Final Day Preview

 Well... eventhough I'm blowing the bowl picks this year, I'm still excited for this day for obvious reasons. Texas will play in the second semi-final tonight and that's pretty awesome. I was at the Big 12 Championship game this year and it was... Nirvana! So I don't care that I'm in last place. Bathe me with your taunts and derision, my team is in the playoff, baby! Here are the games:

Reliaquest Bowl

LSU vs. Wisconsin

We thought the Heisman trophy winning quarterback would play in this game, but he opted out. Nine of Wisconsin's players either transferred or opted out. So who knows who will win this game. LSU is the favorite but you never know. Most of us picked the Tigers. Margaret has LSU, but Kathy - who is only one game behind - has the Badgers. Could be a big game for Kathy.

Citrus Bowl

Iowa vs. Tennessee

This should be an easy Tennessee win. But Iowa has a way of winning on New Year's Day. Iowa has a non-existent offense and will need this to be an ugly game to win. Leader Margaret has Tennessee as do most of us.

Fiesta Bowl

Liberty vs. Oregon

Liberty is the non-power 5 conference team that got invited to one of the big bowls. Last year it was Tulane who upset USC. Oregon lost to Washington in the Pac12 Championship game, but otherwise had a good season. Liberty is Jerry Fallwell's school in Virginia. They have decided to put some money into sports. They had a great year, but most of us have the Ducks to win this game.

Rose Bowl - Semi-final One

Michigan vs. Alabama

Alabama is in this game every year. This year they upset Georgia in the SEC Championship to get into the semis versus Michigan. The Wolverines under Jim Harbaugh overcame a cheating scandal to go undefeated and become the number one seed. These are the traditional powerhouses in a massive game to go to the National Championship. Bama improved since losing to my Longhorns in September. Saban benched his quarterback to send a message and the team responded by running through the SEC. Michigan cruised through a stacked Big 10 season and demolished Ohio State and Iowa in its last 2 games. Both teams are stacked with NFL talent. We are split on this game with leader Margaret taking Michigan. A chance for others to catch her.

Sugar Bowl - Semi-final Two

Texas vs. Washington

Washington is the two seed. They are undefeated and are the effective last ever champions of the Pac 12 Conference. They have an awesome quarterback and receiving corps. They beat Texas in the Alamo Bowl last year, so they seem set to overcome the Longhorns again to go to the Championship. Texas beat Alabama in September in Tuscaloosa, but faltered when it lost to Oklahoma in October. Taking advantage of subsequent Oklahoma loses, Texas won the rest of its games and won the Big 12 title. They have an excellent defensive line, a good quarterback, and a coach that seems to have figured out how to succeed in Austin - which can be difficult. Most folks picked Texas. But Margaret picked Washington. I'm getting nervous as I watch this.

Best of luck to those of you with a shot. It should be a fun day.

Day 5

 Margaret, who has become a power in this contest, is on top of the field. She turns in her picks late every year so there may be a protest if she wins. The commissioner usually has to make special allowances for her tardiness. We may have to submit a report to the rules committee. But in the mean time, she is our leader. 

However, there are four more games and most of the field is within striking distance. Tomorrow we will preview the last day. The commissioner is out of it with a putrid collapse after starting 6-1. Strong start and weak finish is no way to win. At least my Longhorns are in the playoffs. 

(Margaret's support of the Huskies is not helping her case with the rules committee. Just kidding, Margaret. May the best team win!)

Day 4 - Sorry for the Delay

 When you are traveling sometimes your schedule gets full. I apologize that I wasn't here to document my first to worst collapse in the Bowl Pool over the last 2 days. We are all bunched up this year in the standings. Tonight's contest between Ohio State and Missouri will be critical for people like Margaret, Monique and Alex. Both defenses are dominating in this game and as I write this only an Ohio State field goal has been put on the board. I wasn't able to preview today's bowls but let me let you know what will be on the field tomorrow.

Peach Bowl

Penn State vs. Ole Miss

Penn State and Ole Miss have identical 10-2 records heading into this match up. Ole Miss is known for offense and Penn State is known for defense. Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss has a controversial reputation as a coach as he has hopped between jobs. However, he seems to have found a landing spot in Oxford, Mississippi. James Franklin has turned around Penn State from the Joe Paterno disaster. Both teams are good and this should be a competitive contest. Most of us picked Penn State with a few exceptions including myself.

