Bowl Preview Blog. (Addition of 2nd writer)

I've been joined by another writer at this blog, which is probably weird for a blog this new. Pat McAreavy has joined me and he now has a preview for some upcoming blogs.

December 31, 2009 Bowl Games
New Year’s Eve is a time for lots of partying, heavy drinking, and of course an array of average to above average teams playing in bowl games. Here is a rundown of all of the bowl games you can catch before that clock strikes twelve and 2010 begins.(Although if you enjoy good football you might want to avoid a few of these games.)

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl @12 pm EST on ESPN
Houston vs. Air Force
To start off the day you get a mid-major battle between Houston and Air Force, a rematch from last year’s Armed Forces Bowl, in which Houston won a thriller 34-28. Houston is coming off a big season where they were ranked in the top 15, a big win over Oklahoma St. in Stillwater, and finishing 2nd in Conference USA and a solid 10-3 record. Air Force has a 7-5 record, but plays in the MWC which is proving itself a tougher conference than many had thought; BYU and Utah have both defeated PAC 10 opponents this bowl season. Regardless if you know anything about either team, this should be an exciting matchup. Houston features gunslinger Case Keenum who has 5,449 yards passing and 43 touchdowns with only 9 interceptions. This makes Houston’s passing attack the most potent in college football. However Keenum and Houston face the nation’s best at stop the pass. Air Force only allows 148.7 yards passing a game and last year held Keenum to 252 yards passing. Air Forces offense is quite the opposite of Houston. They run the ball more than 70 percent of the time, and they attack using the triple option. In my mind, this game will come down to Case Keenum’s efficiency and turnovers. Air Force is very discipline, and rarely turns the ball over. With that in mind I have to give the edge to Air Force because of their pass defense, their tough conference schedule, and lack of turnovers.

Air Force: 31
Houston: 27

Brut Sun Bowl @2 pm EST on CBS
Stanford vs. Oklahoma
This game is two big name schools playing in a small name bowl. If someone told me at the beginning of the year that Oklahoma would be playing in the Sun Bowl I’s have thought they were on drugs, and not good drugs, but here they are boasting a 7-5 record and coming into El Paso off a blowout win over in-state rival Oklahoma St. Stanford, on the other hand comes in on a little bit of a down note. About a month ago they were sitting in position to win the PAC 10 conference, and now they find themselves in the Sun Bowl. If it is any consolation prize for the Cardinal it is that they get to play traditional powerhouse Oklahoma which will lead to a large TV audience and possible exposure to potential recruits. The Sooners who are still without Sam Bradford will start freshman Landry Jones who has had trouble against proven defenses. Stanford will feature RB Toby Gerhardt, the Heisman runner-up, who has been running over defenses all season long. I think this is a down year for the Big 12, but Oklahoma showed signs of brilliance in their final game against Oklahoma St. The Cardinal have a lot to prove for themselves and the PAC 10. They think that they deserve a better bowl game, and I think that I would agree. I think Landry Jones has a tough game, but does some things right, but doesn’t do enough to knock off Gerhardt and Stanford.

Stanford: 20
Oklahoma: 17

Texas Bowl @3:30 pm EST on ESPN
Navy vs. Missouri
If the Big 12 gets a bowl win New Year’s Eve I believe this is where they have the best chance. Missouri’s passing offense has started to shine with emerging receiving threat Danario Alexander. Even though the Tigers are scoring in droves, their defense is allowing a lot of points, for example they gave up a whopping 40 points to a below average Baylor team. With Navy having a potent running attack that is all about the triple option Missouri could be giving up a lot of points, but again they will put up a lot of points because Navy’s pass defense is horrible ranking 119th in the nation. When Navy played Army the Midshipmen had trouble establishing the triple option because of some oversized athletic lineman. Missouri has a solid defensive front and a core of linebackers that are fairly disciplined. I think this game will come down to whose defense messes up the least, and big plays. Because of Missouri’s passing scheme I think that they have the best chance of scoring big plays. I think this will be one of the two or three games the Big 12 will win in a down year for the conference.

