Pending the BCS national championship game below is a recap of the BCS games played so far and some of the other better bowl games.

Auburn v Clemson. Never bet against Tommy Tuberville. He and his teams always find a way to win. These teams are so closely matched it was almost like seeing themselves in a mirror. Auburn had some misfortune this year but when you look at it this is a very young team and will return almost everyone next year. The biggest problem Auburn has is that they lose more under grads to the NFL than most lose as graduating seniors. This was a very good game and I enjoyed every second of it. Bothe teams have good upside for next year but as always which Clemson team will be playing.  

 

My Pick Auburn. Auburn Won

 

 

 

Wisconsin v Tennessee. I was a homer on this one big time. I knew that the Badgers defense was not that good and they would have issues and problems with the Vols attack. What I did not expect was the Vols actually find some defense since the SEC championship game. The Vols now have to fill holes in the coaching staff with the loss of the offensive coordinator and other staff. That may prove Fulmer's end if he struggles with this team next year. I like the Badgers QB he is tough son of a bitch and with three cheap shots on him he got up and kept playing. The Badgers could have dealt the Vols more PJ Hill because threw the Vols defense off. Even with him just in the backfield as a decoy would have worked.  

 

My Pick Badgers.  Vols Won (bastards)

 

 

 

Missouri v Arkansas. Holly crap!!! First I would like to say to Arkansas team. While some of you played with effort and heart most of the team just seemed to walk through the motions. Those players should feel embarrassed. Mizzou bitch slapped the razorbacks from one end of the field to the other. I would heap high praise on Mizzou but anyone that watched this game could see just how LAZY the razorbacks played. It STUNK!!! Mizzou has a lot to look forward to but they will lose lots of kids and may slip back a little next year but the year after they will be back and in serious contention if they keep a positive mind set and they keep the recruiting going strong. They are in a win, win here and rank high in the post season and pre-season polls next year. 

 

My Pick is Arkansas. Mizzou Won

 

 

 

Virginia v Texas Tech. This was another game I like very much. These teams were very evenly matched and Virginia did a very good job coming back in the game when you thought they were going to be toast. Texas Tech has one of the best passing games in the country and a phenom receiver that is scary and why is it he got over looked by so many schools? This was a fun game and for those that had a heat condition it did you know favors. My Pick is Tech. Tech Won

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan v Florida. The question that I asked and I believe was answered was Tebow was not 100% but that was not the difference in the game. The difference was Michigan came and played. So the question is now where was that effort all year long? If they would have played like that all year they would have won the Big 10 and be in the national championship game. Michigan had game on in this one and frustrated Florida's offense and defense. While Florida is a young team they were outplayed and out coached.

 

 Michigan Won

 

 

 

USC v Illinois. Everyone can say Illinois did not belong but it was the decision of the rose Bowl to select Illinois. I think maybe it was once of those "wink, wink" selections to make USC get a boost in the polls and try to make an argument that they should have been selected for the NC game. Lets face it the Rose Bowl could have taken Kansas, Mizzou, Michigan (after seeing how they manhandled Florida) or Georgia. But instead they take Illinois in which the outcome of this contest was decided when the announcement was made. I will say this and that is this was USC best game all year. The defense played extremely well and they won this game because they shut down Illinois and gave the ball back to their offense. I still cannot stand Booty and believe he is way over-hyped and over-rated. 

 

My Pick USC. USC Won

 

 

 

Hawaii v Georgia. Did anybody really believe that Hawaii had a chance in hell in this one? When you play the 117 weakest schedule and do not have the athletes to match up with Georgia this game was decided before Mark Rietch ever drew up the game plan. It was almost like watching a pro team playing a high school squad. It was ugly, ugly, ugly and I felt sorry for those kids after a while. My heart hurt every time the Dawgs knocked Brennan or their fabled receivers got knocked out. The Rainbows were just completely out matched and had no answers for the Dawgs in any facet of the game. 

