2008 Bowl Picks - Part 3

Outback Bowl
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Tampa, Florida
January 1, 11 AM EST

Analysis: Iowa's season will be remembered for two things, Shonn Green's phenomenal season in which he won the Doak Walker Award and a last second field goal that gave Penn State their only loss in the regular season. Shonn Green was the only running back to rush for more 100 yards in every game this season. Iowa has been a tough out all year, with all four losses coming by a combined 12 points. A couple of more bounces their way, and Iowa could have been playing in the Rose Bowl. Iowa is also coming off an astounding 55-0 win over Minnesota on the road in the last game of the season. South Carolina started off strong winning seven out of ten, and only losing those three by a touchdown each to bowl teams. The last two games were bad though, a 50 point loss to Florida and a 17 point loss to rival Clemson. In those two games, South Carolina gave up 530 rushing yards.
The Pick: Iowa


Capital One Bowl
Georgia vs. Michigan State
Orlando, Florida
January 1, 1 PM EST

Analysis: Georgia was the preseason #1 and had been hyped up all offseason. They were taken down by the two SEC Championship Game participants Alabama and Florida. Despite all of the potential, they didn't beat conference team by more than two touchdowns and lost to rival Georgia Tech in the season finale. Michigan State continues to improve under second year man Dantonio. They were beat solidly by two BCS teams in Ohio State and Penn State. They picked up nine wins, but the best ones were against Iowa and Northwestern. If you like running backs, this game has two of the best with Georgia's Knowshon Moreno and Michigan State's Javon Ringer.
The Pick: Georgia


Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Nebraska vs. Clemson
Jacksonville, Florida
January 1, 1 PM EST

Analysis: Nebraska had a good season for rookie head coach Bo Pelini. They won eight games and played Virginia Tech and Texas Tech close. The offense has been surprisingly prolific, considering Pelini's defensive background. The defense did improve compared to last season's really poor numbers. In fact they allowed almost nine points and 115 yards per game fewer this season. Clemson had a very strange season with head coach Tommy Bowden getting fired midway through the season. The team had tons of potential, but collapsed under the pressure in the first game of the season. They did win four of the last five games and promoted interim head coach Dabo Swinney to official head coach. This is another game that is difficult to pick, it could go easily either way.
The Pick: Nebraska


Rose Bowl
Penn State vs. USC
Pasadena, California
January 1, 4:30 PM EST

Analysis: This is one of my most eagerly anticipated games. It pits two 11-1 teams that are somehow underrated. Both teams have mind-boggling stats, but neither could overcome the stigma in playing in a weaker conference. Penn State averaged over 40 points per game while holding opponents to under 13. They averaged over 200 yards per game on the ground and through the air while holding opponents to less than 265 total yards per game. The schedule does hurt them, as they only beat four bowl teams. Three of those wins were blowouts and the fourth was against a top ten team on the road. Their only loss was a by a last second field goal at Iowa. USC has similarly impressive stats. They are beating teams by almost 30 points per game, and they are also averaging more than 200 yards on the ground and through the air. They also boast the nation's best defense that has given up fewer than 100 points in the entire season and has held opponents to just over 200 yards per game. They have pitched three shutouts, and only two teams have scored more than 10 points against them. They held Oregon to 10 points and 239 total yards, even though Oregon averaged over 44 points and 500 total yards in their other games. USC beat five bowl teams, but only one was on the road. One advantage that Penn State has is that USC turns the ball over far more often. That might help counteract the home field advantage that USC will enjoy. I can only hope the game lives up to my expectations.
The Pick: USC


FedEx Orange Bowl
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati
Miami, Florida
January 1, 8:30 PM EST

Analysis: Virginia Tech continues to be the star of the ACC, no matter how competitive it gets. They beat Boston College in the conference championship to make it to the Orange Bowl again. It can be argued whether Virginia Tech deserves to be in a BCS Bowl with four losses, but they are here and should play well. Cincinnati won 10 games last season very quietly. This year they won 11 and the Big East conference and are getting more attention. Cincy has beaten some good teams like West Virginia and Pittsburgh to get here, but they also had a bad road loss to Connecticut. I'm not sure how the two teams will match up against each other, but I'm going to keep picking against the ACC in BCS games until they can win their second game. They are holding at 1-9 right now.
The Pick: Cincinnati