Music City Bowl

Auburn vs. Maryland

This is another SEC vs. Big10 matchup. Auburn lost to New Mexico State and then almost upset Alabama. Maryland is also an up and down team. Both teams have prolific offenses. Did I mention Auburn lost to New Mexico State? Did you know there was a New Mexico State? Of course you did. But most of us still picked Auburn in this game.

Orange Bowl

Georgia vs. Florida State

This should be called the Spurned Bowl. Both of these teams think they should have been in the College Football Playoff, but they wound up in Miami. Florida State did not make the playoff because their star quarterback got hurt. However, they still went undefeated with backups at the position. Georgia was the defending champion, but they blew their chance to defend the title by losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Who knows which team will care less about playing this game. Most of us picked Georgia. This could be an important game for the one of us who went to Florida State for a semester. (I believe that assertion is correct. I could be wrong.)

Arizona Bowl

Toledo vs. Wyoming

In our expanded format, I included this bowl game. The Wyoming Cowboys will face the Toledo Rockets. Wyoming features the second ugliest color scheme in college sports with its brown and yellow. They face the blue and gold of Toledo. I'm writing about color schemes because I have no idea about the actual strengths and weaknesses of either of these teams. Enjoy the randomness of this game. Pick a side. Most of you picked Wyoming. Liz Cheney thanks you.

We will take a break before the final day (unless there is a tie) on Sunday to let the NFL do its thing. I'll put up a preview that day. Peace out.

 Day 3! We have started strong. Most of us are above .500 and that means this contest belongs to anyone. Usually, the leader at this point does not win. We have a full slate of games today. Here is your preview:

Fenway:

SMU vs. Boston College

Well, if the Yankees can successfully host a bowl game the Red Sox can too. SMU plays Boston College. Ana went to college just down the highway from Boston College. That doesn't mean they are good at football though. SMU finally won their conference, first time since 1984. Since Boston College is in the ACC most of us picked the Eagles. Some of us western folks picked SMU. I have no idea who will win.

Pinstripe:

Miami vs. Rutgers

Speaking of east coast, the Pinstripe Bowl features Rutgers of New Jersey versus Miami. Why New Jersey named its main state university "Rutgers" is beyond me. Rutgers joined the Big 10 thinking it would help it athletically. It helped a little, but they haven't won near as much as they thought they would. Miami is far from its glory days. It has slid into mediocrity as it slogs it out in the middle of the ACC pack. Miami has become more of a basketball school. This is the Mediocrity Bowl. Miami is the choice of the Bowl Pool family for the most part.

Pop Tarts:

Kansas State vs. NC State

Despite the ridiculousness of the name of this game, this should be a great contest. Kansas State had a real chance to beat Texas in Austin, but failed in OT after having the ball inside the 10, with a first down. A touchdown would have won it, but the horns rose up and made a great stand. For some reason the Kansas State coach went for it on 4th and about 7, Texas batted the pass away and took the victory. However, K-State was tough all year and should be a quality foe for NC State, which had a solid season. They are known for their coach saying something bad about North Carolina and making Mack Brown mad after beating the tar out of the Tar Heels. Most of the pool has the Wolfpack but the favorite are the Wildcats.

Alamo:

Oklahoma vs. Arizona

As usual, I won't be in town when the Alamo Bowl is played. This year, frankly, I don't care. Oklahoma beat Texas this year. But they choked twice after that and blew their chance to be in the playoff. Arizona has been down for many years, but came back this year in their last in the Pac-12. This should be a good game and the pool for some reason chose Arizona almost unanimously. Oklahoma is the betting favorite, but you never know in the Alamo Bowl. Usually, this is a competitive game. 

I am in the beautiful metropolis of Jal, New Mexico. I will be checking in on the games on my phone while dodging tumbleweeds. I wish you luck!

Day 2 Preview

 We're off! Day 2 will feature 4 bowls. I am writing this as Kansas and UNLV are tied. Minnesota and Texas State have already secured victories. And, my better half has decided we are going to watch a movie. But that's what smart phones are for in these days of the internets. Degenerates like me can follow sports from pretty much anywhere. 

Day 2 Previews:

Military Bowl:

Virginia Tech vs. Tulane

Tulane pulled off the biggest bowl upset last year when they beat USC in the Cotton Bowl. This year they got upset by SMU in their conference championship game so they have been sent to the Military Bowl to visit the Hokies from Virginia Tech. It's been a while since Virginia Tech was in a bowl game. The ugliest color scheme in college sports is back, baby! Most of us like the Hokies in this (not me).

