First Bowl: The Independence Bowl
Teams: Temple Owls v. Duke Blue Devils
Sponsor: Walk-On's Bistreaux and Bar
Setting: Shreveport, LA
Consensus Vegas Line: Temple -3.5; Over/Under 54.5
The Owls are the favorite with a veteran squad. Duke is limping into the game losing 4 of the last 6 and getting blown out in its last game. However, when Duke wins the turnover battle, they usually win.
We have a Walk-On's in San Antonio. They have a shrimp and grits meal that is oh so good. Shrimp and grits was made famous when a New York Times reporter raved about the dish in a review of a Chapel Hill, North Carolina, restaurant called Crook's Corner. RC Smith once told me this story over a meal at a restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, believe it or not. I have verified this account through the miracle of the internet at this link: https://www.peachdish.com/blog/WCtkxigAAMz95eP1/the-life--times-of-shrimp--grits. Have some soon. Enjoy our first game. I bet somewhere in Shreveport there is a place that serves some excellent shrimp and grits with a Cajun accent. MMMMMMM... I picked Temple. Most of you took Duke.
Second Bowl: Pinstripe Bowl
Teams: Miami Hurricane v. Wisconsin Badgers
Sponsor: New Era
Setting: New York City
Consensus Vegas Line: Miami -3; Over/Under 47
Weather may play a factor here. It is forecast to be in the 30's. Miami features a stout defense but have had quarterback problems. Wisconsin underachieved on defense but feature a solid offensive line, as usual, and a stout running game.
As far as food goes, the game is being played at Yankee Stadium. Now, I went to the original Yankee Stadium and had a quite memorable hot dog there. What is the best hot dog you have had? I can tell you I have had great hot dogs in my life and the best have been at major league ball parks. The best? A Wrigley Field center field bleacher hot dog. It was incredible. 2nd? A chili dog at the Atlanta Braves ball park on the night I saw Randy Johnson pitch a perfect game.What a memory that was! (I had to explain to my then boss what a perfect game was and why we could not leave during the 7th inning.) 3rd? The hot dog I had at Yankee Stadium: a Nathan's in a bun that was more like a split loaf of bread than a traditional bun.
Third Bowl: Texas Bowl
Teams: Baylor Bears v. Vanderbilt Commodores
Sponsor: Academy
Setting: Houston, Texas
Consensus Vegas Line: Vanderbilt -4; Over/Under 55.5
Baylor is inexplicably being allowed to participate in post season football. It's embarrassing. What's also embarrassing is that they have the son of the great Robert Brewer (A UT LEGEND) quarterbacking their team. Charlie Brewer can play but is inconsistent. Vanderbilt found a running game and an improved offensive line to end their year strong and become bowl eligible. Their defense is suspect. Bet the over!
Houston is the home to the Landry's group of restaurants. Landry's proper features seafood. I once watched the Final Four at Landry's and enjoyed a delicious dish of crawfish, boiled potatoes, and corn of the cob. Landry's also serves a crawfish bread that is to die for. Crawfish are also known as crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs, and freshwater lobsters. My mother can tell you a story of when we were driving through Louisiana when I was a young kid and we got served crawfish by a very kind restaurant owner. We have festivals down here that feature the crawfish. C'mon down anytime in the spring and let's feast!
Well, good luck gambling people. I look forward to the battle beginning tomorrow. I hope all of you have had a great Christmas!
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