2000-2001 Bowl Games

East Carolina vs Texas Tech (Over 52.5) - 5:00pm Pacific - Wednesday
The key here is two head coaches with bright futures and great offensive minds. You can definitely count on both of these teams being well prepared offensively. Steve Logan's ECU teams have averaged roughly 25ppg for three consecutive years. Logan is known for nurturing great quarterbacks and he has a standout this year in junior QB David Garrard. He has NFL size and strength and is a threat to both run and pass. Texas Tech's Mike Leach meanwhile has implemented the vaunted Kentucky offense and in his first year here his team put up 30ppg. Red Raiders QB Kliff Kingsbury ranks 1st in the country in pass completions with 30 per game while attempting over 55, so we can expect it to be a wide open and long lasting game. It was not until the end of the season that Kingsbury felt completely comfortable in the offense and they racked up 103 points in their final two games vs unranked opponents. In addition both teams have potentially game breaking running backs which makes for all important offensive balance. On the other side of the ball, neither team is going impress anyone with their defense. Both units have been torched on multiple occasions this season. Tech gave up 27 points or more 6 times this season and ECU gave up 40+ twice. The speedy Astrodome artificial turf should promote a high scoring game as well. Texas Tech is accustomed to the turf and scored 33.3ppg on it compared to just 14.0ppg in their only two games on grass this year. Meanwhile, East Carolina only played once on the turf and were burnt for 42 points by West Virginia. The Dome will also insure ideal weather conditions. I really believe both teams would be disappointed if they did not score at least four touchdowns. Look for game to reach 60's. Over 52.5  1 UNIT

West Virginia vs Mississippi (-3.5) - 1:00pm Pacific - Music City Bowl
It is hard not to like this matchup of a solid SEC team going against a mediocre Big East team. This will be the final game for a special group of Ole Miss seniors that came together 4 years ago to sign with the Rebels despite them being on probation. Their goal was to bring the program back to respectability. At the time, few would have thought they could win 4 consecutive bowl games and finish in the top 25 every year but they have that exact opportunity with a victory here. Seventeen seniors in all have played in, won, and covered three straight bowl games. This could have been a special year for the Rebels but they were plagued by an inconsistent offense and an injury riddled defense. Ole Miss put up 45 points vs the nations 13th best defense in their last game and the defense will be as close to full strength for this game as it has been all season so possibly we will seem them play to their full potential here. Preseason Heisman hopeful Deuce McAllister has been plagued by injuries for all of the second half of the season but still managed 124 yards vs Miss State in last game and will be as close to 100% for this game as he has been since early in the season. He is helped out by one of the better fullback tandems in the nation who are adept at both blocking and receiving out of the backfield. QB Romaro Miller is a senior playing in his 4th bowl game and should have a field day vs a suspect West Virginia secondary. The Ole Miss offensive line has only given up 7 sacks this year and will be one of the biggest and best that West Virginia has faced all year. Expect to see a very balanced attack with the run setting up the pass and vice versa. Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe just received a contract extension as well as a raise after UNC showed some interest. Cutcliffe is a former offensive coordinator so you know they will be prepared well offensively and the team has put up 35 or more points on 6 different occasions already this year. They have a good chance of making that seven today. Defensive coordinator Art Kaufman is the only holdover from the Tubberville era and he has had great success with extra time to prepare as evidenced by the teams three straight bowl wins in which they were favored (-1 over Marshall in 1997) just one time. They have some talent on the defensive side of the ball as well with 1st team All-SEC pick Derrick Burgess on the defensive line and All-American CB Ken Lucas (projected top 15 NFL pick) in the secondary. They rank just 80th in the nation in run defense, but a lot teams would be worse if they had played the same schedule. The good news is that the defensive line will be at full strength for the first time in several weeks and they always seem to step up when they have to. Meanwhile, they rank no less than 9th in the nation in pass defense so they should be fine in that aspect. As you know we have had West Virginia as one of our go against teams all year long. They were fortunate to have played 7 of their 11 games at home this year and really were lucky to beat just about everyone that they did. From the two interception runbacks vs BC in week one, to the 4th and inches play vs Maryland that should have given the Terps the lead in the 4th quarter, to being down to Idaho for 3 quarters and getting significantly outgained by the Vandals, to going to overtime vs Rutgers and being outgained by the Scarlet Knights, to the complete setup game vs East Carolina as the Pirates wanted no part of cold weather, artificial turf, and emotions of Nehlen's final home game. West Virginia just has not been impressive. In their final game they gave up an uninspiring 272 rushing yards to their long time rival Pitt. On the practice front, it is reported that West Virginia is having short relaxed practices, while Mississippi has had a full week of intense practices including some two a days! The game being played in SEC country seems to further improve Mississippi's chances. The Rebels really outclass West Virginia here. Expect a comfortable win. Mississippi  2 UNITS

