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Dashing through the bowls
Cold, Hard Football Facts for December 18, 2010
 By Todd DeVriesCold, Hard Football Facts Triple-Dog-Darer
The Pigskin High Holidays are about to kick into high gear with 35 bowl games in 23 days!
Here at Cold, Hard Football Facts, we anticipate the postseason slate in much the same way Ralphie salivated over an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle in "A Christmas Story" – with visions of spectacular bone-crunching hits and last-second Hail Marys dancing through our heads.
Join us as we dash through an overview of the 30 non-BCS bowls – from the clinkers to the blue steel beauties. Don't fret, we'll put the big BCS bowl games under the CHFF microscope in the coming weeks.
On to the bowl slate!
BYU vs. UTEP
New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, NM)
December 18 - 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
BYU quarterback Jake Heaps. The highly touted freshman finally started coming on in the second half of the season. This game could serve as a springboard towards bigger things in 2011.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Both schools rank in the 70s nationally when measured by our Scoreability Index (UTEP – 14.19 Yards Per Point Scored, BYU – 14.75).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 1.5 Leg Lamps (Scale of 1 to 5) 
"You'll shoot your eye out, kid." Let's be honest. These two 6-6 teams have no business earning a spot in the postseason. The only appeal here is that it's the opening bowl game.
Fresno State vs. Northern Illinois
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl (Boise, ID)
December 18 - 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornaments on the Tree
This is shaping up as an interesting running back duel between NIU's Chad Spann, the MAC Offensive Player of the Year (1,293 yards, 20 TD), and Fresno State's Robbie Rouse (1,136 yards, 5.7 YPA). Both are the focal points of their respective offenses.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Northern Illinois ranks second in the country with 6.22 rushing yards per attempt. That's a better clip than both Oregon and Auburn.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2 Leg Lamps
"Oh, life is like that. Sometimes, at the height of our revelries, when our joy is at it's zenith, when all is most right with the world, the most unthinkable disasters descend upon us."
This statement from Ralphie sums up how NIU fans must be feeling. They were heavy favorites to win their first conference title since 1983, but fell flat on their faces against Miami (Ohio, 26-21, in the MAC championship game.
Troy vs. Ohio
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans, LA)
December 18 - 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree:
Troy quarterback Corey Robinson put together a solid freshman campaign, as the Trojans rank 12th in the country in passing yards per game (289.8). With a little more seasoning, he will become one of the Sun Belt's best signal callers in years ahead.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Frank Solich's Bobcats rank 14th in the country in rushing defense, allowing 115 yards per game.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 1 Leg Lamp
"He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny... he looks like a pink nightmare!"
We agree. This MAC-Sun Belt match up has a nightmarish quality to it. Not exactly must-see TV. Well, except for us. We'll be stuck to the tube like a wet tongue to a cold steel pole. 
Louisville vs. Southern Miss
Beef O'Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl (St. Petersburg, FL)
December 21 - 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Louisville running back Bilal Powell came out of nowhere this fall to put up 1,330 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He finished 10th in the country in rushing (1,330 yards) despite missing time with nagging injuries.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Powell has the second best average per attempt (6.30) in the nation (of rushers averaging over 100 yards per game).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2 Leg Lamps
"Be sure to drink your Ovaltine. Ovaltine? A crummy commercial? Son of a bitch!"
One has to wonder how many Beef O'Brady plugs will be shoved down our throats in this one? It makes one long for a simpler time, a time when unsponsored bowls such as the Bluebonnet, Freedom and Tangerine roamed the earth.
Utah vs. Boise State
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV)
December 22 - 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore put together a tremendous junior season, ranking second in the nation in passer rating and Passing Yards Per Attempt.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Moore has the fifth best career passer rating in major college football history (166.93).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4 Leg Lamps
"The heavenly aroma still hung in the house. But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey Hash! Turkey a la King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE!"
That's about how the Boise State fan base is feeling right now. The Broncos went from the Rose Bowl to the MAACO Bowl as a result of one shanked chip-shot field goal against Nevada.
San Diego State vs. Navy
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (San Diego, CA)
December 23 - 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornaments on the Tree
San Diego State's Vincent Brown and Demarco Sampson were the most productive pass-catching duo in the country, combining for 2,326 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Brown averaged a whopping 19.46 yards per catch (Sampson 18.08).
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs ranks 16th in NCAA history in rushing touchdowns (49).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 3.5 Leg Lamps
Mr. Parker: It could be a bowling alley!
