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!