Pardon the BloggEruption

First Set of Bowl Picks

Yea! We've waited all year for this, the best season to be a college football fan -- BOWL SEASON!!!! This time around, we do picks against the spread on the remaining 25 bowl games.

Las Vegas Bowl

UCLA (-10 1/2) vs. New Mexico

A 10 point spread for a UCLA team that has done diddly-poo all year? Well, they are playing that MWC powerhouse New Mexico. Still, Bob Toledo's out, and I don't see a very fired-up Los Angeles team in Vegas on Christmas day. I'll take New Mexico to not only beat the spread, but also to win outright.

Eric's Prediction: NEW MEXICO 22, UCLA 20


Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii (-13) vs. Tulane

Another large, double digit spread. Tough to pick Hawaii to win by that much, but they do have June Jones' explosive offense and Tommy Chang's golden arm. Tulane should have been in the New Orleans Bowl (they would have beaten North Texas, I'm sure), but they do get a nice trip to Hawaii. I like the home field advantage, as Hawaii says ALOHA to the Green Wave and proceeds to surf them into oblivion.

Eric's Prediction: HAWAII 37, Tulane 13


Motor City Bowl

Boston College (- 4 1/2) vs. Toledo

Tough break for BC, having to go to Detroit for their bowl game. Toledo is a very good MAC team, but I'm not certain they can hold up as well against a seasoned Boston College squad. If this game were 4 weeks ago, I might pick Toledo to win straight up, but I can certainly see them covering in this game, making a late charge.

Eric's Prediction: Boston College 24, TOLEDO 21


Insight Bowl

Oregon State (-2) vs. Pittsburgh

Please. Oregon State is favored to beat Pitt? This is a good matchup, probably the best of the second-tier bowls, but I just don't see how Oregon State's offense moves the ball against the Pitt Defense. The key to the game will be Pitt's ability to control the line of scrimmage, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They must put pressure on the OSU QB Anderson and contain the OSU RB Jackson's ability to run outside. Not only will Pitt do this, they will be able to run the ball on offense, working in some medium-range passes to emerging star Larry Fitzgerald. The game will remain close through the first 40 minutes of play, but the more physical play of the Pitt team will wear down the PAC-10 style of Oregon State. Take Pitt to win by 10.

Eric's Prediction: PITTSBURGH 27, Oregon State 17


Houston Bowl

Oklahoma State (-7 1/2) vs. Southern Mississippi

A lackluster matchup of two 7-5 teams is made somewhat more exciting by the fact that OklaState finished the season on a tear, including beating Oklahoma for the second year in a row. OklaState WR Rashaun Woods may have a tough day against a highly-ranked Southern Miss pass defense, but I just can't see the Cowboys falling to the Golden Eagles. Look for Southern Mississippi to cover the spread, but just barely..

Eric's Prediction: Oklahoma State 20, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 13


Independence Bowl

Nebraska (-4) vs. Mississippi

The 'Huskers of Nebraska and the Running Rebels of Ole Miss. Sounds like a serious mismatch, no? Not this year, as both come into this game having had a very poor to mediocre season. Ole Miss is one of only three 6-6 teams to be bowling this year, but it is the only one I give any serious shot of winning. Eli Manning will be the deciding factor in this game -- does he step it up to the level of his father and brother, or will he sink back into the mediocrity that has been Rebel football. Nebraska's defense, though porous, has been particularly susceptible to the run, not the pass. Nebraska should be able to run the ball, but how effectively? I see a very close game, possibly overtime, but I still take Ole Miss to cover.

Eric's Prediction: Nebraska 24, OLE MISS 21


Holiday Bowl

Kansas State (-17) vs. Arizona State

The biggest mismatch of the bowl season, Kansas State could very well have been in BCS bowl contention had it not been for a few minor breakdowns against Texas and Colorado. Arizona State has had a very up-and-down season, with some quality wins and stinker losses. KSU has been positively destroying lesser teams as of late, and I see no reason why they won't continue to do the same in the Holiday Bowl, a traditionally high-scoring affair. Look for the points to be fairly lopsided on the scoreboard this year, though, as KSU covers the improbable 17 point spread.

Eric's Prediction: KANSAS STATE 45, Arizona State 17


More picks to come tonight or tomorrow.