On the Docket - BCS National Championship Game: Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0)

Synopsis:

For the fourth consecutive season, the SEC champion will play for the national championship. The Crimson Tide marched through their schedule with relative ease, dominating most of its foes along the way. Texas, meanwhile, underachieved as much as a 13-0 team can. The Longhorns failed to blow people away on offense much of the season, save for about a three-game stretch mid-season.

Both teams are led by respective Heisman finalists. Colt McCoy is in his fourth season as Texas’ starting quarterback. A national championship would go a long way in cementing his place as one of the all-time greats.

The Tide’s Mark Ingram busted onto the scene this season with a 150-yard, two-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech, and only improved as the season unfolded. Ingram is a powerful back that wears down defenses with his physical style until they simply can’t bring him down by the end of the game.

When Alabama has the ball:

The key matchup will be quarterback Greg McElroy’s handling of the Texas secondary. Earl Thomas is one of the best safeties in the country, and he is only a sophomore. His eight interceptions are among the best in the country.

Texas’ defense has played well for the most part this season, allowing only 15 points per game. The only team to score more than 24 points against the Longhorns was Texas A & M. No teams have been able to run the ball effectively against the Big 12 champions, but no team has had a running back like Ingram.

When Texas has the ball:

The Tide's defense is unquestionably the best in the country. Terrance Cody is a 350-pound run-stuffing machine at defensive tackle. Butkus Award winner Rolando McClain controls the second level of defense at middle linebacker. Javier Arenas is one of the most versatile cornerbacks at the collegiate level.

It’s going to be tough sledding for McCoy, who has struggled against the better defenses he’s faced this season. In the games against Oklahoma and Nebraska, he was a combined 54 percent on completions with one touchdown and four interceptions.

If McCoy does have success throwing the ball, it will be because his All-American wide receiver Jordan Shipley is catching passes. Shipley is a deceptively fast receiver with great hands. Think Wes Welker in burnt orange.

Unsung hero:

Leigh Tiffin is Alabama’s all-time leading scorer, and the most reliable kicker in the country. He has been the difference between winning and losing for the Tide several times in his four-year career. This season, he is 27 for 31 on field goals. In a game that will be controlled by defense, Tiffin’s leg could very well bring the national championship home to Tuscaloosa.

Who has the edge?

Alabama silenced all the doubters in its 32-13 win against Florida in the SEC title game. The Tide will be prohibitive favorites heading into the game, which is being played in Pasadena. The Tide defense could be mistaken for an NFL unit. If they get pressure on McCoy early and often, Texas will struggle. If McCoy is able to throw comfortably from the pocket, the ‘Horns have a chance. Last time Texas played for the national title, it was 4 years ago in…you guessed it, Pasadena. They were underdogs to USC in that game, and…you guessed it, they won the game. The Texas faithful are hoping for a similar result this time around. Sadly for them, it’s not meant to be.

Prediction:

Alabama 33

Texas 17

On the Docket - Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech (11-2) vs. Iowa (10-2)

Synopsis:

Passing yardage will be at a premium in Miami on Jan. 5. Iowa is a power rushing team through and through. Georgia Tech operates the triple option offense to perfection. Paul Johnson has done a tremendous job implementing his offensive philosophy in this program, and in year two the Jackets were clearly the most consistent team in the SEC. Iowa snuck its way to a 9-0 start this season before having its true colors revealed in two November losses.

Player to watch:

Jonathan Dwyer entered the season as the ACC preseason player of the year. Clemson’s C.J. Spiller outperformed him most of the season, but 1,346 yards and 14 touchdowns is more than you can shake a stick at. Those were Dwyer’s numbers in the season, including the ACC title game. When the Jackets go to the A-Back dive play, Dwyer can turn a three-yard gain into a 60-yard touchdown sprint.

Who has the edge?

Iowa is carried by its defense, and hardly ever gets more than a couple touchdowns from its offense. The scariest factor going against Georgia Tech is history. Last season, when LSU was given three weeks to prepare for the option, Tech lost 38-3. One of the biggest advantages of the triple option is how difficult it is to prepare for in one week. Having an entire month will only help the Hawkeyes’ odds.

