The best part of bowl season so far has been having College Bowl Games as a category this past week on Jeopardy.
It wasn't so much about games as it was corporate sponsors. The players avoided it like the plague, probably thinking it was about actual football.
Probably sounding like an alarmist, I think college football is in jeopardy in its current playoff format. Two teams have gamed the system and the rest are trying to keep up. Some are doing better than others but at the end of the day, Alabama and Clemson are far and away the top programs for a number of reasons.
1. Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney are not only the two best coaches in the game, they figured out how to game the playoffs. Alabama and Clemson are now the surest schools for players to make the NFL. Saban and Swinney are great salesman and saw the playoff for what it has become, a huge showcase for NFL teams. Its how they sell players on coming to their school. "If you come to school here you have the best chance to play professionally." Urban Meyer is probably the third best at this but has been caught up in a number of well documented problems. All the other big schools - Georgia, Texas, Southern Cal, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan and (insert your favorite team) have had too much coaching turnover or inability to win their conference title game. Alabama and Clemson are stable. It's the closest thing to a pro career guarantee.
2. Every game is on TV. If top players don't go to the top schools, they go where they can play right away and get on TV. Talent is spread too thin and no one wants to ride the bench for two years. The PAC 12 is the best example of this. The PAC 12 gets the least TV coverage nationally and the PAC 12 network is not available to most cable or satellite viewers. Less TV, less top players to former power schools like USC, UCLA and Oregon (I know the Ducks have a great recruiting class and are keeping their quarterback from one more season, Phil Knight is unhappy with not winning the conference.) 100% TV saturation is also causing attendance problems at all but the biggest schools.
3. Notre Dame. Being allowed to have all their home games on NBC and not forced into joining a conference has tilted the playoff for more deserving teams, especially this season. But even in other years, Notre Dame is usually a factor despite being overrated. There is no question Georgia and Ohio State were better teams this year. The Irish scraping by against teams like Ball State, Pitt and Vanderbilt should have been reason enough to keep them out this year. Putting Notre Dame in the Big 10 West and having Nebraska return to the Big 12 would be the best solution.
4. Rules. Coaches have been able to jump from school to school without penalty and now players can jump from school to school much easier. The quarterback from Washington State has played at three different schools.
Throw some blame at the internet and millennials/gen Z too, just because I'm old.
So, did I watch the Orange Bowl? Of course. Alabama got the quick start and held on. We get Clemson and Alabama, round 4. The upside, we're watching two of the best programs we'll ever see in our lives. The downside, for fans like me, we'll have little chance to see our favorite team win a championship.
That's the best thing I can come up with on a day of horrible games prior to the Orange Bowl. All the games today through the Cotton Bowl were terrible.
This Notre Dame fan sums up the entire day prior to the Orange Bowl. Those are some big money seats to watch his team get destroyed. Thanks Dad.
Belk Bowl - Virginia vs. South Carolina
I watched the first quarter and checked back in.
Virginia 28 South Carolina 0
What Did I Eat: Some queso and chips.
Bowl Swag: $450 shopping trip to a Belk store, Fossil Watch. I'll never forget the time the Arkansas player was charged for shoplifting at Belk when he had a free trip through the store.
My Pick: South Carolina
Peach Bowl - Michigan vs. Florida
Big Game Jim Harbaugh lost again. Michigan was in serious consideration to be in the playoff before getting drummed in Columbus. They lost to Notre Dame, enough said. This was an embarrassment.
I watched the second quarter in full, had it on the twin screen.
Florida 41 Michigan 15
What Did I Eat: Nothing
Bowl Swag: $300 Vanilla Visa gift card, Peach Bowl Fossil watch, Mophie Powerstation, XL, Amazon Echo Dot 3, souvenir football. I searched ebay for one of these footballs, no player sells them.
My Pick: Michigan, I'm an idiot
Arizona Bowl - Arkansas State vs. Nevada
This game has no business being around. I watched the second quarter. It lasted forever. It was 10-10 at the end of regulation at it took over three and a half hours prior to overtime. How is that possible? It's like the Cheez-It Bowl had a baby and this was it.
Nevada 16 Arkansas State 13 (OT)
What Did I Eat: Nothing
Bowl Swag: Ghostek backpack with a power bank and external USB port, Beats Buds, Kindle Fire with built in Alexa, hydro flask, cooling towel, Frito Lays products. I'm not joking, the players got free chips.
My Pick: Nevada
Cotton Bowl - Notre Dame vs. Clemson
Another blow out, this is getting tiresome. If you like college football you likely watched it and don't need my analysis. I watched the whole game. It was terrible.
Clemson 30 Notre Dame 3
What Did Eat: Cashews, some potato chips
Bowl Swag: No idea, they don't disclose the player gifts. The Cotton Bowl likes secrets.
My Pick: Clemson, I'm not an idiot. My record is 16-10.
Friday, my last day at work for the year (hopefully) and three more games. We were scheduled to get our December ratings but that was delayed so I had time to sit in the work lounge and Bowlquest. I may also have dozed off for a few minutes.
