January 13, 2011
Who won the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl? If you can't answer this question off the top of your head then you've certainly missed out on yet another great bowl season in college football with epic finishes and moments. As always, it's another winter and between the days of Dec. 18 and Jan. 10 I watched all 35 bowl games. It's the best time of year and it really doesn't get better than this.
Now, I will admit that last year's bowl season was better. We had some great finishes here, but just one overtime game this year (four last year) and it took about a week's worth of games until we had that so-called "great" game to finally get us all locked into bowl season.
I have a lot here for you in this post and I hope you enjoy most, if not all, of it.
Before you continue, this link will take you to my final rankings of the year and my early rankings for 2011 and here are my bowl rankings from last year.
I begin by giving you some of the disappointments from bowl season, but after that, it's all of the highlights.
Top 5 Disappointing Teams in their bowl game:
1. Nebraska
2. Miami
3. Arizona
4. Virginia Tech
5. Texas A&M
Top 10 Finishes of the 2010 Bowl Season
Again, bowl games are just so exciting and some of the ways these games finish gets your blood pumping whether your team is going to win or lose. Let's count down what, in my opinion, the top ten finishes were this bowl season. Again,there is a difference between a great game and a great finish so if these should not match up exactly with where I have the bowl ranked.
10. Meineke Car Care Bowl: Clemson's late rally
Down 31-13 to South Florida in the fourth quarter, Clemson seemed down, but then in the final four minutes, Tajh Boyd hit Brandon Ford for a touchdown, Clemson recovered the onside kick, Brandon Ford caught another TD catch and before you knew it Clemson was within five points at 31-26. The next onside kick however failed as DeAndre McDaniel recovered the ball for Clemson but touched it before it went ten yards. The play was confirmed by replay and South Florida got in victory formation.
9. TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern didn't have a chance...and then they did
This game was dominated by Texas Tech who at one point had a 31-9 lead, but in the final quarter and a half, Northwestern outscored the Red Raiders 28-14. In the fourth quarter, Northwestern pulled within 38-31 but the defense couldn't hold as Tech scored another touchdown, but on Tech's next possession Jordan Mabin returned an interception for a touchdown to make it a one-score game at 45-38. Then Northwestern got the much needed stop on defense and with one last chance to tie the game, Evan Watkins was intercepted at the 16-yard line to end the game. Northwestern was 16 yards away from coming back from 31-9 and forcing overtime.
8. Insight Bowl: The one throw Blaine Gabbert wants back
Missouri took the 24-20 lead at the end of the third quarter and both defenses were playing well, but Missouri couldn't run the ball effectively to secure the lead and had to keep throwing. At about the five minute mark in the fourth quarter, Blaine Gabbert threw one high and it was intercepted by Micah Hyde, who ran it back 72 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Missouri got the ball back but turned it over on turns in its final possession.
7. Outback Bowl: The Gunslinger slung one too many
Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin was criticized for throwing five interceptions against Florida, but despite the first four turnovers, Penn State had one last possession to go down the field and force overtime, down 31-24. It was then that McGloin threw his fifth interception that taken back for a Gator touchdown by Ahmad Black to secure Urban Meyer's final win, 37-24.
6. Pinstripe Bowl: "The Salute"
You'll read more about this game as you continue through my bowl rankings and you'll find out how this game has permanently scarred me. But about the finish, Kansas State was down eight to Syracuse and scored a touchdown on a big play from Adrian Hilburn, but after the touchdown he gave the crowd a salute (yes, an actual salute) and was controversially flagged for excessive celebration. That pushed Kansas State's potential game-tying two-point conversion back 15 yards and instead of a normal two-point try, it ended up being like a long 4th-down-and-goal situation. Carson Coffman threw to the end zone to Hilburn to force overtime and it was incomplete, Syracuse wins.
5. Rose Bowl: Can't get past the Tank
Down by eight to TCU, Wisconsin marched down the field in a methodical drive and scored the game's final touchdown to pull within two at 21-19. To try to force overtime, Wisconsin's went for the two-point conversion on a quick tight end stick play and had Lance Kendricks open but Scott Tolzien's throw was knocked down by TCU's Tank Carder. TCU recovered the Wisconsin onside kick attempt and the celebration was on.
4. AllState Sugar Bowl: The Legend doesn't accept gifts
Arkansas came back from down 28-10 to get within 31-26 and forced an Ohio State punt. The punt was blocked by Colton Miles-Nash who then recovered the ball by falling on it, but there was nothing but end zone ahead with no Ohio State players around him to make a tackle. He had an opportunity to pick the ball up and walk into the end zone. Instead, he stuck with fundamentals and fell on the ball and let Ryan "The Legend" Mallett take the field for a game-winning drive. With the ball on the Ohio State 18-yard line, Ohio State gift-wrapped this win for Arkansas after the blocked punt but on Mallett's second throw, he was intercepted by Solomon Thomas and that was your ball game.
3. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: The Les Miles approved ending
Tennessee had a 20-17 lead after an extra-point attempt was blocked. North Carolina drove down the field with no timeouts and got within field goal range when chaos ensued. UNC started sending out the field goal team, but TJ Yates wanted to spike the ball. The field goal team didn't get off the field in time, Yates spiked it, the clock hit 0:00 and Tennessee ran onto the field celebrating. The game was declared over by the referee. Then after declaring the game over, the play went under review and it turns out UNC spiked the ball with 0:01 remaining on the clock and accepted a five-yard penalty for having too many men on the field. Casey Barth came out to try the tying field goal and after that chaos, Tennessee coach Derek Dooley opted not to ice the kicker thinking the previous events had rattled him enough, but Barth was true. The game went to overtime where Barth then kicked the game-winning field goal. If you're one of the people who consider the game over when it is declared over, then Tennessee actually won.