Missouri: 45
Navy: 27

Insight Bowl @6 pm EST on NFL Network
Iowa St. vs. Minnesota
This will be the third game of the day for the Big 12 featuring two 6-6 teams. To most of us this game will be about as exciting as a marathon of Dr. Quinn and Medicine Woman, but to a few people in Ames this is the Superbowl. Minnesota probably isn’t too excited to be here considering they have been to the Insight Bowl 3 of the last 4 years, but this game does hold something. The winner will finish the season above .500, and the loser finishes with a losing season. ISU and Minnesota’s offenses are pretty bad, Minnesota’s has especially declined since losing leading receiver Eric Decker to a season ending injury. The only common defense these two teams have played is Iowa, and it didn’t go well for either offense. ISU put up three points against them and Minnesota was shut out. So in my opinion this comes down to the defenses of the teams. ISU has a dreadful defense, while Minnesota has held up decently against Big 10 competition. I think this game has potential to be the least exciting of all the bowl games. The key players will be quarterback Austen Arnaud for ISU and quarterback Adam Weber for Minnesota. In this matchup the obvious winner would be Adam Weber, and I think that is how this game will play out. After three hours of stark boredom I think Minnesota will walk out of Tempe with the Insight Bowl trophy, and no one will care. Sorry ISU fans another losing season under the belt, but the future looks bright with energetic new coach Paul Rhoads.

Minnesota: 24
Iowa St: 13

Chick-Fil-a Bowl @7:30 pm EST on ESPN
Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Finally! What we have been waiting for. A matchup between two big name schools on New Year’s Eve, now that’s not too much to ask for is it? The formerly known Peach Bowl will be the reward we get for sitting through Navy vs. Missouri and ISU vs. Minnesota. Even though Tennessee doesn’t boast a very good record (7-5) they are still one of the most exciting teams in the land. They have a flamboyant coach in Lane Kiffin, and they always seem to play the good teams close. Examples include the 12-10 loss to Alabama which had to block a last second field goal to win, and a 23-13 loss to Florida at The Swamp. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is also very talented, but has seemed to underachieve this season. They played against Alabama and Nebraska in non-conference games, and they looked very good for the first half of the season. Then they tripped up in two ACC games and two of their three losses are from BCS Bowl participants, and now find themselves in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. This game should have a subtitle by it: Tyrod Taylor vs. Jonathan Crompton. These two quarterbacks refuted all doubters with quality seasons, and Tyrod Taylor looking a lot like Michael Vick when he was at Va Tech. Crompton is slowly becoming one of the better passers in the SEC. This game will come down to defense and special teams. Frank Beamer, coach for the Hokies, has coined the name “Beamer Ball” for special teams, because he and his coaching staff work very hard on special teams. I think that we will see a score on special teams from the Hokies, and I think in an exciting, but not very close game, the Hokies will come out on top. The future looks very bright for both of these teams, and if they meet up in the post season again in the next few years, it very well could be a BCS Bowl.

Virginia Tech: 34
Tennessee: 21

Mike Leach Fired: My Take

Hey all, since I decided to attend the Purdue-Iowa game last night, I was unable to put together a Big 10 Bowl Preview post before the Big 10 started playing. Nice to see Wisconsin pick up a big W for the conference, even though it did have to be against the U.

However, overshadowing the bowl season is today's firing of Texas Tech Mike Leach. For an outsider looking in, it’s no big deal, coaches get fired all the time at the end of the year. But how many coaches get fired in the first year of a 3 year contract extension and with the team's bowl game two days away? The short story behind the firing is that Leach mistreated Adam James, a wideout who also happens to be the son of ESPN analyst Craig James, by putting him in an electrical closet and a training room with no food or water for an extended period of time after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. However, I believe this story runs much deeper than that simple analysis.

Let's take a trip back to the 1990's. Texas Tech is a team struggling to find an identity in the Big 12, a conference dominated by Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas State. After struggling for a couple of years, the Red Raiders turn to a coach who is known for his love of Blackbeard, flintlock pistols and the gun and shoot offense. He spent years as an offensive coordinator, turning Tim Couch into a number 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and Josh Heupel into a Heisman Trophy runner-up. As soon as Leach took over at Tech in 2000, they began a streak of 10 straight bowl appearances, which is still running today. Their team morphed into one dominated by the spread offense which was capable of ridiculous numbers and a defense that was simply told to not give up more points than the offense scored, no matter what it took.

During his tenure at Texas Tech, he produced quarterbacks that put up insane passing numbers such as Kliff Kingsbury, B.J Symons, Cody Hodges and most recently Graham Harrell. Last year, Texas Tech knocked off number 1 Texas in Lubbock on an exciting last pass from Harrell to budding NFL superstar wideout Michael Crabtree. Tech finished the year at number 12 with an 11-2 record, and was ranked as high as #2 in the country.

