Today's News Links:
ESPN's Max Olsen has a column about Mack Brown's last hour as the head coach of Texas Longhorns football. Full story here.
Newly hired Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen has assembled his coaching staff. It includes Pete Kwiatkowski as defensive coordinator, Jonathan Smith as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and Bob Gregory as linebackers coach and assistant head coach. Full story here.
Washington Huskies RB Bishop Sankey will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Full story here.
ESPN has hired Tim Tebow as an analyst for the new SEC Network. Full story here.
Just In: Johnny Orr, head basketball coach at Michigan and Iowa State, who led Michigan to the 1976 NCAA National Championship game, has passed away. He was 86. Full Story Here.
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The last day of 2013 includes four great bowl games in various cities throughout the South. Starting at 12:30PM Eastern on ESPN, the ADVOCARE V100 BOWL at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, features Arizona (PAC-12) vs. Boston College (ACC). Today's game features two of college football's top running backs: Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey and Boston College's Andre Williams. A Heisman Trophy finalist, Williams is the only the sixteenth division one player to run for more than 2,000 yards in a season. Carey is currently ranked fifth among FBS players with 1,716 yards. Arizona finished the season with a 7-5 record that included wins against Oregon and Utah and they have a chance to win back-to-back bowls for the first time since the late 1990s. As for Boston College, they also finished their season 7-5. But this year's record was a vast improvement over last season's 2-10 disaster. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts a close game, with Boston College favored by one point. His projected final score: 31-30.
At 2:00PM Eastern on CBS, the HYUNDAI SUN BOWL from El Paso, Texas, features Virginia Tech (ACC) vs. #17 UCLA (PAC-12). Despite a rough game against Alabama in the first week of the season, Frank Beamer's Hokies recovered to win eight games. As a result, Virginia Tech's streak of postseason bowl appearances for an active head coach (this year makes it twenty-one) remains uninterrupted. Beamer's strong defense, which has only allowed an average of 17.4 points per game, will have to contain a UCLA offense that currently averages 448.2 total yards per game. Virginia Tech boasts the #4 defense in country, but they may have their hands full with a UCLA offensive line led by dual-threat QB Brett Hundley. So far, Hundley has accumulated 3,432 total yards as well as 31 touchdowns. Last night, ESPN's bottom line gave UCLA a ten-point advantage. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has the Bruins winning by eight. His projected final score: 28-20.
At 4:00PM Eastern on ESPN, the AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL pits Rice (C-USA) against Mississppi State (SEC). Rice won its first outright conference championship for the first time in 56 years, but the Owls may be facing strong opposition as well as an unfriendly crowd when they play the Bulldogs in Memphis, Tennessee. Both teams offensive squads have averaged roughly 425 yards per game during the 2013 season, with Rice relying on the rushing game (240.2 yards per game) and Mississippi State employing a passing scheme (240.3 yards per game). Rice's defense has allowed less points than Mississippi State, but the average margin is not that much: Owls: 22.9 points allowed, Bulldogs: 24.3 points allowed. By these numbers, it looks like both teams are evenly matched. Still, it is an SEC team versus a team from a non-power FBS conference. Mark Schlabach picks Mississippi State to win by 11. Projected final score: 28-17.
The last game before the ball drops in Times Square is probably the
most anticipated game of the night. The CHICK-FIL-A BOWL (formerly The
Peach Bowl) features #24 Duke (ACC) against #21 Texas A&M (SEC) in what will be Johnny Manziel's last game as Quarterback for Kevin Sumlin's Aggies. A report from CBS Sports yesterday mentioned he will enter the NFL Draft after tonight's game. As for Duke, the Blue Devils finished the 2013 season with 10 wins, a berth in the ACC Championship game, and coach of the year honors for head coach David Cutcliffe. Duke's players, notably linebacker Kelby Brown, are calling this game "a chance to make a statement for ourselves".
Indeed, an upset win over Texas A&M would reflect the idea that Duke is no longer a football backwater. Unfortunately, Duke is playing a Texas A&M team which, on paper, outclasses them in every category except for rushing yards and points allowed (Duke: 24.7 ppg allowed, TX A&M: 30.9 ppg allowed). Texas A&M is fifth in the country in scoring (43.6 average points per game) so Duke's chances of winning in a shootout situation are highly unlikely. It seems like the only way for the Blue Devils to win is for their defense to slow down Manziel and the rest of the Aggie offensive line. Mark Schlabach picks Texas A&M to win with a final projected score of 45-27.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Bowling on Monday
Today's News Links:
Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien is in talks to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans.
Full story here.
Central Florida has hired NFL assistant Paul Ferraro to be defensive coordinator. Full story here.
Because of a legal dispute between the American Athletic Conference and Rutgers over the school's move to Big Ten next season, the AAC has withheld Rutgers' $1.5 million payout from the Pinstripe Bowl. Full story here.
Notre Dame has hired New York Jets linebackers coach Brian VanGorder to be their new defensive coordinator. VanGorder replaces Bob Diaco, who left to become Connecticut's new head football coach. Full story here.
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In the world of professional sports, Monday is a day often associated with professional football. But, because of network scheduling, and the fact that New Years' Day is on a Wednesday, college football fans have four bowl games to look forward to this afternoon.
