Bowl Preview: Independence, Holiday, and Texas

Record: 8-1


Independence Bowl: Alabama versus Oklahoma State

Rumor has it Alabama will be using the latest technological advances in genetics and cloning to create an amalgamation of Bear Bryant, Amos Alonzo Stagg, and Bud Wilkinson to coach the team next season. Using the latest advances in time travel, I can tell you that Alabama will fire Bear Alonzo Wilkinson at the conclusion of his fourth season. All kidding aside, the Independence Bowl should be an entertaining bout between two teams that could not be more different.

The Crimson Tide are led by their defense. While not at the elite level it attained last season, the defense is still quite good. The Tide were pretty good against the run, holding opponents to 3.84 yards per rush. The Tide were gouged on the ground by LSU, Arkansas, and Duke?!, but held their own in the other 7 games. The Tide pass defense was probably the team’s strong suit. Only two quarterbacks (Chris Leak and JaMarcus Russell) had good games against their pass defense. Collectively, opponents completed 56% of their passes for an average of 6.77 per attempt with 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. If we remove those two stars from the equation, those numbers fall to 53%, 6.31 per attempt, 9 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

Offensively, Alabama is solid, but hardly spectacular. Their running game is rather ho-hum. Collectively, Tide rushers averaged only 3.54 yards per carry, and the team scored only 8 rushing touchdowns. The Tide passing attack was the offenses strength. Quarterback John Parker Wilson will not be confused with Colt Brennan or Brady Quinn, but he protected the ball well (only 9 interceptions) while throwing 16 touchdowns.

On the other sideline, the Cowboys rebounded nicely from a forgettable 2005 season. After averaging only 20.2 points per game last season, their offense dramatically improved, increasing their average to 35.3 per game. The Cowboys improved from 4-7 (1-7 in Big 12 play) to 6-6 (3-5 in Big 12 play). The Cowboys were also much better than their record as they were an unlucky 0-4 in close games. Oklahoma State is strong in both the running game and passing games, at least on offense. They averaged 5.19 yards per rush and had 25 touchdowns on the ground. Through the air, the Cowboys love to bomb away. Quarterbacks completed only 55% of their passes, but those passes traveled an average of 8.29 yards meaning there were a lot of throws down the field. There were also 26 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. Quarterback Bobby Reid not only throws a good deep ball, but he is also a dual-threat as a runner (over 450 yards and 5 touchdowns). Also keep a look out for receiver Adarius Bowman. He had only two games over 100 yards, but one of them was a 13 catch 300 yard day against Kansas.

The reason the Cowboys were 6-6, and part of the reason they lost so many close games, is because they are very weak in the two other aspects of football: defense and special teams. The Cowboys did a decent job stopping the run, allowing only 4.10 yards per rush. However, the Cowboys allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete over 61% of their passes and throw for 19 touchdowns. The Cowboys also intercepted only 9 passes on the year. And special teams? The Cowboys are awful covering both punts (102nd nationally) and kickoffs (91st) in terms of average yardage allowed per return. To be fair, the Cowboys do return both punts (17th nationally) and kickoffs (8th) very well.

Prediction: Despite the fact that Oklahoma State is about as close to a one-trick pony as you will find in this year’s postseason, their offense will simply overwhelm Alabama. Expect some real fireworks for both sides on special teams’ returns in this game.


Holiday Bowl: California versus Texas A&M

For the fifth straight year, Cal has won at least 7 games and for the fourth straight season, Cal is in a bowl game. Not bad for a team that was 1-10 the year before Jeff Tedford arrived. Don’t worry Cal fans, the Pac 10 title will come, but for now The Bears must concentrate on playing better in the Holiday Bowl than they did two years ago when they were spanked by an underdog from Texas.

As is usually the case under Jeff Tedford, Cal is very efficient on offense. Their running game averages over 4.7 yards per rush and their passing attack has accumulated 24 touchdowns against just 13 interceptions all year. Cal is also fairly strong on defense, at least more so than they are given credit for. They stop the run reasonably well (3.7 yards per rush) and opponents have thrown more interceptions (20) against them than touchdowns (16).

The Golden Bears also usually have good field position after their defense makes opponents punt. The Bears are fourth in the NCAA averaging 17.26 yards per return. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has taken four kicks back to the house and is reason enough to not slip off to the fridge when the Aggies are punting.

Speaking of the Aggies, Dennis Franchione may have saved his job, at least until he loses to Texas again, after going 9-3. 8 of their 12 games were decided by 6 points or less. The Aggies went 5-3 in those games, so they were good, but hardly incredibly lucky. On offense, the Aggies run the football (5 yards per rush and 32 touchdowns) and are safe with the football when they throw it (only 3 interceptions all season). Sophomore quarterback Stephen McGee threw 11 of the teams 12 touchdown passes while adding over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground.

On defense, the Aggies were solid, but not particularly stout. Opponents averaged 4 yards per rush, but the good running teams (Oklahoma State and Oklahoma) were able to run the ball effectively. The Aggies were only able to grab 10 interceptions (and 4 of those came in the finale against Texas) on the year while allowing 13 touchdown passes.

Texas A&M is a solid team with a very small margin for error as evidence by the plethora of close games they played. They needed every small advantage they could get, and they were able to generate that advantage in the area of kickoff returns. The Aggies ranked second in the league in average kickoff return (27.57 per return) enabling them to begin drives with very good field position. That should help the Aggies hand with a Cal team that is simply better. However, the Aggies do have one glaring weakness on special teams—punt coverage. The Aggies finished 81st nationally in average yards allowed per punt return. If your memories short, the Bears brought 4 punts back for scores. Draw your own conclusions.

Prediction: The Aggies have played their fair share of close games, so don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the wire. Still, the Aggies advantage on kickoff returns should be neutralized by the Bears advantage on punt returns. The Bears offense is more prolific and their defense is stronger, so they will win.


Texas Bowl: Kansas State versus Rutgers

The Texas Bowl offers viewers with the NFL Network an intriguing look at two teams with similar pasts. Roughly 15 years ago, Kansas State was in Rutgers’ position—a completely worthless program that was being rebuilt and rejuvenated by an excellent coach. In the years since their rise, the Wildcats have competed for both conference and national titles before falling back on hard times. The Scarlet Knights would like to emulate most of what the Kansas State program has accomplished (sans the falling on hard times) and they can get a good start by winning their first ever bowl game.

The Scarlet Knights are powered by their running game and stellar defense. Sophomore Ray Rice went over 200 yards thrice on his way to a 1600 yard season. He also accounted for 19 touchdowns while averaging 5.22 yards per rush. The Knights will need Rice to perform well on first and second down so they can avoid putting quarterback Mike Teel in too many 3rd and longs. Teel completed only 55% of his passes and threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (13).

Defensively, the Knights are phenomenal. They are giving up only an eyelash over 3 yards per rush (3.01). They are also allowing quarterbacks to complete only 52% of their passes, 13 of which have been intercepted while allowing only 8 touchdowns through the air. The Knights also hope to use their solid punt return game to change field position. While the Knights rank only 49th in average per return, they have returned two punts for scores.

Glossing over the Wildcats team statistics, they hardly have the look of a 7-5 team. Their running game has been solid, averaging a respectable 4.18 yards per carry. However, whenever the Wildcats are forced to throw the football, well suffice it to say they may be better off punting on 3rd and long. Kansas State quarterbacks have completed only 52% of their throws and only 10 of those have gone for touchdowns against 18 interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Kansas State does a pretty good job of stopping the run holding opponents to under 4 yards per rush (3.95). Opponents have passed the ball pretty well against the Kansas State defense tossing 16 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions on the year while completing over 58% of their passes. So how has Kansas State won 7 games? Special teams.

The Wildcats are 32nd in the country in punt return average (11.18 per return and two scores) and they are even better at kickoff returns where they rank first in the country (27.94 per return and three scores). The Wildcats are also 11th in the country at covering kickoffs allowing only 17.31 yards per return. The Wildcats are only 64th in the country at covering punts, but to paraphrase Meatloaf, three out of four ain’t bad.

Prediction: Reasons to believe Kansas State can upset Rutgers? Motivation: Rutgers was a few plays away from playing in the Orange Bowl and are now exiled to play in a bowl game most of the country couldn’t watch if it wanted to. Special Teams: The Wildcats are great at returning both punts and kickoffs while the Knights are poor a kickoffs (93rd in the nation) and even worse at covering punts (100th in the nation). Reasons to believe Rutgers wins their first bowl game? Manhattan: Kansas State won only one game away from the Little Apple. Offense: Rutgers is better. Defense: Rutgers is better. It’s so simple when you break it down like that. Rutgers may give up some big plays on special teams, but they are stronger than Kansas State on offense and defense, so they should eventually cover the 7 to 7.5 point spread.

Bowl Preview: Motor City and Emerald

Record: 7-0


Motor City Bowl: Central Michigan versus Middle Tennessee State

The Chippewas return to the scene of their victory in the MAC Championship to take on a Middle Tennessee State team participating in its first ever bowl game. The Chips are led by their stud freshman quarterback Dan LeFevour. He completed nearly 64% of his passes and tossed 25 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions while directing an offense that broke 30 points 7 times in their last 9 games. LeFevour is also a pretty good runner, accumulating over 400 yards and 6 scores on the ground. The Central Michigan ground attack is paced by sophomore sunning back Ontario Sneed. He contributed over 700 yards on the ground and averaged a robust 5.8 yards per rush.

Defensively, the Chips are pretty good against the run (allowing 3.6 yards per rush), but can be beaten through the air. Opponents completed nearly 62% of their passes while throwing 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions against Central Michigan. Most revealing is the fact that Central Michigan allowed moribund Temple to have a field day through the air. The 1-11 Owls, who threw just 13 touchdown passes all season, managed 4 against the Chips defense in a fairly close 42-26 loss.

