As for the New Year's bowl action, I thought the two biggest statements (no surprise here) were clearly Ohio State and Florida. The Bucks returned to the big stage with a Rose Bowl victory over Oregon that included Terrelle Pryor's first collegiate game looking like a real quarterback (including a man-sized back shoulder throw to ice it for the 26-17 touchdown- sick throw). Florida, on the other hand, showed the rest of the country that maybe, just maybe, the BCS got this one right by pounding overmatched Cincinnati. There are far more questions than answers for Florida going forward, but for now they can enjoy a dominant victory.
Now, on to the next round:
International Bowl, South Florida (-6.5) vs Northern Illinois
You have to love this. We give Canada a college football bowl and then send them this game. Why isn't it played on like December 20th? Anyhow, South Florida successfully got themselves overranked with another strong start this year only to lose 5 of 6 down the stretch. It's getting ridiculous how many times they do that. Still, I think they can probably take NIU. Big Bob's pick: South Florida.
Papajohn's.com Bowl, South Carolina (-4.5) vs Connecticut
How much longer do you think Steve Spurrier can hold on at South Carolina? After years of contending for the SEC at Florida, he can't be satisfied with continually going 7-5. In this game, I think clearly the Gamecocks have the better talent, but I really like Randy Edsall and his team has really bounced back from an incredible tragedy to win some big games down the stretch and get to the postseason. I think the difference here is the South Carolina defense, which should be able to bottle up the Huskies' run attack. Big Bob's pick: South Carolina.
Cotton Bowl, Mississippi (-2.5) vs Oklahoma State
It's quite fitting that Ole Miss and OK State meet in a bowl game; both started the season with huge expectations and a top 10 ranking, but ultimately struggled down the stretch to live up to that. Still, there's a lot of offensive talent on the field here, from Jevon Snead to Zac Robinson to Dexter McCluster. I could go either way here, especially since both teams laid eggs in the last game of the season. When in doubt, take the points. Big Bob's pick: Oklahoma State.
Liberty Bowl, Arkansas (-7.5) vs East Carolina
They're calling for me to board my flight home to NC, so I've got to hurry. I would love nothing more than to pick ECU here, especially with the touchdown spread, but I just don't see it. If UNC can pound the Pirates, Ryan Mallette definitely can. Big Bob's pick: Arkansas
Alamo Bowl, Texas Tech (-7.5) vs Michigan State
The Big Ten has been on a roll, and who knows what's going on in Lubbock. This one seems too easy. Give me those points. Big Bob's pick: Sparty.
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