2. Tostitos BCS National Championship Game: "This is for all the Tostitos."
Oregon tied the game at 19-19 after a LaMichael James touchdown and two-point conversion with 2:33 left in the game. Cam Newton and Auburn took the ball down the field assisted by a huge run by Michael Dyer where he rolled over a defender, froze, then kept running until the rest of the men on the field realized the play was still live. Then Dyer got the ball again and headed for the end zone and was ruled down at the one-yard line. Then Wes Byrum came out for the championship-winning 19-yard field goal as Brent Musburger spoke the famous "This is for all the Tostitos" line and Byrum nailed it. Auburn Tigers win the national championship.
1. Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Special delivery: FIU's first ever bowl. "That is awesome!"
Toledo led 24-7 in this game and found themselves down 31-24 in the games final minutes. With 1:13 to go, Terrance Owens sprinted into the end zone to pull within in 31-30 and Toledo coach Tim Beckman knows it's a bowl game and there's nothing to lose so he goes for the game-winning two-point conversion and it was good: Owens to Eric Page. Toledo takes the 32-31 lead and what they thought would be a win, but here came Florida International. A great return by TY Hilton set them up in good field position, but then the Panthers needed to convert a 4th-down-and-17 to keep the game alive and Wes Carroll completed the pass to Jacob Younger who flipped it to TY Hilton, the hook-and-ladder! and Hilton got the first down. That set up a 34-yard field goal attempt for Jack Griffin and he nailed it was time expired, FIU wins the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl and they go crazy on the field. Head coach Mario Cristobal runs around like a little kid and finally catches up with ESPN for a very high-energy press conference finishes with: "THAT IS AWESOME! THAT IS AWESOME!"
So there are my Top 10 finishes of the bowl season from the Meineke Car Care Bowl to the Little Caesars Bowl. Now, one more thing before we get to my full Bowl Rankings. I now present to you the top five coaches moments from bowl season. Enjoy.
TOP FIVE COACHES' MOMENTS
5. Jim Harbaugh jukes all questions
After the Stanford win in the Orange Bowl, Jim Harbaugh was repeatedly asked about his future and each time he pulled a perfect juke move. He walked away from Michelle Tafoya on the field and on the podium he just started calling his team, "Champions." Praising your team is always the best way to avoid awkward situations. Harbaugh knows best.
4. Skip Holtz butts in
Skip Holtz is a funny guy and has a reputation of telling jokes to keep his players loose. After the Meineke Car Care Bowl, Holtz just butts right into BJ Daniels' interview and starts confessing his love for Daniels and his team. Nicely done, Skip.
3. You better listen to Gary Patterson
TCU was out on the field in victory formation and the team was getting ready to give Gary Patterson the gatorade bath but he sensed it. He turned around at the right moment and scolded his players. Why? Because the game wasn't over. 21-19 TCU with a few seconds left. If the game hasn't ended then it hasn't been won, yet. The guys simply gave the "yes, sir" gesture and backed away with the gatorade coolers. Priceless.
Then on the podium, Gary Patterson pronounced to the world, "We just won the Rose Bowl!" Only him saying that makes it official, I guess.
2. In this edition of Interim Head Coaches have the most fun, we present Tom Matukiewicz
Northern Illinois interim coach Tom Matukiewicz iced the kicker twice before halftime and had a third timeout but didn't use it. He was asked about that before heading to the locker room and man is an entertainer. He said there was no strategy of icing the kicker he was simply having fun as a head coach for a day and wanted to make it last longer. Loved it. I'll buy that explanation any day. By the way, you knew he was inexperienced at being interviewed because he stared directly into the camera the whole time from only three feet away. It was creepy.
1. Mario Cristobal, "THAT IS AWESOME!"
Mario Cristobal led FIU to its first ever bowl game this year and won it in dramatic fashion and he was running all over the place like a little kid. He gave a great upbeat interview and was so excited he was out of breath and jumbled his words, but his final statement said it all as he had an eye on the crowd around him: "Look at that over there! THAT IS AWESOME! THAT IS AWESOME!" That's college football.
AND NOW, here my full Bowl Rankings from No. 35 to No. 1
No. 35 BBVA Compass Bowl, Jan. 8
Pittsburgh (8-5) 27, Kentucky (6-7) 10
With the exception of last year, it just seems like every Pittsburgh bowl game is boring. Every time I just pray for more points than that one 3-0 Sun Bowl against Oregon State. That game was so bad I can’t even remember which team had those 3 points, Pittsburgh or Oregon State?
Anyway, with defensive coordinator Phil Bennett taking over as interim head coach (he’ll leave to be the DC at Baylor next year), the Pittsburgh defense really dialed in and offensively Dion Lewis and Ray Graham ran the ball well. This game was pretty boring, at times I was wondering why I woke up on a Saturday morning for this. Pitt took a 20-3 lead before Kentucky scored its first touchdown. I expected a big day out of Kentucky QB Morgan Newton and didn’t get it and Randall Cobb was fairly quiet. What made this game worth watching was that Dion Lewis pretty much announced before the game that he was headed to the NFL so you knew it would be the last time you see him in college.