Fortunately, for Central Michigan, the Blue Raiders are not a very good passing team. They have only 9 touchdown passes on the year (against just 9 interceptions). The Blue Raiders prefer to run the ball, amassing 22 scores on the ground, but averaging a poor 3.7 yards per rush. Middle Tennessee’s running attack is very schizophrenic. They managed only 77 yards on 39 carries in a 21-20 loss to Troy and just 92 yards on 35 rushes in a 7-6 win over Florida International, but bludgeoned four Sun Belt teams (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, and North Texas) for over 200 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Middle Tennessee State is pretty strong against the run allowing only 3.5 yards per rush. For a Sun Belt team, they are also decent against the pass, holding opponents to a 57% completion rate while allowing only 17 touchdown passes and intercepting 14 of their own. Middle Tennessee is also very strong in the kickoff return game. They are 14th in the nation averaging 23.81 yards for return, and taking 2 kicks all the way back for scores. Middle Tennessee does not have the passing attack to keep up with the powerful Central Michigan offense. To win they must have one of the better performances from their schizo running game and also get good returns on kickoffs when the Chips score.

Prediction: The only reason to expect Central Michigan not to walk over the Blue Raiders is motivation. Their coach, Brian Kelly, has already accepted the head job at Cincinnati. Will the Chips come out flat and allow the Blue Raiders to hang around? No way. Central Michigan hung with Boston College and Kentucky, Middle Tennessee was blown away by Oklahoma, Louisville, and South Carolina. The Chips improve to 10-4 and even the MAC’s record at 1-1 in bowl games this season.


Emerald Bowl: Florida State versus UCLA

Could two teams with such similar records possibly be in more different states of mind? The Bruins come in riding high having won three in a row including a huge upset over rival Southern Cal that kept them out of the national championship game. Florida State comes limping in with its worst team in a generation. The ‘Noles are 6-6 and have lost 4 of their past 6 including a home beat down at the hands of Wake Forest. The running game, or lack thereof gets most of the press for Florida State’s bad season, and rightfully so with a 3.45 average per rush, but the passing attack is pretty culpable too. Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee have combined to complete about 55% of their passes while throwing just 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. If we remove the games against Troy, Rice, and Duke those numbers drop to 52%, 9 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, the ‘Noles are quite strong against the run. Opponents averaged only 2.61 yards per attempt. Only two teams, Clemson and North Carolina State, were able to average more than 4 yards per carry against the FSU defense. The ‘Noles are decent against the pass, but are far from the dynamo they have been in recent years. The defense only grabbed 10 interceptions while giving up 15 touchdown passes on the year.

Last season, UCLA was an unbalanced and fraudulent 10-2 team that was carried by their prolific offense and some great luck in close games. This season, the Bruins are a better than their record 7-5 team with a pretty good defense and a below average offense. After averaging 4.4 yards per rush in 2005, UCLA has dropped to 3.7 per carry this season. That means more 2nd and 3rd and longs. After having completed 63% of their passes with 34 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions in 2005, the Bruins have managed only 14 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions while completing 57% of their passes. Patrick Cowan has not come close to duplicating the success Drew Olson enjoyed last season, but he has improved as the season has progressed. In the past 3 games (all wins), he has not thrown an interception.

Last season, UCLA’s run defense (if you can call it that) ‘held’ opponents to 5.37 yards per rush. This season, they have nearly cut that number in half. They are allowing a scant 2.77 yards per carry. Last season the Bruins allowed opponents to complete 59% of their passes and throw 19 touchdowns while only intercepting 8 themselves. This season, opponents are completing 57% of their passes with 17 touchdowns, but they have also thrown 12 interceptions. In the last 3 games, UCLA’s defense has been especially strong. The Bruins have allowed 255 yards rushing on 100 opponent attempts (2.55 per rush), only 52% completion rate, and no touchdown passes while intercepting 2. These good games have come against three pretty good offensive teams (Oregon State, Arizona State, and Southern Cal).

Prediction: This game should be a defensive showcase. Neither team will be able to run the ball, but UCLA will make fewer mistakes and cause Bobby Bowden to have his first losing season since 1976.

Bowl Preview: Christmas in Hawaii

Record: 3-0


Hawaii Bowl: Arizona State versus Hawaii

Twas the night before Christmas and far far away
The Warriors and Sun Devils a game they would play
After snoozing last season the Warriors awoke with a jolt
To win 10 games with a QB named Colt
His passing is awesome and his running is sound
53 through the air and 5 on the ground
The defensive coach while in Dixie left tickets for The King
And on the islands has concocted a marvelous thing
The defense, once putrid, is only slightly below par
That plus the offense has taken them far
The Sun Devils come in just seeing red
With visions of Erickson (and violations) dancing in their head
The lame duck man, Koetter, is an offensive guru
But too often his defense has played like poo poo
Koetter constantly failed to impress his bosses
Because he finished only one season with less than 5 losses
A loss here would be such a bummer
As they hope to recapture the glory days of Snyder and Plummer

Prediction:
The Warriors are good with just 3 losses all year
Certainly they’ll get win 11 here
When June Jones gets the Gatorade bath he will recite
Merry Christmas to all, Aloha, good night

Bowl Preview: Pizza, New Mexico, and Armed Forces

Record: 2-0


PapaJohns.com Bowl: East Carolina versus South Florida

The South Florida Golden Bulls are making their second straight bowl appearance and second in the program’s history. The Bulls are led by their fabulous freshman quarterback Matt Grothe. He is a very accomplished passer for a freshman, completing nearly 64% of his passes while averaging over 8 yards per pass. His touchdown to interception ratio is fairly mediocre (14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions), but Grothe has accounted for 9 scores and over 600 yards in the ground, making him a duel threat. He is actually the Bulls leading rusher to boot. The South Florida running game is not terribly strong, relying on a committee approach consisting primarily of Benjamin Williams and Ricky Ponton who have combined for over 600 yards and a per carry average of just over 3.8.

South Florida’s primary strength is their fast, athletic defense. They held opponents to 3.4 yards per rush, including an impressive finale where they held the vaunted West Virginia attack to just 132 yards and under 3.6 yards per carry. That represented the lowest yardage output and per carry average for West Virginia all season. They also perform very well against the pass limiting opponents to only 10 touchdown throws on the year while grabbing 15 interceptions.

Offensively and defensively South Florida is a formidable squad, but in the third area of football, they are lacking. Their place kicking duo of Delbert Alvarado and Mike Benzer has combined to make just 6 of 14 field goals on the season. Benzer is 2 for 6 and has not played since the 7th game against North Carolina. Alvarado is not much better, but he has hit half his kicks (4 for 8). South Florida is also poor covering punts. They allow 13.9 yards per return (114th in the nation) and have given up two returns for scores. The one thing the Bulls are proficient at on special teams is returning punts themselves. They average 12.9 yards per return (19th in the nation).

East Carolina is making their first bowl appearance since 2001. In just his second season, head coach Skip Holtz has proven he has a little bit of his pops ability to turn around downtrodden programs (the Pirates were 1-11 in 2003). The Pirates don’t do any one thing particularly well, and they are not particularly poor in any area either (except one—more on that later). On offense they average 3.5 yards per rush and have thrown one more touchdown pass (12) than interceptions (11). On defense, they give up 4 yards per carry and have picked off 16 passes and allowed 16 touchdowns through the air.

Can East Carolina take advantage of South Florida’s one glaring weakness—punt return defense? East Carolina is 70th in the country in punt return average (7.9 per return), and have not brought one back for a score. Conversely, the one area where East Carolina is weak (as opposed to average) is punt return defense. They are only slightly better than South Florida (103rd nationally), giving up 11.8 yards per return.

Prediction: East Carolina’s punt return game is nothing special so they should not be able to take advantage of the one weakness South Florida has. South Florida is statistically better in every other area than East Carolina, and obtained this better ranking while playing in a stronger league. South Florida wins rather handily.


New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico versus San Jose State

New Mexico playing in the New Mexico Bowl? Wonders never cease. Unfortunately for Wyoming (a team that finished ahead of New Mexico in the Mountain West and beat them head to head), there is no Wyoming Bowl, so the pokes are home for the holidays.

Los Lobos do not run the ball particularly well (averaging only 3.3 yards per rush), but they do throw La Bamba. The Lobos average 13.48 yards per completion (15th in the nation) and their quarterbacks have completed only 52% of their passes (signs of an offense that throws the ball down the field). The Lobos offense has been led by two men—senior quarterback Chris Nelson and freshman Donovan Porterie. Nelson has played the most (and most recent). He has completed exactly half his passes while throwing 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Porterie is a little more accurate (55% completion percentage) and has thrown 6 touchdowns versus 2 interceptions. Porterie is the likely starter despite missing the last two games with an ankle injury, but who plays the most will likely depend on how well the Lobos offense plays in the first few drives.

Defensively, the Lobos have held their own against the run allowing only 3.5 yards per rush. Stooping the pass has been another story. Opponents have feasted on the Lobos pass defense, completing 60% of their passes while throwing 25 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. On special teams, the Lobos have a superb kicking game with Kenny Bryd having converted 18 of his 22 attempts on the year. However, like the two teams in the Papajohns.com bowl, the Lobos do not cover punts well. They are 106th in the nation giving up nearly 12 yards per return.

The Spartans of San Jose State are making their first bowl appearance since 1990. If not for the plethora of candidates (Jim Grobe, Greg Schiano, and Todd Graham), Dick Tomey would have made a fine choice for coach of the year. In only his second season, the Spartans have won twice as many games as they lost and have more wins over Division IA teams than they have has in the previous three seasons combined. The Spartans win games with their offense and special teams. Their running game averages 4.8 yards per rush and is led by junior Yonus Davis and his nearly 1000 yards. Davis averaged a robust 6.35 yards per carry. The Spartan passing game is also in good hands. Junior Adam Tafralis completes nearly 66% of his passes and has more than doubled up his interceptions (7) with 18 touchdown passes.

