Three Week 7 Questions To Be Answered

1. Who is the better quarterback after Saturday’s Red River Shootout?  Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford?

So far this year, it’s been very difficult to call either one of them Heisman candidates.  Bradford of course has been injured most of the season, and McCoy hasn’t lived up to his runner-up status from last year (10 TDs and 6 INTs thus far).  Colt does have a 73% completion percentage though, and that was his key stat from last year that really opened eyes to his talent.  McCoy won’t have it easy Saturday.  The Sooner defense is one of the most stingy in the nation, giving up just 8.2 points a game, already pitching 2 shutouts this season.  I don’t see either QB falling out of the NFL hype machine after this game, but each player has a lot to lose with a poor performance Saturday.  Bradford has to prove he’s healthy enough to beat a top 5 team, and Colt McCoy has to show 2008 wasn’t a mirage.

2. Is South Carolina for real?

We’ve seen this movie before: it starts out great, with plenty of action sequences to get you excited.  But then before you know it, the plot falls apart and you begin to just feel embarrassed for the actors.  Steve Spurrier and his Gamecocks gave us this very script back in 2007, when they climbed as high as #6 in the AP poll before going on a 5 game losing streak and failing to make a bowl.  This year, Gamecock fans have reasons to be cautiously optimistic.  The defense is as good as it’s been since Spurrier’s arrival with perhaps the best pass rusher in the nation (Eric Norwood) and solid bookend Cliff Matthews anchoring a defense ranked 3rd in the SEC behind Alabama and Florida.  On offense, Stephen Garcia is slowly turning out to be the star QB Spurrier has hoped for, knowing how to manage the game well with his mind and feet, something previous QBs Chris Smelley and Blake Mitchell were never great at.  The Gamecocks get what will be their toughest test this weekend at Alabama.  Their win over Ole Miss on a Thursday nighter a few weeks back is proving to be less impressive by the week, but if Spurrier can pull some magic against Bama, the Gamecocks may just proven themselves to be SEC title contenders.

3. Can a win over Southern Cal save Charlie Weis?

Were it not for ESPN, NBC, and decades-ago traditions, Notre Dame would be on the equivalent scale of MLB’s Chicago Cubs: often talked about, typically overhyped, but always irrelevant halfway through the season.  Well, here we sit near the mid-season mark, and we still aren’t sure whether or not the Irish are a good football team or not.  If you ask Lou Holtz, he’ll draw up a formula as to why Notre Dame is still a national title contender.  But for those of us not quite at the age of senility, we see Notre Dame hasn’t beaten a team yet with a winning record.  The Irish are giving up nearly 30 points a game to BCS opponents, a stat not indicative of a team destined for a BCS bowl game.  Freshman QB or not, I don’t see USC losing a game against a team with such a porous defense.  And that’s what it will come down to.  You’ll hear all week about Jimmy Clausen, but it’s really a showdown of defenses, and not even Touchdown Jesus will be able to help Notre Dame.  And if Weis loses another one to their west coast rivals, more and more Irish alumni will be scratching their heads, wondering who they can bring in that will actually be able to beat teams that are good.  Maybe Charlie should use a Lou Holtz pep talk?

 

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SEC Power Rankings after Week 6

1. Alabama -The Tide overtakes Florida, who while impressive at LSU, still don’t have the overall body of work the Tide do.

2. Florida. -Could their D be even better than we thought? 

3. LSU. -Struggled against the Gators, but still better than the other 9 teams.

4. South Carolina. -Not overwhelming against Kentucky, but the defense keeps them in any game.

5. Arkansas. -Ryan Mallet is the 2nd best QB in the league.  Too bad the D doesn’t match.  Good luck against Florida.

6. Auburn. -Shell-shocked from the Razorbacks, the Tigers still look solid offensively.

7. Tennessee. -Embarassed Georgia in their first solid game of football in 2 years.

8. Ole Miss. -The Rebels are like a high school summer romance: you’re in love with them in July, but you’ve forgotten about them come fall.