However, the offseason was interesting to say the least. Leach was not sure if TT would extend his contract and he interviewed for the vacant jobs at Washington and at Auburn. Many people, including Harrell, believed that Leach would leave for a new challenge with a higher payday, as Tech seemed uninterested in paying Leach for the success he had. However, Texas Tech relented and extended his contract through 2013.

I believe that the contract extension is the main reason for Leach's firing. On Friday, he was due an 800,000 dollar bonus which he can no longer collect. Texas Tech also claims to have fired Leach with cause, which means he is not eligible to receive the 400,000 dollars per year that he is owed for being fired, per the contract terms. This is a HUGE loss for Texas Tech, as Leach invigorated the community and was able to get enough good recruits into Lubbock to field a competitive team. This story is far from over, as a large legal battle is about to unfold over Leach's contract, but as Joe Schadd of ESPN reported, Texas Tech was looking for a reason to fire Leach to avoid paying him all of his money, and the bizarre James story has provided a reason. As of now, it seems to be a he said, she said story with James and the coaching staff having different accounts of the same situation.

No matter the result, Texas Tech has lost a coach who led them from the cellar of the Big 12 South to a contender for good bowls year in and year out, and I believe that they will struggle mightily to find a coach like Leach to lead them to the same success he had. Leach should hook onto another team next season and college football fans will be able to enjoy his electrifying offense at a new locale.

Big 10 Non-Conference Wrap

Sorry for the delay in postings but I just have not gotten around to doing NFL picks or recaps lately. Later today I will post my Big 10 Bowl Preview, but for now it's time to recap my favorite sport. The Big 10's non-conference portion of the basketball schedule is wrapping up and I believe its a good time for a recap.

First, lets look back to my projected standings at the beginning of the year:

1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Ohio State
4. Illinois
5. Minnesota
6. Wisconsin
7. Northwestern
8. Michigan
9. Penn State
10. Indiana
11. Iowa

Now lets look at the standings as of Sunday:

1. Purdue
2. Northwestern
3. Ohio State
4. Wisconsin
5. Michigan State
6. Minnesota
7. Illinois
8. Penn State
9. Michigan
10. Indiana
11. Iowa

The top end and bottom end seem to be about right, but the middle of the pack has been turned upside down. Even without Evan Turner, Ohio State is still playing well, Northwestern is playing out of their minds and Michigan State has had some uncharactristic losses for this time of the year.

And now, let us sum up the first part of the year with an awards section!!:

Biggest Surprise: Northwestern
- Even without star player Kevin Coble, the Wildcats have only lost once and look to be in good shape to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in history.
Nominees: Wisconsin, Brandon Paul, Brennan Cougill

Biggest Disappointment: Michigan
- Fresh off of a NCAA berth, Michigan was ranked highly coming into this year. However, they have fallen flat on their faces and need to do a LOT of work to make it back to the Dance.
Nominees: Michigan State, Minnesota, Delvon Roe

Player of the (first third) Year: Robbie Hummel, Purdue
- Hummel is averaging almost a double double as he lead Purdue to an undefeated record so far and a number 4 ranking in both polls.
Nominees: Talor Battle, PSU; Kalin Lucas, MSU; Jon Shurna, Northwestern

Best Game: Illinois @ Clemson
- Facing a 20 point defecit in the second half, Illinois charges back to win the game and help clinch the ACC-Big 10 title for the Big 10.
Nominees: Duke @ Wisconsin, Tennesee @ Purdue, Butler @ Minnesota

Worst Loss: UTSA @ Iowa
- In the first game of the year, the Hawkeyes lose to the University of Texas-San Antonio by 12. AT HOME!
Nominees: Wisconsin @ UW-GB, Boston University @ Indiana, Tulane @ Penn State

Questions for Big 10 conference play?

- How will Ohio State handle the loss of Evan Turner?

- Can Northwestern keep rollling even without Coble?

- Can Michigan State turn their season around?

- Who will be last in the Big 10: Iowa or Indiana?

- How many teams will make the Dance?

All of these questions will be answered during the upcoming Big 10 season and hopefully we will have some great basketball to watch. Later tonight, I'll post my Big 10 Bowl Preview guide, giving you all the information you will need for the games.

RIP Chris Henry

With finals week, I have not had time to recap Week 14 and I will not be able to. I will post Week 15 picks later today after I am done.