Remember New Mexico’s poor punt coverage rating? Well, the Spartans are pretty solid in the return game. They are 36th nationally in punt return average (10.81) and have taken one back to the house on the season. Defensively, San Jose State is solid (opponents averaged 4.1 yards per rush while throwing 17 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions), but hardly spectacular. Besides the punt return matchup, another area to watch is the San Jose State pass rush. The Spartans are 96th n the nation with 17 sacks on the year while New Mexico’s offensive line has been a sieve, giving up 42 sacks (113th in the country).

Prediction: This is pretty much a de facto home game for the Lobos. However, they were only 3-4 in home games in the regular season (including a loss to IAA Portland State). San Jose State was 2-3 on the road, but their losses came to bowl teams Nevada and Hawaii and a BCS school (Washington). New Mexico may be able to curtail the Spartan running game, but Tafralis will dissect their pass defense and the Lobos will still be in search of their first bowl win since 1961.


Armed Forces Bowl: Tulsa versus Utah

Tulsa is certainly happy to be here (especially after consecutive one-win seasons in 2001 and 2002). However, for team than many slated to be Conference USA champs, this season has to be a little disappointing. For starters, the Golden Hurricane were dominated in their one marquee non-conference game, losing by 25 at BYU. Then they had a three-game conference losing streak near the end of the season where they were crushed by Houston on the road, nipped by Rice at home in OT, and fell at Southern Methodist. The Golden Hurricane have three pretty good wins (Navy, Southern Miss, and East Carolina), but after a nine-win season and with a schedule devoid of BCS schools much more was expected.

Tulsa has a very prolific offense. The running game is led by Courtney Tennial. He rushed for nearly 800 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per rush. The quarterback, Paul Smith, was very efficient. He completed nearly 66% of his throws and averaged nearly 8 yards per pass. He ‘only’ threw 15 touchdowns against 8 interceptions, but he also ran for 6 scores and nearly 300 yards. Defensively, Tulsa was good enough. They stop the run better than the pass, but are outstanding in neither area. They allowed 4.2 yards per rush, but were only able to pick off 7 passes while allowing opponents to throw 13 touchdown passes.

Tulsa covers kickoffs very well. Opponents only averaged 15.88 yards per return (5th in the nation). They also make kicks. Jarod Tracy was 11 for 12 on field goal attempts.

Utah is another team that has to be somewhat disappointed in how their season went. Favored to win the Mountain West after destroying Georgia Tech in the Emerald Bowl and with their two toughest conference games at home (BYU and TCU) as well as a home date with Boise State, Utah finished with just 7 wins again. The Utes did beat TCU, but made up for it by losing to Wyoming and New Mexico. They also suffered a heartbreaking loss to rival BYU and were trounced by Boise State.

The Utes offense is pretty good in its own right. They are led by their passing game and more specifically by quarterback Brett Ratliff. The senior is not as accurate as some other quarterbacks (57% completion percentage), but he makes few mistakes (8 interceptions) and has thrown 22 touchdown passes. He’s rather en fuego as well, throwing 12 touchdowns and just 1 pick in his last five games.

The Utes defense is quite good at shutting down the run, allowing just a shade over 3 yards per rush. Against the pass, they are not quite as good, but they have picked off 16 passes while allowing opponents to throw 19 touchdown passes. While Tulsa will likely win the field position battle in the kickoff game, the Utes will surely come out on top in the punting game. Utah is first in the nation in punt coverage allowing only 2.11 yards per return.

Prediction: This should be an entertaining and close game (we need one after the first two bowl games). Utah will make up for their substandard regular season by stopping the Tulsa running game and putting points on the board with their passing attack.

Bowl Preview: Viva Las Vegas and The Big Easy

Record: 1-0

Las Vegas and New Orleans. Sin City and the Big Easy. The Strip and Bourbon Street. Both cities have their fair share of extra curricular activities, but if the residents and visitors can pry themselves from their respective vices, they should find two very exciting and compelling bowl games.


Las Vegas Bowl: BYU versus Oregon

On Thursday, the Las Vegas Bowl matches up two of the most prolific offenses in the nation. BYU is 6th nationally in scoring averaging a robust 36.7 points per game. On the other sideline, Oregon averages ‘only’ 31.3 points per game. BYU has been held under 30 points only three times all season (they lost two of those games). Oregon has been held under 30 five times, including their last three contests. Oregon has also lost each game in which they have been held under 30 points.

The BYU offense is led by their senior quarterback John Beck who is completing an outstanding 70% of his passes while averaging almost 9 and a half yards per pass. He has also tossed 30 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions. But don’t confuse this Cougars team with a garden variety run ‘n shoot squad. While the running game is not upper-echelon, it is productive. The committee approach is led by senior Curtis Brown with his 900 yards and nearly 4.8 average per rush. The Cougars are also pretty solid on defense. They rank 16th in the nation in points allowed per game (15.3). They are equally good against the run (allowing only 3.6 yards per rush) and the pass (16 interceptions and only 11 touchdowns allowed). And special teams? They’re pretty solid there too. They are 11th in the nation averaging over 13 and a half yards per punt return. They also limit opponents to only a shade over 6 yards per punt return (23rd in country) and under 19 yards per kickoff return (29th nationally).

As mentioned earlier, the Ducks are no slouch on offense either. However, their offense is carried more by the running game than the passing game. Super soph Jonathan Stewart, when he was able to play, tore through opposing defenses while averaging a very good 5.5. yards per rush. Sophomore Jeremiah Johnson performed well while spelling Stewart, averaging over 6 yards per rush himself. The passing game was a different story. While far from anemic, the Ducks certainly missed departed signal caller Kellen Clemens. Brady Leaf was the better of the two-headed junior quarterbacks, but he played only half as much as Dennis Dixon. Leaf is expected to start the bowl game, and if he does, the offense should be in better shape. Unfortunately, the Ducks still lag behind the Cougars in two other areas: defense and special teams. The Ducks rank 84th nationally in points allowed. Part of that rating is a function of their less than stellar defense, and the other part is a function of their horrible special teams. Oregon is 109th nationally, allowing over 12 and a half yards per punt return. On kickoffs, they are little better (86th) allowing 21.6 yards per return. The defense has not been terrible against the rush (4.3 yards per rush allowed) or the pass (opponents have completed 54% of their passes while throwing 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions), but that slightly below average play in conjunction with the atrocious specials teams (and the short field that goes with it) cause the Ducks to allow a lot of points.

Prediction: Believe it or not, the Cougars are a very good team, losing only on the road to Arizona (by 3 despite outgaining the Wildcats) and Boston College (in OT). Oregon is not a good team. If the Oklahoma game was officiated properly, the Ducks would be 6-6 and possibly staying at home for the holidays. The Cougars win going away.


New Orleans Bowl: Rice versus Troy

The New Orleans bowl matches up two teams not used to participating in the bowl season. Rice is making its first bowl appearance since 1961 and Troy is making only its second bowl appearance in the programs history.

The Owls are 7-5 in coach Todd Graham’s first season, representing the program’s high-water mark for wins since 2001. The Owls do one thing well—throw the football. Quarterback Chase Clement and wide receiver Jarrett Dillard form a dynamic aerial assault for the Owls. A year after completing less than half his passes in a much different offense as a freshman, Clement completed nearly 58% of his passes and tossed 21 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions. Most of those completions and touchdowns went to Dillard who grabbed 82 balls and scored an amazing 20 touchdowns (including one in every game this year and the final two of last season for an amazing streak of 14 games with a touchdown catch). Did I say Rice did only one thing well? I should have said they do two things well—get lucky. The Owls were an amazing 5-1 in close games this season. Their last 4 victories, in a closing 6 game streak, came by a combined 14 points. Defensively, the Owls allow 5.3 yards per rush and opponents threw almost three times as many touchdowns (28) as interceptions (10).

The Troy Trojans are not as prolific on offense as Rice, preferring to control the clock and play field position with their running game. They actually ran the ball more often than passing it (403 rushes and 379 passes on the season). Unfortunately, their running game is far from dominant, and actually a little below average. They average only 3.8 yards per rush. Their passing game is on equal footing. Quarterback Omar Haugabook threw 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions while averaging less than 6 yards per pass. The Trojans win with their defense which held opponents to 3.8 yards per rush. If we remove the Georgia Tech and Nebraska debacles when the Trojans were simply outmanned, that average drops to 2.9. Against the pass, the Trojans were not quite as good (allowed 15 touchdown passes while intercepting 11 balls). The Trojans were also pretty lucky, going 4-2 in close games.

Prediction: This game is a toss-up and should be quite entertaining. The Owls defense is awful, just awful. But the Trojans offense is not that great. It’s the movable object against the resistible force. The Trojans will shut down the Rice running game and force the Owls into long yardage situations. They’ll still convert their fair share, but in the 4th quarter, Rice’s string of good luck will run out and the Trojans will prevail.

Bowl Preview: Poinsettia--A Poor Man's Rose

Poinsettia Bowl: Northern Illinois versus TCU

Fun fact: The poinsettia is named after Joel Robert Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico. Ah, the wonders of wikipedia.

TCU comes in riding high on a 7 game winning streak. The Horned Frogs fell off the national radar after consecutive losses to BYU and Utah at mid-season. During those 7 games, the Horned Frogs have been challenged only once—in a 27-21 road win over New Mexico. In that game, normally efficient Senior quarterback Jeff Ballard completed only 6 of his 16 pass attempts for a paltry 25 yards. Besides Ballard, the strength of the TCU team is their rushing attack (which averages 194 yards per game and 4.56 yards per carry) and their stifling defense (12.8 points allowed per game). TCU’s pass defense is good, but their run defense is outstanding. They held opponent’s to 68 yards per game and only 2.4 yards per rush.

