Zombie Nation - Penn State football blog

1,150 posts later...

2010-01-07T16:00:00.001-05:00

When I started Zombie Nation more than two and a half years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. Come to think of it, I'm still not completely sure I know what I'm doing. But blogging wasn't something they teach you in journalism school, mostly because that was a time when the main stream media still clung to the hope that it was just a passing fad that could be weathered. So I just kind of put my head down and jumped in without the slightest inkling what would come of this whole thing.

I landed on the name Zombie Nation directly because of my love for the Penn State night game atmosphere. My second game ever in Beaver Stadium was the Nebraska night game in 2002. And I'll say this much about it; you have no idea how great night games are until you're marching down the field as the drum major lands his flip in front of 110,753 erupting fans. While "Kernkraft 400" (the real name of the song by Zombie Nation), didn't arrive on the scene until 2004, there was something different about night games in Beaver Stadium prior to 2006. Fans still appreciated every win like it was the national championship game. The stands weren't half-empty for kickoffs, even though Penn State went 26-33 in that five-year span.

Things are different now. The aura of the Nebraska win, the 05 Ohio State win, supporting the team in its darkest time. It's all gone now, but that's okay. I get it, as should all Penn State football fans. History is fantastic. Tradition is priceless. But sometimes we have to understand when it's time to move on.

That brings us to right now. Penn State just wrapped up a fantastic win over LSU in the Capital One Bowl. That's 51 wins in the five years since 2004. This is not the same program. It is not a team in search of an identity, or even the slightest sustained success. No, Penn State is officially "back," just as we once thought after that Nebraska win, or after the '05 Ohio State win. But this game, probably more than any other, stamps a big S back onto the college football landscape. Four January bowl games in five seasons, five bowls and four wins overall. These are no longer the same Nittany Lions who helped drag this program back from the edge as the fans chanted "Oh, Oh, Oh, Ohoh!" Over, and over, and over again.

So, let's look at this as the official closing of the book on Penn State's dark times. This blog, like the memory of all those heart-wrenching losses and Penn State's uneasy return to relevancy, won't be going anywhere. But I will be. As you have probably already heard, Tim from Happy Hour Valley, and Galen and Nick from The Nittany Line will join me to run a new Penn State site. So, 1,150 posts later, this will be my last here on ZN.

You can now find me, along with Tim, Galen and Nick, by clicking on the link below:

Linebacker-U.com

Big Ten Bowl Review: Orange

2010-01-06T20:58:00.004-05:00

Hey, you! Yeah, I'm talking to you, Iowa. You did it again. Georgia Tech crawled back into that game, in much of the same fashion many of your previous opponents did, with a Ricki Stanzi pick-six and all. But all we can say this time is... thank you! It was a full conference effort this season to post a record four bowl wins over top-15 teams; but the Orange bowl domination (better than it looked) was the perfect cap to a great Big Ten bowl season. As for the Hawks' win, here's what "they" have to say about it...

• What would we do without Adam Rittenberg? The only reason I actually visit ESPN.com, he has been a beacon among the many dark hack forces at work in the main stream. He breaks down the game for us.

• I'll at least give CBSSports.com credit for putting something out there besides the wire story. Kevin Darst points out just what the Stanzi-effect can do for Iowa. Darst is even suggesting 12-0 in 2010!

• Kudos to SportingNews.com as well. They at least use a real reporter, Kevin McLaughlin, to write the game stories. KM writes about how Iowa's preparation won the Orange Bowl.

...and that's all folks! Three articles... THREE! How pathetic it's become. Had the Big Ten gone 1-6 or 2-5 in bowls this season, I can guarantee we would have been reading page after page of anti-Big Ten vitriol from the big four media outlets.

Evan Royster will return for senior season

2010-01-06T19:31:00.002-05:00

This is a big one. Evan Royster had a pretty good shot at a mid-round selection in this year's NFL Draft. But after his junior campaign didn't produce the kind of smashing success many expected, No. 22 will return for his final season in the Blue and White. Well Evan, we're glad to have you.

Capital One Bowl Review: PSU 19, LSU 17

2010-01-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

Let's not kid ourselves. There's only one thing that really matters: Penn State beat the SEC's third-best team.

Other than that, however, here are some observations on the win.

Stat of the game: 38:21

That's how long the Penn State offense held onto the ball. While it was quite painful to see the Nittany Lions fail time and again to punch it into the end zone, keeping the ball away from Jordan Jefferson was critically important. The ball-control objective seemed to become even more critical as the game progressed, when Jefferson and the Tigers scored 14 unanswered points to take the lead. Had Penn State not run off at least five minutes (it ran off 5:57) on its final drive, LSU might not have had to panic the way it did in the final minute.

Offensive player of the game: Daryll Clark

Collin Wagner's performance is so close, but the final drive by Clark sealed the deal for me. Specifically, the five yard pass to Graham Zug on 3rd-and-four was a thing of poised beauty. Clark went out on the highest note next to a national title. He exorcised the comeback demons, while proving to the nation that Penn State was far from overrated in 2009.

Defensive player of the game: Navorro Bowman

The sentimental pick here would have been Sean Lee, who did play a fantastic final game in the Blue and White. I must go with Bowman, however. Not only did he lead the team in tackles (7) and TFL (1.5), Bowman made the single best decision of the game by taking his sweet time getting off the pile, with precious seconds ticking away on LSU's final drive. Propelling Bowman's decision from just a good one to an all-timer, he drew the crucial personal foul which moved LSU back 15 yards.

Play of the game: Moye's 37-yard touchdown catch

Oh, how we all thought the Penn State offense would actually score touchdowns from then on. Tigers cornerback Patrick Peterson was playing press coverage -- as was most of the LSU secondary -- so Derek Moye and the offense took immediate advantage. Moye's double move to break behind Peterson was eerily reminiscent of the one he used to score against Northwestern. The result was the identical, however. Six points. (I'm sure many of you will disagree strongly with me picking this play, but I think it really sent an early message to LSU that Penn State came to play ball)

Final Thoughts

When Penn State played aggressive football, the Nittany Lions roared to a 16-3 lead. Clark was allowed to throw on first down, while multiple receivers ran free, even if they didn't always haul in the pass. The success through the air allowed for some decent runs by Evan Royster and Stephfon Green. Penn State was dominating the LSU defense. All the while, the Nittany Lion defenders were having a field day of their own against a weak Tiger offensive line and thin running back corps.

But just when Penn State extended its lead to 13, old fashioned Paterno-Ball took over. It was way too soon against a way too talented team. Runs on first down, obvious passing situations on third and long. I nearly wanted to puke when the LSU offense woke up just as Penn State was winding itself into its conservative shell. We know what happened next.

I guess it was a good thing that LSU was allowed to come back and take a fourth-quarter lead. If Penn State wasn't forced to stage that comeback, would Clark's legacy ever have been vindicated with a legendary final drive? Probably not. I'll admit that I wanted a great, tough game; but Christ, that was a bit much.

