Man, how's this for a downer on NFL Opening Day (or Opening Kickoff)? Chris Berman's "Swami" character, and its schticky goodness, turns thirty years-old this season and boy does that make me feel old. There's even more bad news.....The Swami is back once again with more predictions sure to lose you betters a ton of money!

I can't believe there's a person on this planet that finds the act funny, but for some reason I watch the "Swam" feature intently every time it comes on. The predictions almost always make no sense, it's dreadfully unfunny and the costumes are just ridiculous, but Berman has somehow managed to keep it going for 30-years as of this season. Oh how the time flies.

(FYI- I'm not going to be able to pull off a live-blog for tonight because something came up. If you come across any interesting quotes be sure to email them my way and I'll have videos and reviews up either tonight or early tomorrow.)

So here's what you need to know. Yes, there is an AA Pick 'Em group over at Yahoo and yes there will be a prize. I don't have an I-Phone to give away this time, but I've got some cold hard cash for the winner and a t-shirt. How does $100 and one of AA's new Gus Johnson inspired shirts sound?

I'm still figuring out the details for live-blogs/open threads so come back later in the week for those, but in the meantime here are the bracket and t-shirt details....

Step #1: Go to Yahoo Sports
Step #2: Click "Join a Group"
Step #3: Click "Join Group" on the left
Step #4: Enter the Group ID: 104534 and the Password: basketball
Step #5: _______________________
Step #6: Profit!!!

So about the shirt. This 289 Design is printed on a Men's Lightweight cotton T-Shirt and has white lettering on a Navy background. It was made in the spirit of March Madness and inspired by the one and only Gus Johnson. Pick one up today for just $15! Scratch that....let's make it $10 if you use the code "SPREADSHIRT227"!!! Get one in time for the Tournament.


Rise and Fire - Gus Johnson Shirt (289 Design-Spreadshirt)
Bracket Pick 'Em (Yahoo Sports)

I almost forgot to look up the Final Standings of the Free I-Phone Pick Em Contest (mainly because I forgot to make my picks last week). Thanks again to Lijit for hooking AA up with the phone and thanks to everyone who participated. You're winner is....

MIKE PRADA of Bullets Forever!!!

Congrats to Mike and his team name of "Thanks4ThePhoneAA" worked out for him pretty well. Good things happen when you intern at the Blog Show. You can click below for the final standings, and thanks again for such a fun contest. Here were your top 5.....

1. Thanx 4 the phone AA , M. Paradis- 147
2. Ealy Entry1, N. Ealy- 142
3. Shoe In , D. Manning- 141
4. VegasB2K , g. schueler- 137
5. Odessa Steps , M. Coale- 136

Final Pick Em Standings (ESPN)

I don't know why ESPN decided to use a cat and bowls of food with the team logos on them, but Francis the cat is beating ESPN's so called "experts" picking this season's winners.

With my courageous pick of Central Michigan last night I am even with Francis, and like the feline.....I'm going Texas tonight (-2.5).

Nothing's really going on today in Sports besides Andy Pettitte admitting to HGH usage (who really cares?), so I'm throwing up a post on the Lijit NFL Pick 'Em Contest. The IPhone for the winner is still in my possession and is just waiting to be mailed out.

1. Ealy Entry1, N. Ealy- 122
2. Thanx 4 the phone AA , M. Paradis- 121
3. stovis , B. McMahon- 119
4. Miller 1 , B. Miller- 115
4. One More Dying Quail , B. Moynahan- 115
6. Jaberwocky Picks , J. McAra- 114
6. MooseCocks , T. Mariano- 114
6. Shoe In , D. Manning- 114
9. Bad Choice Milk! , c. smith- 112
10. VegasB2K , g. schueler- 111
10. Odessa Steps , M. Coale- 111
12. This is my hairstyle , E. DuBois- 110
12. Who are the Chefs? , J. McAninch- 110
14. Marv! , S. Osborne- 109
14. SmittyPeppers , D. C.- 109
14. Signal to Noise , C. Seiler- 109
14. Sanborn 2 , M. Sanborn- 109
14. Awful AtThisThing , J. Sederquist- 109
20. St. Durant Catholic , M. Duron- 108
20. Barry Duffman, OH YE , K. Miller- 108
20. Tieds Entry , S. Tiedemann- 108
20. Hofstra , M. Pankowski- 108
20. Sportsocracy , J. Shireman- 108
25. Announcing Entry1, A. Announcing- 107

I thought Ealy was going to run away with this thing but there are still a few in the hunt with 3 weeks left to go in the Season. Good luck the rest of the way everyone.

