The Bowl games are gearing up for much better match ups and there are starting to be schools which folks have actually heard of this coming week, like Boise State, Arizona State, Texas, and Mizzou. There are six bowls coming up this week, and I'm only previewing five, as really, please tell me who really is excited for the Little Caesars Bowl between Western Michigan and Purdue, a very mediocre MAC school and a poor Big Ten school.
Then, in the NFL, there are several clinching scenarios, which involve home field and division and playoff implications. Some of those scenarios in the NFC include Dallas clinching the East with a win and a Giants loss, Green Bay clinching home-field advantage throughout with a win, San Francisco clinching a first round bye with a win, and Atlanta and Detroit clinching playoff spots with a win.
Then, in the AFC, some of the clinching scenarios include: New England clinching a first round bye with a win and Houston loss, Baltimore clinching the North with a win and Pittsburgh loss, and Denver clinching the West with a win and Oakland loss. So, there are a lot of clinching scenarios, and some pretty good games heading into the penultimate weekend of the regular season. Now, on to the picks!
Bowls
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas
Arizona State vs. #7 Boise State, Thursday, 8, ESPN
Boise State should roll over the Sun Devils in this game due to a multitude of factors. The first being that Boise is first of all, is a much better team than ASU. Secondly, Kellen Moore is looking to become the first quarterback in the history of division 1-A football to reach 50 victories, and should be a second round draft choice like Andy Dalton. Thirdly, Arizona State just fired their coach, so they don't have much momentum heading into this game.
Pick: Boise 51, ASU 12
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Nevada vs. #21 Southern Miss, Saturday, 8, ESPN
Nevada is not the same team it was last year, when it beat Boise State for the WAC title and had a master of the pistol offense in Colin Kapernick. But, they fared decently in a depleted WAC, finishing second in total defense, only averaging 372 yards a game. The Wolf Pack are led by defensive tackle Brett Roy, who led the WAC in sacks and tackles for loss. Southern Miss meanwhile, stopped Houston's run towards a BCS berth and got the C-USA title in the title game, at Houston. So, they have momentum on their side, and a fantastic offense, led by second leading passer Austin Davis in the C-USA, and Davis has passed the legendary Brett Favre in all passing categories at Southern Miss, which is an impressive feat. This game should be close, and a good way to close out your football Christmas Eve.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313582572
Pick: Southern Miss 27, Nevada 21
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA
Mizzou vs. North Carolina, 5, ESPN2
This is a game between two very middling teams in their respective conferences, Mizzou in the Big 12, and North Carolina from the ACC. Mizzou is going to have a very tough time next season in the SEC, after their transfer from the Big 12. Both schools had trying seasons, with Mizzou losing its running back, Henry Josey tore two ligaments. Josey was a great back, as he ran for nearly 1200 yards and nine touchdowns. Mizzou also lost its head coach, Gary Pinkel for a game, due to a drunken driving charge.
North Carolina meanwhile, had to deal with all of the headaches that came with all of the allegations that were laid upon them. That forced the firing of Butch Davis, who was leading the school on the up and up in the ACC. North Carolina has two very good skill position players in running back Giovanni Bernard and wide receiver Dwight Jones. So, this will be a good matchup, should feature a lot of offense.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313600153
Pick: North Carolina 26, Mizzou 24
Belk Bowl, Charlotte, NC
Louisville vs. NC State, 8, ESPN, Tuesday
This game is rather easy for me to pick, as NC State is essentially playing a home game, and coming from a much better conference than Louisville in the ACC over the Big East. Therefore, gotta go with the Wolfpack.
Pick: NC State 28, Louisville 23
Bridgepoint Holiday Bowl
Cal vs. #24 Texas, 8, ESPN, Wednesday
This bowl has traditionally been one of the better bowls headed into the New Year, normally between two ranked teams. But, as the Pac-12 was down this year, and Cal was a prime example of that, only going 7-5 on the season. Texas also was down this year, only going 7-5 as well. Texas has had its difficulties choosing which quarterback to start in some games, whether it be Case McCoy or David Ash. Texas started out very strong, going 4-0, but has gone 3-5 since, finishing up yet another disappointing season. Cal, on the other hand, has gone 3-1 in its final four games, led by the backfield of Zach Maynard and Isi Sofele. Those two have definitely been helping Cal finish out the season strong, and with them playing in their home state, go with the Bears.
