Cram Session - Bowl Edition

Life got in the way of me doing a full set of predictions for every bowl game. That being said, I have decided to predict the bowl games for my favorite teams, Notre Dame and Nebraska, and all the BCS games. This Cram Session will cover the Sun, Holiday, Rose, and Fiesta Bowl. On Monday, I will post predictions for the Orange and Sugar Bowl. On January 10th, I will have a comprehensive preview of the BCS Championship game.

Holiday Bowl, Thursday, December 30th

Washington (6-6) vs. #18 Nebraska (10-3)

This is pretty much the no win bowl for the Cornhuskers. They already blasted Washington earlier this year, 56-21, and will be playing the Huskies again in September. If they lose this game it is a major disappointment, and if they win this game it basically means nothing. The Huskers seemed well on their way to the Fiesta Bowl when they built a 17-0 lead on Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship, but ended up choking and fumbling the game away. The Huskies have snuck into this game, winners of three in a row after a 3-6 start. It will be the last game for their overhyped QB Jake Locker. The Huskers shut Locker down in the first meeting, holding him to just 4 completions and 2 interceptions. The Huskies are weak on defense which should allow the Huskers to rush the ball effectively with Roy Helu, Jr., Rex Burkhead, and QB Taylor Martinez. The only way Nebraska loses this game is if they get another case of fumbleitis. They have to do a better job of holding on to the ball, and Martinez has to avoid the Freshman mistakes that have plagued him in the second half of the season.

Prediction: Nebraska 35, Washington 17

Sun Bowl, Friday, December 31st

Miami (7-5) vs. Notre Dame (7-5)

The Catholics vs. the Convicts rivalry is renewed in El-Paso, Texas. The stature of both programs has dropped significantly since their last game against each other 20 years ago. Miami just fired their head coach Randy Shannon after once again posting a disappointing season. Year after year people have wanted to proclaim that the U was back but its obvious they are still a ways away. The Irish are on a three game winning streak, including finally beating USC. They have overcome a multitude of injuries on the offensive end, and freshman QB Tommy Rees has played admirably since taking over for the injured Dayne Crist. The Canes will either start Jacory Harris or Stephen Morris at QB, but the player of most concern to the Irish is Canes WR
Leonard Hankerson, who had 12 TDs and 66 catches this season. Irish WR Michael Floyd may be playing his last game if he decides to go pro. He has had another outstanding year, hauling in 73 catches and 10 TDs. Rees will have his work cut out for him against a stout Hurricanes defense, that is exceptional against the pass and can rush the quarterback effectively. The Irish defense has stepped up during their winning streak, allowing 160 yards less per game during the streak.

Prediction: Notre Dame 20, Miami 17

Rose Bowl, Saturday, January 1st

#5 Wisconsin (11-1) vs. #3 TCU (12-0)

TCU will get their chance to stake a claim as the uncrowned champion of college football when they meet the Badgers in Pasadena. The public seems to be behind the Horned Frogs, as Vegas has them as somewhat surprising three point favorites. Both teams have high powered offenses that both averaged 43.3 points per game. The Horned Frogs have the edge on defense, allowing just 11.4 points per game, best in the nation. The Badgers rushing attack is quite the force, led by James White and John Clay. White rushed for 1,029 yards this season and Clay finished just 54 yards short of the 1,000 yard mark. They also combined for 27 touchdowns. TCU has an effective ground game but its most well known player is QB Andy Dalton who threw 26 TDs, and just 6 INTs. I don't think Wisconsin will manhandle the Horned Frogs defense, but I have no doubt that this is by far the best offense TCU has played against all season. That will be enough to give the Badgers the win.