Just wanted to take the time to update everyone on the AA Pigskin Pick Em' contest for the I-Phone given to me by Ligit. It's been awhile, so if you're new to the site the great company that runs the pretty search engine on the right sent me an I-Phone and I made it into the prize for the winner of the first ever AA Pigskin Pick Em' contest.

Here are the standings after 7 weeks of the NFL Season.....

1) Ealy Entry1, N. Ealy - 64
2) Jaberwocky Picks , J. McAra - 63
3) Thanx 4 the phone AA , M. Paradis - 58
4) This is my hairstyle , E. DuBois - 57
4) MooseCocks , T. Mariano - 57
6) St. Durant Catholic , M. Duron - 56
6) Miller 1 , B. Miller - 56
8) Announcing Entry1, A. Announcing - 55
8) Meats of Evil , S. Whitcomb - 55
8) One More Dying Quail , B. Moynahan - 55
8) stovis , B. McMahon - 55
8) Jeanne Creamer , B. Sonnet - 55
8) Hofstra , M. Pankowski - 55

It appears Mr. Ealy and Mr. McAra are running away with this thing, but I want everyone to know that I'm coming on strong and I'm keeping that damn phone if I win (not really). Also, the Awful Girlfriend is sitting in 14th place and if I finish behind her I'm going to never hear the end of it. Does anyone have Tonya Harding's phone number?

FYI- This post is going to stay at the top for the next day or so. All the rest of the AA goodness will still take place underneath (still read this one if you haven't yet).

Yep, you read that right. The company that runs the search engine that you folks use on the right everyday sent me a brand new IPhone to do with what I please. Well I'm passing their love onto you! I've set up an NFL Pick Em' League over at ESPN and the winner of the league at the end of the year gets a free IPhone thanks to the fine folks over at Lijit (everyone say thanks to Tara in the comments).

So instead of the huge Survivor Pool I was trying to come up with (Don't worry there will still be prizes for that. Who knew every site only allows you 50 participants?) we're trying this out. The league is based on spreads, so if you don't know how to pick based on that criteria feel free to shoot me (or your degenerate uncle) an email. I will be giving out AA Ozarks T-Shirts to finishers 2-5, and while that doesn't compare to the cost of an IPhone...it is getting better reviews.

Sign up quick because the season starts in two days!

Using the power of people, their content, and their connections, Lijit enhances the way your readers search for and discover information on the internet. You serve as a filter for all of the results your readers could possibly receive, ensuring they only receive the most relevant results from the source they trust…YOU. Just like it works in real life.- Ligit

The link below has worked for a few people, but not everyone, and I think it's because you have to be registered first. Another way to get to the AA Pick Em' page is to go to ESPN Fantasy Pick'Em and click join a group. You can then search "Awful Announcing" and find it that way.

Awful Announcing NFL Pick Em' League (ESPN Fantasy)
Lijit Search (Lijit.com)

The link has worked for a few people, but not everyone, and I think it's because you have to be registered first. Another way to get to the AA Pick Em' page is to go to ESPN Fantasy Pick'Em and click join a group. You can then search "Awful Announcing" and find it that way.

P.S.- This post is going to stay at the top for the next day or so. All the rest of the AA goodness will still take place underneath.

So after 31 games....we've come down to this. It's Mini Me, Bosox, and the DC Sports Chick going for the title, and the coveted Harry Reynolds shirt. Yours truly fell off this last run of Bowls along with everyone else.

I have to give it up to the ladies (and Mini) for basically destroying the rest of the competition this last set of games. Espcecially The DC Sports Chick who picked Nevada, Penn State, and Wisconsin to get back into the hunt. Thanks everyone who entered, and I will see you for the live-blog tonight where I will announce the winner (tiebreaker is the final score total).

