It’s official; Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach has been fired. If you haven’t heard the story about Leach, you are probably living under a rock. This story has totally shifted the focus from Urban Meyer to Leach and the Texas Tech football program, and for the next few days the media will continue to analyze and discuss this story just as they did the Meyer situation. I saw a phone interview on ESPN yesterday with Leach’s attorney Ted Liggett, and I’m not saying Leach is guilty or not guilty, but Liggett sounded like he was BSing the whole thing. I know that attorneys are said to be liars, but if a seventeen year old can see right through your words, you’re probably not doing your job very well. I expect to see Leach fight to continue coaching, but it is unlikely that he will be wearing the headset on Saturday. This throws a major curveball for my Alamo Bowl pick.
Speaking of bowl games, I had a very good day picking the games for December 29th. UCLA survived, and Wisconsin was able to control the ball and pull out a win in the Champs Sports Bowl. I’m now 8-5 overall, and am becoming more optimistic about my chances to win my group in the College Bowl Mania game.
Today’s games could be just as exciting as yesterday’s. Here are my picks for the December 30th bowl games.
Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl
Bowling Green vs. Idaho
In possibly my favorite bowl game for two reasons (the Blue Field and the sponsor; is it a barbeque grill or a truck stop?) the MAC and WAC will face off, trying to capture their first bowl win of the season for their respective conferences. So far, both conferences are 0-2 in the bowl season. With this being said, I’m going to have to go with Bowling Green. Idaho suffered a 70-45 loss to Nevada, a team who only scored 10 points in the Hawaii Bowl. Falcons QB Tyler Sheehan is first in the MAC with 3664 passing yards, so he should be able to pass all over the Vandal defense. As long as the cold weather and blue field don’t get to Bowling Green, they should come away with a win.
Final Score: 44-27 Bowling Green
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Arizona vs. Nebraska
The Holiday Bowl is historically a game that features two teams with high octane offenses capable of scoring in the high 30s to 40s. This game will probably not feature such offensive fireworks, as Nebraska comes in with one of the best defenses in the nation, giving up just 11.2 PPG (good for 2nd best, behind Alabama). Arizona comes in with a defense giving up only 315.8 yards per game, which is second best in the Pac-10. Like yesterday’s Champs Sports Bowl, this game should come down to who can control the ball on offense. I’m going out on a limb and saying Arizona will upset the Cornhuskers, who have trouble scoring against anyone. Here’s a thought for Bo Pelini: hire Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator, and then Nebraska would have a powerful offense and defense. That, my friends, is smart thinking.
Final Score: 24-20 Arizona
I have Bowling Green for 18 points, and Arizona for 5 points in the College Bowl Mania game. Hopefully I can continue my winning streak and go into New Years Eve happy. Five bowl games are being played tomorrow; it should be a joy getting up and writing about all of them before noon.
– K. Becks
