December 29 Bowl Previews

Military Bowl

Maryland -7.5 vs. East Carolina

It has been a strange year in College Park. Ralph Friedgen went from a burning hot seat following a 2-10 season in 2009 to ACC Coach of the Year in 2010. Somehow, that did not save his job. He was forced out by his alma mater and rumor has it the school is looking at Mike Leach to replace him. Coincidentally, the Terps square off against Ruffin McNeil's East Carolina Pirates. McNeil was the interim coach at Texas Tech last bowl season after the bizarre incident involving allegations of Mike Leach locking Adam James up in a secluded room. Aside from that weird turn of events, this game features a Maryland squad that averaged over 30 points a contest versus one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Terps finish off their turnaround season with a bowl victory.

Prediction - Maryland 37 East Carolina 28

Texas Bowl

Baylor -1 vs. Illinois

Expect a lot of points in this one. Baylor lost its final 3 games after starting the season 7-2. This was no fault of the offense. Dynamic QB Robert Griffin and the offense was the main reason that the Bears are appearing in their first bowl game since the 1994 Alamo Bowl. Illinois comes into this game with one of the most potent rushing attacks in the country. Mikel Leshoure leads the Fighting Illini in rushing with over 1,500 yards on the ground. Backup RB Jason Ford and Freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase are also dangerous weapons with the ball in their hands. Ron Zook has Illinois back in a bowl game for the first time since losing the Rose Bowl following the 2007 season. I think this will come down to the wire.

Prediction - Illinois 42 Baylor 41

Alamo Bowl

(14) Oklahoma St. -5 vs. Arizona

Get ready for the fireworks in this one. The 2010 Alamo Bowl features 2 of the most explosive offenses in college football. The Pokes' offense features outstanding players at the skill positions with QB Brandon Wheden, RB Kendall Hunter, and perhaps the best WR in the country in Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon. Arizona comes in losers of 4 straight. QB Nick Foles definitely has the ability to break that skid. The Wildcats will put up points, but Mike Gundy is a man and his team will put up more than 40.

Prediction - Oklahoma St. 49 Arizona 38

Ringer's Bowl Record
SU: 2-2
ATS: 2-2