non-AQ match-up. The Yellow Jackets have the third best rushing offense in the nation and score more than 18 other teams per game. The Utes however come into this game at 7-5 and hope to pull the upset, behind the play of leading rusher and passer QB Tevin Washington. Washington will likely have to have a special performance in order to overcome the Yellow Jackets in this one.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Georgia Tech
AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Dec. 31st, 3:30 p.m. EST, ABC
Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt
Cincinnati had hoped to have a shot at a BCS bowl bid, instead they will face bottom of the barrel SEC opponent, Vanderbilt. The Bearcats, co-champions of the Big East bring a top 25 defense up against a .500 Vandy ball club that will look to pound the ball on the ground. Can a Big East team overcome that speed of an SEC defense. I think so.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Cincinnati
Kraft Fight Hunger, Dec. 31st, 3:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Illinois vs. UCLA
The Fighting Illini and exciting QB Nathan Scheelhaase won their first 6, then lost their last 6. WR A.J. Jenkins is a stud and must be accounted for. UCLA was a 6-7 team, both of these teams are coming off of tough ends to the season. Illinois is better on defense and UCLA is slightly better on offense, but with all of the coaching questions on both sides, it's hard to decide which team will come out and play better. These teams are evenly matched and whoever wants this one more will likely head out of the Kraft Fight Hunger bowl with a victory.
Jimbo Says early favorite: UCLA
Chick-fil-A Bowl, Dec. 31st, 7:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Virginia vs. (25) Auburn
Auburn, one year removed from a national championship, and one year removed from the amazing heroics of star QB Cam Newton, put together a lackluster just above .500 season. This is not an easy feat though in the SEC, so are they a better team then what we expect? Virginia put together an 8-4 record this season in the ACC and will look to pull and upset against a very tough Auburn defense. RB Michael Dyer will carry the load on the ground for the Tigers against a better than advertised Cavalier defense. At the end of the day, Gene Chizik will have his tigers ready and they'll get the victory.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Auburn
TicketCity Bowl, Jan. 2nd, Noon EST, ESPNU
(19) Houston vs. (22) Penn State
The TicketCity bowl offers a very exciting offense vs a very strong defense. Houston QB Case Keenum has broken all kinds of school records, and will hope to lead the Cougars to a bowl victory. Houston had a chance at a BCS bowl and a C-USA Championship, but they were upended by Southern Miss in the C-USA championship game. Penn State came one game shy of playing in the Big Ten championship. Can the C-USA team bust a traditional Big Ten powerhouse? Will the Nittany Lions defense be able to slow down Keenum and the highest scoring offense in the country? At the end of the day, the Nittany Lions are just too good on defense, and their overall talent level gets Tom Bradley and the Nittany Lions a bowl victory.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Penn State
Outback Bowl, Jan. 2nd, 1 p.m. EST, ABC
(17) Michigan State vs. (16) Georgia
In a class Big Ten vs SEC match-up, the 'could have been bowl' pairs the two runner ups from the Big Ten and SEC championship games. Georgia has a very fast defense, but I give the edge to Sparty in overall defensive talent. It'll be up to MSU QB Kirk Cousins to be a game manager and make plays against an aggressive Bulldog defense. Watch MSU coach Mark D'Antonio and his staff, they will likely have a trick or two up their sleeves. This game should be a fun one, I'll give Sparty a slight edge.
Jimbo Says early favorite: MSU
Capital One Bowl, Jan. 2nd, 1 p.m. EST, ESPN
(20) Nebraska vs. (9) South Carolina
Nebraska is given a chance, in its first year with the Big Ten to earn some respect against the SEC in this game of top-20 teams. Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead and QB Taylor Martinez will have to go on a tear in order to beat this tough Gamecock squad. S. Carolina led by the 'old ball coach', Steve Spurrier, will certainly be ready to play. The gamecock defense ranks 13th in the nation, and the speed of that team will definitely hurt Nebraska.
