Peach, Orange, Cotton Preview

Houston plays Florida State in the Peach Bowl. Watch out here. Houston has a hot coach in Tom Herman. Houston seems to be a breeding ground for coaches of late (see Briles, Sumlin, etc.). Herman has a good quarterback in Greg Ward Jr. to go against the athletes of Florida State. FSU is without their usual starting quarterback, the transfer from Notre Dame Golson who is out. But they have stud running back Dalvin Cook who could have a big day. Vegas likes the Seminoles by at least 7 points.

The Orange Bowl features Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson versus Oklahoma quarterback (and Austin native [sad/mad face]) Baker Mayfield. Oklahoma lost to Texas. And it really wasn't close. Let me say that again, on a neutral field, Texas beat Oklahoma. Since then they have run over everyone. Coach Bob Stoops is an interesting fellow. He has taken Oklahoma to great heights and then stunned his fan base with some humiliating losses (ain't that right Boise State?). Can Clemson get by the Sooners? Experts seem split. Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney (giggle) somehow gets his guys to play despite being a big old nerd, but it works. He dances, he holds emotional press conferences, and he loves the end of game television interview. Last year the Tigers demolished the Sooners in the Russell Athletic Bowl. This year, Vegas likes the Sooners by 4.

 Michigan State plays perennial power Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. Michigan State had the most incredible victory ever with its blocked punt for a touchdown on the last play of the game against Michigan. Last year the Spartans made an incredible comeback against Baylor in this same bowl game. Alabama has been vulnerable to the big upset in recent bowl appearances when everyone thought they would cruise. Remember last year's semi-final versus Ohio State? Throw in the fact that Alabama has the Heisman jinx factor and who knows, maybe the lucky squad from East Lansing pulls the upset. Look for defense to dominate here.Vegas likes 'Bama by a whopping 10 points.

Belk, Music City, and Holiday Preview

I'll be traveling to New Mexico while these games are being played, so the previews will be short and sweet. The Belk Bowl features NC State and Mississippi State. The cowbells of Mississippi State should ring often as the Bulldogs are led by Dak Prescott their prolific QB one more time. The senior QB should get the win, but the Wolfpack should be playing in front of a friendly crowd. Mississippi State is the 6 point favorite in Vegas.

POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR Aggies! Heh, heh, heh. A&M has lost not one, but two quarterbacks in the last two weeks as Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray have transferred. Head coach Kevin Sumlin may start the mascott Reveille at quarterback. Seriously, the Aggies seem to be self destructing, but they are an SEC team. Louisville is the 5 point favorite, but have also played multiple quarterbacks this year. The difference? Louisville's quarterbacks are staying at Louisville. Obviously, the story is if Sumlin can pull the remaining Aggies together to overcome the turmoil. If not, the Cardinals should win handily.

My son's first college football game as a student was watching USC destroy his Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe on a fall night. USC can look really good, like they did on that September night, and then they can look pedestrian as they have in many other contests. Wisconsin is traditionally a smash mouth program while the Trojans are glitz and glamour. The Holiday Bowl is traditionally a fun contest full of scoring and drama. USC is the 3.5 point favorite. Look for their athletes to dominate the Badgers if they are mentally in the game.

Texas Bowl

This should be an LSU stomp. If you haven't seen Leonard Fournette run, take the opportunity tonight. Texas third string running back Chris Warren broke records for yards gain and touchdowns versus a porous Tech defense. What Fournette can do against them may be scary. Tech has an offense, but LSU usually has a stout defense full of athletes that should be able to limit Tech's passing game. Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a typical prolific thrower for the Red Raiders. He is mobile and Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury will let him loose tonight and they will score. But Tech's defense is a dumpster fire and especially weak against the run. LSU runs. They don't pass well. But Fournette should average ten yards a carry. Vegas has Tech a 7 to 10 point underdog. I would take LSU and lay the points.

Russell Athletic Bowl

Well, to preview this is somewhat dangerous as RC and Timothy know more about North Carolina than I do. So, let me tell you about Baylor instead. Baylor is coached by Art Briles. He has quickly established the Bears as a powerhouse in Waco. He was a very accomplished high school coach and made the jump to division one coaching at Houston. Then, he came to Baylor where he recruited speed. He took Robert Griffith III to a Heisman, developed a system which turns out quarterbacks, and is brash enough to back up his bluster.

