Bowls, Initial Impressions

Bowls, Initial Impressions

Holiday...Arizona vs Nebraska
I was impressed by the way that Arizona played in the Territorial Cup game and against USC, especially in the second half.  And they must have made enough of an impression on the Holiday Bowl committee that they decided to take the Wildcats over Stanford.  I was very impressed with how good the Nebraska defense played against Texas.  This is as good of a defense as they have ever had in Lincoln.

Sun...Stanford vs Oklahoma
This is a young and exciting Cardinal team against "The Stash".  Should be a fun game to watch.  OU will try to use this game as a springboard to next season.

Emerald...USC vs Boston College
Two 8-4 teams.  USC is having a down year, but will look to build momentum against the Eagles.

Las Vegas...BYU vs Oregon State
BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall played for OSU in college.  But what does BYU have to gain?  Max Hall can cement his legacy in this game.

Poinsettia...Utah vs California
On paper, Cal is arguably the most talented team in the PAC-10.  So will they continue to underachieve?  The Ute defense is playing well will provide another chance to show off their freshman quarterback.

Armed Forces..Air Force vs Houston
Haven't we been here before?  Air Force had a little trouble with Mad Max in their last regular season game.  This exposed the Falcon defense enough for Case Keenum to take full advantage.  Can the Cougar defense handle the Air Force attack?

New Mexico...Wyoming vs Fresno State
It's time for Ryan Matthews to build a resume.  Whether he decides to test the NFL waters or decides to remain in Fresno or go for the Heisman next year, he needs to show off a little bit.  The Cowboy defense will not be the mood to play along.  This game probably will not be the blowout it appears to be at first.

Hawaii...Nevada vs SMU
June Jones returns to Honolulu.  Nevada is a speedy, fast team that will be able to run wild on the turf at Aloha Stadium.

Humanitarian--Idaho vs Bowling Green
Idaho backs into this game after loosing their last four games.  Needs to capture the magic they had earlier in the season.

BCS:

Championship--Alabama vs Texas
Texas did not look so good against Nebraska, but the Husker defense is very good.  The Longhorn defense is nothing to sneeze at either.  Alabama will not be able to run through them like they did to Florida.

Rose...Oregon vs Ohio State
The Ducks are the real deal and the Buckeyes came on late.  Should be a good game.

Fiesta--TCU vs Boise State
This looks interesting, but now a BCS bowl and been demoted to a non-AQ championship game.  BSU might belong here, but the Horned Frogs deserved a shot at the National Title game.  They should be more than Boise State can handle.  Much more.

Orange--Ga Tech vs Iowa
The Orange Bowl had a weak game last year, and this one should be just as weak an uninteresting.  Iowa should win big.

Sugar--Florida vs Cincinnati
If Cincinnati deserved better, they will have a chance to prove it in New Orleans.