Music City Bowl - Auburn vs. Purdue
I was looking forward to this game - Big 10 vs. SEC, two teams I actually watch play. It turned into a beat down, fast. Auburn scored, and scored, and scored, and scored - and that was just the first quarter. This was Auburn at its best and Purdue standing there watching.
The 56 first half points by Auburn is a bowl game record. It was the performance Tiger fans waited all season for. And Ohio State has to be thinking, we got routed by that Purdue team?
This was also a great showcase for Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham who is entering the NFL draft, a career high 373 yards passing and five touchdowns. Justin Herbert staying at Oregon seems to be having an effect on guys wanting to improve their draft stock.
Auburn 63 Purdue 14
What Did I Eat: Nothing, although I did have Wendy's chili and some fries for lunch.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Fossil watch. It's like they put five seconds of thought into the swag.
My Pick: Auburn. I didn't see the beat down coming but the Tigers were ranked in the top 10 at one point during the season.
Camping World Bowl - Syracuse vs. West Virginia
Another game that started at 5:15pm so I watched the first quarter at work while I was on the air and then most of the second half at home.
The big story line of the game was West Virginia quarterback Will Grier not playing to get ready for the NFL draft. The Mountaineers really missed him, giving Jack Allison his first start and he was not ready. The Mountaineers defense was in the first half, attacking Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey in every way possible. Still, the Orange led 14-12 at half and it just got worse for WVU from there.
Pretty much all you need to know about West Virginia's second half.
Syracuse 34 WVU 18 - the Orange's first 10 win season since 2001. Dino Babers has done a really nice job at Syracuse and they're poised as the second best team in the ACC for 2019.
What Did I Eat: More Archer Farms snack mix. I think I bought too much of this stuff.
The almonds are really good in this mix but there are too many sesame sticks.
Bowl Swag: $400 Best Buy gift card, Ogio backpack, Fossil watch. The gift card is strong.
My pick: Syracuse. No Grier, no go.
Alamo Bowl - Iowa State vs. Washington State
The 9pm nightcap, I was right there for the first half but ran out of steam and went to bed before this one finished up. Too bad, it was one of the best games so far.
Give credit to Iowa State fans, they showed up in force in San Antonio. Reports on Twitter were that the stadium was running out of Busch Light, the preferred beer of Iowans I'm told. Shout out to Bowlquest reader Bobby Hansen for the beer info.
The Cougars jumped out to the early lead, the Cyclones got back in the game and had a chance to tie it at the end but came up short on a two point play. Too bad this game wasn't on earlier. This is the problem with ESPN controlling most of these games, they don't let them overlap or start sooner. This would have been a great choice to put on ABC at 8pm.
WSU's quarterback Gardner Minshew II had a really good game, another solid showcase for the pros. The Justin Herbert effect continues and remains a key story line of bowl season.
Washington State 28 Iowa State 26
What Did I Eat: A couple pieces of pizza and a some leftover Christmas cookies. I also had some Wild Turkey and an awesome CAO American during the games which may have contributed to my sleepiness. I got a box of CAO's from Mrs. Keith for Christmas, great gift.
Bowl Swag: $425 Amazon gift card, Valero Alamo Bowl Fossil watch, mini helmet featuring both schools, panoramic team photo. This could be the No. 1 swag game.
Three more games, some that I have to watch at work, which isn't too difficult with quiet days during the holidays. But still, any one of these games could have been played on Christmas Day.
Let's make this quick.
Independence Bowl - Duke vs. Temple
A 1:30pm start for the first game of the day, work done until I go on the air so I watched the first quarter in our lounge area. Everyone at work pretty much ignored me. I saw most of the rest of the game while I was on the air.
Temple looked great in the first half and then they did not. Duke scored 35 unanswered points in the second half. Nice showcase game for Duke quarterback Daniel Jones who passed for 423 yards and five touchdowns. Jones' draft stock moved up after Oregon's Justin Herbert declared he would stay in school. There were a number of NFL scouts in Shreveport.
Speaking of Shreveport, I usually give it a lot of crap for being the worst bowl destination but it looked like a nice day in northwest Louisiana.
Duke 56 Temple 27
What Did I Eat: Nothing, but I did have a turkey sandwich and a bowl of cream of mushroom soup for lunch.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, New Era skull cap, football. Pretty bland.
My pick: Duke. Temple was using Ed Foley as an interim coach again, a guy who has only coached bowl games. But he was super excited to be in Shreveport. He reminded me (and others) of a different Foley a couple weeks ago.
Pinstripe Bowl - Wisconsin vs. Miami
With so many games, you'd assume it would be easy to avoid the same match ups as a year ago, but I guess not. Wisconsin won last year and they would again. Terrible game for Miami, they need to give that turnover chain a rest for a while.
I watched the first quarter at work, some of the rest of the game at home but there was little here to hold any interest.
The Badgers ran the same three plays over, mostly handing off to running back Jonathan Taylor who ran for 205 yards and a score. Hard to believe but Miami's quarterbacks played worse than the QB's in the Cheez-It Bowl; 6-for-16 passing, 48 yards, four picks. That's not easy to do.
Wisconsin 34 Miami 3
What Did I Eat: Leftover Christmas food - prime rib, mashed potatoes, asparagus.