This year, Briles was set to challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, his first quarterback Seth Russell broke his neck, his stud back-up quarterback Jarret Stidham got injured too, and then third string quarterback Chris Johnson got hurt as well in the last game of the season (thanks to my Longhorns). But, not only are the quarterbacks a MASH unit, but Baylor's best receiver Corey Coleman and running back Shock Linwood are also hurt. We are not sure what Baylor has left to face North Carolina and their awesome quarterback Marquise Williams. Chris Johnson should be back and there are a lot of athletes at Briles disposal, so Carolina shouldn't be too confident. Briles can coach, but he has definitely some obstacles to overcome. Carolina is the 2 to 3 point favorite currently in Vegas.

Armed Forces Bowl Preview

As I write this the morning after yet another agonizing Dallas Cowboy defeat, I can tell you that 2015 has been one of the worst football seasons in memory for me. So let me tell you why the Cal v. Air Force game is a painful reminder of what a bad season it's been. The third week of the college football season featured my beloved Texas versus Cal. Texas, after being humiliated by Notre Dame the first week, had demoted its offensive coordinator and thrown in a red shirt quarterback against Rice to get a win it could have gotten with a group of kids randomly selected from its largest dorm. The third week opponent was Cal, featuring the NFL ready quarterback Jared Goff. Goff led Cal to a big lead and then Texas, behind its red shirt freshman QB, Jerod Heard, fought all the way back behind Heard's running ability. Heard scored late in the game with the Horns down seven. Seemingly the game would be tied and the game headed to OT with Texas having all the momentum. The crowd was going crazy. Players were hugging each other. Coach Strong (UT's head coach) was elated. Then, the senior place kicker shanked the extra point and Texas lost by one point. The Texas place kicker will remained unnamed, but this is what he looks like:

That is not a photo shop.

Anyway, Air Force runs the triple option which should give Cal's defense, which is bad, fits. Goff should lead a good Cal offense to multiple scores. It should be an offensive shoot out. I picked Cal, but I'll root for Air Force, because of what happened in week three still hurts. I hope they lose because of a missed extra point.

The First Previews: Sun, Pinstripe, Independence, and Foster Farms

We start on Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern. At one of my favorite stadiums where I have seen a game live, the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. We have Miami, which our ACC fans will know had a turbulent season in which they fired their coach. They ended the year on a hot streak, however, and their quaterback Brad Kaaya has improved. 

I told you we would start with a pirate in my first blog of the season and here he is. Head Coach Mike Leach was famous for his swashbuckling ways at Texas Tech. With his noted interest in all things pirate, he got the nickname aforementioned. How did the guy who likes to hang out in Key West, Florida, wind up in Pullman, Washington? I have no idea. I do know he runs a pass happy attack. This year's version is run by quarterback Luke Falk. Can Miami stop this offense? We will see. They will have to do it with one of their starting safeties suspended. Washington State is a 2.5 point favorite in Vegas.

Next will be the 3:30 p.m. Eastern tilt in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium. We are going to play mediocre college football in a baseball stadium featuring schools known for their basketball teams. Unlike the snobs in the press who cannot stand these gimmicks, I love it! What else does my middle class ass have to do on the Saturday after Christmas? Nothing. Bring on meaningless bowl games. I'll make it meaningful by gambling on it. 

Quarterback Nate Sudfield leads the Hoosiers to their first bowl game since 2007 and their second since 1993. Duke is in their fourth straight bowl game (you read that correctly). Defense is not supposed to be a premium here so look for lots of passing. Unlike Bobby Knight and Coach K, the coaches for these football teams are offense minded. Indiana is the 3 point favorite in Vegas.

At 5:45 p.m. Eastern, the Independence Bowl will be played in beautiful Shreveport, Louisiana. Tulsa has lost their offensive coordinator and offensive line coach to Texas (good lord I hope they are good), so I will be interested in seeing how well the Golden Hurricane perform against the last Frank Beamer defense. Virginia Tech's coach is retiring after a great career, so you would expect the Hokies to be motivated to see him off with a win. (By the way, Golden Hurricane? In Tulsa, Oklahoma? Never mind.) On most lines, Virginia Tech is a two touchdown favorite.

Tulsa has a receiver named Keyarris Garrett. If he goes off, that could be difficult for the Hokies. The Hokies will look to pound it down the Golden Hurricanes' throats with a tough running game and a stout defense. 

At 9:15 p.m. Eastern we will switch to the Bay Area to watch the Foster Farms Bowl. We will watch a 5 and 7 Nebraska team (that's right they have a losing record; there were not enough 6 win teams for bowls this year) face off against the disappointing UCLA Bruins. Nebraska had one big upset against Michigan State, so they are capable. UCLA has a freshman quarterback in Josh Rosen that has been rather prolific this year. UCLA is therefore a 6.5 point favorite. Nebraska lost four games in the last 10 seconds of their games. UCLA has the Pac-12's leading rusher in Paul Perkins. 

