New Year's Day Bowl Games

This is the battle of the Big Ten vs. SEC. This is the biggest day of the year for conference bragging rights. It's always the Big Ten, and the SEC. Now we have three games today, all going on at the same time. We'll see whose got what today.


Outback Bowl: Penn State (7-5) vs. Florida (7-5)

Both of these teams have had somewhat disappointing seasons. Penn State hasn't beaten anyone of worth this year and they got blown away by Illnois. Penn State is always good at fundementals and not shooting themselves in the foot, and that is what they are going to have to do here if they want to win the game.

I'm not sure if Steve Adazio leaving for Temple is a good or bad thing for Florida's offense. They could not get anything going all year, and I see no real reason why they would be able to get something going in this game. The players have been threw a whirlwind of emotions with all of the coaching changes, we'll see how that effects them.

This Florida team doesn't want to go down as the worst team during the best decade of Florida football. Their last game was a thrashing by Florida State, and they need this game to salvage this season and send Meyer out a winner. I think the Gators get the job done, but it is close.


Capitol One Bowl: Michigan State (11-1) vs. Alabama (9-3)

Nick Saban facing the Spartans for the first time since he left there after the 1999 season. Even though Alabama is 9-3, that doesn't mean they aren't an elite team. And even though Michigan State is 11-1, that doesn't mean they are an elite team. That is why Bama is a 10 favorite in this game.

Michigan State survived this season by avoiding the tough road games (except Iowa, playing good football, and being clutch in late-game situations. But this ain't the Big Ten, they are entering the big time now. McElroy, Ingram, Jones, this is probably the last game they'll play for the Tide. I don't expect them to roll over like Alabama did two years ago vs. Utah. Bama wins this game...maybe big.


Gator Bowl: Michigan (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4)

This is the first time in a bowl game since 2007 for both of these teams. Rich Rod is on the hot seat and Dan Mullen is the hottest coach in America. There is definitely more motivation of the side of the Wolverines, but MSU will have the crowd and the momentum of an incredible season in Starkville.

Michigan relies on one thing, and one thing alone, Denard Robinson. He's a 188 pound QB; in contrast, Chris Relf is 240+. Michigan's offense is ranked 6th in the nation, but their defense is 105th. They've given up 30 or more points in 8 of 12 games this year.

Mississippi State has a good offense and defense. So this won't be a shootout because the Bulldog D will make some stops, whether or not Michigan's D can do the same thing is the question. MSU will be bigger than Michigan, and should be able to dictate the line of scrimmage. I look for State to pull of a win, 42-30.

JB