Prediction: Wisconsin 24, TCU 21

Fiesta Bowl, Saturday, January 1st

Connecticut (8-4) vs. #7 Oklahoma (11-2)

The most interesting subplot to this game will be whether Oklahoma can muster up enough motivation, against what is considered to be a Huskies team that doesn't belong on the big stage. The Huskies aren't even ranked but still managed to win the sorry Big East. However, the Sooners have shrunk on the BCS stage in recent history, losing 5 straight BCS bowl games. The Huskies don't do much passing, quarterback Zach Frazer passed for just 1,202 yards this season and 5 TDs. If they pull off the upset it will be on the legs of RB Jordan Todman. Todman was second in the nation with 1,574 yards rushing and 14 TDs. The Sooners are effective at both running and passing. QB Landry Jones quietly had a monster year, throwing for 4,289 yards, and 35 TDs. He was helped by having a stud WR in Ryan Broyles, who is the Sooners all time leading receiver in receptions, TDs, and yards, and a stud RB in DeMarco Murray. Murray had over a 1,000 yards rushing this year, but hasn't broken the 100 yard rushing barrier in a game since October. On paper this is a complete mismatch, and really the only thing giving me any pause in picking Oklahoma is how horribly they have played in past BCS games. I think they exorcise those demons.

Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Connecticut 21

Overall Record: 72-14

The Hail Mary - Week 17

It is the last week of the regular season and there are still division titles and playoff spots to be decided. Let's waste no time, on to my picks!

Carolina (2-13) at Atlanta (12-3), Atlanta favored by 14 1/2

The Falcons blew an opportunity to wrap up the NFC South and homefield advantage on Monday night against the Saints. Lucky for them, they get a reprieve as they finish at home against the worst team in football, the Panthers. This is John Fox's swan song and I expect the Panthers to at least put up a fight for him in his last game with the team.

Prediction: Atlanta 21, Carolina 10

Pittsburgh (11-4) at Cleveland (5-10), Pittsburgh favored by 6

The Steelers need a win to clinch the AFC North and earn a First Round bye in the playoffs. The Browns have been tough all season but come in losers of three straight and this is likely the last game as coach for Eric Mangini.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Cleveland 14

Minnesota (6-9) at Detroit (5-10), Detroit favored by 3

Will he or won't he? That is always the question with QB Brett Favre. Will he play in what is likely the final game of his career, or will he be forced to sit out? I think somehow, some way Favre will end up starting. Vikings QB Joe Webb played well against Philadelphia on Tuesday, but the Vikings still need to be looking for a quarterback in the offseason. The Lions appear to be on the right tract, mostly because of that beast of a DT Ndamukong Suh.

Prediction: Detroit 27, Minnesota 20

Oakland (7-8) at Kansas City (10-5), Kansas City favored by 4

With a win the Raiders would set an ignominious mark, becoming the first team since the 1970 merger to go undefeated in their division, yet miss the playoffs. With the Chiefs having already wrapped up the AFC West, and having very little to play for, I think Oakland accomplishes (is that even the right word for this) that mark.

Prediction: Oakland 28, Kansas City 27

Miami (7-8) at New England (13-2), New England favored by 4

I would be shocked if Tom Brady plays more than a couple series. The 2010 Dolphins may be the strangest team in history, finishing 1-7 at home, and currently 6-1 on the road. Because of their road record, and the fact that the Patriots will probably be playing a lot of backups I am picking the upset.

Prediction: Miami 20, New England 17

Tampa Bay (9-6) at New Orleans (11-4), New Orleans favored by 7 1/2

The Saints still have an outside shot at the NFC South and homefield throughout the playoffs but most likely this game is pretty meaningless. The Buccaneers also have a slight prayer of making the playoffs but that is unlikely as well. Even when the Bucs lose this game, a 9-7 record for them is something to be proud of. QB Josh Freeman has shown himself to be a legit player and the Bucs future with stars LaGarrette Blount, Mike Williams, and Kellen Winslow is very bright.

Prediction: New Orleans 24, Tampa Bay 21

Buffalo (4-11) at New York Jets (10-5), No Line

Completely meaningless game, as the Jets are locked in as the 6 seed in the AFC playoffs. That means we will likely get to see old fossil Mark Brunell chucking it around.

