It is hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the regular season in the NFL. What is even more amazing is 13 teams are in contention for the playoffs, and only four playoff spots are already locked up. Then, there is the very much lackluster bowl season thus far, with only one of the four games so far exciting. But, here's hoping for some more exciting bowl games within the next week. Also, thankfully there are more enticing match ups in bowl games this coming week, and there are nine bowls within the next week, so I'm picking the best five bowls in my opinion. Also, as with last week, I give credit to Will Harris, and this week to Pat Forde of espn.com for providing some of the info for me.
College
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Navy at San Diego State
This is one of three games being played at the home team's stadium. the other two being the Hawaii Bowl and the Armed Forces Bowl. But, it will be interesting to see which school has more fans at the game, San Diego State or Navy. Navy has a base in San Diego, and then obviously it is at San Diego State's stadium. But, onto the game. Brady Hoke has done a remarkable job at San Diego State, turning this program from moribound to bowl bound in just two seasons. The Aztecs also have a prolific passing attack which ranks 11th in the nation led by Ryan Lindley, who has passed for over 3,500 yards and may be a dark horse Heisman candidate next season. Navy, on the other hand loves to run the ball, and senior quarterback Ricky Dobbs may have a NFL job lined up for him after his service commitment runs out. Dobbs will want to go out on top, but I gotta go with the hometown Aztecs.
Pick: SDSU 31, Navy 14
Champs Sports Bowl
West Virginia vs. North Carolina State
Tom O'Brien and bowl winning go hand in hand, as O'Brien owns a 8-2 mark in bowl games. The Wolfpack has a great quarterback in Russell Wilson, who has averaged over 300 yards a game by himself. But, the West Virginia defense is in the top five in the nation for both yards allowed and points allowed. West Virginia 's offense hasn't been as explosive as the Mountainners had hoped it'd be, as star running back Noel Devine has been battered by injury, but should be healthy for this game. west Virginia will ride their defense to a win in this game.
Pick: West Virginia 24, N.C. State 13
Insight Bowl
Mizzou vs. Iowa
Iowa has been a disappointment this season, especially in their last three games when they went into a free fall, losing their final three including against a lowly Minnesota team. Mizzou and their spectacular quarterback Blaine Gabbert went 10-2 over the season and their only two losses were to Big 12 north winner Nebraska and to Texas Tech, which was a let down game. Mizzou also beat then number one Oklahoma at home, so I'll give the edge to Mizzou in this one.
Pick: Mizzou 42, Iowa 20
Texas Bowl
Illinois vs. Baylor
This isn't a particularly exciting bowl game, but it's worth watching just for the national exposure of Baylor, who hasn't gone bowling since 1994. Neither team was good by any stretch of the imagination, as both teams were awful down the stretch. Both teams feature good running games though, as Illinois has Mikel Leshoure who rushed for over 1,500 yards and Baylor has Robert Griffith II, and expect a shootout.
Pick: Baylor 45, Illinois 38
Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Arizona has been in free fall, as they haven't won a game since October. That fact alone makes me want to pick against Arizona. Also, the Wildcats defense has been non existent their past four games, giving up at least 24 points in each of their final four games. Oklahoma State has been a juggernaut offensive team the entire season with the terriffic trio of Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon, and Kendall Hunter. If Oklahoma State ever got a defense to match its impressive offense, they could be a national title contender.
Pick: Oklahoma State 50, Arizona 28
NFL
San Francisco at St. Louis
This is one of those games in the ever worsening NFC West. This is an anomaly for this season, as no division is rarely this bad, and this division winner will probably go out in the first round, but there must be a winner. San Francisco has won five straight versus the Rams, and I think that trend will continue this week, even in St. Louis. The 49ers defense will be their saving grace and pick off Sam Bradford and sack him a lot to help the anemic offense.
Pick: San Francisco 24, St. Louis 23
New York Jets at Chicago
Chicago came out of frigid Minnesota with the NFC North title and now they are on their quest for the NFC's number two seed. The Jets need to win out to secure a playoff spot, and they looked good against Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, as they rattled Ben Roethlisberger all day and came back from a fourth quarter deficit to win. I think Chicago will lose out, as that would be helpful to the Eagles. I also think the Jets will finish out the season as they did last year, with victories in their final two games to sneak into the playoffs.
Pick: New York Jets 31, Chicago 21
New York Giants at Green Bay
This game is an elimination game for Green Bay, as if they lose, they're eliminated from the playoff picture. New York could lose this game and still get into the playoffs, if Green Bay lost in week 17 and New York won against Washington. But, this will be a good game, as Aaron Rodgers is back after suffering a concussion against Detroit. New York will need to bounce back from their debacle against the Eagles when they gave up 28 points in 7:30 seconds. With Rodgers back, I think the Pack will bounce back and get a win.
Pick: Green Bay 24, New York 20
Minnesota at Philadelphia
Philly is flying high after their miracle at the Meadowlands and just need to win both of their games and have Chicago lose once for the Eagles to clinch the number two seed in the NFC. They also just need the Giants to lose once or the Eagles need to win once to clinch the NFC East. If the Giants don't lose in Green Bay, the Eagles most definitely will win against Minnesota in the snow on Sunday night. The Vikings will have either a bruised and battered Brett Favre starting or inexperienced rookie Joe Webb starting at quarterback. Sean McDermott will have the blitzes lined up and ready to go to rattle either quarterback and the Eagles will create turnovers.
Pick: Philly 34, Minnesota 13
New Orleans at Atlanta
New Orleans has pretty much clinched a playoff spot, all they need to do is either win or have Tampa lose and they have clinched. New Orleans needs to win this game and pray Atlanta loses to Carolina in week 17 for the Saints to clinch back to back NFC South division titles. Atlanta has been proving me wrong week after week, winning continuously on the road as well as at home. Atlanta has not lost at home since 2007, but they have escaped losses at home throughout the season. I think New Orleans will rectify their loss in week three and finally win in Atlanta.
Pick: New Orleans 26, Atlanta 24
Finally, remember the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ and his birth. Let us remember God becoming man this weekend along with the feast full of family and friends. Let us remember Jesus' birth this weekend and every day. Have a wonderful weekend, fill yourself with food and enjoy this weekend!
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