Record- 8-5

Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl- Bowling Green v. Idaho

Perhaps the only thing going for Idaho in this match-up is that, statistically, they have a better offense than Bowling Green. At 7-5 overall and 4-4 in the WAC, Idaho averages over 31 points per game. The offense can beat you in two ways. Quarterback Nathan Enderle threw for over 2000 yards and 18 touchdowns, while missing two games towards the end of the season. Enderle’s problem has always been interceptions. While he cut his turnovers in half this season, its still something to watch out for. The Vandals run the ball effectively as well. DeMaundray Woolridge and Princton McCarty average over 160 yards per game on the ground.

But here’s the problem with Idaho- they can’t stop a sole. In each of their last two games, this defense allowed over 50 points. They allowed 70 big ones in a loss to Nevada and played only one game in which the opponent failed to score 20 points. That game came all the way back in week one against New Mexico State.

Bowling Green started the year 1-4, but won six of their last seven to finish the season a respectable 7-5. The Falcons hardly run the ball, averaging just a shade over 80 yards a game. This means it will be up to quarterback Tyler Sheehan. Sheehan passed for over 3600 yards this season and 23 touchdowns. Unlike his counterpart, the senior takes care of the ball well, throwing only six picks this season.

For the Idaho secondary, it’s all about stopping receiver Freddie Barns. Barns caught 138 passes this season and 16 touchdowns. This puts Barns in striking distance of the NCAA record for receptions.

While Idaho will score points, I don’t see how the defense stops the Bowling Green air raid.

The Pick: Bowling Green

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl- #20 Arizona v #22 Nebraska

Although the last 5 minutes of the game did not go as planned, you had to be impressed with the way Nebraska played in the Big 12 championship game. A questionable (but correct) call goes the other way and we’re writing about Nebraska playing in a BCS game. While I said all week after the Big 12 championship that I can’t get excited about Nebraska being “screwed” because of two asinine plays on the eventual winning drive, I can get excited about the way the defense played.

We all know that Ndamukong Suh is without question the best defensive player in the country. If you watch this game for no other reason but to watch Suh play, then you’ve made a good choice. He’s exciting. Suh led the team with 82 tackles, 12 sacks, and 23 tackles for a loss. He also put on his best show at the biggest moment. In the Big 12 championship game, the defensive tackle had 12 tackles and 4 and a half sacks. Double team Suh all you want, it doesn’t matter.

Facing the Suh-anchored defense is a hefty task for Nick Foles and the Arizona Wildcats. Foles, who was sacked only 11 times, finished the year with 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. But I’d expect Foles to struggle tonight. In the Big 12 championship, Nebraska made Colt McCoy a non factor until the very end. In fact, if Nebraska had gone on the win that game, McCoy’s three interceptions would have been a major topic of conversation.

I really don’t know if the winning team will score more than 14 points in this game. Nebraska’s offense gained a robust 106 yards against Texas and have gained less then 270 yards in four of their last five games. Cornhusker quarterback Zac Lee has only thrown three more touchdowns than interceptions and completes just a shade over fifty percent of his passes.

The game comes down to the defense, obviously. Yea, Arizona is ranked 21st in the FBS in total defense. Yes, they allow only 315 yards a game. Yes, they’ve allowed two touchdowns or less in two of their last four match-ups. But I can’t go against a defense with the best defensive player in the country. A defense that made a dynamic Texas offense look like they couldn’t tie their shoes for 55 minutes. You think Nick Foles will play any better then Colt McCoy did?

I don’t.

The Pick: Nebraska