bowl frenzy
It's that time of year again… BOWL SEASON! It's a southerner's dream vacation time, if possible… sitting around watching football ALL. THE. TIME. And, if you're lucky like this year and you follow the Southeastern Conference, ten of twelve teams accepted bids to bowl games. Unlike most of the world, which I found out recently, SEC fans usually cheer on other SEC teams. We like to make sure that we're always on top of the list when it comes to college football. Of course, sometimes that means cheering for your arch rival (as I found myself doing last night, even though the Vols completely fluked in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl), just for the sake of the conference. In talking to others, not so many people do this in other conferences… and I'm boggled by this.
Anyway, in the craziness that was December, I TOTALLY forgot to make all of my college football bowl picks. So, instead, I'll just post all of them for the games from here on out. Of course, I don't claim to be a pro. I always like to make guesses with friends and family on who will win and why. Feel free to argue… I enjoy the rivalry and competition.
Picks (in bold) after the jump…
Outback Bowl (Tampa, Florida – 1/1, 11am EST)
Northwestern v. Auburn
Why? Well, this one was a toss up really… OK, not really. If you saw that Iron Bowl, you know that Auburn almost toppled Alabama from it's number 2 ranking at the time. While Auburn's conference ranking may not be that hot, it's in the West Division of the SEC, which is the most competitive, and five of its six teams snagged decent bowls. Northwestern can play ball in the Big Ten, but matched against the defense of the Tigers, and I think they'll fall flat.
Capital One Bowl (Orlanda, Florida – 1/1 1pm EST)
Penn State v. LSU
Why? I really feel like I can't pick a winner in this one. I know I'll be cheering on LSU because I'm an SEC fan girl when it comes to bowl season, and I hate Penn State. There are a few reasons I can't come to a conclusion on a pick: 1) I think PSU is completely overrated, and always has been (which is why I'm excited Alabama plays them next year), 2) LSU has suffered a plethora of injuries and continues to do so, which makes them vulnerable, and 3) when it comes to Les Miles, you really never know what you're gonna get… he can make things happen with 2 seconds on the board and win the game, and all of a sudden, you feel like you got gut-punched by your 80-year old arthritic Aunt Margaret and never saw it coming.
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida – 1/1 1pm EST)
West Virginia v. Florida State
Why? Florida State is quickly running out of gas, and it was long time ago that Jimbo Fisher should have taken the reigns. Either way, they barely made bowl eligibility, and are a notable name that will pull in money. Also, while they may be a hometown favorite, West Virginia did damage in the Big East, and will most likely embarrass the home crowd in a spoiler.
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California – 1/1 4:30pm EST)
Ohio State v. Oregon
Why? As much as I hate picking Ohio State, because some days I hate Tressel's sweater vests, I just don't see Oregon being able to match up to what OSU can bring to the table. Oregon plays in the Pac-10, which yes I'm a hater, I don't consider a competitive conference. It should be a good game, but I think the Buckeyes will take it because of their tenacity and the tradition behind their team playing in the Rose Bowl.
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, Louisiana – 1/1 8:30 pm EST)
Cincinnati v. Florida
Why? Do you have to ask? Florida will tear Cincy to shreds for one reason and one reason alone: Urban Meyer's recent announcement to take an extended leave of absence. They'll play this one for the coach, which means that the Bearcats, whose coach also quickly departed for a shaky tenure at Notre Dame, will be wondering when the mercy rule goes into effect. Not only that? Florida fans will pack the house, since it's SEC local.
International Bowl (Toronto, Ontario – 1/2 12pm EST)
South Florida v. Northern Illinois
Why? Alabama has played Northern Illinois before and they are often underestimated, and I expect that USF will waltz into this game thinking the exact same thing… just as Alabama did when they almost were beaten a few years ago by NIU. Plus, NIU actually had a winning record in its conference… USF was 3-4 in the Big East (lame).