Mother: How are they going to deliver a bowling alley here tonight?
Mr. Parker: They'll send the deed for cripesake. I didn't expect them to send a whole damn bowling alley.
This just might be a sneaky good ballgame as both schools possess the ability to put up big points.
Tulsa vs. Hawaii
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl (Honolulu, HI)
December 24 - 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornaments on the Tree
Hawaii wide receiver Greg Salas led the country in receiving yards (1,675). The guy chucking him the rock, Bryant Moniz, wasn't too shabby either. Pizza delivery guy-turned-quarterback Moniz led the nation in passing yards per game (356.10).
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Greg Salas ranks third in NCAA history in receiving yards (4,131).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 5 Leg Lamps
"Only one thing in the world could've dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window." ...and that one thing is a battle of two elite college football offenses.
Yep, we'd consider ditching the leg lamp for a few hours to tune in for this one. 1,000 yards of offense is more than a possibility... it's expected.
Toledo vs. Florida International
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (Detroit, MI)
December 26 - 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Toledo wideout Eric Page. The sophomore was red hot down the stretch, accounting for 21 catches, 238 yards and 3 scores in his final two games. He's also a wicked kick returner and trick-play specialist (3 TD passes this year).
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
FIU surprised everyone with their running game this fall, which averaged 189 yards per game (ranking 28th in the nation).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 1 Leg Lamp
"Randy lay there like a slug! It was his only defense!"
This game measures quite low on the watchability scale as it will be going head-to-head with the Eagles-Vikings tilt over on NBC.
Air Force vs. Georgia Tech
Advocare V100 Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA)
December 27, 2010 - 4 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Georgia Tech running back Anthony Allen proved to be a workhorse in the final two games, toting the rock 63 times for 331 yards.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
This game pits the No. 1 and No. 2 rushing offenses in the nation. G-Tech and Air Force combine to average 645 rushing yards per game!
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2.5 Leg Lamps
"I TRIPLE-dog-dare ya!"
In a game that features two triple option offenses, we might only see 10 total passes in this one. Each defensive scheme will be built to stop the run and will essentially dare the other team to beat them through the air. Will anyone take the bait?
NC State vs. West Virginia
Champs Sports Bowl (Orlando, FL)
December 28 - 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Remember the name Geno Smith. The WVU quarterback had a nice sophomore season, compiling a 23-6 TD-INT ratio to go along with a 65.8 completion percentage. With offensive guru Dana Holgorsen taking over the reigns in 2011, Smith is poised to become a statistical giant.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
NC State quarterback Russell Wilson ranks second in ACC history with 74 career passing touchdowns.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 3 Leg Lamps
Ralphie as Adult: The old man stood there, quivering with fury, stammering as he tried to come up with a real crusher. All he got out was...
The Old Man in this case is 'Neers head coach Bill Stewart, who has to be steaming with the news that WVU has gone ahead and hired his replacement (Oklahoma State Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen) while he remains on the sideline. So essentially, there will be two head coaches on staff in 2011. The head coach will make $900K while the "O.C." earns $1.4M -- yeah, that makes sense. If you enjoy watching a train wreck, you might want to tune in to this one.
Iowa vs. Missouri
Insight Bowl (Tempe, AZ)
December 28 - 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
2010 was not a great year for college tight ends, but Mizzou's Michael Egnew held up his end of the bargain. His 83 receptions were tops in the land for his position.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
The normally productive Hawkeye rushing game was off kilter in 2010, averaging 142 yards per game (ranked 77th in country) and 4.13 yards per attempt (ranked 65th).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2.5 Leg Lamps
Miss Shields: Now I know that some of you put Flick up to this, but he has refused to say who. But those who did it know their blame, and I'm sure that the guilt you feel is far worse than any punishment you might receive.
This quote fits in nicely with all of the off-the-field issues the Hawkeyes are going through at the moment. Two former starting running backs are transferring. Their current starting RB has been suspended. Their all-time leading receiver was kicked off the team following an arrest for "keeping a drug house." Yikes.
Maryland vs. East Carolina
Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman (Washington, DC)
December 29, 2010 - 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
ECU quarterback Dominique Davis was handed the keys to a Ferrari of an offense. And he took the machine for one helluva spin around the block. The Boston College transfer led the nation in passing TDs (36) and tacked on 9 more scores on the ground.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
East Carolina wideout Dwayne Harris ranks fourth in Conference-USA history (19th nationally) with 260 career receptions.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 3.5 Leg Lamps
Mr. Parker: Holy smokes. Do... Do you know what this is? This is... A lamp!