 

My Pick Georgia.  Dawgs Won

 

 

 

Oklahoma v West Virginia. Just like I said about Michigan, where has this WVU team been all year and why did they not show up against Pitt? To borrow an old phrase "play like champions" should be posted all around their locker room. WVU played an almost flawless game but I can't blame them that much for the penalties because the SEC that worked this game throw more yellow than any other crew in the NCAA. But every flag that OU got was deserved. I have never seen offensive lineman move so slow and not be able to block or block down on a D-lineman. Wait I have they are called LSU. WVU took OU behind the wood shed and just whipped OU until they bleed. This game was decided early despite what any one thought. WVU was hyped for this game and laid it all out there. I liked everything they did and how they did it. I was impressed and give the team big props for an excellent game plan, execution and playing as a team with emotion that OU could not match. The best part is that this team will be intact, for the most part, next year. WVU now has a new head coach but will have to fill some voids in the coaching ranks but lets face it what offensive coordinator would not want to coach these kids next year? WVU can pick and chose who they want and that is a nice position to be in. For OU this was just an embarrassment of major proportions. If you thought last year was bad and a fluke think again it's a trend and not a good trend. OU needs to rethink its offense and get a better offensive coordinator that can implement a more effective schemes. On defense they got burned all night long and I do not want to hear about they did not have a starting corner. It's the coaches job to recruit players to fill those voids if needed and get those kids prepared. Any one that uses that excuse is a soar loser and lame. OU got beat and it was not a good loss. This loss will reverberate into next year. 

 

My Pick is OU.  WVU Won

 

 

 

Virginia Tech v Kansas. Well, well, well. I see the "up starts" this year are 2-4 in BCS bowl games and that is not bad at all. Kansas did what I thought they would on offense but on the defensive side they surprised me a little and played very aggressive and physical ball up until the reverse on the punt return. They then backed off a little because that play dazed them a bit and on the sideline they had that collective "oh crap" look on their face. I guess at that time they realized just how explosive Tech can be. Kansas took it to the Hokies right off the bat and threw many looks at the Hokies and frankly Tech just could not match the emotional play of the Jayhawks.

 

 

The little general for the Jayhawks played big in this one and did an excellent job in game management and making smart decision throughout most of the contest in ball control. I like the little guy and its unfortunate he won't be much of an NFL prospect because of his size. I know they list him at 5'11" but he is barely any taller than coach and he is 5'4" tall or round which is greater.

 

 

Maybe the Jayhawks answered the Mizzou player and what fans have started to say after they bitch slapped Arkansas in the Cotton that they deserved the BCS game. Kansas was a fine representative and played extremely well against Virginia Tech and they deserve not only the win but proved it to be a sound selection for the Orange Bowl. 

 

I am going against my better judgment and Pick Kansas.  Kansas Won

 

 

 

Tennessee Titans V San Diego Chargers

 

This should be the best game of the weekend in the wild card series. You have the Titans that it seems have had to struggle to get some wins and struggle in some of its losses versus a team that was dysfunctional and everyone questioned the firing of Marty and the hiring of Norv Turner. Lets face reality here the Chargers were as dysfunctional as the Manson family without the killer instinct and many wanted Norv run out of town with the hopes he would take the general manager with him.

 

The Titans are sporting a 10-6 regular season record coming into this game with already having lost to the Chargers in OT on December 9th. What have the Titans achieved this year in the way of quality wins? Well they split their series with the Colt and Jaguars with a 2-2 record. In the first game they won by three which so happened to be the first game of the year but in the second contest it was not as close with the Jag's getting a decisive win. Against the Colts both of those games were closer than some had expected but frankly the Titans have always played the Colts tough. Unfortunately for the Titans they have run into some bad luck recently with some injuries they can ill afford but they also have that trump card in Coach Fisher. He always finds a way to upset the other team with getting his players ready for the big games. Frankly he is one of the best coaches in the NFL even though he has not had teams with loads of talent but teams with sparkles of talent that over shadowed the rest.

 

The Chargers come into this contest with an 11-5 record and looked completely dysfunctional, discombobulated, left for dead after the first 5 weeks of the season with loses to the Patriots, Packers and Chiefs. I can understand loses to the Packers and Patriots but the Chiefs loss is one I cannot fathom because it's Herm Edwards. Let's face it he is not in the class of many but maybe more in the class of Les Steckle as a head coach. While colorful in his news conferences that excite the press with sound bites he is not a winner. It took the Chargers a while to figure out they had the premiere running back in the NFL and used him sparingly early in the season and tried to put the games on the shoulders of Phillip Rivers. While I like the QB and he will prove to be one of the NFL's better QB as time progresses he simply cannot carry the load yet.

