Cram Session (Bowl Edition) - Week 2

Merry Christmas everyone! I have watched about 5 seconds of the bowl games so far but that doesn't stop me from predicting and pontificating! The best game of the week is in the Champs Sports Bowl as #15 Miami takes on #25 Wisconsin.

Poinsettia Bowl - December 23

#23 Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4)

After last night's awful performance by Oregon State, the Pac-10 could use a boost from California. If Utah takes this one, the whispers about the Mountain West being better than the Pac-10 will become a full roar. The Utes have an eight game postseason winning streak, while Cal has been up and down all season. They have had some impressive performances, but when they lose, they lose big. I think the Golden Bears will supply the Pac-10 with some much needed luster

Prediction: California 28, Utah 21

Hawaii Bowl - December 24

Nevada (8-4) vs. SMU (7-5)

Mustangs coach June Jones returns to Hawaii, and the Mustangs are in their first bowl game since 1984. They have a tall task against an explosive Nevada offense. A little too tall a task if you ask me.

Prediction: Nevada 45, SMU 27

Little Caesars Bowl - December 26

Marshall (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-4)

Former Huskers coach Frank Solich has done a pretty good job at Ohio. I hope for him he can get back to a major program at some point in his coaching career. Marshall is back in a bowl for the first time since 2004. Their coach, Mark Snyder, resigned after the Thundering Herd finished the season with losses in three of their final four games. These two teams aren't that unfamiliar with each other, as Marshall used to be a member of the MAC.

Prediction: Ohio 27, Marshall 17

Meineke Car Care Bowl - December 26

#17 Pittsburgh (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4)

Both of these teams had disappointing endings to their regular seasons. Pitt dropped a game they were in complete control of against Cincinnati, while UNC was thumped by a bad NC State team. Offensively, Pitt is much more accomplished than UNC, led by freshman RB sensation Dion Lewis. Pitt hopes to put up more than the 0 points they put up in their bowl game last year.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 34, North Carolina 24

Emerald Bowl - December 26

Boston College (8-4) vs. #24 USC (8-4)

Strange to see USC playing this early in bowl season. Also strange to see that they are still ranked, as they have done nothing this year to show they are a Top 25 team. They may be without RB Joe McKnight, who has run in to some trouble because of an SUV that may or may not have been purchased for him. Boston College's best chance to win is that USC will show up uninterested but I have a feeling the Trojans are tired of being embarrassed this year.

Prediction: USC 30, Boston College 20

Music City Bowl - December 27

Kentucky (7-5) vs. Clemson (8-5)

The Music City Bowl may not seem like a bowl worth watching, but RB C.J. Spiller of the Tigers is worth seeing. The man has single-handily carried the Tigers to 8 wins this season. Wildcats coach Rich Brooks has to be given some credit for getting a basketball school to four straight bowl games. Spiller will leave behind one more classic performance, before he starts tearing it up in the NFL.

Prediction: Clemson 37, Kentucky 34

Independence Bowl - December 28

Texas A & M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)

Both of these teams had disappointing seasons, which has put Aggies coach Mike Sherman on the hot seat. A bowl win the Aggies would give fans some relief but I don't think it will come at the hands of the Bulldogs. Don't expect to see a lot of defense in this game.

Prediction: Georgia 41, Texas A & M 38

EagleBank Bowl - December 29

UCLA (6-6) at Temple (9-3)

Temple is making its first bowl game appearance in 30 years. Sure they had to leave the big boys of the Big East, and play with the kids in the MAC to do it, but they are playing a meaningful game in late December! UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel hasn't done much to show that he can revive UCLA's football program. If Army had beaten Navy, UCLA wouldn't even be bowling. Under no circumstance should the Bruins lose to Temple.

Prediction: UCLA 27, Temple 20

Champs Sports Bowl - December 29

#15 Miami (9-3) vs. #25 Wisconsin (9-3)

As it turned out, the U wasn't back. They are making strides though and could be a force next year. QB Jacory Harris has been up and down all season, throwing 23 TDs but also throwing 17 INTs. These two teams are evenly matched and this game should come down to the final seconds. I think the Badgers pull the semi-upset.

Prediction: Wisconsin 31, Miami 30

Bowl Record

Last Week: 2-2

Overall Record (Regular season and Bowl record combined)

224-65

I will be back next Wednesday with a super-sized Cram Session for Week 3 of Bowl season.