Prediction:

Georgia Tech 30

Iowa 25

Fiesta Bowl: TCU (12-0) vs. Boise State (13-0)

Synopsis:

This is the game that neither of these teams wanted. First of all, the two Gonzagas of college football already faced one another last postseason in the Poinsettia Bowl. Secondly, both programs desperately wanted a chance to play a “big boy.” For TCU, it was dangerously close to making the national championship game against Alabama. Boise State was hoping to square off with a team like Florida or Georgia Tech. Instead, fans must settle for a sensational matchup of high-powered offense vs. dominant defense.

Player to watch: Jerry Hughes is a star in the making at defensive end for TCU. He is one of the nation’s leaders in sacks, despite facing constant double-teams from his opponents. He is undersized for a professional defensive end, so he will most likely transfer back to a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the next level. His rare combination of strength and speed in his 250-pound frame will be on full display in the Fiesta Bowl.

Who has the edge?

TCU has rolled through all of its most difficult opponents, and has played its best football the last month of the season. That being said, the Horned Frogs were clearly doing their best to impress the pollsters in hopes they would vote them into the national title game. Now that that dream is history, who knows how sharp TCU will be come Jan. 4? Kellen Moore leads Boise State on offense with a prolific scoring attack.

Prediction:

Boise State 34

TCU 31

On the Docket - Alamo Bowl: Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4)

Synopsis:

After a fraternity mishap that resulted in a full-fledged brawl a few weekends ago, Michigan State will be without eight suspended players for this game. That’s bad news for the Spartans, whose task involves stopping one of the most intricate offensive attacks in college football history. Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield both put up huge numbers at quarterback for the Red Raiders, and both will see the field in this game. The Red Raiders will return a variety of players next season, which means this game could be quite the springboard for 2010.

Player to watch:

Detron Lewis has been the go-to receiver this year for the Red Raiders, averaging 13.3 yards per catch and grabbing five touchdowns. His production dipped in the final two games of the season, but Mike Leach surely wishes to get him the football much more in the final game of the season. As a junior, Lewis is one of the players who could use this game to create some momentum for a huge season next fall.

Who has the edge?

Michigan State simply does not have its full array of weapons in this game, and there is the foundation of a tumultuous offseason brewing in East Lansing. Texas Tech is one of the hardest teams to slow down, even in the best of circumstances.

Prediction:

Texas Tech 42

Michigan State 20

On the Docket - Liberty Bowl: Arkansas (7-5) vs. East Carolina (9-4)

Synopsis:

This is a huge opportunity for the Pirates to take yet another step forward under head coach Skip Holtz. They have already pulled off enough upsets recently to keep them relevant for a little while (Virginia Tech, West Virginia 2008; Houston 2009). Arkansas is a program in the midst of rebuilding under Bobby Petrino. Ryan Mallett was a welcome addition at quarterback, transferring by way of Michigan last year. He is one of the few names at the top of 2011 pro quarterback prospects, and that is assuming he leaves after his junior season next year. He will be a Heisman favorite next season.

Player to watch:

Mallett. He has a cannon for an arm and an uncanny ability to lead an offense to a score when it most desperately needs one. Against LSU, Mallett tore apart the Tigers defense late to keep the Hogs alive, only to come up just short in overtime in Baton Rouge. The look in his eyes following that game showed a guy who couldn’t wait to get back onto the field and redeem himself and his team. Here’s his chance.

Who has the edge?

ECU is bursting at the seams with confidence after shocking favored Houston at home in the Conference USA title game. The Pirates are no stranger to big-name opponents, and they just stopped one of the most difficult passing attacks to contain in the country. However, Arkansas’ athletes across the board trump those of Houston’s, and the Pirates might have trouble with that.

Prediction:

Arkansas 33

ECU 28

On the Docket - Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (9-3)

Synopsis:

The Cowboys blew a shot at an at-large BCS berth when they laid a big, fat goose-egg against rival Oklahoma in the season finale. They were without standout quarterback Zac Robinson and running back Kendall Hunbter for that game, but both should return for the bowl. This is a rematch of the 2004 Cotton Bowl, where Eli Manning bid farewell to the college game in a 31-28 Ole Miss victory.