AT&T Cotton Bowl
Mississippi vs. Texas Tech
Dallas, Texas
January 2, 2 PM EST

Analysis: Houston Nutt was able to turn the Ole Miss program in his first season, earning an 8-4 record with four close losses. The previous coach Ed Orgeron kept the cupboard stocked, so it's not surprising that a good coach was able to come in and win right away. They beat the past two national champions in Florida and LSU, both on the road. Texas Tech completed their third 11 win season in school history, and only a bad road loss to Oklahoma kept them from running the table. If the BCS allowed in more than two teams per conference, Tech would definitely be invited. They beat two elite teams in Texas and Oklahoma State, although both were at home. They have the best wide receiver in Michael Crabtree, the only two-time Biletnikoff Award winner. This game looks like a mismatch, so I expect Texas Tech to win easily.
The Pick: Texas Tech


AutoZone Liberty Bowl
East Carolina vs. Kentucky
Memphis, Tennessee
January 2, 5 PM EST

Analysis: East Carolina started off hotter than any other team, knocking off two ranked teams (Virginia Tech and West Virginia) in the first two weeks. They had a three game losing streak soon after that to fall from the spotlight, but they came roaring back winning six of the next seven, including the conference championship game at Tulsa. Kentucky started off hot too, winning their first four games. The opponents weren't that tough, but they only allowed 22 points in that span, which is impressive regardless of schedule. They went 2-6 the rest of the way, with both wins coming by a single point each. They lost the last two games against similarly mediocre Vanderbilt and Tennessee teams. East Carolina still may not look as good as they did the first two weeks of the season, but they won't have to against Kentucky.
The Pick: East Carolina


Allstate Sugar Bowl
Utah vs. Alabama
New Orleans, Louisiana
January 2, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Utah will finish the season as the only undefeated team if they win this game. They ran the table in the regular season and played some really good teams along the way. They beat Oregon State, TCU, and BYU and two other bowl teams. It's worrisome that five of their wins have come by a touchdown or less. The 2008 Utah team isn't nearly as dominating as the 2004 Utah team was. Alabama ran the table in the regular season, but lost to Florida in the SEC Championship game. They had dominating wins over Clemson and Georgia early, but then played several unexpectedly close games. Alabama will be without their left tackle Andre Smith who was suspended for the game. Smith was the Outland Trophy winner and is considered the best offensive lineman in the country and a major part of Alabama's success. Utah isn't great at getting to the quarterback, but this can only help them. Most people aren't giving Utah a chance, but this game won't be anything like the Sugar Bowl last season. Utah might not win, but they will play tough.
The Pick: Alabama


International Bowl
Connecticut vs. Buffalo
Toronto, Canada
January 3, Noon EST

Analysis: Connecticut beat one bowl team all season, and it was the team that ended up winning the Big East. They only won two of their last seven games after starting 5-0. They are led by the country's leading rusher Donald Brown. He had 1822 yards and 17 touchdowns. He needs to have a good game for Connecticut to win. Buffalo has been the feel-good story of the year, winning eight games and their conference. Buffalo had won ten games in the seven seasons before Turner Gill arrived. Gill is only 15-22 in three seasons, but he is taking them to their first ever bowl game, and he beat an undefeated Ball State team in the MAC Championship Game.
The Pick: Connecticut


Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Texas vs. Ohio State
Glendale, Arizona
January 5, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Texas might be the best team in the country, but they can only be Fiesta Bowl champs while Oklahoma and Florida battle for it all. Their only loss was on a last second play on the road in their fourth straight game against a ranked team playing a Texas Tech team that finished 11-1. They beat the two teams by double digits that played in the Big XII Championship game. Ohio State was supposed to be an elite team this season, but they lost to USC and Penn State and didn't even win their conference. They are a very talented team, and they should be healthy. It probably won't be a blowout, but Texas should still win by two touchdowns.
The Pick: Texas