Going into the 2010 preseason (holy crap, it's already preseason!), Penn State is in great shape, even with the loss of Navorro Bowman early to the NFL. Depending on whether or not any other juniors leave (Evan Royster), this team has a very strong core returning for next season. There's every reason to look forward to 2010. Of course, predicting anything in college football is about as simple as a hand of Texas Hold'em against Johnny Chan.

Final Stats - GoPSUsports.com

Navorro Bowman off to the NFL

2010-01-04T22:18:00.009-05:00

ESPN's Joe Schad reported today that Navorro Bowman will enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

While I can't say I'm trilled to see such a great player leave Penn State, I wish him only the best of luck at the next level. Thank you No. 11, for keeping "Linebacker U" alive and well.

Big Ten Bowl Review: Alamo

2010-01-03T12:05:00.002-05:00

So it will come down to Iowa. The Big Ten now rests at 3-3 this bowl season following Michigan State's valiant but losing effort against Texas Tech last night. The Spartans held a four-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Red Raiders' offense was too much. I'd say I'm disappointed by the result, but actually it was much more competitive than anyone had thought, considering Michigan State was without 14 players. Here's what "they" had to say after the loss.

• ESPN's Adam Rittenberg was just as shocked at last night's game as anyone. It was a good fight by the Spartans, but the season overall wasn't how things were supposed to shape out.

• Unfortunately, that's it for the MSM coverage of the Alamo Bowl. Sure, there were the wire stories; but I couldn't really find a single bit of analysis by anyone not working for TWWL. Of course, if you want to know more about Mike Leach's firing, that's a different story...

Goodbye Mr. Easley

2010-01-02T21:29:00.003-05:00

Highly-rated defensive end prospect, now former Penn State commit, Dominique Easley has changed his school of choice to the University of Florida. This is a definitely a blow to Penn State's recruiting class. However, with such a great group already committed to PSU, this isn't a class-killer.

For more on Penn State recruiting, check out the Recruiting Board.

Big Ten Bowl Review: Outback, Capital One, Rose

2010-01-02T13:55:00.002-05:00

Say what you want about how ugly some of the games were (Capital One, Outback), but there's no denying that with Ohio State's dominating Rose Bowl victory, the once-maligned conference played its collective hearts out this bowl season. New Year's Day was the highlight; let's take a look at what "they" are saying.

Outback Bowl: Auburn 38, Northwestern 35 (OT)

• This loss must have been particularly tough on NU alum Adam Rittenberg, who points out in his typical level-headedness that the Cats had plenty of chances to win the game prior to the final fake field goal.

• I hate linking to just a wire story, but you gotta love the CBSSports.com fan comments on any of the Big Ten-SEC game stories. Here we'll start with the Outback recap.

Capital One Bowl: Penn State 19, Louisiana State 17

• Penn State did it the usual way, with defense and ball control, writes Rittenberg.

• Evan Royster spoke with SportingNews.com's Brian McLaughlin about the field conditions, among other things.

• For more really funny SEC fan comments, let's see some of them for CBS's Capital One recap.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State 26, Oregon 17

• Over at TWWL, Ivan Maisel and Adam Rittenberg offer thoughts on Ohio State's victory.

• The Big Ten turned out to be New Year's Day's big winner, according to Matt Hayes at SportingNews.com.

• SI.com's Stewart Mandel also throws some praise the Buckeyes' way.

I know this was a crappy post. My apologies. But I have some big news coming your way this week that I just know will make up for it.

Ok SEC fans, let's hear it

2010-01-01T16:45:00.004-05:00

After nearly a month of constant oral diarrhea spewing from SEC fans' mouths about how Penn State had no chance against LSU, my inbox is now open.

So, LSU fans, your apologies should be emailed to:

ZombieNationPSU[at]gmail[dot]com

Be aware, however, that your emails are open for publishing on this web site. So if you don't want your words put out there for everyone to read, don't send it.

Penn State Gameday: 2010 Capital One Bowl

2010-01-01T09:14:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to your Penn State football Bowl gameday headquarters.

Pregame

• Capital One Bowl Game Preview: PSU vs LSU
• Penn State depth chart (as of 12/31)
• Official Game Notes
• Penn State Roster
• Joe Paterno's Pre-Bowl Press Conference
• Big Ten Pick'em: Bowl Special

Postgame

• Game Recap: TBA

Big Ten Bowl Review: Insight

2009-12-31T21:00:00.000-05:00

Gee, thanks Minnesota. Not only did you manage to get every break in the book but still lost the game, you did it in the utmost painful fashion imaginable. One more point. That's all you needed. Just one.

• Adam Rittenberg says it all, pointing to the Marquise Gray's fumble near the Iowa State 20 as the "most damaging giveaway" of the game. So frustratingly true... Meanwhile, ESPN Big XII blogger Tim Griffin likes how head coach Paul Rhodes brought Iowa State back from the depths of the conference, capped off by this win over the Gophers. Incidentally, it was the Cyclones' first over Minnesota in 21 attempts.

• I guess when your bowl game is on the NFL Network, it won't get as much main stream coverage. SI.com, CBSSports.com and SportingNews.com didn't have anything beyond the wire reports. Hey, if they need someone to pump out a few hundred words on a bowl game, I'm free...

Tomorrow is the big one, New Year's Day. Outback, Capital One, and Rose Bowls all packed into a seven-hour orgy of Big Ten football. It's amazing how one single day can make or break an entire conference's national perception for the next 365 days.

Captial One Bowl Preview: No. 13 Penn State vs No. 12 Louisiana State

2009-12-31T14:15:00.004-05:00

Kickoff/TV: Friday, January 1, 2010; 1 p.m. ET/ABC (Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Erin Andrews)
Weather Forecast: Scattered showers.
Series Record: Penn State leads, 1-0.

Host: Louisiana State Tigers
Record: 9-3 (5-3, SEC)
Last Game: Beat Arkansas, 33-30(OT)
Injuries: RB Charles Scott (clavicle) - out for season; RB Keiland Williams (ankle) - out for season; RB Richard Murphy (knee) - out for season; WR RJ Jackson (foot) - out; DT Akiem Hicks (undisclosed) - out
Key Players: (offense) QB Jordan Jefferson, WR Trindon Holliday, WR Brandon LaFell; (defense) LB Kelvin Sheppard, CB Patrick Peterson, DT Drake Nevis
Head Coach: Les Miles, 5th season at LSU, 51-14; 9th season overall, 79-35; 5-2 bowl record.
Season Statistics:
Offense - 129.6 rush/180.1 pass/25.5 points per game
Defense - 134.2 rush/192.4 pass/16.0 points per game
TO Margin - (+7)/(0.58) per game

Louisiana State, on paper -- For a team that has been out gained by 16 yards per game this season, the Tigers are quite fortunate to have reached nine wins. Louisiana State has lived off of its fantastic turnover margin (+7), and ability to start offensive drives with short fields, courtesy of probably the best return game in the nation (18.6 yds per punt return). That stat will be sure to strike fear into Penn State, particularly since speedster Trindon Holliday isn't the only one responsible for LSU's punt return success; Holliday averages 17.7 yards on 18 returns and one touchdown, while Chad Jones also added a score to his 21.5 yards per return on six attempts. But that's about as explosive as this LSU team has been in 2009.

