MPC COMPUTERS BOWL - Dec. 31, 2006 - Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Miami (6-6) vs. Nevada (8-4)
Larry Coker's final game as Miami's coach ends in a climate that is - almost literally - the polar opposite of the balmy ocean breezes found near Coral Gables. The fact that his successor is on his coaching staff gives this contest a somewhat unique set-up and subplot heading into the matchup with the Nevada Wolf Pack.
And who is this "Nevada" of which I speak? A team that closed out the season on fire, that's who. A team that started off the season as badly as possible, with terribly ugly losses to an awful Fresno State club and a below average Arizona State squad. A team that then righted their ship in a big way, winning 8 of their next 10 (the closest win being a 31-21 victory over Northwestern). A team that was about average on both offense and defense, but excellent in turnover margin. A pretty dadgum good team, that's who the Nevada Wolf Pack are.
The Canes, on the other hand, were a bit of mess this year, but closed the season out nicely with that upset over Boston College. And, if there was ever a team that needed a break from the season, it was Miami. Considering that, along with the emotions that will sure to be flowing in light of Coker's coaching finale, look for the Hurricanes to play one of their best games of the year. And they'll need to.
Miami 27, Nevada 14
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
No, I Am Not Deliberately Neglecting Boston College...
...in case you're wondering.
The naming of Jeff Jagodzinski as head coach occurred during my two-week hiatus away from All Things Blog, and then I had this pesky work thing this morning that prevented me from posting a Meineke Bowl preview.
As far as that Meineke Bowl goes, what a great way to bridge two eras. Extending that bowl win streak is more important than many think, as it gives BC their first 10-win season in 22 years, and the last-minute nature of the win will produce a high that could be carried over into the spring.
Now, about Coach "Jags"....color me absolutely neutral regarding the hire. The guy certainly has a more infectious personality than "TOB" and that will likely be a strong asset on the recruiting trail. Still, this is Jags' first head coaching gig, and he's been out of the college game for 8 seasons. Let's just say that there's going to be a learning curve. That said, if he can produce 9-3 type seasons year in and year out, and with a bit more flair than Tom O'Brien displayed, then all will be well in Chestnut Hill.
The naming of Jeff Jagodzinski as head coach occurred during my two-week hiatus away from All Things Blog, and then I had this pesky work thing this morning that prevented me from posting a Meineke Bowl preview.
As far as that Meineke Bowl goes, what a great way to bridge two eras. Extending that bowl win streak is more important than many think, as it gives BC their first 10-win season in 22 years, and the last-minute nature of the win will produce a high that could be carried over into the spring.
Now, about Coach "Jags"....color me absolutely neutral regarding the hire. The guy certainly has a more infectious personality than "TOB" and that will likely be a strong asset on the recruiting trail. Still, this is Jags' first head coaching gig, and he's been out of the college game for 8 seasons. Let's just say that there's going to be a learning curve. That said, if he can produce 9-3 type seasons year in and year out, and with a bit more flair than Tom O'Brien displayed, then all will be well in Chestnut Hill.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview
CHICK-FIL-A BOWL - Dec. 30, 2006 - Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Virginia Tech (10-2) vs. Georgia (8-4)
Two of the best defenses in the nation square off in this annual ACC-SEC throwdown. The Hokies top-rated D squares off against the Dawgs' underwhelming offensive attack, while UGA's 9th-rated D looks to tee off against a 95th-ranked Tech offense. So, naturally, expect 90 total points, 1000 yards, and a few OTs.
Both programs look to be favorites in their respective league races next year, and a win tonight would certainly enhance recruiting efforts and the overall outlook heading into spring.
All that aside, the Bulldogs haven't come close to seeing a defense this year like the Hokies....the next highest rated defense UGA faced was Georgia Tech's 20th rated overall unit. Meanwhile, the Blacksburg boys are used to ganging up on the inept attacks of the ACC, and the '06 Dawgs are every bit as inept offensively as the Hokies' conference brethren.
The fact that this game is in Atlanta is a plus for Georgia, but there will still be plenty of Virginia Tech faithful in attendance. Score one for the ACC.
Virginia Tech 17, Georgia 13
Virginia Tech (10-2) vs. Georgia (8-4)
Two of the best defenses in the nation square off in this annual ACC-SEC throwdown. The Hokies top-rated D squares off against the Dawgs' underwhelming offensive attack, while UGA's 9th-rated D looks to tee off against a 95th-ranked Tech offense. So, naturally, expect 90 total points, 1000 yards, and a few OTs.
Both programs look to be favorites in their respective league races next year, and a win tonight would certainly enhance recruiting efforts and the overall outlook heading into spring.