Starting at 11:45 AM Eastern on ESPN, TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, hosts the BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL. This year's game features Middle Tennessee (C-USA) against Navy (Independent). Both teams finished the 2013 regular season with 8-4 records and appear to be evenly matched in both total offensive yards (approx. 415 yards per game) and average points allowed per game (26 ppg). But, the similarities appear to end there. Navy relies on an option offense geared towards the rushing game. In fact, Navy's offensive squad is #2 in the country in rushing yards (322.0 ypg). Though Middle Tennessee's rushing offense averages 208.3 ypg, the Blue Raiders make up the yardage difference between them and Navy with a passing game that averages 207.4 ypg (compared to only 91.5 passing ypg for Navy). At this point, the question is whether the Blue Raiders can stop the Midshipmen's rushing game. Middle Tennessee is fifth in the country (tied with Arizona State) in forcing 31 turnovers this season, but Navy's offense has only turned the ball over eight times this year. Not sure who has the advantage here. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has Navy winning 21-17.
At 3:15 PM Eastern, the FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee, features two teams, Ole Miss (SEC) and Georgia Tech (ACC), that have not played each other since 1971. Since both colleges are within a reasonable driving distance from Nashville (250 miles from Atlanta, 230 miles from Oxford), one should expect large numbers of fans from both schools to make the trip. Ole Miss will attempt to win their sixth consecutive postseason game and they will have with them a formidable offensive squad led by QB Bo Wallace. Despite setbacks in the Rebels' last two games against Missouri and Mississippi State, Wallace still completed 64% of his passes for 3,090 yards and accumulated 17 touchdowns during the 2013 season. By contrast, Georgia Tech's offensive line emphasizes the rushing game. The Yellow Jackets are currently 4th in the country in rushing with 311.7 yards per game. In terms of defense, neither team has allowed an average of more than 25 points per game (Ole Miss: 24.3, Georgia Tech: 22.7). Both teams will be playing for their eighth win. I am looking at a very competitive game to take shape. Mark Schlabach picks Ole Miss to win by 3 with a projected final score of 24-21.
The third game, and arguably the most anticipated match-up on today's schedule, is the VALERO ALAMO BOWL between #10 Oregon (PAC-12) and Texas (BIG XII) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (Kickoff: 6:45 PM Eastern) Both teams were in the news during the 2013 season, but for different reasons. Oregon seemed to be en route to another BCS National Championship berth until they lost to both Stanford and Arizona. While the Stanford loss put the Ducks out of consideration for the PAC-12 championship game, their devastating loss to Arizona ended any chance of an at-large bid for a BCS-level bowl. As for Texas, the main issue was Mack Brown's continued tenure at Austin after sixteen seasons. Brown made the decision to resign a couple weeks ago, and today's Alamo Bowl will be his last game as Texas head coach. So far, there is no word from Austin on who will take his place in 2014. Since Austin is approximately eighty miles from San Antonio, one can see that this a practically a home game for the Longhorns. Despite this perceived home-field advantage and a desire, as Texas QB Case McCoy put it, "to go out there and finish this thing right," it will be difficult for the Longhorns to beat Oregon. The Ducks have averaged 573 offensive yards per game (20th in passing, 9th in rushing), their scoring average is roughly 47 points per game, and the Ducks' defense, even with late season setbacks against Stanford and Arizona, has only allowed an average of 21.6 points per game. Oregon's QB, Marcus Mariotta, has announced that he will return to Oregon for his junior year while tonight's game will be QB Case McCoy's last one as a Longhorn. Mark Schlabach picks Oregon to win by at least two touchdowns and a field goal. His projected final score: 44-27.
Finally, at 10:15 PM Eastern, #14 Arizona State (PAC-12) and Texas Tech (BIG XII) will meet in the NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY BOWL at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. For the first time since 1996, Arizona State is in a position to end a season with eleven wins. Texas Tech, by contrast, had lost their last five games, and four of those losses were by considerable margins. Even though the Red Raiders boast the #2 offense in the country in terms of passing yardage (392.0 yards per game), their lackluster defense may not be able to stop the Sun Devils' powerful offensive line. Texas Tech's defense has allowed an average of 31.2 points per game, and they have play against a Sun Devil offense that is 9th in the country in scoring (41.0 points per game). Adding to Texas Tech's problems is Quarterback Baker Mayfield's decision earlier in December to transfer to another school. Kliff Kingsbury, the Red Raiders head coach, will start either Davis Webb, who threw for 2.315 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, or Michael Brewer, who attempted only ten passes and had to endure a back injury. Arizona State is a fourteen-point favorite. Mark Schlabach's projected final score: 38-24.
Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien is in talks to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans.
Full story here.
Central Florida has hired NFL assistant Paul Ferraro to be defensive coordinator. Full story here.
Because of a legal dispute between the American Athletic Conference and Rutgers over the school's move to Big Ten next season, the AAC has withheld Rutgers' $1.5 million payout from the Pinstripe Bowl. Full story here.
Notre Dame has hired New York Jets linebackers coach Brian VanGorder to be their new defensive coordinator. VanGorder replaces Bob Diaco, who left to become Connecticut's new head football coach. Full story here.
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In the world of professional sports, Monday is a day often associated with professional football. But, because of network scheduling, and the fact that New Years' Day is on a Wednesday, college football fans have four bowl games to look forward to this afternoon.
Starting at 11:45 AM Eastern on ESPN, TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, hosts the BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL. This year's game features Middle Tennessee (C-USA) against Navy (Independent). Both teams finished the 2013 regular season with 8-4 records and appear to be evenly matched in both total offensive yards (approx. 415 yards per game) and average points allowed per game (26 ppg). But, the similarities appear to end there. Navy relies on an option offense geared towards the rushing game. In fact, Navy's offensive squad is #2 in the country in rushing yards (322.0 ypg). Though Middle Tennessee's rushing offense averages 208.3 ypg, the Blue Raiders make up the yardage difference between them and Navy with a passing game that averages 207.4 ypg (compared to only 91.5 passing ypg for Navy). At this point, the question is whether the Blue Raiders can stop the Midshipmen's rushing game. Middle Tennessee is fifth in the country (tied with Arizona State) in forcing 31 turnovers this season, but Navy's offense has only turned the ball over eight times this year. Not sure who has the advantage here. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has Navy winning 21-17.
