As I do every time I make any kind of prediction on this blog, I remind you that these are merely my opinions, and in no way do they reflect what the guys at Maddux think, or what their picks will be. There will almost certainly be disagreements between these and their picks, so when in doubt go with theirs – they are the pros. That being said, here are my gut feelings for all 34 bowls, broken down into three days:
EagleBank Bowl – Wake Forest -3. I respect the job that Navy has done in keeping themselves going strong while changing coaching staffs, but I’m not sure that they have what it takes to win here. Wake Forest has a far more rounded offense, a decent defense, and they have played a more solid schedule.
New Mexico Bowl – Colorado State +3. I think that Fresno State is in a bad place. Their season fell apart on them, and then their coach flirted with other jobs. They don’t care a bit about this game, and they are up against a team that won two straight to get here, has nothing to lose, and is trying to impress a new coach.
St. Petersburg Bowl – Memphis +11. This is a none of the above type game, as in I would rather choose neither team. In the end, though, I have to take Memphis. They are coming off a big win over Tulane and won three of their last four to become bowl eligible. South Florida was 1-4 down the stretch, and failed to step up any time they needed to this year, so I hate to trust them.
Las Vegas Bowl – BYU +3. I don’t understand this line. BYU played two Pac-10 teams and beat them both. Arizona is fine, but they are far from compelling. BYU has an explosive offense, and they will be looking to finish strong for Bronco Mendenhall after a disappointing loss to Utah.
New Orleans Bowl – Troy -4.5. More than any other game, I have no real preference or opinion here. I’ll take Troy, but I have just one reason and it isn’t a good one – Brett Favre went to Southern Mississippi and I am sick of his act.
Poinsettia Bowl – Boise State +2.5. Offense versus defense. The difference here, in my mind, will be the ferocity with which Boise State will be determined to finish off the perfect season. The last time they were in this position they beat Oklahoma.
Hawaii Bowl – Hawaii +1. Hawaii has the boost of the home town crowd, and I just plain hate Notre Dame.
Motor City Bowl – Central Michigan -6. The Chippewas will have the boost of a home town crowd, and they are just plain better. This is the swan song for Dan LeFevour, and I expect it to be a memorable one.
Meineke Car Care Bowl – West Virginia -1.5. North Carolina has come a long way this year, but I just don’t think they can handle the speed and range of the Mountaineers. That being said, it makes me extremely uncomfortable to have to trust Bill Stewart – he is a garbage coach.
Champs Sports Bowl – Florida State -5. I have absolutely no faith in Wisconsin – they lost to Michigan, for pete’s sakes. This has been a terrible season for them, and I imagine that they just want it to be over.
Emerald Bowl – Cal -8. I like a lot of what Miami has done, but I just can’t pick them. Robert Marve is out for Miami, so they have no depth or trust at QB. Cal is unbeaten at home, and this is essentially a home game.