Mini-Me from WBRS Sports Blog, 18-13
Bosox Siobhan from Opposum-Palooza, 18-13
The DC Sports Chick, 17-14
Brenden G., 16-14
Greg from Sports Betting Blog, 16-14
Awful Announcing, 14-17
Marco from Just Call Me Juice, 14-17
Commenter Sam T, 14-17
Wasting Co. Time, 13-18
Signal to Noise, 12-19
Jakob from The Fan's Attic, 8-23

R.I.P- Those who didn't finish out the contest.....but we love you anyway

Craig W., 10-9
The Awful Girlfriend, 3-5
Jake from Thunder Matts Saloon, 3-5
Off The Baggie, 1-7
Twins15 from Complete Sports, 1-7

Sorry all.....I'm a little late today because of internet issues. No preview as I'm just trying to get this up before it goes out again.

I'm on Cincy -7.5. And your announcers are the stoners Craig and Flutie...with John Saunders. Glad you're feeling better John.

Be sure to join Signal to Noise later for the NFL Playoff Opener KC/Indy at 430. Cheers.

Couple of thoughts while I throw my modem out the damn window....

• Pot is legal in Toronto right? That might explain why Flutie and James keep talking about food.
• Watch SportsCenter later because Washington from VT completely jumped OVER Greg Paulus for a layup....sick.
• Speaking of Paulus....I think it's time to go back to football buddy. He has more turnovers than a bakery (g'damn I'm funny).

Okay.....a quick standings update. We have new Leaders! I've only tallied up through the Alamo Bowl so far (sorry it was all that could fit on the paper at the moment). There are a few of you that just kick ass, and Brenden's Owning Mahoney Style took him on a 7 game winning streak (ass-hat).

Also, I wanted to give a special thanks to Run Up The Score who did an amazing job on the Sugar Bowl Live-Blog. Brian from One More Dying Quail is back to do another crappy Bowl this weekend (The GMAC Bowl, seriously B.....what's with all the car sponsored Bowls?) and Signal to Noise might do an NFL game this weekend.

Thanks for the participation and if you ever want the exposure after a day of cheerleader tooshie then feel free to email to do a live-blog at AwfulAnnouncing@gmail.com.

Mini-Me from WBRS Sports Blog, 12-7
Bosox Siobhan from Opposum-Palooza, 12-7
Awful Announcing, 11-8
The DC Sports Chick, 11-8
Greg from Sports Betting Blog, 11-8
Brenden G., 11-8
Marco from Just Call Me Juice, 11-8
Craig W., 10-9 (error from previous standings fixed)
Commenter Sam T, 10-9
Wasting Co. Time, 9-10
Signal to Noise, 7-12
Jakob from The Fan's Attic, 6-13

The following have submitted games here and there but have incomplete data for the standings. We all still love you though.

The Awful Girlfriend, 3-5
Jake from Thunder Matts Saloon, 3-5
Off The Baggie, 1-7
Twins15 from Complete Sports, 1-7

If there are errors go tell someone who cares......these are the standings. (Or just email me and I will fix them.)

Live-Blog starts tonight and two other live-blogs have been planned for the week as well. Tomorrow the Sugar Bowl will be done by Chris at Run Up The Score and our friend C. from Signal to Noise is doing the Chiefs/Indy game this Saturday. His quote, "I have no particular qualifications outside of having a vicious hate directed at both teams as a Bronco fan, and I figure this will be half the fun." Oh it will!

See you tonight for the Orange Bowl....unless someone really wants to take it off my hands....just kidding.

Update: Forgot to mention that I will be switching back and forth over to Iverson's slaughtering of the Sixers at 9pm as well.
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The FedEx Orange Bowl
Miami, FL- Dolphin Stadium

Wake Forest (11-2) v. Louisville (11-1)





Weather: Light Rain 74 Degrees

Announcers: Matt Vasgersian, Terry Donahue, Pat Haden, and Side-line reporter Laura Okmin (I like this group of folks.....let's see how it plays out)








Past Results (Too many to list.....Bowl Started in 1935): Here's a list of MVPs because you don't care about the past results.

