Bowl Season 2007-2008

This week I get back into college football. The first round of bowl games begins December 20th and continues through the 23rd. Over the course of these four days there are six national bowl games.

The first game is at 9:00 on ESPN and is between the number one offense of the US Naval Academy and the top scoring defense of the Mountain West representatives, Utah. The Utes have won all of the last six bowl games they have been in. However to win they will have to stop a team that rarely turns the ball over. The Utes may have help with the Navy team still recovery from the loss of their coach, Paul Johnson, now at Georgia Tech.

The Mind says: Navy over Utah

Game 2: Friday December 21st 8:00 Florida Atlantic v. Memphis
In a six year period coach Howard Schnellenberger has brought the Owls to a place no on imagined. This year the Owls won a share of the Sun Belt title and must now face Memphis. Memphis lost 4 of its first 6 and then was hit hard by the shooting death of Taylor Bradford. The Tigers gave their season to Bradford and in his honor worked their way to a 7-5 season and a bowl game.

The Mind says: Owls soar over Tigers

Game 3: Saturday December 22nd 1:00 Cincinnati v. Southern Mississippi
Cincinnati is waiting for when Coach Brian Kelly gets a big coach, every school has him on their list. You know he’s good, I know he’s good, so its no surprise his team is good. Southern Miss is looking for their next coach after upsetting alumni and booting Jeff Bower. No contest in this one.

The Mind says: Cincinnati over Southern Mississippi

Game 4: Saturday December 22nd 4:30 New Mexico v. Nevada
This season the Lobos went 5-1 at home and should make it 6-2 after this game is over. This game will probably be decided by the automatic John Sullivan, kicker- New Mexico.
Look for a three point margin.

The Mind says: New Mexico over Nevada

Game 5: Saturday December 22nd 8:00 Brigham Young v. UCLA
UCLA topple BYU during week two of the season, however Brigham-Young return to the field and ended the season with a 9 game win streak. Despite UCLA’s excellent quarterback, Max Hall, and a defense that has yet to allow a 100 yard rushing game, expect BYU to have learned from their loss in week two and to follow the momentum they have been riding on for the last 9 weeks.

The Mind says: BYU over UCLA

Game 6: Sunday December 23rd Boise State v. East Carolina
Greenville is a long way from Honolulu, but the boys from East Carolina have earned a trip and made it to the bowl safely. Boise State lost to Hawaii early in the season in Honolulu but will return with a power offense. ECU only lost to two ranked teams this season and it looks like another one may be on the way.

The Mind says: Boise over ECU