HillBoy
12-20-2005, 04:05 PM
Ranking the bowls: 1-28
Pete Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted: 2 hours ago
Which bowls are the ones to see and which ones can be missed? With so many to watch, here are all the bowls ranked from the must-see to the ones you might be able to skip if you need to do some holiday shopping. These rankings are based on fun as well as importance.
Can't miss no matter what. Cancel all other plans and disown the family.
These games promise to be fun
1. The Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, Jan. 4, 8 pm ET ABC
Texas vs. USC
Yeah, last year’s Orange Bowl was supposed to be the be-all-end-all and it stunk, but this year’s national championship really should live up to all the hype. Texas isn’t 2004 Oklahoma, and there’s no controversy like there was last year with Auburn, so all the hype and all the focus can be on this epic matchup. Of course, this will be a disappointment if it’s not as good as Ohio State vs. Miami in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl. Will Pete Carroll and his coaching staff once again come through with a killer game plan with all the time off, or will the physical Longhorns be too much for the Trojans?
Stars of the show: 1. Reggie Bush, RB USC, 2. Vince Young, QB Texas, 3. Matt Leinart, QB USC
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: USC 40 … Texas 37
2. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 2, 4:30 pm ET ABC
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
Notre Dame vs. Arkansas State would probably get the highest TV ratings outside of the Rose Bowl, much less a showdown with the Buckeyes. The Irish offense gets its toughest test all year, while Ohio State’s offense will see if it can hang punch-for-punch with the Irish passing game. Yeah, the Buckeyes should have way too much on both sides of the ball for the Irish, but it’s Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. You have to watch.
Stars of the show: 1. Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame, 2. A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio State, 3. Jeff Samardzija, WR Notre Dame
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Ohio State 38 … Notre Dame 20
Great matchups. Don't miss ... disown the family if they're annoying you.
These aren't guaranteed to be as classics, but should be strong
3. AT&T Cotton Bowl, Jan. 2, 11 am ET CBS
Texas Tech vs. Alabama
It’ll be Alabama’s great defense vs. Texas Tech’s high-octane attack in the first big game on a day full of big games, and it has the potential to be among the most interesting of the bowl season. Texas Tech has won three straight bowl games, while the Tide wants to avoid a three-game losing streak to end 2005.
Stars of the show: 1. Brodie Croyle, QB Alabama, 2. Cody Hodges, QB Texas Tech, 3. DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Alabama 23 … Texas Tech 21
4. Vitalis Sun Bowl, Dec. 30, 2 pm ET CBS
Northwestern vs. UCLA
Defense, schmefence. These two will combine for 1,200 yards of total offense and as many points as they can squeeze into 60 minutes. Northwestern is looking for its first bowl win since 1948, while UCLA will try to erase bitter memories of the pummeling from USC and last year’s Las Vegas Bowl loss to Wyoming.
Stars of the show: 1. Drew Olson, QB UCLA, 2. Brett Basanez, QB Northwestern, 3. Maurice Drew, RB UCLA
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: UCLA 52 … Northwestern 40
5. Nokia Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2, 8:30 pm ET ABC
Georgia vs. West Virginia
This is one of the most intriguing bowl games of the season for the future, as well as the present. Are Mountaineers stars Pat White and Steve Slaton really ready for primetime? Georgia is coming off a fantastic performance against LSU in the SEC title game, so if West Virginia can pull this off, watch out for 2005.
Stars of the show: 1. D.J. Shockley, QB Georgia, 2. Pat White, QB West Virginia, 3. Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Georgia 17 … West Virginia 15
6. MPC Computers Bowl, Dec. 28, 4:30 pm ET ESPN
Boise State vs. Boston College
If this was played just about anywhere but in Boise, it would be a dog with fleas. The Broncos don’t lose at home, but they’ll get their toughest test yet under head coach Dan Hawkins as Boston College was more than good enough to have faced Virginia Tech in the ACC title game. This would be an impressive win for the WAC, and a solid road win for BC, who has won five straight bowl games.
Stars of the show: 1. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College, 2. Jared Zabransky, QB Boise State
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Boston College 27 … Boise State 17
7. Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, Dec. 29, 8 pm ET ESPN
Oregon vs. Oklahoma
Oregon will be grouchy it’s not in the Fiesta Bowl, while Oklahoma will look to show that this year really wasn’t that bad and that it’ll be a team to watch out for next season. It’s a huge game for Pac-10 pride after Cal dropped the ball last year against Texas Tech.
