Game 21: Allstate Sugar Bowl

Semifinal #2 has a rematch of last year's title game with Clemson facing Alabama. Last year Clemson won in a thriller. Even though the Tigers lost Deshaun Watson to the NFL, they reloaded with Kelly Bryant at quarterback and enter the game with one loss to of all programs Syracuse. Dabo Swinney is the darling it seems of head football coaches and his Tigers claimed the ACC Championship easily over Miami. Nick Saban leads the Crimson Tide with a great defense and quarterback Jalen Hurts who I think has been at Alabama for 17 years. However, Alabama lost to Auburn and thus did not make the SEC Championship game even though like Clemson they have only one loss. They just have failed the eye test to many this year. The SEC west was weaker than usual and they knocked out Florida State in the first game after an injury to FSUs stud quarterback early. So, many people have picked Clemson to win this game. The commish however likes Saban as a coach and thinks his Tide will be ready to roll. Vegas likes Alabama by about 3 points.

Allstate is an insurance company. I have never had Allstate. They have pretty good commercials though. I like the Mayhem guy. That's quality comedy.

Game 20: The Rose Bowl Presented by Northwestern Mutual

National Semifinal #1 is played in the Rose Bowl. The Oklahoma Sooners are playing the Georgia Bulldogs. Oklahoma has the Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Baker Mayfield. Baker is from the Austin area. Texas did not recruit him (shock). He played as a walk-on at Texas Tech, then was benched. So, he transferred to Oklahoma where he won the starting job and eventually won the Heisman Trophy. It is a great story, but evidently the guy is a jerk. Oh well, plenty of great players have been jerks. Unfortunately for Oklahoma, he appears to have caught the flu this week. How this will affect the game is unknown. Georgia features a true freshman quarterback Jake Fromm under the tutelage of Kirby Smart the first year head coach. Georgia features a strong running game. Oklahoma a wide open passing attack. Perhaps the best defense will win. The commish went with his heart and will pick the Bulldogs. Vegas has the Bulldogs as 2.5 point favorites.

Northwestern Mutual is a financial services company. Get your life insurance, IRAs, etc.

Game 19: Overton's Citrus Bowl

Notre Dame plays LSU in the Citrus Bowl. Notre Dame lost 2 of its last 3 games to ruin a shot at the playoff. They play an LSU team that had a decent year but could not challenge the SEC heavyweights and lost to Troy in a non-conference game. Notre Dame has two All-Americans on its offensive line. Given LSU's traditional great defense, the game will probably be won or lost on the line of scrimmage between the Irish offense and the Tiger defense. Rumor has it that the head coach of LSU is feuding with his offensive coordinator. This may have an effect. It looks like the Tigers are still the 1 point favorite. The commish has the Irish.

I have never heard of Overton's. They sell boating products. I don't have a boat.

Game 18: The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Central Florida is undefeated in Division I and in my opinion should be in the College Football Playoff instead of Alabama. But, they play in a non-power five conference so they got sent to the Peach Bowl. Auburn beat Alabama and then held on to their coach Gus Malzahn (against the trend). They have some players sitting out as they have already declared for the NFL, but they have plenty of talent especially on defense to be considered a 9.5 point favorite. Scott Frost has agreed to become the head coach of Nebraska, his alma mater, but stayed to coach one last game. His quarterback McKenzie Martin guided the highest scoring offense in the country. This may be a shootout. Auburn hopes not. The commish goes with Auburn.

Chick-fil-A tastes so good. They really try to have excellent customer service as well. But, their politics stink! What's a chicken sandwich lover to do? And I love waffle fries and lemonade! I hate moral dilemmas.

Game 17: The Outback Bowl

This is a rematch of sorts. Jadaveon Clowney in 2013 played himself into a first round first pick with his hit during the game on a Michigan running back. The Gamecock has turned into a nice NFL player, but I don't think he has lived up to the hype he earned after the 2013 Outback Bowl. This year, Michigan is coached by Jim Harbaugh and has underachieved at 8-4. They lost every game against their rivals. South Carolina overachieved at 8-4 under coach Will Muschamp. Michigan is a 7.5 favorite. The commish has the Wolverines. I don't trust Will Muschamp coached teams.

