Today’s Bowl Games

BOWL UPDATE

    To date my bowl picks against the line aren't fairing too well. As of today, I stand at 5-8.

    Today's matchups pit Nebraska against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl and Idaho against Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl.

    Idaho goes to Boise as a 1-point favorite. The Vandals finished the season at 7-5 but lost their last three and have lost 17 straight in November. This is their first bowl game in 11 years. On the other hand, Bowling Green features one of the premier receivers in the country in Freddie Barnes, the Biletnikoff finalist with the best stats: (138 catches, 1551 yards, 16 TDs). Despite starting the season 1-4, the Falcons finished the regular season at 7-5 (6-2 in the MAC) against a stronger schedule than the Vandals. BGSU lost by only seven on the road at Missouri. If I were a betting man, I'd have to take Bowling Green and the point.

    Nebraska (9-4 and 6-2 in conference) with All-American defensive tackle Ndomukong Suh leading a fearsome defense goes to San Diego as 1-1/2 point underdogs. Suh, whom I consider the best player in college this year, almost wrecked Texas' BCS title hopes with a superlative performance in the Big 12 title game. Zach Lee, at quarterback, leads a marginal offense, with Roy Herlu, Jr., getting most of the carries. Coach Bo Pellini hasn't cracked a smile since game officials (correctly) put a second back on the clock, giving Texas just enough time to kick the game-winning field goal.

    Arizona, with Mike Stoops at the helm, takes an 8-4 record into the game. Their 3-point loss to Oregon in Tucson ultimately cost them a Pac-10 title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. They finished 6-3 in conference, capping the regular season with a 21-17 win over USC. Nick Foles, QB, and Travis Cobb, WR, are players to watch.

    For my money, I'll take the Cornhuskers in this one.

 

The Real Don Steele

12/30/09