The Rose Bowl features two explosive offenses that will clash in Pasadena. The scoreboard operator better get ready for this matchup between the Oregon ducks and the Wisconsin badgers, which may turn out to be the highest-scoring Rose Bowl in history, as Oregon ranks 3rd in the nation in offense with Wisconsin a heartbeat away at 4th. I think one of the biggest keys to the game is badger RB and Heisman candidate, Montee Ball, who is threatening the record of 39 TDs scored in one season. Ducks D-coordinator, Nick Aliotti, should start adapting many different schemes to stop Ball. The badgers' D also will have a headache, with RB LaMichael James becoming a factor for the ducks in this game and many others before. My prediction: Ball will get 300+ yards but Oregon takes this one 52-45.
#4 Stanford takes on #3 Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. The 'pokes are seeking redemption for not being admitted to the BCS title game, but they did get a nice game here. Stanford features the Heisman candidate QB Andrew Luck, who may shred up OSU's D. He has many other D-coordinators scratching their heads, trying how to figure out how to get to him, let alone, sack him. Or maybe veteran QB Brandon Weeden will spark the 'pokes' offense to a blowout in an important matchup like they did in Bedlam. My prediction: Luck will bring Stanford luck, but not enough, as Oklahoma State wins big in overtime, 31-28.
In New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl presents an interesting matchup with #11 Virginia Tech and #13 Michigan. With JoePa out of coaching, Frank Beamer is the longest active coach at Virginia Tech. David Wilson, the Hokie tailback, also adds to the picture. The Hokies played an easy schedule and was embarrassed by Clemson twice, but they are ready to roll. Michigan first year coach Brady Hoke led his storied program to a BCS game for the firs time since the 2007 Rose Bowl. QB Denard Robinson has 1000+ yards in passing and rushing, and is not afraid to beat you either way. My prediction: Robinson and Wilson will both have good games, but Robinson will be the star of the game, and Michigan will win 41-37.
The Orange Bowl puts together West Virginia and Clemson. Clemson QB Taji Boyd and West Virginia QB Geno Smith will immediately begin firing bombs over the opposing D and will put on the jets around the opponent's D. I dont have much to say about this one because I haven't seen either of these two teams play. My prediction: As the Big East champion receives an automatic BCS bid, it doesn't really mean they deserve it and it'll be Clemson all over, 34-17.
The BCS Title game drew alot of boos from me, as a rematch of LSU/Alabama doesn't seem as interesting as, say, LSU/Oklahoma State, especially with this being the "SEC West title". LSU already won at Alabama 9-6 (boring), and is now playing on virtual home field in New Orleans. My prediction: LSU takes this 14-12.
#4 Stanford takes on #3 Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. The 'pokes are seeking redemption for not being admitted to the BCS title game, but they did get a nice game here. Stanford features the Heisman candidate QB Andrew Luck, who may shred up OSU's D. He has many other D-coordinators scratching their heads, trying how to figure out how to get to him, let alone, sack him. Or maybe veteran QB Brandon Weeden will spark the 'pokes' offense to a blowout in an important matchup like they did in Bedlam. My prediction: Luck will bring Stanford luck, but not enough, as Oklahoma State wins big in overtime, 31-28.
In New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl presents an interesting matchup with #11 Virginia Tech and #13 Michigan. With JoePa out of coaching, Frank Beamer is the longest active coach at Virginia Tech. David Wilson, the Hokie tailback, also adds to the picture. The Hokies played an easy schedule and was embarrassed by Clemson twice, but they are ready to roll. Michigan first year coach Brady Hoke led his storied program to a BCS game for the firs time since the 2007 Rose Bowl. QB Denard Robinson has 1000+ yards in passing and rushing, and is not afraid to beat you either way. My prediction: Robinson and Wilson will both have good games, but Robinson will be the star of the game, and Michigan will win 41-37.
The Orange Bowl puts together West Virginia and Clemson. Clemson QB Taji Boyd and West Virginia QB Geno Smith will immediately begin firing bombs over the opposing D and will put on the jets around the opponent's D. I dont have much to say about this one because I haven't seen either of these two teams play. My prediction: As the Big East champion receives an automatic BCS bid, it doesn't really mean they deserve it and it'll be Clemson all over, 34-17.
The BCS Title game drew alot of boos from me, as a rematch of LSU/Alabama doesn't seem as interesting as, say, LSU/Oklahoma State, especially with this being the "SEC West title". LSU already won at Alabama 9-6 (boring), and is now playing on virtual home field in New Orleans. My prediction: LSU takes this 14-12.
James,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting predictions. I enjoyed your thoughtful analysis.
I don't think the Rose Bowl will be as high scoring. I predict that Wisconsin tries to slow down the pace of the game and grind out the clock. Ball will get a lot of carries but I can't imagine 300 yards? Wouldn't that break some kid of record. I remember Tyrone Wheatley's performance in 1993 when I was a freshman at Michigan. He set Michigan's Rose Bowl record with 235 yards. (I just looked it up). He was amazing. I also just looked up the Rose Bowl Rushing record set by Charles White of USC against Michigan in the 1980 game when he ran for 247 yards. Too bad Wheatley couldn't break it. He probably would have if he hadn't pulled a muscle.
How about some of your predictions for some of the other non BCS games? What do you think is the worst bowl. Uncle Rick sent me a blog post arguing that it's the UCLA vs. Illinois matchup.
Great writing James. Keep it up.
Rob
I like the BCS Bowl analysis. I have to say my perspective is jaded by the drama with BYU being independent this year and continuing to 'court' other conferences. I feel like BYU is the somewhat nerdy, but well-liked girl that hasn't gotten asked to the prom yet. She says she doesn't want to go, but deep down she doesn't want to miss her prom night!
ReplyDeleteKeep on blogging!
Just noticed your fish widget. I love it! What happens if I overfeed your fish?!
ReplyDeleteJames, Nanny and I are happy to see that you are blogging again. You have a lot of writing talent just like your Mom and Dad. I enjoyed your analyses of the BCS bowl games. I agree with all of your winner/loser predictions.
ReplyDeleteI am afraid that the Badgers' special teams (punt and kick protection and punt and kick coverage)may cost them the game. I think Michigan will win as long as Shoelace doesn't turn the ball over like he too often does.I disagree with you that the first LSU vs. Alabama game was boring. Good defense can be fun to watch too.The only kind of game I don't like to watch is a blowout.
What are your thoughts on the Outback and Gator bowls? Also, what is unique about the Fight Hunger Bowl?
Poppy 12/9/11
Hi James....I love your fish. I think I over fed them. Is that possible? Love Nanny
ReplyDeleteP.S. You are such a good writer.
James -- Nice predictions for the bowl games.
ReplyDeleteWhat if we cancelled the LSU/Alabama game and just held a field goal kicking competition instead?
James would you prefer to see a playoff system rather than the current bcs bowl system?