Bowl Game Predictions

Happy New Year's Eve!

Now for Some Bowl Games!

 

      I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday last week. Now that we have all the meaningless bowls out of the way, lets get into the big matchups.

 

      In action today:

 

   

      Vanderbilt vs NC State. It was a great showing for Vanderbilt earlier today. Vandy forced a season high FIVE turnovers and won their second straight bowl game. With this win it gave Vandy their 9th win of the season; which is the most wins for Vanderbilt since the early 1900's. Congrats to Vanderbilt and their fan base.

 

     Georgia Tech vs USC. Believe it or not, I knew Georgia Tech would have success against the Trojans' defense. As it stands at this point. It is in the 4th qtr and Georgia Tech has over 200 yards rushing and is ahead 21-7. This would be a huge statement for Georgia Tech even though USC is having a rough season. Perhaps more importantly, it would greatly help the ACC if the Yellow Jackets can come away with a win in this game.

 

      LSU vs Clemson. This is sure to be the most interesting game on New Year's Eve. On one side you have a high powered offense that can throw up points real fast, and on the other you have a very stingy defense. LSU is bringing the defense, and Clemson is bringing the offense..... Tigers vs Tigers. ACC vs SEC. Yet another chance for the ACC to salvage a little, and I emphasize a LITTLE, respect this season. The ACC had one of its worst seasons in over a decade. With a Georgia Tech win over the PAC-12 and a Clemson win over and SEC team, it would be a huge statement for the conference. It won't be easy. Clemson's only strength happens to work in favor of LSU's strength. Clemson's weakness? Well, it's in nearly every other part of their game. Clemson's defense has struggled all season. It will be a huge challenge for Clemson's defense. I am taking the Tigers in this one.... Tigers win 28-17.... No good? I guess I should clarify which Tigers... Nah, I will stick with the score and tell you which Tigers after the game.

 

 

*******FINAL SCORE UPDATE*******

          Georgia Tech defeats USC 21-7

 

       New Year's Day Action

 

      January 1, 2013 will bring on some good games.

 

 

      Michigan vs South Carolina. Michigan has had some late season success, but I don't think it will be enough in this game to come up with a win. South Carolina's defense will be too much for the Wolverines. If Michigan fans haven't heard of a defensive end named Clowney, they will be sick of him by the end of the first qtr.  South Carolina wins, 27-10. Chalk up another Bowl Win for the SEC.

 

 

      Georgia vs Nebraska. This certainly wasn't the bowl game Georgia was hoping for about a month ago, but I don't think they will lose too much focus. Nebraska has to be the team that is a little 'hungover'. They were crushed by Wisconsin, and that ripped a sure Rose Bowl right out of their hands. This may not be a 'Big Bowl' game, but it is a chance for the Cornhuskers to make a statement for the B1G Ten. If you haven't caught on to the theme yet, it clearly is on the minds of a bunch of teams that are playing against SEC teams in Bowl Games. Everybody wants a piece of the SEC. Everybody wants to be able to say that they beat an SEC team. Nebraska will have their shot. Georgia may have a little trouble with Martinez early on, but in the end, Georgia gets the win. Bulldogs win, 35-20.

 

 

 

          Wisconsin vs Stanford. Yeah, that's right. Wisconsin is representing the B1G Ten in the Rose Bowl against Stanford. And what a mess it would create if Wisconsin came away with the win. Don't think for one minute that Wisconsin doesn't have it in them to win this game. In fact, I like Wisconsin in this matchup. It will be a very emotional game for them and that may be the difference in this game. The big boys at ESPN and Vegas experts are saying Stanford by 6.5 points.....not me, I am taking Wisconsin and they will win, 31-24.

 

        Florida State vs Northern Illinois. There are some big story-lines surrounding this game. Whether it is NIU cracking into the BCS, Mark Stoops leaving FSU to become the Head Coach at Kentucky, or the fact that FSU hasn't won a BCS Bowl since 1999 (Let alone played in one since 2005). Don't be surprised if NIU comes out and punches Florida State right in the mouth. FSU has the distractions of so many things happening. They won the ACC for the first time since 2005; are they satisfied with just being there? The Noles will be without Mark Stoops. Could be a good thing, right? Some fans think Stoops played too conservative.....Yet they have one of the best defenses in the country. One of the more 'under the radar' topics has to be how FSU has fallen since their loss to NC State back in October. The Noles have steadily declined since that game. Sure, there were a couple of key victories after that game, but as far as the big picure, they have struggled. This is a game where Jimbo Fisher must call on his seniors......and the seniors better answer the call. Fisher has a rough record in games that his team is favored in, and this is another one of those games that has fans a wreck.

         ESPN and Vegas are giving the Noles a 13 point spread in favor of the Noles. This is a game that Florida State's superior players should win, no matter how bad the play calling might be.......FSU's speed and strength should be the difference. Noles win, 38-21.

        Check back for the Sugar Bowl Matchup between the Florida Gators and the Louisville Cardinals.