My MVP: Pitt DE Justin Hargrove
Co-MVP: Pitt RB’s Dion Lewis and Ray Graham 39 carries for 195 yards, TD
No. 34 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 1
Oklahoma (12-2) 48, Connecticut (8-5) 20
Oklahoma got lucky that they got matched up with a lowly opponent like UConn in a BCS game—and that’s with all due respect to UConn. It was just a mismatch and now that we know Randy Edsall was scheming to leave UConn before this game was even played, what does that say about that program? Or does it say more about Edsall? Either way, this was, as expected, the worst BCS game match (although you could argue the Orange Bowl was more lopsided but I was there in-person and it was fun so I don’t believe that). Oklahoma had its way offensively and UConn’s offense only really scored two field goals. The other 14 points were a pick-six (nothing new for Landry Jones) and a kick return. We saw three pick sixes in this game though, I don’t think I’ve seen that many in one game ever. UConn had one and Oklahoma had two (Tony Jefferson and Jamell Fleming). But, this was the only BCS game where I sat there and kept asking myself, “Is it over yet?” and you all know how painful it was for me to sit there and watch Oklahoma win a game.
My MVP: Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles 13 catches for 170 yards, TD and announced he’s coming back for his senior season.
No. 33 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Dec. 18
Troy (8-5) 48, Ohio (8-5) 21
The Sun Belt proved too fast for the MAC again and Ohio couldn’t keep up with the pace of Troy at all. Troy took a 38-7 halftime lead and I was having a hard time justifying watching that game over the Penn State volleyball match. Troy redshirt sophomore QB Corey Robinson had 285 yards and four touchdowns—at halftime. Ohio senior QB Boo Jackson didn’t start because of academic issues and by the time he got going it was too late. This game was not nearly as close as the score suggests and this game ended a dud of a Saturday on bowl season’s opening weekend.
My MVP: Troy QB Corey Robinson 32-42 387 yards, 4 TD
No. 32 Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, Dec. 30
Washington (7-6) 19, Nebraska (10-4) 7
In my preview, I wrote the ONLY chance Washington had of beating Nebraska was if Nebraska didn’t show up motivated and ready to play. Then guess what happened…Nebraska didn’t show up motivated and ready to play. That made this game an automatic dud. Taylor Martinez got hurt for the Huskers, not that it mattered because the effort wasn’t there while he was playing. 12 penalties on Nebraska—12. Karma caught up to Bo Pelini for complaining about bad calls on penalties all year because all 12 of those penalties were legit. Washington dominated on both fronts and ran for 268 yards. Washington was really in full control the whole way, Jake Locker goes out a winner. Nebraska gets embarrassed and so does everyone who picked them. A lot of people admitted they never gave Washington a chance to win. At least I gave them a chance, right?
My MVP: Washington QB Jake Locker 5-16 56 yards; 13 carries for 83 yards, TD
Co-MVP: Washington LB Mason Foster
No. 31 Military Bowl, Dec. 29
Maryland (9-4) 51, East Carolina (6-7) 20
A lot of penalties in this game, 15 for East Carolina and 11 for Maryland. The players were chippy with each other a lot and one team played inspired for its departing coach and the other team couldn’t get going. East Carolina’s Air Raid offense was held to three points in the first half. The Pirates pulled within 13 in the third but it never had the feel of a competitive game. Maryland ran away with it thanks to 61-yard and 91-yard touchdowns run by Da’Rel Scott.
My MVP: Maryland RB Da’Rel Scott 13 carries for 200 yards, 2 TD
No. 30 New Mexico Bowl, Dec. 18
BYU (7-6) 52, UTEP (6-7) 24
UTEP had negative five total yards in the first quarter while BYU’s offense clicked on every level. Freshman quarterback Jake Heaps had precision passing going for 264 yards and four touchdowns. UTEP senior quarterback Trevor Vittatoe was clearly bothered by a preexisting ankle injury as he threw three key interceptions. Senior running back Donald Buckram was also hobbled by a preexisting injury and was ineffective. Not the most exciting way to start this year’s bowl season but it was fun to watch the development of Jake Heaps. Tough to beat last year’s first bowl game that was the double overtime Wyoming win over Fresno State, anyway.
My MVP: BYU QB Jake Heaps 25-34 264 yards, 4 TD
No. 29 Progressive Gator Bowl, Jan. 1
Mississippi State (9-4) 52, Michigan (7-6) 14
Hopefully football in the state of Michigan on New Year’s Day isn’t a sign of what’s to come for the state of Michigan in 2011. Michigan State was clobbered by Alabama and Michigan didn’t do much either. Denard Robinson made a few plays but couldn’t do it himself against Mississippi State’s defense. The Bulldogs really came to play as they poured 52 points on the Michigan defense that didn’t come to play. Oh wait, they did come to play, they’re just that bad. It’s harder to score against air than it is to score against Michigan’s defense. Although I thought this game would be interesting when Michigan somehow led 14-10 at halftime, but Mississippi State scored 42 unanswered points as Chris Relf, yes CHRIS RELF, dissected the Michigan secondary. With three other bowl games going on at the same time as this one, this was the one that was the least appealing. My eyes wandered often from the screen that this game was on.
My MVP: Mississippi State QB Chris Relf 18-23 281 yards, 3 TD
No. 28 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Dec. 24
Tulsa (10-3) 62, Hawaii (10-4) 35
It was a shootout alright, but even shootouts can turn into one-sided affairs when one team turns it over as often as Hawaii did with six turnovers despite having more total yards than Tulsa. The two teams combined for four touchdowns in a span of two minutes and thirty-one seconds. Damaris Johnson broke the all-time record for most all-purpose yards while averaging 21.7 yards per touch. Hawaii’s defense was overmatched. Turnovers killed them, but Tulsa’s offensive onslaught was still fun to watch.