Player to watch:

Jevan Snead, though maybe not for the same reasons as other players with this distinction in this publication. Snead has brought a new definition to the word “disappointment”. After starting the season on the short list of Heisman Trophy candidates, Snead fell off the map with repeated abysmal performances. His accuracy has been an issue all season long, as well as his ability to take care of the football. He desperately needs a big game himself to gain some of his reputation back heading into his senior season.

Who has the edge?

The Cowboys have had the more prolific offense this season, until the shutout loss to the Sooners raised some serious concerns for Mike Gundy’s squad. Ole Miss, despite its struggles to live up to its potential, still came up with some big wins and nearly missed out on a few others.

Prediction:

Mississippi 35

Oklahoma State 32

On the Docket - Papajohns.com bowl: South Carolina (7-5) vs. UConn (7-5)

Synopsis:

Two great defenses will be on display in this game. Randy Edsall is one of the most underrated coaches in America; for proof look no further than the job he did this season with his Huskies. After the unexpected and tragic death of cornerback Jasper Howard, Edsall kept his players strong and regrouped the team in time to become bowl eligible. His team’s success has become the feel-good story of the year. South Carolina was a team that at times looked like a force to be reckoned with, but was plagued with too much inconsistency. Wins over Ole Miss and Clemson were marred by embarrassing losses to Tennessee and Arkansas. The Gamecocks played a treacherous schedule, and are better than their record indicates.

Player to watch:

Eric Norwood was the best pass rusher in the SEC, save for perhaps Carlos Dunlap at Florida. He is undersized as a defensive end, but his speed on the edge was too much for most offensive tackles to contain. He could very well establish residency in the Huskies’ backfield if they don’t account for him properly in protection schemes.

Who has the edge?

South Carolina has the physical edge, but UConn has played harder than any team in America in the second half of the season. The Gamecocks’ talent is above a bowl game of this esteem, which may work in the Huskies’ favor in terms of motivation.

Prediction:

Connecticut 26

South Carolina 17

On the Docket - International Bowl: South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5)

Synopsis:

This is a Big Ten-SEC matchup on a miniscule scale.

The Bulls’ season seemed to take a turn for the worse when senior quarterback Matt Grothe was lost for the season with a torn ACL. B.J. Daniels filled in under center, and in a stunning performance, beat Florida State on the road in his first start.

For the third straight year, however, the Bulls stumbled down the stretch after a red-hot start. This year’s team began the season 5-0 before losing five of seven to close the year.

Northern Illinois lost five games by a combined 30 points, an average deficit of six points per game. The only team to beat the Huskies by more than a touchdown was MAC champion Central Michigan.

Player to watch:

George Selvie, defensive end for South Florida was expected to have a decorated senior season and raise his stock for the NFL draft. Instead, Selvie never really got the ball rolling this season and did not put up anywhere close to the 20-sack season he had earlier in his career. Still, he was facing many more double-team blocking schemes this season. This bowl game is his final chance to put on a show for the pro scouts.

Who has the edge?

South Florida never could quite get over the hump against its better competition this season. That being said, the Bulls put up a good fight against the best teams in the Big East, and will have a decisive athletic advantage in this game. Northern Illinois is a gritty, typical Midwestern team.

Prediction:

South Florida 31

Northern Illinois 23

On the Docket - Sugar Bowl: Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0)

Synopsis:

We all saw the tears of Gators’ quarterback Tim Tebow as the final seconds ticked off the clock in the loss to Alabama, and we either cried with him, or laughed in his face. Love him or hate him, the career of one of the most decorated players in the history of college football will come to an end in this game. The Bearcats could very well be without its head coach by the time of the game, as Brian Kelly has been closely tied to the opening at Notre Dame. If so, it could make life difficult on the Bearcats, who would love to pull off the upset and spoil the final chapter on Tebow’s time as a Gator.

Player to watch: Tony Pike could have been a serious Heisman contender had a broken arm not sidelined him for a month mid-season. His tall frame and strong arm means lots of touchdowns, which is exactly what he delivers each time he hits the field. This will be a great chance for Pike to showcase his skills against a defense littered with future professionals.

Who has the edge?