2005	Willie Reid, Florida State, WR
2005	Matt Leinart, Southern California, QB
2004	Jarrett Payton, Miami (Fla.), RB
2003	Carson Palmer, USC, QB
2002	Taylor Jacobs, Florida, WR
2001	Torrance Marshall, Oklahoma, LB
2000	David Terrell, Michigan, WR
1999	Travis Taylor, Florida, WR
1998	Ahman Green, Nebraska, RB
1997	Damon Benning, Nebraska, RB
	Ken Oxendine, Virginia Tech, RB
1996	Andre Cooper, Florida St., WR
	Derrick Mayes, Notre Dame, WR
1995	Tommie Frazier, Nebraska, QB
	Chris T. Jones, Miami (Fla.), CB
1994	Tommie Frazier, Nebraska, QB
	Charlie Ward, Florida St., QB
1993	Charlie Ward, Florida St., QB
	Corey Dixon, Nebraska, se
1992	Larry Jones, Miami (Fla.), RB
	Tyrone Leggett, Nebraska, CB
1991	Charles Johnson, Colorado, QB
	Chris Zorich, Notre Dame, NG
1990	Raghib Ismail, Notre Dame, TB/WR
	Darian Hagan, Colorado, QB
1989	Steve Walsh, Miami (Fla.), QB
	Charles Fryar, Nebraska, CB
1988	Bernard Clark, Miami (Fla.), LB
	Darrell Reed, Oklahoma, DE
1987	Dante Jones, Oklahoma, LB
	Spencer Tillman, Oklahoma, HB
1986	Sonny Brown, Oklahoma, DB
	Tim Lashar, Oklahoma, K
1985	Jacque Robinson, Washington, TB
	Ron Holmes, Washington, DT
1984	Bernie Kosar, Miami (Fla.), QB
	Jack Fernandez, Miami (Fla.), LB
1983	Turner Gil, Nebraska, QB
	Dave Rimington, Nebraska, C
1982	Homer Jordan, Clemson, QB
	Jeff Davis, Clemson, LB
1981	JC Watts, Oklahoma, QB
	Jarvis Coursey, Florida St., DE
1980	JC Watts, Oklahoma, QB
	Bud Hebert, Oklahoma, FS
1979	Billy Sims, Oklahoma, RB
	Reggie Kinlaw, Oklahoma, NG
1978	Roland Sales, Arkansas, RB
	Reggie Freeman, Arkansas, NG
1977	Rod Gerald, Ohio St., QB
	Tom Cousineau, Ohio St., LB
1976	Steve Davis, Oklahoma, QB
	Lee Roy Selmon, Oklahoma, DT
1975	Wayne Bullock, Notre Dame, FB
	Leroy Cook, Alabama, DE
1974	Tom Shuman, Penn St., QB
	Randy Crowder, Penn St., DT
1973	Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, WB
	Rich Glover, Nebraska, DG
1972	Jerry Tagge, Nebraska, QB
	Rich Glover, Nebraska, DG
1971	Jerry Tagge, Nebraska, QB
	Willie Harper, Nebraska, DE
1970	Chuck Burkhart, Penn St., QB
	Mike Reid, Penn St., DT
1969	Donnie Shanklin, Kansas, HB
1968	Bob Warmack, Oklahoma, QB
1967	Larry Smith, Florida, TB
1966	Steve Sloan, Alabama, QB
1965	Joe Namath, Alabama, QB

AA's Pick and Analysis: Well after getting two in a row right I'm back in the groove of things. This bowl season has taught me one lesson.......when in doubt......take the points.

Prediction Louisville 35-28

I was unaware that Bowl games start at the crack of dawn on National Hangover Day. I don't have much time to post today, but here are my picks....

Auburn -2
Tennessee -4
Arkansas -2
WVU -8
Michigan PICK
Boise State +7.5

Enjoy the great day of football (and Holly Rowe's Fidel Castro Hat). Have a great New Years Day, and I'll see you tomorrow.

The MPC Computers Bowl
Boise, Idaho- Bronco Stadium

Nevada (8-4) v. Miami (6-6)





Weather: Cloudy 35 Degrees, 10% Chance of Rain

Past Results (9):

Dec. 28, 2005
Boston College 27, Boise State 21
Dec. 27, 2004
Fresno State 37, Virginia 34 (OT)
Jan. 3, 2004
Georgia Tech 52, Tulsa 10
Dec. 31, 2002
Boise State 34, Iowa State 16
Dec. 31, 2001
Clemson 49, Louisiana Tech 24
Dec. 28, 2000
Boise State 38, Texas El Paso 23
Dec. 30, 1999
Boise State 34, Louisville 31
Dec. 30, 1998
Idaho 42, Southern Miss 35
Dec. 29, 1997
Cincinnati 35, Utah State 19

AA's Pick and Analysis: Well you should pay zero attention to this after an 0-3 day, but here goes. The weather is going to slow Miami down. You just have to go with the WAC team and take the points.