At 3:15 PM Eastern, the FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee, features two teams, Ole Miss (SEC) and Georgia Tech (ACC), that have not played each other since 1971. Since both colleges are within a reasonable driving distance from Nashville (250 miles from Atlanta, 230 miles from Oxford), one should expect large numbers of fans from both schools to make the trip. Ole Miss will attempt to win their sixth consecutive postseason game and they will have with them a formidable offensive squad led by QB Bo Wallace. Despite setbacks in the Rebels' last two games against Missouri and Mississippi State, Wallace still completed 64% of his passes for 3,090 yards and accumulated 17 touchdowns during the 2013 season. By contrast, Georgia Tech's offensive line emphasizes the rushing game. The Yellow Jackets are currently 4th in the country in rushing with 311.7 yards per game. In terms of defense, neither team has allowed an average of more than 25 points per game (Ole Miss: 24.3, Georgia Tech: 22.7). Both teams will be playing for their eighth win. I am looking at a very competitive game to take shape. Mark Schlabach picks Ole Miss to win by 3 with a projected final score of 24-21.
The third game, and arguably the most anticipated match-up on today's schedule, is the VALERO ALAMO BOWL between #10 Oregon (PAC-12) and Texas (BIG XII) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (Kickoff: 6:45 PM Eastern) Both teams were in the news during the 2013 season, but for different reasons. Oregon seemed to be en route to another BCS National Championship berth until they lost to both Stanford and Arizona. While the Stanford loss put the Ducks out of consideration for the PAC-12 championship game, their devastating loss to Arizona ended any chance of an at-large bid for a BCS-level bowl. As for Texas, the main issue was Mack Brown's continued tenure at Austin after sixteen seasons. Brown made the decision to resign a couple weeks ago, and today's Alamo Bowl will be his last game as Texas head coach. So far, there is no word from Austin on who will take his place in 2014. Since Austin is approximately eighty miles from San Antonio, one can see that this a practically a home game for the Longhorns. Despite this perceived home-field advantage and a desire, as Texas QB Case McCoy put it, "to go out there and finish this thing right," it will be difficult for the Longhorns to beat Oregon. The Ducks have averaged 573 offensive yards per game (20th in passing, 9th in rushing), their scoring average is roughly 47 points per game, and the Ducks' defense, even with late season setbacks against Stanford and Arizona, has only allowed an average of 21.6 points per game. Oregon's QB, Marcus Mariotta, has announced that he will return to Oregon for his junior year while tonight's game will be QB Case McCoy's last one as a Longhorn. Mark Schlabach picks Oregon to win by at least two touchdowns and a field goal. His projected final score: 44-27.
Finally, at 10:15 PM Eastern, #14 Arizona State (PAC-12) and Texas Tech (BIG XII) will meet in the NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY BOWL at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. For the first time since 1996, Arizona State is in a position to end a season with eleven wins. Texas Tech, by contrast, had lost their last five games, and four of those losses were by considerable margins. Even though the Red Raiders boast the #2 offense in the country in terms of passing yardage (392.0 yards per game), their lackluster defense may not be able to stop the Sun Devils' powerful offensive line. Texas Tech's defense has allowed an average of 31.2 points per game, and they have play against a Sun Devil offense that is 9th in the country in scoring (41.0 points per game). Adding to Texas Tech's problems is Quarterback Baker Mayfield's decision earlier in December to transfer to another school. Kliff Kingsbury, the Red Raiders head coach, will start either Davis Webb, who threw for 2.315 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions, or Michael Brewer, who attempted only ten passes and had to endure a back injury. Arizona State is a fourteen-point favorite. Mark Schlabach's projected final score: 38-24.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Second Saturday - College Football Postseason
Today's News Links:
Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien will interview for the Houston Texans head coaching position. Full story here.
Notre Dame has suspended running back George Atkinson and cornerback Jalen Brown for today's Pinstripe Bowl. Full story here.
Baseball Obituary: Paul Blair, who played center field for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees, winner of eight Gold Gloves, helped Baltimore win two World Series Championships as well as two World Series for the Yankees, passed away this week at age 69. Full story here.
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The second Saturday of the 2013-14 college football bowl season begins at Noon Eastern on ESPN at Yankee Stadium with the NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL. I don't have a lot of time to talk about today's game, except that this is the last year the Pinstripe bowl will feature teams from the Big XII and the AAC (former Big East). Next year, the conference tie-ins for this game will be the Big Ten and the ACC. Interestingly, today's matchup between Notre Dame (Independent)* and Rutgers (AAC) is, in a way, a harbinger of things to come for this bowl. Rutgers will join the Big Ten next year and Notre Dame will be affiliated with the ACC. The Fighting Irish will play five games against ACC opponents and one could assume that, because of this affiliation, they could play in postseason bowl games where the ACC has a contractual tie-in. Games like next year's edition of the Pinstripe Bowl. Indeed, it is very likely that these two teams could meet again in a future Pinstripe Bowl, or any other bowl game where the Big Ten and the ACC have tie-ins.
*Notre Dame is playing today because the Big XII did not have enough teams to fill their bowl obligations.
At 3:20 PM ET on ESPN, THE BELK BOWL features Cincinnati (AAC) vs. North Carolina (ACC). The Bearcats are making their second consecutive appearance in this game, after earning a 9-3 overall record. Cincinnati boasts an offense that has averaged at least 300 yards per game in passing, while their defense has only allowed an average of 19.5 points per game. Incidentally, North Carolina's offense has had some success in the passing game (286.3 yards per game), but the question of whether they can overcome Cincinnati's formidable defense (12th in the nation in terms of points allowed) will likely be the key to this game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts a close game, with the Bearcats having only a one-point advantage (Projected Final Score: 28-27).