Prediction: New York Jets 20, Buffalo 17

Cincinnati (4-11) at Baltimore (11-4), Baltimore favored by 9 1/2

Pretty shocking to think that the Ravens actually lost to the Bengals earlier in the season. More shocking was how proficient the Bengals and Carson Palmer were last week without Chad Ochocinco or Terrell Owens. I think that will be just a one week aberration.

Prediction: Baltimore 31, Cincinnati 14

San Diego (8-7) at Denver (4-11), San Diego favored by 3 1/2

Control your Tebowners Broncos fans, the team he lit up last week was the hapless Houston Texans, who have made every QB look like a Hall of Famer this season. That being said, I think he leads them another victory against a deflated Chargers team with nothing to play for.

Prediction: Denver 26, San Diego 24

Chicago (11-4) at Green Bay (9-6), Green Bay favored by 10

This game lost most of its luster with the Eagles loss to the Vikings, which guaranteed the Bears a First Round bye. The Packers win and they are in the playoffs, keeping alive my preseason NFC Super Bowl representative prediction. Despite Chicago likely playing most of their backups, last week taught us that you can never take for granted a team playing without motivation against a team with motivation. I think the Bears keep this one close.

Prediction: Green Bay 21, Chicago 13

Tennessee (6-9) at Indianapolis (9-6), Indianapolis favored by 10

A win and my preseason Super Bowl champion pick of the Colts will make the playoffs once again, and win another AFC South title. The Titans are playing like a team ready for their overrated coach Jeff Fisher to finally be gone.

Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Tennessee 17

Dallas (5-10) at Philadelphia (10-5), No Line

Stephen McGee vs. Kevin Kolb, feel the excitement! The Eagles know they are locked in as the 3 seed so they should rest as many of their guys as possible.

Prediction: Philadelphia 24, Dallas 21

Arizona (5-10) at San Francisco (5-10), San Francisco favored by 6

The 49ers made the right move in firing Mike Singletary. I was a big Singletary fan when he first took the job and liked his fiery approach. However, if you are going to take that approach you have to some substance behind it, and it became clear that Singletary was overmatched. This is likely Alex Smith's last game as a 49er, and all I can say is good riddance.

Prediction: San Francisco 17, Arizona 14

New York Giants (9-6) at Washington (6-9), New York Giants favored by 4

The Giants have suffered another December collapse and are likely to be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Their biggest flaw has been turnovers, with Eli Manning leading the league in interceptions, and RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs having problems fumbling. The Redskins are still playing inspired, and Sexy Rexy has made a pretty decent showing for himself. Skins in an upset.

Prediction: Washington 19, New York Giants 17

Jacksonville (8-7) at Houston (5-10), No Line

The Jaguars will be without both David Gerrard and Maurice Jones-Drew. They shot themselves in the foot with back to back losses and will need a miracle to make the playoffs. They are playing the right team in the Texans, who seem like they are allergic to winning. How do you blow a 17-0 lead to the sorry Broncos? How do people still think Gary Kubiak should keep his job?

Prediction: Houston 27, Jacksonville 17

St. Louis (7-8) at Seattle (6-9), St. Louis favored by 3

It's the someone has to win the pathetic NFC West game! I think the Rams will end up being that team and it is really quite remarkable. QB Sam Bradford has made chicken salad out of chicken shit and should easily be the Rookie of the Year. Sure, the Rams are going to get destroyed by New Orleans in the Wild Card round, but them making the playoffs is a miracle.

Prediction: St. Louis 21, Seattle 10

Last Week Straight Up: 8-7
Overall Straight Up: 72-58

Last Week Against the Spread: 6-8-2
Overall Against the Spread: 65-62-5

The Hail Mary - Week 16

I'm back from another hiatus, just in time for Christmas!!! With just two weeks remaining in the season, only one of the eight divisions have been clinched. There is a lot to sort out with the playoffs just two weeks away.

