The Advisors picks every bowl game
December 20- The Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. Utah
This could be a very entertaining game with the Utes and the Middies scoring a lot of points. I know Navy's coach Paul Johnson left for Georgia Tech, but the triple option is still very hard to prepare for and will give Utah problems. In the end though I think Utah will outscore the Midshipman, with QB Brian Johnson scoring at will against the terrible Navy defense.
Advisor's Gut Pick: Utah 45 Navy 35
Actual Score: Utah 35 Navy 32
December 21- The New Orleans Bowl: Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis
The Sun Belt Champs take on a Memphis team that has had to endure a lot this season. I was really impressed with the Owls being able to win at Troy in their last game of the season. I think that success will propel FAU to a victory here. Memphis is really hot right now coming into this game on a 3 game winning streak, but it's not like they were beating great teams.
Advisor's Gut Pick: FAU 38 Memphis 34
Actual Score: FAU 44 Memphis 27
December 22- The PapaJohns.com Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss
I think this could be a pretty ugly game with the Bearcats wearing out the Golden Eagles. This Cincy team is a very solid squad and have beaten some pretty good opponents, including Oregon State, Rutgers and South Florida. USM has had a rather disappointing season and now is coming into this game with a new coach for the first time in 18 years. I think Cincy's defense is going to dominate this football game, while their offense should have more than a little success.
Advisor's Gut Pick: Cincy 41 Southern Miss 14
This is one of the Advisor's favorites with Cincy favored by 11 points
Actual Score: Cincy 31 Southern Miss 21
December 22- The New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. Nevada
Example #1 as to why there are entirely too many bowl game. Please tell me how a 6-6 Nevada club deserves to play in a bowl game. Granted it is a bowl game played in Albuquerque, but, still, come on. If I were a Wolf Pack fan there is no way I'm going to this game. Heck if I was a Lobo fan it still would be tough. Anyway I think New Mexico wins this game in a close one.
Advisor's Gut Pick: New Mexico 34 Nevada 31
Actual Score: New Mexico 23 Nevada 0
December 22- The Las Vegas Bowl: BYU vs UCLA
Hey, do you remember when these two teams played last time? You should because it was this season. There should be a rule that no two teams, that have already played once in a season, should ever have to meet in a meaningless bowl game. By the way I think the Cougars deserved a better bowl bid and should extract some painful revenge on the Bruins.
Advisor's Gut Pick: BYU 31 UCLA 17
This is one of the Advisor's favorites with BYU favored by 6.5
Actual Score: BYU 17 UCLA 16
December 23- The Hawaii Bowl: Boise State vs. East Carolina
Well it's not quite the Fiesta Bowl and East Carolina is not quite Oklahoma. Boise State has already rolled one Conference USA opponent in Southern Miss this season and should do it again against the Pirates.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Boise State 45 East Carolina 27
Actual Score: Boise State 38 East Carolina 41
December 26- The Motor City Bowl: Purdue vs. Central Michigan
How fired up can you get over a bowl game that is a rematch between two teams that have already played this season and was a blow out. I'm sorry but a Chippewa-Boilermaker rematch is not what I call must-see TV. In the end I think this game will be closer than the previous game, but the Boilers should still win pretty easily.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Purdue 41 Central Michigan 27
The Advisors is fond of this game with Purdue favored by 8.5 points
Actual Score: Purdue 51 Central Michigan 48
December 27- The Holiday Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State
The Holiday Bowl is generally one of the most entertaining games of the bowl season. I think this year's version offers the best non-BCS match-up with the Longhorns and Sun Devils meeting up in San Diego. I think there is going to be a lot of points in this one, with both offenses finding a lot of success against the opposing defenses. Look for QBs Colt McCoy and Rudy Carpenter to both have big games. In the end I think ASU's defense is simply better than UT's and should be able to make enough plays to win this game.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Arizona State 38 Texas 31
Actual Score: Arizona State 34 Texas 52
December 28-The Champ Sports Bowl: Boston College vs. Michigan St
On paper this game doesn't look like much of a contest. The Eagles' defense is fantastic against the run, finishing #1 in the country in rush defense. The Spartans' offense revolves around their running backs, Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. If the running game doesn't get going then the offense really has problems. It will be up to MSU's inconsistent QB, Brian Hoyer, to spread the field and open up the run game. Watch out for a great matchup with Eagles CB DeJuan Tribble and Spartan WR Devon Thomas.