Oh yes, this game oozes of fishnet sex appeal. East Carolina puts up points in bunches. The Terps have proven they can light it up as well. Expect the scoreboard operator to keep busy.
Illinois vs. Baylor
Texas Bowl (Houston, TX)
December 29 - 6 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornaments on the Tree
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III and Illinois running back Mikel LeShoure. "RG3" is a dual threat in the mold of Vince Young. LeShoure ranked sixth in the country with 126.83 rushing yards per game.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
This will be Baylor's first bowl game since 1994, back when the Bears were in the now-defunct Southwest Conference.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4 Leg Lamps
Mr. Parker: [Reading Telegram and doing a little jig] Tonight! Tonight! It's coming Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! Hot Damn, Tonight!
This match up of underrated Big 12 and Big Ten squads should be quite entertaining. Count us in.
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, TX)
December 29 - 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon was a monster this fall accumulating 102 receptions, 1,665 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. The numbers are even more impressive when you factor in that he missed one game due to suspension, and he played hurt in the final couple games.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
With offensive mastermind Dana Holgorsen calling plays this fall, Oklahoma State's team passer rating improved from a national ranking of No. 60 (in 2009) to No. 14.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4.5 Leg Lamps
Mr. Parker: What is a lamp, you nincompoop? It's a Major Award. I won it! Swede: Damn, hell, you say won it?
Mr. Parker: Yeah, mind power, Swede; mind power.
Every once in a while the Bowl Gods throw us a bone. College football diehards, this is your little reward. Look for an entertaining score fest.
SMU vs. Army
Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, TX)
December 30 - 12 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
How about linebacker-turned-running back Zach Line from SMU? The 235-pounder bulldozed his way to 1,391 yards and 10 scores on the season. This hard-nosed throwback is a joy to watch.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Army ranks dead last in the country in passing offense in nearly every statistical category. They average just over 5 completions per game.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2.5 Leg Lamps
"Scut Farkus! What a rotten name! We were trapped. There he stood, between us and the alley. Scut Farkus staring out at us with his yellow eyes. He had yellow eyes! So, help me, God! Yellow eyes!"
Army makes it to their first bowl game since 1996 and what is their reward? A date with SMU on the 'Stangs home turf. Despite the name of the bowl ("Armed Forces") siding with the Black Knights, we sense a possible Scut Farcus-like beat-down at the hands of June Jones' Mustangs.
Syracuse vs. Kansas State
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (New York, NY)
December 30 - 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree:
The Kansas State offense begins and ends with running back Daniel Thomas. He ranks fifth in the country in rushing attempts per game (23.00). In his last outing, Thomas gashed his way to 269 yards on 36 carries.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts:
Somebody stop the Cuse! After ranking 102nd in total defense in 2008, the Orange rose up to 37th in 2009. This fall they checked in at No. 5! Quite an improvement.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2 Leg Lamps
Both schools rejoice! You've qualified for a real, live bowl game! Kansas State hasn't been to the postseason since 2006, while the 'Cuse has been waiting since 2004.
North Carolina vs. Tennessee
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, TN)
December 30 - 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Tennessee wide receiver Denarius Moore exploded in the Vols' final five games, racking up 655 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
After a dreadful 2-6 start, the Vols won their final four contests, outscoring their opponents 150-52.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2.5 Leg Lamps
"Over the years I got to be quite a connoisseur of soap. Though my personal preference was for Lux, I found that Palmolive had a nice, piquant after-dinner flavor - heavy, but with a touch of mellow smoothness. Life Buoy, on the other hand... YECCHH!"
Both schools find themselves desperately trying to wash away the past. Tennessee is still busy scrubbing off the stench left by Lane Kiffin, while the Tar Heels are sanitizing the mess from last summer's Agent-Gate.
Nebraska vs. Washington
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl (San Diego, CA)
December 30 - 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
When healthy, Husker quarterback Taylor Martinez is one heckuva match up nightmare for opposing defenses. He rushed for nearly 1,000 yards on the year despite missing large chunks of time with a number of injuries. "T-Magic" gashed U-Dub for 137 rushing yards and 3 TDs when the schools met back in September.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
When comparing the defenses via our Bendability Index, Nebraska boasts a 17.65 Yards Per Point Allowed figure while Washington limps in with a woeful 12.87.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2 Leg Lamps (Scale of 1 to 5)
"Oooh fuuudge! Only I didn't say Fudge. I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!"
