Finally....

a game I can actually care about and another Triggs actually might.

EagleBank Bowl: 12/29/09 1:30pm, Washington, D.C>, USA
UCLA (6-6) vs Temple (9-3), UCLA by 4.5

It's really good to see UCLA back in a bowl game. While our teams were struggling, the Bruins were fighting pretty hard for every point they got or gave up. Their recruiting classes have been pretty legit so you know they have potential. What has been so crazy is how they've not been able to get their hands on a quarterback who doesn't just totally suck. The Clowns' strength has definitely been their defense, which bodes well considering that side of the ball has historically shown up to play in UCLA bowl games. I think I mean the second part of the last sentence literally, especially in regards to analysis. On top of being my second favorite NCAA team with the nickname Owls, Temple is an interesting team. They rattled off all nine of their wins in succession before faltering in their final regular season game, which decided the winner of the MAC East, against Ohio. Now, I thought Ohio was decent, but they really looked bad against Marshall. Then again, this Temple team had a big win at Navy.

The pick: UCLA-Not too sure about this pick, but for the first time in the young bowl season, I'll be thoroughly surprised if Temple runs away with it. And yes, I do know UCLA is sub par.

The line: I do not think, unless it is an absolute field day for the Prince/Price offense runner, that UCLA wins a laugher, so I'm taking the points. But if the Bruins jump out of the gates quickly, it might be hard for Temple's rushing attack, which is legit, to get 'em back in it.


Champs Sports Bowl: 12/29/09 5pm, Orlando, FL, USA
Miami (FL) (9-3) vs Wisconsin (9-3), The U by 3.5

This battle of identical conference and overall record holders is one with lots of intrigue. ESPN tried to get the Hurricanes into the NC picture, even after a solid defeat at the hands of some team playing Beamerball against them. Though their losses are to legit teams, Miami failed to show that they were a cut above the rest, constantly playing down to their opponents, yet finding some way to win last minute. Just ask J about that. Or click that link, it might be quicker. I love how this type of team is called opportunistic. I wish that wasn't a word so that I could make fun of people for using it. The Badgers missed out on another potential NC season, am I wrong in saying that? Maybe, though they did lose three close games to pretty good teams. See, these guys are stacking up well, right? Wisconsin has a great player in sophomore RB John Clay, whose parents get points for completing a heck of a funny name. I don't know, it's just funny to me. Miami has those patented players all over the place, who probably lack discipline, though I do hear good things about the new coaching staff. Was that racist?

The pick: Miami-This game just seems way too tailormade for the 'Canes. Play it in Florida, coming off two chill, easy W's, and the celebs have been out to give it that warm, vowel embracing feeling.

The line: Miami to cover. Let's see if QB Jacory Harris can avoid getting sacked this game, though that seems inlikely. He averages about 8 yards lost per sack. Throw it away Clausen!


In case anyone is interested, there's a pretty cool Dodgers of the Decade post bonanza going on over at MikeSciosciastragicillness. Anybody can vote, so it kind of feels good when you support your guy. Some of the positions will be locks, but it's fun to hear what he, and other people, have to say about things. That's the whole fun of blogging, right? You might even catch fellow VinScullyisGod poster Mr. Falcon dropping some knowledge.