Bowl Swag: A variety of New Era products. Okay then.
My pick: Wisconsin, that one was easy. Somehow Vegas had the Badgers a 2.5 point underdog. the Big 10 looks pretty good so far.
Texas Bowl - Vanderbilt vs. Baylor
Nearly zero interest in watching a game between two 6-6 teams. Baylor fans didn't seem to care, they showed up in force in Houston. I watched the first half, which had lots of fireworks. Neither team could stop the other's explosive plays and I called it a night at half time.
Hey, at least both teams were able to score unlike the Hurricanes.
Baylor 45 Vanderbilt 38 - even the experts didn't see a shootout coming, the over/under was 56.
What Did I Eat: Some leftover Christmas cookies.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Academy Sports-Outdoors gift card, addidas backpack, belt buckle. 21 year old guys love big, heavy belt buckles.
If there were any justice in the world of college football, both of these games would have been called off along with the bowl game in Dallas earlier in the day. Unfortunately they were both played indoors and there was zero chance for lightning storms.
Quick Lane Bowl - Minnesota vs. Georgia Tech
I watched the first quarter live in the air studio and then some of it at home before turning it off for Jeopardy. Georgia Tech looked like they wanted to be anywhere but Detroit on December 26th (that probably goes for a lot of other people)
It was the last game for Tech coach Paul Johnson and he was often seen on the sideline just gazing to the heavens, or the ceiling at Ford Field.
Minnesota 34 Georgia Tech 10
What Did I Eat: Some Archer Farms Tex Mex snack mix, I have a big container of it.
Bowl Swag: $175 Best Buy gift card, JBL over the ear wireless ear buds, lifesize Fathead decal for each player in his likeness, Quick Lane bowl backpack, shirts, mini helmet and football. For a crap game, that's a pretty nice haul.
My Pick: Georgia Tech, thought they'd win one for coach.
And just when you thought the games couldn't get worse...
Cheez-It Bowl - TCU vs. California
It will be hard for any game to give this one a run for worst game of bowl season. For a while it fell into the "so bad it's good" category. There were six interceptions in the first half. TCU was starting a quarterback for the first time - in his final game. He literally had no concept on how to play the position and TCU won.
Son No. 2 and I watched until the end of the third quarter. The best thing I can say about this game is that the logo is really well done, incorporating the Arizona flag into a Cheez-It. Also, did you know there are 16 varieties of Cheez-Its? We did not.
TCU 10 Cal 7 (OT) - such was the horribleness of this game that they forced fans to watch more of it in overtime.
What Did I Eat: Nothing
Bowl Swag: Fossil watch, JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker, Baggo bag toss tailgate cornhole set, Yeti Roadie 20 cooler, Yeti Rambler, RuMe reveal quart bag, Branded Bills cap, Dollar Shave club starter set. The players should have been forced to give all this stuff back.
My Pick: Cal, brutal day.
My record drops to 12-7 with three more games today.
Servpro First Responder Bowl - Boise State vs. Boston College
The game did get underway and Boston College got the first score and then storms slammed into Dallas and that was that, game called.
So yes, a game sponsored by a disaster restoration company honoring first responders was cancelled by bad weather.
No contest is the official result.
What Did I Eat: Nothing, this game started at 1:30pm after lunch. I did have a Chipotle chorizo burrito for lunch.
Bowl Swag: I reached out to the First Responder bowl to verify the players get their swag. No reply yet. I would assume they do. Gift suite, RFID-blocking Ridge wallet, Big Game Football. That's one technical looking wallet.
My Pick: Boise State, so a push.
Two more games tonight, no chance of weather problems as they're both indoors.
Four games for the day, starting at noon and going until 2am. That seems excessive or maybe most people don't watch all these games in a row.
Birmingham Bowl - Wake Forest vs. Memphis
Our first power five conference team in a bowl game. Wake beat Duke 59-7 to wrap up their regular season and stumble into a bowl game. Memphis lost again to UCF in the AAC championship game to find their way to beautiful Birmingham.
I watched all of this one, and it was the best game of the day. Wake struck first, Memphis went for 28 then the Deacons were back for the next 23. The last 1:15 of the game saw two scores with Memphis lined up to kick the game tying field goal. One false start penalty later and wide right, Wake wins. Fun game.
No idea what was going on here.
Wake Forest 37 Memphis 34
What Did I Eat: Nothing
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Oakley backpack or sunglasses, cooling hoodie, football. Backpack or sunglasses, so many choices.
My Pick: Wake Forest. I switched from Memphis right before the game. Good call.
Straight from Birmingham to Fort Worth for the next game.
Armed Forces Bowl - Army vs. Houston
Actual armed forces in the Armed Forces Bowl. Houston came limping into this game without their best player Ed Oliver, who is preparing for the draft, and their starting quarterback, who was hurt.
Houston looked like they would rather have been anywhere else. I watched the first half as we were getting ready for a holiday get together at the house. Army ran all over the Cougars and we turned it off at half.
Army 70 Houston 17 - the 70 points are an FBS bowl game record.
What Did I Eat: A few little nibbles of the food we were putting out. Chips, dips, what have you.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Bluetooth speaker helmet, football. The speaker helmet sounds pretty cool.
