College Bowl picks - through 12/28

Motor City Bowl - Detroit, MI
Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 7:30 PM EST
Purdue (7-5) vs Central Michigan (8-5)
Line: Purdue -8

If you like spread offenses, this is the game for you. The game is indoors, under the protection of a dome, so both of these offenses should be able to move the ball without combating any inclimate weather conditions. Expect lots of points.

These two teams are heading into bowl season going in opposite directions. After starting the year 5-0, Purdue finished 2007 by going 2-5. On the other hand, Central Michigan won 4 of their last 5 games and beat Miami-Ohio in the MAC Championship.

These two teams played earlier in the year and Purdue pasted the Chippewas, 45-22. The game might not have even been that "close" had Purdue kept the pedal to the floor after taking a 38-0 lead. Central Michigan is a better team than the one that lost that game in September and are playing like it behind quarterback Dan Lefevour. Lefevour passed for over 3300 yards and rushed for 1008 yards in 2007, posting very impressive stats. Purdue is led by the gun-slinging arm of senior quarterback Curtis Painter, who also threw for over 3,000 yards in 2007.

Central Michigan will have a good showing in the stands for this game and will be up for playing Purdue. Purdue, who may take this game a little lighter than their opponents since they had dreams of a bigger bowl earlier in the year, will have their hands full with a team looking for a little redemption from their earlier loss. I like Central Michigan in an upset here - 44-38.


Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - San Diego, CA
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 8PM EST
#11 Arizona State (10-2) vs. #19 Texas (9-3)
Line: Texas -2.5

Much like the Motor City Bowl, the Holiday Bowl pits two outstanding offenses against each other only the Sun Devils and Longhorns had BCS dreams dashing through their heads. Arizona State started the year hot and if hadn't been for losses against a completely healthy Oregon and USC teams, they may very well be playing in the Rose Bowl (or better). Texas also had BCS aspirations but losses to Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M derailed those hopes. In both cases, the defenses let each of these two teams down.

Both quarterbacks in this game should find success in the air. For Texas, Colt McCoy through for 3,100 yards in a year that he had to battle some injury bugs. Rudy Carpenter will try to lead the Sun Devils against one of the worst defensive backfields in the country.

Texas has won 3 straight bowl games while Arizona State is 0-2 in the Holiday Bowl. I think the tandem of McCoy and running back Jamaal Charles will come up with a crucial drive late in this shootout to pull out a win. Texas 38-35


Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL
Friday, December 28 - 5PM EST
#14 Boston College (10-3) vs. Michigan State (7-5)
Line: Boston College -4

Another team with BCS dreams earlier in the year, Boston College looks to continue its bowl success against Michigan State. The Eagles have won 7 straight bowl games, including defeating Navy in last year's Meineke Car Care Bowl 25-24. Michigan State is making its first bowl appearance since 2003 - marking this the first bowl game for the Spartan seniors. The Spartans are sure acting like a team not familiar with bowl season. Michigan State lost 5 players to suspension and academics over the final exam break.

One thing to pay attention to in this game is crowd support. Boston College has had problems drawing its fans outside of New England for bowl games such as these - perhaps a reason why the Eagles didn't get a Gator Bowl or Chik Fil-A Bowl bid. The team, to its credit, seems to thrive on playing in a road game environment so it should be comfortable in this game. Michigan State should have the majority of fans in the stands but that won't be enough for the Spartans to pull out a victory. I like Matt Ryan, who with a good showing could push his way into the top 5 in the upcoming NFL Draft, to lead the Eagles to its 8th straight bowl win. Eagles 34-20


Texas Bowl - Houston, TX
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8PM EST
TCU (7-5) vs. Houston (8-4)
Line: TCU -4.5

Two Texas teams meeting in the Texas Bowl - how fitting. I feel this game should break out into the scene from Pee Wee's Big Adventure when Pee Wee is on a pay phone and gets a crowd of Texans to sing "Deep in the Heart of Texas". Heck, they could even play the game in the Alamo's basement.

I've seen Houston play once this season and was impressed. Only problem is the Cougars' head coach Art Briles resigned to take the coaching position at Baylor. Dooley no likey this situation. I think TCU wins but it's closer than the line, 28-25


Emerald Bowl - San Francisco, CA
Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:30 PM EST
Maryland (6-6) vs. Oregon State (8-4)
Line: Oregon State -5

I really don't like Maryland this season. Granted, they did beat Boston College at home this season but the team did lose 6 times in 2007. If they lose, they'll finish the season with a losing record and be one of those teams who everyone questions their bowl game worthiness. Guess what? The trip out west was long but the trip back home to the east will be even longer. Oregon State wins 31-14