2013-12-30 13:08

The third wave of Bowls are now over.
Now do come the next big waves.

But before that some reviews.

Let's have a look at the BLOCK OF GRANITE BOWL GAMES FOR WAVE 3

Saturday, December 28, 12:00 PM ET NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL
Rutgers vs. Notre Dame @ Yankee Stadium, BRONX, NY
Until halftime it was very open.
A bit surprising for me, but Bowl performances are never good to estimate.
Then did Notre Dame score a bit more than Rutgers and suddenly in the 4th did Notre Dame pull away and seal the game.
I'm curious to see both teams next season.
For Notre Dame it was more or less a good season, for Rutgers I think it was a disappointment.
Rutgers 16 - Notre Dame 29 -> Jacks Bowl Score: 6-6

Saturday, December 28, 3:20 PM ET BELK BOWL
Cincinnati vs. North Carolina @ Bank of America, CHARLOTTE, NC
The Tar Heels did play very good.
I was surprised to see then THAT good, but with that performance it was clear that Cincinnati was not able to score enough to win this game.
It looked like the North Carolina kids did take this Bowl very seriously and did prepare the best way possible.
UNC wins.
Cincinnati 17 - North Carolina 39 -> Jacks Bowl Score: 6-7

Saturday, December 28, 6:45 PM ET RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL
Miami (FL) vs. #18 Louisville @ Florida Citrus Bowl, ORLANDO, FL
Close game ... ha.
Louisville was so excited in that game, they did Miami not let into the damn house.
Beside a safety from the 'Canes in the first quarter did Miami not score until garbage time in the 4th.
And the Cardinals had a Free Kick Return TD (after the safety) and a Punt Return TD.
So much for special teams.
Louisville will probably lose their QB to the NFL and has to adjust to the ACC next season with a new starter.
Miami (FL) 9 - Louisville 36 -> Jacks Bowl Score: 7-7

Saturday, December 28, 10:15 PM ET BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL
Michigan vs. Kansas State @ Sun Devil Stadium, TEMPE, AZ
Well, Michigan did not stay in that game.
I'm even not sure if they ever were in it.
Kansas State did win this Bowl by a very nice offense.
I think they can be very optimistic for the next season.
For Michigan ... I'm not sure.
Michigan 14 - Kansas State 31 -> Jacks Bowl Score: 8-7

That's the third wave.
Now comes the Monday Bowls.

Let's have a look at the BLOCK OF GRANITE BOWL GAMES FOR WAVE 4

Monday, December 30, 11:45 AM ET BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL
Middle Tennessee vs. Navy @ Amon Carter Stadium, FORT WORTH, TX
Since 2003 is this Bowl played and they field it at the moment at the home of the TCU Horned Frogs in Texas.
A MWC team should face a CUSA team. If either conference can't field an eligible team here Army or Navy can play.
Here is again a case where I seemed to have not the 100% right description of the Bowl.
The Bowl got Navy, but the MWC HAD another Bowl eligible team, San Jose State.
So why did not the Spartans get an invitation?
Each team gets around 1.200.000$.
I'm not sure if Middle Tennessee will see the light here.
The CUSA was way too easy this season and Navy had to play some tough opponents, so having both teams with 8-4 means to be, Navy is the favorite.
Same seems to be for Vegas and the fans.
I've to admit there is a little voice in my head saying "you never know", but I will ignore that.
I pick Navy in a hopefully close game.

Monday, December 30, 3:15 PM ET FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL
Ole Miss vs. Georgia Tech @ LP Field, NASHVILLE, TN
Since 1998 is this Bowl played and they field it at the home of the Tennessee Titans.
The SEC send a team versus an ACC team.
Each team gets around 3.500.000$.
This is a quite juicy bowl, since you get a lot of money.
Unfortunately the participants are not that juicy.
Ole Miss had a down season, expectation were way higher than the 7-5 season they managed to get.
GT on the other hand had a quite nice season regarding expectations, but did also not win more than 7 games.
In this constellation, GT will lose.
Ole Miss is way better than the record does make you believe and GT had some garbage games.
I pick the Rebels in a blowout.

Monday, December 30, 6:45 PM ET VALERO ALAMO BOWL
#10 Oregon vs. Texas @ Alamodome, SAN ANTONIO, TX
Last game for Mack Brown as the HC of the Longhorns.
He will leave after the game and the whole States will be curious to see a committee selecting the next Longhorns coach.
Rumors are saying it will be Jimbo Fisher of the Florida Seminoles.
This Bowl exists since 1993 and has tie ins to the Big 12 and the PAC 12.
Each team gets around 3.000.000$.
Last season did Texas win against Oregon State.
But can they win against Oregon?
I doubt that.
It might give the players a boost to play the last game for Mack Brown, but I'm not sure that's enough.
Neither Vegas nor the Fans do see Texas anything near a win here.
Me too.
Oregon will have time to prepare an explosive offense, Texas can't match, as seen against Baylor.
Ducks win.

Monday, December 30, 10:15 PM ET NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY BOWL
#14 Arizona State vs. Texas Tech @ Qualcomm Stadium, SAN DIEGO, CA
This is played at the home of the San Diego Chargers.
It's played since 1978.
The Big 12 should face up against a PAC 12 team.
Each team gets around 2.350.000$.
I'm wondering why they pick Texas Tech here.
They will get killed on the field.
They are way worse than Arizona State, who lost the PAC 12 Championship game.
Don't expect an open game here.
Sun Devils all day long.

‘Til next time
Jack6 on BLOCK OF GRANITE

Tags: Block of Granite