Stars of the show: 1. Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma, 2. Haloti Ngata, DT Oregon
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Oklahoma 23 … Oregon 20
8. Toyota Gator Bowl, Jan. 2, 12:30 pm ET NBC
Louisville vs. Virginia Tech
This could have been a BCS matchup. The luster is lost with Louisville QB Brian Brohm out with a knee injury and Virginia Tech looking so lousy in the ACC Championship, but these are still two high-octane teams looking for a big win for their respective conferences. If the Big East doesn’t want to be thought off as a second-class BCS citizen, it needs this win.
Stars of the show: 1. Marcus Vick, QB Virginia Tech, 2. Michael Bush, RB Louisville
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Virginia Tech 34 … Louisville 23
9. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Dec. 30, 7:30 pm ET ESPN
Miami vs. LSU
Let’s be honest; if it’s not a BCS game, defensive bowls are deadly dry. The defenses are tremendous and neither offense can move the ball consistently for sixty minutes, but expect a good, hard-hitting games that’ll go down to the wire.
Stars of the show: 1. Claude Wroten, DT LSU, 2. Eric Winston, OT Miami
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Miami 19 … LSU 7
10. Outback Bowl, Jan. 2, 11 am ET ESPN
Iowa vs. Florida
There’s no argument here if you want to put this game higher. Expect a lot of defense and some great coaching, but also expect a lot of pressure and expectations. If Urban Meyer doesn’t want to be Ron Zook, he has to win bowl games. Iowa ended the season hot and has won two straight bowl games, including a 37-17 win over the Gators in the 2004 Outback Bowl. This is a better Florida team.
Stars of the show: 1. Chad Greenway, LB Iowa, 2. Chris Leak, QB Florida
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Florida 23 … Iowa 20
11. FedEx Orange Bowl, Jan. 3, 8 pm ET
Florida State vs. Penn State
Seminoles fans are puffing their chests out after the ACC Championship game, but Virginia Tech lost that game as much as Florida State won it. Penn State won’t melt down like the Hokies, and the defense will force at least four Seminoles turnovers.
Stars of the show: 1. Michael Robinson, QB Penn State, 2. Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Penn State 31 … Florida State 10
Bowl Games. Nothing more, nothing less.
You're a college football fan, so you're going to watch. These have dud potential.
12. Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22, 8 pm ET ESPN
BYU vs. California
You probably can’t name a BYU Cougar and Cal QB Joe Ayoob couldn’t hit water if he was sitting on the bottom of a pool, but the two teams will put up lots of points, lots of big plays, and lots of fun. It’ll be as much fun as an early bowl game can be.
Stars of the show: 1. Marshawn Lynch, RB California, 2. John Beck, QB BYU
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: California 40 … BYU 31
13. EV1.net Houston Bowl, Dec. 31, 1 pm ET ESPN2
TCU vs. Iowa State
You’re not going to change your dinner plans to see this live, but TiVo it. TCU really is good, while Iowa State is fantastic when everyone, especially RB Stevie Hicks, is healthy. TCU should be in a higher profile bowl than this, while Iowa State will play hard looking to get off the mat after choking against Kansas.
Stars of the show: 1. Bret Meyer, QB Iowa State, 2. Cory Rodgers, WR/KR TCU
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: TCU 24 … Iowa State 20
14. Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Dec. 30, Noon ET ESPN … Virginia vs. Minnesota
Minnesota has been a solid bowl team over the past few years and has a running game you must watch, but Virginia’s linebackers are good enough, when fully healthy, to match up well with anyone. Expect this game to take about 1:43 to play with all the running.
Stars of the show: 1. Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota, 2. Marques Hagans, QB Virginia
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Minnesota 27 … Virginia 20
15. Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28, 8 pm ET ESPN
Nebraska vs. Michigan
The brand names don’t get much better than this. Nebraska vs. Michigan just sounds like a big game, but the Huskers have to show that 30-3 win over Colorado to end the regular season wasn’t a fluke. Michigan is much, much better than you think.
Stars of the show: 1. Chad Henne, QB Michigan, 2. Zac Taylor, QB Nebraska
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Michigan 38 … Nebraska 13
16. Capital One Bowl, Jan. 2, 1 pm ET ABC
Auburn vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is always well coached in bowl games, but it can’t beat SEC teams. No SEC team is playing better than Auburn, but it’ll cool off a bit with the down time. Even though the Badgers offense will play well and the defense will hold up well against the Tigers passing game, the run defense won’t handle Kenny Irons. Barry Alvarez will go out losing three of his final four games.