Defensively, the Tigers have been stout, but not nearly as transmittable as in recent seasons. In the five seasons previous to 2009, LSU ranked 17th, 12th, 14th, 6th, and 7th in rush defense; the Tigers rank 44th coming into this game. LSU has given up more than 23 points on five different occasions this year, including 26 to Mississippi State and 30 in overtime to Arkansas in the season finale. The Tigers have plenty of talent on this side of the ball, but are definitely pregnable.

Going from decent to just plain mediocre, the LSU offense struggled in 2009 to just break 300 yards per game. Injuries were a huge factor in the lack of production, as the Tigers lost their top two running backs before the end of the season. With a lack of a run game, and an already shaky offensive line (Jordan Jefferson has been sacked 24 times), opposing defenses have been able to tee off on the Tigers' passing game.

Visitor: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Last Game: Beat Michigan State, 42-14
Injuries: RB Brandon Beachum (ACL) - out for season; FB Josh Matzkin (foot) - out; DE Pete Massaro (knee) - out for season; LB Michael Mauti (knee) - out for season; DT Brandon Ware (n/a) - out
Key Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, WR Derek Moye; (defense) DT Jared Odrick, LB Navorro Bowman, LB Sean Lee
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season at Penn State, 393-129-3; 23-11 bowl record
Season Statistics:
Offense - 173.6 rush/238.9 pass/29.7 points per game
Defense - 93.9 rush/183.2 pass/11.8 points per game
TO Margin - (+3)/(0.25) per game

Penn State, on paper -- The Lions are a good team, but most definitely not a great one. Penn State beat the teams it should have. In another fantastic job done by defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, the defense has posted its best statistical season in years, even with the loss of three defensive ends (one All-American) and four senior starters in the secondary from last season. The linebackers have been banged up this year, as Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman didn't play a full game together until mid-way through the season. Had both been healthy all year, one or both would have been given All-America recognition. Even in losses to Iowa and Ohio State, the Penn State defense held its own, even in the face of short fields and a sometimes anemic Lions offense.

On that offensive side of the ball, Penn State had some fantastic games this season (Illinois, Michigan, Northwestern, Michigan State), but also some putrid outings (Iowa, Ohio State). Against good defensive fronts, the Nittany Lions had trouble containing opponents' pass and run blitzes. That left Daryll Clark with little time to throw, and Evan Royster even less room to run. Much of the offensive woes have been centered around the constantly changing offensive line, which saw three different players at right tackle, and two different at left guard over the course of 2009. Yet, some bright spots have emerged for Penn State, specifically in the wide receivers and tight ends. Derek Moye has become a go-to guy on the outside, while Andrew Quarless finally played like the tight end everyone was hoping for the previous three seasons. Penn State will be looking to give Clark more than two seconds to throw.

Of course, none of that matters if the special teams break down, as they did in dramatic fashion against Iowa and Ohio State. The Hawkeyes were able to score on a blocked punt, and kept Penn State pinned deep in its own territory all game long, leading to a momentum-swinging safety. The Buckeyes tore apart Penn State's coverage teams, virtually winning the game solely on field position. The Nittany Lions should not be relied upon to win any game this season on field position.

On the field -- Penn State and LSU match up very well on both sides of the ball, with the slight edge to Penn State's defense over the Tigers' offense. I could totally see the Lions' front seven harass Jefferson into several mistakes, while Clark and the PSU offense should be able to move the ball well enough to score some points in this one. But if there's one glaring weakness in this year's Penn State team, it's the special teams and return coverage. How does a team like LSU win nine games while being out gained by 16 yards per game? Field position. That matchup scares the crap out of me. However...

The turf could be even scarier for both teams. Bad weather, combined with several football games in the Citrus Bowl this week alone, has left the field in horrid, if not dangerous condition. For a team like LSU, which relies solely on a speed player like Holliday, a chippy field could spell doom. One slip could ruin what should have been a big punt return, which could ruin LSU's chances for victory. Penn State doesn't rely on one specific facet of the game to win. With a healthy stable of running backs, and a defense that might be better than the Tigers' unit, the Lions should have enough in the tank to sneak out of Orlando with a much-needed Big Ten win over the SEC.

Prediction: No. 13 Penn State, 24 - No. 12 LSU, 20

Sloppy field could mean sloppy bowl for PSU

2009-12-30T18:38:00.003-05:00

Don't get all giddy. This could hurt Penn State just as much as LSU:

Conditions were so bad for the Miami-Wisconsin game Tuesday night players were replacing sod before snaps. Hurricanes running back Graig Cooper also injured his right knee without being touched. - AP

Remember last season at Purdue, when Penn State running backs were slipping and sliding all over the field, costing the Lions some points? Yeah, this could be worse, in a much more important game.

Mike Leach fired

2009-12-30T13:04:00.002-05:00

Yeah, real surprising. Texas Tech has reportedly fired head coach Mike Leach. He had been accused of mistreating a player. Michigan State fans must be wondering how this could affect their opponent. We'll see.

Big Ten Bowl Review: Champs Sports

2009-12-30T12:45:00.001-05:00

Let's take a ride around the MSM's Big Four to see what they have to say about the Big Ten's bowl debut last night: (I'll try to do this for every day the Big Ten plays a bowl)

• If the win over Miami is any indicator of what the Badgers are capable of, Wisconsin could be at the top of the Big Ten when 2010 ends, writes Andy Staples at SI.com and Adam Rittenberg at ESPN.com.

• SportingNews' Matt Hayes is confused: how could a speedy southern team actually lose to a slow northern team? Something must have been seriously wrong with Miami last night, according to Hayes; because you know, there's no way Wisconsin might actually have been a better team than the 'Canes.

• Of course, anyone with half a brain could see that Wisconsin not only came into the game better prepared, but was in fact the better overall team on the field, writes Rittenberg. Even Heather Dinich had to agree.

• I don't know why I even go to CBSSports.com. All we got on this game was the wire story and a bunch of message board whack jobs. Dennis Dodd must be waiting until all the Big Ten bowls are played, then he can pick out the few losses to argue that the Big Ten should drop football and the SEC should just become the NFC Southeast.

Big Ten Pick'em 2009: Bowl Special

2009-12-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

At long last, we get some bowl games that matter. I'm sort of going for broke with this pick'em, but a dash of homerism is always expected with blogs.