Minnesota vs NC State (+3.5) - 4:00pm Pacific - Thursday - Micron PC Bowl
It was hard not to fall in love with this Wolfpack team. Unflappable true freshman QB Phillip Rivers came from nowhere to set records and earn ACC rookie of the year honors, the third Wolfpack player to win the award in as many years. He has an incredibly talented WR to throw to in Koren Robinson (also an ACC rookie of the year award winner) but much of the offensive success should be credited to first year offensive coordinator Norm Chow (formerly 21 seasons at BYU) who is now clearly one of the top assistant coaches in the country. Meanwhile, new head coach Chuck Amato did his share by bringing in renewed intensity and a much needed winning attitude. The result was a 7-4 record for a team that was picked to have a losing season. The Wolfpack were in every game this season except vs #1 Florida State as all three of their other losses were by a touchdown or less. It was only a three game span following the FSU game in which they showed any sign of weakness. During that span they went a disappointing 1-2 as QB Rivers was banged up and their were some key injuries on defense. With the extra time off I fully expect for them to return to their peak performance level. Their precision passing attack can just demoralize opponents. Minnesota could be in for some big trouble as their top CB Willie Middlebrooks is still out due to injury and free safety Delvin Jones (team leader in tackles and interceptions) has been suspended for the game. They already had given up 39.25 points per game in their last 4 contests. Meanwhile, I really think fresh legs will do wonders for the underrated and underachieving Wolfpack defense. Amato was previously linebackers coach at FSU and believe it or not he has one of the best LB corps in the country here. All-American junior LB Levar Fisher leads the country with 166 tackles, sophomore Dantonio Burnette has 105 on the season, and senior Clayton White leads the team with 303 career tackles and is back to 100% after missing time to injury. Minnesota had an up and down season looking great one week and awful the next. They lost three of their final four games and had to convert on a 4th and 14 play as part of a double digit 4th quarter comeback vs Iowa in their last game just to get here. The Gophers offense is capable of scoring a lot of points but NC State holds a huge talent edge at QB. The Gophers are also less comfortable playing on real grass and away from home. The NC State coaching staff has 91 bowl games of experience under their belts including head coach Amato with 24 and offensive coordinator Chow with 20. The Wolfpack all year long just did what it took and found ways to win games. I expect them to do the same here. Take the points. NC State 1 UNIT