The Eagles offense will of course be led by stud QB Matt Ryan, who should be able to move the ball pretty easily against a soft Spartan secondary. Now it is important that the BC O-line gives Ryan time to throw and you can bet State will be bringing blitzers from all over the place. If MSU can't get to Ryan he will have a a huge day.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Boston College 38 Michigan State 28
The Advisor is fond of this game with BC favored by 3.5 points. I would be cautious following my advice however as this Bowl season has not been kind.
Actual Score: Boston College 24 Michigan State 21
December 28-The Emerald Bowl: Oregon State vs. Maryland
This is a tough game to handicap as both teams have had their high points and low points this season. Maryland has the talent to be a very good football team and showed it in wins over Rutgers and Boston College, but this is also a team that lost to North Carolina and finished 6-6. Oregon State has won 6 out of their last 7 games, but was blown out by UCLA and Cincinnati earlier in the year. I really think this game should be a defensive struggle with both teams having trouble moving the ball. The Oregon State defense has been fantastic this season and finished the year as the nation's #12 unit in total defense. Terp QB Chris Turner will have to play his best game if Maryland wants to win this game. The Beaver defense will be loading up to stop UM's RB tandem of Keon Lattimore and Lance Bell and if Turner can't take their focus off these guys it could be a long day for the Maryland offense.
OSU has to be one of the more improved teams over this season. At the beginning it looked like the Beavers were going to be one of the worst offenses in the country. They turned the ball over at will and really couldn't do anything against decent teams. But after a blow out loss to UCLA things changed and this team really started to pull things together. Now don't get me wrong, this State offense is nothing to write home about, but if their QB, either Sean Canfield or Lyle Moevao, can avoid making a lot of mistakes and RB Yvenson Bernard is healthy then this team can do just enough to win. It will be up to Maryland's standout LB Erin Henderson to slow down Bernard and if he can do it then the Beavers are going to have some trouble. I would also like to point out both of these teams have been great the last couple of years in their bowl games and it shows that both coaches now know to utilize their time off, making this game even harder to pick.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- Oregon State 24 Maryland 20
Actual Score- Oregon State 21 Maryland 14
December 28-The Texas Bowl: TCU vs. Houston
I really think this game will be dominated by the Horned Frogs' defense. It also doesn't hurt that Houston is in the midst of a coaching change and should have a lot of problems getting prepared for this game. While The Cougars have a lot of explosive elements to their offense, I think this TCU defense is one of the best in the country and now that they have had weeks to prepare I think they should be ready to prove why everyone was so high on this team in the preseason. It also gives Head Coach, Gary Patterson, a chance to salvage a season that has to be considered a huge disappointment.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- TCU- 27 Houston 17
Actual Score- TCU 20 Houston 13
December 29-The Meineke Bowl: Connecticut vs. Wake Forest
If you sponsor a bowl game I think you should at least try to put a cool name on it. The Meineke Bowl has to be the worst named Bowl of all time. Oh well at least this game does have an interesting matchup. The Huskies have to be one of the best stories of 2007, coming off an incredible year which saw UCONN at one time ranked in the top 15 and winning 9 games. Wake was the surprise team of 2006 and followed their ACC Championship season with a solid 8-4 year. This game looks like a very even match-up with both teams playing mistake free offense and making big plays on defense. I really think this will be a defensive struggle and the team that doesn't do anything stupid on offense should win. In games like this you have to like Wake's Head Coach, Jim Grobe, because when his Demon Deacons play a team that is very similar in talent to themselves, Wake always seems to win.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- Wake 27 UCONN 20
Actual Score- Wake 24 UCONN 10
December 29-The Liberty Bowl: Central Florida vs. Mississippi St.