(FYI: Each team name links to its respective official football site)

Champs Sports Bowl: No. 25 Wisconsin vs No. 15 Miami, Fla. - The ZN pick: Wisconsin

Alamo Bowl: Michigan State vs Texas Tech - The ZN pick: Texas Tech

Orange Bowl: No. 10 Iowa vs No. 9 Georgia Tech - The ZN pick: Iowa

Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs Auburn - The ZN pick: Northwestern

Insight Bowl: Minnesota vs Iowa State - The ZN pick: Minnesota

Capital One Bowl: No. 13 Penn State vs No. 12 Louisiana State - The ZN pick: Penn State

Rose Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State vs No. 7 Oregon - The ZN pick: Ohio State

☆☆☆☆

Standings, compiled by Gopher Nation:

(doesn't really matter at this point)

Updated: Urban Meyer steps down

2009-12-26T18:56:00.004-05:00

Updated 12/27

Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer will not actually quit his position with the Gators. Rather, according to his press conference today, he will just take a leave of absence.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T22:56:00.001-05:00

So yeah... Merry Christmas and junk.

Apologies for the light posting. Traveling for the holidays. I'll be back this upcoming week with bowl stuff.

Until then, happy digesting!

Happy Birthday, JoePa!

2009-12-21T13:36:00.002-05:00

Ok, so there's not a shot in hell that Joe Paterno will read this, but...

Happy Birthday, Joe!

Let's hope the team serves up a nice belated birthday gift 11 days from now down in Orlando

PSU Volleyball: Greatest college dynasty ever?

2009-12-20T09:45:00.004-05:00

Penn State just had to stress us all out last night. The Nittany (Lady) Lions went down 2-0, facing No. 2 Texas in the Women's Volleyball National Championship; but Penn State, like all great teams, found a way to win. Senior Megan Hodge (pictured above), AVCA Division I National Player of the Year, used her patented death stare to stun the Longhorns, and led Penn State to a wild comeback win.

It is Penn State's fourth national title, third in a row. The Lions also extended their current record win streak to 102, while giving coach Russ Rose his 1,001st career victory. This can only beg the question: Is Penn State Women's Volleyball the greatest college championship dynasty in Division 1-A history?

A true Nittany White Out

2009-12-19T17:35:00.002-05:00

Penn State over LSU, easily?

2009-12-16T12:30:00.004-05:00

Wins and losses go only so far when trying to pick apart a bowl matchup. Penn State (10-2) has one more win than LSU (9-3), but far too many in the main stream media have gone with the Tigers to beat the Lions. Why? Well, I think we know: OMG-ESS-EE-SEE-SPEED! I will tell you one thing the pundits are not using to reach their Capital One Bowl predictions: facts.

I try not to shill for anyone, but it's tough to argue against Phil Steele's ability to predict college football seasons. So, why would predicting the bowl season be any different? It's not, really. You see, Steele uses facts and statistics to predict football games; not some empty public perception of a league (SEC) so dominant that not a single team could ever beat it. Sorry, but just because you call the SEC "fast" does not make its individual teams automatically better than the opposition.

Steele published one of the most interesting blog posts I've seen from any sane analyst this bowl season. This year’s top 10 differences in net yard rankings between bowl participants.

Why should Penn State fans care? Because the Lions are tied for first (w/Texas Tech-Michigan State) in Net Yard Ranking Difference (NYRD); the Lions are 43 spots ahead of LSU -- Penn State is No. 7 in NYRD nationally (+89.3 ypg), while LSU is No. 50 nationally (-45.3 ypg).

That's right, folks. The Tigers come into the Capital One Bowl having been outgained by their opponents by almost 50 yards per game.

The net yards difference between Penn State and LSU is 134.7 yards per game, which is the fourth-best (in favor of Penn St) going into the bowl season.

As Steele broke it down in normally-concise fashion, his stats showed that of the top five 2008-09 bowl teams with the biggest net yard differences (NYD), four of them won their bowl games; one of them included USC's 208.3 NYD over Penn State going into last season's Rose Bowl. So Lions fans have first-hand knowledge of what can happen when this stat is in your team's favor... or not.

Just to name a few teams that have a better NYRD than LSU: Oregon State, Arizona, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee, South Carolina, Northwestern, Stanford, USC, Georgia, and Auburn. Including those SEC teams I just mentioned, a total of eight SEC teams have a better NYRD than the Tigers going into the bowl season.

To wrap this all up, I'd just like to remind pundits who seem to think LSU is a lock to win this game, that you are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.¹

**Just a quick update: Phil Steele picks Penn State by five.

College Football 2009-10 Bowl Preview

2009-12-14T18:00:00.003-05:00

Let's begin our quick look into each bowl game this season. There are plenty of great matchups this season, but some real duds, too. I'll give the basics for each bowl game; who's in it, when, why I (and you) should take the time to watch, and which team gets the early nod.

New Mexico Bowl  Dec. 19 / 4:30 p.m. 
Fresno State (8-4, 6-2 WAC) vs. Wyoming (6-6, 4-4 MWC)
 Why I should watch: This game would normally get my lowest rating, but since Fresno played two Big Ten teams (Wisconsin, Illinois), the Bulldogs offer some spark of interest. Fresno lost four games -- at Wisconsin, Boise State, at Cincinnati, and at Nevada. But those four opponents combined for a ridiculous 42-7 record, including Cincy and Boise going unbeaten. Wyoming, meanwhile, is just awful. The Cowboys were held to 10 points or less on six different occasions this season, including THREE shutout losses. If this game were on a weekday, it would be virtually unwatchable; but it gets a chance, being on a Saturday.
Give'em: FSU (-12½)
On paper, this game gets a... 1 out of 5

St.Petersburg Bowl  Dec. 19 / 8 p.m. 
Central Florida (8-4, 6-2 C-USA) vs. Rutgers (8-4, 3-4 Big East)
 Why I should watch: I'm a North Jersey native, so this game will illicit much more interest for me than the average viewer. Having seen Rutgers play in person this year, I can say the RU has the ability to play with any team. The Scarlet Knights pushed Pitt and West Virginia; but they also lost to Syracuse in a bad road loss. UCF is about as mid-majory as a team can get. The Knights were blown away by the BCS teams they faced, and beat most of the other teams on their slate. Hey, if anything else, this bowl pits the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers against the Knights of Central Florida.
Give'em: RU (-2½)
On paper, this game gets a... 1 out of 5 for normal people; 2 out of 5 for me.

New Orleans Bowl  Dec. 20 / 8:30 p.m. 
Southern Mississippi (7-5, 5-3 C-USA) vs. Middle Tennessee State (9-3, 7-1 Sun Belt)
 Why I should watch: Southern Miss was supposed to be one of those hot picks to crash the BCS this season; but a third-place C-USA East finish doesn't exactly turn heads towards your program. Four of the Eagles' five losses came by seven points or less, including at Kansas, at Louisville, at Houston and at East Carolina. Middle Tennessee State plays in the brutal Sun Belt Conference (sarcasm, folks), but even with a decent non-conference schedule, finished with nine wins.
Give'em: USM (-3½)
On paper, this game gets a... 1 out of 5