My pick: Army, that one was easy.
Dollar General Bowl - Buffalo vs. Troy
Being the gracious host, I didn't force this game on anyone during the holiday festivities. I picked it up in the second half once things wound down. It was a game that was on TV is all I can say.
Troy 42 Buffalo 32
What Did I Eat: A piece of delicious fruit tart from Servatii's bakery.
My Pick: Troy
Hawaii Bowl - Hawaii vs. Louisiana Tech
I had little left in the tank for this game. I believed I watched all of the first quarter but Son No. 2 was also watching with me so if I dozed off he was there for Bowlquest rule 2. Louisiana Tech took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when I called it a night. Hawaii didn't make much of the home game.
La. Tech 31 Hawaii 14
What Did I Eat: Nothing. I didn't eat much all day. Every day of Bowlquest is not some queso and spice filled fiesta.
Bowl Swag: Electronics gift suite, Oakley Backpack, Oakley Sunglasses, Tori Richard aloha shirt, shorts/swim trunks, performance t-shirt, beach towel. The Louisiana Tech players also got a free trip to Hawaii. The Rainbow Warriors got a 15 minute bus ride from campus.
My Pick: Hawaii, thought the home field advantage would be the difference. Nope. Still 3-1 for the day and a 10-4 record overall.
Three days off from bowl games, picking up with three on Wednesday.
A Friday two-fer, one from balmy Nassau and the other from a not so balmy Boise. I had some other things on the agenda today, but plenty of time to waste on watching these games.
Toledo vs. Florida International
Today was our annual Man Day, where father and sons go out for some sort of activity and lunch. We used to include shopping but most of our packages arrive now thanks to Amazon.
We decided to get an early start and go to Top Golf where it was evidently company holiday party outing day. The place was packed at 10am. We got our bay after a 30 minute wait and hacked away.
We wore sports Christmas sweaters, you can likely guess what is on mine. I feel bad for Son No. 2 who is 6'8" and looks like he doesn't know how to bend his back. Son No. 1 crushed some to the back fence for big points but Dad's accuracy won two of the three matches. And as my reward for winning I got to pay for Top Golf and lunch at Chuy'.s. We used to go to Jeff Ruby's but $200 lunches are not in the budget while paying tuition.
While at Chuy's, the Bahamas Bowl came on and it looked like a blow out, Toledo scored right out of the gate after FIU fumbled the kickoff. This one could be a rout. Then we left and I had to do some shopping for Christmas at Jungle Jim's in Fairfield. Friday before Christmas means the Jungle is packed. I needed to get a standing rib roast, wine and bought some other stuff that Mrs. Keith didn't ask for and felt the need to lecture me about when I got home. Evidently the asparagus at Kroger is half the price. She also wanted to know why I won't do a couples work out with her at Planet Fitness. I love burning vacation days at home.
I did catch the entire second half of the game. It wasn't a rout, FIU handled their business but the game got janky at the end. The Rockets scored with two seconds remaining in the game on a 43-yard touchdown pass. Toledo kicked the extra point and screwed bettors who took the opening line under of 66 points.
FIU 35 Toledo 32
What Did I Eat: Mama's Enchiladas at Chuy's
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Yeti rambler, string backpack, towel, pin. These guys got a free trip to the Bahamas, screw the swag.
Notable Alumni: FIU, Andy Garcia, who was born with a conjoined twin. I used to play Andy Garcia's conjoined twin trapped under his jacket when I did morning radio. It was funny, take my word for it. Toledo, Jamie Farr, who did not have a conjoined twin. Klinger!
FIU 35 Toledo 32
My Pick: Toledo. I'm now 6-3. I messed up the Gasparilla pick thinking I took Marshall.
Western Michigan vs. Brigham Young
While I love sports in the middle of the afternoon as much as any derelict gambler, this one didn't hold much interest for me.
I watched the first quarter and then took a snooze in the second. Probably those enchiladas from Chuy's kicking in.
Hey, it's the second greatest bowl mascot, Spuddy Buddy, driving to the game with Idaho Potato Council President Frank Muir.
For my money, King Obie from the Orange Bowl is the greatest bowl game mascot.
Western Michigan was up 10-7 on BYU at half and then someone flipped the switch on the Cougars and they scored 42 points in the second half. BYU's quarterback Zach Wilson finished 18 for 18 passing with four touchdowns. With a big lead, the Cougars brought in backup quarterback Tanner Mangum who is 34 years old, give or take a year. There is always some really old QB at BYU because of mission trips.
Hoist those potatoes BYU.
What Did I Eat: A little bit of Archer Farms snack mix with some Wild Turkey. TGIF!
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Oakley backpack, hydroflask, beanie. The hydroflask is a name brand water container that is powder coated so you don't lose your grip on your precious hydration. The 16 ounce model will set you back $25. I'm old enough to remember a time without water bottles of any kind. We used to drink from water fountains, paper cups and the hose. When did we become so water vessel dependent?
What's a Gasparilla? What's a Bad Boy Mower? Why are they playing this game? So many questions that can only be answered by watching this clash of AAC and C-USA teams.