Today's RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL, kickoff at 6:45PM ET on ESPN, features two opponents (Miami (FL) vs. #18 Louisville) that will be in the same conference next year. Louisville will join the ACC in July 2014, replacing Maryland, who will join the Big Ten in the same month. For now, Louisville will be representing the AAC in this game. Louisville's only loss this year was to Central Florida while Miami finished a difficult 2013 season with a 9-3 record (5-3 conference). However, two of Miami's losses were against Florida State and Duke, the two teams that played in the ACC Championship earlier this month. Today's game pits Miami's high-scoring offense (35.9 points per game) against Louisville's strong (no pun intended) defense (ranked 3rd in points allowed, 12.4 ppg). Louisville's defense, though, may have their hands full since Miami's offensive line has averaged almost 450 yards per game. But, the Cardinals' offense should be more than ready to play in a shootout scenario if their defense falters. In fact, Louisville's offensive line has averaged 453.1 total yards per game, and it has scored an average of 35.1 ppg. Mark Schlabach gives the Cardinals a four-point advantage over the Hurricanes. Projected Final Score: 28-24.
Finally, tonight at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN, we have the BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL (formerly known as the Copper Bowl and the Insight Bowl) at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. This year's matchup features Michigan (Big Ten) against Kansas State (BIG XII) in a game where both teams are looking for their eighth win. Kansas State has not won a bowl game in a decade, but they are coming to Tempe after winning five out of their last six games. By contrast, Michigan is overcoming a difficult season that ended with a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in Ann Arbor. Compounding Michigan's difficulties is the fact that they will be without starting Quarterback Devin Gardner. Instead, coach Brady Hoke will rely on freshman Shane Morris. Michigan's defense, which has averaged 26.5 points per game, will need to be prepared for a Kansas State offense that contains two standout Quarterbacks: Junior Jake Waters currently averages 9.43 yards per pass attempt (7th in the country) and sophomore Daniel Sams, who has run for 784 yards and accumulated eleven touchdowns. Mark Schlabach gives the Wildcats an eight-point advantage over the Wolverines. Projected Final Score: 31-23
Enjoy today's games, Everybody!!
Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien will interview for the Houston Texans head coaching position. Full story here.
Notre Dame has suspended running back George Atkinson and cornerback Jalen Brown for today's Pinstripe Bowl. Full story here.
Baseball Obituary: Paul Blair, who played center field for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees, winner of eight Gold Gloves, helped Baltimore win two World Series Championships as well as two World Series for the Yankees, passed away this week at age 69. Full story here.
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The second Saturday of the 2013-14 college football bowl season begins at Noon Eastern on ESPN at Yankee Stadium with the NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL. I don't have a lot of time to talk about today's game, except that this is the last year the Pinstripe bowl will feature teams from the Big XII and the AAC (former Big East). Next year, the conference tie-ins for this game will be the Big Ten and the ACC. Interestingly, today's matchup between Notre Dame (Independent)* and Rutgers (AAC) is, in a way, a harbinger of things to come for this bowl. Rutgers will join the Big Ten next year and Notre Dame will be affiliated with the ACC. The Fighting Irish will play five games against ACC opponents and one could assume that, because of this affiliation, they could play in postseason bowl games where the ACC has a contractual tie-in. Games like next year's edition of the Pinstripe Bowl. Indeed, it is very likely that these two teams could meet again in a future Pinstripe Bowl, or any other bowl game where the Big Ten and the ACC have tie-ins.
*Notre Dame is playing today because the Big XII did not have enough teams to fill their bowl obligations.
At 3:20 PM ET on ESPN, THE BELK BOWL features Cincinnati (AAC) vs. North Carolina (ACC). The Bearcats are making their second consecutive appearance in this game, after earning a 9-3 overall record. Cincinnati boasts an offense that has averaged at least 300 yards per game in passing, while their defense has only allowed an average of 19.5 points per game. Incidentally, North Carolina's offense has had some success in the passing game (286.3 yards per game), but the question of whether they can overcome Cincinnati's formidable defense (12th in the nation in terms of points allowed) will likely be the key to this game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts a close game, with the Bearcats having only a one-point advantage (Projected Final Score: 28-27).
Today's RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL, kickoff at 6:45PM ET on ESPN, features two opponents (Miami (FL) vs. #18 Louisville) that will be in the same conference next year. Louisville will join the ACC in July 2014, replacing Maryland, who will join the Big Ten in the same month. For now, Louisville will be representing the AAC in this game. Louisville's only loss this year was to Central Florida while Miami finished a difficult 2013 season with a 9-3 record (5-3 conference). However, two of Miami's losses were against Florida State and Duke, the two teams that played in the ACC Championship earlier this month. Today's game pits Miami's high-scoring offense (35.9 points per game) against Louisville's strong (no pun intended) defense (ranked 3rd in points allowed, 12.4 ppg). Louisville's defense, though, may have their hands full since Miami's offensive line has averaged almost 450 yards per game. But, the Cardinals' offense should be more than ready to play in a shootout scenario if their defense falters. In fact, Louisville's offensive line has averaged 453.1 total yards per game, and it has scored an average of 35.1 ppg. Mark Schlabach gives the Cardinals a four-point advantage over the Hurricanes. Projected Final Score: 28-24.