You need to watch this game if you haven't seen UCF RB Kevin Smith. The season this guy is having is incredible and with a big game against the Bulldogs he could break one of the greatest records in NCAA history. Currently he's only 180 yards away from Barry Sanders' incredible regular season mark of 2,628 yards. Smith will face a solid MSU defense that has been at times very good this season. The Bulldogs will be loading the box against Smith, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will stop him. In games against Arkansas and West Virginia, the Bulldogs had a lot of trouble stopping the opposing team's running game, even though MSU knew the Mountaineers and the Razorbacks had to run the ball to win. This is the exact same situation. It may be up to the Bulldog offense led by RB Anthony Dixon to merely keep up in what could turn into a track meet.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- UCF 31 MSU 27
Actual Score- UCF 3 MSU 10
December 29-The Alamo Bowl: Penn State vs. Texas A&M
This game is almost impossible to pick because you really don't know what Aggie team is going to show up. Is it going to be the A&M team that came out throwing the ball all over the place against Texas or a A&M team that lost its coach and is just waiting for the season to end? One thing is for sure, if the Aggies want to win this game, they aren't going to do it handing the ball off and trying to run off tackle. The Penn State defense is too physical to run right at them, I don't care how fat, er..., I mean big, your running back is. If QB Stephen McGee throws the ball like he did against Texas the Aggies have a great chance of winning this game. If he doesn't this team will be lucky to score 17 points.
Well this is it PSU fans, the final game for QB Anthony Morelli. Morelli simply never lived up to his expectations and he really takes the brunt of the blame for the Nittany Lions not competing for Big 10 Championships. In this game it will be up to the much-maligned QB not to screw up and simply play within himself. If he takes what the Aggies give him he should have a decent game. I think PSU has a huge advantage at WR and could exploit a below average A&M secondary if Morelli plays well.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- Penn State 38 A&M 24
Actual Score- Penn State 24 A&M 17
December 30-The Independence Bowl: Colorado vs. Alabama
If this game was being played 5 years ago this could have been a pretty good game. However in 2007 this is one of the biggest dog games of the bowl season. Again, why should two 6-6 teams get a bowl game? Granted the Independence Bowl is played in Shreveport, LA. so how big a reward is it, really? But still a .500 season should not be acceptable for a big time college program.
I'll go ahead and get off my soapbox and tell you what I think is going to happen in this game. 'Bama should win this game based on talent alone. I mean with QB John Parker Wilson, RB Terry Grant and WR DJ Hall, this team has playmakers. Of course this is also the same team that has lost their last 4 games, including at home against Louisiana-Monroe. Colorado finished the year off with a big win over Nebraska, but don't let that fool you they can play as bad as any team in the country. It really is hard to believe that a team that beat Oklahoma and Texas Tech could get blown out by Kansas State and beat by Iowa State. I think the deciding factor in this game is going to be how badly Nick Saban needs this win. Don't get me wrong the Buffs' head man, Dan Hawkins, needs a winning record too, but he was never thought of as the second coming of Bear Bryant.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- Alabama 34 Colorado 24
Actual Score- Alabama 30 Colorado 24
December 31-The Armed Forces Bowl Bowl: California vs. Air Force
What a season it has been for the Golden Bears. At one point Cal was ranked #2 in the country and looked like a legitimate threat for the national title. Then things started going downhill and when I say going downhill I mean Britney Spears' career kind of stuff. Losing 6 out of their 7 games Jeff Tedford's team looked terrible. The incredible Bears' offense was horrible the last part of the season and had trouble scoring on anybody, including Stanford. Tedford went from being one of the hottest coaches in the country to maybe feeling a little heat in Berkeley.
On the other hand Air Force was a huge surprise in the Mountain West. The running attack was incredible finishing the season as the #2 rushing team in the nation. First year head coach Troy Calhoun had his squad running the triple option to perfection at the end of the season and this should give the Bears a lot of trouble. I really think this will be a very entertaining football game with a lot of big plays, but if Cal gets focused and plays to their ability, I'm not sure Air Force has the horses to keep up.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- Cal 41 Air Force 32
Actual Score- Cal 42 Air Force 36
December 31-The Sun Bowl: South Florida vs. Oregon
You have to feel for the Oregon Ducks. Before their star QB, Dennis Dixon, got hurt against Arizona I'm not sure their was a better team in the country. I know football is the ultimate team sport and one player shouldn't make that much of a difference, but Dixon did. I opined awhile back "If Dixon stays healthy I have no doubt he wins the Heisman and the Ducks are in the BCS Title Game". However Dixon tore up his knee and now Oregon takes on a good South Florida team with either Justin Roper or Cody Kempt, both redshirt freshman at quarterback. They better be ready for a Bull defense that will be bringing the heat all day with a very good secondary that will extract heavy payment for sloppy throws. RB Jonathan Stewart has to have a huge game in order for the Ducks to win this game.