If the Frogs want to win this game, they’d better hold that line. Northern Illinois is far from a one-dimensional team, but they are certainly carried by their star running back Garrett Wolfe. Wolfe had over 1900 yards rushing and averaged over 6 and a half yards per rush. Wolfe is an exceptional player, but he is far from Super Man. He was actually bottled up in 4 games (one third of the schedule). He averaged under 2 yards per rush against Western Michigan, under 3 against Temple (!?), exactly 3 against Iowa, and under 4 against Toledo. Context and sample size are not issues in these games. The Huskies were very much in the games they lost to Western Michigan (by 2), Iowa (by 10), and Toledo (by 4), and Wolfe had at least 15 carries in all 4 contests. The Horned Frog defense will contain Garrett Wolfe and put the onus of the game on quarterback Phil Horvath. Horvath is a solid player, but will not be able to consistently move the ball against a TCU defense that consistently holds down the running game.

The one-wild card that may aid Northern Illinois is their return game. At least their punt return game. The Huskies averaged nearly 12 yards per punt return (good for 26th nationally). Of course, TCU only allows a shade over 5 yards per return (15th in the nation). If the Huskies can break a return or two to shake up the field position they will have a chance.

Prediction: The Huskies will keep this game close (and definitely cover than 12-12.5 point spread), but their lack of a good pass defense (opponents have completed 64% of their passes and thrown only 7 interceptions) and inability to consistently move the ball will be their downfall.

Regular Season Wrap-Up

Finishing things up with the WAC and the Independents.

WAC

Boise State
Record: 12-0
Conference Record: 8-0
Pythagorean Record: 10.80-1.20
Grade: A
Not a bad start for Chris Peterson. Another WAC Championship and the schools first BCS bid. I for one am very anxious to see running back Ian Johnson go up against the stout Oklahoma defense.

Fresno State
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 4.57-7.43
Grade: C-
2006 was a lost season for Pat Hill and the Bulldogs, but there is a silver lining. 5 of the losses came to bowl teams, including two in non-conference play against Oregon and LSU. Also lost to Washington on a missed extra point outside WAC play. Bulldogs continued to play hard despite their struggles, winning 3 of their last 4.

Hawaii
Record: 10-3
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 10.82-2.18
Grade: A
The best Hawaii team ever? Warriors had not only the best offense of the June Jones-era (47.3 points per game), but also the best defense (24.1 points allowed per game). Every loss was by 8 points or fewer.

Idaho
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 1.84-10.16
Grade: C
The Vandals did post their most wins since 2000 (when they went 5-6), but were not competitive down the stretch, losing their last 5 by 32.2 points per game. To make matters worse, head coach Dennis Erickson got out of Moscow faster than the Anastasia.

Louisiana Tech
Record: 3-10
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 1.68-11.32
Grade: D+
A year after going 6-2 in conference play, the bottom fell out for Terry Bradshaw’s alma mater. 3 wins were over Utah State (1-11), North Texas (3-9), and Nicholls State (IAA).

Nevada
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 9.12-2.88
Grade: A-
The Wolfpack just keep on rolling in Chris Ault’s second stint with the team. The ‘Pistol’ offense gets all the press, but the story was the defense with a WAC best 17.8 points allowed per game in conference play.

New Mexico State
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 6.10-5.90
Grade: B+
After Mumme got some of his recruits in, the Aggies offense improved dramatically (31.2 points per game versus 16.5 last season). Aggies were a tough luck 0-4 in close games. Expect them to head to a bowl game in 2007.

San Jose State
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 7.15-4.85
Grade: A+
To you a New Mexico bowl bid may not mean much. But to the Spartans and Tomey, it means a ton. Dick Tomey has worked wonders in his second season at San Jose. The Spartans improved from 3-8 to 8-4 and are going to their first bowl game since 1990.

Utah State
Record: 1-11
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 0.57-11.43
Grade: D-
Bad year all around for the Aggies. Their lone victory was a 13-12 decision over Fresno State.

Independents

Army
Record: 3-9
Pythagorean Record: 3.54-8.46
Grade: C-
Bobby Ross has certainly improved the Black Knights since arriving in 2004. However, he can’t seem to get over the hump and have a winning season or beat their rivals in Annapolis.

Navy
Record: 9-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.50-3.50
Grade: A
Paul Johnson continues to work his magic for the Midshipmen. Navy only went 1-3 against bowl-bound teams (win over East Carolina and losses to Notre Dame, Tulsa, and Rutgers), but that’s a small quibble. Navy actually went 5-0 in true road games. For all the credit Johnson gets for neutralizing the talent disparity with his unique option offense, the defense is the unit that has actually improved the most since he took over in 2002. In 2002, the Naval Academy scored 24.2 points per game. In 2006, they scored 28.6 per game (an increase of a little more than 18%). In 2002, they allowed 36.3 points per game. In 2006, they allowed 19.7 per game (nearly 46% fewer points per game).

Notre Dame
Record: 10-2
Pythagorean Record: 8.47-3.53
Grade: B+
As much as I hate the Irish and Charlie Weiss, he has done wonders for Brady Quinn. In 2004, the year before Weiss arrived; Quinn completed 54% of his passes, averaged 7.3 yards per pass, and threw 17 touchdowns versus 10 interceptions. In 2005, Weiss’ first season, Quinn completed 65% of his passes, averaged 8.7 yards per pass, and threw 32 touchdowns versus 7 interceptions. This past season, Quinn completed 63% of his passes, averaged 7.6 yards per pass, and threw 35 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. Irish parlaying 4 decent wins (Georgia Tech, Penn State, Purdue, and UCLA) and 2 blowout losses (Michigan and So Cal) into a BCS berth.

Temple
Record: 1-11
Pythagorean Record: 0.49-11.51
Grade: C
At Temple, progress is measured in baby steps. Owls won one more game than in 2005, averaged a little over a point more per game, and held opponents to about 4 points less per game.

Regular Season Wrap-Up

On the home stratch with the SEC and Sun Belt.

SEC

Alabama
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 7.48-4.52
Grade: C
With all the Tide lost after last season’s 10-2 campaign, 6-6 is not that bad. The only game Bama lost that they should have probably won was the Mississippi State game. Unfortunately drew two of the SEC East’s strongest teams on the road (Florida and Tennessee) in their inter-division games. Should have held onto Shula for at least one more season.

Arkansas
Record: 10-3
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 9.90-3.10
Grade: A
After two disappointing season’s Hogs rebounded under Nutt to have their best season since 1998. If the quarterback situation improves before next season, Arkansas could get back to the SEC Championship Game.

Auburn
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 9.68-2.32
Grade: B+
Auburn defense did their part to help the Tigers win the SEC West. Offense did not. In conference play, they finished 7th in scoring and only broke 30 against Mississippi State.

Florida
Record: 12-1
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 11.17-1.83
Grade: A-
Things couldn’t have gone much better for the Gators in Meyer’s second season. However, the offense did not improve as much as most (including me expected). Team averaged 28.6 points per game last season and 28.8 this season. Defense was the key holding opponents to 13.5 points per game versus 18.8 n 2005. Look to be living on borrowed time (5-0 in close games).

Georgia
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 8.46-3.54
Grade: B
After losing to Kentucky in early November, every Georgia fan had nightmares of 6-6. Then the Dogs spanked Auburn and made Reggie Ball look like, well Reggie Ball to finish their ‘rebuilding’ year at 8-4.

Kentucky
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 5.36-6.64
Grade: A
It’s a shame Kentucky’s best season in ages will probably end with a 7-6 record. Cats were oh so close to beating Tennessee and finishing second in the SEC East. Weirdest (and maybe the most entertaining) game of the season is probably Kentucky’s 2-point win over a terrible Louisiana-Monroe team (4-8).

LSU
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 10.91-1.09
Grade: A-
Exhibit A for why college football needs a playoff. How good are the Tigers? Very hard to tell. They destroyed several teams, but lost to two of the stronger teams they played (Florida and Auburn) which were also on the road. Needed a last second touchdown pass to beat Tennessee (sans starting quarterback) on the road, and needed a historically bad performance by Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick to beat the Hogs away from Death Valley. Alas, the bowl game probably won’t shed much light on the subject as the Tigers should handle an overrated Notre Dame team in the Sugar Bowl.

Mississippi
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 3.47-8.53
Grade: C-
Brent Schaeffer didn’t exactly make people forget Archie Manning in Oxford, completing only 47.1% of his passes. Rebs can point to the fact that they won two of their last four while taking LSU to overtime and playing Auburn within a touchdown (both on the road) in the two losses.

Mississippi State
Record: 3-9
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 3.73-8.27
Grade: C-
Time may be running out for Sylvester Croom. A third straight 3-win season and a combined 4-20 record in conference play mean there has to be substantial improvement in Year 4 to justify keeping Croom around.

South Carolina
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 8.52-3.48
Grade: B-
Mark it down, Gamecocks will be the next year’s Arkansas. The Cocks lost close games to elite teams (7 to Auburn, 7 to Tennessee, 6 to Arkansas, and 1 at Florida) and The OBC will have had his system in place for three seasons. Get on the band wagon now.

Tennessee
Record: 9-3
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.70-3.30
Grade: B+
Cutcliffe returns and the offense improves and Ainge progresses. Coincidence? Not likely. Season may seem a tad below par after the opening shellacking of top-10 Cal, but the Bears were a little overrated.