 

When you look at these teams they are fairly evenly matched statistically but statisticians do not play the games.  The most dangerous offense is the Chargers just because of Tomlinson and the play action. Rivers has been okay in passing as long as he does not push his passes in tight coverage. He then has the tendency to get picked easily with 15 on the year. But his counterpart Young with the Titans is more effective running the ball than passing and he continues to show rookie mistakes and being impatient allowing his passes to hit the receivers in the "windows" and taking off running. That makes a team one dimensional and can be easier to defend as long as the dbacks and line-backers can maintain their coverage's and gaps.

 

Talent wise it is almost a push with an edge going toward the Chargers but the monkey wrench in all this for the Chargers is Jeff Fisher the Titans head coach. Fisher is the better coach and has a proven record in the post season. Turner's record in the post season is not impressive even when he has the talent advantage. You just never what is going on in the head of Jeff Fisher and what he has schemed and his players respond well to him. So who is going to win this one?

 

I will pick the Chargers because of the talent edge, home field and because of the events of last years loss still stings I am sure.

NFC Wild Card Playoffs
No. 5 Giants (10-6) at No. 4 Buccaneers (9-7), Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

 

 

From my point of view you have two seriously over-achieving teams in this game. Many had believed that Ely Manning was going to be as good as his elder brother Peyton but Ely lacks several things. The ability to effectively communicate with his team-mates and the likeability factor that Peyton seems to posses in spades. That translates into leadership qualities.

 

 

We all know that the Son of Chucky and the Giants head coach Crabby Coughlin that fines a player because its "Tuesday" has had a rocky road with his players. The Son of Chucky has been considered a mad genius but I just considered him a faux mad genius. I met the guy and have gotten to know him he is nothing but a softy, a push over and it takes about 5-minutes for everyone to figure that out.

 

 

The Giants with a 10-6 record still needed some help and luck for their playoff spot but in the NFC that does not take much since it is a weaker conference than the AFC and has been for some time.  The Giants can claim 2 quality wins on their schedule but the win over the Eagles is the suspect one. The eagles were not a very good team nor were they consistent throughout the year.

 

 

The Buc's on the other hand won their division with a 9-7 record in a weak division and maybe one of the weakest in the NFC. The NFC south seemed to be a dysfunctional division at best with no gelling of the teams. The best win they had may be the one against the Titans but beyond that there is nothing to brag about. I don't even know anyone that can name a starter on this team besides Tiki's twin brother and I believe that is his name "Tiki's twin brother."

 

 

The Buc's will have the home field advantage and the Buc's faithful tend to get somewhat rowdy but the talent edge goes to the Giants in this one. With the emergence of the backup tight end whom I believe is better than that blow-hard that broke his leg and we all know his name.

 

 

In this one I take the visiting team. Giants win.

 

So far I am 9-11 in the bowl series which STINKS...

Utah v Navy. Well I was proved wrong in this game but this is not the only game that proved me wrong. Utah came out and played well and navy looked unsettled at times. I enjoyed the game very much and look forward to their new coach getting his feet under him and learning. The sad part is he will be learning as they play and the road could get some what rocky for Navy. 

 

My pick is Navy.   Utah Won

 

 

Florida Atlantic v Memphis. Another game where I was wrong so wrong that I came away impressed with FAU and the talent they have built within the program. In a few yeas this will be, more than likely, the dominate force in the Sunbelt conference. 

 

My Pick is Memphis.  FAU Won

 

 

Cincinnati v Southern Miss. Cincy did what I thought they would and proved to be too much for Southern Miss with the departure of its head coach which I still think was a bad decision but I understand it. Cincy is a program that is on the rise and with the efforts being put forth by the boosters and administration more good things will come. 

 

My pick is Cincinnati. Cincy Won

 

 

New Mexico v Nevada. Well my fried is an idiot and I went with him on this one. New Mexico made Nevada look well like a Nevada team.  

