Bowling, Part Deux

More bowl predictions from yours truly, as we come up on the first game of the postseason.

December 23
Hawai'i Bowl, Honolulu, HI
Boise State University vs. Eastern Carolina University

East Carolina is better than you might think this season. However, Boise State, even without Jared Zabransky, is still a terribly dangerous team. Ian Johnson remains one of the best runners in the nation and he will probably run roughshod over ECU's defense. Look for the Broncos to be partying on the beach.

December 26
Motor City Bowl, Detroit, MI
Central Michigan University vs. Purdue University

This is somewhat interesting, because the teams have already played each other this season. Even more interesting is that Purdue knocked the stuffing out of the Chippewas. What makes it interesting is that this game has the potential to be a lot closer. One huge factor will be the crowd in attendance in support of the Chippewas -- Detroit is one of CMU's homes away from home. Of course Purdue will have a decent crowd there, but the atmosphere will be tipped in the Chippewas' favor. That said, I still think the Boilermakers, who play in a substantially tougher conference, will get their act together and find a victory.

December 27
Holiday Bowl, San Diego, CA
Arizona State University vs. University of Texas

The Holiday Bowl people got themselves a huge matchup. Texas is still Texas, perennial Big 12 power and they have a great set of players and a great coach. Arizona State, with Dennis Erickson as their head coach, has stepped up big time into the Pac 10's upper echelon. ASU may not have made it into the upper echelon had Oregon not fallen apart (literally and figuratively), but what happened cannot be undone, and the Sun Devils are for real. This will be a very good, very close game, and I think ASU will have the home field advantage, since this game is relatively close to Tempe, I see Arizona State taking this one.

December 28
Champs Sports Bowl, Orlando, FL
Boston College vs. Michigan State University

Boston College was a pick to be in the national championship game at one point in the season, but they then lost some key games at bad times. Michigan State may actually be one of the most underrated teams in the nation, coming through a Big Ten that's considered weak by nearly everyone and playing a lot of strong teams very close. Unfortunately for MSU, BC also has a very potent offense and a pretty darn good defense as well. Michigan State may be good, but I cant see them going into ACC country and beating BC.

December 28
Texas Bowl, Houston, TX
University of Houston vs. Texas Christian University

This bowl will be fun, just because it will be a) sold out, and b) the teams play about 150 miles apart, meaning those people in the crowd will be wild. I honestly don't know much about either of these teams apart from this: TCU has been sniffing around the top 25 all season long. Also, TCU plays in a conference which is slightly stronger than Houston's. I'll take the Horned Frogs in this one.

I'll be back around later for some more bowl predictions. Can't wait until Thursday when the action all begins!