This is going to be a home game for Nevada.

Prediction Wolfpack 26-20

The Non-Sponsored Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, TX- Alamo Dome

Iowa (6-6) v. Texas (9-3)

Weather: Cloudy 60 Degrees, 20% Chance of Rain

Past Results (13):

Dec. 28, 2005	Nebraska 32, Michigan 28
Dec. 29, 2004	Ohio State 33, Oklahoma State 7
Dec. 29, 2003	Nebraska 17, Michigan State 3
Dec. 28, 2002	Wisconsin 31, Colorado 28
Dec. 29, 2001	Iowa 19, Texas Tech 16
Dec. 30, 2000	Nebraska 66, Northwestern 17
Dec. 29, 1999	Penn State 24, Texas A&M 0
Dec. 29, 1998	Purdue 37, Kansas State 34
Dec. 30, 1997	Purdue 33, Oklahoma St 20
Dec. 29, 1996	Iowa 27, Texas Tech 0
Dec. 28, 1995	Texas A&M 22, Michigan 20
Dec. 31, 1994	Washington State 10, Baylor 3
Dec. 31, 1993	California 37, Iowa 3

Player(s) to Watch: Texas' RB #25- Jamaal Charles

With Colt McCoy ailing the Longhorns look to get going with the running game. Charles only has 805 yards on the season, but look for him to add a good bit to that total today.

Iowa's Wide Receiver #88- Dominique Douglas

Drew Tate would be the obvious choice, but I hate picking QB's as players to watch. That's no fun. I don't think Iowa is going to be able to run against Texas, so they're going to have to have a hell of a passing game and Douglas is Tate's go to guy.

Deciding Factor(s): Iowa's defense. Period. They have to slow Texas down and keep it low scoring.

Spread: Texas -8.5, O/U 54

AA's Pick and Analysis: Interesting stat.....when Iowa scores over 17 points they are 6-0, but when they score under they are 0-6. I think this special little statistic ends today though as Texas proves to be WAY too much for Iowa.

Prediction Texas 35-20
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The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Atlanta, GA- Georgia Dome





Georgia (8-4) v. Virginia Tech (10-2)

Weather: Indoors

Past Results (A ton.....Bowl started in 1968):

Last 10.....

Dec. 30, 2005	LSU 40, Miami (Fla.) 3
Dec. 31, 2004	Miami (Fla.) 27, Florida 10
Jan. 2, 2004	Clemson 27, Tennessee 14
Dec. 31, 2002	Maryland 30, Tennessee 3
Dec. 31, 2001	North Carolina 16, Auburn 10
Dec. 29, 2000	LSU 28, Georgia Tech 14
Dec. 30, 1999	Mississippi State 17, Clemson 7
Dec. 30, 1998	Georgia 35, Virginia 33
Jan. 2, 1998	Auburn 21, Clemson 17
Dec. 28, 1996	LSU 10, Clemson 7

Player(s) to Watch: Virginia Tech's RB #28- Branden Ore

Is over 1,000 yards on the season, but was injured against Wake Forest. He's had a month to recover and Tech will need him against a good Georgia D.

Georgia's RB #6- Gregg Lumpkin

Just like Ore.....Lumpkin is the key to Georgia's offense. He had one 20 carry game this season.....a win over Auburn.

Deciding Factor(s): Establishing the run on both sides of the ball. Both QBs are shaky at best, and need a good bit of time to throw the ball. Look for a low scoring first quarter with both teams trying to open it up in the second.

Spread: Virginia Tech -3, O/U 37.5

AA's Pick and Analysis: Being from Virginia there isn't a team that's shoved down your throat than the Hokies. I hate the Hokies. I hate them with a passion. I love to watch them lose because their fans freak out like it's the end of the world. Good times really.

Well I don't think I'm going to get that feeling of joy today. Tech just has faster, bigger, and more athletic players than Georgia.