You can bet the Washington faithful muttered the F-dash-dash-dash word when this bowl pairing was announced. Their Huskies already lost to the Huskers back in September. 56-21. In Seattle. Ouch.
South Florida vs. Clemson
Meineke Car Care Bowl (Charlotte, NC)
December 31 - noon ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
They're not as gifted as their predecessors (C.J. Spiller and James Davis), but running backs Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are still a handful. They combined for 20 touchdowns and 1,813 yards from scrimmage on the year.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
This game figures to be a defensive battle, as both units rank in the Top 25 (Clemson No. 23 in total defense, USF No. 21).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 1 Leg Lamp
"Are you kidding? Stick my tongue to that stupid pole? That's dumb!"
Clemson is coming off yet another disappointing regular season, while USF staggered their way to bowl eligibility. Not much to get excited about here. We're not sticking our tongue to this one.
Miami vs. Notre Dame
Hyundai Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX)
December 31 - 2 p.m. ET, CBS
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
This figures to be the last collegiate game for Notre Dame wideout Michael Floyd, who is widely expected to test the NFL waters in 2011. Despite spotty quarterback play, "Pink" Floyd caught 73 balls for 916 yards and 10 scores.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
The last time these two schools faced each other was in 1990, when No. 2 Miami fell to the No. 6 Irish, 29-20 in South Bend.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4 Leg Lamps
"Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man."
It's nice to see the Catholics vs. Convicts rivalry reborn. Kudos to the Sun Bowl committee for pitting these two together.
UCF vs. Georgia
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN)
December 31 - 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green is another guy who will likely forego his senior year and head to the NFL. Green is an outstanding playmaker with size (6'4, 212) and speed.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Bombs away! While Green gets all the pub, fellow wideouts Kris Durham and Tavarres King have also proven to be dangerous deep threats for UGA. Durham is second in the country in yards per catch (21.10), while King ranks fifth (20.48). Where's does Green rank? No. 67 (15.70).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2 Leg Lamps
"Grover Dill! Farkus's crummy little toadie. Mean! Rotten! His lips curled over his green teeth."
Sure, compared to the SEC, Conference USA is nothing more than a crummy little toadie. But the Dawgs would be wise not to overlook UCF. The Knights took both NC State and Kansas State down to the wire, and went on to win C-USA with a solid 10-3 record.
Florida State vs. South Carolina
Chick-fil-A Bowl (Atlanta, GA)
December 31 - 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore took the SEC by storm as a true freshman. To say he lived up to the hype would be a massive understatement.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
The Gamecocks improved their scoring offense from a dismal 20.6 points per game in 2009 (ranked 102nd) to a respectable 32.1 this fall (ranked 36th).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4 Leg Lamps
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] The snap of a few sparks, a quick whiff of ozone, and the lamp blazed forth in unparalleled glory.
Mr. Parker: Oh, look at that! Will you look at that? Isn't that glorious? It's... it's... it's indescribably beautiful! It reminds me of the Fourth of July!
Intriguing match up here between two programs on the rise. Should make for fine background viewing during many a New Year's Eve celebration.
Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
TicketCity Bowl (Dallas, TX)
January 1, 2011 - noon ET, ESPNU
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
This game lost some luster when Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa ruptured his Achilles late in the season. The guy was a one man wrecking crew. On the other side of the ball, the Mike Leach-less Texas Tech passing game can still be fun to watch when they are firing on all cylinders.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
The Wildcats allowed a ridiculous 118 points over their final two outings. The Red Raiders must be licking their chops.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 3 Leg Lamps
"Mothers know nothing about creeping marauders burrowing through the snow toward the kitchen where only you and you alone stand between your tiny, huddled family and insensate evil."
The Northwestern Wildcats embody a creeping marauder here, plotting their sneak attack. They always seem to perform well as the underdog in bowl games – see last year's 38-35 overtime loss to Auburn in the Capital One Bowl as a prime example.
Penn State vs. Florida
Outback Bowl (Tampa, FL)
January 1, 2011 - 1 p.m. ET, ABC
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Florida's Jordan Reed and Trey Burton each do a little bit of everything: tote the pigskin, chuck it, snag it. Yeah, it's gimmicky and not terribly productive, but it keeps defenses on their toes and can be amusing to watch.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Oh what a difference a Tebow makes. With him, the Gators ranked No. 9 nationally in total offense last year. In 2010, their ranking slipped to 79th!
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4 Leg Lamps
"Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian."