I really like the Bulls in this game, because head coach Jim Leavitt knows how to take on a spread offense. Remember this is a team that shut down West Virginia earlier this season and with the Ducks' QB problems, DE George Selvie and CBs Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams could make a very long day for the Duck offense. The USF offense should have some success with QB Matt Grothe leading the way. Also look out for RB Mike Ford who was really coming on at the end of the season.
The Advisor's Gut Pick- USF 27 Oregon 17
Actual Score- USF 21 Oregon 56
December 31-The Humanitarian Bowl: Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech
Nothing says Bowl season like the blue turf in Boise, Idaho. My hat goes off to any Yellow Jacket or Bulldog fans who go to this game. You, my friends, are way past big time fans, you are uber-fans. It's easy to go to a bowl game in Florida, Arizona or California in the winter. But to go to Boise, that's monumental.
Now to the game. This has been a very disappointing year for GT going 7-5. One good thing about this ball game is that it gives the nation one last chance to see RB Tashard Choice in college. When Choice is healthy Tech plays well, when he's not the Yellow Jackets have almost no offensive identity. One thing's for sure, GT cannot rely on QB Taylor Bennett, who was less than impressive during the regular season. If the Bulldogs shut down the running game there is no way Tech wins this game.
Okay the Bulldogs have two assignments in this game:
1. Stop Choice, which is a lot easier said than done.
2. Pass the ball effectively.
Bulldog QB, Tom Brandstater is a decent quarterback and he will have to throw the ball down the field in order to stretch out this Tech defense. If he can't do that, then FSU is going to have a lot of trouble moving the football. GT LB Phillip Wheeler is a monster and leads a defensive unit that is very tough against the run. There is no way the Bulldogs move the ball relying on their running game.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Georgia Tech 28 Fresno State 17
Actual Score: Georgia Tech 28 Fresno State 40
December 31-The Music City Bowl: Florida State vs. Kentucky
I'm sure you guys got the same E-mail that I got from Bobby Bowden asking if I wanted to play in this bowl game for the Noles'. I would, but my wife said we already had plans and I was not going to leave her alone on New Year's Eve. I really hope the 30 some-odd players that got caught cheating on some exam at Florida State learned a lesson in the whole thing. If you are going to cheat, make sure you don't get caught. Boy are things getting bad in Tallahassee. I did hear that Bowden is making his team watch the movie "Necessary Roughness" like 35 times for inspiration, but he only shows them the last 15 minutes. One thing this does do for FSU is allow them to play without any pressure. This game should not be close with Kentucky destroying these guys, but sometimes, situations like these can strengthen a team and make them play over their heads. Since I don't really know who will be playing for the Noles' I will only say this, QB Drew Weatherford needs to have a big game.
Kentucky should win this game running away. QB Andre Woodson should face a very depleted Nole secondary and should have the Wildcat receivers frothing at the mouth. I don't see any way this game is close.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Kentucky 41 Florida State 27
This is the Advisor's Pick of the Bowl season with Kentucky favored by 4 points. Again look out because the football gods have not been kind to me lately.
Actual Score: Kentucky 35 Florida State 28
December 31-The Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Clemson vs. Auburn
This should be a great game. Both teams are coming off relatively disappointing seasons, but both had great moments. Auburn comes into this game at 8-4, in a season that saw AU fans calling for the coach's head after the 3rd week of the season. But Tommy Tuberville showed, once again, that he is one of the premiere coaches in the country and pulled his team together for a good season. Remember, Auburn was one play away from winning the SEC West. The Tiger defense should give Clemson a lot of problems, particularly in the passing game where Tuberville's crew is ranked 6th nationally against the pass. The offense will have trouble against the Clemson D, but you have to like QB Brandon Cox who just knows how to win.
