Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:37 pm
Ugh. Talk about unfavorable Big-Ten matchups in bowl games. MSU vs. Texas Tech? Wisconsin vs. The U?
Here's how I see it going down (Big Ten games only):
Insight Bowl: (Minnesota vs. Iowa State)
The end-of-season slide continues into the offseason for the Gophers. I'm guessing this will be a low scoring game (Minnesota is 98th in the country on offense, Iowa State 102nd).
13-6 Iowa State over Minnesota
Alamo Bowl: (MSU vs. Texas Tech)
This game will go one of two ways:
1) Michigan State is slaughtered by the high-powered Texas Tech offense after having to suspend one of their best DB's in Rucker. In this case, 45-14 Texas Tech over MSU
2) Mark Dantonio coaches the best he has ever and pulls of the most spectacular win…ever. Here, it turns 21-17 MSU over Texas Tech.
I’m pretty doubtful about the second one.
Champs Sports Bowl: (Wisconsin vs. Miami U)
This game will be dependent upon whether or not Wisconsin’s defensive backs can stop The U’s passing attack. They haven’t played great all year, and I have my doubts whether or not they will play great in the bowl game. Wisconsin will run the ball well, but I think Miami’s offense will take over in the 2nd half. 31-24 Miami over Wisconsin.
Outback Bowl: (Northwestern vs. Auburn)
I don’t think Auburn will play up like it did against ‘Bama. I think NU’s passing attack will find a way to spread out the Auburn D and allow Kafka and Fields (behind their strong O-Line) to run through the Auburn D-line. I wish this game pitted Wisconsin against Auburn instead (would be a much bigger win for the Big Ten) but I think NU still pulls this one out. 27-21.
Capital One Bowl (Penn State vs. LSU)
No question here. Joe Pa is the man in the offseason, and I don’t think LSU will be able to handle Bowman and Lee. I think Daryll Clark and their spread HD will take some time to get going, though, but will be able to move the ball well by the end of the game. I think LSU will also continue to play as poorly as they have in their last 3 games or so (which is unlike them). PSU wins big, 31-14.
FedEx Orange Bowl: (Iowa vs. Georgia Tech)
I think Ferentz will be able to prepare his Hawk D very well for Ga. Tech’s triple option with the long period ahead of him. This will give Iowa an edge it will desperately need in which to beat Ga. Tech. However, I think Stanzi will throw too many interceptions for their defense to overcome, and G.T. will win this one. 28-21 Georgia Tech over Iowa.
Rose Bowl: (Ohio State vs. Oregon)
This is obviously a game of unstoppable force vs. immovable object. Masoli is a beast, and so are their running backs Blount and James. However, I think OSU’s defense comes to play, just like they have all season, and shut down the Oregon rushing attack. However, Oregon’s passing attack is also very good. I don’t believe Ohio State offense will be able to match Oregon’s offense, but the defense will keep them in this one and allow them to win it. I think this one will go into overtime at least once. 24-21 OSU wins with a field goal in single OT. This game can easily go the other way, though.
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