Stars of the show: 1. Brian Calhoun, RB Wisconsin, 2. Kenny Irons, RB Auburn
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Auburn 23 … Wisconsin 13
Pete Fiutak / CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted: 2 hours ago
Which bowls are the ones to see and which ones can be missed? With so many to watch, here are all the bowls ranked from the must-see to the ones you might be able to skip if you need to do some holiday shopping. These rankings are based on fun as well as importance.
Can't miss no matter what. Cancel all other plans and disown the family.
These games promise to be fun
1. The Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, Jan. 4, 8 pm ET ABC
Texas vs. USC
Yeah, last year’s Orange Bowl was supposed to be the be-all-end-all and it stunk, but this year’s national championship really should live up to all the hype. Texas isn’t 2004 Oklahoma, and there’s no controversy like there was last year with Auburn, so all the hype and all the focus can be on this epic matchup. Of course, this will be a disappointment if it’s not as good as Ohio State vs. Miami in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl. Will Pete Carroll and his coaching staff once again come through with a killer game plan with all the time off, or will the physical Longhorns be too much for the Trojans?
Stars of the show: 1. Reggie Bush, RB USC, 2. Vince Young, QB Texas, 3. Matt Leinart, QB USC
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: USC 40 … Texas 37
2. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 2, 4:30 pm ET ABC
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
Notre Dame vs. Arkansas State would probably get the highest TV ratings outside of the Rose Bowl, much less a showdown with the Buckeyes. The Irish offense gets its toughest test all year, while Ohio State’s offense will see if it can hang punch-for-punch with the Irish passing game. Yeah, the Buckeyes should have way too much on both sides of the ball for the Irish, but it’s Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. You have to watch.
Stars of the show: 1. Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame, 2. A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio State, 3. Jeff Samardzija, WR Notre Dame
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Ohio State 38 … Notre Dame 20
Great matchups. Don't miss ... disown the family if they're annoying you.
These aren't guaranteed to be as classics, but should be strong
3. AT&T Cotton Bowl, Jan. 2, 11 am ET CBS
Texas Tech vs. Alabama
It’ll be Alabama’s great defense vs. Texas Tech’s high-octane attack in the first big game on a day full of big games, and it has the potential to be among the most interesting of the bowl season. Texas Tech has won three straight bowl games, while the Tide wants to avoid a three-game losing streak to end 2005.
Stars of the show: 1. Brodie Croyle, QB Alabama, 2. Cody Hodges, QB Texas Tech, 3. DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Alabama 23 … Texas Tech 21
4. Vitalis Sun Bowl, Dec. 30, 2 pm ET CBS
Northwestern vs. UCLA
Defense, schmefence. These two will combine for 1,200 yards of total offense and as many points as they can squeeze into 60 minutes. Northwestern is looking for its first bowl win since 1948, while UCLA will try to erase bitter memories of the pummeling from USC and last year’s Las Vegas Bowl loss to Wyoming.
Stars of the show: 1. Drew Olson, QB UCLA, 2. Brett Basanez, QB Northwestern, 3. Maurice Drew, RB UCLA
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: UCLA 52 … Northwestern 40
5. Nokia Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2, 8:30 pm ET ABC
Georgia vs. West Virginia
This is one of the most intriguing bowl games of the season for the future, as well as the present. Are Mountaineers stars Pat White and Steve Slaton really ready for primetime? Georgia is coming off a fantastic performance against LSU in the SEC title game, so if West Virginia can pull this off, watch out for 2005.
Stars of the show: 1. D.J. Shockley, QB Georgia, 2. Pat White, QB West Virginia, 3. Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Georgia 17 … West Virginia 15
6. MPC Computers Bowl, Dec. 28, 4:30 pm ET ESPN
Boise State vs. Boston College
If this was played just about anywhere but in Boise, it would be a dog with fleas. The Broncos don’t lose at home, but they’ll get their toughest test yet under head coach Dan Hawkins as Boston College was more than good enough to have faced Virginia Tech in the ACC title game. This would be an impressive win for the WAC, and a solid road win for BC, who has won five straight bowl games.
Stars of the show: 1. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College, 2. Jared Zabransky, QB Boise State
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Boston College 27 … Boise State 17
7. Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, Dec. 29, 8 pm ET ESPN
Oregon vs. Oklahoma
Oregon will be grouchy it’s not in the Fiesta Bowl, while Oklahoma will look to show that this year really wasn’t that bad and that it’ll be a team to watch out for next season. It’s a huge game for Pac-10 pride after Cal dropped the ball last year against Texas Tech.