Duke's Mayo Bowl:

North Carolina vs. West Virginia

The game with the most interest of this family will be the North Carolina game. Mack Brown will take his Tar Heels down to Charlotte to face the Mountaineers of West Virginia. West Virginia usually has a decent squad but the worst fans. You haven't been to a riot until you've celebrated a victory in Morgantown by burning a few couches in the streets. Drake Maye the NC quarterback will not play. Sometimes that causes the rest of the team to step up. Hopefully, Mack will get doused with mayonaise at the end of the game. 

Holiday Bowl:

Southern California vs. Louisville

This used to be the best game with the craziest endings. I can remember listening to a Texas v Washington game where Texas made an improbable comeback as I listened with my brother-in-law in his car on a remote highway in New Mexico. Hopefully, Texas can repeat that feat again this year. But, I digress. Southern Cal will face Louisville in this year's version. Both teams have a lot of players opting out of the game to go pro or transfer. Get used to it. USC will play a third string quarterback. Could be ugly.

Texas Bowl:

Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State

This may be good. The Aggies fired their coach with a 70+ million dollar buyout. I mean... wow. Jimbo Fischer is the epitome of failing up. That's a lot of oil money. Oklahoma State got their rears kicked by Texas in the Big 12 title game which I witnessed live (it was so great). The Cowboys have a pretty good running back. I hope he plays. A&M has athletes. Whether they will care is the question. Most of us have the Cowboys. Yee haw.

I'll start posting the standings by the end of the night. Good luck!

Day 1 of 2023-24

We have more Bowls to pick than ever before this year so let's get to it. 

Quick Lane Bowl:

Bowling Green vs. Minnesota

The Bowling Green University Falcons are 7-5 and they face off against the 5-7 Minnesota Golden Gophers. A five-win team in a bowl you ask? Well, that means there were not enough six-win teams in the nation and Minnesota got in with an exception. Where is Bowling Green you ask? Bowling Green, Ohio, is the answer. It's in northwest Ohio just south of Toledo. I have no idea who will win this game. Most of us picked Minnesota because we have no idea what Bowling Green is. Well... now you know. Ohio's number one rated university for student satisfaction. A public research university located in beautiful northwestern Ohio. Send your kids and money today!

First Responder Bowl:

Texas State vs. Rice

I got my master's degree at Texas State before the turn of the century. It was called Southwest Texas State University back then. It's located in beautiful San Marcos, Texas. Texas State is supposed to turn out teachers for our state, but I can tell you they are failing in that endeavor at the moment. Does anyone want to teach? I can get you a job in beautiful Killeen, Texas. (Notice how all the cities in Texas are beautiful.) Qualifications? Are you breathing? Is your criminal record free of felonies? You're hired. Now get in there and teach the youth of America. Rice is full of brilliant people who will get non-teaching degrees. Texas State hired a hot shot coach who won't be there long. Most of us picked Texas State primarily because they have "Texas" on their jersey. Rice is in Houston though. They have some history of success. It's the First Responder Bowl. If you watch it you have time on your hands.

Guaranteed Rate Bowl:

Kansas vs. UNLV

We are pretty split on this bowl between traditional basketball powerhouses. Kansas has improved greatly in the past few years after having been a laughing stock. I have no idea about what UNLV has. They lost in their conference championship game. You would think Kansas would win easily but they lost their starting quarterback to the dreaded transfer portal. Again, if you watch this you are a real football fan. I salute you.

Note:

The bowl season is about to go through another change. Starting next year the Playoff will expand to 12 teams. But don't worry, there will still be Bowls. I plan to continue our lovely tradition of pestering you to make college football picks while you try to celebrate the Holidays. I need this to expand though. Pester other relatives to join. Comment on the blog. Talk some trash. Let's have fun! And... Hook'em Horns!!!!

We Have a Winner! And It's Matt!

I love when we get new winners. Matt has been wanting to win this pool contest for a long time. He finally got his victory, but not without a hefty challenge from Alex who caught him on the last day and forced a tie breaker. Both pickers selected Georgia tonight. So they padded their records with another win. But Matt picked a 60 point total score and Alex picked a 29 point game. the 65-7 Georgia blowout gave Matt the clear victory as the Bulldog offense exploded against the overmatched Cinderella. So Matt will get the plaque and we say to Alex, "There's always next year!"

Again, sorry I had limited content this year. We just got word that COVID has entered our house for the first time. So our winter of discontent continues. Let's hope things turn around for us soon here in San Antonio. But in Austin, I can hear the victorious shouts of our newest champion. Congratulations Matthew

We Have a Tie!