Clemson needs to run the ball in this game. QB Cullen Harper is a good player, but I don't think he is at the point that he can win a game by himself. In all of the Tigers' losses on thing is very apparent: they couldn't run the ball. RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller are both very quality backs, but it seems if they have trouble moving the ball in the beginning of a game the Tiger coaching staff stops giving it to them. It is very important that Tommy Bowden stays patient and lets his running backs work into a rhythm. On defense Clemson should be able to handle Auburn's offense.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Auburn 24 Clemson 20
Actual Score: Auburn 23 Clemson 20
December 31-The Insight Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Indiana
There has been few better stories this year than the Hoosier football team. Losing their coach, Terry Hoeppner in the summer, Indiana dedicated this season to their fallen coach and managed to get to a bowl game for the first time in 14 seasons. This game should be an offensive shootout with both teams having explosive players on the offensive side of the ball and weak defenses. For Indiana to win they need a big game from QB Kellen Lewis and WR James Hardy. This is a dangerous combination and 6'7" Hardy should have his way with the Cowboy secondary. Lewis also has to limit turnovers which have been a problem for the young QB all season long.
The Cowboys are also going to score a lot of points behind QB Zac Robinson, RB Dantrell Savage and WR Adarius Bowman. Savage is a very underrated player who will be one of the best backs Indiana sees all season. I really think this OSU offense is going to have it's way against the Hoosiers and win this game.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Oklahoma St. 45 Indiana 34
Actual Score: Oklahoma St. 49 Indiana 33
January 1- The Outback Bowl: Tennessee vs. Wisconsin
I am really looking forward to this game. The Volunteers and the Badgers look very even when you compare their on-field performances and they should put on a quite a show. If Wisconsin wants to win this game they are going to have to get their run game going early in the game. Stud RB P.J. Hill was hampered toward the end of the regular season, so it will be interesting to see how healthy he is in this game. The Vols defense has been less than impressive against the run and Hill could really make them pay. If the Badgers do get the running game going watch out for TE Travis Beckum to have a huge game. On defense it will be important for the UW D-line to get pressure on Tennessee QB Erik Ainge. If they don't Ainge is good enough to score a lot of points.
Over the last few weeks the Volunteers have looked very impressive and almost pulled the upset over LSU to win the SEC. QB Erik AInge, Arian Foster and Lucas Taylor give this team quite an offensive punch and should have success moving the ball on a Wisconsin defense that has been somewhat of a disappointment this season. On defense the Vols haven't really had a banner year, and will need to play well to stop the Badgers.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Tennessee 31 Wisconsin 27
Actual Score: Tennessee 21 Wisconsin 17
January 1- The Cotton Bowl: Arkansas vs. Missouri
If you like offense this should be the game for you. The Razorbacks and Tigers should have a lot of success moving the ball on one another with big plays being the norm from guys like Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin. I think the Tigers will be really fired up in this game and should be ready to prove to the country they got screwed by the BCS. Arkansas will play well, but not having Houston Nutt on the sidelines could take away from the Hogs' intensity. I also wouldn't be surprised if Mr. McFadden runs a little easier than normal in order to avoid injury.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Missouri 41 Arkansas 30
Actual Score: Missouri 38 Arkansas 7
January 1- The Capital One Bowl: Florida vs. Michigan
If you look at what happened this season, it would be hard to give the Wolverines much of a chance in this game. With terrible performances against Appalachian State and Oregon the Big Blue defense showed they had a lot of trouble stopping a spread offense. So here comes Heisman winner Tim Tebow and a Gator team that runs a spread about as well as anyone in the country. Florida is going to have a lot of success moving the ball in this game. The thing is, Michigan should also have a lot of success on offense. QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WR Mario Manningham should get yards and score points. They are just going to have get a lot of them both to keep up with Florida.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Florida 45 Michigan 31
Actual Score: Florida 35 Michigan 41
January 1- The Gator Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Virginia
You talk about two teams with different philosophies. In the world of college football I'm not sure there are two teams more different than the Cavaliers and the Red Raiders. Tech is an offense first, out score your opponent kind of team while UVA likes to grind with teams and win close ball games in the last few minutes. The problem with playing the Raiders is that you very rarely see a team run their kind of offense. Mike Leach's passing attack is really a thing of beauty that is incredibly hard to stop. In fact the only way to stop it is by getting to the QB. Enter DE Chris Long. If there is one guy in the country that can cause Texas Tech problems it's this guy. The premiere pass rusher in the country, Long should get to QB Graham Harrell at least a couple of times and throw things off.