Prediction Virginia Tech 20-13

My numbering is off somehow, so we're skipping ahead to game 17........












The Meineke Car Care Bowl
Charlotte, NC- Bank of America Stadium

Navy (9-3) v. Boston College (9-3)





Weather: Mostly Cloudy 60 Degrees, 30% Chance of Rain

Past Results (Quatro):

Dec. 31, 2005	N.C. State 14, South Florida 0
Dec. 30, 2004	Boston College 37, North Carolina 24
Dec. 27, 2003	Virginia 23, Pittsburgh 16
Dec. 28, 2002	Virginia 48, West Virginia 22

Player(s) to Watch: It would be Navy's FB Adam Ballard, but he broke his fibula against Army. I'm going with Sophomore QB #10 (wait for it....WAIT for it!) Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada.

He's a backup who has done well. Basically Navy's whole offense is comprised of backups, but they have fit into the triple-option right away. I'm pretty sure Navy dresses 10 Fullbacks..

BC's Wide Receivers- Kevin Challenger and Tony Gonzalez

Navy's defense is pretty good up front. They are slow in the secondary though, and BC should look to go up top early. They won't though.

Deciding Factor(s): Size. BC's line will dwarf Navy's D. Navy has 8 seniors on defense and they'll have to use their head to get around and through BC's giants.

Also, Navy rushes the ball 99.99% of the time. They lead the Nation in rushing per game. Well BC ranks 13th against the rush. Something will have to give.

Spread: BC -6, O/U 48

AA's Pick and Analysis: Navy has won their past two Bowl Games almost with a chip on their shoulder(s). Well they have more to prove today, but the compeition has been upped versus those in the past.

I'm wanted to go with the Clemson/Kentucky Theory here.....considering BC never blows anyone out. The spread is just too low though. I'm picking BC by 7.

Prediction BC 24-17
___________________________

YES! Pam Ward and Mike Gottfried to start the day.

"Champs was our first choice of the bowls who were seriously looking at us, this is where we wanted to go. We're just absolutely delighted. The Terps will travel well to Orlando and look forward to it." -- Clemson athletics director Debbie Yow

___________________________________________

The Auto Zone Liberty Bowl
(Get in the ZONE!.....The boring ass matchup Zone!)
Memphis, TN- Memorial Stadium

Houston (10-3) v. South Carolina (7-5)





Weather: Mostly Cloudy 64 Degrees, 30% Chance of Rain

Past Results (A ton....Bowl began in 1959):

Last 10.....

Dec. 31, 2005	Tulsa 31, Fresno State 24
Dec. 31, 2004	Louisville 44, Boise State 40
Dec. 31, 2003	Utah 17, Southern Mississippi 0
Dec. 31, 2002	TCU 17, Colorado State 3
Dec. 31, 2001	Louisville 28, BYU 10
Dec. 29, 2000	Colorado State 22, Louisville 17
Dec. 31, 1999	Southern Mississippi 23, Colorado State 17
Dec. 30, 1998	Tulane 41, BYU 27
Dec. 31, 1997	Southern Mississippi 41, Pittsburgh 7
Dec. 27, 1996	Syracuse 30, Houston 17

Player(s) to Watch: Houston's QB #4- Danny Kevin Kolb

One of those "guy's you should have heard of, but probably haven't heard of" guys. Only has 3 picks on the year to 27 TDs.....and is arguably more accurate than Colt Brennan (67.7%).

South Carolina's Sophomore Wide Receiver #4- Sidney Rice

The dude is just a man-child. It seemed too obvious to pick him, but screw it. No one else on SC can hold his jock. If he only had a good QB he'd be tops in the nation.

Deciding Factor(s): The Cocks lost some flexibility when they went back to Blake Mitchell. Houston's defense isn't that bad.......USC's is bad against the run.......Houston runs the ball well......yada yada yada

Spread: South Carolina -5.5, O/U 56

AA's Pick and Analysis: Taking yet another underdog in this one. I can't for the life of me understand why USC is favored in this one. Must be the SEC bias. Houston will run the ball all over a young USC defense, and end this one early.