 

My pick is Nevada.  New Mexico Won.

 

 

BYU v UCLA. This was at times an ugly contest but I enjoyed the hell out of it. Both teams had their struggles with poor execution, game management and play calling but in the end the game got tighter and more exciting.  

 

My pick is BYU . BYU Won

 

 

East Carolina v Boise State. For one I could not believe the speed of East Carolina. Fast, faster, fastest and very physical play. East Carolina's running back proved to be too much for Boise as Boise could not stop East Carolina nor hold off its defensive front. Boise looked like a lower level mid major than what most believed they were. 

 

My Pick is Boise. East Carolina Won

 

 

Purdue v Central Michigan. Hard to believe it was a shootout with Purdue winning in the waning seconds lifted by a field goal. This game I had come believe Purdue would just slobber knock Central Michigan around the field but I was proved wrong as was Purdue in this contest. I like the emotion that Central Michigan played with and the gem management. As the game wore on it just became on of those contests that when someone had the ball you knew there was going to be a score. 

 

My Pick is Purdue. Purdue Won

 

 

Texas v Arizona State. I was shocked by this game. Not that Texas would score but that ASU would lay one of the biggest eggs in the bowl season. Not only did Texas beat ASU they embarrassed ASU and the "genius" of Erickson as many lamented throughout the year. Next year Texas is a NC title contender. 

 

My pick is ASU Texas Won

 

 

 

Boston College v Michigan State. Michigan State had its moment and dang near pulled this one out. I was not sure which State team would show up but in the end half of the State team showed up and did just enough to keep many interested and on the edge of their seats. I like BC and the direction they are heading. Look for them to make a bigger splash next year. 

 

My Pick is BC. BC Won

 

 

 

TCU v Houston. I snuck a few looks at this game and TCU had enough game to beat the upstart and seems to me always rebuilding Houston Cougars. 

 

My Pick is WHY????  TCU Won

 

 

Maryland v Oregon State. If people do not think that the PAC teams are lacking some speed (besides USC) think again. Oregon State is a team that always seems to surprise everyone when you least expect it. I like OSU and always have even when they have inflicted losses upon themselves. They are a team that is a couple players away from taking the next step. 

 

My Pick is Oregon State.  OSU Won

 

 

Wake Forest v Connecticut. Another one in which I second guessed myself. Wake Forest is better than I give them credit for and they are another team that seems to flux from year to year but they will have another sound recruiting class and be on contention again for a conference championship. 

 

My Pick is Connecticut.  Wake Forest Won

 

UCF v Mississippi State. The battle of the titans this was not and it seemed it took forever for any team to find and consistency besides it being bad. This was probably the most boring game I saw. With that being said I did see some glimmer of whets to come with UCF and Miss State. They will both be better next year. 

 

My Pick is Miss-State. State Won

 

 

Penn State v Texas A&M. This game frustrated the hell out of me. I was waiting for Joe Pa to just throw his hands in the air and resign right on the spot and for the A&M coaches to play pass the clip board and headset game since more than likely they are all done with Sherman being the man now. I expected more from A&M players to show their new coach what they are made of. I was wrong... again. 

 

Pick A&M Penn Won

 

 

Colorado v Alabama. I do not believe Saban once turned red on the face, exploded, screamed or anything. Rumors are he is very un-happy in Tuscaloosa and his wife hates it almost to the point she wants to leave now. Anyway this was another sloppy game by both teams. There are some good sing for both also. Expect Colorado to be better next year for sure. They are a young team with nothing but upside from what I saw in this one. Bama needs lots of work and a lot more talent. Bama fans please be patient this year did not live up to expectations but then again you have no talent yet. 

 

My Pick is Bama.  Bama Won

 

 

Air Force v Cal. I had nothing to say for this one because I was not sure how Cal was going to play at all and Air force has talent but they also tend to over achieve. Cal showed glimpses of what they are capable of on the offense and special teams and what they lack on defense which is talent. If Cal can fill some holes they will be known as the upset kids next year. 

 

My Pick is Air Force. Cal Won

 

 

South Florida v Oregon. Talk about showing up to play. Oregon just DESTROYED USF. It was close for a brief period but the DUCKS kicked the USF hype all over the field and made them look like the mid major they are.

