This week brings a lot more exciting bowl games, as the postseason starts to heat up, and there will be bowls everyday sans Christmas Day from now until January 7, when the BCS National title game takes place. Then, in the NFL, this week brings the last week of any intercronference games, and any non divisional games, as for the third consecutive season, the NFL has scheduled divisional games in the last week hoping that some will decide divisions and playoff match ups. Finally, my record from last week is: 2-1 bowls, don't know the result of the Beef "o" Brady's Bowl yet, as it happens today. Then, in the NFL, I went 4-2 in perhaps the most difficult week yet.
Bowls
MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, 3:30, Saturday, ESPN
Washington vs. Boise State
As you can guess, this game is being played in Vegas, and it is an interesting match up, as this is the first of back to back games these two teams have against each other. They also play in the season opener of 2013. Boise is also very familiar with this game, as they've played in it the past two seasons, and been very successful, winning their past two games. Both of these teams have some pretty good defenses in this day and age of football, holding opponents under 24 points per game, so for a bowl, should be fairly low scoring. Although, both teams' quarterbacks are pretty good, with Joe Southwick ending the season with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last three games for Boise, while Keith Price, kind of a pro ready quarterback competing in a spread offense conference. Boise has played a tough schedule and want to make their exit from the Mountain West a winning one.
Pick: Boise 24, Washington 21
Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman, 3, Thursday, ESPN
#24 San Jose State vs. Bowling Green State University
Although this is a minor bowl, and features two lower to mid major conferences, it should still be a good game. These two teams at the beginning of the season, were picked to finish in the lower halves of the MAC and WAC respectively. These teams also are coming from low win totals the previous seasons, and it should just be a fun game to watch.
Pick: SJSU 26, BGSU 21
Belk Bowl, 6:30, Thursday, ESPN
Cincy vs. Duke
The only reason why this game is on my list is because Duke is making a bowl for the first time since 1994! That is how bad Duke football has been over the past two decades. David Cutcliffe has done a remarkable job in Durham, and hopes to continue it for a while. But, Duke has plunged since a 6-0 start, and will lose to one of the better teams in the Big East.
Pick: Cincy 45, Duke 12
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, Thursday, 9:45, ESPN
Baylor vs. UCLA
UCLA is coming off two straight losses to the same team in Stanford in the regular season finale, and in the PAC-12 title game, but are looking to have their first double digit win season since the Maurice Jones-Drew days in 2005. UCLA is led by a running back who should be a workhorse at the next level in Jonathan Franklin, and he very well could have a field day against a Baylor defense which has been a sieve, allowing 38 points per game. Baylor meanwhile, has been pretty decent down the stretch though, as they finished with a three game winning streak which started with a huge upset of number one K-State. But, go with a rebound victory for UCLA.
Pick: UCLA 47, Baylor 31
Russell Athletic Bowl, Friday, 5:30, ESPN
Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech had a horrible season by their standards, only going 6-6 and ending up in this cruddy bowl. Their quarterback, Logan Thomas, had a shaky season. Rutgers, meanwhile, has had a solid season in their first year since program architect Greg Schiano left for Tampa Bay and the NFL. Their defense has been pretty good the entire year, and should be taking care of Thomas.
Pick: Rutgers 34, Tech 20
NFL
Washington at Philadelphia, 1, Fox
Washington will have RG3 back, not like it matters, against the worst Eagles team in Andy Reid's tenure. Washington will also retain its hold on the NFC East lead.
Pick: Washington 35, Philly 13
Cincy at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS
Pittsburgh needs this game to regain its footing in the AFC playoff picture, and if they lose, they are out of the playoff picture entirely. So, therefore, go with them, and their vigor to get a spot.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Cincy 21
Minnesota at Houston, 1, Fox
Minnesota needs this game in order to retain its hold on the NFC's sixth and final playoff spot, which they are holding on to, thanks to MVP candidate Adrian Peterson, who is basically Minnesota's offense. Houston, though, is a very stout defense and seem to look stronger each week.
Pick: Houston 31, Minnesota 16
New York Giants at Baltimore, 4:25, Fox
Both teams got their butts handed to them last week. But, Baltimore has been playing horribly of late, and since Pittsburgh lost last week, Baltimore miraculously has a playoff spot, even though they have sucked in the past three weeks. New York also needs this game in order to even have a shot at the playoffs and defending their championship. Plus, New York has more fight in them, as whenever they lose, they tend to bounce back the next week and win.
Pick: New York 31, Baltimore 21
San Francisco at Seattle, 8:20, NBC
This is a very interesting game, as it has two young quarterbacks competing for a shot at the NFC West title. San Francisco has to win in order to secure themselves the NFC West title, and Seattle has to win in order to clinch a playoff berth. San Francisco also needs this in order to keep their hopes for the second seed in the NFC alive. Both these teams also have stellar defenses, allowing the fewest points in the entire league throughout the year, as nobody else is within 30 of these teams. So, it should be a very exciting game, in one of the best atmospheres in the NFL.
Pick: San Francisco 24, Seattle 20
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