Florida is obviously the Goliath in this matchup, even after the Crimson Tide rendered them mortal in the conference championship game. Tebow is a true warrior, and will not allow the final game of his college career to be a disappointment.

Prediction:

Florida 35, Cincinnati 28

On the Docket - Rose Bowl: Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2)

Synopsis:

Ohio State was left for dead midway through the season when the offense couldn’t even score as much as the defense, and they were upset at the hands of hapless Purdue. Oregon is arguably the best two-loss team in football, and one of the best stories of the season after the infamous fiasco that ensued after the season-opening loss to Boise State on the road. Oregon is one of the most fun teams to watch, and head coach Chip Kelly is on the rise as a big name in the industry.

Player to watch: There are two dual-threat quarterbacks in this game in Jeremiah Masoli for Oregon and Terrelle Pryor for Ohio State. However, the name from this game that fans will hear most over the next three seasons is LaMichael James. James replaced Legarrette Blount as the starting running back after the season opener, and all he did was rush for 1,476 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009. The diminutive back is an energetic piece to the Oregon offensive attack.

Who has the edge?

For Ohio State, a program which has been trying to discover the nuances of a successful spread offense, what better way to learn some of these than to see the best in the business first-hand? Masoli is a magician in the backfiled when it comes to executing play fakes and running the option. Pryor should pay close attention to his counterpart when he’s on the sideline.

Prediction:

Oregon 38

Ohio State 31

On the Docket - Gator Bowl: West Virginia (9-3) vs. Florida State (6-6)

Synopsis:

Who’d have thought the center of bowl controversy could originate outside the BCS? This season, the very scenario has occurred. Florida State is playing in the Jacksonville, Fla., bowl game to honor the wishes of the retiring coach Bobby Bowden. However, the Seminoles hardly earned a spot in such a prestigious bowl game, and have consequentially relegated more deserving teams to inferior bowls.

Player to watch: E.J. Manuel stepped in late in the season to replace the injured Christian Ponder at quarterback for FSU. The redshirt freshman acted his age in his three starts, throwing two touchdowns, but six interceptions. The Seminole offense was unstoppable prior to the loss of Ponder, now they are wincing through every drive, praying that it does not end in a turnover.

Who has the edge?

West Virginia. It’s clear the Seminoles don’t belong in this game. If Ponder was healthy, the Seminoles had a shot. The FSU defense can’t keep a blind institution from finding the end zone. Noel Devine, the lightning-quick Mountaineer running back, should have a career day.

Prediction:

West Virginia 38

Florida State 17

On the Docket - Capital One Bowl: Penn State (10-2) vs. LSU (9-3)

Synopsis:

Both of these teams have an argument to claim themselves BCS-worthy. Neither of them deserve a spot in one of those games more than the teams to actually fill those slots, but this game matches two teams with big-time credentials. LSU gave Florida and Alabama a run for their money this season, while Penn State rode the coattails of an easy schedule to a 10-win season. The LSU defense will give the Nittany Lions fits; the question is if the Tigers can put any points on the board themselves.

Player to watch:

Patrick Peterson is the most physical cornerback in the country. At 6’1, 211 pounds, he is a cornerback in a strong safety’s body. No receiver has gained 100 yards this season against him, and he has shut down many of the SEC’s top receivers, namely A.J. Green of Georgia and Julio Jones of Alabama.

Who has the edge?

The Tigers have done more this season to warrant the role of favorite entering this game. As nonchalant as the Tigers’ season has been, they are only a few plays away from being unbeaten. Penn State has merely coasted to this point, and there is always the Big Ten-SEC speed discrepancy to consider.

Prediction:

LSU 28

Penn State 21

On the Docket - Sun Bowl: Oklahoma (7-5) vs. Stanford (8-4)

Synopsis:

This game lost a bit of its luster when an announcement came that Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck is doubtful to play following surgery to repair a broken finger. Still, this game is a great opportunity for Stanford to take down yet another dominant program this season, having already defeated USC and Oregon.

Oklahoma must have walked under thirteen ladders, broken thirteen mirrors, and slept with a baker’s dozen black cats before the season, because they have come across the worst luck any team has seen in recent memory. Both of the team’s top NFL prospects, quarterback Sam Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham, missed virtually the entire season due to injury. With those two players healthy, the Sooners could have potentially been a top-five team.