9. Georgia. -Rough times for the Georgia D.  AJ Green still bright spot for Bulldog offense.

10.  Mississppi St. -The cowbell ringers in Starkville have to be pleased despite the losses.  Dan Mullen will get this ship righted.

11. Kentucky.  -Wildcats lose QB Hartline for the season.  Basketball season is right around the corner Wildcat fans.

12.  Vanderbilt. -You lost to Army?  Wow.

First 10 Picks of the 2010 NFL Draft (if it happened today)

1) St. Louis Rams select Colt McCoy, QB, Texas. -It’s safe to say that a team that is inept on both sides of the ball needs a building block.  Bulger won’t be around for much longer, and Kyle Boller certainly isn’t a franchise QB by any means.  McCoy is a sure pick.  Efficient, good arm, and great scrambling ability.  Something he’ll need with the Rams patchwork O-line.

2) Tampa Bay selects Jahvid Best, RB, Cal. -The Bucs could easily go with a DB here, but they’d be better suited to get a dynamic playmaker on offense.  Derrick Ward is a serviceable back, but I don’t think he’s a 25 carry a game guy.  Neither is Cadillac Williams who’s got legs made of glass.

3) Kansas City selects Taylor Mays, S, USC. -The Chiefs have placed their eggs on the Matt Cassell basket, and as shaky as that seems things could be worse (i.e. see Raiders, Oakland).  KC has decent WRs and an O-line that seems to be improving.  A stud DB can always help.  Mays would be the best thing to happen to the Chiefs secondary since Albert Lewis.

4) Tennessee selects Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. -You really could switch out Berry and Mays, as both have the stuff to be All Pros in the NFL right away.  Berry is a straight up playmaker.  The Titans really need to seek out a QB, because it’s painfully obvious they’ve completely lost faith in Vince Young.  Looking at the team this year, suddenly their pass defense is atrocious.  Berry can certainly help with that.

5) Buffalo selects Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. -The best thing for the Bills to do would be select an offensive lineman.  However, few followers of the NFL believe Terrell Owens will remain a Bill after this season, leaving room for an explosive WR target for Trent Edwards.  Lee Evans is solid, but hasn’t been that 100 yards a game go to guy yet.

6) Cleveland selects Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina. -The Browns boast the worst rushing defense in the league, giving up over 170 yards a game on the ground.  Norwood is an animal of an athlete who lives in the opponents’ backfield.  He stops the rush and the pass, and would be Cleveland’s best option here.

7) Oakland selects Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma St. -The Raiders always seem to have an interesting draft, and not in a good way.  Heads are still being scratched from their Darrius Heyward-Bey pick in the 1st round last year.  And as bad as the Raider defense is, the passing game is just as anemic.  There are certainly some defensive options here, but a solid O-lineman to help protect JaMarshmallow Russell would help out a lot.

8 ) Detroit selects Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida. -It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Lions have given up more passing TDs than any other team in the league so far this year.  However, with a pick this high, there aren’t any stud DBs left worth taking at #8.  So they’ll go with the next best thing: the best LB from perhaps the best defense in college football. 

9) San Francisco selects (via Carolina) Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska.  -Pronouncing his name may be difficult, but even more so is trying to block this kid as a center.  Suh projects as the top interior defensive lineman in the draft, and with good reason.  He lead all Cornhuskers in tackles last year and would be the perfect complement to the outstanding linebacker group the 49ers have.

10) Washington selects Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma.  -Along with hiring a new coach (you know Zorn will be gone at some point), the Redskins really need to look for a new QB as well.  Jason Campbell is really nothing more than a backup.  Should Bradford’s shoulder continue to heal, he’ll be a great QB to build an offense around, provided he gets protection as well.