Virginia's offense is going to have to stay on the field in this game in order to keep Texas Tech's offense off. I really think they can with RB Mikell Simpson and QB Jameel Sewell running the ball. One thing is for sure, they cannot turn the ball over, because if they do, they won't stand a chance.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Texas Tech 38 Virginia 31
Actual Score: Texas Tech 31 Virginia 28
January 1- The Rose Bowl: USC vs. Illinois
To be honest I do not like this game. There is no way the Fighting Illini deserved to get a BCS bowl bid. 3 losses in a very average Big 10 Conference should not get you to Pasadena. In fact Illini head man, Ron Zook, may wish he had gone to a different bowl after taking on a Trojan team that is healthy and looking like one of the elite teams in the country. This is not a good match up for the Zooksters with USC's strengths going against Illinois' strengths. Illini RB Rashard Mendenhall is going to have a hard time finding running room against a Trojan defense that is spectacular against the run. It will be up to QB Juice Williams to make plays both running and throwing in order to loosen up the defense.
USC could have some trouble scoring points in this game, with Illinois' defense being a very underrated unit. LB J Leman is a big time player and will be ready for the Trojan running attack. If Leman and the rest of he teammates have success stopping the USC running backs and force QB John David Booty to throw the ball, Illinois could win this game.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: USC 31 Illinois 14
Actual Score: USC 49 Illinois 17
January 1- The Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Hawaii
This is going to be a tough game for the Warriors. I'm not sure Hawaii is going to be able to slow down Bulldog RB Knowshon Moreno and I think that will be the difference in the game. Moreno will impose his will on June Jones' squad, which will do two very important things, score points and keep Colt Brennan off of the field. Also Hawaii has never seen a defense like UGA's. Brennan is going to be rushed in the pocket and could have a very long night.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Georgia 34 Hawaii 17
Actual Score: Georgia 41 Hawaii 10
January 2- The Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
Pat White and Steve Slaton meet Austin English and Curtis Lofton. This is the bottom line if QB White and RB Slaton can't have big games against DE English and LB Lofton then the Mountaineers will not win. I don't think the Sooners are going to have a lot of trouble moving the ball on West Virginia. QB Sam Bradford, RB Allen Patrick, WR Malcolm Kelly and TE Jermaine Gresham along with one of the best offensive lines in the country are going to score a lot of points. West Virginia has to keep up. Look for the Mountaineers to throw the kitchen sink at the Sooners with a ton of trick plays and long passes. One thing that will really help WVU is the fact that OU will be without 3 important defensive players. CB Reggie Smith is out with a toe injury, CB Lendy Homes didn't make his grades and DT DeMarcus Granger got arrested. These three guys are very important players for the Sooners and could even things out for the Mountaineers.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Oklahoma 41 West Virginia 27
Actual Score: Oklahoma 28 West Virginia 48
January 3- The Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
The first 3 BCS bowl games have been terrible with all three games decided by 20 points or more. The Jayhawks and Hokies should provide a competitive football game with both teams playing good fundamental football. KU and VT both play good defense which should make this game a low scoring affair. I think this game will come down to which offense doesn't turn the ball over. The Jayhawks have been fantastic in that department leading the nation in turnover margin. Of course, Tech is far behind, ranked 10th in the country. Kansas QB Todd Reesing will face his biggest challenge in the Hokie defense which should cause Reesing a lot of problems. It is imperative that RBs Brandon McAnderson and Jake Sharp get yards on the ground against LBs Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. If the Jayhawk duo can't, look for the VT secondary to have a big game.