Gasparilla is some sort of pirate themed Mardi Gras like party in the Tampa area, so it's only appropriate this game was moved from Tropicana Field (or whatever it's called these days) to Raymond James Stadium with its pirate ship. Yes, there were pirates present at the game, they may have made up half of the attendance.
Bad Boy Mowers are some kick ass looking giant lawn mowers. Meet their head of marketing, on a Bad Boy mower. I don't remember his name and don't really care to look it up.
The commercials for these lawnmowers were the best part of the game. Son No. 2 was watching and said he wanted a Bad Boy mower.
Gasparilla Bowl - Marshall vs. South Florida
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. While I wouldn't write a thousand words about this game, this picture does tell the story.
Yeah, the Bulls were not good. If you want a recap, you can find one right here. I watched most of it.
Marshall 38 South Florida 20
What Did I Eat: A few chicken tenders and a couple taquitos.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite. I guess they can't afford to give each player a Bad Boy mower, the push mower starts at $1,099! Come on Gasparilla Bowl, do better than a gift suite.
Game No. 7 on the slate, from gloomy Frisco, Texas.
DXL Frisco Bowl - Ohio University vs. San Diego State University
Who called this game?
Kevin Brown and Heisman Trophy Winner Andre Ware. Ware became the No. 1 pick of the Detroit Lions, chosen by head coach Wayne Fontes, who went against the advice of the team's scouting director who quit the next day. Ware went on to play a total of 14 games for the Lions, which is just about how you would expect that entire situation to play out.
I watched most of this game. It got ugly pretty fast. The Aztecs looked like they had little interest in playing in the cold Frisco, Texas rain.
Ohio U quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for a couple touchdowns and running back A.J. Ouellette ran for 164 yards against the alleged fourth best rush defense in the country. Those offensive and defensive rankings are dumb.
It was the first time San Diego State was shut out in a bowl game since its first postseason appearance in the 1948 Harbor Bowl where they lost 53-0. That was a strong Hardin-Simmons unit. Their kicker was evidently a giant.
Ohio U. 27 San Diego State 0
What Did I Eat: Some tortilla chips and queso.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite, Justin cowboy hat, beanie cap, coin, pin, Big Game football. That cowboy hat is being given to an older male relative this Christmas.
Game rating: 2-stars, I watch a lot of MAC football and like the Bobcats. I also work with a number of people who went to OU so they're happy about this.
Busy time at work, Christmas falling on a Tuesday is a giant pain in the ass for programmers if we have any plans to take time off.
Boca Raton Bowl - UAB vs Northern Illinois
A jammed packed crowd for the Blazers against the Huskies.
I checked in at the start to get the screen cap and then came back to watch the second half live. I like to catch Highly Questionable (on DVR) and Jeopardy and this match up could wait.
And I was right, UAB kicked some MAC butt, up 27-10 on NIU at the half. UAB wide receiver Xavier Ubosi was running past NIU defenders on fly routes and catching easy touchdowns. The Huskies were out of gas in the second half.
Nice story with UAB. That program was shut down and restarted just two years ago. Blazers finish 11-3. There are a lot good football players in Alabama.
UAB 37 NIU 13
What Did I Eat: Leftover red beans and rice from last week. Pretty dicey choice but it was okay.
Bowl Swag: Custom fit Sanibel Sunglasses; Logoed drawstring bags; Logoed autographed footballs; Logoed beach towels; logoed USB charger. I'm guessing players have most of this stuff already.
Game Grade: 2 stars, an extra star for Ubosi
My pick: UAB, I'm now 5-1
Boca Raton is just down the road from Del Boca Vista
The first day of bowl season is always a struggle, five games with four overlapping. Fortunately they're all games with teams no one but alums and gamblers care about.
Still, I've been doing this for a while and it was no problem transitioning from one game to another, also catching some NFL football and the endings of the bowl games.
Cure Bowl - Tulane vs Louisana Lafayette
First game of the day in a nearly empty Camping World Stadium in Orlando Really empty.
I watched the first quarter of this one, then moved on to the next. The Ragin' Cajuns opened the scoring and then it was pretty much all Tulane. The Green Wave found little opposition from the Ragin' Cajuns defense, rushing for a Cure bowl record 483 yards. My wife was kind of upset with the announcers constantly saying "Ragin' Cajuns." She wanted to know whey they couldn't just say "Cajuns." Because they're the Ragin' Cajuns babe, and the should always play in the New Orleans Bowl.
Actually two teams from southern Louisiana should have been in the New Orleans bowl. Bowl games make no sense.
Tulane 41 Louisiana-Lafayette 24
What Did I Eat: Nothing, although I did have a Queen City sausage extra hot mett before the game.
Bowl Swag: Holloway Force jacket; sunglasses with carry case; Energizer powerbank; duffle bag; Pebble Beach slides; dopp kit; Sportek long-sleeve contender T-shirt; cap. Pretty ho-hum stuff for a nothing game. Game Grade: 1 star. My pick: Ragin' Cajuns
New Mexico Bowl - Utah State vs North Texas
Picked up this game in the first quarter, watched the entire second quarter and then checked back from time to time.