SEC Thoughts through 5 Weeks: Lame Penalties, Lame Tebow, and Coach Lame Kiffin

5 weeks are done, and it’s gone by too fast.  You knew it would.  Good things always do.  What’s surprised us so far?

1) Who needs a Tuberville?  Auburn is just fine thank you very much.  Gene Chizik could very easily hold a press conference and demand apologies to the fans who doubted him, but he’d best be careful to take too much credit.  Though he is the one who brough Guz Malzahn, offensive extraordinaire over to the plains.  Before putting up 26 Saturday night, the Tigers were running up 45+ on opponents.  Let’s see how the Auburn D handles surprising offensive powerhouse Arkansas this weekend. 

2) The Florida-LSU tilt this weekend could very well be a SEC Championship preview, though I still see Bama getting there over LSU.  I had all but a few nails hammered into the LSU coffin after seeing them escape with a W against Miss St a few weeks back, but they showed serious balls pulling out a win between the Athens hedges Saturday.  Biggest question of course surrounding this weekend’s game is whether or not Tebow will play after this hit against Kentucky 

If Tebow does play, I can see Florida winning big.  That said, the UF offense still hasn’t quite looked like itself this year.  LSU’s got a defensive coordinator who knows how to at least contain Florida, and if the Gators can’t get things going early, this could be their first loss of the year.  One thing’s for sure: should Tebow play, look for LSU to be after him like Gator fans get after a big sale on jean shorts.

3) Celebration penalties are going too far as evidenced by the UGa-LSU game this past Saturday.    It’s time to give up on this idea that NCAA refs and the policies in general can “tame” the game of football.  The handshakes before games are a bad joke that reeks of pee wee football where players almost care more about sharing their lunchbox food than the actual game.  Then you throw in celebration penalties, as if we expect these guys who are helping earn universities millions of dollars NOT to be excited about scoring a TD?  If the NCAA really wants to turn these players into nothing more than boring “unpaid by the hour” Saturday afternoon employees, then go the whole way with it.  Penalize teams for Gatorade showers.  Penalize linebackers if after they sack a QB they don’t help him back up.  Penalize fans if they boo a call. 

It’s absurd to tell an 18 year old kid to go out, knock someone’s helmet off, score touchdowns in front of 100,000 fans and millions of viewers and NOT show emotion about it.  Give it up already.

4) Wanna know what kids in Knoxville are wearing for Halloween?  Scapegoat costumes.  Every but Lane Kiffin, that is.  We all pile on Jonathan Crompton because honestly he’s one of the worst starting QBs in SEC history.  We now trash the Vols wideouts that couldn’t catch a pass of their QB was throwing Erin Andrews to them (yes, we mean you Quinton Hancock).  Then many of the UT faithful are STILL putting the bus in reverse to knock ex-coach Phil Fulmer some more for the bad players he brought.  But what about Lane Kiffin?  Sure it’s his first year, but is he completely immune to criticism?  His play calling against UCLA was downright awful, and at times Saturday was at best very questionable.  Why after a great trick play to start the game would you go with 3 passes with your pathetic passing game?  Makes no sense.  Kiffin’s in no danger of being fired this year, but make some changes to show you’re trying.  Why have you left Crompton in so long?  Why have you hired an offensive coordinator if YOU are still gonna call the plays? 

5) South Carolina may very well be the 3rd best team in the SEC.  Yes, I said it, as a Clemson fan it pains me to do so.  But what’s going on down in Columbia is flying under the radar largely because of other big name SEC schools making headlines.  Eric Norwood and Cliff Matthews are both 1-2 in sacks in the league, and rank 3rd in the league in total D behind…you guessed it: Florida and Alabama.  QB Stephen Garcia has gotten his act together, and, should he stay sober the rest of the season, could lead the Cocks to a 8-9 win season.