Finally, tonight at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN, we have the BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL (formerly known as the Copper Bowl and the Insight Bowl) at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. This year's matchup features Michigan (Big Ten) against Kansas State (BIG XII) in a game where both teams are looking for their eighth win. Kansas State has not won a bowl game in a decade, but they are coming to Tempe after winning five out of their last six games. By contrast, Michigan is overcoming a difficult season that ended with a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in Ann Arbor. Compounding Michigan's difficulties is the fact that they will be without starting Quarterback Devin Gardner. Instead, coach Brady Hoke will rely on freshman Shane Morris. Michigan's defense, which has averaged 26.5 points per game, will need to be prepared for a Kansas State offense that contains two standout Quarterbacks: Junior Jake Waters currently averages 9.43 yards per pass attempt (7th in the country) and sophomore Daniel Sams, who has run for 784 yards and accumulated eleven touchdowns. Mark Schlabach gives the Wildcats an eight-point advantage over the Wolverines. Projected Final Score: 31-23
Enjoy today's games, Everybody!!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Three Games on a Friday
Today's News Links:
Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti announced his retirement earlier today. The 2013 Valero Alamo Bowl will be his last game after a 24-year career with the Ducks. Full story here.
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was pulled over after police clocked him doing 84 mph in a 55 mph zone. Full story here.
Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops will make his ninth BCS Bowl appearance in fifteen years when the Sooners play Alabama next week in the Sugar Bowl. That is more than any other coach in the BCS era. Full story here.
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez will not play in the upcoming Gator Bowl because of his injuries. Full story here.
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At the time that I am writing this post, the MILITARY BOWL, PRESENTED BY NORTHRUP GRUMMAN, is at halftime. Marshall (C-USA) currently leads Maryland (ACC) 17-13. This is the last year Maryland will appear in the postseason as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. In July 2014, both Maryland and Rutgers will become members of the Big Ten in all sports.
At 6:00PM Eastern, the TEXAS BOWL at Houston's Reliant Stadium features Syracuse (ACC) vs. Minnesota (Big Ten). According to ESPN's pregame analysis, 2013 is the first year that Syracuse has played a bowl game in the state of Texas since their victory in the 1960 Cotton Bowl. After earning a 6-6 record in their first year as a member of the ACC, the Orange face a team that surprised the country. Minnesota in the preseason was projected to finish last in the Big Ten Legends division. Instead, they earned an 8-4 record that included going 4-0 in non-conference games, along with conference wins against Northwestern, Nebraska, Indiana, and Penn State. Indeed, the Gophers defense only allowed 14 points in their loss to then #11 ranked Michigan State. Syracuse's offense for 2013 has only averaged 22.8 points per game, while Minnesota's offensive line has averaged 26.4 points per game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has Minnesota winning by four points with a final score of 28-24.
Later this evening, the FIGHT HUNGER BOWL at AT&T Park in San Francisco (kickoff at 9:30PM ET) features Brigham Young vs. Washington. Both teams finished the 2013 season with 8-4 records. However, the Huskies will be without their head coach, Steve Sarkisian. Instead, Marques Tulasosopo, the first-year Quarterbacks coach, will serve as interim head coach until Chris Petersen officially takes over the program. Tonight's game pits two teams that are evenly matched in more ways than their overall W-L records. Both the Cougars and Huskies offensive squads are in the top 15 in terms of total yards per game (BYU averages 495.3, 15th nationally; Washington averages 514.3, 9th nationally). On the defensive side of the ball, the Huskies have only given up 23.4 points per game while the Cougars average is a bit lower: 21.3 points per game. It looks like this is anybody's game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has gives BYU only a one-point advantage. His projected final score: 28-27.
Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti announced his retirement earlier today. The 2013 Valero Alamo Bowl will be his last game after a 24-year career with the Ducks. Full story here.
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was pulled over after police clocked him doing 84 mph in a 55 mph zone. Full story here.
Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops will make his ninth BCS Bowl appearance in fifteen years when the Sooners play Alabama next week in the Sugar Bowl. That is more than any other coach in the BCS era. Full story here.
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez will not play in the upcoming Gator Bowl because of his injuries. Full story here.
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At the time that I am writing this post, the MILITARY BOWL, PRESENTED BY NORTHRUP GRUMMAN, is at halftime. Marshall (C-USA) currently leads Maryland (ACC) 17-13. This is the last year Maryland will appear in the postseason as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. In July 2014, both Maryland and Rutgers will become members of the Big Ten in all sports.
At 6:00PM Eastern, the TEXAS BOWL at Houston's Reliant Stadium features Syracuse (ACC) vs. Minnesota (Big Ten). According to ESPN's pregame analysis, 2013 is the first year that Syracuse has played a bowl game in the state of Texas since their victory in the 1960 Cotton Bowl. After earning a 6-6 record in their first year as a member of the ACC, the Orange face a team that surprised the country. Minnesota in the preseason was projected to finish last in the Big Ten Legends division. Instead, they earned an 8-4 record that included going 4-0 in non-conference games, along with conference wins against Northwestern, Nebraska, Indiana, and Penn State. Indeed, the Gophers defense only allowed 14 points in their loss to then #11 ranked Michigan State. Syracuse's offense for 2013 has only averaged 22.8 points per game, while Minnesota's offensive line has averaged 26.4 points per game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has Minnesota winning by four points with a final score of 28-24.