My MVP: Tulsa WR Damaris Johnson 4 receptions for 101 yards, TD; 98 rushing yards, 2 TD
No. 27 Hyundai Sun Bowl, Dec. 31
Notre Dame (8-5) 33, Miami (7-6) 17
This game did not come close to living up to the hype of the “Catholics vs. Convicts” remake. One team showed up to play and the other didn’t. Miami’s Jacory Harris threw three interceptions right off the bat before Stephen Morris took over and also threw a pick. Notre Dame took a 27-3 lead into halftime, Miami got a last-second field goal to get on the board before the half was over. In the second half though, Miami’s defense really started to lock down but the offense wasn’t producing which kept this game from getting real interesting. Miami didn’t quit though and they got two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It was great to see Miami fight back, but they didn’t make it interesting enough for me so I rank this game low.
My MVP: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd 9 receptions for 109 yards, 2 TD
No. 26 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 23
San Diego State (9-4) 35, Navy (9-4) 14
Navy didn’t have an answer for San Diego State’s passing game. They tried to keep everything in front but gave up chunks of yardage all game long. We had a scoreless third quarter making it seem like Navy had a chance but San Diego State erupted on offense in the fourth quarter and it was over. Navy couldn’t tackle the receivers in space or stop the run game with Ronnie Hillman. San Diego State won its first bowl game since 1969. The Aztecs are fun to watch.
My MVP: San Diego State RB Ronnie Hillman 28 carries for 228 yards, 3 TD
No. 25 Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 28
NC State (9-4) 23, West Virginia (9-4) 7
There were a lot of distractions within the West Virginia organization and it seemed to have taken a toll from the coaching staff shakeups to Noel Devine’s injury to the loss of center Joe Madsen due to academics. West Virginia ran a reverse with Jock Sanders on the first play of the game but then got away from running jet sweeps. Tavon Austin and Jock Sanders were involved on quick screens but the NC State defense swarmed.
West Virginia lost three fumbles, turned it over on downs and Geno Smith threw an interception, not to mention a second missed field goal—all in the second half as NC State took advantage of field position. Russell Wilson put on a clinic of keeping plays alive and finding guys downfield and pretty much moved the ball at will against what was an underrated West Virginia defense.
My MVP: NC State QB Russell Wilson 28-45 275 yards, 2 TD
No. 24 uDrove Humanitarian Bowl, Dec. 18
Northern Illinois (11-3) 40, Fresno State (8-5) 17
Fresno State opened with a nice drive to score first but it was all Northern Illinois after that. Playing for interim head coach Tom Matukewicz, NIU came out with all the energy on offense and defense. Matukewicz himself was pure entertainment. Cool guy. NIU junior QB Chandler Harnish had another great day and burned Fresno on QB Draw plays for his two rushing touchdowns. NIU’s defense got pressure on Fresno senior QB Ryan Colburn all day long and Fresno sophomore running back Robbie Rouse was not 100% as he played with a club on his broken hand. NIU got the run game with Chad Spann going in the second half and it was over. The Huskies win a school-record 11 games this season. In another impressive offensive display.
My MVP: Northern Illinois QB Chandler Harnish 17-26 300 yards, TD; 72 rushing yards, 2 TD
No. 23 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 30
Army (7-6) 16, SMU (7-7) 14
What a tale of two halves as Army’s defense dominated the first as they put 16 points on the board and then SMU shut down Army’s triple-option in the second half and scored touchdowns on their first two possessions. But SMU kicker Mike Szymanski missed what could have been the game-winning field goal with 4:05 left. SMU had one timeout and Army was able to pick up crucial first downs. Three first half turnovers killed SMU while Army went the entire game without a penalty. Maybe that’s why it was boring, not a lot of offense and no penalties to get fired up about.
My MVP: Army RB Jared Hassin 18 carries for 82 yards
No. 22 Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29
Oklahoma State (11-2) 36, Arizona (7-6) 10
Another one-sided shootout. Seems like we had a lot of those this year. Arizona goes on to lose five straight games to finish the season but they fought hard. A lot of pressure on Nick Foles and he threw three interceptions and Arizona couldn’t run. The Blackmon and Criner Show was fun for the first few minutes until Juron Criner became just another guy on the Arizona offense while Justin Blackmon continued to put on a clinic. Not a lot of excitement out of this game except watching Blackmon though.
My MVP: Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon 9 receptions for 117 yards, 2 TD
No. 21 Texas Bowl, Dec. 29
Illinois (7-6) 38, Baylor (7-6) 14
Looked like Baylor was content with just getting to a bowl game for the first time since 1994. Illinois took a 24-0 nothing lead and Nathan Scheelhaase was perfect passing in the first half. Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford ran all over Baylor as that mismatch was exposed. Baylor’s Robert Griffin III got going in the second half but it was too late and the defense wasn’t helping him at all. Nice end to the game though as Scheelhaase scored on a 55-yard touchdown run on a wide-open bootleg and then Illinois kicked off with a linebacker and Art Briles didn’t appreciate that and his Baylor team spent the last seconds of the game shooting for the end zone. Gotta love that.
My MVP: Illinois RB Mikel LeShoure 29 carries for 184 yards, 3 TD
No. 20 AT&T Cotton Bowl, Jan. 7
LSU (11-2) 41, Texas A&M (9-4) 24
See whenever we expect defensive battles, we get a lot of points and vice versa. Who knew Jordan Jefferson could make some of the throws he made in this games (well you knew if you watched Jefferson play as a freshman in 2008 but that’s a distant memory). LSU actually scoring points on offense and Texas A&M committing turnovers with Ryan Tannehill throwing three interceptions made this game somewhat enjoyable. There was a lot of action to say the least. The most surprising part was that Patrick Peterson was quiet in this game for LSU as freshman corner Tyrann Mathieu stole the spotlight. Texas A&M didn’t end their season on a good note with the four turnovers and an interception and a fumble on their last two possessions, but the biggest disappointment was Les Miles’ postgame interview. It wasn’t classic Les. I don’t know what happened, I guess he didn’t eat his grass.