Player to watch: Toby Gerhart is the star of the Cardinal’s team, but the key player in this game will be Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard. Pritchard is most fondly remembered in the hearts of Cardinal nation for leading his team to an improbable upset of USC in 2007. With Luck’s status uncertain for the game, Pritchard will start and most likely play the whole game under center. All coach Jim Harbaugh will ask him to do is manage the game and let Gerhart carry the load.

Who has the edge?

Stanford is a blue-collar team in the mold of its coach, and they will be fully prepared for this game. Oklahoma has dealt with too many distractions to count this season, and are more than ready to put the 2009 season behind it.

Prediction:

Stanford 31

Oklahoma 24

On the Docket - Armed Forces Bowl: Houston (10-3) vs. Air Force (7-5)

Synopsis:

Case Keenum will almost undoubtedly break Timmy Chang’s all-time passing yardage record for a career should he return to school next season. The Cougar quarterback has thrown for 5,449 yards and 43 touchdowns this season. Despite some disappointing losses to Central Florida and East Carolina late in the season, the Cougars are still one of the most entertaining teams in the country.

The Falcons’ strength lies in their defense, allowing only 15 points per game, including two shutouts. Their offense lacks the firepower of Houston’s, but their defense makes up for much of the lost ground.

Player to watch: This may be a little bland, but it’s Keenum. The guy throws the ball nearly 70 times a game, and completes nearly 50 of those passes every week. He threw for over 400 yards in seven games, and over 500 yards three times. The most amazing statistic about Keenum is that only nine of his 659 passes have been intercepted.

Who has the edge?

Houston laid a couple of eggs late in the season, leaving doubt that the Cougars are really as dominant as we thought they were. However, Air Force in no way, shape, or form has an offense to keep up with Houston. This game could be the most lopsided of the bowl season.

Prediction:

Houston 52, Air Force 28

On the Docket - Humanitarian/Holiday Bowl

Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5)

Synopsis:

Yes, they are playing this game, and yes, it will be televised outside the state of Ohio and Idaho. The Vandals are actually quite a story this season under head coach Robb Akey. This will be the first bowl game for Idaho since 1998, the only other time the Vandals made a postseason appearance. The Vandals come in as losers of four of their last five after starting the season 6-1.

Bowling Green is making a return to the bowl scene under first-year head coach Dave Clawson. The Falcons went 6-2 in conference play, and can lay claim to wins over Troy and Buffalo. They only lost by a touchdown at Missouri in September.

Player to watch: DeMaundray Woolridge saved his best season for last at Idaho, rushing for 854 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2009. He topped the century mark in rushing yards twice this season, including a 143-yard output against WAC champion Boise State. He would love nothing more than to end his career with a few more highlight reel-worthy touchdowns in the bowl game.

Who has the edge? Bowling Green is the more accomplished team, and Idaho is coming in on a bit of a losing skid. Idaho does have the advantage of a virtual home game in Boise, and may not be affected by the blue turf, since they play on it every other year during the regular season. Still, Bowling Green is just that much better than Idaho at this point in time.

Prediction:

Bowling Green 37

Idaho 28

Holiday Bowl: Arizona (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-4)

Synopsis:

This may be the most intriguing matchup of any bowl game on this year’s slate. Both teams are defined by great defenses. Mike Stoops at Arizona and Bo Pelini at Nebraska have built their respective programs around shutting down opposing offenses. The Wildcats entered November controlling their own Rose Bowl destiny. The Huskers nearly knocked off Texas in a controversial Big 12 championship game. This game will be the ultimate chess match between two of the game’s best defensive minds.

Player to watch: Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive tackle prospect to play college football since Warren Sapp in the mid-1990s. He wreaks havoc in every opposing backfield he faces. The fact that he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist speaks volumes for the respect he has earned by the national media as a force on the interior defensive line. This is a big-time NFL audition for Suh, who could be the first player selected overall in next April’s draft.

Who has the edge?