Later this evening, the FIGHT HUNGER BOWL at AT&T Park in San Francisco (kickoff at 9:30PM ET) features Brigham Young vs. Washington. Both teams finished the 2013 season with 8-4 records. However, the Huskies will be without their head coach, Steve Sarkisian. Instead, Marques Tulasosopo, the first-year Quarterbacks coach, will serve as interim head coach until Chris Petersen officially takes over the program. Tonight's game pits two teams that are evenly matched in more ways than their overall W-L records. Both the Cougars and Huskies offensive squads are in the top 15 in terms of total yards per game (BYU averages 495.3, 15th nationally; Washington averages 514.3, 9th nationally). On the defensive side of the ball, the Huskies have only given up 23.4 points per game while the Cougars average is a bit lower: 21.3 points per game. It looks like this is anybody's game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach has gives BYU only a one-point advantage. His projected final score: 28-27.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Pizza and Poinsettias
Today's News Links:
Freshman QB Shane Morris will start for Michigan in Saturday's Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State. He replaces Devin Gardner, a redshirt junior, who suffered a foot injury. Full story here.
Massachusetts has fired head coach Charley Molnar. In his two seasons at UMass, Molnar accumulated a 2-22 overall record (2-14 MAC). Full story here.
Michigan State has suspended senior linebacker Max Bullough for violating team rules. He will not play in the upcoming Rose Bowl Game against Stanford. Full story here.
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Today's bowl games are in two locations on opposite sides of the country. At 6:00PM Eastern at Detroit's Ford Field, The LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA BOWL (formerly the Motor City Bowl) will feature the Pittsburgh Panthers (ACC) and the Bowling Green Falcons (MAC). Three weeks ago, at the same location, Bowling Green won the MAC Championship over Northern Illinois. Though the Falcons denied Northern Illinois an opportunity to go to a BCS-level bowl for the second consecutive season, Bowling Green's ability to win here will depend on how well their defense plays against a team from one of the five power conferences. In their two games against power conference opponents (Indiana and Mississippi State) the Falcons' defense, which averaged 14.8 points per game in 2013, gave up a combined 63 points. The Panthers' offense in 2013 has averaged 33.25 points per game against non-ACC opponents. Since PITT's defense has given up an average of 27.2 points per game, it may be difficult for them to hold off Bowling Green's formidable offense, which is led by sophomore QB Matt Johnson. In this season alone, Johnson threw for 3,195 yards and accumulated 23 touchdowns. If Johnson and his offensive line play like they have for most of the season, then the Falcons should win. ESPN's Mark Schlabach picks Bowling Green to win by 8 points (Final score: 24-16).
At 9:30 PM Eastern at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, the SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL features Utah State (MWC) versus #23 Northern Illinois (MAC). Interestingly, this game pits two teams that lost their respective conference championship games. The runner-up from the Mountain West, Utah State, finished their first season in that conference with a 7-1 record (8-5 overall). Their offense averaged 32.6 points per game with crushing victories over Air Force (52-20), Weber State (70-6), and San Jose State (40-12). Despite losing five games, two of those losses were only by a margin of four points or less. In fact, those narrow losses were against PAC-12 teams (Utah won 30-26, USC won 17-14). But, the question here is whether or not the Aggies defense, which averaged 17.3 points per game for 2013, can hold off Northern Illinois, whose powerful offensive line has averaged almost 42 points per game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts Northern Illinois winning by 14 points, with a projected final score of 34-20. However, based on the offensive yardage and the points that both teams have put up this year (Northern Illinois - 223.1 passing, 312.5 rushing; Utah State - 242.1 passing, 178.8 rushing) and the fact that Northern Illinois's defense has given up an average of 25.4 points per game, a shootout is a likely scenario.
Freshman QB Shane Morris will start for Michigan in Saturday's Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State. He replaces Devin Gardner, a redshirt junior, who suffered a foot injury. Full story here.
Massachusetts has fired head coach Charley Molnar. In his two seasons at UMass, Molnar accumulated a 2-22 overall record (2-14 MAC). Full story here.
Michigan State has suspended senior linebacker Max Bullough for violating team rules. He will not play in the upcoming Rose Bowl Game against Stanford. Full story here.
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Today's bowl games are in two locations on opposite sides of the country. At 6:00PM Eastern at Detroit's Ford Field, The LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA BOWL (formerly the Motor City Bowl) will feature the Pittsburgh Panthers (ACC) and the Bowling Green Falcons (MAC). Three weeks ago, at the same location, Bowling Green won the MAC Championship over Northern Illinois. Though the Falcons denied Northern Illinois an opportunity to go to a BCS-level bowl for the second consecutive season, Bowling Green's ability to win here will depend on how well their defense plays against a team from one of the five power conferences. In their two games against power conference opponents (Indiana and Mississippi State) the Falcons' defense, which averaged 14.8 points per game in 2013, gave up a combined 63 points. The Panthers' offense in 2013 has averaged 33.25 points per game against non-ACC opponents. Since PITT's defense has given up an average of 27.2 points per game, it may be difficult for them to hold off Bowling Green's formidable offense, which is led by sophomore QB Matt Johnson. In this season alone, Johnson threw for 3,195 yards and accumulated 23 touchdowns. If Johnson and his offensive line play like they have for most of the season, then the Falcons should win. ESPN's Mark Schlabach picks Bowling Green to win by 8 points (Final score: 24-16).
At 9:30 PM Eastern at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, the SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL features Utah State (MWC) versus #23 Northern Illinois (MAC). Interestingly, this game pits two teams that lost their respective conference championship games. The runner-up from the Mountain West, Utah State, finished their first season in that conference with a 7-1 record (8-5 overall). Their offense averaged 32.6 points per game with crushing victories over Air Force (52-20), Weber State (70-6), and San Jose State (40-12). Despite losing five games, two of those losses were only by a margin of four points or less. In fact, those narrow losses were against PAC-12 teams (Utah won 30-26, USC won 17-14). But, the question here is whether or not the Aggies defense, which averaged 17.3 points per game for 2013, can hold off Northern Illinois, whose powerful offensive line has averaged almost 42 points per game. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts Northern Illinois winning by 14 points, with a projected final score of 34-20. However, based on the offensive yardage and the points that both teams have put up this year (Northern Illinois - 223.1 passing, 312.5 rushing; Utah State - 242.1 passing, 178.8 rushing) and the fact that Northern Illinois's defense has given up an average of 25.4 points per game, a shootout is a likely scenario.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Broncos and Beavers on Christmas Eve
Today's News Links:
Just In: The University of Florida has just hired Duke Offensive Coordinator Kurt Roper to the same position. Roper will replace Brent Pease who was fired at the end of the season. Full story here.