My MVP: LSU WR Terrence Tolliver 5 catches for 112 yards, 3 TD
Co-MVP: LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu INT, sack
No. 19 Chick-fil-A Bowl, Dec. 31
Florida State (10-4) 26, South Carolina (9-5) 17
In the 20 minutes of this game, Stephen Garcia had already thrown three interceptions and Marcus Lattimore was lot with a concussion. Florida State also lost Christian Ponder. And after all that, we had a heck of a second half. South Carolina found a run game without Lattimore with Kenny Miles and Tommy Maddox filling in, but they couldn’t stop the FSU running of Chris Thompson and EJ Manuel kept driving and creating plays against South Carolina’s defense. Play of the game was the SC trick play with Ace Sanders throwing a touchdown pass to Garcia, but FSU marched right back down the field and a late touchdown made it a two possession game.
My MVP: Florida State CB Greg Reid 2 forced fumbles, dynamic returns
Co-MVP: Florida State RB Chris Thompson 25 carries for 147 yards, TD
No. 18 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, Jan. 9
Nevada (13-1) 20, Boston College (7-6) 13
This was the matchup of Nevada’s No. 1 rush offense vs. Boston College’s No. 2 rush defense, but because the schedules aren’t similar, you can’t always go on those stats. Well, those stats were true. You just waited all game long for Nevada’s offense to break out a big play and in the end, Nevada had just one run for double digit yardage that I can remember and there was only one big play on a screen pass to Rishard Matthews. Boston College’s defense really stood strong against Nevada’s pistol offense but they only mustered 13 points against Nevada, which is my problem, against Nevada. Nevada’s defense isn’t that good, BC on offense is just that bad. The finish to this game where Boston College got within a touchdown late in the game and had a game-tying drive set up didn’t quite make up for the rest of the boring game. The game was dull despite being Sunday night primetime and a fairly close game although it felt like Nevada had it in the bag. Chase Rettig threw an interception to close out the game on what could have been the drive where BC sent it to overtime. After the game, Nevada coach Chris Ault said, “That’s Boston College; that’s a BCS football team. They’re pretty damn good.” Not sure if I buy that. Just saying.
My MVP: Nevada WR Rishard Matthews 7 catches for 86 yards, TD; 72 yard punt return TD
No. 17 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Petersburg Bowl, Dec. 21
Louisville (7-6) 31, Southern Miss (7-6) 28
A 21-21 game at halftime stayed that way through the third quarter before both teams scored touchdowns in the first twenty seconds of the fourth quarter. Southern Miss did a great job of defending the run in the first half, but Louisville gained a lot of yards through the “Wildcard” formation with Bilal Powell and were able to ice the game. Louisville CB Johnny Patrick is my MVP and had a crucial blocked field goal while Jeremy Wright’s 95 yard kickoff return turned all the momentum Louisville’s way. Those were the two most exciting plays of the night, both favoring Louisville, but we also can’t forget about that insane one-handed snag that Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis made on a wide-receiver pass play for a touchdown. By far, the best play of the bowl season.
My MVP: Louisville CB Johnny Patrick fumble recovery and blocked field goal
No. 16 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, Dec. 27
Air Force (7-6) 14, Georgia Tech (6-7) 7
At least I was right saying Air Force’s defense and ability to pass would be the difference in this one. Just thought there would be more big plays though. We still got a great show of triple-option offenses. The Air Force falcon provided some entertainment by flying into downtown Shreveport and ESPN reporting on the search for the runaway falcon.
Georgia Tech’s three lost fumbles, two muffed punts, didn’t help and Air Force took advantage. Air Force also had a very nicely executed fake punt reverse. Georgia Tech made it interesting in the end before Tevin Washington threw an interception to Jon Davis on the one yard line to end it.
My MVP: Air Force QB Tim Jefferson 11-23 117 yards, 25 rushing yards
No. 15 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas, Dec. 22
Boise State (12-1) 26, Utah (10-3) 3
This was a great game to watch to see a lot of fumbling from both sides. It was a sloppy performance all around. Utah shut out Boise State in the first quarter for the first time all year but for the rest of the game it was all about Boise State’s defense. Utah got nothing done offensively even though some huge dropped passes really hurt them and cost them some touchdowns. It could have been a different game. Boise State’s offense clicked as usual as Kellen Moore continues towards his clockwork degree. Boise State, offensively and defensively, is just so much fun to watch no matter what the score is. I enjoyed this game.
My MVP: Boise State WR Austin Pettis 12 receptions for 147 yards, TD
No. 14 Discover Orange Bowl, Jan. 3
Stanford (12-1) 40, Virginia Tech (11-3) 12
Because I was at this game in-person and had a great time, I may be biased a little bit towards this game. The score suggests a blowout but being there in Section 140, it did not feel like a blowout at all. The Virginia Tech fans left early so yeah they were disappointed, but it felt like a meaningful game all the way through my own eyes. There was no way a 40-12 score was going to make me leave early or stop being intently focused on what was happening on the field. It was just a great showing by Stanford. A 13-12 game at halftime suggested a good game until Stanford’s defense dominated the second half and the offensive line opened up huge holes for the running backs and Andrew Luck finally carved up the VT defense that anchored Stanford’s wide receivers in Stanford’s first two possessions. Getting an opportunity to see Andrew Luck live is something I was so humbled for and will never forget. I think that in itself made this a great game to watch for me, so yes, I’m biased towards this game.