Week 16 - Thursday, December 23

Carolina (2-12) at Pittsburgh (10-4), Pittsburgh favored by 14 1/2

Pretty awful Thursday night game. The Steelers can earn a First Round bye in the playoffs if they win out. They will be without S Troy Polomalu in this which usually spells doom for the Steelers. However, the Panthers are so bad that it should mean very little. QB Jimmy Clausen has just 2 TDs this season! I'm shocked Steve Smith hasn't gone crazy and punched him in the face yet.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Carolina 6

Saturday, December 25

Dallas (5-9) at Arizona (4-10), Dallas favored by 6 1/2

Another awful game, and this one is completely meaningless. The Cardinals could have beaten Carolina and kept alive their slim chances of winning the NFC West, but they decided to the epic fails that they have always been as a franchise. I think some guy named Skeleton is their quarterback now, so expect a Dallas win, further entrenching Jason Garrett as the permanent coach after the season.

Prediction: Dallas 31, Arizona 14

Sunday, December 26

New England (12-2) at Buffalo (4-10), New England favored by 9

The NFL is not about moral victories but the Bills aren't nearly as bad as their record indicates. If they decide they don't want Ryan Fitzpatrick on their QB, I think the Skins should jump at the chance to get him. The Bills gave New England fits in their first meeting in Foxboro and I think they will do the same at home. The Patriots clinch the AFC East and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win.

Prediction: New England 27, Buffalo 24

New York Jets (10-4) at Chicago (10-4), Chicago favored by 1 1/2

I can't believe the Bears were the first team to clinch a division in the NFL. I still don't buy into them at all and think they will be one and done in the playoffs. The Jets got a much needed win at Pittsburgh last week and I'm sure the foot massage Rex Ryan gave his wife after that win was orgasmic. The Bears still have a first round bye to play for so they will be motivated but I think the Jets are clearly the better team.

Prediction: New York Jets 17, Chicago 14

Baltimore (10-4) at Cleveland (5-9), Baltimore favored by 3 1/2

The Ravens are still battling for the AFC North and can clinch a playoff spot with a win at Cleveland. The Browns have had back to back bad losses but have been a tough team to contend with at home all season. I'll be rooting hard for RB Peyton Hillis to replicate his first effort against the Ravens, which was his coming out party. If he plays well, I will be that much closer to winning my fantasy league championship.

Prediction: Baltimore 20, Cleveland 17

Tennessee (6-8) at Kansas City (9-5), Kansas City favored by 4 1/2

The Chiefs are trying to fight off the fast charging (pun intended) Chargers. The Titans have the slimmest possibly playoff hopes in the history of EVAR. What happened to Randy Moss? Is he alive? What was the point of signing him again if they didn't plan on using him or throwing him the ball? For such a supposed "genius" Titans coach Jeff Fisher makes a lot of dumb decisions.

Prediction: Kansas City 26, Tennessee 14

San Francisco (5-9) at St. Louis (6-8), St. Louis favored by 1 1/2

There is still hope!!! If the Niners can win this game, then beat Arizona at home in Week 17, and have Seattle lose one of their last two games, the 49ers will be hosting a playoff game despite finishing 7-9. It is entirely possible but based on how the season has gone, and how putrid the 49ers have been on the road, it is likely their season comes to an end Sunday. The 49ers are going back to Troy Smith at QB, and the love I used to have for Mike Singletary is a distant memory. Playoffs or no playoffs, he seems overwhelmed as a head coach and the Niners need to fire him as soon as their season ends.

Prediction: San Francisco 17, St. Louis 17 (Too afraid to pick a winner, don't want to jinx)

Detroit (4-10) at Miami (7-7), Miami favored by 3

The Dolphins are 6-1 on the road, and 1-6 at home. Weirdest stat perhaps in the history of football. The Lions ended their 26 game road losing streak last week, but even if they hadn't they definitely would have against Miami. The Dolphins will be looking for a QB once again, as it has become clear that Chad Henne is not the answer.

Prediction: Detroit 19, Miami 13

Washington (5-9) at Jacksonville (8-6), Jacksonville favored by 8

The Jaguars blew their chance at clinching the AFC South last week and now have seen their destiny ripped from their hands. Luckily for them they get to face the imploding Redskins this weekend. Sexy Rexy Grossman played decently, although lets not overblow the fact that he was playing an atrocious Dallas defense. Plus, let's not forget some of the mistakes he made during that game, along with his face, make it hard not to believe that he might be slightly mentally handicapped. If Sexy Rexy struggles expect Rat Mike Shanahan to "see what he has" in draft bust John Beck.