Very quick post here. RIP Chris Henry. The 26 year old wide out died of head injuries sustained in a car wreck yesterday. My condolences go out to the Henry family, his fiancee and 3 children and the Cincinnati Bengals organization. Although he had a stretch where he was arrested 5 times in 28 months and later cut, Henry had turned his life around and he has been taken too soon.

Chris Henry (1983-2009)

NFL Week 14

It's Thursday so that means it is time for some Week 14 picks. If you base your gambling off of my picks, I would advise you to re-think that strategy. Last week was a disaster and that is putting it nicely. But it is a new week so hopefully things get turned around.

BROWNS (+9.5) over Steelers

- Beat up Steelers team plus sloppy weather keeps this game close to the end.

Final Score: Steelers 13, Browns 6

Seahawks (+6.5) over TEXANS

- Texans are a team without an identity right now, but I think they pull out a close win.

Final Score: Texans 21, Seahawks 17

Bengals (+6.5) over VIKINGS

- Bengals get up for this game and shock the Vikings at home

Final Score: Bengals 24, Vikings 21

COLTS (-7) over Broncos

- Colts keep rolling, pushing their record to 13-0

Final Score: Colts 27, Broncos 17

Jets (-3) over BUCCANEERS

- Kellen Clemens leads a Jets victory over an awful Tampa team. How did they beat Green Bay again?

Final Score: Jets 17, Buccaneers 3

CHIEFS (PK) over Bills

- Chiefs only because they are at home. Not going to be an instant classic.

Final Score: Chiefs 14, Bills 10

Packers (-3) over BEARS

- How bad are the Bears? We will probably see Sunday at noon.

Final Score: Packers 35, Bears 13

Lions (+13.5) over RAVENS

- I can see the Lions keeping this close over a reeling Ravens team.

Final Score: Ravens 21, Lions 10

Dolphins (+3) over JAGUARS

- Chad Henne is growing before our eyes. Big win for Miami as they try to keep pace with the Pats.

Final Score: Dolphins 24, Jaguars 17

Saints (-10.5) over FALCONS

- Saints roll over a beat up and fading Falcons team.

Final Score: Saints 31, Falcons 16

RAIDERS (+1) over Redskins

- I believe in Bruce Gradkowski. Win streak for the Raiders moves to 2.

Final Score: Raiders 17, Redskins 13

TITANS (-13) over Rams

- Titans roll. Rams are not that good, especially Kyle Boller.

Final Score: Titans 28, Rams 10

Chargers (+3) over COWBOYS

- It's December. Of course the Cowboys won't win.

Final Score: Chargers 24, Cowboys 17

GIANTS (-1) over Eagles

- I think the Giants keep the momentum up against the Eagles.

Final Score: Giants 17, Eagles 13

Cardinals (-3.5) over 49ERS

- Cardinals are peaking at the right time.

Final Score: Cardinals 28, 49ers 17

(Picks Record: 5-11)

NFL Week 13 Recap

Hey all. I'm back after an exciting weekend of football all around as we had some great NCAA games on Saturday and some exciting and shocking NFL games on Sunday and Monday. As always, let's get to the recaps.

Eagles def. Falcons 34-7

- Eagles take care of business against an injured and fading Falcons team

Player of the Game: Michael Vick, QB

- Vick scored 2 touchdowns in his return to Atlanta, giving him his first 2 TD's of his return to football after 2 years in prison.

Bears def. Rams 19-7

- Bears get a desperately needed win over a pitiful Rams team.

Player of the Game: Jamar Williams, LB

- 18 tackles, 13 of which were solo, stand out in this otherwise boring game. (Trust me, I know. I had to watch it.)

Bengals def. Lions 23-13

- Bengals are a team that play to the level of their competition. It shows again in allowing a bad Lions team to hang around to the end.

Player of the Game: Cedric Benson, RB

- Over 100 yards as Cincy fed him the ball in order to kill the clock.

Colts def. Titans 27-17

- Colts stay undefeated in a game that many, including me, thought they would lose.

Player of the Game: Joseph Addai, RB

- Over 80 yards from scrimmage and 2 visits to the end zone give Addai this award.

Broncos def. Chiefs 44-13

- Broncos back on track after blasting a bad Chiefs team in a notorious tough place to play.