Maaco Bowl  Dec. 22 / 8 p.m. 
No. 18 Oregon State (8-4, 6-3 Pac 10) vs. No. 14 Brigham Young U. (10-2, 7-1 MWC)
 Why I should watch: For such an early bowl date, this game offers two top-20 teams. BYU wasn't the monster it was thought to be, particularly after its blowout loss to Florida State way back in September. But the Cougars still won 10 games, and beat No. 23 Utah. Oregon State is in a similar boat, as one more win would have propelled the Beavers to the Pac 10 title and Rose Bowl bid. Oregon State played an arguably tougher schedule, but I like this game a lot, and will surely tune in.
Give'em: OSU (-2½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Poinsettia Bowl  Dec. 23 / 8 p.m. 
No. 23 Utah (9-3, 6-2 MWC) vs. California (8-4, 5-4 Pac 10)
 Why I should watch: Figure this to be the lite-version of the OSU-BYU game; these are the two losers of both regular season meetings. Had Cal not imploded at Washington on the final weekend (L 42-10), I'd say this game would have gotten a much higher rating. Utah is just as solid as usual, coming within an overtime brain fart of finishing second in the MWC behind TCU. "Pac 10 vs. Mountain West" is easily the best rivalry between two conferences, even if it's relatively young.
Give'em: Cal (-3)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Hawaii Bowl  Dec. 24 / 8:00 p.m. 
Nevada (8-4, 7-1 WAC) vs. Southern Methodist U. (7-5, 6-2 C-USA)
 Why I should watch: This will be SMU's first bowl game in 25 years. That's about it for this one. Nevada has one of the best offenses in college football, but has that glaring 35-0 shutout at Notre Dame still hanging on its resume. SMU won four of five down the stretch to become bowl eligible, but against weak opponents. The UN offense rolling over the SMU defense isn't going to be pretty.
Give'em: UN (-15)
On paper, this game gets a... 1 out of 5

Little Caesars Bowl  Dec. 26 / 1:00 p.m. 
Ohio (9-4, 7-2 MAC) vs. Marshall (6-6, 4-4 C-USA)
 Why I should watch: This is a matchup of old MAC foes; unfortunately, that's all it is. The Bobcats gave Central Michigan its toughest game of the season in the MAC Championship, finishing with a fine nine-win total for the year. Marshall lost a bad game at UTEP to finish out the regular season, but still made it into a bowl with a .500 record. If I get out of bed before this game is over, I'll flip in on while I microwave some leftovers.
Give'em: OU (-2½)
On paper, this game gets a... 1 out of 5

Meineke Car Care Bowl  Dec. 26 / 4:30 p.m. 
No. 17 Pittsburgh (9-3, 5-2 Big East) vs. North Carolina (8-4, 4-4 ACC)
 Why I should watch: We'll get our first all-BCS conference bowl game in this one. Pitt came so close to winning the Big East over Cincinnati, but just couldn't hold on in a one-point loss. The Panthers boast probably a future Heisman winner, running back Dion Lewis. I can assure you, he's even more impressive, if possible, in person (the Rutgers game I went to was vs. Pitt). North Carolina lost three games it had no business blowing -- Virginia, Florida State and at NC State. Had the Tar Heels played up to their potential in those games, UNC would be sitting at 11-1, and surely not playing in this bowl game. Pitt's Lewis is just too good to get bottled up by a not-always-great UNC defense.
Give'em: Pitt (-3)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Emerald Bowl  Dec. 26 / 8 p.m. 
Boston College (8-4, 5-3 ACC) vs. Southern California (8-4, 5-4 Pacific 10)
 Why I should watch: It just feels so wrong (but sooo good) to see USC fall this far in just one season. The Trojans were embarrassed more often this year than the previous eight combined. If USC loses this game, it will have gone 2-4 in its final six games of the season. Boston College will look to continue USC's trend of losing to sub-par teams this season. I'm not sure it will happen, as Pete Carroll is pissed off, as are his players. Then again, this is what we've been saying about USC all season long: "They're just too good to lose again!"
Give'em: USC (-9)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Music City Bowl  Dec. 27 / 8:30 p.m. 
Kentucky (7-5, 3-5 SEC) vs. Clemson (8-5, 6-3 Atlantic Coast)
 Why I should watch: The Tigers had yet another shoulda-woulda-coulda season (although, better than anyone expected), while the Wildcats landed fourth in an SEC East division that ate itself alive this season. Kentucky has been money in bowl games under Rich Brooks (3-0); Clemson not so much (0 wins in last three). These two teams faced off three years ago, in this same bowl game; Kentucky won 28-20. The Tigers have a great shot to finally emerge from its post-season funk.
Give'em: CU (-7)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Independence Bowl  Dec. 28 / 5 p.m. 
Texas A&M (6-6, 3-5 Big 12) vs. Georgia (7-5, 4-4 SEC)
 Why I should watch: As Lee Corso would say, Texas A&M "blew its wad" in the season finale against Texas. The Aggies pushed the Longhorns to the brink, but came up short on Kyle Field. The game felt like one big last-ditch effort to make the season into a success; it didn't work. Georgia, meanwhile, ended the season as high as a 6-5 team could, downing rival and seventh-ranked Georgia Tech. This bowl features two teams barreling in opposite directions, but could offer more than a few surprises.
Give'em: UGA (-7)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Eagle Bank Bowl  Dec. 29 / 4:30 p.m. 
Temple (9-3, 7-1 MAC) vs. UCLA (6-6, 3-6 Pac 10)
 Why I should watch: Could Temple, Temple, win 10 games this year? Well, the Owls have a shot against UCLA in DC. It was one of the more entertaining stories in football this season, and could have been even better had the Owls made it to the MAC title game. Temple is going to its first bowl in 30 years. UCLA isn't so happy. The Bruins used to be a force in the Pac 10, but are now just fortunate to reach bowl games. Coach Rick Neuheisel is moving UCLA in the right direction, and a bowl win here would continue that.
Give'em: UCLA (-4)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Champs Sports Bowl  Dec. 29 / 8 p.m. 
No. 15 Miami(FL) (9-3, 5-3 ACC) vs. No. 25 Wisconsin (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten)
 Why I should watch: Neither team has been overtly impressive this season, but the Canes and Badgers will vie for the coveted 10th win in this one. The pure talent and speed is one Miami's side, but Wisconsin is probably the better overall team. The Badgers lost three games to opponents (two going to BCS bowls) that combined for a 28-8 record. Miami's three came to teams that went 25-12 overall. Watch for Wisconsin running back John Clay and Miami quarterback Jacory Harris; as they go, the winner should follow.
Give'em: The U (-3)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Humanitarian Bowl  Dec. 30 / 4:30 p.m. 
Bowling Green (7-5, 6-2 MAC) vs. Idaho (7-5, 4-4 WAC)
 Why I should watch: Hmm... give me a minute. Well, Idaho was a nice story this season, finally reaching a bowl game. At one point, the Vandals were sitting at 7-2, but lost three straight to end the season. They also have an All-American at guard. Think of Bowling Green as the anti-Idaho, schedule-wise at least. The Falcons started 1-4, but finished 6-1. If you have the TV on during dinner, at least there's some sort of football to watch.
Give'em: BGSU (-1½)
On paper, this game gets a... 1 out of 5