The Associated Press has named Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn their 2013 Coach of the Year: Full story here.
USC head coach Steve Sarkisian announced that he will ask Ed Orgeron to be part of his coaching staff. In another story from USC, the Trojans junior safety Dion Bailey will enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
Army has named Jeff Monken, head coach of Georgia Southern, as their new head football coach. Full story here.
Akron assistant head coach Alan Arrington was killed on Monday in a car accident. Full story here.
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Happy Holidays to everyone from The Howell Report! As Santa Claus travels the world delivering gifts (one can track his progress through the NORAD Santa Tracker website), the Boise State Broncos (MWC) and the Oregon State Beavers (PAC-12) have already landed in Hawaii for today's SHERATON HAWAII BOWL, which will air at 8:00PM Eastern on ESPN. Boise State will be appearing in their 12th straight bowl but they will be without head coach Chris Petersen, who left the team to become head coach of the Washington Huskies. Instead, linebackers coach Bob Gregory will serve as interim head coach until Bryan Harsin takes over in 2014.
Today's game is anticipated to be a shootout as both the Broncos and the Beavers contain offensive squads that have both averaged 470 yards per game. Oregon State has the advantage in passing, as they currently boast the 3rd best passing offense in the country, averaging 382.1 yards per game. Though Boise State's passing average is lower (269 yards per game), they make up the difference with their rushing capabilities (201.8 yards per game vs. 86.0 ypg for the Beavers). Boise State has averaged roughly 39 points per game (ppg) while Oregon State's average is closer to 35 ppg. By contrast, the defensive squads of both teams have not performed as well. The Broncos have given up roughly 24 ppg while the Beavers have averaged approximately 32 ppg. Because of their reliance on the running game, Boise State may have an advantage since Oregon State's defense has given up an average of 193.2 yards per game in rushing alone. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts Boise State winning by four points with a final score of 28-24.
Just In: The University of Florida has just hired Duke Offensive Coordinator Kurt Roper to the same position. Roper will replace Brent Pease who was fired at the end of the season. Full story here.
The Associated Press has named Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn their 2013 Coach of the Year: Full story here.
USC head coach Steve Sarkisian announced that he will ask Ed Orgeron to be part of his coaching staff. In another story from USC, the Trojans junior safety Dion Bailey will enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
Army has named Jeff Monken, head coach of Georgia Southern, as their new head football coach. Full story here.
Akron assistant head coach Alan Arrington was killed on Monday in a car accident. Full story here.
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Happy Holidays to everyone from The Howell Report! As Santa Claus travels the world delivering gifts (one can track his progress through the NORAD Santa Tracker website), the Boise State Broncos (MWC) and the Oregon State Beavers (PAC-12) have already landed in Hawaii for today's SHERATON HAWAII BOWL, which will air at 8:00PM Eastern on ESPN. Boise State will be appearing in their 12th straight bowl but they will be without head coach Chris Petersen, who left the team to become head coach of the Washington Huskies. Instead, linebackers coach Bob Gregory will serve as interim head coach until Bryan Harsin takes over in 2014.
Today's game is anticipated to be a shootout as both the Broncos and the Beavers contain offensive squads that have both averaged 470 yards per game. Oregon State has the advantage in passing, as they currently boast the 3rd best passing offense in the country, averaging 382.1 yards per game. Though Boise State's passing average is lower (269 yards per game), they make up the difference with their rushing capabilities (201.8 yards per game vs. 86.0 ypg for the Beavers). Boise State has averaged roughly 39 points per game (ppg) while Oregon State's average is closer to 35 ppg. By contrast, the defensive squads of both teams have not performed as well. The Broncos have given up roughly 24 ppg while the Beavers have averaged approximately 32 ppg. Because of their reliance on the running game, Boise State may have an advantage since Oregon State's defense has given up an average of 193.2 yards per game in rushing alone. ESPN's Mark Schlabach predicts Boise State winning by four points with a final score of 28-24.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Final Scores for All NCAA-FBS Bowl Games
The final scores for all FBS-level bowl games will be available on this post.