Iowa State vs Pittsburgh (-1.5) - 4:30pm Pacific - Insight.com Bowl
We'll try to milk the Panthers one more time. Head coach Walt Harris has many admirers and has quickly become one of the most sought after head coaches in the country. In early December he turned down the job at Alabama to stay with Pitt. One would have to think that he is pleased with where this program is right now and that a bowl game victory here is well within reach. As expected, the Panthers tore through West Virginia in their season finale with over 500 yards of total offense while building a 38-9 lead before 3 Mountaineer garbage scores to end the game. Not only do the Panthers have possibly the best pair of WR's in the country in Antonio Bryant (Biletnikoff award winner) and Latef Grim (two time 1st team Big East), but now senior RB Kevan Barlow (1,053 yards) has emerged as a potent threat as well. Both QB's Turman & Priestly have seen action of late and both have been successful. It is hard not to be when throwing to a guy like Bryant (130 receiving yards per game) who has been unstoppable in every game (except vs Miami) this year. Iowa State should be no different as they start two undersized corners both listed at 5'8. The Pitt defense can also be a force evidenced by their two shutouts this year and by their stellar play vs West Virginia for 3 quarters in season finale. Iowa State is clearly an improving program as they finished at 8-3 this year. However, they only beat two teams (UNLV and Ohio U.) that finished the season with winning records and both games were played in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones running game is supposed to be strong but versus teams with winning records only averages 114.6 yards per game. Meanwhile, ISU QB Rosenfels has more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). ISU head coach Dan McCarney is 8-20 ATS away from home in his tenure and this is only the Cyclones (0-4, 0-2 ATS to date) fifth bowl berth all time. Look for Walt Harris to lead Pitt to their first bowl victory since 1989.  Pittsburgh 1 UNIT

Oregon (+8) vs Texas - 5:30pm Pacific - Holiday Bowl
As you know, I have been very high on this Ducks team all season long. They have been close to perfect this year with their only two losses being on the road versus teams ranked in the top 10 at the time. They lost by 4 points at #4 Wisconsin early in the year and then by 10 points at #8 Oregon State in the season finale. Between those two losses they reeled off 8 straight wins including three vs top 20 opponents. Their defense was solid all year giving up just 19.9 points per game despite a tough schedule. The defense has been underrated all year and really only had one bad outing which was in a wild double overtime game vs Arizona State. I expect them to give a solid performance here. Meanwhile, the Ducks offense averaged just 28.7ppg, their lowest total since 1995. Many people say the offense underachieved, but really they were simply more diverse. They had early leads in many of their games and showed the ability to run the ball and take time off the clock to help put games away. They also missed 12 field goals and had star RB Maurice Morris at less than 100% for the seasons final four games in which he did not have a single 100 yard rushing game after averaging 117 in first seven. Both factors contributed to their sub par scoring output. Morris will be back at full strength for this. Junior QB Harrington is now 13-2 as a starter and can always be counted on for solid play. He has two big time receivers in Keenan Howry and Marshaun Tucker. Regardless of stats, this offense can hold its own with anyone. Texas really feasted on a favorable schedule this year. They only played two ranked teams all year and went 1-1. Their only quality win came in the season finale a 43-17 win over Texas A&M. That final score is very misleading as the Longhorns only led 10-7 at halftime, returned a interception for a TD, and had +4 turnovers in all. I just do not see any weakness on this Oregon team. They have significant experience and maturity edges over Texas and just know how to win. I find them to be a great value here getting +8. Take the points. Oregon  2 UNITS

South Carolina (+7) vs Ohio State - 8:00am Pacific - Outback Bowl
It is difficult to find anything against this Gamecocks team. After going winless a year ago second year head coach Lou Holtz pulled off a near miracle by going 7-4 and reaching a New Years Day bowl game. They started the season an amazing 6-1 that included wins over three bowl teams in the process. They ended the season with three straight losses, but in my opinion they were most impressive in their losses as they showed they could play with anyone. They were very unlucky to lose by 3 to Tennessee and by 2 at Clemson. The other loss was at Florida where they actually led 21-3 at one point. Ohio State meanwhile had what I call a mediocre season that saw them lose to all three ranked opponents that they faced. Everyone talks about what a great defense Ohio State has, but it is actually South Carolina who has given up fewer points (15.8 to OSU's 18.0) per game this year under outstanding defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. They will get back two starters who have missed several weeks with injuries in LB Kenny Harney (leading returning tackler from last year) and safety Antione Nesmith. On offense Gamecock QB Phil Petty had a breakthrough year and surpassed all expectations. He has one of the better receivers in the country to throw to in senior Jermale Kelly. South Carolina will be without leading rusher Derek Watson due to suspension but Ohio State will be without 2nd leading receiver Reggie Germany (suspension) and both leading receiver Rambo & 3rd leading receiver Cacchio are listed as questionable with injuries. Also, OSU starting RB Combs will not start the game due to a disciplinary measure. South Carolina has been a big winner all season long and I see no reason to get off them now. They have a significant head coaching edge, motivational edge, and are sure to have more than their share of fan support in attendance. They have great special teams and have pulled off successful fake punts and kicks this season. Seven points could become a premium in what does not appear will be a high scoring game. South Carolina  2 UNITS