Vanderbilt
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 5.48-5.52
Grade: C
Vandy lost a first round draft pick and only lost one win off last year’s pace. Bobby Johnson is building something in Nashville. Vandy is much more competitive than when he first arrived. Vandy’s record in close games by season under Bobby Johnson:
2002: 1-4
2003: 0-2
2004: 0-5
2005: 4-4
2006: 1-4
One season the breaks will go their way and the ‘Dores will win 7 or 8 games.

Sun Belt

Arkansas State
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-3
Pythagorean Record: 3.01-8.99
Grade: B
Two straight 6-win seasons and a victory over the eventual conference champions (Troy). Success not always measured in bowl games and national titles. Indians were 4-0 in close games so look for some regression in that area in 2007.

Florida Atlantic
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 4-3
Pythagorean Record: 2.80-9.20
Grade: B+
After they got through the early non-conference slate (outscored 192-20 in first 4 games against Clemson, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and South Carolina) Owls played well under Schnellenberger. Vastly improved on last season’s 2-9 mark.

Florida International
Record: 0-12
Conference Record: 0-7
Pythagorean Record: 1.02-10.98
Grade: C-
Sweep the leg, swing the helmet. Slogan for the FIU Dojo. Panthers not as bad as their record (0-4) in close games.

Louisiana-Lafeyette
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 3-4
Pythagorean Record: 4.76-7.24
Grade: C
Somewhat disappointing season for a team many pegged to win the Sun Belt. Did score a crucial non-conference upset against Houston.

Louisiana-Monroe
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 3-4
Pythagorean Record: 5.87-6.13
Grade: C
Warhawks turned in on at season’s end winning 3 of 4 and losing to Kentucky by only 2. 9 starters back on offense and 6 on defense. Sun Belt champs in 2007?

Middle Tennessee State
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 6-1
Pythagorean Record: 6.28-5.72
Grade: A-
Rick Stockstill did a fine job in his first season in Murfreesboro. Blue Raiders allowed the fewest 92 points in conference play (13.1 per game) and scored the most 204 (29.1 per game). Still didn’t win the conference.

North Texas
Record: 3-9
Conference Record: 2-5
Pythagorean Record: 2.00-10.00
Grade: C
Mean Green fallen on hard times since winning 4 straight Sun Belt titles from 2001-2004. Only scored 76 points in conference play (which was still 22 more than Florida International).

Troy
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 6-1
Pythagorean Record: 5.54-6.46
Grade: A
The other Trojans will be enjoying the second bowl game in school history. In their six years of play in Division IA, Trojans have three winning seasons and only two losing seasons. This is their first conference title in Division IA.

Regular Season Wrap-Up

Recapping the Mountain West and Pac-10.

Mountain West

Air Force
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 5.44-6.56
Grade: C-
The third losing season in a row for Fisher DeBerry and the Falcons. Will DeBerry experience a Jo-Pa like revival or is has the game passed him by? The Falcons were an unlucky 2-5 in close games so they can expect some improvement in that area next season.

BYU
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 8-0
Pythagorean Record: 10.67-1.33
Grade: A
In his second season, Bronco Mendenhall led the Cougars to an undefeated season in Mountain West play. Cougars were not challenged in conference play until the final game against Utah. Lost close games on the road early on against Arizona and Boston College. If they win those two, do teams crash the BCS party?

Colorado State
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 4.18-7.82
Grade: D+
Like DeBerry, Sonny Lubick has endured 3 straight non-winning seasons. Rams lost 7 in a row after a 4-1 start to finish the season on a serious downer. Rams has the worst offense in Mountain West play (14.1 points per game).

New Mexico
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 5.50-6.50
Grade: C+
Six years of bowl-eligibility in a row for Rocky Long’s Lobos. They didn’t really deserve the bowl bid (more on that later), but are going nonetheless. Lobos somehow lost at home to Portland State in the opener.

San Diego State
Record: 3-9
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 2.13-9.87
Grade: C-
Aztec fans and prognosticators in general probably expected much more out of San Diego State this season. Looking back, some of the games look very impressive (lost by 14 at Wisconsin) and others (lost by 2 at home to Cal-Poly), well, not so much. Chuck Long’s offense averaged under 15 points per game in conference play.

TCU
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 10.46-1.54
Grade: B+
Not many people seemed to notice, but the Horned Frogs won 10 games for the fourth time in five years. After beginning conference play 0-2, reeled off 6 straight conference wins, and only one was by less than 10 points.

UNLV
Record: 2-10
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 2.95-9.05
Grade: D
Another two win season and another 1-7 finish in conference play for the Rebels. Mike Sanford needs to show some improvement in his third season or he may be back with brother Lamont selling junk and drinking Ripple.

Utah
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.18-3.82
Grade: B-
Another winning season and bowl appearance for Kyle Whittingham. Still, the Utes did not compete for the Mountain West title as many observers expected. They also failed miserably in their two non-conference tests, losing to UCLA and Boise State by a combined score of 67-13.

Wyoming
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 5.84-6.16
Grade: B
They finished with the same record (6-6) as New Mexico, a better conference record (5-3) than New Mexico (4-4), and beat New Mexico 14-10 (at New Mexico). Yet the Cowboys don’t go to a bowl and the Lobos do. Too bad they don’t have the Wyoming bowl in their backyard. Still, the season has to be considered a success for a team many picked to finish last in the Mountain West.

Pac-10

Arizona
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-5
Pythagorean Record: 4.83-7.17
Grade: C+
Mike Stoops has his first non-losing season in Tucson. 2006 was a tale of two seasons as the Wildcats began the year 2-4 before winning 4 of their last 6 (and 3 of their last 4 including a win over Cal) to finish 6-6. The defense is where Stoops want it (18.6 points allowed per game—second in conference play), but the offense has to improve (16.9 points per game—second to last in conference play) if the team is to improve.

Arizona State
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 4-5
Pythagorean Record: 6.90-5.10
Grade: C-
Same old song and dance for the Sun Devils got Dirk Koetter canned. Sun Devils were fourth in conference play in points scored and second to last in conference play in points allowed. Does Dennis Erickson still have it?

Cal
Record: 9-3
Conference Record: 7-2
Pythagorean Record: 8.98-3.02
Grade: B+
You know Jeff Tedford’s done a helluva job when a 9 win season is seen as somewhat of a disappointment. The Golden Bears anxiously await their first BCS bowl bid under Tedford. It will come, just be patient.

Oregon
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 4-5
Pythagorean Record: 7.40-4.60
Grade: C+
If the Oklahoma game is officiated properly, this team is 6-6. Ducks lost their last 3 including a home beat down at the hand of Arizona. This was their worst non-USC home loss since a 55-16 loss to Washington in 2003.

Oregon State
Record: 9-4
Conference Record: 6-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.36-4.64
Grade: B+
Began the season 2-3 with blowout losses to Boise State and Cal, but rebounded to win 7 of their last 8 including the dramatic home upset of USC. Don’t overlook the regular season finale against perhaps the best Hawaii team in a long time.

Stanford
Record: 1-11
Conference Record: 1-8
Pythagorean Record: 0.85-11.15
Grade: F
Just an atrocious season for Stanford. In 9 of their 12 games, they scored 10 points or fewer. Only 3 of their losses were within 20 points.

UCLA
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 5-4
Pythagorean Record: 7.63-4.37
Grade: B
The USC game was a microcosm of how far the Bruins defense has come since the end of last season. UCLA has nearly cut its points allowed in half (34.2 in 2005 and 17.9 in 2006) and dominated defensively against the Trojans. Hopefully the brass in LA sticks with Karl Dorrell.

USC
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 7-2
Pythagorean Record: 10.12-1.88
Grade: A-
5 straight BCS bids for the Trojans. USC was nowhere near as dominant as they have been the last few seasons, but the defense dramatically improved and that bodes well for 2007.

Washington
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 3-6
Pythagorean Record: 4.80-7.20
Grade: B-
Six game losing streak put a black mark on an otherwise solid season. Huskies did rebound to win the Apple Cup against Wazzu. Willingham is doing a great job at a school that won one game the season before he got there.

Washington State
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-5
Pythagorean Record: 6.45-5.55
Grade: C+
Three straight losses to end the season, including a nail-biter in the Apple Cup have put Bill Doba in hot water. Cougars managed a strange 4-2 road record and 2-4 home record.

Don't Know What You Got, 'Til Its Gone

From the looks of things, it appears Tom O'Brien is leaving Boston College. It appears his gypsy roads will lead him to NC State. If this does indeed come to pass, Boston College will be losing a quality football coach. Of course, some fanatical BC fans will have you believe it is a good thing Tom O'Brien is vacating the head coaching position at Chestnut Hill. This website apparently believes winning 8 or 9 games at BC is not enough. They advocate a return to the Eagles' illustrious past--mentioning Frank Leahy, Doug Flutie, and Tom Coughlin as examples of the Eagles' great history (more on that later). Of course, they don't really explain what they want (I'm guessing a conference championsip of sorts) nor do they explain how to go about achieving such results.

The primary crux of FTOB's argument is that BC has plateaued under O'Brien and is just running in place.

'Tom O'Brien has been the head football coach at Boston College since 1997. When he arrived at BC, the athletic department was reeling from a massive gambling scandal involving a number of football players. O'Brien did an admirable job returning respectability and integrity to the football program, and for his first 3 years at BC took baby steps towards returning the Eagles to a position of national relevance. We thank him for the job he did in those early years.'

Is this true? Let's take a look. Here is O'Brien's won-lost record year by year at BC beginning with his first season.

4-7
4-7
8-4
7-5
8-4
9-4
8-5
9-3
9-3
9-3

Sure, I suppose FTOB is partly right that BC has plateaued, but I would argue that plateuing at 9-3 is much better than plateuing at say 5-6 or 6-5. And let's not forget that BC has moved on to a tougher conference. After playing in a conference that was dominated by one or two teams (Miami and Virginia Tech usually and Syracuse once) for most of O'Brien's tenure, the Eagles moved to a much stronger (top to bottom) conference in the ACC where the only assured victory is against Duke. Still, we'll give FTOB the benefit of the doubt. But FTOB also points out that O'Brien has failed to beat the top teams in his conference. In their own words.