Holiday Bowl  Dec. 30 / 8 p.m. 
No. 20 Arizona (8-4, 6-3 Pac 10) vs. No. 22 Nebraska (9-4, 6-3 Big 12)
 Why I should watch: The Holiday Bowl is usually the best December bowl game every year; 2009 shouldn't disappoint. The Cornhuskers almost rocked the college football world, losing by the slimmest margins to Texas in the Big XII title game. Interestingly enough, NU's Heisman finalist single-handedly prevented another finalist (Colt McCoy) from winning. Three of Nebraska's four losses came by a combined four points. Arizona was one of the last Pac 10 title contenders standing as Thanksgiving approached. But the Wildcats' luck ran out. Zona played one of the tougher schedules in the nation, even with I-AA opponent N. Arizona on there. Nebraska and Arizona met in the 1998 Holiday Bowl, a Cats victory.
Give'em: Zona (-1½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Armed Forces Bowl  Dec. 31 / 12 p.m. 
Houston (10-3, 6-3 C-USA) vs. Air Force (7-5, 5-3 MWC)
 Why I should watch: Houston had a bad case of bipolarity this season. The Cougars beat all the teams a mid-major shouldn't (Oklahoma State, Texas Tech), but then lost to teams a potential BCS buster shouldn't (UTEP, UCF), and then lost the C-USA title game to ECU. Case Keenum is a freak at quarterback, leading the nation in total offense per game. He's thrown for more than 500 yards FOUR TIMES this season, with 43 touchdowns and nine picks. For the Air Force Academy, the best thing would be to use its potent rushing game to keep the ball away from the Cougar offense, while wearing down the defense. If you're home on New Years Eve day, flip this on while preparing the hors d'oeuvres.
Give'em: UH (-4½)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Sun Bowl  Dec. 31 / 2 p.m. 
Oklahoma (7-5, 5-3 Big 12) vs. No. 21 Stanford (8-4, 6-3 Pac 10)
 Why I should watch: Should Toby Gerhart have won the Heisman Trophy? We'll find out if he can put up more big numbers against a Sooner defense that is coming off a 27-0 demolition of Oklahoma State's previously-potent offense. Oklahoma lost Heisman winner Sam Bradford in the first game, then again in his first game back mid-season. Granted, it's tough to play with a guy like that missing, but I think the Sooners greatly underachieved in 2009. Stanford is another story. The Cardinal became the story of college football, particularly after coach Jim Harbaugh laid the wood on USC in the LA Coliseum. Stanford also handed Oregon its only Pac 10 loss.
Give'em: OU (-8)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Texas Bowl  Dec. 31 / 3:30 p.m. 
Navy (9-4) vs. Missouri (8-4, 4-4 Big 12)
 Why I should watch: Service academies always warrant some interest. Both these teams are pretty good, with Missouri at least coming out of a BCS conference. But they are also polar opposites on the offensive side of the ball. Navy lives on the ground, while the Tigers fly through the air. Aside from an inexplicable loss at Hawaii, the Middies lost to three teams that combined to go 29-7. Missouri is in a similar boat, dropping one to Baylor, but the other three losses coming at the hands of Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Texas.
Give'em: Mizzou (-4)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Insight Bowl  Dec. 31 / 6 p.m. 
Minnesota (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten) vs. Iowa State (6-6, 3-5 Big 12)
 Why I should watch: Call this the "Battle for a Winning Record" bowl. If your TV provider offers the NFL Network, or you got it with your sports package, then go ahead and flip this one on for good background. It's definitely better than those stupid countdown to New Years shows on the major networks. Minnesota's offense went south with the loss of receiver Eric Decker, while first-year head coach Paul Rhodes led the Cyclones to their first bowl bid since 2005.
Give'em: Minny (-2½)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Chick-fil-A Bowl  Dec. 31 / 7:30 p.m. 
No. 11 Virginia Tech (9-3, 6-2 ACC) vs. Tennessee (7-5, 4-4 SEC)
 Why I should watch: The Hokies have a shot to win 10 games for the ninth time in 11 years. The Vols, though, are just happy to be back in the bowl picture. Tennessee is a portrait of a young team (relatively) learning to win under a new coach, Lane Kiffin, as the Vols pushed some of the best teams on the schedule (Bama, Florida), but lost to some pretty average ones (UCLA, Auburn) as well. On the other side is Virginia Tech, an example of consistent winning for two decades under Frank Beamer. This is the most interesting matchups of opposite-mannered coaches this bowl season.
Give'em: VT (-4½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Chick-fil-A Bowl  Dec. 31 / 7:30 p.m. 
No. 11 Virginia Tech (9-3, 6-2 ACC) vs. Tennessee (7-5, 4-4 SEC)
 Why I should watch: The Hokies have a shot to win 10 games for the ninth time in 11 years. The Vols, though, are just happy to be back in the bowl picture. Tennessee is a portrait of a young team (relatively) learning to win under a new coach, Lane Kiffin, as the Vols pushed some of the best teams on the schedule (Bama, Florida), but lost to some pretty average ones (UCLA, Auburn) as well. On the other side is Virginia Tech, an example of consistent winning for two decades under Frank Beamer. This is the most interesting matchups of opposite-mannered coaches this bowl season.
Give'em: VT (-4½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

NEW YEARS DAY

Outback Bowl  Jan. 1 / 11 a.m. 
Northwestern (8-4, 5-3 Big Ten) vs. Auburn (7-5, 3-5 SEC)
 Why I should watch: The Wildcats haven't been to a New Years Day bowl game since 1996 ('97 Citrus Bowl), so getting the nod over Wisconsin in this bowl made more than a few Northwesterners smirk with joy. Northwestern has become a real, live contender under Pat Fitzgerald. Auburn is a lot like Texas A&M, in that both teams played so hard in season finale losses against their arch rivals, it could be tough to recover for the bowl game. The Wildcats have beaten better teams than Auburn this year, so the Tigers can't miss a beat in this one.
Give'em: AU (-7½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Capital One Bowl  Jan. 1 / 1 p.m. 
Penn State (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) vs. Louisiana State (9-3, 5-3 SEC)
 Why I should watch: Along with the Outback Bowl that starts an hour earlier, the Capital One Bowl will be one of the most important bowl games for the Big Ten conference's national reputation. LSU is one of three teams this decade to win multiple BCS national championships. The Tigers have had an up and down season, losing to Florida and Bama, but also dropping a late game to Ole Miss, and needing overtime to beat Arkansas in the finale. Under coach Les Miles, LSU has never lost a bowl game. Penn State comes into its fourth January bowl game in five seasons, a resurgent program that had fallen of the cliff earlier this decade. Joe Paterno holds the all-time record for bowl wins.
Give'em: PSU (-2½)
On paper, this game gets a... 4 out of 5 for normal people; 5 out of 5 for me