Alert here: RC Smith is the only competitor to pick Nebraska. Big game for the original commissioner.

Should be fun people. Let's get this party started!!! See you at Buffalo Wild Wings.

2015-16 Contest is Here!

Let's get it on!

The day after Christmas we will start. I have many of the picks already in. Charlotte is in (except for Kirsten). San Raphael is in (no cats). We have Tennessee in (right Alec? Tennessee?). We need Jamestown and San Antonio, but I am sure those picks are coming.

The defending champ is getting ready. She reads sports pages from a wide variety of newspapers, blogs, and gambling websites. She makes calls to bookies on the east and west coasts. She has even traveled to a select few locations to watch practices. I await her picks, and shiver in fear at her intellect.

Remember, this contest is for bragging rights only. You can follow the action and results on this blog. Side wagering is allowed, but keep it on the down low.

The Sun Bowl from beautiful El Paso, Texas is first. I cannot wait to tell you all about the pirate. Do not forget live tweeting will start that night as well at @familybowlpool.

Peace, and happy picking. Enjoy Festivus today. Do not hurt anyone during the Feats of Strength.

-The Commish

The Race for Last

Well Patricia has secured the title with gravy by predicting the Ohio State upset. The only race we have now is for last. Currently, RC, Monique, and the commissioner (that's me) are tied for last. Tomorrow the last game of the bowl pool is played in San Antonio. UCLA versus Kansas State. If UCLA wins, RC and Monique will share last place. If Kansas State wins, I will secure last place.

We will call this the "Stinky Shoe" award. It will go to the worst picker. I can't wait to see who loses.

Meet Art Briles

Baylor was beating Michigan State by 20 points going into the last quarter of the Cotton Bowl. The score was 41-21. Bryce Petty the quarterback of the Bears threw for over 500 yards. Briles' team then proceeded to give up three unanswered touchdowns and lose 42-41. The last touchdown came with 17 seconds left.

It allowed this person to make an astonishing comeback in our friendly family bowl pool:

Patricia just admitted her strategy to me. First, she picked against every Texas team. That was good for two wins and one loss. Then, she decided whether the team she was picking represented a right wing cause or not. If it did, she picked against them. What about Auburn v Wisconsin you ask? She really didn't know where Auburn was but she knew there was a bad governor in Wisconsin now. Oregon v Florida St.? C'mon now. It was a brilliant strategy that led to a clinched victory with two games remaining. Congratulations, Guapa, you won.

Incredible

The winner of the Pool will be decided now. It's between Patricia and Kirsten. With Michigan State's unbelievable win, Pat has tied Kirsten. Their only remaining difference is the Rose Bowl. Pat has Oregon. Kirsten has Florida State. Here we go.

Wisconsin in Overtime - This is Kirsten's to Win or Lose

Does this look like someone who can pick college football? Well, it is. She wins the overtime Outback Bowl and leaps ahead and in the driver's seat.

Stay away from mayhem. Get yourself some solid insurance: car, home, life, etc. You are in good hands with Allstate. We also like to hang out in New Orleans on New Year's Day and sponsor a kick-butt bowl game.

The second semi-final ends the day. Alabama faces Ohio State in a match up of traditional football powerhouses. The story here is the coaching match-up. Nick Saban is the devil. He never smiles. He just coaches up players and has created the biggest powerhouse in the country in Tuscaloosa. When he was coach of Michigan State and the Texas job opened up after John Mackovic was fired I said that Texas should go after him. I was right. We got Mack Brown instead. Saban has won four championships in that time at LSU and Alabama. Mack got Texas one thanks to Vince Young. I should not complain, I know. It's just... never mind.

Urban Meyer won two titles at Florida. He then had to leave mysteriously. He sat out a year and wound up at Ohio State. (I've heard a reason why, but it's not confirmed so I won't print it - what am I? A journalist?) He has gone through 3 quarterbacks this year, and with the exception of a hiccup against Virginia Tech, has just kept on winning. Ohio State destroyed Wisconsin in the Big 10 championship game. Meyer runs a spread offense and has speed no other Big 10 team has. This game should be delicious. Saban can be beat. Alabama has lost its last two Sugar Bowls. Ohio State's only victory against an SEC team in a bowl had to be vacated though. Alabama is an 8 point favorite. (TCU and Baylor are pissed.)

