Nebraska vs. Northwestern
--I love Nebraska more than life itself, but this game has trouble written all over it. The Blackshirts have been less than adequate all year long (see second half vs. Colorado and first half vs. Oklahoma) and the Wildcats have exactly the kind of offense that the Huskers just cannot stop. It will be entirely up to QB Crouch and the massive offensive line to push Northwestern around and eat clock. Unfortunately, I expect the Cats to come out firing and get an early lead, which will make Solich go pass, pass, pass. Translation for Big Red fans like myself: loss, loss, loss.
Independence Bowl
Mississippi St. vs. Texas A&M
--The hated Bulldogs have no Smoot and no Prather, and the Wreckin Crew has been solid all year, so the Aggies should have the edge. However, QB Ferris has been less than stellar lately, so it will be a good (if ugly) game. Look for the Aggies to pull it out late.
Silicon Valley Bowl
Fresno St. vs. Air Force
--I know as much about these teams as I do about interior decorating. That being said, go with the team with the blue lighting bolts on their helmets, they score alot of points.
Cotton Bowl--Safe Bet
Tennessee vs. Kansas St.
--Ah, the HATED Volunteers take on Husker-rivals Kansas St. Who to cheer for? This one's easy...go Wildcats! QB Beasley, however, is no Bishop, and that will mean many turnovers and sacks against a solid Tennessee defense. Also, the K-State D has been disappointing this season, and even though they have substantial talent, they won't be able to stop RB Henry (who can?). It pains me to do this, but if I'm wrong I still win. Go with the dirty Vols.
Outback Bowl
South Carolina vs. Ohio St.
--With all due respect, the Gamecocks and Holtz should not even be on the same field as the group from Columbus. The reason why I think this game will still be at least somewhat competitive? Bucks Coach Cooper is so bad that he can keep any opponent in the game, and Holtz is so good that his teams could beat any other in the nation given the right day. Nonetheless, watch for a WR Ken-yon Rambo showcase and a Bucks win.
Gator Bowl--Safe Bet
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
--QB Vick's mumblings will be a distraction, but the Beamer Clause will offset those effects. Clemson's defense looks like Georgia Tech's did last year...(i.e. terrible). RB Suggs may be the best player on his team...tell that to golden boy Michael.
Citrus Bowl--Safe Bet
Michigan vs. Auburn
--Finally, a real test for RB Rudi Johnson without an excuse (i.e. "that was in the Swamp" or "he's not the same on turf"). The despised Wolverines' defense is good enough to stop him, and Auburn can't run the Northwestern spread offense, so don't expect the Tigers to put up 50+ like the Cats did. WR Terrell to the pros? Let's hope so. Meanwhile, in this game, he will be the MVP. And by the way, QB Henson is pretty good, too.
Rose Bowl
Purdue vs. Washington
--For the third straight year, the Rose Bowl looks to be a complete yawner on paper, only we are forced to watch it due to its cushy time-slot on New Year's. Nonetheless, any game with Keith Jackson on the call gets my viewership, and this one could be a shootout. I have no idea who is going to win this game...but I'll pick Washington because they come from the best conference in the nation.
Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Oregon St.
--Could be the best bowl game of the season, as Irish face off against Erickson for the first time in nearly a decade, but the coach may have a better team in Corvallis than he did in Miami at the end of his tenure...well, maybe not but they're good. RB Simonton is the country's Rodney Dangerfield, and the Beavers' defense was the only one to stop QB Harrington and the Quack Attack all year. However, the Irish are more than capable, fighting through such adversity all year to post a 9-2 record, with two incredibly close losses. In the end, the Irish's lack of competition since October will come back to haunt them, and they won't be able to match score for score with the Beavers.
Sugar Bowl
Miami vs. Florida
--What a bloody precursor that was provided the other night on Bourbon Street. This rivalry is back...and back on the schedule for 2002. On this Jan.2, though, it will be the balance of the Canes offense that controls the clock and the Miami secondary creating a couple of turnovers that will decide it. Florida just doesn't have the defense to contain all the weapons...QB Dorsey, RB James, RB Portis, FB Davenport, WR Moss, WR Wayne...the list goes on and on. Canes should earn a split title with a big win in the Big Easy.
Orange Bowl--Safe Bet
Florida St. vs. Oklahoma
--How did Oklahoma get here? Talent? No. Coaching? Maybe. Heart? Quite possibly. No one can put a finger on how exactly the Sooners came from NCAA hell back to the top of the mountain. Impressive, yes, but unfortunately, Bowden's boys from Tallahasse will ruin the end of the fairy tale by manhandling the Sooners. QB Heupel will be knocked out of the game and the Sooners defense will not stop FSU. No WR Minnis? It doesn't matter, he wasn't even the best WR in the corps...see WRs A.Bell and A.Bouldin. FSU easily.