 In the end it came down to the one point Tulane victory over USC. If USC had not choked at the end of the Cotton Bowl, Matt had it wrapped up. But a fumble, a safety, a non-stoppable run game, and some luck led a plucky Tulane squad over USC despite a five touchdown performance by the Trojan quarterback. And, so Alex finished with a three game win streak to tie Matt and force a tie breaker. I will contact each contestant and they will give me a winner and a point total for the final game: Georgia vs. TCU. Winning pick first, but if both contestants pick the same team, then the contestant closest to the overall point total wins the championship. Good luck.

The Granddaddy

 The Rose Bowl will the last contest in regulation for the pool.

It could come down to this contest between Utah and Penn State. Utah has a potent offense and Penn State is known for defense. Utah upset USC and kept the Trojans out of the College Football Playoff. Penn State finished third in their division of the Big 10 to Michigan and Ohio State. It should be a great contest in a beautiful stadium: Vince Young Field. Utah are the -1.5 favorites in Vegas. Matt has Utah because he is all about the Pac-12. Joe also has the Utes. Tim, Alex, and I have the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Happy Bowling everyone! I'll be at work on the second... somehow I bet some the action finds its way on my phone. 

-The Commish

The Plural of Cheez It is not Cheez Its, it is Cheez It Crackers

 The Citrus Bowl sponsored by a cracker company.

The CheezIt Citrus Bowl features LSU versus Purdue. LSU are heavy favorites, with a -14.5 spread. The weird story coming out of this one is that Drew Brees has caused a little bit of a controversy. Drew (my fellow alum of Westlake High School and NFL future Hall of Famer) has taken a role as an assistant coach at his former university, Purdue. Evidently this was announced on December 15. The problem is that Drew is also connected with a sports betting entity in of all places, New Jersey. As New Jersey allows sports betting, this conflict has created a problem. So, the game has been taken off the board in New Jersey and all the bets placed on the game up to date have been cancelled. We are going to see more of this as the country has loosened its regulations around sports betting. As Drew has no relation to the Bowl Pool (other than, as I stated above, attending the same high school as the commissioner) we will not pull this game off our board. Game on! 

Leader Matt has LSU as do Alex and Tim. Joe and I have the underdogs, Purdue.

Cotton Land!

 Yee Haw! It's the Cotton Bowl!

I remember growing up in Texas driving to Lubbock too many times in my life seeing the giant combines full of cotton shaped into giant rectangular blocks on the side of the road. I remember hoping Texas would find its way into this game named after the crop that seemed to dominate the landscape of my home state (that is in places where they weren't drilling for the real cash crop of the state: oil). Of course my heart was broken more often than not: 1977-78, 83-84, and ugghh 90-91, where I personally witnessed the Miami thrashing of Texas. But that was balanced with 81-82 upset of Alabama, and the 98-99 win over Mississippi State (where I personally caught an extra point kick after a Ricky Williams touchdown). Hard to believe the last time Texas was in the Cotton Bowl Classic was 2003, a victory over LSU which I watched in the living room of one of Patricia's cousins in Jal, New Mexico, with a delicious bowl of menudo. 

This game features upstart Tulane, champions of the AAC, against Southern California. USC are 2 point favorites but many Vegas wiseguys really like Tulane, because of USC's suspect defense. Leader Matt has USC as do Tim and me. Alex and Joe have picked Tulane and hope for a Green Wave triumph. 

ReliaQuest Madness

 By request, I have some Bowl Previews for you. January 2 will feature four bowls that will decide our contest. Currently, Matt leads with a sparkling 11-5 record. The ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida

This Bowl features the Fighting Illini of Illinoisversus the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State are the 2 point favorites here. The Fighting Illini have had a great season but lost three of their last four in the Big 10. They find themselves in beautiful Tampa Bay facing the mourning Mississippi State Bulldogs, who lost legendary coach Mike Leach to a devastating heart attack a few weeks ago. Leach was a creative mind who was truly one of the more interesting characters in sports. Not sure I liked his politics, but his football could be entertaining and he always told you his honest feelings. Our current leader, Matt has picked Mississippi State in this contest with second place Alex choosing Illinois. 

As far as I can tell the pickers alive in this contest are Matt, Alex, me (Will), Tim, and Joe. I have Mississippi State as does Joe. Tim has Illinois. So the ReliaQuest Bowl shapes up to be a Charlotte (Tim and Alex) v San Antonio (Matt, Joe, and the Commish) contest.