Nick Foles has come on strong as the Arizona quarterback in the latter part of the season, and has helped the Wildcat offense score enough points to support their great defense. He has not faced a defensive lineman anywhere near the caliber of Suh, however, nor a defense like Nebraska’s. The Huskers proved in the Big 12 championship that they could stop any offense put in front of them.

Prediction:

Nebraska 23

Arizona 18

On the Docket - Champs Sports Bowl, EagleBank Bowl

EagleBank Bowl: UCLA (6-6) vs. Temple (9-3)

Synopsis: The Owls, more commonly known as the laughing stock of college football, have made a resurgence under head coach Al Golden. They were one game away from playing for the MAC championship, and are easily one of the better stories of the year. After opening the season with losses to Villanova and Penn State, the Owls did not taste defeat again until the final game of the season against Ohio.

UCLA, on the other hand, started off hot, winning its first three games before enduring a five-game losing streak, all against Pac-10 opponents. There have been inconsistency issues at quarterback that have plagued the Bruins all season long.

Player to watch:

Bernard Pierce is the Owls’ top rushing threat. For the season, he has carried the ball 224 times for 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named first-team all-conference, and is the primary reason for the Owls’ surprisingly strong season. UCLA has had trouble stopping the run this season, and Pierce should be relishing the opportunity to showcase his skills against a program like UCLA’s.

Who has the edge?

Temple, similar to SMU, is simply happy to be playing in a bowl game. However, Al Golden is of a different mold than June Jones, and you can bet he will have his team looking sharp in the mindset to take down the Bruins and make a statement for the Temple program. The Bruins have limped to the finish line this season, and simply are not that much better than Temple, if at all.

Prediction:

Temple 28

UCLA 17

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Champs Sports Bowl: Miami (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3)

Synopsis:

The Hurricanes endured a rollercoaster of expectations this season. Prior to the season, critics were saying they could start the year 0-4. After winning its first two games, Miami was then proclaimed to have returned to the national scene. At season’s end, the ‘Canes seemed to have fallen somewhere in the middle of those expectations, finishing third in the Coastal Division but with an opportunity for a double-digit win total.

Wisconsin took advantage of all of its weaker opponents, but fell at the hands of all its superior opposition. Brian Clay is a bruising running back tailor-made for this offense, and can punish any defense over the course of a game.

Player to watch: Jacory Harris has been at the epicenter of the Hurricanes’ fortunes this season. When Miami sprinted out of the gates, Harris was touted as one of the nation’s finest young passers. On the contrary, when Harris endured a mid-season slump, Miami lost a few surprising games and some national credibility at the same time. As Harris goes, so does Miami. This game is important for Harris and the rest of his team to give them momentum heading into 2010.

Who has the edge?

Miami has the better athletes, and the better record in games against credible opponents. Wisconsin’s best win came against either Michigan State or Fresno State. Miami beat Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Florida State, and South Florida. They will have plenty of confidence entering this game.

Prediction:

Miami 34

Wisconsin 24

On the Docket - Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5)

Music City Bowl: Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5)

Synopsis: This is far from where the Tigers would like to be playing, and coach Dabo Swinney has been very vocal about it. Clemson rode a six-game winning streak to a division title, before losing its final two games of the season. They were one minute away from winning the ACC championship, but instead allowed a late touchdown by Georgia Tech to hand the Jackets the title.

Kentucky is one of several SEC teams with a 7-5 record, but the Wildcats took advantage of weaker opponents for much of the season. They did salvage two mildly impressive victories against Georgia and Auburn, but besides that they struggled to keep up with better competition.

Player to watch: C.J. Spiller. If you have not heard of the Tigers’ do-it-all running back before now, it’s time you start watching college football. Spiller is the best professional prospect at the running back position in the nation, and for good reason. In the ACC title game, he ran for a career-high 233 yards and four touchdowns. He does most of his damage in the return game however, with his 4.3 speed proving to be out of reach for many defenders.

Who has the edge? Clemson is clearly the more talented team in this game, but that is true much of the time the Tigers hit the field, yet they do not always win. Kentucky makes a habit of giving teams trouble in the postseason, and Clemson is devastated that they fell this far in the bowl selection process. That being said, the Wildcats have no answer for Spiller.