Player of the Game: Knowshon Moreno, RB

- 80+ yards and 2 TD's give the rookie running back the nod over Kyle Orton

Dolphins def. Patriots 22-21

- Dolphins shock the Patriots. Is this the end for the Pats dynasty?

Player of the Game: Chad Henne, QB

- Over 300 yards and 2 TD's give the former Michigan standout the nod.

Raiders def. Steelers 27-24

- Raiders shock the Steelers at home. At 6-6, are the Steelers done?

Player of the Game: Bruce Gradkowski, QB

- Over 300 yards and 3 TD's to lead the Raiders to a victory. JaMarcus who?

Saints def. Redskins 33-30

- Saints survive in the nation's capital to remain undefeated.

Player of the Game: Drew Brees, QB

- 400 yards and 2 TD's. Can anyone say MVP?

Panthers def. Bucs 16-6

- Carolina's D comes up big in a sloppy home win.

Player of the Game: Jon Beason, LB

- 6 tackles and two key interceptions seal the award for Beason.

Jaguars def Texans 23-18

- Jaguars stay in contention for a wild card spot while the Texans' hopes are crushed.

Player of the Game: David Garrard, QB

- Steady performance for Garrard as his two touchdown passes helped spot the Jags an early lead.

Chargers def Browns 30-23

- Chargers now own a 7 game win streak as they handle their business with the Browns.

Player of the Game: Phillip Rivers, QB

- Over 350 yards and 2 TD's helped power the Chargers' offense.

Giants def. Cowboys 31-24

- Giants sweep the Cowboys and have a chance to win the NFC East title. Is another Dallas December collapse beginning?

Player of the Game: Dominik Hixon, PR

- Punt return for TD in 4th quarter helped seal the win for the G-Men.

Seahawks def 49ers 20-17

- Really just a meh game on both sides as both are eliminated from playoff contention.

Player of the Game: Deon Butler, WR

- His only catch of the game was a 32 yarder to set up the game winning field goal for Olindo Mare.

Cardinals def. Vikings 30-17

- Cardinals roll the Vikings in Brett Favre's first bad game this year.

Player of the Game: Kurt Warner, QB

- Almost 300 yards and 3 TD's for the cagey veteran as he returned from a concussion related absence.

Packers def. Ravens 27-14

- Packers pick up win number 8 as they beat the Ravens in a sloppy game.

Player of the Game: Clay Matthews III, OLB

- 6 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble gain the rookie this honor. He also got NFC Defensive Player of the Week. I think my award is better.

And that is a wrap on Week 13 of the NFL season. Ill be back later in the week for a preview of Week 14 and and possibly a preview of the Big 10 bowl games.

Guest Blog: Iowa-Georgia Tech preview

Hey all, I will get to an NFL recap later in the day, but first its time for a guest blog post. Jordan Fahr, a fellow student at the University of Iowa, has prepared a blog post for the FedEx Orange Bowl which is a matchup of our Iowa Hawkeyes and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

The matchup between Iowa and Georgia Tech is a very interesting one. The game will be largely dominated by the run. Georgia Tech will come out with the triple option and Iowa will attempt more off tackle runs and draw plays. Even though Iowa runs a much different rushing attack than GA Tech does I see them having some success with the run. If Robinson and Wegher combine for 150 yards there is a very good chance Iowa wins. The better Iowa runs the ball the less chance Stanzi commits turnovers. GA Tech will run the ball. They will have some success and I expect it to be with very good success early on. (As much as it pains me to say this) Lou Holtz had a good point in the bowl special when he said Iowa has never seen speed like the triple option. The first 2 drives Iowa may very well give up 14 points.

The passing game will be interesting to say the least for both teams. There are a lot of questions concerning the quality of play that Stanzi will have in his first field time since early November. Expect Ken O’Keefe and Ferentz to ease him into the game with run dominated drives during the 1st quarter. Both teams have playmaking receivers. Demaryius Thomas for GA Tech and DJK/Marvin McNutt for Iowa are very dangerous with the ball in their hands. Nesbitt isn't exactly known for being a huge passing threat, but he does have talent throwing the ball. If Iowa can force GA Tech into 3rd and longs it could set up their defense for some key interceptions. I don't expect GA Tech to throw the ball more than 15 times in the game so these downs will be very key.