My MVP: Stanford QB Andrew Luck 18-23 287 yards, 4 TD
Co-MVP: Stanford TE Coby Fleener 6 catches for 173 yards, 3 TD
No. 13 TicketCity Bowl, Jan. 1
Texas Tech (8-5) 45, Northwestern (7-6) 38
This game was really overshadowed by the three other bowl games that were going on at the same time but with the help of an extra TV and computer I was able to keep an eye on this one. When Texas Tech took the 31-9 lead, it looked over but Northwestern opened up the playbook, got Kain Colter involved, and roared all the way back. Jordan Mabin had a pick six to bring Northwestern within a touchdown with five minutes to go, but Texas Tech was able to control the ball the rest of the way. Taylor Potts had a huge day for Tech which kept Steven Sheffield off the field.
My MVP: Texas Tech QB Taylor Potts 43-56 369 yards, 4 TD
Co-MVP: Texas Tech RB Eric Stephens 14 carries for 126 yards, TD
No. 12 Meineke Car Care Bowl, Dec. 31
South Florida (8-5) 31, Clemson (6-7) 26
Kyle Parker started off a rough day for ACC quarterbacks as he broke his ribs just before halftime and later on that day Miami’s QB’s threw a bunch of picks and Ponder went out for FSU. Clemson got absolutely nothing from the run game. South Florida was putting on a smooth sailing clinic offensively with BJ Daniels, but they almost lost a 31-13 lead and Tajh Boyd brought Clemson back in the final two minutes of the game with a touchdown, onside kick, touchdown and almost another onside kick but DeAndre McDaniel touched it inches before it went ten yards for the illegal touching penalty and South Florida kneeled the game to an end. Skip Holtz jumping into Daniels’ postgame interview moves this game’s entertainment value up a little.
My MVP: South Florida QB BJ Daniels 20-27 189 yards, 2 TD
No. 11 Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1
Alabama (10-3) 49, Michigan State (11-2) 7
This was the most entertaining 49-7 game I have ever watched. I was a little worried for how motivated Alabama would be. A score of 49-0 later, I got my answer. Michigan State was completely overmatched and they have no argument that they got snubbed by the BCS anymore. It was humiliating for the Spartans. Alabama’s defense was dominant, getting to Kirk Cousins every time and shutting down the MSU run game. 21 carries for 28 yards for Sparty. Michigan State finally scored a touchdown on a trick play against Alabama’s third string defenders. Luckily for Bama, their fourth string guys didn’t make the trip, otherwise they might have given up two touchdowns. Alabama is still the best team in the country on paper, and they showed it. They dominated both sides of the ball, Eddie Lacy had the biggest day for the three running backs and Greg McElroy was precision passing in his final game and even AJ McCarron came in and didn’t throw an incompletion. I never root for Alabama, I hate Alabama, but this was just so much fun to watch. It was so dominating that it was fun to see Alabama pour it on.
My MVP: Alabama Running backs Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy 27 carries for 187 yards, 5 TD
Co-MVP: Alabama QB Greg McElroy 13-17 220 yards, TD
Co-MVP: Alabama DT Marcel Dareus
No. 10 GoDaddy.com Bowl, Jan. 6
Miami of Ohio (10-4) 35, Middle Tennessee (6-7) 21
If you didn’t watch this game you missed you out. There are not too many bowls, and there’s definitely not too much where you can’t watch them all. Miami is a great story, these guys went 1-11 last year and now finish 10-4. Even after winning the MAC Championship they got stuck in the MAC’s third-tier bowl and they lost head coach Mike Haywood. And after all that, they became the first, and likely the last, college football team to go from a season of double-digit losses to a season of double-digit wins. Truly remarkable. It honestly is. If you watched the game, you saw history from start to finish. If you didn’t, don’t pretend you did. I actually had the Blue Raiders in this game because of the talent level and I expected Dwight Dasher to play well in his final collegiate game and likely his final game ever as a quarterback but five turnovers including four interceptions did not result in a good night. Midway through the game though I found myself rooting for the RedHawks for all they’ve accomplished. A 21-21 game in the third quarter and looked like we were headed for a shootout, it had been back-and-forth all game but Middle Tennessee’s offense was stymied for the rest of the game. We had rumors that Miami was stealing Middle Tennessee’s signs because their offensive coordinator was the OC at Middle Tennessee last year so he knew all the signals and was relaying what the play call was to the Miami defense. If true, shame on Middle Tennessee for not changing its offensive signals, but it sure did look like the RedHawks’ defense knew what was coming for the rest of the game, it really did. In the fourth quarter, they had plenty of chances to come back but Dasher continued to throw picks. Miami scored a touchdown with five minutes to go to ice the game and Dasher threw another pick to end his career.
My MVP: Miami (OH) WR Nick Harwell 7 catches for 86 yards, TD
Co-MVP: Miami (OH) QB Austin Boucher 22-35 289 yards, 2 TD…and kissed Danica Patrick on the Awards Podium
No. 9 Insight Bowl, Dec. 28
Iowa (8-5) 27, Missouri (10-3) 24
Iowa led 20-10 in the third quarter before Missouri’s offense really started clicking. Blaine Gabbert was precision passing all game long until his second big interception that Micah Hyde returned 72 yards for Iowa’s winning touchdown with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter. At the time, Missouri led 24-20 but could not put the Hawkeyes away in the fourth quarter as they punted it away twice before that crucial interception. Gabbert finished 41-57 for 434 yards for a bowl record in completions while Iowa true freshman running back Marcus Coker set the bowl record of 219 rushing yards.
A controversial foruth down conversion by Missouri on its last breath was overturned by replay and Iowa got the ball back and converted a third-and-three with a deep bootleg pass to Allen Reisner who was down at the one-yard line. Iowa kneeled it from there to win despite being shorthanded due to suspensions. Missouri’s TJ Moe also set the bowl record for receptions with 15, but it was his 16th catch that was overturned that might have been the difference.