Prediction: Jacksonville 27, Washington 20

San Diego (8-6) at Cincinnati (3-11), San Diego favored by 9

The Chargers may have made their return from the dead a little too late this season. They have two very winnable games left but they need the Chiefs to lose one of their last two. Special teams will be the reason the Chargers don't make the playoffs, because the offense has performed admirably despite being banged up all season. I predict at least one Carson Palmer pick six.

Prediction: San Diego 30, Cincinnati 21

Houston (5-9) at Denver (3-11), Houston favored by 2 1/2

If the Texans lose to Denver, and Gary Kubiak still keeps his job after the season, then Texans fans should give up. I mean, even if they win this game, he has no business being back next year. After a 4-2 start, the Texans are 1-7. There is no way with the talent they have that the Texans should be this bad. Broncos QB Tim Tebow makes his second start. Watching him play quarterback is painful. It was probably like watching me play basketball in middle school. People wanted to root for me because I was a nice guy and tried hard but they knew they were watching something disastrous.

Prediction: Houston 34, Denver 20

Indianapolis (8-6) at Oakland (7-7), Indianapolis favored by 3

I want to pick Oakland in this game but I can't forget how they were manhandled at home by Miami. Plus, their QB is Jason Campbell who continues his mastery of putting up the same pedestrian, not good, not bad, numbers every single week. Picking a Jason Campbell led team over a Peyton Manning led team? No way.

Prediction: Indianapolis 28, Oakland 21

New York Giants (10-4) at Green Bay (8-6), No Line

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will return in this must win game for the Packers. Both my pre-season Super Bowl picks, the Packers and Colts pretty much have to win out to even make the playoffs. The Giants are coming off one of the greatest collapses in NFL history. That loss will sting for a while but I still expect them to come out ready to play. Rodgers will likely be moved out of the pocket all day by the Giants pass rush, but unlike his backup Matt Flynn he will make plays on the run and get the win for Green Bay.

Prediction: Green Bay 21, New York Giants 19

Seattle (6-8) at Tampa Bay (8-6), Tampa Bay favored by 7

By time this game starts I will either be intently watching the score because the 49ers won or not giving a crap because the 49ers lost. Raheem Morris is a young coach and with that comes mistakes, such as proclaiming your team as the best in the NFC like he did a few months ago. The Bucs have a bright future, especially with QB Josh Freeman, but they are a year away from being true playoff material.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 24, Seattle 20

Minnesota (5-9) at Philadelphia (10-4), No Line

The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win. The resolve they showed last weekend at New York was a sight to behold, and it is clear that their offense keeps them in every game, no matter the deficit. If Tom Brady wasn't having such an incredible year, Mike Vick would clearly be the MVP and Comeback Player of the Year. Joe Webb likely gets the start for the Vikings, who have had an incredibly miserable season. Webb, much like Tebow, was difficult to watch play QB. Might be because he was supposed to play wide receiver in the NFL. Never though I'd be longing for Sage Rosencopter.

Prediction: Philadelphia 35, Minnesota 17

Monday, December 27

New Orleans (10-4) at Atlanta (12-2), Atlanta favored by 1

I'm not going to lie, I love to say I told you so. I predicted the Falcons as NFC South champs before the season and they have made me look like a smart man. I knew the Falcons were better than their 9-7 campaign a year ago, and that injuries were what derailed them. They have stayed healthy this season and with the maturation of QB Matt Ryan have become the second best team in the NFL. The Saints have padded their record on cupcakes for most of the year, and are not nearly as good as they were last season. It will be sweet for the Falcons to take the NFC South, dethroning the champions at home, where Matt Ryan pretty much never loses.

Prediction: Atlanta 26, New Orleans 23

Overall Straight Up: 64-51
Overall Against the Spread: 59-54-3