GMAC Bowl
Ball State vs. Tulsa
Mobile, Alabama
January 6, 8 PM EST

Analysis: This should be a fun high-scoring game before the BCS National Championship Game. Ball State won every regular season game, but lost to Buffalo in the conference championship game. They have a potent offense led by QB Nate Davis and RB MiQuale Lewis, who have accounted for 52 touchdowns together. Tulsa won ten games this season, but finished poorly. The lost three of the last five, including a 70-30 thumping by Houston and losing the C-USA Championship Game in their home stadium. Tulsa scores a lot more than Ball State, but the average point differential is about the same. Both teams will be looking to rebound from losing their conferences.
The Pick: Ball State

2008 Bowl Picks - Part 2

Independence Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
Shreveport, Louisiana
December 28, 8:15 PM EST

Analysis: Louisiana Tech gets to play in a bowl game within 70 miles of their campus. Their head coach Derek Dooley has the Bulldogs in the postseason for the first time since 2001 in just his second season. Louisiana Tech beat Mississippi State in the first game of the season and had four game conference win streak late in the year. When they shut San Jose State, it was their first shutout in 12 years and their first road shutout in 20 years. Northern Illinois is headed by first year man Jerry Kill. They didn't beat a single bowl team this season, but they had close losses to Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Minnesota and Tennessee. They did end the season on a bad note with a 16-0 loss at home to Navy. Both teams are playing well and will probably continue to improve over the next few years. Expect a close game between two closely matched teams.
The Pick: Louisiana Tech


Papajohns.com Bowl
NC State vs. Rutgers
Birmingham, Alabama
December 29, 3 PM EST

Analysis: NC State had a four game losing streak in the middle of the season that included three home games and left them 2-6. They had to win out just to get an at-large bid, and they did just that including a 41-10 blowout road win over instate rival North Carolina. Head coach Tom O'Brien is 7-1 in bowl games, with the loss coming in the first one he coached. Rutgers finished the season just as hot as NC State did. They started 1-5 with the only win coming against an FCS team. Then they won six straight games to finish 5-2 in conference play. With both teams finishing the season on fire, this is one of the tougher matchups to choose.
The Pick: NC State


Valero Alamo Bowl
Missouri vs. Northwestern
San Antonio, Texas
December 29, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Last season Missouri won the Big XII North, were blown out in the conference championship game by Oklahoma, and then won the bowl game big. This season they've already done the first two, and have a good shot at the third. Mizzou's defense took a step back this season, but the offense still averaged over 43 points per game. Northwestern had their first nine win season since 1996. Northwestern's best win was against Iowa, while they were blown out at home by Michigan State and Ohio State. Like those two games, I think Northwestern won't be able to hang with Missouri.
The Pick: Missouri


Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Maryland vs. Nevada
Boise, Idaho
December 30, 4:30 PM EST

Analysis: Maryland has been one of the most confusing and inconsistent teams in the country. They limped into the postseason, losing three of their last four including a five touchdown loss to Florida State at home. Nevada is going to their fourth straight bowl game. They run an up-tempo offense that averages over 37 points and 510 yards per game. This game may be decided by which Maryland team shows up to a cold game in Boise.
The Pick: Nevada


Texas Bowl
Western Michigan vs. Rice
Houston, Texas
December 30, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Western Michigan won nine games for the first time since 2000. They won at MAC Champions Buffalo and against Illinois in Detroit. They still finished just third in the MAC West, unable to get past Central Michigan or Ball State. Like Western Michigan, Rice is another nine win team that doesn't get a lot of press. They are led by the senior tandem of QB Chase Clement (96 career TDs) and WR Jarett Dillard (59 career TDs.) Expect a high scoring and fun game to watch if you have the NFL Network.
The Pick: Rice


Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Oklahoma State at Oregon
San Diego, California
December 30, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Like the Texas Bowl that's on at the same time, this game should be a high scoring game between two potent offenses. Oklahoma State won nine games despite finishing fourth in toughest division in the country. All three losses were to teams that finished ahead of them in the division and ranked in the top ten. The Cowboys run a balanced offense that averages over 40 points per game. Oregon has a similar offense that scored only four more points during the season than Oklahoma State. Two of Oregon's losses were to elite teams, and the third was against a good California team. While both offenses score a lot, they are both run dominant.
The Pick: Oklahoma State


Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Houston vs. Air Force
Fort Worth, Texas
December 31, Noon EST

Analysis: This is the second repeat of the bowl season, with Air Force winning 31-28 in the first meeting in Dallas. Houston was still learning Kevin Sumlin's system early in the season, and then they went on to win six of the last eight games. They beat both teams that played in the conference championship during that stretch. A loss to Rice at the end of the season knocked them out of the championship game. Air Force has been a surprising team the past two seasons winning 17 games with the opportunity for one more. They ended the season on a bad note, losing two games albeit to Top 25 teams. These offenses couldn't be more different. Houston averages more than 400 passing yards per game, and Air Force hasn't thrown for more than 200 yards in a season. Houston has improved all season, and should be able to avenge the early season loss.
The Pick: Houston


Brut Sun Bowl
Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh
El Paso, Texas
December 31, 2 PM EST

Analysis: Oregon State was a surprising team this season with a shot at winning the Pac-10 until the last game of the season. Freshman RB Jacquizz Rogers was a major part of the big season, including the early upset of USC. Hopefully he will be at full strength for the bowl game after missing the last game of the season with a shoulder injury. Pittsburgh finally had a big season under head coach Dave Wannstedt, although they fell short of a conference crown with a loss at Cincinnati. Pitt has a star RB of their own, LeSean McCoy who has over 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Pick: Oregon State


Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tennessee
December 31, 3:30 PM EST

Analysis: Boston College has won eight bowl games in the past eight seasons. They just keep rolling despite changing head coaches two seasons ago and losing star QB Matt Ryan last season. Boston College made it to the ACC for the second straight season and but lost to Virginia Tech. Both seasons BC won the regular season game against them and then lost to them in the championship game. Vanderbilt is going to their first bowl game in 26 years and only their fourth ever. They started the season 5-0, but won just one game over the last seven. Both teams have very stout defenses, but Boston College's offense has been better. In fact Vanderbilt has been outscored by their opponents by 11 points this season. For Vanderbilt to win, they need to force turnovers and take advantage of playing in their home town.
The Pick: Boston College


Insight Bowl
Kansas vs. Minnesota
Tempe, Arizona
December 31, 5:30 PM EST

Analysis: Kansas played a much tougher schedule than last season, and it showed in the record. They only won seven games in the regular season instead of 11 like last season. They are coming off a great neutral site win over Missouri in the season finale. Minnesota was dreadful last season, but looked really good at the beginning of the season. They started 7-1, but lost the last four games. It's wort noting that none of the teams they beat finished the season with more than six wins. This one could turn into a laugher.
The Pick: Kansas


Chik-Fil-A Bowl
LSU vs. Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
December 31, 7:30 PM EST

Analysis: LSU had a disappointing season, finishing with a losing record in conference. QB issues and defensive problems caused their downfall. Their best win was probably at South Carolina. Georgia Tech won nine games under first year head coach Paul Johnson and his triple option offense. They beat three teams that finished in the Top 25 of the BCS standings. They beat instate rival Georgia for the first time since 2000 to end the season. LSU probably doesn't have the defense to stop Tech or the offense to outscore them.
The Pick: Georgia Tech

Update

Coaching Carousel updated with the three latest hires. Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Iowa State have all filled their vacancies.

17 of 20 jobs have been filled. The only ones currently open are Army, Miami (OH), and New Mexico State.