My MVP: Iowa RB Marcus Coker 33 carries for 219 yards, 2 TD
No. 8 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Dec. 31
Central Florida (11-3) 10, Georgia (6-7) 6
What a wonderful opportunity Central Florida of Conference USA got to take down a SEC team. Tenacious, underappreciated defense of Central Florida absolutely shut down AJ Green and the Georgia offense. Loved watching that. No one gave this UCF defense enough credit and that got to my head thinking maybe I should doubt them so I gave Georgia 25 points in my prediction. Should’ve stuck with my gut, this is a special UCF team. The SEC defense did prove a tougher challenge for UCF but nothing a George O’Leary coached team couldn’t handle. Jeff Godfrey threw two interceptions but the defense bailed him out and UCF finally went on an 11-play drive that ended with a Latavius Murray rushing touchdown for the only touchdown of the game that was enough to win it. Georgia got one last opportunity to win the game and a endzone shot to AJ Green fell incomplete and the officials, wary of what happened in the Music City Bowl, reviewed the play before declaring the game over and added two seconds to the clock for Georgia to try one last Hail Mary that got UCF knocked away and the celebration was on. Huge win. Great game despite the lack of offense.
My MVP: Central Florida DE Bruce Miller
No. 7 AllState Sugar Bowl, Jan. 4
Ohio State (12-1) 31, Arkansas (10-3) 26
All you can say about this game is wow, Arkansas had the game handed to them by Ohio State and they blew it. I remember watching the end of this game in the hotel in Miami and telling my brother Arkansas was going throw a pick. Two plays later, Ryan Mallett threw the interception into the arms of Solomon Thomas, one of the “Tat 5” that should or should not have been suspended for this game. If you really look at it, the “Tat 5” played an instrumental role in winning this game for Ohio State. Thomas had the least amount of impact but his would be the biggest as it sealed the game. Arkansas was down 28-10 at halftime but some key defensive adjustments made this a game as Arkansas made a furious comeback. Once it got to 31-26 I thought just maybe Arkansas would score a touchdown and make my prediction of Arkansas 33, Ohio State 31 right on. Nope, I’m not that lucky. Arkansas would go on to block the Ohio State field goal and then throw an interception. The image that sticks in my head is that Arkansas just had to scoop the ball up and walk into the end zone but instead they fell on it to ensure possession. Can’t blame him, that’s what your taught to do. What else stands out? All the Arkansas drops, not only by the receivers, but on potential interceptions, too.
My MVP: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor 14-25 221 yards, 2 TD; 115 rushing yards
No. 6 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Dec. 26
Florida International (7-6) 34, Toledo (8-5) 32
What an epic game and congratulations to Florida International on winning its first ever bowl game. Just the reaction at the end was amazing. FIU coach Mario Cristobal exhausted and out of breath in his interview and finishing by saying, “That is awesome! That is awesome!” That’s the excitement of college football. You don’t get this in the NFL or in any other sport. ESPN’s JC Pearson said it best, “That is what college football is all about.”
FIU’s offense got off to a slow start but a 17-point deficit faded away as the Golden Panthers scored two touchdowns in five minutes on a TY Hilton 89-yard kick return and an interception that resulted in an eventual touchdown.
FIU took a 31-24 lead, but Toledo’s QB Terrance Owens is really something. I was so impressed with him against Bowling Green and Central Michigan and after some interceptions today he took Toledo on what was almost a game-winning drive as he dove into the end-zone on a zone-read play and Toledo converted the two-point conversion to take a 32-31 lead. But the Rockets left 1:31 on the clock and FIU took it downfield, converted a 4th-and-17 on a hook-and-ladder and set up a game-winning 34 yard field goal for Jack Griffin to win it. What a game.
And people say that bowl games like these don’t matter. This is college football. I love it.
My MVP: FIU WR T.Y. Hilton receiving TD, 89-yard game-changing kick return TD
No. 5 New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Dec. 30
Syracuse (8-5) 36, Kansas State (7-6) 34
What a game. Got exactly what we expected out of the Syracuse offense pounding with Delone Carter against K-State’s 119th ranked rush defense. Kansas State had a lot more balance offensively especially passing. Both coaches pulled out the good old flea flicker. Just such an entertaining game with back and forth scoring. And what a controversial ending as Adrian Hilburn was flagged for excessive celebration after saluting the crowd after his TD which pushed the two-point conversion game-tying attempt to the 18 yard line and Carson Coffman overshot his receiver and it was game over. What a great game though.
My MVP: Syracuse RB Delone Carter 27 carries for 202 yards, 2 TD
No. 4 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Dec. 30
North Carolina (8-5) 30, Tennessee (6-7) 27 (double overtime)
Can you believe that Derek Dooley had to go through this twice? The last two minutes of the first half was the best two minute stretch of football we had up to this point. Tyler Bray hit Da’Rick Rogers on a dime for a long Tennessee touchdown and North Carolina came right back with TJ Yates to Erik Highsmith before the half. Tennessee took the lead after a scoreless third quarter but the extra point was blocked. That hurt. Then, North Carolina’s final drive: Yates to Todd Harrelson for 28 yards + 15 yard penalty on Janzen Jackson, Yates 12 yards to Dwight Jones (catch was reviewed and upheld), Shaun Draugh run but the clock is ticking down, UNC field goal unit running onto the field, no timeouts, Yates wants to spike it, GETS IT but the clock hit zero. Game over. Handshake. Tennessee celebrates. Game is DECLARED OVER. Then under review, one second added to the clock. Carolina lines up for the field goal to send it to overtime and IT’S GOOD. Derek Dooley is an extremely made fellow. North Carolina goes on to win in double overtime after a Tyler Bray interception to the man, Quan Sturdivant. It doesn’t get more hectic than that, folks. Worst part about it, North Carolina was penalized five yards for having 17 guys on the field when they spiked the ball. Otherwise game would have been over as it should have been with a Tennessee win. Such a joke.