All that aside, the Bulldogs haven't come close to seeing a defense this year like the Hokies....the next highest rated defense UGA faced was Georgia Tech's 20th rated overall unit. Meanwhile, the Blacksburg boys are used to ganging up on the inept attacks of the ACC, and the '06 Dawgs are every bit as inept offensively as the Hokies' conference brethren.
The fact that this game is in Atlanta is a plus for Georgia, but there will still be plenty of Virginia Tech faithful in attendance. Score one for the ACC.
Virginia Tech 17, Georgia 13
Friday, December 29, 2006
Champs Sports Bowl Preview
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL - Dec. 29, 2006 - Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Maryland (8-4) vs. Purdue (8-5)
Two teams that sat out last bowl season with 5-6 records now quietly face off in the lesser of the two Orlando bowls for the right to be the Least Regarded Major Conference Team With Nine Wins.
Purdue has found themselves at 8-5 by precisely following the formula of beating every team they should beat, and losing to every team that they should lose to. Maryland, on the other hand, hasn't done anything particularly well (#96 nationally in total offense, #89 in total defense), except win the close ones. They were blown out in 3 of their 4 defeats, while 6 of their 8 wins were by a touchdown or less.
Purdue hasn't fared very well against anybody with a pulse, while Fridge's boys just get it done...for the most part. The 2006 Maryland Terrapins will be one of the least impressive 9-win major conference teams you'll see for a long while...
Maryland 27, Purdue 23
Maryland (8-4) vs. Purdue (8-5)
Two teams that sat out last bowl season with 5-6 records now quietly face off in the lesser of the two Orlando bowls for the right to be the Least Regarded Major Conference Team With Nine Wins.
Purdue has found themselves at 8-5 by precisely following the formula of beating every team they should beat, and losing to every team that they should lose to. Maryland, on the other hand, hasn't done anything particularly well (#96 nationally in total offense, #89 in total defense), except win the close ones. They were blown out in 3 of their 4 defeats, while 6 of their 8 wins were by a touchdown or less.
Purdue hasn't fared very well against anybody with a pulse, while Fridge's boys just get it done...for the most part. The 2006 Maryland Terrapins will be one of the least impressive 9-win major conference teams you'll see for a long while...
Maryland 27, Purdue 23
Music City Bowl Preview
MUSIC CITY BOWL - Dec. 29, 2006 - The Coliseum, Nashville, TN
Clemson (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
Ah yes, the always dangerous "One Team Happy To Be Here" vs. "One Team Kinda Mopey To Be Here" matchup. We've seen this type of scenario knock Oregon and Cal off their pouty perches the last two seasons. While this matchup doesn't have a juicy BCS-snub storyline, make no mistake - Kentucky is positively giddy to be in Nashville and the Tigers are certainly not.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to imagine the porous Wildcat defense doing much to stop Thunder Davis and Lightning Spiller. Stacking the box early and hoping QB Will Proctor gets rattled is about the only shot the Cats have of staying in the game, but they just don't have the horses to do it.
That said, look for very talented UK QB Andre Woodson to burn the Tigers a few times, giving the likely pro-Cat crowd a few reasons to cheer. Regardless, Clemson will salvage a bit of their fading season this afternoon.
Clemson 30, Kentucky 17
Clemson (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
Ah yes, the always dangerous "One Team Happy To Be Here" vs. "One Team Kinda Mopey To Be Here" matchup. We've seen this type of scenario knock Oregon and Cal off their pouty perches the last two seasons. While this matchup doesn't have a juicy BCS-snub storyline, make no mistake - Kentucky is positively giddy to be in Nashville and the Tigers are certainly not.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to imagine the porous Wildcat defense doing much to stop Thunder Davis and Lightning Spiller. Stacking the box early and hoping QB Will Proctor gets rattled is about the only shot the Cats have of staying in the game, but they just don't have the horses to do it.
That said, look for very talented UK QB Andre Woodson to burn the Tigers a few times, giving the likely pro-Cat crowd a few reasons to cheer. Regardless, Clemson will salvage a bit of their fading season this afternoon.
Clemson 30, Kentucky 17
Thursday, December 28, 2006
'Noles Roll
So naturally since I picked UCLA to beat Florida State in a low-scoring defensive Emerald Bowl, the Seminoles and Bruins combined for 864 yards of offense and 71 points in FSU's 44-27 victory. Please, for the love of God, never never never never friggin never wager so much as a nickel beer on anything I write in this online testament to my idiocy.
That said, congrats to Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles for pulling this 2006 season out of it's near fatal nosedive and turning in a nice smooth landing on the shores of San Francisco Bay.
That's 30 straight dadgum winning seasons, if you're counting
That said, congrats to Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles for pulling this 2006 season out of it's near fatal nosedive and turning in a nice smooth landing on the shores of San Francisco Bay.
That's 30 straight dadgum winning seasons, if you're counting
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