They're dubbing this one the "Urban-Legend" bowl. Meyer is hanging it up (for now) at age 46, while the Fragile Italian turns 84 in a few days.
Michigan State vs. Alabama
Capital One Bowl (Orlando, FL)
January 1, 2011 - 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Whether it was by design or out of necessity, Coach Saban finally got uber-wide receiver Julio Jones involved in the offense this year, and he delivered. Julio caught 75 balls for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
If Saban is going to defeat one of his former employers, he'd be smart to lean on a Tide defense that ranks No. 6 in the country.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4.5 Leg Lamps
"Sons of bitches! Bumpuses!"
Sparty had his best season in decades, an 11-1 record and a No. 7 ranking, and it still wasn't good enough for a BCS bowl.
Michigan vs. Mississippi State
Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL)
January 1, 2011 - 1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Nobody (not even Cam Newton) electrified the country in September more than Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. "Shoelace" finished the season as the nation's third leading rusher, this despite being knocked out of a handful games due to injuries.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
D-Rob set the NCAA record this year for most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback (1,643).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 3.5 Leg Lamps
"It was all over - I was dead. What would it be? The guillotine? Hanging? The chair? The rack? The Chinese water torture? Hmmph. Mere child's play compared to what surely awaited me."
Similar thoughts must be bouncing throughout Rich-Rod's head these days. The way the UM administration has left him out to dry, this could very well be his last game with the Maize and Blue.
Miami Univ. vs. Middle Tennessee
GoDaddy.com Bowl (Mobile, AL)
January 6, 2011- 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Middle Tennessee quarterback Dwight Dasher is one of the best dual threats in the nation. However, an off-the-field scandal caused him to miss the first half of the season. When he returned to action, he wasn't able to rekindle the magic he displayed in 2009.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Miami (OH) produced one of the best one-year turnarounds in college football history, going from 1-11 in 2009 to 9-4 this season.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 1 Leg Lamp
"It's a clinker! That blasted stupid furnace dadgummit!"
Call it a clinker. Or a stinker. This will be a tough watch – perhaps best served with a healthy dose of strong egg nog.
Texas A&M vs. LSU
AT&T Cotton Bowl (Arlington, TX)
January 7, 2011 - 8 p.m. ET, FOX
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Texas A&M running back Cyrus Gray took over the show when Christine Michael went down to injury, and rattled off six straight 100-yard games. In his last outing, he dominated Texas with 223 yards and a pair of scores.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Since making the quarterback switch from the erratic Jerrod Johnson to the steady Ryan Tannehill, the Aggies have ripped off 6 straight wins.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 4 Leg Lamps
"Next to me in the blackness lay my oiled blue steel beauty. The greatest Christmas gift I had ever received, or would ever receive. Gradually, I drifted off to sleep, pringing ducks on the wing and getting off spectacular hip shots."
This match up is indeed a beauty. Nobody in the Big 12 played better down the stretch than A&M. The Aggies are on a roll and will be fired up for this one. The Cotton Bowl should be rocking.
Pitt vs. Kentucky
BBVA Compass Bowl (Birmingham, AL)
January 8, 2011 - noon ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Perhaps nobody in the country is as versatile as Kentucky's Randall Cobb. He caught 79 balls for 955 yards, rushed 52 times for 401 yards, and logged 58 yards through the air. He scored 14 touchdowns and threw for 3 more.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Pitt ranks 11th in the country in defensive yards per play allowed (4.7).
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 2 Leg Lamps
Mother: This isn't one of those trees where all the needles falls off, is it?
Unfortunately, the needles have come off of this one. In the days following the bowl announcement, Pitt fired their coach and Kentucky suspended their quarterback. Both squads are in a bit of disarray.
Boston College vs. Nevada
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (San Francisco, CA)
January 9, 2011 - 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Shiniest Ornament on the Tree
Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick joined Cam Newton in the exclusive "20-20" club this season (20+ passing TDs, 20+ rushing TDs). One of the top dual threats in college football history, Kaepernick will have passed for more than 10,000 yards and rushed for more than 4,000 yards when all is said and done.
The Cold, Hard Football Facts
Kaepernick ranks second in NCAA history with 59 rushing touchdowns.
Ralphie's Watch-ability Meter: 3 Leg Lamps
"[Diving into the gifts under the Christmas tree] We plunged into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice."
Nevada is sky high after knocking off arch-rival Boise State to complete the best regular season in school history. Should be interesting to see how Nevada's Pistol offense does against a usually stout BC defense.
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