This was a trip to the woodshed for the Mean Green. Utah State's coach took the job at Texas Tech and took all his coordinators with him. It didn't phase the Aggies at all. They ran and passed all over North Texas, led by quarterback Jordan Love. They also knocked out the North Texas quarterback and ran the back up out of the game.
Playing at altitude didn't suit the Mean Green either, they were gassed by the half.
Utah State gave my Michigan State Spartans all they could handle in the season opener and was one of the Spartans best wins.
Utah State 52 North Texas 13
What Did I Eat: Nothing
Bowl Swag: Gift suite; Oakley Jupiter Squared sunglasses; Oakley 5 Speed backpack; Bluetooth speaker; water bottle; beanie; Montgomery pen; Pacific Headwear trucker’s cap. A pen? Do students even write things by hand any longer? Rating: 2 stars, just because it was fun watching Utah State run their offense so well. My Pick: Utah State
Las Vegas Bowl - Arizona State vs. Fresno State I came into this game as soon as the New Mexico Bowl went to halftime. It stayed close in the first half although my wife said it was boring. This was a nice showcase for Fresno State's Ronnie Rivers who ran for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Jeff Tedford has done a great job in Fresno, racking up a 22-6 record in his two seasons as head coach and he will be back on the radar for a power five school soon. This game also had a connection to my Spartans, who lost to the Sun Devils in the desert heat back in September. MSU is the only Big 10 team that continually plays early season games in the west and falls prey to bad play and the heat. Fresno State 31 Arizona State 20 What Did I Eat: Some Kroger spicy Cajun snack mix. I guess I should have had that during the Cure bowl Bowl Swag: Las Vegas Bowl: Gift suite; collectible Las Vegas item TBD; dad hat; beanie; fanny pack. Gift to be determined? Weak. Rating: 3-stars. This is almost always the best game of the first round of games. My pick: Fresno State
Camellia Bowl - Georgia Southern vs Eastern Michigan I hit the first quarter here from spectacular Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. Not much heat in this match up. Georgia Southern held the lead at the half but Eastern came back to the take the lead in the game late. Georgia Southern got the ball back with enough time and kicked the game winning field goal in a game that turned out to be the best of the day. Sometimes you just never know where the good play is going to come from. There was a pretty nice crowd for this game, thanks to a loud So. Georgia fan base. Georgia Southern 23 Eastern Michigan 21 What Did I Eat: Nothing Bowl Swag: Gift suite; Fossil watch; Samsonite rolling duffel bag; beanie; Big Game football. You'd think football players would have plenty of footballs. We'll see a lot of Fossil watches all the way through BowlQuest. Rating - 3.5 stars My pick: Georgia Southern
New Orleans Bowl - Appalachian State vs Middle Tennessee State
This game has the night to itself and while it should have been Tulane and the Ragin' Cajuns, we get the Mountaineers and whatever the MTSU mascot is (being told its Blue Raiders, whatever that is).
I was pretty tired of games and made it to somewhere in the middle of the second quarter before tapping out. Another rout. App State receiver Malik Williams threw for two touchdowns if that gives you any idea how easy it was for the Mountaineers.
It was another game where a head coach, App State's, left for another job, Louisville. Didn't bother the team at all.
The story going into the game was the MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill playing his last game for his dad who is the head coach. Nice story, not so nice outcome.
App State 45 Middle Tennessee 13
What Did I Eat: A bunch of shrimp with some really spicy cocktail sauce. My wife bought the shrimp precooked so it needed to be eaten and I was the guy for the job. Probably about three shrimp too many.
Bowl Swag: Gift suite; Fossil watch. Another watch. Rating - 1 star, this one was never really a game. My pick: App State Not a bad start, 4-1 in the first five game. Next game, the Boca Raton bowl Tuesday night.
Here we go again, my twelfth journey to watch every college bowl game.
Yes, I realize the image is two years old.
As in previous years, there are but two rules to BowlQuest - 1. Watch one live quarter of every bowl game. It doesn't matter which quarter, just one. 2. One of my sons can sub for me and watch a live quarter. Last year Rule 2 was not necessary as I watched every game on my own. (Could also be inferred that neither son wants to watch the Cactus Bowl.)
I'm looking to freshen up the format so this year's preview will be by date and have a five star rating system based on "watchability" and each game will also be rated on five stars when it's over. BowlQuest favorites like "Bowl Game Swag" and "What Did I Eat" will stay put.
The scheduled is bloated again at 39 games plus the championship game. There is always the factor of schools changing coaches before their game and now the newest factor, players deciding not to play in their team's bowl game. While this irritates some fans who say the player should be loyal to their school, these guys opting out of playing are doing so to maximize the amount of money they can make in the NFL. All these games are nothing but fodder for ESPN so I have no issue with players making a career decision. Look at it this way, Will Grier skipping the always important Camping World Bowl will give WVU a chance to see their QB for next season.
Dec. 15
New Mexico Bowl Albuquerque, N.M.
2 p.m. (ESPN)
N. Texas (9-3) vs. Utah State (10-2)
3-Stars
Both teams can score a bunch of points. My MSU Spartans beat Utah State in their first game, which is one of their best wins of the season.