I think a good goal for Iowa's defense would be to give up around 200 yards rushing and less than 100 passing. It’s not going to surprise anyone when GA Tech puts some points on the board and moves the ball down the field. Iowa's defense should also be expecting that. This isn't Minnesota or Iowa St. who have no offense (coincidentally play each other in the insight bowl). Iowa will be playing catch up early on but after that things should settle down before halftime. GA Tech's defense should focus on stopping Iowa's rushing attack. The more 3rd and longs Stanzi is forced into the more likely he will be to commit multiple turnovers. All Iowa fans know turnovers come with Stanzi; they just hope that they aren't too deadly.

Special teams may very well come into play in the outcome of this game. Whichever team controls field position and time of possession will have a greater chance to win. Both teams better hope their punter and kicker show up for the game because well placed punts and accuracy on field goals will be very important. I think that Scott Blair is a much better kicker than Daniel Murray. However, where GA Tech has a big advantage in the kicking game Iowa has an equal advantage in the punting game. Iowa also has very good coverage teams. It appears Iowa has a slight advantage in the special teams game. One shanked punt or missed field goal could decide the game.

I think this is one of the most evenly matched bowl games on the slate. Georgia Tech will rush for a little over 200 yards but a fumble by Dwyer and a late interception by Nesbitt will be too much to overcome. Stanzi will throw a pick right before halftime to have the Hawks down 14-10. A strong fourth quarter by the Hawkeye defense highlighted by sacks from Binns and Klug will control field position and allow Murray to kick the game winner. A desperation drive from Nesbitt results in a game saving pick by Tyler Sash. Ricky Stanzi is named the MVP of the game with 231 yards passing and 2 TDs. Final score reads 27-24 in favor of the Hawkeyes.

NFL and some NCAA Picks.

Hey all, Im back and it's time to predict some NFL and NCAA Conference Title games. But first, a recap of last night's Jets-Bills game in Toronto.

Jets def. Bills 19-13

- Big win for the Jets as they try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Player of the Game: Jay Feely, K

- Four field goals for Feely as he snags this honor for scoring 13 of the Jets 19 points.

SUNDAY'S GAMES

Broncos (-5) over CHIEFS

- Broncos NEED this win if they want to keep pace with San Diego for the AFC West title.

Final Score: Broncos 24, Chiefs 14

STEELERS (-14.5) over Raiders

- Bounce back game for the Steel Curtain, as they get an awful Raiders team to visit

Final Score: Steelers 31, Raiders 10

Texans (PK) over JAGUARS

- A game between two teams who are not as good as the records show. Texans take this one.

Final Score: Texans 28, Jaguars 21

Patriots (-4) over DOLPHINS

- Pats recover after getting embarrassed by the Saints on national TV.

Final Score: Patriots 35, Dolphins 17

Buccaneers (+5.5) over PANTHERS

- I am not a believer in the Matt Moore era in Carolina. Tampa picks up win number two.

Final Score: Bucs 17, Panthers 14

Rams (+9.5) over BEARS

- Bears will win, but they will not cover. Cutler has another shaky game.

Final Score: Bears 17, Rams 10

Titans (+6.5) over COLTS

- I am firmly on the Titans bandwagon. They will run the table the rest of the year.

Final Score: Titans 24, Colts 21

BENGALS (-13) over Lions

- Ced Benson and Larry Johnson run wild against a very, very bad Lions team.

Final Score: Bengals 28, Lions 7

Saints (-9.5) over REDSKINS

- New Orleans keeps rolling in a game that is closer than you would expect.

Final Score: Saints 27, Redskins 17

Eagles (-5.5) over FALCONS

- I also do not believe in the Chris Redman era.

Final Score: Eagles 21, Falcons 10

Chargers (-13) over BROWNS

- San Diego does not take games like these lightly. Expect a blowout.

Final Score: Chargers 38, Browns 10

49ers (PK) over SEAHAWKS

- A game that most won't want to watch. Niners win in a snoozer.

Final Score: 49ers 14, Seahawks 13

GIANTS (+2.5) over Cowboys

- Did Vegas forget about the annual December Tony Romo collapse?

Final Score: Giants 17, Cowboys 14

Vikings (-3) over CARDINALS

- Not sure if Warner will play and I don't think anyone wants to see Leinart v. Allen.

Final Score: Vikings 35, Cardinals 21

MONDAY NIGHT GAME

PACKERS (-3) over Ravens

- Green Bay has Uncle Mo on their side as the Ravens looked shaky in a win last week.