ACC Rankings after Week 3

The major disappointment of week one across the league had turned into some positives over the past few weeks, and you need look no further than the state of Florida for those good stories…

 

1) Miami.  The Canes proved themselves in a week one win over Florida State, but it was their defensive dominance over Georgia Tech last Thursday that really shocked people.  Jacory Harris’ name is already on some Heisman lists.

2) Virginia Tech.  The Hokies needed a miracle to pull off a win against Nebraska Saturday.  Really all they needed was Tyrod Taylor to start playing like a quarterback. 

3) Florida State.  The Noles looked lost a few weeks ago against Jacksonville State, but their beatdown of BYU Saturday showed that perhaps Papa Bowden hasn’t lost his touch.

4) North Carolina.  The Heels are getting it done defensively, holding opponents to 11 points a game.  A trip to Georgia Tech this weekend should really help us see just how real this team is.

5) Georgia Tech.  The Jackets tricky offense was held in check against Miami, gaining just 95 yards on the ground.  Paul Johnson knows how to coach, but he’s gonna have to find a plan B when those triple option plays stop working.

6) Clemson.  The Tigers D held Boston College to 59 yards of total offense Saturday, winning 25-7.  Problem is, the Tigers failed to score an offensive touchdown.  That must change quickly if the Tigers are gonna compete for the ACC Atlantic crown.

7)  Wake Forest.  Riley Skinner is solid at QB, and Jim Grobe is a solid coach.  Wake lacks big time playmakers, and that could hurt them the rest of the way. 

8)  Boston College.  The Eagles are in the top ten of the nation defensively, but much of that comes from 2 games against Northeastern and Kent State.  Offensively, things could be better.

9) NC State.  The Wolfpack’s Russell Wilson set the NCAA mark for passes without an interception Saturday against Gardner-Webb.  Looks like Tom O’Brien finally has his team playing offense, something we didn’t see in week 1 against South Carolina.

10) Duke.  The blowout against Kansas was expected, but finally Duke has a coach that isn’t content to just “field a team”.  David Cutcliffe has done well in recruiting and is gonna turn this team around in time.  Heck, at least they’re not last in the ACC.

11) Maryland.  In the first of our two ACC coaches that need to go segment, we question how Ralph Friedgen allowed MTSU to beat the Terps…again.  It took a last minute drive to win against James Madison a few weeks ago. 

12) Virginia.  How bad is Al Groh?  The Cavs can’t even hold on to a big lead against Southern Miss.  Losses to TCU and (gasp!) William and Mary should cement Groh’s fate.

Ranking the SEC after Week 3

For the most part, things have gone as expected in the SEC through 3 weeks.  Here are my rankings going into week 4…

 

1) Florida.  Obviously.  They didn’t struggle as much against Tennessee as the Vols stepped up to the challenge.  Gators still have the best athletes and coaching staff in the league.

2) Alabama.  The win over Virginia Tech is obviously the hallmark of the season to this point, and nothing appears to be slowing down the Tide, even having a new starting QB this year.

3) LSU.  With Washington’s win over USC this weekend, the Tigers 8 point victory over the Huskies in week 1 is even more impressive. 

4) Auburn.  These Tigers have hammered opponents thus far, averaging over 40 points a game.  Perhaps Tommy Tuberville WAS the reason for the dismal season last year.  Hmm…

5) Ole Miss.  Yes, I realize Ole Miss is a top ten team.  I also realize they’ve played Memphis and SE Louisiana so far, and didn’t look overly impressive against Memphis. 

6) Georgia.  God bless Joe Cox, who after gaining starts in 2007 before being replaced by Matthew Stafford, is finally able to shine.  Having a big time target like A.J. Green to throw to doesn’t hurt either.  But when will the Dawgs’ defense show up?

7) Kentucky.  A big win Saturday over rival Louisville just sets the tone for a big nationally televised game this coming week against Florida.  Yeah…good luck with that.

8) Tennessee.  The Vols showed heart in a 10 point loss to Florida at the Swamp Saturday, something they didn’t show the previous week against UCLA. 