Cure Bowl Orlando, Fla. 1:30pm (CBSSN) Tulane (6-6) vs. Louisiana (7-6) 1-Star
Two schools from Louisiana playing in Orlando. How is this not the match up for the New Orleans Bowl.
Las Vegas Bowl, Las Vegas, NV 3:30pm (ABC) Arizona State (7-5) vs. Fresno State (11-2)
3-stars
Herm Edwards is the coach of the Sun Devils so we're bound to hear "You play To Win The Game" a dozen times. I'm pulling for Fresno as MSU had a bad loss to ASU.
Camellia Bowl, Montgomery, AL 5:30pm (ESPN) E. Michigan (7-5) vs. Ga. Southern (9-3)
1-star
Only the third bowl game in Eastern Michigan history. Yawn.
New Orleans Bowl, New Orleans, LA 9pm (ESPN) App. State (10-2) vs. MTSU (8-5)
2-star
App State is kind of fun. There usually is one team from Louisiana in this game, and it's the Ragin' Cajuns.
Dec. 18
Boca Raton Bowl, Boca Raton, FL 7pm (ESPN) UAB (10-3) vs. N. Illinois (8-5)
3-stars
The Blazers are a great story, the program was shut down a couple years ago.
Dec. 19
Frisco Bowl, Frisco, TX 8pm (ESPN) Ohio (8-4) vs. San Diego State (7-5)
2-stars
The Fighting Soliches against an Aztecs team limping into the postseason. I watch a lot of MAC football and Ohio can score.
Dec. 20
Gaspirilla Bowl, Tampa, FL 8pm (ESPN) Marshall (8-4) vs. So. Florida (7-5)
1-star
This game has been moved from the dump the Rays play in to Raymond James Stadium, which is South Florida's home field. It's sponsored by Bad Boy Mowers.
Dec. 21
Bahamas Bowl, Nassau, Bahamas 12:30pm (ESPN) Toledo (7-5) vs. FIU (8-4)
1-star
Neither team plays much defense. Last year, the organizers of this game didn't pay much attention to the stadium gates and fans were just walking in without tickets, carrying in beer.
Idaho Potato Bowl, Boise, ID 4pm (ESPN) BYU (6-6) vs. W. Michigan (7-5)
1.5-stars
This is a game that's on in the afternoon on the Friday before Christmas. We will get to see Potato Bowl mascot Spuddy Buddy so the addition of a half star.
Dec. 22
Birmingham Bowl, Birmingham, AL Noon (ESPN) Wake Forest (6-6) vs. Memphis (8-5)
3-stars
Should be a shoot-out. Memphis is a lot of fun. Game sponsored by Jared. Are they still selling that ugly chocolate diamond jewelry?
Armed Forces Bowl, Fort Worth, TX 3:30pm (ESPN) Army (9-2) vs. Houston (8-4)
2-stars
Houston's all world defensive end Ed Oliver is skipping this one to prepare for the draft and the Cougs don't have their starting QB. Could be a slog.
Dollar General Bowl, Mobile, AL 7pm (ESPN) Buffalo (10-3) vs. Troy (9-3)
2-stars
Top programs in their conferences with Troy playing close to home. Troy Buffalo sounds like a Simpsons character.
Hawaii Bowl, Honolulu, HI 10:30pm (ESPN) Hawaii (8-5) vs. La. Tech (7-5)
1-star
This game is usually played on Christmas Eve but the NFL is playing on Monday night this year so it gets the 10:30pm start. Woof. Double woof for this being the fourth game of the day. Might need a son to step in here.
Dec. 26
First Responder Bowl, Dallas, TX 1:30pm (ESPN) Boston College (7-5) vs. Boise State
3-stars
A really good way to start a day you probably have off work. Two evenly matched teams.
Quick Lane Bowl, Detroit, MI 5:15pm (ESPN) Minnesota (6-6) vs. Georgia Tech (7-5)
2-stars
This is Paul Johnson's last game at the head coach for the Yellow Jackets. Maybe he'll call for more than five passes, maybe he'll leave at half time, cross the Ambassador Bridge and go to the Beanery in Windsor (guessing it's probably closed.).
Cheez-It Bowl, Phoenix, AZ 9pm (ESPN) TCU (6-6) vs. California (7-5)
2-stars
Should be a defensive game. At least they suggest the snack for the game.
Dec. 27
Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LA 1:30pm (ESPN) Temple (8-4) vs. Duke (7-5)
2-stars
If you've followed Bowlquest, you know that Shreveport is the worst game destination of bowl season. It's the one game where Air Force had its falcon mascot just fly away and not come back.
Pinstripe Bowl, New York, NY 5:15pm (ESPN) Miami (7-5) vs. Wisconsin (7-5)
1-star
They could call this the Disappointment Bowl. Didn't see much of the Canes turnover chain this season.
Texas Bowl, Houston, TX 9pm (ESPN) Baylor (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
1-star
Another snoozer.
Dec. 28
Music City Bowl, Nashville, TN 1:30pm (ESPN) Auburn (7-5) vs. Purdue (6-6)
2-stars
Disappointment Bowl 2. Auburn was a preseason top 10 team while Purdue looked headed in the right direction after that beat down of Ohio State. That's how sports goes some times. I was hoping this would be MSU's bowl game so I could finally go to one.