Gator Bowl  Jan. 1 / 1 p.m. 
No. 16 West Virginia (9-3, 5-2 Big East) vs. Florida State (6-6, 4-4 ACC)
 Why I should watch: This will be Bobby Bowden's final game as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles. Only two other coaching retirements will have ever meant so much to the game -- Bear Bryant and, eventually, Joe Paterno. The Noles struggled early to a 2-4 start, but reached .500 in the end to send Bowden out on a bowl trip. For West Virginia, it gets even more interesting, as Bowden was the Mountaineers' head coach prior to his arrival in Tallahassee. In a way, this is the perfect matchup to end Bowden's career.
Give'em: WVU (-2½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5; 4 out of 5 for the Bowden factor

Rose Bowl  Jan. 1 / 4:30 p.m. 
No. 8 Ohio State (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 7 Oregon (10-2, 8-1 Pac 10)
 Why I should watch: Can the Big Ten finally win a Rose Bowl? While USC is not the Pac 10 representative this year, it might not change the fortune of the nation's oldest conference. Oregon has been certainly the best team in the Pac 10 this season, but it shouldn't be forgotten that the Ducks looked terrible in losses to Boise State and -- most people forget -- Stanford. Ohio State looks like a worse version of Oregon. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has been given too much credit for the Buckeyes' wins, but also too much blame when OSU loses. Although Ohio State has played well down the stretch, Oregon is the best team the Buckeyes will face this season.
Give'em: UO (-3½)
On paper, this game gets a... 4 out of 5

Sugar Bowl  Jan. 1 / 8 p.m. 
No. 5 Florida (12-1, 8-1 SEC) vs. No. 3 Cincinnati (12-0, 7-0 Big East)
 Why I should watch: I wonder just how badly the Alabama loss hurt Florida's mojo. If Tim Tebow's reaction post-SEC Championship loss is any indicator, it hurt very badly. There was no triumphant speech like after the Ole Miss loss last year; no "one play made the difference" excuse. This is a battered team right now, ready for plucking; and Cincinnati is just the team to do it. Will the Bearcats win? Probably not. This game could get ugly if Florida plays the way it was supposed to all season long. But the line does seem a little large for my liking. This will be the first 2009-10 bowl game featuring an undefeated team.
Give'em: UF (-10½)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

International Bowl  Jan. 2 / 12 p.m. 
South Florida (7-5, 3-4 Big East) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5, 3-4 Big East)
 Why I should watch: The stars were aligning for the Bulls coming into 2009. Their star senior quarterback, Matt Grothe, was set to lead a talent-rich team to a conference title, maybe more. But then Grothe went down early, his shoes too big to fill. After starting 5-0, USF struggled down the stretch. This is still a dangerous team, but one that could have had so much more. Northern Illinois played a tougher-than-expected schedule this year, but reached its fourth bowl in six seasons. This game would have been much more interesting if Grothe were playing.
Give'em: USF (-6½)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Cotton Bowl  Jan. 2 / 2 p.m. 
No. 19 Oklahoma State (9-3, 6-2 Big 12) vs. Mississippi (8-4, 4-4 SEC)
 Why I should watch: Call this the "Underachievement Classic," as both these teams were shooting for the top, only to fall flat before anyone could even spell B-C-S. The Pokes were riding high after beating Georgia, even making the cover of Sports Illustrated; but immediately fell to Houston at home, then lost out on a BCS bid after getting embarrassed by Oklahoma in the finale. Ole Miss was hearing talk of being a darkhorse for the national title; but that ended in only week three at South Carolina. The Rebels finished up their disappointing season with a loss in the Egg Bowl. Still, this game offers plenty of talent on two good teams.
Give'em: Miss (-3)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Papajohns.com Bowl  Jan. 2 / 2 p.m. 
South Carolina (7-5, 3-5 SEC) vs. Connecticut (7-5, 3-4 Big East)
 Why I should watch: Two great coaches go up against each other, in one of the last retro-sounding "dot-com" bowls. UConn's five losses this season were by a combined 15 points, with many being decided in the final minutes. Coach Randy Edsall and the Huskies were forced to battle through the loss of a teammate when Jasper Howard was shot and killed mid-season. UConn is a greatly underrated squad. South Carolina is still waiting for Steve Spurrier's team to finish a season strong, as the Gamecocks dropped four of six to finish the season, after starting 5-1.
Give'em: USC (-4½)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Liberty Bowl  Jan. 2 / 5:30 p.m. 
Arkansas (7-5, 3-5 SEC) vs. East Carolina (9-4, 8-1 C-USA)
 Why I should watch: Who knows where Bobby Petrino might coach this time next year? While he seems to have finally found his place, it's been a tough transition for Arkansas from the run offense of Houston Nutt to the pass offense of Petrino. Still, with big-arm quarterback (and former Michigan Wolverine) Ryan Mallett, the Razorbacks are always good for a show. The Pirates of East Carolina aren't exactly pushovers, though. ECU is one year removed from shocking the college football world with back-to-back upsets of Virginia Tech and West Virginia. The Pirates also just beat a very good Houston team in the C-USA title game.
Give'em: Ark (-7½)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

Alamo Bowl  Jan. 2 / 9 p.m. 
Michigan State (6-6, 4-4 Big Ten) vs. Texas Tech (8-4, 5-3 Big 12)
 Why I should watch: This is one line I'm not sure is big enough for the Red Raiders. Michigan State's pass defense has been atrocious (108th nationally), and we all know about Texas Tech's passing offense (2nd nationally). I really like what Mark D'Antonio is doing in East Lansing, but this bowl game might have been put out of reach with the suspension of key players following a recent fight. The only reason I'm rating this game so high is because it's a Big Ten game, and I try to watch all of each of them.
Give'em: TT (-8)
On paper, this game gets a... 3 out of 5

Fiesta Bowl  Jan. 4 / 8 p.m. 
No. 6 Boise State (7-5, 3-5 SEC) vs. No. 4 Texas Christian U.
 Why I should watch: It's not often you can watch two undefeated teams in a bowl game that's not for the national title. That's just what we get with this year's Fiesta Bowl. As one writer put it, the Fiesta crew "fell on the sword" for the rest of the BCS; meaning the Fiesta took the plunge and risked poor ratings to match up these two teams. I don't care how you put it, these are two great teams, and should provide a great game.
Give'em: TCU (-7)
On paper, this game gets a... 4 out of 5

Orange Bowl  Jan. 5 / 8 p.m. 
No. 10 Iowa (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) vs. No. 9 Georgia Tech (11-2, 8-1 ACC)
 Why I should watch: Big Ten teams don't face the triple option all that often. When it did, Navy scared the crap out of Ohio State. I'm actually very surprised the line is set so large for the Yellow Jackets. The Iowa defense has been stellar (11th nationally), while the Tech defense is only decent (54th nationally). Most will look at Iowa's November slate and figure this game is already over; but don't forget that Georgia Tech blew a big one to a very mediocre Georgia team in the season finale. This season's BCS bowl lineup is quite tolerable.
Give'em: GT (-4)
On paper, this game gets a... 4 out of 5