9) South Carolina.  The Gamecocks’ D was impressive against NC State in week 1.  It looked downright pathetic in week 2 against Georgia.  They’ve got something to prove Thursday night against Ole Miss.

10) Arkansas.  A lone win against Missouri State impresses no one, similar to the defensive performance the Razorbacks had against Georgia Saturday.  On a brighter note, QB Ryan Mallett has played well.

11) Mississippi State.  The Bulldogs defense looked good against Vanderbilt.  Then again…it was Vanderbilt.

12) Vanderbilt.  The Commodores aren’t looking like a bowl bound team this year.  A valiant effort against LSU and Mississippi State failed with a total of 12 points scored in the two games.  Ouch.

Thoughts on the Vols: Crompton, Kiffin, and Those Pesky Gators

The Tennessee Vols find themselves standing with a 1-1 record after 2 weeks of games.  Those 2 games could not have been more opposite in spirit and play.  Granted, the opponents were vastly different.  Western Kentucky came into Neyland like a group of foreign tourists in helmets and shoulder pads.  This past weekend, UCLA did nothing of the sort, “out-physicaling” the Vols in a stiff test, one that rings true even in the score of 19-15.  So as we enter the “rivalry” (and I use that term loosely) game against Florida, here’s a few thoughts to consider…

 

1) Jonathan Crompton, wasn’t going to change with a new coach.  It’s mind-boggling how bad the kid’s performance was Saturday.  He threw 3 picks, and really could’ve had twice that amount.  Some of his throws even late in the 4th quarter looked like he was hurrying throws that he didn’t need to rush.  He constantly missed wide open receivers, and made poor decisions throwing into coverage. 

That said, Crompton was a big reason for the failures of last year’s team.  However, he never really became the scapegoat as much as Fulmer did.  Granted, Fulmer’s years of perceived mediocrity lit a fire under his own seat, but Fulmer wasn’t out there throwing the ball last year.  UT fans are sorely mistaken if the believed a change of coach would bring about a change of quarterback. 

2) The 4th quarter play calling Saturday was eerily similar to previous years.  There’s no question that any strength the Vols’ offense has lies in its impressive stable of running backs.  That said, when you show the opposing defense that you have no confidence in your quarterback throwing the ball, they immediately zero in on the run.  Before the final drive where UT had no choice but to throw, the ratio of run-to-pass plays was 17-5.  Unless you’re running some type of wing or option offense, consistently running with no variation doesn;t work (unless you’re playing Western Kentucky).  Certainly Crompton could’ve made matters worse had he passed more in the 4th, but by not mixing it up, it only hurt the team’s chances more.

3) UT must start winning the field position battle.  Only twice on Saturday did UT’s offense start a drive  on its own 35 or better.  That’s a problem, especially in a scheme where the passing game is non-existent.  Meanwhile UCLA began on its own 35 or better 6 times, not including the last victory formation drive. 

4) Kiffin is going to be a good coach.  He’s got the cocky swagger UT fans love, and even named his kid Knox, which endears him to the soccer moms around Knoxville.  He’ll get a pass on this year, and will get touted for a strong coaching staff and top ten recruiting classes.  But surely he doesn’t think the road will be easy.  Without a QB, winning in the SEC is next to impossible.  Winning without a crafty offensive scheme to outsmart SEC defenses is also tough.  Kiffin has a grace period, but grumblings will begin in December if the Vols fail to make a bowl.