Pick: Cal 31, Texas 21
NFL
Note: All Games previewed are on Saturday, unless otherwise noted.
New York Giants at New York Jets, 1, Fox
Both of these teams need this win, otherwise, they're essentially eliminated from playoff contention. The Giants need it more though, as if they lose, and Dallas wins, as mentioned above, they are eliminated from playoff contention. The Jets still could get in if Cincy loses and they win next week. Both teams are coming off bad losses, the Jets last week to the suddenly fighting Eagles, and the Giants lost to the woeful Redskins. The Giants have also been going on their seemingly annual second half collapse, going 1-5 in their past six games. However, they have been tough losses, sans for last week. I think the Giants will have enough to pull it out though, and eliminate the Eagles from playoff contention for good.
Pick: NYG 32, NYJ 30
Oakland at Kansas City, 1, CBS
Both teams need this win, in order to keep their slim AFC West hopes alive. Kansas City has less of a chance than Oakland does, as they need to win, Denver to lose at Buffalo, and San Diego needs to lose to Detroit. The latter is more possible than the former, but it's still possible. Oakland just needs Denver to lose. Oakland hasn't fared too well the past three games, losing each one, and last week's was especially painful, losing to Detroit on a last effort 98-yard drive. So, all of the wind may be gone from their sails. Kansas City meanwhile, is coming off a great win, handing Green Bay their first loss of the season.
Pick: Kansas City 17, Oakland 13
San Diego at Detroit, 4, CBS
Detroit is looking to go to the playoffs for the first time since 1999, and all they need is a win at home in order to do it. My guess is that even though they're facing a suddenly resurgent San Diego team, just coming off their win versus the AFC North leaders in Baltimore. But, as Detroit has shown resiliency throughout the season, I think they pull this off in what is essentially their home playoff game.
Pick: Detroit 37, San Diego 34
Philadelphia at Dallas, 4:15, Fox
The Eagles need to win their final two games and need New York to lose this week, and win next week for the Eagles to backdoor their way into the playoffs for the 11th time in the 13 years that Andy Reid has been there. Do I have faith that the Eagles can do it? As picked above, no. Granted, the Eagles completely shell shocked the Cowboys following their bye week a few weeks ago, but this team cannot be trusted whatsoever. Dallas meanwhile, has lost two of their past three, with the only win being at a Tampa team which has been reeling since week 7. But, as mentioned, can't trust the Eagles, and playing at Dallas, really don't trust them.
Pick: Dallas 44, Philly 21
Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
New Orleans has been one of the hottest teams in the NFL this season, winning seven of the past eight games, with the only loss, an aberration to the Rams. New Orleans also has been one of the best offenses this season, not only throwing the ball, as Drew Brees is only a little over 300 yards away from breaking Dan Marino's 27 year old passing yards record, which most though would never be broken. But, also rushing, as New Orleans ranks in the top quarter of the league in rushing as well, due to the trio of Chris Ivory, Mark Ingram, and perhaps their most valuable pickup of the offseason, Darren Sproles, who has fit into the Reggie Bush role quite well.
Atlanta meanwhile has also been a very hot team, winning four of their past five, with the only loss being at Houston, which isn't a bad loss at all. Atlanta has been following the formula that won them the division last year. That formula is: rely on Michael Turner, allow Matt Ryan to manage the game well, and have a solid defense. Granted, they haven't been as good as last season, but they've still played very well throughout the season.
However, since New Orleans has a chance to clinch the division, and at home, I think they'll pull it out.
Pick: New Orleans 35, Atlanta 27
Allow us to remember the true reason for the season, Jesus, and Him humbly becoming a man and stepping down to Earth from his throne as God. May you all have a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family!
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