Final Score: Packers 21, Ravens 17

Now let's quickly get to some Conference Title games

MAC: Central Michigan over Ohio

Big 12: Texas over Nebraska

Big East: Cincinnati over Pittsburgh

ACC: Georgia Tech over Clemson

SEC: Florida over Alabama

Back Sunday with some recaps for the NCAA games. (Picks record: 0-1)

First foray into the blogging world/Big 10-ACC Challenge recap

What's up everybody? My name is Riley Schmitt and I am a freshman at the University of Iowa. Being the huge sports fan that I am, I decided it was finally time to create a blog where I can capture all my random thoughts about the world of sports.

The first thought that I have involves the Big Ten-ACC Challenge that wrapped up yesterday. Many people do not understand how big of a win that this was for the Big 10. For years, it has been said that the Big 10 can not play the up and down style basketball of the ACC and that their defensive style of play would never work against more athletic competition. Finally, the Big 10 has showed that they can force teams into sloppy play with their defense and proved that they are one of the best conferences in the NCAA (Suck on that, Digger Phelps). For those of you who did not follow the challenge, lets get to a quick recap of it, followed by my predictions for the Big 1o standings, All-Big 10 teams, and maybe some NFL and NCAA football picks.

Penn State def. Virginia 69-66

- Big road win for the Nittany Lions as they try to build a resume for the Big Dance this year.

Player of the Game: Talor Battle, PG

- Um, this guy is really good. He puts this team on his shoulders game after game and led the way with 32 points.

No. 6 Purdue def. Wake Forest 69-58

- Even with a cold shooting night, Purdue's defense was too much to handle for the Deamon Deacons

Player of the Game: E'Twaun Moore, SG

- If Purdue can get 15-20 points from "Smooge" consistently, look for them to make a run to Indy, a la Michigan State to Detroit last year in the Tournament.

Northwestern def. NC State 65-53

- Big win on the road for the Wildcats as they are rolling, even without star player Kevin Coble.

Player of the Game: Michael Thompson, SG

- According to Bill Carmody, Thompson must step up his game for the Wildcats to make their first ever NCAA Tournament. He certainly stepped up on Tuesday, dropping 22 on the Wolfpack.

Illinois def. No. 19 Clemson 76-74

- Season changing win for the struggling Illini. 23 point comeback in 2nd half can definitely change a season

Player of the Game: Mike Davis, PF

- 22 and 9 from the lanky junior forward. He and Mike Tisdale combine to form a very formidable frontcourt that needs to be reckoned with in the Big 10.

No. 15 Ohio State def. Florida State 77-64

- The Buckeyes dominated from the outset, thanks to some tough D and balanced scoring.

Player of the Game: Evan Turner, SG

- 25, 13 and 6 from the best player in the Big 10. So versatile, and sets up his teammates extremely well.

Wisconsin def. No. 5 Duke 73-69

-HUGE win for the Badgers. They showed that it is extremely tough to come into the Kohl Center and beat a Bo Ryan coached team.

Player of the Game: Trevon Hughes, SG

- 26 points and he seemed to make a big basket every time Duke tried to make a run.

Those were the 6 wins that gave the Big 10 the victory as Iowa and Indiana lost in games they were expected to lose, Michigan State was handled by North Carolina for the 3rd time in 12 months, and Minnesota and Michigan continue prove that pre-season rankings mean nothing.

Now time for some fun. The following are my predictions for the Big 10 final standings and the award winners at the end of the year:

Final Standings (Top 7 NCAA Tournament bound)

1. Purdue

2. Michigan State

3. Ohio State

4. Illinois

5. Minnesota

6. Wisconsin

7. Northwestern

8. Michigan

9. Penn State

10. Indiana

11. Iowa

First Team All-Big 1o:

Kalin Lucas, G, Michigan State, Trevon Hughes, G, Wisconsin, Evan Turner, F, Ohio State, Robbie Hummel, F, Purdue, Mike Davis, F, Illinois.

Second Team All-Big 10:

Talor Battle, G, Penn State, Michael Thompson, G, Northwestern, Manny Harris, G, Michigan, JaJuan Johnson, F, Purdue, Lawrence Westbrook, G, Minnesota

Player of the Year: Evan Turner, SF, Ohio State

Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Kramer, G, Purdue

That wraps up my first blog post covering the Big Ten-ACC challenge and award predictions for the Big 10. I leave you with my pick for tonight's NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets (You know, if gambling was legal).

BILLS (+3) over the Jets

Final score: Bills 21, Jets 17