5) If Florida wins Saturday by 50, will it really surprise anyone?  When I moved to Knoxville 4 and a half years ago, I couldn’t help but get inundated with the flair of UT football.  Part of that was the Florida/Tennessee rivalry, spurned on by years of back and forth smack between Phillip Fulmer and Steve Spurrier.  However, since UT last beat Florida in 2004, the Gators have outscored UT 126-53.  Ouch.  That doesn’t make for much of a rivalry.  Now with Kiffin at the helm, things have heated up again between the schools.  Kiffin talked some trash in the pre-season and even had the audacity to put up UT billboards in and around Gainesville.  That may be lauded in Knoxville as bold and ballsy, but for Gator fans (and most importantly players) it becomes bulletin board material.  Not that Florida needs any extra incentive to escort the Vols directly behind the woodshed, but Kiffin has added fuel to a fire that quite frankly wasn’t needed.  UT has a defense that can keep any ball game close, but when you’re playing one of the best teams in SEC history, it’s difficult to lay any claim to having some kind of edge, especially when visiting the swamp.  My prediction?  Florida 46, UT 17

NFL Predictions

AFC North

Pittsburgh (14-2)

Baltimore (12-4)

Cincinnati (6-10)

Cleveland (5-11)

AFC East

New England (13-3)

NY Jets (8-8)

Buffalo (6-10)

Miami (5-11)

AFC West

San Diego (11-5)

Denver (6-10)

Oakland (3-13)

Kansas City (2-14)

AFC South

Indianapolis (12-4)

Tennessee (10-6)

Houston (8-8)

Jacksonville (5-11)

NFC North

Minnesota (12-4)

Green Bay (10-6)

Chicago (9-7)

Detroit (5-11)

NFC East

Philadelphia (11-5)

NY Giants (10-6)

Dallas (9-7)

Washington (8-8)

NFC West

Arizona (10-6)

Seattle (9-7)

St. Louis (3-13)

San Francisco (3-13)

NFC South

New Orleans (10-6)

Atlanta (9-7)

Carolina (8-8)

Tampa Bay (4-12)

 

AFC PLAYOFFS

Pittsburgh, New England, Indianapolis, San Diego (Wild Card- Baltimore, Tennessee)

WILD CARD ROUND

SAN DIEGO over Tennessee

BALTIMORE over Indianapolis

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

PITTSBURGH over San Diego

NEW ENGLAND over Baltimore

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

PITTSBURGH over New England

 

NFC PLAYOFFS

Minnesota, Philadelphia, Arizona, New Orleans (Wild Card- Green Bay, NY Giants)

WILD CARD ROUND

GREEN BAY over Arizona

NEW ORLEANS over NY Giants

DIVISONAL PLAYOFFS

NEW ORLEANS over Philadelphia

MINNESOTA over Green Bay

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

NEW ORLEANS over Minnesota

 

SUPER BOWL

NEW ORLEANS 34, Pittsburgh 31

NCAA Football Week One: Top Ten Games

10.  Western Michigan @ Michigan – Do or die time for Rich Rod and company.  Anything less than a 2 TD win here only darkens the cloud of his short tenure in Ann Arbor   Prediction: Michigan 35, W. Mich. 13

9.  Baylor @ Wake Forest -  This game was a lopsided affair last year in favor of Wake 41-13.  This year it should be much closer.  Two of the most underrated QB’s in action>  Robert Griffin (Baylor) and Riley Skinner (Wake).  Prediction: Baylor 27, Wake Forest 21

8. Cincinnati @ Rutgers-  Last year’s Big East champ meets one of this year’s favorites.  The Knights lose some big play makers, but a solid secondary should help them contain Bearcat QB Tony Pike.  Prediction:  Rutgers 23, Cincinnati 20

7.  South Carolina @ NC State-  The Wolfpack are much improved this year, starting with QB Russell Wilson.  The question will be can he lead this team past one of the SEC’s stingiest defenses?  Homefield advantage wins this one.  Prediction: NC State 24, S. Carolina 23

6.  Nevada @ Notre Dame- OK Irish fans, let’s hear it.  How great you’ll be this year, how you’re BCS bound, how 10 wins is a “worst case scenario”.  I don’t buy it yet.  Nevada had the 5th overall offense in the nation last year.  Hope Charlie Weis has his team focused.  Prediction:  Notre Dame 37, Nevada 31