2008 Bowl Picks - Part 1

Eagle Bank Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Navy
Washington, DC
December 20, 11 AM EST

Analysis: Haven't we already seen this before? Navy beat Wake Forest at their place 24-17 early in the season. After a good start with wins over Mississippi and Florida State, Wake Forest struggled down the stretch losing five games. Four losses were by a touchdown or less, but so were three of the wins. Navy finished the season with a lot of momentum. They had an epic fourth quarter comeback against Temple, pushed Notre Dame to the wire, and beat their final two opponents by a combined score of 50-0. If this game were played at the end of the season I would pick Navy, but Wake Forest knows what they are going up against and have had time to prepare for it.
The Pick: Wake Forest


New Mexico Bowl
Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Albuquerque, New Mexico
December 20, 2:30 PM EST

Analysis: Colorado State did an excellent job in establishing themselves in Steve Fairchild's first year. The only bowl team they beat was Houston. The Rams played tough at home, coming within a score of knocking off both TCU and BYU. Fresno State came into this season with a lot of hype, and knocking off Rutgers and UCLA early had a lot of people thinking this was going to be a special season. Instead they went on to lose five games, although three were only by a field goal. It's worth noting that Fresno missed five field goals in two of those close losses. The season ended on an especially sour note with a 61-10 beatdown by Boise State. Colorado State has established itself as a team to watch next season in the Mountain West, but I think they are in over their heads here.
The Pick: Fresno State


magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl
Memphis vs. South Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
December 20, 4:30 PM EST

Analysis: Memphis started out 0-3 before winning six of nine to become bowl eligible in the last week of the season. Three of the wins were by less than a touchdown, and only one was against a bowl team. South Florida was the opposite, starting out 5-0 but then only won two games the rest of the year, and they were against Syracuse and Connecticut at home. I don't know what happened to them, except for a couple of close road losses and a back-loaded schedule. Regardless, South Florida is a much more talented team that Memphis, plus the bowl is right next to Tampa.
The Pick: South Florida


Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
BYU vs. Arizona
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 20, 8 PM EST

Analysis: BYU is playing in this bowl game for the fourth straight year. After going undefeated in conference play for two seasons, they were leapfrogged by Utah and TCU this year. BYU's best win is probably at Air Force, but they dominated several teams. They beat Washington and UCLA in the regular season and are going for their third win against a Pac-10 team. Arizona finally broke through under Mike Stoops and are going to their first bowl since 1998. Losses to Stanford and Oregon State by a total of three points prevented this season from being more special. Both offenses score a lot of points, but neither defense is particularly bad. Expect a lot of points but still a close game.
The Pick: BYU


R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Troy
New Orleans, Louisiana
December 21, 8:15 PM EST

Analysis: Southern Miss was down to the wire after five straight losses left them with a 2-6 record. Then they ripped off four straight wins, including one over the conference champion East Carolina, to make it to a bowl game in Larry Fedora's first year. The defense really stepped it up, allowing just 35 points in those four games. Troy continued their Sun Belt dominance, only losing by one point to Louisiana Monroe for their third conference loss in the past three years. Troy is a very good team and the class of their conference, but this Southern Miss team has really bought into Fedora's system and is going to be tough to stop.
The Pick: Southern Miss


SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State vs. TCU
San Diego, California
December 23, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Basically this is a BCS bowl game without all of the fanfare (or payout.) Boise State rolled through the season unbeaten with only two close wins. Oregon and Nevada both played them close at their home stadiums, but Boise State still prevailed. Boise State is strong on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents by over 27 points per game and outgaining them by over 160 yards per game. They've held six opponents to seven points or less, and ten to 16 points or less. Only three teams have held them to less than thirty points. TCU has similarly impressive stats, except that they've lost twice. Both losses were on the road against teams in BCS bowls, and even the Utah loss was only by a field goal. TCU has averaged 35 points per game while giving up just under 11. They allow a paltry 215 yards per game, second only to USC. TCU has allowed seven points or less in seven games, and only Oklahoma put up more than 14 against them. Boise State has risen to every challenge they have faced, but this one may be too great. This TCU defense isn't given enough credit as being one of the best in the nation. This game is the first matchup of great teams, so everyone should watch it. TCU and their defense get the edge here, but I remember what happened the last time I picked against Boise State in a high profile bowl game.
The Pick: TCU


Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii vs. Notre Dame
Honolulu, Hawaii
December 24, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Hawaii makes it to the postseason despite the loss of June Jones, Colt Brennan, and all of the top wide receivers. Due to long trips for opponents, Hawaii has one of the best home field advantages. They won five out of seven home games, and both of the losses were close including one to BCS bound Cincinnati. Greg McMackin should be commended for his first year success. Notre Dame can't seem to get over the hump with Charlie Weis. Despite looking good at times, they couldn't seem to win when it mattered. A close loss at North Carolina, a four OT loss to Pittsburgh, and the unforgivable one point loss to Syracuse at home all but cost Weis his job. Last year, Notre Dame could play the tough schedule card. This year they only beat one bowl team in Navy. Notre Dame has a lot more talent than Hawaii, but will they put it together for the bowl game? They would be smart to arrive a couple of days early so that the players can recover from the long flight and adjust to the time zone difference. That's needed to help negate the home field advantage.
My Pick: Notre Dame


Motor City Bowl
FAU vs. Central Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
December 26, 7:30 PM EST

Analysis: FAU was primed for big season after last year's breakout eight win campaign. Instead they started 1-5 before winning five of the last six. They struggled mostly on the road, which doesn't bode well since the bowl game is played ~150 miles from their opponent's campus. Head coach Howard Schnellenberger has never lost a bowl game, but this will be a tough test. Thanks to Ball State's undefeated regular season, Central Michigan wasn't able to continue their run of MAC titles. Still the only team that really beat them was Georgia, and the last loss was a letdown game against Eastern Michigan after they lost their shot at the conference championship game. Most of their games have been close high-scoring affairs. This one should be no different. This will be Central Michigan's third straight Motor City Bowl appearance, and they always play well in this game.
My Pick: Central Michigan


Meineke Car Care Bowl
West Virginia vs. North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
December 27, 1 PM EST

Analysis: West Virginia was up and down under new head coach Bill Stewart. Two of their losses were in OT, and the loss at Pittsburgh was only be four points. Still their best wins were against teams with 7-5 records. Butch Davis has North Carolina headed in the right direction, although they couldn't break into the top tier of ACC teams this season. Somehow they beat Boston College and Georgia Tech handily, but lost at Virginia and Maryland. Then they were blown out at home by NC State to really take away from a season where they improved their record by four games. While this a very close to being a home game for North Carolina, don't forget how well West Virginia travels. Pat White has a chance to go 4-4 as a starting quarterback in bowl games, and I'm not going to bet against him.
The Pick: West Virginia


Champs Sports Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Orlando, Florida
December 27, 4:30 PM

Analysis: Wisconsin had a disappointing season, highlighted by a six game stretch in the middle of the season where they had all five of their losses. They were one of just three teams to lose to Michigan this season. They had three losses by three points or less, but they three wins like that so it balances out. Cal Poly pushed them to OT in the last game of the season, which can't be a good sign for this game. Florida State missed out on playing in the conference championship game with a loss to Boston College. Florida State is trying to get back to being an elite team, but three losses at home really hurt them this year. The most telling stat may be that Florida State has an average point differential of +12, while Wisconsin's is only +3.
The Pick: Florida State


Emerald Bowl
Miami vs. California
San Francisco, California
December 27, 8 PM EST

Analysis: Miami is trying to make it back to prominence, but losing the last two regular season games isn't the way to do it. If they had won both, they would have won the division outright. Miami has been running a two-quarterback system all season, but one of them is suspended for the bowl game. Miami's only road wins were against Texas A&M and Duke, and they have to travel cross-country while California is playing very close to home. California has played well this season with wins over Michigan State and Oregon. All of their losses have come on the road to bowl teams, but this game won't feel like a road game to them. Both teams are very young and will have a lot of returning players next season. A bowl win will do a lot for the confidence of whichever team gets it.
The Pick: California

Update

Coaching Carousel updated on 13 December with the completely unexpected hiring of Gene Chizik at Auburn. I know he was a very successful DC there, most notably during their undefeated 2004 season, but has anything in his head coaching experience shown that he can handle a job like Auburn? This has fail written all over it. Iowa State's head coaching gig is now available.