 

I will lean toward USF. Ducks Won

 

 

 

Georgia Tech v Fresno State. Wrong again my friends. Damn my picks stink in the early bowls. Fresno had far too much for Tech to handle with speed and play execution. Tech needs to rethink and rebuild. Fresno played a fine game and I was surprised and liked what I saw from them.

My Pick is Tech.  Fresno Won

 

 

Kentucky v Florida State. I can say that the Noles even with 32 kids ineligible played lights out and with everything they had and I solute that effort. It was almost enough to win the game but when you have a team and that many players that are so self-fish as to only think of themselves and not the team then they all deserve to be suspended and I would boot some off the team and every freshman I signed would start in their place and I pull as many scholarships away from those dunderheads. I like both teams and see nothing but good from them down the road. FSU has more work to do to get their house in order. Kentucky has proven they belong. 

 

My Pick Kentucky Kentucky Won

 

 

Indiana v Oklahoma State. OSU has so much fire power it can be scary, real scary. I applaud Indiana for keeping in the game but they were just no match for what OSU can throw at you.  

 

My Pick Oklahoma State. OSU Won

 

 

Rutgers v Ball State. Why is this game played between the big bowls? No one is going to watch this game unless you're a Rutgers fan or David Letterman.  They play later this week. 

 

Rutgers wins and if they don't how sad this is for the birthplace of college football. 

 

 

January 6th - GMAC Bowl. 

 

 

 

Tulsa v Bowling Green. This is another one that I just could care less about. Why can't GMAC lower its interest rates instead of sponsoring this bowl game? Huh, why not? I'm going to flip a coin. Better hurry for GMAC takes it.  

 

Tulsa Wins. 

 

 

AFC Wild Card Playoffs
No. 5 Jaguars (11-5) at No. 4 Steelers (10-6), Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

 

 

The Jacksonville Jaguars will invade Heinz Ketchup field this Saturday and take on the Pittsburg Steelers. The town of Pittsburg is going to be going crazy, as they tend to do, for the beloved Steelers and we will all see the terrible towels being flung about as the fans work themselves into a feeding frenzy for the visiting Jaguars.

 

Pittsburg under new coach Mike Tomlin has kept the fight and spirit of their former head coach. Pittsburg is a team that is as blue collar as you can get with Roethisberger at the helm. With a 10-6 record and a division title under their belt they will need everything they have to get a victory against the visiting Jaguars. Pittsburg has had ZERO quality wins this year and if you want to point out the victory over the Seahawks I would say look again. That game is against a team that was inconsistent at best all year long and a victory over them is not worth bragging about.

 

Pittsburg has good depth in many key positions and they have a sound receiving corps but has suffered some key injuries that will affect this game. Roethisberger is a very good QB and he has probably one of the best backups in the event of an injury. Pittsburg secondary is their strength on defense they play man very well and that allows the defensive front time to get after the quarterback and key off of the run. The linebackers are not what they us to be in Pittsburg while still good they are a step slower but still offer physical play.

 

The Jaguars are also that blue collar team led by Jack Del Rio that has instilled toughness into the club without being cocky like some teams. They go out and perform every week. The Jaguars have already beaten the Steelers in week 15 of the regular season. While not an over whelming victory they were able to run and pass the ball with effectiveness against the Steelers. The losses the concern me the most with this team are the ones against the Saints and Titans. In both games they hard a hard time in stopping play action which could benefit the Steelers with running screens and bubble screens off of play action.

 

I like this game a lot. The keys for the Steelers are they have to contain Garrard and Taylor. If they can do that then the Jag's will have difficulty getting anything going. On special teams they math up well. The Steelers will need to be able to run the ball and that may prove to be difficult with Parker out and having to rely on the slower Davenport. While he is still a physical back he lacks the quickness of Parker.

 

For the Jaguars they have to mix the play calling and come out with a quick rhythm passing attack and play action. That will keep the Steelers defensive off balance. The Steelers have a larger uphill battle in this one but they will have home field advantage and I do not believe that will be enough to overcome the Jaguars in this one.

 

Jaguars win.