New Year's Day Bowl Previews

TicketCity Bowl

Texas Tech -9 vs. Northwestern

The TicketCity Bowl makes its debut in Dallas featuring Texas Tech and Northwestern. Texas Tech never seemed to hit their stride in the first year under Tommy Tuberville. Meanwhile, Northwestern looked like a top 25 team until a season-ending injury to All-Big Ten QB Dan Persa. That set the Wildcats way back. Pat Fitzgerald has gone to a Freshman at QB in Evan Watkins. Watkins has struggled in his 2 starts. Texas Tech will look to take advantage of Northwestern's young QB. Taylor Potts will throw the ball all over the field for Tech. Northwestern will remain winless in bowl games since 1949.

Prediction - Texas Tech 34 Northwestern 21

Outback Bowl

Florida -7 vs. Penn St.

There has been speculation in the last week that this could be Joe Paterno's last game as head coach at Penn St. It appears that this is just a rumor, as JoePa and his wife have come out this week and vivaciously proclaimed that he will be back next season. We do know for certain that this will be Urban Meyer's last game as head coach at Florida. Meyer has had a terrific run with the Gators winning 2 national championships. It is unfortunate that he will leave the school following their worst season since he came to Gainesville. Both of these teams simply weren't as talented as they have been in previous years. We all know that JoePa is a master at preparing his teams for bowl games. And Urban Meyer has proven to be every bit as successful tuning up for bowls. Meyer's final season in Gainesville will finish on a sour note though.

Prediction - Penn St. 23 Florida 13

Capital One Bowl

(9) Michigan St. +10 vs. (16) Alabama

This is just 1 of 3 SEC-Big Ten matchups on New Year's Day. It is no secret that the SEC has had the Big Ten's number as of late. The Capital One Bowl is always one of the most entertaining bowl games that doesn't represent the BCS. This year's game invites an overachieving Michigan St. team versus an underachieving Alabama squad. Which team will be most motivated? Michigan St. felt snubbed by the BCS, while Alabama still feels they are the most talented team in the country despite 3 losses. This game isn't about winning for the Big Ten for the Spartans they will want to win to prove they are deserving of being amongst college football's best. This could be 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram last game with the Crimson Tide. Expect Nick Saban and Mark Dantonio to both have their teams ready to play. I don't think Alabama has the most talent in the country, but I do think they are more talented than the Spartans.

Prediction - Alabama 27 Michigan St. 24

Gator Bowl

(21) Mississippi St. -4 vs. Michigan

This will be the third game of the day between SEC and Big Ten teams. Dan Mullen has done a great job turning around the Mississippi St. program and has them playing on New Year's Day. On the other sideline, Rich Rodriguez will be making his first bowl appearance with the Maize and Blue. While the Bulldogs have been on their way up, Michigan is still fighting to return to where they once were. There were bright spots on both teams. Denard Robinson is clearly the best athlete on the field each time he is out there, but QB Chris Relf of Mississippi St. is a duel-threat himself. Relf has a much better defense to help his cause though. The Wolverines have been atrocious defensively and this must change if Rich Rod wants to win this game. I have the SEC taking this 3-game series.

Prediction - Mississippi St. 35 Michigan 30

BCS Games to follow tomorrow