Three Bowl Games for your New Year's Eve Eve Eve

Northrup Grumman Military Bowl: Washington, D.C., USA, 12/29/10, 11:30am
East Carolina (6-6) v. Maryland (8-4)
Maryland favored by 8

This is a tough game for me. I am a semi-believer in the Terrapins, but the coaching change business has me wondering. Also, they're everyone's hot pick, so the desire to go against is pretty big.

The East Carolina Pirates have arguable the worst defense in the FBS. That says a lot. Then again, that's a stat that holds a bit less weight to me what with weeks of preparation for the bowl game. Surely, the coaches know what' s going on and are addressing it.

The pick: Maryland - they have way too many athletes.

The line: I look for a Maryland lull, I'll take the points.

Texas Bowl: Houston, TX, USA, 12/29/10, 3pm
Baylor (7-5) v. Illinois (6-6)
Illinois favored by 2

Missouri showed me something last night: beware the Big 10? Well, compared to the Big 12 this year, yeah, maybe. I thought Mizzou would roll, but Iowa took it to them. Sure, a late INT RET TD is what did it, but Iowa wasn't about to let this game get out of hand.

It's dangerous to apply that game to this one, but I feel that the Fightin' Illini are a similar team to Iowa. Also, the Baylor Bears fought through a weak year in the Big 12 to earn their 7-5 mark.

The pick: Illinois - they are a good team. Not so much record-wise, but they are one of those teams that can play with anyone if they show up to play. Since they've had weeks to prepare their travel accommodations, I'm betting they do.

The line: And they cover.

Valero Alamo Bowl: San Antonio, TX, USA, 12/29/10, 6:15 pm
Arizona (7-5) v. Oklahoma State (10-2)
Oklahoma St favored by 5

Man, I thought Arizona was going to be the team to knock off Oregon this year. In fact, I thought they weren't getting much love when they were 4-0 to start the season, or even when they were 7-1 with a two point loss to a preseason top 25 Oregon State.

As much as I'd like to launch into a "how does it make any sense that a one loss Arizona ranks three spots behind a two loss LSU" shpeal, the Wildcats responded by losing the last four games of the season.

Still, they have a great offense led by Nick Foles, who can throw on anyone, and solid D. Is it enough to beat the Cowboys?

Well, Okie State is, in popular opinion, a great team. They've only lost to Nebraska and Oklahoma and both games were close. That said, their schedule was super soft, and they didn't knock anyone substantial around (does Baylor count?). They have played much more consistently than Arizona, and in a game like this that can count for a lot.

The pick: It's very tempting to take Arizona, being that they've had time to refocus and believe in themselves again. I just kind of feel that a final, close loss is what will define this season for them. Okla State.

The line: Such a close one to call, so I'll take the generous five points.