Camping World Bowl, Orlando, FL 5:15pm (ESPN) West Virginia (8-3) vs. Syracuse (9-3)
3-stars
This would have been 4-stars but quarterback Will Grier is not playing for the Mountaineers. Nice season for the Orange, a program headed up under Deano Bavers.
Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, TX 9pm (ESPN) Iowa State (8-4) vs. Washington State (10-2)
4-stars
This game is almost always entertaining and high scoring. Mike Leach is involved so that's a plus. Stay up late for this one, usually a wild finish.
Dec. 29
Peach Bowl, Atlanta, GA Noon (ESPN) Michigan (10-2) vs. Florida (9-3)
3-stars
Docked one star because we just saw this match up a year ago. Michigan plays Florida more often than it plays some teams in the Big 10. Too bad Urban Meyer is coaching in the Rose Bowl, I'd love to have him as the analyst here.
Belk Bowl, Charlotte, NC 12:30m (ABC) South Carolina (7-5) vs. Virginia (7-5)
2-stars
Nice regional match up of two boring teams if you're not into the Peach Bowl.
Arizona Bowl, Tucson, AZ 1:15pm (CBSSN) Nevada (7-5) vs. Arkansas State (8-4)
1-star
Seriously, why is this being played?
Cotton Bowl, Arlington, TX 4pm (ESPN) No. 2 Clemson (13-0) vs. Notre Dame (13-0)
5-stars
4pm on a Friday afternoon for a national semi-final game? I think this game will be closer than some think but the Tigers will get the win.
Orange Bowl, Miami, FL 8pm (ESPN) No. 1 Alabama (13-0) vs. No. 4 Oklahoma (12-1)
5-stars
Tua vs. Kyler. The best offense the Tide will have seen this season. The best team the Sooners will have played this season. Bama moves on.
Dec.31
After the excitement of putting the championship match up together, how about six games in one day.
Military Bowl, Annapolis, MD Noon (ESPN) Cincinnati (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6)
3-stars
This gets an extra star because we're a Bearcats household. The Hokies just squeaked into bowl season to extend their long streak. Nice turnaround season for U.C.
Sun Bowl, El Pason, TX 2pm (CBS) Pittsburgh (7-6) vs. Stanford (8-4)
2-stars
How bad was the non-Clemson half of the ACC when Pitt was in the championship game? Not much to recommend here.
Redbox Bowl, Santa Clara, CA 3pm (FOX) Michigan State (7-5) vs. Oregon (8-4)
3-stars
One of the best defenses against one of the best quarterbacks, Justin Herbert of Oregon. Good chance this one goes low, take the under. Spartans will need to find some offense to get the eighth win.
Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN (ESPN) Missouri (8-4) vs. Oklahoma State (6-6)
3.5 stars
A lot of offensive firepower although it's been a disappointing season in Stillwater. Post game, don't ask Mike Gundy about Twitter.
Holiday Bowl, San Diego, CA 7:30pm ((FS1) Northwestern (8-5) vs. Utah (9-4)
2-stars
Consolation game between two conference championship game losers. Don't expect much scoring.
Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, FL 7:30pm (ESPN Texas A&M (8-4) vs. NC State (9-3)
4-stars
One of the greatest New Year's Eve games was Texas A&M with Johnny Manziel against Duke in a track meet in the Peach Bowl. This one could live up to that game. Long time BowlQuest readers know I refuse to call this game by its current name. Gator Bowl is one of the best bowl game names.
Jan. 1
A six game day followed by a five game day. It seems arduous just typing that.
Outback Bowl, Tampa, FL Noon (ESPN2) Iowa (8-4) vs. Mississippi St. (8-4)
3-stars
Should be some good old ground and pound here. Don't expect fireworks, then again, you'll likely be hung over, so fireworks are the last thing you want.
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL 1pm (ABC) Kentucky (9-3) vs. Penn State (9-3)
3-stars
Penn State has to be the most underwhelming 9-3 team in the country. Kentucky is usually pretty fun to watch.
Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, AZ (1pm) (ESPN) UCF (12-0) vs. LSU (9-3)
3-stars
Docked one star for its 10am local time start. 10am local time on New Years Day. Hard to believe ticket sales are really soft. Not only are 39 bowl games stupid, so are some of these match ups. Here's a thought ESPN, give up a game to another network instead of playing this at 10am because you can't cross over with the Rose or Sugar bowls.
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA 5pm (ESPN) Ohio State (12-1) vs. Washington (10-3)
4-stars
What's the over/under on how many time the announcers will say Urban Meyer? I'm going 174. I expect this to be a lopsided win for the Buckeyes, winning one for, well, you know who. Take the Bucks and give the points.
Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, LA 8:45pm (ESPN) Texas (9-4) vs. Georgia (11-2)
4-stars
I really like this match up of two big name programs that never play each other. Georgia should win but might not be too excited to be in the Sugar when they feel they should have been in the playoff.
That's a ton of games in 17 days. I miss the days of the Birmingham Bowl on January 6th.