San Diego State hired away Brady Hoke from Ball State. Hoke chose to tackle the rebuilding project there instead of trying to turn Ball State into a perennial MAC power.

Now 14 of the 20 openings have been filled. Half of the jobs still available are in the MAC.

Update

Coaching Carousel updated on 12 December. Syracuse and Bowling Green have announced their new head coaches while Stan Brock is out at Army.

12 of 18 head coaching vacancies have been filled.

2008 Weekly Picks

In the final week of the regular season, I went 13-3 (81.3%) for my best week since Week 2 percentage-wise.

I finished the regular season with a 576-192 record, which works out to a perfectly even 75%. At this time last season, I was exactly one game below 75%.

Bowl Picks will begin prior to the first bowl game on December 20.

Week 16 Top 25

Oklahoma gets the top spot after the regular season and conference championship games largely in part to beating five teams that finished in the BCS Top 25. Texas beat three such teams, and no other program had more than two. I would have put Texas in the Big XII Championship Game, but since Oklahoma made it instead, they were able to pick up another quality win. That win narrowly gave them the edge over Texas in my final poll.

Florida deserves a lot of credit too. While the Gators only had two wins over BCS Top 25 wins, both were at neutral sites and they also beat seven other bowl teams. Their one loss hurt them, especially since it was at home, but at least Mississippi made strides at the end of the season and finished in the BCS Top 25 (albeit at 25.) No other team can say that they beat nine bowl teams this season.

I had Texas ranked higher than Oklahoma for most of the season, but when the dust settled I too came up with a Oklahoma vs. Florida championship game. I have to leave Texas out of the game because they didn't win their conference (although again I think they should have had that opportunity.)


1 - Oklahoma (2)
2 - Texas (1)
3 - Florida (3)
4 - Alabama (4)
5 - Utah (5)
6 - USC (6)
7 - Boise St (7)
8 - Penn St (8)
9 - Texas Tech (9)
10 - Ohio St (10)
11 - Oklahoma St (12)
12 - TCU (13)
13 - Cincinnati (14)
14 - Michigan St (15)
15 - BYU (16)
16 - Georgia Tech (17)
17 - Ball St (11)
18 - Georgia (19)
19 - Oregon (21)
20 - Northwestern (22)
21 - Pittsburgh (23)
22 - Virginia Tech (UR)
23 - Boston College (18)
24 - Missouri (20)
25 - Western Michigan (25)

Previous week's rank in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Florida St, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oregon St, Tulsa
Added: 22 Virginia Tech
Dropped: 24 Tulsa

Update

Coaching Carousel updated to reflect Toledo and Utah State hiring new head coaches, and the Auburn job coming available.

12/10 Update:

Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi State have hired new head coaches.

Ten of the seventeen vacancies have now been filled.

2008 Weekly Picks

Week 14 Record: 27-14 (65.9%)
Season Record: 563-189 (74.9%)



Wednesday, December 3

MTSU at Louisiana Lafayette


Thursday, December 4

Louisville at Rutgers


Friday, December 5

Buffalo vs Ball St in Detroit (MAC Championship Game)


Saturday, December 6

South Florida at West Virginia
Navy vs Army in Philadelphia
Washington at California
USC at UCLA
Western Kentucky at FIU
Arkansas St at Troy
Arizona St at Arizona
Cincinnati at Hawaii
Alabama vs Florida at Atlanta (SEC Championship Game)
Pittsburgh at Connecticut
Missouri vs Oklahoma at Kansas City (Big XII Championship Game)
East Carolina at Tulsa (C-USA Championship Game)
Virginia Tech vs Boston College at Tampa (ACC Championship Game)