Saturday, December 21st
Colorado State overcomes substantial deficit to beat Washington State, 48-45. Box Score
#25 USC gets a big win over #20 Fresno State for Ed Orgeron, 45-20. Box Score
San Diego State routs Buffalo in the Famous Idaho Potatoes Bowl, 49-24. Box Score
UL-Lafayette edges Tulane, wins 3rd consecutive N.Orleans Bowl, 24-21. Box Score
Monday, December 23rd
East Carolina beats Ohio in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, 37-20. Box Score
Tuesday, December 24th
Oregon State bruises Boise State in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, 38-23. Box Score
Thursday, December 26th
Pittsburgh narrowly beats Bowling Green in the Little Caesar's Bowl, 30-27. Box Score
Utah State upsets #23 Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl, 21-14. Box Score
Friday, December 27th
Marshall takes down Maryland in the Military Bowl, 31-20. Box Score
Syracuse earns a winning record from their victory over Minnesota, 21-17. Box Score
Washington hammers Brigham Young in the Fight Hunger Bowl, 31-16. Box Score
Saturday, December 28th
Notre Dame fights off Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl, 29-16. Box Score
North Carolina routs Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl, 39-17. Box Score
#18 Louisville blows out Miami (FL) in the Russell Athletic Bowl, 36-9. Box Score
Kansas State snaps postseason losing streak with win over Michigan, 31-14. Box Score
Monday, December 30th
Navy blasts Middle Tennessee in the Armed Forces Bowl, 24-6. Box Score
Ole Miss holds off Georgia Tech to win the Music City Bowl, 25-17. Box Score
#10 Oregon runs roughshod over Texas in the Alamo Bowl, 30-7. Box Score
Texas Tech shocks #14 Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl, 37-23. Box Score
Tuesday, December 31st
Arizona mauls Boston College in the Independence Bowl, 42-19. Box Score
#17 UCLA overwhelms Virginia Tech in the Sun Bowl, 42-12. Box Score
Mississippi State flattens Rice in the Liberty Bowl, 44-7. Box Score
#21 Texas A&M beats #24 Duke in a shootout at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, 52-48. Box Score
Wednesday, January 1st
Nebraska upsets #22 Georgia to win the Gator Bowl, 24-19. Box Score
North Texas overwhelms Nevada-Las Vegas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, 36-14. Box Score
#9 South Carolina outlasts #19 Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl, 34-24. Box Score
#16 Louisiana State takes down Iowa in the Outback Bowl, 21-14. Box Score
#4 Michigan State stops #5 Stanford in the 100th Rose Bowl, 24-20. Box Score
#15 Central Florida beats #6 Baylor in a shootout at the Fiesta Bowl, 52-42. Box Score
Thursday, January 2nd
#11 Oklahoma shocks #3 Alabama (and everybody else) in the Sugar Bowl, 45-31. Box Score
Friday, January 3rd
#12 Clemson defeats #7 Ohio State on a questionable call in Orange Bowl, 40-35. Box Score
#8 Missouri wears down Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl, 41-31. Box Score
Saturday, January 4th
Vanderbilt gets second straight bowl win by beating Houston in Birmingham, 41-24. Box Score
Sunday, January 5th
Arkansas State defeats Ball State in the GoDaddy Bowl by a field goal, 23-20. Box Score
Monday, January 6th - BCS National Championship Game
#1 Florida State comes back in second half to beat #2 Auburn by a field goal, 34-31. Box Score
Saturday, December 21st
Colorado State overcomes substantial deficit to beat Washington State, 48-45. Box Score
#25 USC gets a big win over #20 Fresno State for Ed Orgeron, 45-20. Box Score
San Diego State routs Buffalo in the Famous Idaho Potatoes Bowl, 49-24. Box Score
UL-Lafayette edges Tulane, wins 3rd consecutive N.Orleans Bowl, 24-21. Box Score
Monday, December 23rd
East Carolina beats Ohio in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, 37-20. Box Score
Tuesday, December 24th
Oregon State bruises Boise State in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, 38-23. Box Score
Thursday, December 26th
Pittsburgh narrowly beats Bowling Green in the Little Caesar's Bowl, 30-27. Box Score
Utah State upsets #23 Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl, 21-14. Box Score
Friday, December 27th
Marshall takes down Maryland in the Military Bowl, 31-20. Box Score
Syracuse earns a winning record from their victory over Minnesota, 21-17. Box Score
Washington hammers Brigham Young in the Fight Hunger Bowl, 31-16. Box Score
Saturday, December 28th
Notre Dame fights off Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl, 29-16. Box Score
North Carolina routs Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl, 39-17. Box Score
#18 Louisville blows out Miami (FL) in the Russell Athletic Bowl, 36-9. Box Score
Kansas State snaps postseason losing streak with win over Michigan, 31-14. Box Score
Monday, December 30th
Navy blasts Middle Tennessee in the Armed Forces Bowl, 24-6. Box Score
Ole Miss holds off Georgia Tech to win the Music City Bowl, 25-17. Box Score
#10 Oregon runs roughshod over Texas in the Alamo Bowl, 30-7. Box Score
Texas Tech shocks #14 Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl, 37-23. Box Score
Tuesday, December 31st
Arizona mauls Boston College in the Independence Bowl, 42-19. Box Score
#17 UCLA overwhelms Virginia Tech in the Sun Bowl, 42-12. Box Score
Mississippi State flattens Rice in the Liberty Bowl, 44-7. Box Score
#21 Texas A&M beats #24 Duke in a shootout at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, 52-48. Box Score
Wednesday, January 1st
Nebraska upsets #22 Georgia to win the Gator Bowl, 24-19. Box Score
North Texas overwhelms Nevada-Las Vegas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, 36-14. Box Score
#9 South Carolina outlasts #19 Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl, 34-24. Box Score
#16 Louisiana State takes down Iowa in the Outback Bowl, 21-14. Box Score
#4 Michigan State stops #5 Stanford in the 100th Rose Bowl, 24-20. Box Score
#15 Central Florida beats #6 Baylor in a shootout at the Fiesta Bowl, 52-42. Box Score
Thursday, January 2nd
#11 Oklahoma shocks #3 Alabama (and everybody else) in the Sugar Bowl, 45-31. Box Score
Friday, January 3rd
#12 Clemson defeats #7 Ohio State on a questionable call in Orange Bowl, 40-35. Box Score
#8 Missouri wears down Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl, 41-31. Box Score
Saturday, January 4th
Vanderbilt gets second straight bowl win by beating Houston in Birmingham, 41-24. Box Score
Sunday, January 5th
Arkansas State defeats Ball State in the GoDaddy Bowl by a field goal, 23-20. Box Score
Monday, January 6th - BCS National Championship Game
#1 Florida State comes back in second half to beat #2 Auburn by a field goal, 34-31. Box Score
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