My MVP: North Carolina RB Shaun Draughn 23 carries for 160 yards, TD
No. 3 Outback Bowl, Jan. 1
Florida (8-5) 37, Penn State (7-6) 24
This had all the makings of a great game from two historical programs who had similar seasons to a matchup of the Big Ten vs. the SEC to the storylines behind the game with Urban Meyer’s retirement and Joe Paterno’s 400th win. The game lived up to the hype.
Back and forth action with one of Florida’s touchdowns coming on a blocked punt return. Florida really didn’t have a lot going offensively but it capitalized on field position from special teams. Five interceptions from Penn State QB Matt McGloin was the deciding factor. Down 30-24, Penn State had one last chance for a game-winning drive and I felt like Urban Meyer’s career could have come to an end in two different ways that would have been appropriate: 1) a win or 2) a last second loss to a Joe Paterno coached team. Either one had a chance to happen. McGloin threw another interception and it was an 80-yard pick six by Ahmad Black to seal the deal for Urban Meyer and Florida.
My MVP: Florida S Ahmad Black 2 interceptions, TD
No. 2 Rose Bowl presented by Vizio, Jan. 1
TCU (13-0) 21, Wisconsin (11-2) 19
This was the game for “all the little guys.” So much was made of the size advantage that Wisconsin had over TCU, but the two teams combined for the highest scoring first quarter in Rose Bowl history. Then the two defenses started getting some key stops and the second half was full of defensive stands as neither team turned the ball over. TCU took an eight point lead into the fourth quarter and Wisconsin got the ball with about seven minutes left and pounded it with their running game finally wearing down TCU and scored a touchdown with about two minutes left in the game. That methodical drive eliminated all chances that they would get the ball back so the two-point conversion for the tie was a must. After pounding the ball the entire drive, Wisconsin lined up in shotgun for the two-point try and the pass was knocked down by TCU linebacker Tank Carder. I just don’t get why Wisconsin lined up in shotgun, but I remember the anxiety I felt at the end of this game. Every blood cell was dancing. This was an epic Rose Bowl with Gary Patterson saying, “We just won the Rose Bowl!” Now, all the talk about TCU winning it for the little guys out there, I don’t buy that at all, they were playing for three letters: T-C-U.
My MVP: TCU LB Tank Carder
Co-MVP: TCU QB Andy Dalton 15-23 219 yards, TD; 28 rushing yards, TD
No. 1 BCS National Championship Game, Jan. 10
Auburn (14-0) 22, Oregon (12-1) 19
Last year, the BCS Championship Game ranked fourth. This year, it lived up the hype and it will be number one (also partially because the other bowl games this year just weren’t that great). We didn’t get all the points we wanted, but we got the up-tempo nonstop action style of football that we all crave for the sake of energy and excitement. I was on the edge of my seat (if I wasn’t standing) for almost every snap of this game. Oregon threw in a lot of new wrinkles to mix things up, some worked some didn’t. What worked: the fake kick and option pitch from punter to kicker. After a scoreless first quarter we had a one possession game the rest for the entire game and Oregon finally broke through to tie the game with 2:33 left. All Auburn would do is march right down the field and set up a championship-winning field goal by Wes Byrum, the school’s all-time leading scorer, as time expired on the 2010 college football season. There’s not much more to say about this game because we all saw it, right? What a way to finish. Congratulations Auburn, you were dubbed my Team of Destiny and you didn’t make me look like an idiot. Oh and don’t let me forget to say this: Cam Newton did not come close Vince Young’s performance on Jan. 4, 2006.
My MVP: Auburn DT Nick Fairley had a monster game
Co-MVP: Auburn RB Michael Dyer 22 carries for 143 yards, 37 yard run set up game-winning field goal
Honorable Mention: Auburn QB Cam Newton 20-34 265 yards, 2 TD; 64 rushing yards
Honorable Mention: Auburn FS Zac Etheridge, interception and quarterbacked the secondary that gave up big plays when he wasn’t in there.
It's been a while since the BCS National Championship Game ranked as my No. 1 game.
MY 2010-11 ALL-BOWL TEAM
Quarterback:
Corey Robinson, Fr., Troy
Andrew Luck, So., Stanford
Running back:
Marcus Coker, Fr., Iowa
Ronnie Hillman, So., San Diego State
Fullback:
Henry Hynoski, Jr., Pittsburgh
Tight End:
Coby Fleener, Sr., Stanford
Receivers:
Ryan Broyles, Jr., Oklahoma
Michael Floyd, Jr., Notre Dame
Justin Blackmon, So., Oklahoma State
Defensive Linemen:
Nick Fairley, Jr., Auburn
Corey Liuget, Jr., Illinois
Marcel Dareus Jr., Alabama
Bruce Miller, Sr., Central Florida
Linebackers:
Mason Foster, Sr., Washington
Martez Wilson, Jr., Illinois
Alex Wujciak, Sr., Maryland
Terrell Manning, So., NC State
Safety:
Jeron Johnson, Sr., Boise State
Delano Howell, Jr., Stanford
Corner:
Greg Reid, So., Florida State
Tyrann Mathieu, Fr., LSU
Kicker: Wes Byrum, Sr., Auburn
Punter: Bill Claus, Jr., Toledo
See y'all next year.
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