PapaJohns.com Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama – 1/2 2pm EST)
South Carolina v Connecticut
Why? Why not? South Carolina's defense alone will wipe UConn off the map. No, Garcia isn't the best quarterback… if he even IS a quarterback. But, the Gamecocks should take this game easily, especially under Spurrier's command. If he doesn't, consider him to call it quits and retire, as he'd be the laughing stock of the SEC to lose to a team that went 3-4 in the Big East. Plus, I'm going to this game, so I'd really like for the SEC to have a win in my presence!
Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas – 1/2 2pm EST)
Oklahoma State v. Ole Miss
Why? I know the Big 12 is so great according to ESPN, but so is the SEC. All 4 losses that Ole Miss suffered were to the SEC… OSU's weren't. Plus, in tight situations like this, I'm always going to side with the SEC team anyway. I know the news earlier this year about the KKK hooded guys showing up to protest the ending up the song "Dixie" are terrible, and I'm not a fan of what's going on… but for football's sake, I still say, Hotty Toddy!
Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee – 1/2 5:30pm EST)
Arkansas v. East Carolina
Why? I know East Carolina has a great Conference USA record, but it's CUSA. While I'm an alum of a CUSA school, Arky has to beat out SEC teams on a regular basis, and I've seen the arm of their sophomore quarterback, Ryan Mallett… he could be the SEC's next near-Tebow.
Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, Texas – 1/2 9pm EST)
Michigan State v. Texas Tech
Why? It's tough to call MSU on the game for this, but considering that TTU just fired Leach effective immediately under the circumstances, it will have an effect on the game, as assistants will be scrambling for the bowl game, and it will be chaotic. While MSU has a barely-bowl eligible record coming in, the frenzy of TTU might work in their favor. Still, could go either way… as Texas teams typically play big or go home.
Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona – 1/4 8pm EST)
Boise State v. TCU
Why? Boise State, yes, you're undefeated. You intimidate with your blue field… You've got the WAC beat. But, TCU is coming out of TEXAS. And if there's anything a southern knows outside of the SEC is that Texas teams know how to play ball. Plus, who doesn't love the mascot Horned Frogs?!
Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida – 1/5 8pm EST)
Iowa v. Georgia Tech
Why? Georgia Tech did well in the ACC, which isn't a terrible conference. However, Iowa has stepped over a few hurdles to climb the rankings to get where they have and fight in the Big Ten, which in my opinion is usually stronger than the ACC.
GMAC Bowl (Mobile, Alabama – 1/6 7pm EST)
Central Michigan v. Troy
Why? I'm going with the hometown favorite in this one. Troy will draw a big home crowd since Mobile is only a few hours away, and they are a bigger threat than people give them credit. Just ask Florida why they couldn't score in the first quarter whey they played Troy.
EDIT (1/2/2010): Due to the poor picks that I have already made, I've removed my pick for the national championship game, because I am INSANELY superstitious. So, obviously, I am an Alabama fan. So, I'll pull a Herbstreit and act like I can't make a pick due to partiality, and I've deleted my pick. So sorry, but I can't even possibly chance the situation that my picks could jinx this game for my team. Yes, it's that serious. In the South, football is serious… it's sacred, and it's a second religion.
Who knows… I might miserably fail. I might get a perfect record. Challenges?
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3 Responses to “bowl frenzy”
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If I weren’t a nice person, I might consider revoking your papajohns.com bowl ticket for picking West Virginia! UGH!
Dang, when you write some of these at 1am to autopost in the morning, you forget some of your friends grew up FSU fans.
I was rough on that one… be glad it wasn’t Notre Dame. 
I’m so glad that you’re a nice person though!!
My picks could be terrible though… and FSU might win one for the Gipper.
I actually grew up an Alabama fan, but I went to Florida State so I became a fan pretty dang quickly! I’m hoping emotion will go a long way in this game. Now I better get out of bed and on to watching!