Well, after starting off 4-0, the last three games have not been kind. Troy's coaches had some dumb play calling that led them to getting beat in OT and TCU's defense outshined Boise State's offense. Let's see what the next few days bring us!
Meineke Car Care Bowl
December 27, 1:00 PM EST, ESPN
West Virginia (8-4) vs. North Carolina (8-4)
What you should know: West Virginia's quarterback Pat White. He is the all-time leader in rushing yards from the quarterback position. You should also know about the Tar Heels' coach Butch Davis who is starting to rebuild this football team.
What you need to know: Despite the record, West Virginia is still a very dangerous team. The backfield combination of Pat White and Noel Devine is one of the best QB/RB tandems in the country. North Carolina has flip-flopped their two quarterbacks this year in Cam Sexton and TJ Yates. Since stud receiver Brandon Tate has been out, the Tar Heels are just 3-3
What you might not know: Under Pat White, West Virginia is 3-0 in bowl games. Two victories have come in BCS games against powerhouses in Georgia and Oklahoma. North Carolina hasn't been to a bowl game since 2004 and hasn't won a bowl game since 2001.
What you will know after the game: Pat White will not let his team lose. He has a chance to lead them to a 4-0 career mark in bowl games and also end up with 1,000+ rushing yards each of his four years. West Virginia should end up on top of this one with a 27-17 victory.
Champs Sports Bowl
December 27, 4:30 PM EST, ESPN
Florida State (8-4) vs. Wisconsin (7-5)
What you should know: Bobby Bowden and his 300+ wins with 20 of those coming in bowl games. You should also know that Wisconsin might be the most dissapointing team in the country after many picked them to compete for a Big 10 title.
What you need to know: Despite Florida State's record, their defense is still top notch. Led by Myron Rolle (the Rhodes Scholar recipient), the Seminoles rely on them to make big plays and keep the team in games. The offense can be very hard to watch at times. Wisconsin didn't meet expectations this year and they will go into this game trying to build on something for 2009. They have a very strong running game led by PJ Hill, but the pass offense is inconsistent.
What you might not know: Antone Smith, the running back for Florida State ended up with less than 800 yards but still managed to find the end zone 15 times. Smith is a dangerous playmaker and break one at any time.
What you will know after the game: Wisconsin will find it very hard to do anything on offense. Florida State has the 14th ranked defense in the nation and they will show why in this game. I expect a defensive or special teams touchdown from the Seminoles as they win this one 30-16.
Emerald Bowl
December 27, 8:00 PM EST, ESPN
Miami (FL) (7-5) vs. California (8-4)
What you should know: This game features two programs that are trying to reach bigger goals. Miami has started to rebound under Randy Shannon and Cal is led by coach Jeff Tedford who is trying to compete to stay with USC. This is going to be a fun game to watch!
What you need to know: Both offense have revolved the door at the quarterback position. Miami is starting Jacory Harris for the game, because Robert Marve has been suspended. Cal's Nate Longeshore is back under center, but Kevin Riley should be on the sideline ready to go as well. Cal can easily put up points and it might be difficult for Miami to stay with them if it turns into a shootout.
What you might not know: The running back for Cal...his name is Jahvid Best. He is probably a contender for the Heisman Trophy next year and this game could go a long ways into getting him some national recognition.
What you will know after the game: Miami just doesn't have enough playmakers yet. With the Best at running back and a big receiving threat in Nyan Boateng, Cal should run away with this game and come out with a 31-20 victory.
Independence Bowl
December 28, 8:15 PM EST, ESPN
Northern Illinios (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)
What you should know: Not much of anything. Northern Illinois almost stole a victory against Tennessee and Louisiana Tech has won four the past five games. However, you should note that the Atlanta Falcons running back, Michael Turner, is a product from NIU!
What you need to know: This is a pick 'em game. Neither team is going to excite you much and you might not ever hear of any of there players again. On the other side, games like this sometimes turn out to be really good games with an exciting finish.
What you might not know: This is the fifth bowl game in the history of Louisiana Tech with the last one coming in 2001. For Northern Illinois, it is their fourth game overall and third since 2004.
What you will know after the game: Tech is the hotter team coming into the game, so I say they pull out a close 27-24 victory.
PapaJohns.com Bowl
December 29, 3:00 PM EST, ESPN
Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina State (6-6)
What you should know: Despite the records, these are two of the hotter teams in the country. NC State won the last four games to become bowl eligible while Rutgers put together a six game winning streak.
What you need to know: Without bashing them too badly, NC State isn't the greatest of teams. They rank 89th in total offense and 82nd in total defense. Somehow, the managed to come together and get some big wins down the stretch. Rutgers, on the other hand, can put up points quickly. The last five games points scored: 63, 30, 49, 35, and 54.
What you might not know: The one thing that NC State's quarterback Russell Wilson does exceptionally well is hanging on to the football. He has only thrown one interception this season. On the other side, it will be last game for Mike Teel who has been the starter the past two plus years at Rutgers.
What you will know after the game: Rutgers should come out on top with a solid victory. I think NC State is overmatched in this game, and the scoreboard will show it with a 41-20 victory for the Scarlet Knights.
Valero Energy Alamo Bowl
December 29, 8:00 PM EST, ESPN
Northwestern (9-3) vs. Missouri (9-4)
What you should know: Anything and everything about Missouri's quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. This will be the last game for Daniel and probably Maclin as well.
What you need to know: Missouri boasts the number sixth ranked offense in college football with the fourth best passing attack. However, they also have the worst pass defense in college football. Northwestern will try to move the ball with running back Tyrell Sutton and the arm of C.J. Bacher. It will be very tough to keep up with the Tigers offense.
What you might not know: Just how bad Missouri is on defense. Since shutting out Colorado, the past five games, Mizzou has allowed a whopping 34.8 points per game. Will Northwestern have the firepower to keep up or not?
What you will know after the game: Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin will go out as winners. Mizzou will prove to be too explosive for Northwestern and Daniel will not let his team lose this game. Missouri in a blowout, 48-24.
That's all for this time, let's see how the weekend unfolds!
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