GMAC Bowl  Jan. 6 / 7 p.m. 
Central Michigan (11-2, 9-0 Mid American) vs. Troy (9-3, 8-0 Sun Belt)
 Why I should watch: Playing this bowl on Jan. 6, I think, does it a great disservice, as no one is going to care about a low-level game this late into the bowl season. When the bowls first get going, fans are raring to watch anything, even the crappy bowl games. But the night before the national title game? Not so much. Central Michigan only lost to Arizona and Boston College, on its way to a MAC title. Troy is the perennial upstart that analysts like to peg as the team everyone should "watch out for." These are two in-conference undefeated champions.
Give'em: CMU (-3½)
On paper, this game gets a... 2 out of 5

BCS Championship  Jan. 7 / 8 p.m. 
No. 1 Alabama (13-0, 9-0 SEC) vs. No. 2 Texas (13-0, 9-0 Big 12)
 Why I should watch: Fans can at least look forward to the BCS Championship Game featuring two undefeated teams this year. Whichever team comes out on top, it will feel like a breath of fresh air, particularly to those who remember the terrible two-loss 2007 "national champion" LSU. What's a bit odd here is that it's not just the media analysts that are falling into the what have you done for me lately trap. The line now is set at five to Texas. A bit steep, no? "Well," you say confidently, "Texas almost lost to Nebraska!" Really, then you will agree with me that Alabama should be equally ragged on for nearly losing at home to Tennessee, or needing a miracle comeback drive to beat Auburn... right? I'm not going to pick Texas to win this game, but that doesn't mean I'll be shocked if the Longhorns dispatch the Crimson Tide. Colt McCoy is a much better passer than Tim Tebow; Florida didn't have Jordan Shipley catching passes or returning kicks. But on the other side, Alabama has Terrence Cody, and a blueprint on how to use him against Texas -- the Big XII title game tape. Let's just hope it will be a game worth watching in the fourth quarter.
Give'em: Bama (-5)
On paper, this game gets a... 5 out of 5

Big Ten to "aggressively" look at 12th team

2009-12-12T01:00:00.004-05:00

From the only main-stream blogger worth reading:

"Speaking to Wisconsin's athletic board on Friday, Alvarez, the former longtime Badgers football coach, said the conference already has investigated possibilities for expansion "from all over the country." And though he places no timetable on the search, Alvarez thinks conference commissioner Jim Delany will respond to a group of athletic directors and coaches who want expansion."

I know Alvarez is a guy who doesn't back down from something like this. So, let's hope there is more meat to this bone we're being thrown here. Could we see another run at Notre Dame, with the new regime coming into South Bend?

As hopeful as I am that Alvarez isn't just running his mouth, there aren't too many viable options out there. Who are you going to invite? Boise State would be a ridiculous choice, with the travel issues and obvious lack of any history in that program. A Mountain West team, like TCU? I'm not sure the Lone Star State is the right place to go for the Big Ten. That would leave out Houston, too.

I'd say a MAC team, but adding that conference to the mix would be just as embarrassing as a MWC or C-USA team. Temple will become a hot rumor, for sure. However, the Owls are still recovering from the Big East years. If Temple runs off a string of MAC titles, then I'd say go for it. But it's just not logical, right now.

So, who's left? What about a servi--wait a minute! That's it! The Big Ten will pursue a service academy! My early bet is Navy -- Army is still even behind Temple's progress, and Air Force is comfy where it is. But the Midshipmen have been able to show sustained success, have recently played well against the Big Ten (Ohio State '09), and are conspicuously within range of the Big Ten.

Chew on that while you're out Christmas shopping this weekend.

Blue White Roundtable returns

2009-12-10T13:20:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, but we're back.

Maybe they did, maybe they didn't...
W. F. Yurasko
Happy Hour Valley
The Nittany Line
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout
Penn State Clips
2 The Lion

Blue White Roundtable - Pre-Bowl Season Edition

1. Penn State finished off this season with 10 wins, but lost the only two games that were really in question. What will your lasting memory of the 2009 season be?

This program is finally back. Sure, we all said "We're Back!" in 2002, 2005 and 2008. But I thought for a while that 2009 would be the real measuring stick for the program's progress since the dark years. For Penn State to win 10 games, after losing entire units from a Rose Bowl squad, that is the sign of a powerhouse program. I don't care that Penn State lost to two teams that are going to BCS games. In case you didn't hear me, that was two teams that are going to BCS games.

2. Though they miss out on a BCS Bowl, the Nittany Lions will face off with a highly ranked SEC opponent in a New Year's Day bowl. What are your initial thoughts about the matchup with LSU in the Capital One Bowl?

I love it. With the prospect of facing Georgia Tech, Boise State or TCU in a bowl game, I was hoping for the Capital One bowl. LSU has won two national titles this decade (though, shaky ones), and hasn't lost a bowl game under Les Miles. You want to see the best non-BCS bowl game, watch this one.

3. When it's all said and done, where will Daryll Clark rank among Penn State QBs? What will you remember about Clark thinking back on the 2008 and 2009 seasons a few years from now?

He was a winner. I don't care about the "Big Game" dig on Clark. He won a shit load of games for Penn State, brought the team to a Rose Bowl and a Captial One Bowl. He's not going to be Wally Richardson 2. And if you can't see the differences between the two quarterbacks, then God help you.

4. Which seniors are you most sad to see go? If you could bring one of them back in 2010, who would it be?

I wish Sean Lee had one more shot. He was fantastic in all the games he played this season, and would have been a sure lock for 1st Team All-America had he not been injured. Lee's the kind of leader any great defense needs. He deserves more credit than he's being given right now, but the injuries have really hurt his draft stock. If he had one more season to play fully healthy, I think he would have gone down as the greatest linebacker ever to play at Penn State.

5. What are your feelings on the Fiesta Bowl matching up the two undefeated mid-majors, instead of setting up Iowa-Boise State and Georgia Tech-TCU matchups? Does it support a playoff argument?

I never got around this year to posting my playoff solution (like every other blog/writer), but I do like that the Fiesta Bowl is going to allow there to be fewer undefeated teams at the end of the season, no matter what. If TCU and Boise played GT and Iowa, the two Mid-Majors could win those matchups. Then, what if Cincy beat Florida? You'd have FOUR undefeated teams after the bowls. It's not nearly what I wish to see overall (have one more BCS standings come out right after the New Years bowls are played, then take the top two to the MNC), but three undefeated teams are better than four.

Lightning Round:
1. Do either Bowman or Royster (or both!) skip their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft? Definitely Bowman, probably Royster. We haven't been so lucky lately in this area.

2. Who wins the MNC Game, Alabama or Texas? I'll hold out for Texas, for now.

3. Will you be heading down to Orlando to watch the Capital One Bowl live? Who wins? It's called a recession; and of course, Penn State wins.

4. Predict the draft stock of the following Nittany Lion seniors:
a) [Bowman/Royster] - Bowman: late 1st / Royster (if he goes): late 3rd, early 4th
b) Jared Odrick - 2nd
c) Sean Lee - 2nd
d) Andrew Quarless - 2nd, or early 3rd
e) Dennis Landolt - 5th to 7th
f) Daryll Clark - 4th to 6th
g) Mickey Shuler - free agent
h) A.J. Wallace - free agent