'But something funny happened on the way to the Orange Bowl. Around 2001, the progress grinded to a halt. Each year was the same as the last, a soft schedule, some disappointing losses, and a total inability to beat the top teams in our conference.'

Here is BC's year by year record under Tom O'Brien against teams that finished the season with winning records.

1-5
1-6
1-3
1-5
2-4
2-4
3-3
2-1
4-2
5-1

Hold on a second. That looks suspiciously like improvement. In fact it almost looks like constant improvement. BC has improved its record against winning teams each of the last 5 seasons, culminating with a 5-1 record this past season.

Now let's take a look at FTOB's other point--BC's storied history. FTOB mentions Frank Leahy when discussing past glories. For starters, Mr. Leahy did coach the Eagles...for two seasons. He did compile an amazing 20-2 record in his two season stint including a Sugar Bowl win in his final game, but that happened between 1939 and 1940. Army and Navy were also super powers in that era. To suggest that unblemished 1940 season has any direct impact on BC football today is sheer lunacy.

Next up on the BC honor roll is Doug Flutie. Flutie had a fantastic 1984 season. He won the Heisman Trophy and BC finished with a 10-2 record including a Cotton Bowl win over Houston. But look at the scedule. For all the flak FTOB gives O'Brien for a soft schedule, they completely ignore dearth of great wins for that BC team. Two wins came against non D-IA teams. Find their best win. It took a Hail Mary to beat a decent but hardly great Miami team that finished 8-5. Their best win is probably against Army (8-3-1). Plus they lost to West Virgina (8-4) and Penn State (6-5). BC was a good team in 1984, but to suggest that they were substantially better than any of the two most recent incarnations of the Eagles is to ignore the facts.

Finally FTOB mentions Tom Coughlin, erstwhile coach of the New York Giants. Here is Coughlin's won/loss record in his 3 seasons at BC.

4-7
8-3-1
9-3

I'm not gonna dispute the fact that Coughlin got the Eagles back on track faster than O'Brien, but those Eagles' teams were hardly elite. Coughlin's second team (1992) did lose its 3 games to teams with at least 9 wins, but 6 of their 8 wins game against teams with losing records (including 4 with 3 wins or less). Their 2 wins over winning teams were against a 7-4 Rutgers team (who had 5 wins against teams with 3 wins or fewer) and Penn State (7-5 and also with 5 wins against teams with 3 wins or fewer). The 1993 squad did beat some good teams including Notre Dame (11-1) costing the Irish a shot at the national title and Virgina Tech (9-3), but also lost to Northwestern (2-9).

And as for the fact that BC continues to play in low-level bowls against also-rans, well that's not really O'Brien's fault. Bowl selection is more about making money than rewarding teams who had good seasons. BC simply doesn't have the following of their conference brethren (like Clemson) which is why they will continue to get shafted in the bowl selection process.

Anyway, the point of this post is that I stalwartly disagree with just about every word on the FTOB website. The only thing more ridiculous that FTOB would be some disgruntled George Mason fan starting firejimlarranaga.com should the Patriots fail to make this year's NCAA tournament. Unless BC plans on hiring Bear Bryant as coach, anyone who believes BC is in better shape without Tom O'Brien is a moron. Glam rock band Cinderella said it best: You don't know what you got, 'til its gone.

Regular Season Wrap-Up

Time to show the little guys some love.

Conference USA

East Carolina
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 6.74-5.26
Grade: B+
Pirates bounced back from a rough start to win 5 of their final six games. Beat two ACC teams (Virginia and NC State) in non-conference play.

Houston
Record: 10-3
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 9.38-3.62
Grade: B+
Aside from the inexplicable home loss to Louisiana-Lafayette, the season went about as well as could be expected. Nearly beat Miami in the Orange Bowl. Cougars, led by Kevin Kolb, had by far the best offense in Conference USA (32.8 points per game).

Marshall
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 5.15-6.85
Grade: C
Thundering Herd closed the season winning 4 of 6 after a 1-5 start. Still, coach Mark Snyder will be squarely on the hot seat next year after consecutive losing seasons in his first two years on the job.

Memphis
Record: 2-10
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 4.20-7.80
Grade: D
After 3 consecutive winning seasons, the Tigers fell off a cliff, winning only 2 games. Part of it was attrition (the Tigers lost their starting quarterback, running back, and half of their starting defense from 2005) and part of it was dumb luck. The Tigers were 0-5 in close games. Tigers are a Conference USA sleeper for next season.

Rice
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 4.87-7.13
Grade: A+
The Owls are the Cinderella story of 2006. Rice is making its first bowl appearance since 1961 under the tutelage of first year coach Todd Graham. Sophomore wide receiver Jarett Dillard is the story with 20 touchdown catches on the year. Good luck played a significant role in the Owl’s season as they went 5-1 in close games. May regress next season before turning the corner for good under Graham.

SMU
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 6.71-5.29
Grade: B+
After a long hiatus, the Pony Express may be back. Mustangs have improved each season under Phil Bennett since going winless in 2003. Season did not begin promising with blowout losses to Texas Tech and North Texas. A win in the North Texas (3-9) game and the Mustangs are probably bowling. Only won 1 road game.

Southern Miss
Record: 8-5
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 8.44-4.56
Grade: B+
Another year, another bowl game for the Golden Eagles. This year makes 5 in a row. Integrated a new starting quarterback, Jeremy Young, in place of the departed Dustin Almond, and still managed to win their half of Conference USA. Jeff Bower is vastly underrated.

Tulane
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 2.42-9.58
Grade: C-
Green Wave will probably catch a lot of heat for letting Chris Scelfo go one year after guiding the team through the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. However, the fact remains that Tulane has posted only two winning seasons and one bowl game in his 8 years at the school.

Tulsa
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.54-3.46
Grade: B+
I have to say, I expected more from the Golden Hurricane. Still 8 wins at one of the smallest schools in Division I-A is quite an accomplishment for Steve Kragthorpe.

UAB
Record: 3-9
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 4.09-7.91
Grade: D+
After giving Oklahoma all they could handle in Norman, and then beating East Carolina in week 2, the Blazers looked to be real contenders in Conference USA. Even following two consecutive losses, the Blazers rebounded to stand at 3-3 at the season’s midpoint. Then they lost the final 6 games. Blazers were 2-5 in close games, so whoever coaches next season is likely to see improvement in that ara.

UCF
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 3.37-8.63
Grade: C-
After a charmed season where they went 4-1 in close games and played for the conference title, the Golden Knights slipped to 4-8. Three tough non-conference games (Florida, Pittsburgh, and South Florida) account for some of the poor record. George O’Leary didn’t forget how to coach any more than he did during the 0-11 campaign. Knights will be back among Conference USA contenders next season.

UTEP
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 5.06-6.94
Grade: D-
What happened? In Jordan Palmer’s senior season the Miners couldn’t dig in the last half of the season finishing the year 1-5. Offense finished only 7th in scoring in conference play (25.3 points per game).

MAC

Akron
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 5.03-6.97
Grade: C
Zips failed to build on first bowl trip in nearly 30 years, but they did upend NC State.in Raleigh.

Ball State
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 6.38-5.62
Grade: C
Cardinals had the best season in Brady Hoke’s tenure winning 5 games. Lost to the Big 10’s Indiana by a single point, but have to be kicking themselves for losing to I-AA North Dakota State.

Bowling Green
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 3.50-8.50
Grade: C-
Life without Omar Jacobs wasn’t much fun for the Falcons. First losing season in Gregg Brandon’s stay. His record has gotten worse each year (11-3, 9-3, 6-5, 4-8) since taking over for Urban Meyer.

Buffalo
Record: 2-10
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 2.03-9.97
Grade: C-
Bulls won their first game under Turner Gill against Temple, but it was all down hill from there. Except for the amazing home beatdown of a pretty good Kent State team.

Central Michigan
Record: 9-4
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 8.41-4.59
Grade: A
Brian Kelly did a great job after moving up from Grand Valley State three seasons ago. Unfortunately, it was too good a job as he is moving on to Cincinnati now. He does leave outstanding freshman quarterback Dan LeFevour to his replacement so the Chippewas should remain a MAC contender.

Eastern Michigan
Record: 1-11
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 2.09-9.91
Grade: D
After consecutive 4-7 seasons, the Eagles collapsed. That’s 4 seasons of at least 9 losses in the last 6 for the struggling program

Kent State
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 5.16-6.84
Grade: B+
6-6 is a world better than 1-10 which the Golden Flashes were in 2005. Played Minnesota and Virginia Tech in non-conference games. Actually were 4-0 in conference play before losing 3 of their last 4.

Miami
Record: 2-10
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 3.86-8.14
Grade: D+
Shane Montgomery’s sophomore campaign didn’t go to well. Redhawks were a tough luck 2-5 in close games, they could be a conference sleeper next season.

Northern Illinois
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.10-3.90
Grade: C
Garret Wolfe got his yards of course, but the Huskies underperformed most people’s expectations. They are going bowling for the second time in three years.

Ohio
Record: 9-4
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 7.86-5.14
Grade: A
Frank Solich guided the Bobcats to an improbable appearance in the MAC title game thanks to a very good defense. The offense still needs work, but the Bobcats tll have a chance to win 10 games.

Toledo
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 4.83-7.17
Grade: C
After going 45-18 in his first 6 years at Toledo, Tom Amstutz, endured his first losing season. Rockets did close well, winning 3 of their last 4. Also defeated Kansas earlier in the season.