The Outback Steakhouse is terrible in my opinion. They have mastered the art of the dry steak. If you like dry steak and mediocre sides at a chain steakhouse, live it up at the Outback Steakhouse. Or, get a decent steak at a local restaurant or your local grocery store/meat market.

Day of Rest

The NFL rules Sunday so there are no games today. So celebrate New Year's Eve responsibly. I write to you from Jal, New Mexico, where we have some freezing temperatures and some light sleet. We thought about driving to a casino, but I'm not sure that will happen.

Big news in the standings: with a 4 and 0 day the Commissioner has jumped to the top of the standings. With an 0 and 4 day, RC has plummeted back to the pack. Analicia Baker and Mason/Emeline Smith are one game back of the lead. Five games are left. Anything can happen.

Oh and Margaret, you are officially out of last place with an impressive 3 and 1 day. Congratulations!

Old Man v the Rookie

RC Smith has maintained his lead, but with a 4 and 0 day Mason, boyfriend of Emeline Smith, has risen to the top of the standings as well. The two are one game ahead of the ill with a cold Analicia Baker. But everyone is in the game. We as a group are picking strong. Regression to the mean. Will RC and Mason come back to the pack. We will see.

Game 16: Capital One Orange Bowl

Miami plays Wisconsin in this game. This shapes up to be a defensive struggle. Mark Richt has brought the Canes back to prominence, but has lost his last two outings. The Badgers struggle to score and struggle with turnovers. Miami's quarterback has thrown a lot of interceptions. Should we even watch this game? I have the Badgers. Miami has burned me so many times in the past. We will see if they can defend their home town versus the beasts of the Midwest.

Capital One is a financial services/bank. I have an auto loan through these people. I do like their online portal. I don't like big banks though. They are about to make a ton of money under our President and Republican Congress. Bleah...

Game 15: Playstation Fiesta Bowl

Penn State plays Washington in this bowl played in Phoenix. Penn State has the Heisman finalist Saquon Barkley, the do everything running back. The criticism I've heard about Saquon is that he is an all or nothing back. In other words if you can contain him and prevent the long, explosive run, he will not beat you by grinding out four yards a carry. Washington has quarterback Jake Browning and a stellar defense. The Pac 12 has struggled in bowls this year however. And the Big 10 seems to be flexing a lot of muscle. I have the Nittany Lions and the guy that should have replaced Mack Brown as Texas coach, James Franklin. Penn State is the 2.5 point favorite in Vegas.

Playstation refers to the Sony Playstation video game console. I believe we have the 2nd and 4th editions. Matt used to play with friends over the internet. He wore a headset and would serenade his opponents with Rick Astley songs. Google "Rick Rolled" to get a sense of what Matt was doing to psyche out his opponents. Thumbs up to the Playstation, quality family entertainment.

Game 14: Autozone Liberty Bowl

Iowa State had a huge turn around this year. Their coach Matt Campbell took his starting quarterback from last year and turned him into a really good linebacker. I kid you not. He then lost the quarterback he put in the starting role this year after the kid quit. Then he upset Oklahoma in Norman with the back up quarterback. Amazing. Memphis was led by quarterback Riley Ferguson to a winning record and featured the second highest scoring offense in the nation. I went with the Cyclones of Iowa State here. I like Campbell. Watch that former quarterback turned linebacker Lanning. He had 110 tackles this year. He's a leader. I bet he'll show up on offense too at some point.

AutoZone is an auto parts store. Auto parts stores are pretty much the same. I go to O'Reilly's out of loyalty to my favorite sports radio show.

Game 13: Taxslayer Bowl

Louisville is the 6.5 point favorite here behind last year's Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. Louisville has had an up and down season this year, but ended with 3 victories. Jackson will take his Cardinals up against a top 25 defense in the form of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Theme Alert. Mississippi State lost its head coach Dan Mullen to Florida, so an interim coach will guide the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are also without their starting quarterback who injured his ankle in the last game. So freshman Keytaon Thompson will guide the SEC entrant. So, of course, I picked Mississippi State.