Clemson (+6) vs Virginia Tech - 9:30am Pacific - Gator Bowl
I am a big fan of Tommy Bowden and this Clemson team. Ever since watching their performance in last years Peach Bowl I knew they would be a special team this year. In the bowl game last year, a very young Tigers team in Bowden's first year as coach outgained Miss State's then #1 rated defense 391-to-265 but shot themselves in the foot with -5 turnovers and lost 17-7. Interestingly enough they also played at Virginia Tech in the third game of the season last year and lost 31-11, but it was a 14-11 game with under 10 minutes left as the Hokies scored two defensive touchdowns late in the game. While Virginia Tech lost tons of talent from last years team, Clemson returned just about everyone (17 starters back) this year. The Tigers started the season 8-0 in super impressive fashion but in that eighth game, QB Woody Dantzler suffered an ankle injury and was never the same the rest of the season. He played only sparingly in their next game and they lost to Georgia Tech on the final play of the game. With their national championship hopes gone, they got buried at #1 Florida State the following week. They rebounded and ended the season on a positive note with a win over instate rival South Carolina. If last years bowl game was any indication, Bowden will have this team absolutely ready to go here. With Dantzler healthy this offense racked up 450 yards or more in 7 straight games this year. Clemson has a few injuries on their defensive line but still have plenty of talented players available and held opponents to just 101 rushing yards per game this year. Their back seven features two All-Americans in LB Keith Adams and FS Robert Carswell. These guys are good allowing just 15.8ppg without counting the Florida State game. I have felt that Virginia Tech has been overrated all season long. They have not beaten a single ranked team all year. In their games vs top 3 Big East opponents they were not impressive at all. They were blown out by Miami, were significantly outgained by Syracuse, having to rally in the second half and were saved by +5 turnovers, and had to rally in the 4th quarter to squeak by Pitt as well. I am looking for Clemson to play respectably on defense and win this game with a brilliantly prepared offense. Tigers win outright if they can avoid special teams nightmare. Clemson  2 UNITS 

Notre Dame vs Oregon State (-3.5) - 5:30pm - Fiesta Bowl
Could not resist making a play on the Beavers here. What a season they had. The Pac-10 was very strong this year and they were the conferences best team. Their only blemish coming on the road at #4 Washington by just 3 points. Dennis Erickson is clearly one of the best head coaches in the country and has prior big bowl game experience under his belt from his years at Miami, Fla. On paper, Oregon State has a better offense and a better defense. In reality, few teams can match their overall team speed, and the Irish are not one of them. Notre Dame does not have the look of a formidable opponent. They have not played a quality opponent since September and their lone quality wins were not only early in the season, but they were at home, and they were games that could have easily gone the other way. They lost their starting QB and arguably their best defensive player after their third game and fortunately rolled through an easy schedule the rest of the season. They also benefited from a school record low of 8 turnovers for the season. They truly have had the luck of the Irish in that regard. This is probably Oregon State's biggest football game in 35 years. They are not going to let this opportunity slip away. Expect Beavers to have their share of fans make the short trip from Oregon to Arizona for this game. Notre Dame is lucky to be here and it will show. Beavers end magical season with another impressive win. Oregon State  1 UNIT