Patricia and Kirsten have picked Ohio State. Wow.

New Year's is always a big day in the Pool. If someone goes 5-0 they can come back and win this thing from way off the pace. Cook some food, get on your couch, and enjoy the day. Love, the Commish.

Rose Bowl Presented by Northwestern Mutual

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Couldn't have said it better myself. Let's get some 401K's after the game, shall we?

One of the big semi-final games. Oregon versus Florida State! Oregon has Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. He is Samoan from Hawai'i. He is known for being humble. Florida State has Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. He is known for being brash. Both should go to the pros next year. It will be interesting to see who gets drafted first. Mariota has a better temperament, but Winston, according to Sports Illustrated, is an incredible prototype of a quarterback. He reads defenses better than anyone and coupled with his power and winning attitude on the field, the article concludes he is one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time. 

Oregon is ranked #1 in the country. The only game they lost was when their best offensive lineman was hurt and Mariota was pressured on every down by Arizona. Florida State plays with fire every week it seems, but always pulls out an ugly win. Oregon is a 7.5 point favorite. Wow! Pat has Oregon; Kirsten has Florida State. 

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

My home away from home: Buffalo Wild Wings. Two words: Caribbean Jerk, the most delicious sauce ever. Get the traditional bone-in or the boneless, some celery, some blue cheese, some fries, and a beer on draft. Heaven. Pat and I had a great time there on Tuesday night. We even kicked butt in the trivia contest. Fly down to San Antonio and we'll go. Let's make it happen.

This game features the surprising Minnesota Golden Gophers versus the Missouri Tigers. Missouri cracks me up. They go to the SEC East as an afterthought to balance out Texas A&M, and what do they do? They win the East title two out of three years. Of course they get killed by the SEC West champions in the SEC title game, but they've actually done better in the SEC than A&M. Ha! Missouri always seems to have a great defensive line and this year is no different. Minnesota has a running back named David Cobb who leads the Golden Gophers. Missouri is a 4.5 point favorite. Pat and Kirsten both have Missouri.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl

A fine tire is made by the folks at Goodyear. So celebrate the New Year with a set of four Goodyear tires for your vehicle. Guaranteed good driving with Goodyear tires.

The bowl game features the green of Michigan State versus the green and gold of Baylor. Baylor coach Art Briles was pissed that Baylor did not get in the National Playoff. He is a coaching SOB who started in high school turning Stephenville, Texas, into a state powerhouse. He went to Houston and then got hired on by Baylor. He features a high octane offense and specializes in developing quarterbacks, like Robert Griffin III. So he has another quarterback named Bryce Petty. Petty led Baylor to 11 wins. But his offense sputtered at West Virginia, sparking an awesome couch burning riot West Virginia is so famous for. Bad loss kept the Bears out of the playoff. Technically, they are the Big XII champions so they go to Jerry World to face Michigan State.

State has become the premier football team in Michigan. The Spartans feature a top ten defense and a decent quarterback themselves in Connor Cook. But Michigan State struggles against top offenses like Oregon and Ohio State. Baylor is only a 2.5 point favorite. I think Baylor wins big like TCU yesterday. Kirsten has Baylor and Patricia has Michigan State.

New Year's Day

Even though I'm at the bottom of the Pool, I have absolutely loved the Bowl season so far. The games for the most part are exciting, and we have a tight race in the Pool as always. Still have a healthy amount of people alive. Kirsten is going for the rare repeat, and Patricia is seeking another title for the Baker clan.But the Charlotte contingent is breathing down our necks with several top pickers including Papa Bear Tim. Here is the preview for today in rapid fire action.

The best thing from Australia is this:

But you get a decent steak from the Outback Steakhouse. I like the Blooming Onion. But you really can't survive in San Antonio with a dry steak. Too much competition from Texas style steakhouses. By the way, if you have an Outback Steakhouse in your area, tomorrow they are giving away Blooming Onions if Auburn wins and shrimp if Wisconsin wins. Wisconsin lost their head coach, and so the ex-coach and athletic director Barry Alvarez has decided to act as head coach for the bowl game. Fascinating!

Today's Outback Bowl features a Big 10 powerhouse in Wisconsin that features the running of Melvin Gordon. They got killed in their last game by Ohio State, but usually the Big 10 team in this game plays well. The opponent is Auburn, who narrowly lost to Florida State last year in the national championship. Auburn has a good running back/quarterback combo. So look for a run dominated game. Auburn is favored by a touchdown. Patricia has Auburn and Kirsten has Wisconsin.