Taxslayer is a tax preparation service. I use an independent guy named Fred Flores. He's a nice guy. Coaches his kid's soccer team. Cringes when he knows I have to pay. I guess he'll help me fill out my postcard this year. Stupid Republicans.

Game 12: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Wow is this a power match up of perennial powers. Ohio State features coach Urban Meyer and quarterback JT Barrett. Barrett is from north Texas where this bowl game is being played. He shows flashes of greatness and then sometimes disappears in the big game. USC features quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Ronald Jones. If Texas could take USC into overtime at Los Angeles, I'm picking Ohio State to win this. But, on the other hand, the Trojans did improve at the end of the year to win the Pac 12 title. Ohio State would have been in the playoff I think if they had not have laid an egg at Iowa in a truly awful performance. Ohio State is a 7.5 favorite. I have the Buckeyes and so does our leader RC. This will end the day of football. Enjoy it. (I'm enjoying a replay of the Texas Bowl as I write this.)

Goodyear makes a decent tire. Ana had a blowout the other night on the freeway. We finally got home and the tire changed at 2:30 am. Fun times. I'm glad she is ok. But make sure you have good tires on your vehicle.

Game 11: Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

It's the Margaret Candace Key Bowl as her Northwestern Wildcats face the Kentucky Wildcats. Both teams have the same mascot and both teams feature stud running backs. Justin Jackson stars for the purple wildcats and Benny Snell stars for the blue wildcats. Northwestern won 7 games in a row and ended the season at 9-3. Kentucky was 7-5. Really, the better quarterback will probably win the day as the running backs will cancel each other out. Northwestern is the 7.5 point favorite. I took the underdogs because Northwestern has burned me so many times in the past. RC took Northwestern.

Franklin American Mortgage company I guess sells mortgages. Good lord buying a house is a pain. How long did it take you to sign your mortgage documents. Initial here, sign here, blood sample here, why do we put up with it?

Game 10: The Hyundai Sun Bowl

Let's continue with our theme. Todd Graham will coach Arizona State for the last time today. He has been fired, but oddly allowed to coach one final time at today's Sun Bowl. Graham in my opinion should not have been fired as his team over achieved this year. He has one of my favorite running backs in Kalen Ballage. Graham's teams like to gamble on defense, so ASU is susceptible to blowouts when the other team can figure out what is coming. North Carolina State has had some great wins this season. They are loaded with NFL talent. State never seems to put that talent together though and reach their full potential. Matthew Baker goes to Arizona State and they have treated him well so I will be rooting for the Sun Devils. I picked North Carolina State though. So, have I just jinxed the Wolfpack like I cursed Missouri? We will see. NCSU is the 7 point favorite in Vegas. RC picked the Pack.

Hyundai is a Korean auto manufacturer. They are set to add AI in their 2019 models. Soon we will not be driving our vehicles. Soon a robot will write this blog too (I hope not).

Game 9: The Belk Bowl

Let's pick up on our theme shall we? Texas A&M comes into the Belk Bowl without their head coach Kevin Sumlin who was fired at the end of the season. Aggie fan and regents got tired of 7-5 seasons in the SEC west and have turned their money and fortunes to Jimbo Fisher. But, Jimbo will be on the sidelines for the Belk Bowl and an interim coach will guide the Aggies versus Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons feature quarterback John Wolford and a receiving corps that had school record setting seasons. The Aggies will start Nick Starkel at quarterback in a psuedo-tryout for next year. The Deacs are 3.5 favorites in Vegas. The commish picks the Deacs. RC has the Aggies.

Belk is one of those generic department stores we all find ourselves in this time of year. Meh.

Regression to the Mean

In my line of work the concept of "regression to the mean" means that over time a student's score will move towards the average. Manu Ginobili will refer to "regression to the mean" after a stellar Spurs performance. It's his way of telling the fans not to expect the perfect game every time out. Day 2 brought "regression to the mean" for most of us except notably RC who maintains dominance with a 6 and 2 overall record; and, unfortunately, Margaret Candace who with her Pac 12 rules strategy fell to 2 and 6 ans Washington State and Stanford joined Arizona in the losers column this bowl season. Kathy Smith bounced back from a 1 and 3 start to go 4 and 0 yesterday. She carries her hot streak into Day 3 of the Family Bowl Pool.