Prediction Houston 24-14.
____________________________________










The Insight, Insight Bowl

Tempe, AZ- Sun Devil Stadium





Texas Tech (7-5) v. Minnesota (6-6)

Weather: Mostly Cloudy 52 Degrees, 10% Chance of Rain

Past Results (17):

Dec. 27, 2005	Arizona State 45, Rutgers 40
Dec. 28, 2004	Oregon State 38, Notre Dame 21
Dec. 26, 2003	California 52, Virginia Tech 49
Dec. 26, 2002	Pittsburgh 38, Oregon State 13
Dec. 29, 2001	Syracuse 26, Kansas State 3
Dec. 28, 2000	Iowa State 37, Pittsburgh 29
Dec. 31, 1999	Colorado 62, Boston College 28
Dec. 26, 1998	Missouri 34, West Virginia 31
Dec. 27, 1997	Arizona 20, New Mexico 14
Dec. 27, 1996	Wisconsin 38, Utah 10
Dec. 27, 1995	Texas Tech 55, Air Force 41
Dec. 29, 1994	BYU 31, Oklahoma 6
Dec. 29, 1993	Kansas State 52, Wyoming 17
Dec. 31, 1992	Washington State 31, Utah 28
Dec. 31, 1991	Indiana 24, Baylor 0
Dec. 31, 1990	California 17, Wyoming 15
Dec. 31, 1989	Arizona 17, North Carolina State 10

Player(s) to Watch: Texas Tech's WR #8- Joel Filani

One of the Nation's top receivers that benefits from the Run N' Gun Texas offense. He got held in check his last two games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Look for him to get hot early.

Minnesota's Sophomore RB #4- Amir Pinnix

Everyone is usually on QB Bryan Cupito's jock, but I personally think he's very overrated. Minnesota is going to have to run the football if they want to keep up.

Deciding Factor(s): Stopping the Red Raiders once they get momentum.

When Texas Tech scores they score in bunches. If Minnesota can weather the storm early they might be able to pull off the victory.

With that said.......it's not happening. Red Raiders Roll (alliteration baby!).

Spread: Texas Tech -6, O/U 63

AA's Pick and Analysis: Red Raiders offense will be too much for an up and down Minny team.

Prediction Texas Tech 31-23

Wow.....5 Bowls today. This was the day I dreaded. Let's see what I can put together. We'll go two, two, and one in the previews. The spreads are Clemson -9.5, Oregon St. -3.5, S Carolina -5.5, Texas Tech -6, Purdue -1. Feel free to post your picks in this spread and good luck.
______________________________












The Gaylord (Focker) Hotels Music City Bowl presented by Bridgestone
(Longest. Bowl Name. Ever)
Nashville, TN- LP Field
1 PM EST





Kentucky (7-5) v. Clemson (8-4)

Weather: Mostly Cloudy 46 Degrees, 10% chance of Rain

Past Results (8):

Dec. 30, 2005	Virginia 34, Minnesota 31
Dec. 31, 2004	Minnesota 20, Alabama 16
Dec. 31, 2003	Auburn 28, Wisconsin 14
Dec. 30, 2002	Minnesota 29, Arkansas 14
Dec. 28, 2001	Boston College 20, Georgia 16
Dec. 28, 2000	West Virginia 49, Ole Miss 38
Dec. 29, 1999	Syracuse 20, Kentucky 13
Dec. 29, 1998	Virginia Tech 38, Alabama 7

Player(s) to Watch: Florida State's DT's Broderick Bunkley and/or Clemson's RB #28- CJ Spiller

While Justin Davis has more carries and total yards....CJ has the averages. He averages 7.4 yards per carry, and is one of the most explosive combo backs in the country.

Kentucky's QB #12- Andre Woodson

Woodson has some great numbers, but the problem with him seems to be the "big game". Against better competition Woodson hasn't necessarily floundered, but he hasn't taken over. Best games of the season.....Central Michigan, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State. He only had one good game against a better opponent, but still lost (Louisville)

Deciding Factor(s): This game is all about Clemson's rushing game. I can't even project how many yards they will pick up, but it's going to be a ton.

