The bids are in, accepted, and the announcements have been made.  The Big Ten scored four January bowl games, and some fantastic matches. 

In my last post, I projected how I thought the bowls would pan out.  Rather than update that one, I thought I would just write a new post and cover who's going where for the holidays. 

So, without further ado:

Fiesta Bowl  January 5  8:00 P.M., FOX (all times are Eastern)

Texas vs Ohio State

This should be a great game.  OSU was playing as well as anyone in the nation once Wells returned and got back into the rythm.  Not that they weren't good before that, but they really became powerful once they were all healthy.  Texas, on the other hand, could very well be part of the National Title game right now.  It doesn't get any better than this!  Well....except Iowa in the NCG, that is....(I haven't thrown any homer comments in for a while, so you'll have to live with it...lol)

My Pick:  I didn't pick this one.  I thought OSU would get a BCS Bowl, but I didn't know which one.  I thought maybe Sugar, but this is even better. 

Rose Bowl  January 1 4:30 P.M. ABC

Penn State vs. USC

This one was pretty easy to pick.  As long as USC didn't blow it against UCLA, this game didn't require any thought. 

Both of these teams are out to prove that they deserved something a little better.  Not that there's anything wrong with the Rose Bowl, and I'm not saying that either of these teams are better than Oklahoma/Florida.  I'm just saying that, with one loss each, it could easily be these two in the NCG, rather than the Rose Bowl.  Both teams have powerful offenses.  The question is...just how good is USC's defense?  They did very well against OSU...early in the year.  What about Penn State?  What about now?  This should be a far better game than it would have been if Oregon State had been here. 

My Pick: Penn State vs USC

Capital One Bowl January 1, 1:00 P.M. ABC

Georgia vs. Michigan State

Michigan State had a great season in the Big Ten.  Spartan fans briefly thought they might have a shot at the Rose Bowl.  While that didn't pan out, the Cap One is a very good bowl and they'll love their visit to Orlando.

Georgia is a tough team and will give the Spartans a real test.  MSU is up to the challenge though.  It'll be interesting to see how the Dawgs handle Ringer, Hoyer and Company. 

My Pick: Georgia vs Michigan State      chalk two up for IHawk!

Outback Bowl January 1, 11:00 A.M.  ESPN

Iowa vs. South Carolina

In my projections, I'd said that if the Outback chose SC, they might not need to take Iowa.  Turns out, the Outback went for the whole enchilada and took both teams.  I'm sure there are some Northwestern fans out there who are upset about this pick.  Don't take it personally folks.  It's not that the Outback really thought Iowa was a better team than Northwestern (I do, but I'm a homer).  Iowa just travels better.  It's all about the green, and this was a chance to take a very competitive team that travels well over a very competitive team that doesn't travel as well.  It's purely economical. 

Iowa has one of the toughest defenses in the Big Ten.  Shonn Greene is one of the best RB's in the nation, if not THE best back.  South Carolina is going to have their hands full with this team.  The Gamecocks are no pushover, though.  They've got an offense that can get things done and they'll push the Hawkeye D as far as it can stretch.

My Pick: Northwestern vs. South Carolina     IHawk 2.5

Insight Bowl December 31, 5:30 P.M. NFL

Kansas vs. Minnesota

As a fan of the Big Ten, I'm nervous about this game.  If Minnesota could take this time to remember how they got off to that 7-1 start and go back to playing that kind of football, Kansas could be in trouble.  If they can't do that, Minnesota is in big trouble.  This will be a good game to watch to see which Minnesota team shows up. 

My Pick: Nebraska vs. Minnesota     IHawk 3.0

Alamo Bowl December 29,  8:00 P.M. ESPN

Northwestern vs. Missouri

Again, I'm sure there are some NW fans who find this to be a bit of a letdown.  If you've read this far, you've already read why I believe it happened this way.  This is still a great bowl game to go to.  San Antonio is a good destination in late December and you won't get a better opponent than Missouri. 

This game should be a battle of offenses.  Chase Daniel will likely pick apart the Wildcat defense as he's done a lot of defenses this year.  It won't be easy, though.  The Wildcats have a pretty interesting defense; one unlike any Missouri's faced all year.  Northwestern won't be completely healed by bowl time, but they'll have most of the pieces in place.  CJ Bacher will get a chance to showcase his own talents. 

My Pick: Iowa vs. Missouri     IHawk 3.5

Champs Sports Bowl  December 27, 4:30 P.M.

Florida State vs. Wisconsin

Florida State isn't quite the Florida State they used to be.  On the other hand, Wisconsin is becoming the Wisconsin they want to be.  They just had a little side track....a four week sidetrack.  They closed the season strong, and will give Florida State a lot to chew on.  The downside for Wisconsin is that Orlando is nearly a home game for the Seminoles.  Badger fans, pool your money and go support your team.  I know...easier said than done.  If it were that easy, I'd be going to see the Hawkeyes play.  I'd love nothing more than to see a huge see of Red and White rushing the field when the Badgers beat up on the Seminoles.

My Pick:  Wisconsin vs. Miami    IHawk 4.0

Well, there they are.  I'm not putting anything fancy or insightful into this one.  There will be plenty of time between now and December 27th to put together a closer look at each bowl game.  Just as I did for the regular season (from when I started blogging, anyway), I'll do my predictions for the bowl games and add my "what I'd do..." portion. 

Congratulations to all seven Big Ten bowl bound teams and their fans.  Good luck in your respective games.  GO GIT 'R' DONE!!! 

I was 4.0 for 6.0...leaving out the OSU pick since it was a crapshoot as to which bowl they'd get.  Not too bad, but could've been better. 

That's it from here....for now....but not for long.....

smell it...smell it....now take it