Game 8: The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

Two of my favorite coaches fight it out in San Diego tonight in one of my favorite bowls. Mark Dantonio has had some great victories for me in bowl games while at Michigan State (my favorite being the epic comeback against Baylor). Washington State features the crazy Pirate Mike Leach. Mike Leach is a lawyer currently suing his former employer Texas Tech for back pay. He is eccentric as all get out and an innovative offensive football coach. Evidently this year he has a good defensive coordinator to go along with his usual wide open offense. Washington State is the 2.5 favorite and I have the Pirate and his squad.

San Diego County Credit Union is a place to put your money if you qualify for membership requirements in southern California. I use a credit union.

Game 7: The Valero Alamo Bowl

Stanford plays Texas Christian in my home town of San Antonio tonight. I wish I could go. Maybe Pat will let me. Joe is applying to Stanford. We took an incredible trip to visit Stanford this fall and... wow. We also visited Berkeley, my favorite, and the University of San Francisco (which was also stunning).

Anyway the game. TCU is led by stud coach Gary Patterson and quarterback Kenny Hill. They usually have a great defense and are well coached. Bryce Love is the running back for Stanford and a Heisman finalist. This should be a great game. The Alamo Bowl usually is. TCU had an incredible 30 point second half comeback the last time they played there against Oregon. This year they are a 2.5 point favorite. I picked the Frogs of TCU.

Valero is San Antonio's own oil company. Regularly ranked as one of the best places to work, they have a beautiful campus on the northwest part of town close to UTSA. Unfortunately, they have made a tragic error at their corner convenience stores by partnering with Fanta to create frozen drinks. They got rid of ICEEs. I'm so mad about that.

Game 6: Camping World Bowl

The Mullet Bowl. Watch just to see Coach Gundy from Oklahoma State prowl the sideline with a tremendous mullet worthy of a 1980s star pro wrestler. Oklahoma State has a senior QB by the name of Mason Rudolph who is prolific. Oklahoma State always features a great offense. Virginia Tech has a freshman QB who led the Hokies to a 9 and 3 season. The Hokies also have a decent run game. Should be a lot of points in Orlando. The Oklahoma State Cowboys are a 6 point favorite. I have the Cowboys.

Camping World sells all sorts of camping supplies. Have you seen Chris and Margaret's camping trailer? It is epic. One of those things I'd like to borrow and not return for a few years. I have the purchase of such a trailer on my bucket list. Then I'll show up in Charlotte and park it in front of Tim's house and eat all his food. "Don't worry," I'll say to him and Monique, "I'll pay you back!"

Game 5: Northrop Grumman Military Bowl

This game features Navy's triple option/wishbone versus Virginia's more traditional approach. Virginia lost it's last three, but its last win came against Georgia Tech which also runs the triple option. I love watching the triple option so my heart is with Navy. I like Virginia too because Charlottesville is such a great place and home of the Dave Matthews Band. Navy lost to Army in a snow filled great game. Virginia is a 2.5 point favorite.

Northrop Grumman makes things that kill people. Enough said.

Texas Bowl Fun

 How do you look after 4.5 hours of Bowl watching??? Like a dude who needs a shower! What a great time we had at the Texas Bowl. And my strategy worked. By picking Missouri to win, I guaranteed a Texas victory. No jinx. Really the team played over its head. Out gained by the Tigers, but that's football. Sometimes the ball bounces your way. Guess who the MVP of the game was? Our PUNTER. That's when you know your football team is, well, lucky. Michael Dickson punted 11 times and 10 of those were downed inside the 20 yard line. Mizzou could not overcome that lack of field position, made silly penalties, turned the ball over, and committed a safety. I'll take it Texas is back! At least for one night.

Matt Baker, my driver and escort, wound up with a perfect 4 and 0 day and sprints into the lead of our pool along with original commissioner RC Smith. Time to preview some games.