Western Michigan
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 7.19-4.81
Grade: B+
Bill Cubit is no zirconium. He’s done a fantastic job at Kalamazoo. After going 1-10 in 2004, the Broncos have achieved records of 7-4 and 8-4 in Cubit’s initial two seasons. Won at Virginia.

Regular Season Wrap-Up

Time for the Big 10 and Big 12.

Big 10

Illinois
Record: 2-10
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 3.88-8.12
Grade: C-
Illini have to improve next season or Zook is toast. Hurt by 1-4 record in close games. Can take solace in the fact they helped derail Michigan State’s season.

Indiana
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 3.63-8.37
Grade: C+
After 9 games, looked to be bowl bound, but lost their final 3 games to finish with a losing record. Still significant progress was made. If they had just beaten Southern Illinois (or Connecticut) would be bowl eligible.

Iowa
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 7.14-4.86
Grade: D-
Just an awful season for the Hawkeyes. Take away the games against Montana and defense’optional Purdue and the offense averaged under 20 points per game.

Michigan
Record: 11-1
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 10.18-1.82
Grade: A-
Wolverines rebounded about as well as possible from the disappointing 7-5 campaign. Didn’t have the number of quality wins Florida had, but their loss was much better. Their resume for the championship game hinges on what you value more: better wins or better losses.

Michigan State
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 5.14-6.86
Grade: D
Raise your hand if you knew the season was finished after the loss to Notre Dame. Raise your hand if you knew the season was saved after the comeback over Northwestern. Ah, the fickle nature of momentum. Spartans did make a good hire after they rid themselves of the combustible John L. Smith.

Minnesota
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 6.92-5.08
Grade: C+
Glen Mason deserves a tremendous amount of credit for getting this team to keep playing hard en route to winning 4 of their last 5 and 3 in a row to qualify for another bowl game. Gophers fan should appreciate the job Mason has done at the school and not hound him for failing to turn them into Ohio State or Michigan.

Northwestern
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 3.01-8.99
Grade: C-
In a season mostly devoid of bright spots, the Wildcats did win two of their last 3, including a victory over Iowa. Hard to evaluate Pat Fitzgerald since he stepped into a situation with a team destined to decline no matter who was coaching.

Ohio State
Record: 12-0
Conference Record: 8-0
Pythagorean Record: 11.41-0.59
Grade: A+
Buckeyes did a fantastic job as they completely reshuffled their defense breaking in 9 new starters. After a somewhat down year in 2004, Buckeyes will be making their 4th BCS bowl appearance in 5 years (and 4th trip to Glendale).

Penn State
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.77-3.23
Grade: B
Lions beat the teams they should and lost to the teams they should. Benefited from a bogus pass-interference call to beat Minnesota. Two shut-outs on the year, including one on the road against a good Purdue offense.

Purdue
Record: 8-5
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 6.65-6.35
Grade: C
Instead of bitching about going to Hawaii in late November, maybe Joe Tiller should concentrate on finding a defense to take advantage of a Big 10 schedule lacking both Ohio State and Michigan.

Wisconsin
Record: 11-1
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 10.81-1.19
Grade: A
Pretty good start for Bret Bielema. Imagine this scenario. Wisconsin beats Michigan and finishes 12-0. Where does Wisconsin finish in the BCS standings? Would there be an outcry if two teams from the same conference played for the championship under those circumstances?

Big 12

Baylor
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 3.81-8.19
Grade: C
Used to be 4 wins at Baylor was cause for celebration. The Bears have got to be a little disappointed after their 3-1 conference start, but the Texas Tech-lite offense looked good until quarterback Shawn Bell got hurt.

Colorado
Record: 2-10
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 3.90-8.10
Grade: C-
Not the start Dan Hawkins envisioned, but there are several facets to build on. For starters, the team was 0-4 in close games, and teams with a poor record in close games one year tend to improve in that category the following year and vice-versa. Secondly, the offense was the problem and Dan Hawkins is an offensive minded coach. Look for the Buffs to make a run for the North Division title next season.

Iowa State
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 1-7
Pythagorean Record: 2.86-9.14
Grade: D
It’s a shame Dan McCarney’s final season was also one of his worst. It did end on a positive note with the upset of Missouri in the home finale. Cyclones didn’t beat a single team; not Toledo (5-7), UNLV (2-10), or Division I-AA Northern Iowa by more than 6 points.

Kansas
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 6.91-5.09
Grade: B-
Mark Mangino did a fine job replacing 8 starters on the defensive side of the ball and getting Kansas back to bowl eligibility for the 3rd time in 4 seasons. Also beat Kansas State for the second time in 3 years after going winless for a decade. If they didn’t blow the game to Toledo, they’d be back in the postseason.

Kansas State
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 6.36-5.64
Grade: B
Not a bad opening act for the Ron Prince era. Highlight was obviously the upset of Texas over Veteran’s Day Weekend. Only quibble would be they only won road game (Colorado). Lost road games to Baylor and were pasted by both Missouri and Kansas away from Manhattan.

Missouri
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 9.17-2.83
Grade: B
The season ended on somewhat of a down note with 4 losses in the final 6 games. Still, the Tigers have equaled the apex of wins in the Brad Smith era with 8 and have a chance to eclipse it in Chase Daniels first season as the starting quarterback.

Nebraska
Record: 9-4
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 10.22-2.78
Grade: B+
It took a while, but Bill Callahan has turned Nebraska into a dynamic passing offense. Huskers couldn’t beat any of the elite teams on their schedule (Southern Cal, Texas, and Oklahoma), but made up for it by beating everyone they should save Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma
Record: 11-2
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 10.72-2.28
Grade: A
Bob Stoops did a terrific job keeping his team together despite injuries, dismissals, and some questionable officiating. He may have complained a little too much for my taste, but if not for that debacle in Oregon, the Sooners could make a case for inclusion in the BCS Championship Game (not that they would win that argument).

Oklahoma State
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 8.29-3.71
Grade: B+
After a disappointing maiden voyage under Mike Gundy, the Cowboys rebounded by exploding on offense. After averaging a shad over 20 points per game (20.2) in 2005, the Cowboys jumped to 35.3 points per game and actually scored the second most points in conference games (Texas). Cowboys lost some heartbreakers (0-4) in close games, especially the OT game against Texas A&M (two missed extra points).

Texas
Record: 9-3
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 10.17-1.83
Grade: B+
A few weeks ago, the Horns were thinking national title. Then it was Big 12 title. Now its, Alamo Bowl title. Even with the late-season struggles, still have a chance to win 10 games for sixth straight season.

Texas A&M
Record: 9-3
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 8.99-3.01
Grade: B+
If he hadn’t saved his job before Thanksgiving, he certainly did afterward by beating Texas. Hard to tell how good A&M really is. Went 5-3 in close games, so very small margin for error.

Texas Tech
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 7.94-4.06
Grade: B
Red Raiders were all over the place. Blown out by Colorado. Beat A&M. Narrow loss to Texas. Blew out SMU. Barely scraped by UTEP. If you want to lose money, bet on their bowl game.

Regular Season Wrap-Up

Team by team season summarry starting with the ACC and Big East.

ACC

Boston College
Record: 9-3
Conference record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 9.45-2.55
Grade: B+
The season ended on a down note with the loss in the Orange Bowl to Miami. If it’s any consolation, the Eagles wouldn’t have won the ACC anyway. Nice non-conference wins at Central Michigan and against BYU that may have flown under the radar.

Clemson
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 10.43-1.57
Grade: C-
After a 7-1 start Clemson wheezed to the finish line losing 3 of 4. Offense totally overmatched in their last 4 games (16.8 points per game versus 42.3 in first 8). Some of that is schedule, but a lot is adjustments made by defensive coordinators. Maybe Tommy Bowden should hire a special teams coach. Pythagorean record bolstered by blowout wins over Florida Atlantic, Temple, Louisiana Tech, and North Carolina.

Duke
Record: 0-12
Conference Record: 0-8
Pythagorean Record: 1.51-10.49
Grade: D+
Blue Devils couldn’t catch a break. Without two blocked kicks (one field goal and one extra point) could have beaten Wake Forest and North Carolina. Also had a chance to beat Miami.

Florida State
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 7.82-4.18
Grade: D-
Beat three teams with winning records. Guess who? Rice, Troy, and Western Michigan. Shut out at home by Wake Forest. Jeff Bowden’s resignation about 3 years over due.

Georgia Tech
Record: 9-4
Conference Record: 7-1
Pythagorean Record: 9.12-3.88
Grade: B
Season was quite good until two weeks ago. How bad is Taylor Bennett if Reggie Ball is the best you have at the quarterback position? Just amazingly inaccurate.

Maryland
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 5-3
Pythagorean Record: 5.55-6.45
Grade: B
Terrapins not as good as their record—augmented by an amazing 6-1 record in close games. Expect some regression next season in that department, but in the here and now the Terps are bowling for the first time since 2003. If you would have told a Maryland fan in late November of 2000 that Ralph Friedgen would have taken the Terps to 4 bowl games in 6 years, including an outright ACC title, and a low-water mark of 5-6, I think they’d have taken it.

Miami
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 3-5
Pythagorean Record: 7.77-4.23
Grade: D
The Miami offense was terrible in conference play (15.9 points per game), but the defense is still strong. Miami was also hurt by a poor record in close games (3-4). Give credit to Larry Coker for having the ‘Canes up for their Thanksgiving affair against Boston College. Whoever comes in to coach will inherit a very talented defense and won’t be far from returning the ‘Canes to the top of the division.

North Carolina
Record: 3-9
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 2.67-9.33
Grade: D+
Give credit to John Bunting for keeping the team together after a poor start. Had a real chance to beat Wake Forest (lost 24-17) and Georgia Tech (7-0), and won their final two against NC State and Duke. Will Butch Davis turn the program around? Stay tuned.