Stars of the show: 1. Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma, 2. Haloti Ngata, DT Oregon
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Oklahoma 23 … Oregon 20
8. Toyota Gator Bowl, Jan. 2, 12:30 pm ET NBC
Louisville vs. Virginia Tech
This could have been a BCS matchup. The luster is lost with Louisville QB Brian Brohm out with a knee injury and Virginia Tech looking so lousy in the ACC Championship, but these are still two high-octane teams looking for a big win for their respective conferences. If the Big East doesn’t want to be thought off as a second-class BCS citizen, it needs this win.
Stars of the show: 1. Marcus Vick, QB Virginia Tech, 2. Michael Bush, RB Louisville
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Virginia Tech 34 … Louisville 23
9. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Dec. 30, 7:30 pm ET ESPN
Miami vs. LSU
Let’s be honest; if it’s not a BCS game, defensive bowls are deadly dry. The defenses are tremendous and neither offense can move the ball consistently for sixty minutes, but expect a good, hard-hitting games that’ll go down to the wire.
Stars of the show: 1. Claude Wroten, DT LSU, 2. Eric Winston, OT Miami
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Miami 19 … LSU 7
10. Outback Bowl, Jan. 2, 11 am ET ESPN
Iowa vs. Florida
There’s no argument here if you want to put this game higher. Expect a lot of defense and some great coaching, but also expect a lot of pressure and expectations. If Urban Meyer doesn’t want to be Ron Zook, he has to win bowl games. Iowa ended the season hot and has won two straight bowl games, including a 37-17 win over the Gators in the 2004 Outback Bowl. This is a better Florida team.
Stars of the show: 1. Chad Greenway, LB Iowa, 2. Chris Leak, QB Florida
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Florida 23 … Iowa 20
11. FedEx Orange Bowl, Jan. 3, 8 pm ET
Florida State vs. Penn State
Seminoles fans are puffing their chests out after the ACC Championship game, but Virginia Tech lost that game as much as Florida State won it. Penn State won’t melt down like the Hokies, and the defense will force at least four Seminoles turnovers.
Stars of the show: 1. Michael Robinson, QB Penn State, 2. Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Penn State 31 … Florida State 10
Bowl Games. Nothing more, nothing less.
You're a college football fan, so you're going to watch. These have dud potential.
12. Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22, 8 pm ET ESPN
BYU vs. California
You probably can’t name a BYU Cougar and Cal QB Joe Ayoob couldn’t hit water if he was sitting on the bottom of a pool, but the two teams will put up lots of points, lots of big plays, and lots of fun. It’ll be as much fun as an early bowl game can be.
Stars of the show: 1. Marshawn Lynch, RB California, 2. John Beck, QB BYU
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: California 40 … BYU 31
13. EV1.net Houston Bowl, Dec. 31, 1 pm ET ESPN2
TCU vs. Iowa State
You’re not going to change your dinner plans to see this live, but TiVo it. TCU really is good, while Iowa State is fantastic when everyone, especially RB Stevie Hicks, is healthy. TCU should be in a higher profile bowl than this, while Iowa State will play hard looking to get off the mat after choking against Kansas.
Stars of the show: 1. Bret Meyer, QB Iowa State, 2. Cory Rodgers, WR/KR TCU
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: TCU 24 … Iowa State 20
14. Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Dec. 30, Noon ET ESPN … Virginia vs. Minnesota
Minnesota has been a solid bowl team over the past few years and has a running game you must watch, but Virginia’s linebackers are good enough, when fully healthy, to match up well with anyone. Expect this game to take about 1:43 to play with all the running.
Stars of the show: 1. Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota, 2. Marques Hagans, QB Virginia
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Minnesota 27 … Virginia 20
15. Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28, 8 pm ET ESPN
Nebraska vs. Michigan
The brand names don’t get much better than this. Nebraska vs. Michigan just sounds like a big game, but the Huskers have to show that 30-3 win over Colorado to end the regular season wasn’t a fluke. Michigan is much, much better than you think.
Stars of the show: 1. Chad Henne, QB Michigan, 2. Zac Taylor, QB Nebraska
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Michigan 38 … Nebraska 13
16. Capital One Bowl, Jan. 2, 1 pm ET ABC
Auburn vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is always well coached in bowl games, but it can’t beat SEC teams. No SEC team is playing better than Auburn, but it’ll cool off a bit with the down time. Even though the Badgers offense will play well and the defense will hold up well against the Tigers passing game, the run defense won’t handle Kenny Irons. Barry Alvarez will go out losing three of his final four games.
Stars of the show: 1. Brian Calhoun, RB Wisconsin, 2. Kenny Irons, RB Auburn
The knee jerk, off-the-cuff, initial prediction: Auburn 23 … Wisconsin 13