Tech RB Brandon Ore never really got going this season and needs to do something against a Kansas defense that has been great against the run. The Hokie QB tandem of Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor should keep KU on their toes, but watch for Kansas CB Aqib Talib to make a big play or two. I really like how KU's defense matches up in this game. In the end if the Hokies don't make a big play in special teams I think Kansas wins.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Kansas 27 Virginia Tech 20
Actual Score: Kansas 24 Virginia Tech 21
January 5- The International Bowl: Rutgers vs. Ball State
Nothing says college football like Toronto. In a game that has about as much appeal as shaving my legs, watch the Scarlet Knights star RB Ray Rice have a monster game against a Cardinal defense that is terribly over-matched. Rutgers QB Mike Teel should also have a great game. The Cardinals should also score points with QB Nate Davis leading the way, but it won't be enough with Rutgers scoring almost at will in this one.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Rutgers 45 Ball State 34
Actual Score: Rutgers 52 Ball State 30
January 6- The GMAC Bowl: Tulsa vs. Bowling Green
If this game doesn't get you ready for the BCS Title Game, nothing will. The Golden Hurricanes are led by one of the best quarterbacks you have never heard of, Paul Smith. Smith is a fantastic QB who is going to make a lot of plays against a Falcon defense that won't put up much of a fight. TU RB Tarrion Adams is also a big playmaker who will make things happen. With that being said Bowling Green should have a lot of success against a Tulsa team that gave up over 40 points in six games this year. Falcon QB Tyler Sheehan is a good player who can make a lot of things happen. WR Anthony Turner is also a multipurpose guy who is a lot of fun to watch and hard to prepare for.
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Tulsa 48 Bowling Green 38
Actual Score: Tulsa 63 Bowling Green 7
January 7- The BCS Title Game: Ohio State vs. LSU
Is it just me, or does it feel like the college football season ended last week? I hate that the title game is so far after the normal bowl games that it can't feed on the energy from the previous bowls. How much fun would it have been if this game was last Friday. Instead it follows some pretty good NFL playoff games and the country's focus really does shift off of the college game. Anyway it's time to tell you guys what's going to happen.
For anyone expecting a repeat of last year's Florida-Ohio State match-up don't count on it. Here's the deal. Last year the Buckeyes were being talked up like one of the greatest teams of all time. For almost 2 months OSU heard about how the BCS title game was going to be a coronation not a contest. Well we all know what happened when the Bucks looked like deer in headlights as they watched Urban Meyer's Gators run circles around them. This year the tables have turned and if I'm a Tiger fan I'm worried about that little guy in the vest, because he sure knows what he is doing. Remember Jim Tressel beat a Miami team that was an all-timer a few years ago. I think he loves the role of the underdog and is going to have this team chomping at the bit to prove themselves this year.
This game is going to highlight two great match ups. First Ohio State's O-Line vs DT Glenn Dorsey and the Tigers' fantastic front seven should be great. If the Buckeyes want to score points they are going to have to be successful running the ball. RB Chris Wells is a good back, but he's not the kind of speed merchant that really gives LSU problems. He won't be able to bounce the ball to the outside against this Tigers defense and will have to take what the defense gives him. That means 4 and 5 yard gains right up the gut, while not losing yards trying to bounce it to the outside. QB Todd Boeckmann needs to do his best Craig Krenzel routine and not make mistakes, while getting a few yards with his feet.
The other great matchup will be the LSU running backs against the Ohio State linebackers. RBs Jacob Hester, Trindon Holliday and Keiland Williams against LBs James Laurinaitus and Marcus Freeman will be great. I really like how the Buckeye defense sets up against the Tiger offense. I think LSU is going to have trouble running the ball on this Ohio State team which opens the door for CB Malcolm Jenkins and DE Vernon Gholston to make game changing plays. I also have a problem with Les Miles stating he is going to run two quarterbacks in this game, because the OSU defense is too good to try gimmicking stuff against. I believe this is going to be a low scoring football game, where one mistake could really hurt your team.
The final thing you have to discuss about this game is the fact that LSU is playing in New Orleans. So how big an advantage is this for the Tigers? One would think playing 60 miles from home would be a huge advantage in this game, but let's remember Florida and Auburn almost beat the Bayou Bengals in the Bayou, while Arkansas got it done. I think Jim Tressel will use this to his advantage and have his team really fired up. I also think the Buckeyes have a huge advantage in the coaching department in this one. In the end I think I'm going with the upset. I mean, come on, this is the last game of the year. The Advisor has to go out with a little gusto!!!
The Advisor's Gut Pick: Ohio State 24 LSU 20
Actual Score: Ohio State 24 LSU 38