Interesting Fact: Previous sponsors of the bowl game have included American General Life & Accident (now a subsidiary of AIG) in the inaugural 1998 game, and the now-defunct "homepoint.com" in the 1999 game. (Wikipedia)

Spread: Clemson -9.5, O/U 58

AA's Pick and Analysis: Clemson's rushing game should prove too much for Kentucky who gave up 40 points to Louisiana Monroe. The O/U on Clemson's rushing yards is 245.5, and I think the will crush this as long as Kentucky keeps it close in the beginning of the game.

With that said....I'm still taking the points. Clemson doesn't ever blow any one out of the water.

Prediction Clemson 28-24
____________________________










The Brut Sun Bowl
(Worst. Bowl Sponsor. Ever)
El Paso, TX- Sun Bowl Stadium
2 PM EST





Oregon State (9-4) v. Missouri (8-4)

Weather: Partly Cloudy 30 Degrees, 20% chance of Rain

Past Results (Too many to count....the Bowl started in 1935):

Last 10.....

Dec. 30, 2005	UCLA 50, Northwestern 38
Dec. 31, 2004	Arizona State 27, Purdue 23
Dec. 31, 2003	Minnesota 31, Oregon 30
Dec. 31, 2002	Purdue 34, Washington 24
Dec. 31, 2001	Washington State 33, Purdue 27
Dec. 29, 2000	Wisconsin 21, UCLA 20
Dec. 31, 1999	Oregon 24, Minnesota 20
Dec. 30, 1998	TCU 28, Southern Cal 19
Dec. 31, 1997	Arizona State 17, Iowa 7
Dec. 31, 1996	Stanford 38, Michigan State 0

Player(s) to Watch: Florida State's DT's Broderick Bunkley and/or Oregon State's RB #26- Yvenson Bernard

Bernard is the main cog for an Oregon State offense that can't thrive without him. When he gets 2o carries they win (all except one game...Boise State).

Missouri's Entire Team

About 20 players have had the flu over the past week. They'll need their energy to keep up with Oregon State.

Deciding Factor(s): Like I said before.....if Bernard gets 20 carries the Beavers win.

Spread: Oregon State -3.5, O/U 53

AA's Pick and Analysis: I'm all over the Beaves in this one. Missouri will come out slow and I don't think an entire team of sickies can last the full game.

Prediction Oregon State 27-14
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The Texas Bowl
Houston, TX- Reliant Stadium





Kansas State (7-5) v. Rutgers (10-2)

Weather: Indoors

Past Results (6):

Dec. 31, 2005	TCU 27, Iowa State 24
Dec. 29, 2004	Colorado 33, UTEP 28
Dec. 30, 2003	Texas Tech 38, Navy 14
Dec. 27, 2002	Oklahoma State 33, Southern Miss 23
Dec. 28, 2001	Texas A&M 28, TCU 9
Dec. 27, 2000	East Carolina 40, Texas Tech 27

Player(s) to Watch: Florida State's DT's Broderick Bunkley and/or Rutgers's Junior QB #14- Mike Teel

Everyone in the nation knows Raymell Rice, so that'd be too easy. Ray will get his yards so I think pressure is on Teel to be accurate and not make mistakes. He can't have another game like he did against Cincy (4 Ints).

Kansas State's Freshman QB #1- Josh Freeman

In his past three games (Col, Tex, Kan) Freeman is averaging 254.6 Yards per game. He's gotten better as the season's gone on, but he's still prone to mistakes he has over a 2-1 Int to TD ratio. If he plays like he did against Texas, K-State can hang around.

Deciding Factor(s): The Rutgers D forcing turnovers.

Obviously Freeman is prone to turnovers, but he's been better of late. Rutgers has one of the top D's in the country and will be all over him. Kansas State wants a high-scoring affair like the Texas game and Rutgers wants it low.

Interesting Fact: The Texas Bowl was formerly known as the Galley.com Furniture Bowl.

Spread: Rutgers -7.5, O/U 44

AA's Pick and Analysis: I'm turning to this quote by Rutgers Coach Terry Schiavo Greg Schiano (too soon for that joke?)

"Certainly, there's disappointment. We had an opportunity to be in the BCS, and more importantly to be league champions. To come close and not get it hurts."

For some reason I see this as a let down game for Rutgers, and K-State will have their chances to win. Rutgers has already proved enough.

Prediction Kansas State 20-16.
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The Desmond Howard Holiday Bowl

San Diego, CA- Qualcomm Stadium