Game 4: Foster Farms Bowl

We have the Arizona Wildcats versus the Purdue Boilermakers in the Chicken Bowl. Arizona has quarterback Khalil Tate versus the resurgent Boilermakers under first year head coach Jeff Brohm. Lots of silent "h's" in this game. Khalil is the player to watch in this game. Purdue's defense was one of the best in the country.

Gotta love chicken. Foster Farms makes a delicious bird. I really don't know that for sure. I always buy HEB brand chicken. I love a nice thinly sliced breast coated in flour egg and breadcrumbs and fried in some olive oil. Put some sauteed greens on the side with garlic. Add some mashed potatoes, and that is a great meal.

The commish picked Purdue. The Wildcats are a 3.5 point favorite.

Good luck.

Game 3: The Texas Bowl (Yee Haw!)

The Texas Bowl features Missouri (Mizzou?) versus Texas (yes my alma mater). Texas had yet another disappointing season. I could write a rather long piece about their weaknesses and strengths. Missouri won a lot at the end of the season and their quarterback Drew Lock has 43 TD passes to his credit. Texas is a mess on offense despite the new head coach's reputation. They have started two QBs through the season Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger. I think they both stink, so far. They show flashes of skill and then make bonehead decisions. I don't think Buechele likes football and Ehlinger is impulsive to his detriment. Texas lost a ton of players to injury, suspension, and just plain "I ain't playing in no bowl game because I'm going to the NFL." Missouri is a 3 point favorite. The commish picks Missouri because he knows his team stinks.  But I'm still going to the game and hope like hell I'm wrong. So look for me in the stands tonight. I'll be there with my oldest son, Matt.

Academy is a sports and outdoors store. We go there regularly. It's a good place to get shoes, camping gear, long underwear, recreational equipment, and unfortunately guns and ammo. It has one of those annoying radio jingles too. Academy, sports and outdoors, Academy! So it's in your head all of the time brainwashing you to go. I think I need to go now and buy some Texas underwear before the game. All hail Academy. Snap out of it!!!

Game 2: New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Iowa plays Boston College in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the annual let's play a football game in Yankee Stadium extravaganza. This game features two strong running teams. Look for AJ Dillon for the Eagles and Akrum Wadley for the Hawkeyes. These teams both have impressive wins on their schedules and disappointing losses. The Pinstripe Bowl is traditionally a good game, so enjoy while you sip a hot beverage. The commish picked the Eagles. God bless Doug Flutie. Iowa is the 2.5 point favorite.

New Era is a cap company. I have little to say about that. I like caps. They look cool. I have some really cool caps. However, my head is so big that I rarely wear them. It's hard to find one that fits well. The best cap I ever saw was worn by Chris Ross. He had a Chicago White Sox cap that he creatively modified with a black sharpie. Ask him about it. I thought it was great.

First Game: Walk-On's Independence Bowl

Well here's an interesting match up right out of the gate in which you will see a theme emerge. Florida State is playing Southern Mississippi. Florida State is a 16.5 point favorite. Florida State also lost its head coach Jimbo Fisher (theme warning). Southern Miss has a stout defense and a good running back by the name of Ito Smith. Florida State lost their stud quarterback in the opening game and played a freshman James Blackman the whole season. He is described as "rail thin" by the USA Today. Most of us are picking Florida State. The commish goes with the upset...

By the way Walk-On's is owned partially by Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback and fellow graduate of Westlake High School (the commish graduated from Westlake in 1987). Walk-On's features a delicious menu of seafood and cajun favorites. I love the Ahi Tuna appetizer on a bed of slaw. Yesterday I had their fried catfish and crawdad on a bed of dirty rice. I love their hushpuppies too. MMMMMMMMMMM.....

2017 Bowl Pool About to Begin!!!!

I have entries from everyone except Marvetta (defending champion), Kirsten, and Margaret. I have a new participant in Mason (boyfriend of Emeline). Emeline was asked to enter one for herself. I hope I get it in the next few hours. Previews about to start!!!! Oh, one time entrant Alec is missing too.