The Bowl Schedule has been out for a few days, but it takes at least that long to truly digest the fact that there are
35 different bowl games. 70 of the 120 Division 1-A teams will play in a bowl. Let that sink in. Quick math says that over 58% of the teams in the country make it to a friggin bowl game. I know that's not new this season, but it doesn't make it any less ridiculous. So with a plethora of 6-6 teams (even a 6-7 UCLA team which got in cause it lost in the Conference Championship game) which games are worth watching this year? Here is the list.
New Mexico Bowl- Wyoming (8-4) vs. Temple (8-4)December 17, Saturday, 2:00pm ESPN
What the hell? Yes I start with Wyo vs. Temple. The reasons are simple. 1. My Dad went to Wyoming and we don't get to see them on TV very often. 2. It's the first Bowl game of the year. 3. Well, that's it.
Las Vegas Bowl- Boise State (11-1) vs. Arizona State (6-6)December 22, Thursday, 8:00pm ESPN
Boise State had a real shot at the BCS Title Game this season. The loss to TCU bumped them for that, and little did we know at the time, also knocked from any BCS Bowl, or even one after Christmas! Coach Peterson was outspoken about the BCS, does this mean they beat the balls off the coach-less Sun Devils? I say yes. Also the final college game of one of the great QB's of all time Kellen Moore.
Alamo Bowl- Baylor (9-3) vs. Washington (7-5)December 29, Thursday, 9:00pm ESPN
My Heisman winner Robert Griffin III leads his Bears against Sophomore QB Keith Price and the Huskies. I say Griffin wins the trophy, plays one last college game, and heads into the 1st round. This is the game for you if you've missed Baylor this year.
Rose Bowl- Oregon (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (11-2)January 2, Monday, 5:00pm ESPN
It's the Pac-12 Champ vs. the Big 10 Champ. Oregon's high flying offense led by head coach (and New Hampshire native) Chip Kelly square off against Heisman finalist RB Montee Ball and Heisman candidate QB Russell Wilson. Ball will be going for the TD record in this one (although he will have played 3 MORE games than Barry Sanders). Teams like this also make you long for a playoff.
Fiesta Bowl- Oklahoma State (11-1) vs. Stanford (11-1)January 2, Monday, 8:30pm ESPN
Andrew Luck vs. Brandon Weeden. Toss in the best WR in the nation, OK State's Justin Blackmon and I am in. I also believe the Cowboys should be in the title game vs. LSU. If OSU can blow out Stanford they will definitely garner some 1st place votes (if LSU loses).
Cotton Bowl- Arkansas (10-2) vs. Kansas State (10-2)January 6, Friday, 8:00pm FOX
It may not be the SEC vs. Big 12 match up that I wanted to see, but it's still pretty intriguing. Conference bragging rights will be on the line.
BCS Championship Game- LSU (13-0) vs. Alabama (11-1)January 9, Monday, 8:30pm ESPN
I was going to boycott the game, but the fact is, at worst its a match up of 2 of the top 3 teams in the country. I don't like it, but I'll watch. My biggest problems.
-We already saw this game.
-It was 9-6.
-Alabama had their chance.
-There are other deserving teams. (See: Oklahoma State)
-If Bama wins a close game (say by 3) then what?
-You can win a National Championship without winning a Conference Championship?
In summary, I am interested in 7/35 of the Bowls. (20%). And that might be high compared to you.
What about something different, like, oh, I don't know, a PLAYOFF!
8- Team Tournament: (Higher seeds host games until Title Game)
1. LSU
8. Kansas State
4. Stanford
5. Oregon
3. Oklahoma State
6. Arkansas
2. Alabama
7. Boise State
Good Lord! I am in on that! (How bad is KSU, ARK, Boise missing out on this and a Top 5 Bowl Game, brutal.)
WE WANT A PLAYOFF!
-Keefe