North Carolina State
Record: 3-9
Conference Record: 2-6
Pythagorean Record: 4.46-7.54
Grade: D
So much for Daniel Evans. After winning his first two starts (one on a fluky play), he lost his last 7. Pack hurt by a 3-6 record in close games so expect some improvement in the luck department next year. Amato leaves Raleigh with a 25-31 record in conference play.

Virginia
Record: 5-7
Conference Record: 4-4
Pythagorean Record: 4.82-7.18
Grade: C+
Al Groh’s best coaching job? After a 1-3 start, with the lone win over Wyoming thanks to a blocked extra point, Cavs rallied to finish 5-4, and even in conference play. On the bright side, Groh finally proved the pundits right by finishing ahead of Florida State and Miami.

Virginia Tech
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 11.03-0.97
Grade: A-
Rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated in mid-October. Since the thumping at Boston College, they have given up 29 points in 6 games (never more than 10) and posted 2 shutouts. In that span they whipped both Clemson and Wake Forest.

Wake Forest
Record: 11-2
Conference Record: 6-2
Pythagorean Record: 9.46-3.54
Grade: A+
Best season in Wake Forest history and the first ACC championship since 1970 (second all time). The team didn’t do much wrong except bungle a snap that led to a loss to Clemson.

Big East

Cincinnati
Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 4-3
Pythagorean Record: 6.48-5.52
Grade: B+
4 of the Bearcats' losses were to teams in the top 15 (Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Louisville, and West Virginia). Probably had too good a season as Mark Dantonio is off to Michigan State. Two bowl games in 3 years for Dantonio. Not too shabby.

Connecticut
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 1-6
Pythagorean Record: 4.39-7.61
Grade: C-
Victories over Rhode Island, Army, Indiana, and Pittsburgh. Lost to navy by 24. Not much has gone right since the Motor City bowl win over Toledo in 2004.

Louisville
Record: 11-1
Conference Record: 6-1
Pythagorean Record: 10.60-1.40
Grade: A-
If not for the offsides against Rutgers on the field goal attempt, could be headed to BCS Championship Game. They’ll have to settle for Big East Championship and a trip to the Orange Bowl. And Bobby Petrino hasn’t even been mentioned in any job vacancies.

Pittsburgh
Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 2-5
Pythagorean Record: 8.23-3.77
Grade: C-
Closed with 5 straight losses, only one of which was really close (Connecticut). Finished 6-6 despite a stellar season from Tyler Palko. Pythagorean record boosted by crushing The Citadel, Toledo, and Central Florida in non-conference action (combined score of 148-16).

Rutgers
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 5-2
Pythagorean Record: 10.03-1.97
Grade: A-
Would have been an A++++++ if not for the loss at Cincinnati. Proved they can hang with the big boys by beating Louisville and nearly upsetting West Virginia. Now comes the hard part, can they maintain? Bowl game will tell a lot about this team. Will Schiano have them motivated to play a mid-level Big 12 school (Kansas State) when they were oh so close to heading to a BCS bowl?

South Florida
Record: 8-4
Conference Record: 4-3
Pythagorean Record: 7.760-3.24
Grade: B+
Built on last season’s first ever bowl appearance with a follow up. Now looking for first bowl win. Some day, the nation may realize South Florida is one of the best-coached teams in the country. True freshman quarterback, Matt Grothe, is very athletic (9 rushing touchdowns) and looks to have a bright future.

Syracuse
Record: 4-8
Conference Record: 1-6
Pythagorean Record: 3.68-8.32
Grade: C
There was improvement; you have to give the Orange that, as they quadrupled their win total from last season. Next season will be very telling. Will there be further improvement, regression, or are the Orange treading water?

West Virginia
Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 5-2
Pythagorean Record: 9.83-2.17
Grade: B+
Another 10-win season for West Virgina. They seem to be in good hands under Rich Rodriguez. Need to fix the defense for White and Slaton’s junior season if they want to compete for the national title. In conference play they scored the most points, but allowed the fifth most points (tied with Syracuse and ahead of only Pittsburgh and Connecticut).

Championship Saturday

ACC

This had to be what the powers that be in the ACC expected when they gave the all clear for expansion a few years ago. The only way this match up could be more underwhelming for the TV execs would be if Wake was taking on Duke. As it stand, either Wake or Georgia Tech will earn an Orange Bowl bid sometime Saturday afternoon. While neither is likely the best team in the ACC (than honor belongs to the Hokies who have turned their season completely around since the stunning pasting at the hands of Boston College.), the Deacons or Jackets will not be an embarrassment to the BCS like Pitt was 2 seasons ago.

While Riley Skinner has been the story for the Demon Deacons, their turnaround from 4-7 to 10-2 also has a lot to do with the improved defense. With the exception of the Clemson and Maryland games, Wake has done an excellent job of stopping the run, allowing a shade more than 3 yards per rush. They have also been opportunistic, picking off 20 passes and forcing 23 fumbles. They have actually been a little unlucky when it come to fumble recoveries, only falling on the ball 7 of those 23 times (the average is about 50%).

For Georgia Tech, the story is the same as it has been for the past few seasons. The Jackets are carried by their defense (always in the top quartile in the NCAA under Jon Tenuta), but are held back by inconsistency at the quarterback position. Reggie Ball has played better in this his senior year, throwing a career high 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. However, he is completing only 46% of his passes. The Jackets do have an improved running game led by Tashard Choice and his 1200+ yards.

Prediction: In their recent history, Georgia Tech has proven they can beat anyone (except Georgia) and lose to anyone. In what should be a closely contested battle, Wake will edge Georgia Tech and win their first conference championship since 1970. Skinner’s number of pass attempts in the Sunday morning box score will tell the story of this game. In Wake’s losses to Clemson and Virginia Tech, and their near (should have) loss to Duke, Skinner threw 82 passes (27.3 per game). In the other 8 games he has thrown 119 passes (14.9 per game). If Skinner’s pass total climbs very much above 20, the game will probably not have gone the Deacons way.

SEC

With so much drama in the SEC, it’s kinda hard being Run DMC. Great nickname for a great player (courtesy of Mark May). Darren McFadden and Felix Jones should be poised for a big game on the turf of the Georgia Dome. McFadden and Jones will get their yards, but the question remains: Can the Razorbacks throw the ball (besides the throws from the ‘Wildcat’ formation by McFadden)? Prior to the calamity against LSU (3 for 17 for 29 yards a pick and a touchdown), Casey Dick had actually played well since taking over for Mitch Mustain against South Carolina. In the 3 games leading up to the LSU loss, against South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State (3 pretty good defenses), Dick had completed 57% of his passes for 494 yards (9.7 per pass) with 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. While no one will confuse him with Colt Brennan or Brady Quinn, Dick is a competent D-I quarterback.

On the other sideline, the Florida Gators have been carried by their defense and a good bit of luck. Despite the fact that in Meyer’s two previous stops, the offense dramatically improved in his second season, the Gators appear to have actually regressed. Last season, the Gators averaged 28.6 points per game. This season they are averaging 28.1 points per game. The difference is more pronounced in conference play. Last season the Gators averaged 25.6 points in conference play. This season that number is down to 22.3 points per game. This season the Gators are 5-1 in close games (decided by 8 or less). I’m counting the Auburn game in this analysis since it was close until the final play. The Gators seem to have been living on borrowed time for a few weeks now, winning 4 of their last 5 by a touchdown or less.

Prediction: Arkansas gets back into the good graces of the AP voters and helps the nation avoid a small controversy by beating Florida. Even if the Gators win, they won’t deserve a spot over So Cal or Michigan in the BCS title game.

Big XII

Believe it or not, it’s been 7 years since Nebraska last appeared in the Big12 Championship Game. That 1999 Huskers squad dominated the Texas Longhorns 22-6 to game a measure of revenge for two separate losses that probably cost the Huskers two chances for a national championship (in 1996 and earlier in 1999). This season, the Huskers are slight underdogs against an Oklahoma team that if not for a bad call against Oregon may have a case for the #2 spot in the BCS.

Nebraska is completely made over from their last North Division title team. Long gone are the option, run-first Huskers. In their place is a dynamic passing attack, coupled with a still strong running game. Senior quarterback Zac Taylor has 6 times as many touchdown passes (24) as interceptions. If only he’d start throwing sidearm, yell at his receivers after every play, and throw 5 picks in the biggest game of his life, he’d be the reincarnation of Rich Gannon.

The Oklahoma Sooners return to the title game after a one year absence. They are making their 5 title game appearance in 7 years. To say Bob Stoops has owned the Big 12 South is an understatement. Don’t be fooled though, this Sooners squad is not quite as strong as the one that ran roughshod over the Big 12 from 2000-2004. During that span, Oklahoma outscored its opponents by nearly 22 points per game. This season Oklahoma has won its games by a little over 14 per contest. Still a good figure to be sure, just not the juggernaut they were a few years ago.

When Adrian Peterson went down in the sixth game of the season, Oklahoma stood at 4-2 with 4 games left against teams with winning records, including 3 on the road. To say the Sooners have circled the wagons is an understatement. Since Peterson got hurt at the end of the sixth game, that makes it very easy to analyze the Sooners rush attack with and without him. In the 6 games A.P. played in the Sooners averaged 4.66 yards per rush. In the six games since his injury, the Sonners have averaged 4.57 yards per rush. Is A.P. a great player? Yes. But is he indispensable to the Sooners offense? No.

Prediction: The Sooners are not the dominant force they were just two years ago. The primary reason is they lack the superstar quarterback they featured in Jason White and Josh Heupel. Paul Thompson is steady, but not in their league. Still, the Sooners are a well-coached, defensive-minded team. They’ll beat the Huskers rather easily.