Jimbo Says early favorite: South Carolina
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl, Jan. 2nd, 1 p.m. EST, ESPN2
Ohio State vs. Florida
In the 'Urban Bowl', the pairing is a re-match of the 2006 National Championship game in which Florida won 41-14. This was the only time these two teams have met. The Buckeyes and Gators both with very disappointing 6-6 seasons, will look to salvage their year and gain some respect for their respective conferences. The Buckeyes will need improved play from QB Braxton Miller, and we saw this in the Michigan game. The Gators need to control the football and stop making mistakes, they have some very fast athletes, and if they can get a few big plays, they'll likely win this game comfortably. Both teams are very inconsistent and it depends on who comes out and plays consistent football. I'm a believer that the Urban Meyer aura will help give the Buckeyes the edge in this match-up.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Ohio State
Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio, Jan. 2nd, 5 p.m. EST, ESPN
(10) Wisconsin vs. (5) Oregon
For the grand-daddy of them all, LaMichael James and the Oregon Duck offense square off against Wiscy QB Russell Wilson, and exciting RB Montee Ball. Ball is TD machine and the Wisconsin offense is a well-oiled machine. This game will come down to who will have more big plays. I could see special teams being the biggest factor in this one. Wisconsin has the 4th best offense and 6th best scoring defense in the country, so this very potent team will have a good shot at stopping Oregon's 3rd ranked scoring offense and 6th ranked rushing offense. I look forward to this one.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Wisconsin
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 2nd, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
(4) Stanford vs. (3) Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is coming off of an unbelievable beat down of Oklahoma, and this #3 vs #4 pairing is one of my most anticipated games of the bowl season. Both teams have unbelievable passing offenses. Stanford's Andrew Luck and OSU's Brandon Weeden are both very good QB's. The difference in the game might be the play of big play WR Tyler Blackmon of OSU. Stanford likes to utilize its TE's and will move the ball methodically, while OSU will look for big plays. The Cowboys have the 2nd ranked offense and 2nd ranked passing attack in the nation while Stanford has the 5th ranked scoring offense. Which defense will outplay the other in this one. Look for a shoot out.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Oklahoma State
Allstate Sugar Bowl, Jan. 3rd, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
(13) Michigan vs. (11) Virginia Tech
In what I believe features two schools who don't deserve a BCS bid this season, QB Denard Robinson and the Wolverines are coming off of their first win against archrival Ohio State in 8 seasons. Can they carry this momentum to a victory over Va Tech? The difference in this game will be the improved play of Greg Mattison's U of M defense. Va Tech can win if QB Logan Thomas has an outstanding game, and if the very good Va Tech defense can slow down the blazing fast backfield of Robinson and RB Toussaint, the Hokies will come away victorious.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Va Tech
Discover Orange Bowl, Jan. 4th, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
(23) West Virginia vs. (15) Clemson
In the least appealing BCS match-up, West Virginia, who received the Big East automatic qualifying bid, will face a Clemson Tiger team that just shocked Virginia Tech for the second time this season, along the way to becoming ACC champions. West Virginia has a top-10 passing offense, and neither team's defense is very special. This game will likely be very high scoring, I'll give the edge to a streaking Clemson team.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Clemson
AT&T Cotton Bowl, Jan. 6th, 8 p.m. EST, FOX
(8) Kansas State vs. (6) Arkansas
In the most appealing non-BCS game, Arkansas faces a surprising Kansas State team. Although Arkansas took a tough loss to LSU to end the season, the Razorbacks are an extremely well-rounded football team. The Wildcats won't be favored and will be doubted, but it's been this way all season for them. This one should be a big win for the Razorbacks, but they don't play these games on paper.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Arkansas
BBVA Compass Bowl, Jan. 7th, 1 p.m. EST, ESPN
SMU vs. Pittsburgh
SMU and Pitt are both are both average football teams. Pitt finished 6-6 and SMU finished 7-5. The Panthers have the better numbers on both sides of the ball, as well as a more difficult schedule. So I'm inclined to believe that the Pitt Panthers will be the BBVA Compass Bowl champs.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Pitt
GoDaddy.com Bowl, Jan. 8th, 9 p.m. EST, ESPN
Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
In the Danica Patrick is extremely hot bowl, I mean the GoDaddy.com bowl, Arkansas State, a tough Sun Belt squad, will face MAC Champ, Northern Illinois. Both teams have very potent offenses, Northern Illinois on the ground and Arkansas State through the air. Arkansas State actually plays defense though, and that is why they will be favored in this one.
Jimbo Says early favorite: Arkansas State
Allstate BCS National Championship Game, Jan. 9th, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
(1) LSU vs. (2) Alabama
In a game that I don't particularly agree with, this is a rematch for the National Championship game. Although I truly believe Oklahoma State deserved a chance to face LSU in this game, it'll be an All-SEC National Title. Marking the 6th straight year where the SEC will be National Champions. I think that it's extremely difficult to beat a team twice in one season, and as long as Alabama irons out their kicking issues, I think Alabama is the more complete team, and they win this one by a score.Jimbo Says early favorite: Alabama
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