Prediction:

Clemson 27, Kentucky 21

On the Docket - Emerald Bowl: Boston College (8-4) vs. USC (8-4)

Synopsis:

You can’t find a game in the country this season pitting two teams with more polar opposite expectations/results of their respective seasons. USC is the dynastic program of the decade, winning seven straight conference titles and churning out NFL prospects annually.

Boston College, on the other hand, lost two linebackers, one of them to cancer, its quarterback and head coach in the off-season, leaving many skeptics wondering if this team could win more than a couple games.

Instead, head coach Frank Spaziani and his team rallied around the inspirational story of Mark Herzlich, who was diagnosed, battled, and eventually defeated cancer all in the past year. The Eagles were one game away from the third straight ACC title game appearance, but that doesn’t damper the success of this team in the least.

Player to watch: David Shinksie is the Eagles’ 25-year-old quarterback who spent more than five years playing minor league baseball. The rust was apparent much of the year, as the better defenses in the ACC abused the elder statesmen of the league. USC has little motivation to be playing in this game, but their defense is still one of the best Shinskie will see all season. How he responds to that will be the pivotal factor of the game.

Who has the edge? On paper, USC wins this game running away. But the Eagles have shown this season just how little the phrase “on paper” really means. USC has shown down the stretch that it is national championship or bust for that program, so its hard to believe there is any life left in this team.

Prediction:

Boston College 17 USC 14

On the Docket - Meineke Care Bowl: Pittsburgh (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4)

Synopsis:

Both of these teams were red-hot heading into the final week of November, before cooling off in the final weeks. North Carolina reversed the fortunes of its season after upsetting Virginia Tech 20-17 in Blacksburg, also beating Miami and Duke in the following weeks.

Pittsburgh was 9-1 entering its game with West Virginia, before losing to the Mountaineers on the final play of the game. The heartbreak wasn’t over for the Panthers, who blew a 21-point lead to lose in the final minute against Cincinnati in a game that decided the Big East championship.

Player to watch:

Robert Quinn was overshadowed in the ACC this season by other big-name defensive ends like Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech), Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech), and Ricky Sapp (Clemson). Quinn may be the best of the bunch, however, and will soon be playing on Sundays. Expect Quinn to make a big statement in the season finale.

Also worth watching is Pitt’s super-freshman Dion Lewis. The Panther running back toted the ball 47 times in the loss to Cincinnati for nearly 200 yards. The Tar Heel defense is one of the most underrated in the country, and stopping Lewis will be its primary objective for this game.

Who has the edge?

North Carolina’s defense might be one of the few in America capable of containing Lewis. Furthermore, it’s hard to imagine the Panthers being excited to play in this game, when they were 30 seconds from playing in the school’s second-ever BCS bowl game. The Tar Heels would love the opportunity to finish the year 9-4 after such a slow start.

Prediction: North Carolina 23, Pittsburgh 21

On the Docket - Little Caeser’s Bowl: Marshall (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-4)

Synopsis: This is a reunion of a former MAC rivalry, ceasing after Marshall left for Conference USA a few years back. The Thundering Herd are without their head coach, Mark Snyder, who was fired at the end of the regular season. Marshall is led by running back Darius Marshall, who after serving a one-game suspension to start the season has had a fine year.

The Bobcats have become a prominent program (in MAC standards) since the hiring of former Nebraska coach Frank Solich. Solich has built the Ohio program from the ground up, and this year the Bobcats were the East Division champions. They lost to Central Michigan 20-10 in the conference championship game, but there is no doubt that Solich has this program moving in the right direction.

Player to watch: Theo Scott has made his only season as a starter at Ohio a memorable one, passing for 19 touchdowns and completing nearly 60% of his passes. Scott has accounted for 22 touchdowns altogether for the Bobcats. His best game came earlier in the season against Tennessee, when he threw for 319 yards and a touchdown in a 34-23 loss.

Who has the edge? Marshall is struggling down the stretch missing Darius Marshall and its other top playmaker, tight end Cody Slate, not to mention the firing of coach Snyder. Ohio is clearly a program on the upswing, while Marshall seems to have scrapped the foundation from within before the season has even concluded.

Prediction:

Ohio 24

Marshall 14