Well, that was quite an afternoon and evening. I got to spend the day tracking and hunting bowl matchups, and somewhere around 5 PM word got out that Boise State and TCU would be relegated to playing each other. We also found out that for no reason whatsoever, Cincinnati had jumped TCU in the rankings, Florida stayed above Boise despite getting stomped, and that at least six voters in the two polls still think Texas is the best team in America.
The BCS is, of course, patting themselves on the back because they always think they’re doing great. But they’ve missed out on chances to set up much more interesting and competitive bowls, but eschewed them in order to protect their big brands.
So, lets set the BCS games aside and look at what should be some of the best bowls this season that won’t get as much hype, and a couple I’m not so enthusiastic about. This isn’t going to be an in-depth breakdown, just a first reaction…
Quality Matchups
Wyoming vs. Fresno State, New Mexico Bowl, December 19- Wyoming is only 6-6, but they’ve played tough against some really good teams, while Fresno wrapped up at 8-4. Fresno should be a favorite, but I think the game could be pretty even.
Temple vs. UCLA, EagleBank Bowl, December 29- Temple could play Army if they beat Navy, but I think this is a great game for the Owls. UCLA is not that great and they’re coming across the country to play in Temple’s back yard. Looking forward to this one.
Bowling Green vs. Idaho, Humanitarian Bowl, December 30- This one could total in the 100s. Bowling Green has an insane passing attack, and Idaho has shown the pass defense of a tire hanging from a tree. A still one. But the flipside has been true- Idaho can move the ball, while BGSU’s D has been suspect too.
Air Force vs. Houston, Armed Forces Bowl, December 31- Houston hasn’t been getting up for tough games very well ever since their loss to UTEP, so we’ll see if they have the mental fortitude to compete here. Air Force gave TCU it’s toughest game of the year, and pushed several other teams to the brink in close losses too.
Troy vs. Central Michigan, GMAC Bowl, January 6- I think it’s perfectly fitting that all four bowls that are pairing conference champions are in January, this one included. Troy will have its hands full stopping the Dan LeFevour show, but they’re 9-1 against non-BCS schools this year.
Matchups I’m Less Excited About
Missouri vs. Navy, Texas Bowl, December 31- I don’t know a lot about the Missouri team, I did watch their game against Nevada in the early going, but they just don’t seem like an exciting brand of football to me- hopefully I’m wrong. Navy should match up well, but I don’t know how great a game its going to be.
Arkansas vs. East Carolina, Liberty Bowl, January 2- This actually should be a good game, but only if East Carolina is sufficiently motivated after coming here last year and losing to Kentucky. C-USA still hasn’t beaten the SEC rep in this game, and Arkansas is a good draw for the Liberty- they’re going to very difficult for ECU to beat.
USF vs. Northern Illinois, International Bowl, January 2- Tough draw for the Huskies- shuffled off to Toronto to play a team from Florida, so there’s no regional buzz happening for this one, and I wonder how energized either team will be after disappointing seasons and a less-than-glorious January destination.
Don’t forget that Troy’s one non-BCS loss was to a MAC school (Bowling Green).