5.  Miami @ Florida State- Who would’ve thought we’d see the day that this became an unappealing matchup of two “has beens”?  The Seminoles are creeping back to relevance, but they’re still a few years away.  Miami may be light years away.  Prediction: Florida St. 37, Miami 24

4.  Oklahoma vs. BYU- No doubt the Cougars will be ready for this game.  At a “neutral” site, BYU has the chance to play lead in a big upset.  Max Hall can throw the ball, and the Sooners porous pass D is bound to give up some yards.  Look for a shootout.  Prediction: Oklahoma 45, BYU 35

3.  Oregon @ Boise St.-  Is there anyone out there that doesn’t root for the team with the Blue Turf?  Boise State has managed to be one of the top college programs NOT from a BCS conference.  Should be fun to see their D try to contain Oregon’s potent offense.  Prediction: Boise State 31, Oregon 26

2.  Georgia @ Oklahoma St.- The Dawgs defense will have their hands full with a Cowboy offense that managed 40.8 PPG last year.  All their playmakers return, making this trip for Georgia a rough one.  Prediction: Oklahoma St. 39, Georgia 29

1.  Alabama vs. Virginia Tech-  The prime time special will feature two programs coming off BCS bowl appearances.  VT lost starting RB Darren Evans about a month ago, but the D is still in tact.  Look for a close, low scoring affair that goes down to the wire.  Prediction: Va. Tech 23, Alabama 20

Setting up the 2009-10 Bowl Matchups and Conference Winners

CONFERENCE WINNERS

SEC: FLORIDA over Alabama

BIG TEN: OHIO ST.

BIG 12: TEXAS over Kansas

ACC: VIRGINIA TECH over Florida St.

PAC-10: CALIFORNIA

BIG EAST: WEST VIRGINIA

MOUNTAIN WEST: TCU

CONF. USA: HOUSTON over East Carolina

WAC: BOISE ST.

MAC: CENTRAL MICHIGAN over Buffalo

SUN BELT: TROY

 

BCS BOWLS

TITLE GAME: Texas vs. Florida

ROSE: Ohio St. vs. California

SUGAR: Alabama vs. Boise St.

FIESTA: USC vs. Oklahoma St.

ORANGE: Va. Tech vs. W. Virginia

OTHER BOWLS

HUMANITARIAN: Colorado St. vs. Nevada

NEW MEXICO: Utah vs. La. Tech

POINSETTIA: BYU vs. Arizona

LAS VEGAS: TCU vs. UCLA

NEW ORLEANS: Southern Miss vs. Fla. Atlantic

ARMED FORCES: Tulsa vs. Air Force

HAWAII: East Carolina vs. Fresno St.

LIBERTY: Houston vs. South Carolina

MOTOR CITY: Michigan vs. Central Mich.

OUTBACK: Illinois vs. Georgia

CAPITAL ONE: Penn St. vs. Ole Miss

ST. PETERSBURG: Arkansas St. vs Marshall

PAPAJOHNS.COM: Cincinnati vs. MTSU

INTERNATIONAL: S. Florida vs. Bowling Green

TEXAS: Kansas St. vs. Navy

INDEPENDENCE: Nebraska vs. Kentucky

INSIGHT: Baylor vs. Northwestern

SUN: Colorado vs. Rutgers

ALAMO: Kansas vs. Iowa

HOLIDAY: Texas Tech vs. Oregon St.

COTTON: Oklahoma vs. LSU

GMAC: Wake Forest vs. Buffalo

EAGLE BANK: NC State vs. Memphis

EMERALD: Boston Coll. vs. Oregon

MEINIKE CAR CARE: Miami vs. Pittsburgh

MUSIC CITY: North Carolina vs. Auburn

CHAMPS SPORTS: Clemson vs. Michigan St.

GATOR: Ga. Tech vs. Notre Dame

CHIK-FIL-A: Tennessee vs. Florida St.