Day Two Preview

We have another triple-header. The bowls are very dense this year so plan your television watching accordingly. For instance, I just finished a margarita (or several) with some nachos at a local eatery while I watched the Pinstripe Bowl and waited for Ana to get out of work. (She's not driving yet because of the eye surgery. Long story for another blog.)

Fourth Bowl: Music City Bowl
Teams: Auburn v. Purdue
Sponsor: Franklin American Mortgage Company
Setting: Nashville, Tennessee
Consensus Vegas Line: Auburn -3.5; Over/Under 55.5

The Music City Bowl features traditional SEC powerhouse Auburn and the Big Ten's Purdue. Purdue has a super fan named Tyler Trent who is fighting cancer. He was featured on the night when Purdue obliterated Ohio State during the season. Tyler will be at the game so Purdue has the intangible edge. Auburn should win behind veteran quarterback Jarett Stidham. We will see.

You ever find yourself in Nashville, head over to the Peg Leg Porker. Don't go to the Music City Bowl and waste time watching mediocre football. Watch it on television as you dine on God's gift to pork barbecue. Sorry North Carolina readers, but I literally died and went to heaven during the 20 minutes I ate the cuisine at this Nashville treasure. I was crushed when Joe decided not to apply to Vanderbilt just because I wouldn't have an excuse to visit him and go back to the Peg Leg Porker.

Fifth Bowl: Camping World Bowl
Teams: Syracuse v. West Virginia
Sponsor: Camping World
Setting: Orlando, Florida
Consensus Vegas Line: Syracuse -2.5; Over/Under 66

Syracuse plays the Mountaineers in the land of Disney. West Virginia lost the services of quarterback Will Grier who decided to get ready for the draft (eye roll). So Coach Dana Holgorsen, the biggest jerk in the Big 12, will have to play his back up quarterbacks. Syracuse lost two studs on their defensive line, but kept their star quarterback Eric Dungey. So who knows what will happen here. West Virginia should have played Oklahoma for a chance to go to the CFP but they lost games they should not have due to a weak defense. If they don't find some defense they could be in trouble in the sunshine state.

Do you like cajun seafood? Orlando is the home of Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. My college buds and I love Pappadeaux's. We went there to celebrate our graduations in one of the most epic celebrations Austin has ever seen. I love their whole menu. I know it's a chain but sometimes a chain can maintain a quality that is worth it to the middle class man. (You really can't go wrong with the pan seared tilapia, the oysters, or the coconut shrimp.)

Sixth Bowl: Alamo Bowl
Teams: Iowa State v. Washington State
Sponsor: Valero
Setting: San Antonio, Texas
Consensus Vegas Line: Washington State -2.5; Over/Under 57.5

San Antonio welcomes the Pirate, Crazy Coach Mike Leach, and his Washington State Cougars as they face off against the Iowa State Cyclones. Washington State features a strong passing game with quarterback Gardner Minshew (what a name). They were hot until they lost in their rivalry game against Washington in the Apple Cup game. Iowa State had their second straight impressive season. They feature running back David Montgomery and defensive end JaQuan Bailey. The Alamo Bowl is usually a wild affair so enjoy this as your night cap.

 If you go to San Antonio, eat one meal at Mi Tierra. It is open 24 hours so pick breakfast, lunch or dinner. My favorite meal is the Monterrey Special which features cabrito - goat, melt in your mouth deliciousness. It's not the greatest food, but the atmosphere is just quintessential San Antonio.

Enjoy your day!