Bowl Blog Bash and Dash (Part 4)

All these teams are in the 'average sport fan's repertoire.' Maybe minus East Carolina, but, many remember the Pirates taking down the highly ranked Virginia Tech Hokies in a opener at Bank of America Stadium a few years back. Another thing to keep an eye on is Iowa Hawkeye DE Adrian Clayborn. He is ranked highly on Scout INC, Mel Kiper's Big Board and other various draft lists. Even if you are a casual football observer ALL of these games should keep you awake. Now lets kick it off with the Champs Sports Bowl, Military Bowl, and the Insight Bowl.

Champs Sports Bowl (Dec 28, 6:30pm, ESPN)

At first glance this game looks like a battle of two agile QB's that can both throw and run the ball with ease, and for a change, that is a correct assumption. Geno Smith of WVU and Russell Wilson of NC State both keep defenses on edge and should keep the viewers on the edge's of their seats. This game is also a chance for the ACC and Big East to show that their conferences are still formidable. 

Who to watch for?
WVU Soph QB Geno Smith- This would have been RB Noel Devine but he has not had the year that most expected. But, Smith isn't a slouch by any means! He isn't exactly rushing for 100yds a game but has active feet in the pocket allowing him to extend the play. Smith tossed for 2,567yds, 23TD and only 6INT which is pretty impressive for a young QB in a defensive-minded Big East.
NC St. JR QB Russell Wilson- This 5'11 QB isn't really built for Sunday afternoon football but makes an explosive impact for the Wolfpack every Saturday. An impressive 3,288yds, 26TD, 8 rushing TD but 14int. Sacks are a hidden stat in this game, in 2008 he was sacked 25 times, in 2009 30 times and now 34 in 2010. 

Outcome?
The Mountaineers are a three point favorite, which is an accurate spread. WVU only allowed 12.8ppg and still feels snubbed after UConn got the BCS auto bid from the Big East. And for NC State, the ACC was similar to the Big East in that no real dominant undefeated team ran the conference this season (minus VT towards the end of the year.) This game will come down to the fast WVU defense against Russell Wilson who finished 11th in total offense: WVU-20 NC ST- 13.

Insight Bowl (Dec 28, 10pm, ESPN)

A tale of two teams... Missouri ended the season on a three game winning streak earning their way back into the top 25. Meanwhile, Iowa lost three games in a row and was kicked out of the top 25 to end out regular season play. Both defense's were very solid, Iowa only allowed 16.4ppg and Missouri 15.2ppg. It's a shame this game is on at 10pm! So, for you East-Coasters make sure to perk some coffee before kickoff. 

Who to watch for?
MISSU JR QB Blaine Gabbert- This is his second year starting and he has the build of a great QB. If he comes back for his SR year Mel Kiper and crew will be talking about this kid the entire 2011 college football season. His stats aren't ground shattering but he doesn't seem to make the BIG mistake. Gabbert threw 2,752yds, 15TD, 7INT while rushing for 4TD. 
Iowa SR DE Adrian Clayborn- He looks like your standard top 32 draft pick, 6-4, 284lbs and a great frame. But, has had a few... discipline problems in his past. This year Clayborn tallied up 70tkls, 20TFL and 11.5sacks. He is most known for his blocked kick and return for a TD in the Orange Bowl against Penn State. He will make a impact in his game and watch for him on Sundays.

Outcome?
I don't know if Iowa can revamp their team after going on a three game losing skid, but, then again they haven't played a game since November 27. This would mean both teams haven't played in almost a month! So, both teams may start off fresh? Nope, I like Missouri in this one: MISSU- 27 IOWA- 24.

Military Bowl (Dec 29, 2:30pm, ESPN)

Argh! Boy, I would be a huge fan of the East Carolina Pirates if their colors weren't purple and yellow... they look like a CFL team from the 1970's. I digress. Maryland rebounded off a terrible 2-10 2009 season to earn a 8-4 record in 2010! And something to notice is that ECU is 6-6. I will say ONE of their losses were acceptable which was a blowout loss to VT. The others were from UFC, SMU, Navy and Rice... just going to let that sink in.

Who to watch for?
ECU JR QB Dominique Davis- He had a very impressive season; Davis threw 3,699yds (which was 4th most in the nation), 36TD, only 14int and 9 rush TD. He was only sacked 14 times which is really a credit to his OL and blindside left tackle. The offense was putting up 38.2ppg (but the defense was allowing 43.4ppg.)
MRYLD FR QB Danny O'Brien- Basic stats at 2,257yds, 21TD, and a mere 6INT. I would try to give credit to other players that aren't skill players but I just don't get paid enough to seek those stats... oh wait, I don't get paid at all for this. But, any QB that could help turn at 2-10 record around is worth a second look at.

Outcome?
The Terps are +7 in this match-up and that maybe a bit conservative. ECU struggled against the ACC this season, minus their OT win over NC State. I just don't see enough talent from the Pirates to keep up with a solid Maryland squad: ECU- 20 MRYLD- 30.


Next Bowl Blog Bash and Dash (Part 5)

• Texas Bowl- Illinois (6-6) v. Baylor (7-5)
• Valero Alamo Bowl (10-2) v. Arizona (7-5)
• Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl- Army (6-6 or 7-5 pending Army/Navy game) v. SMU (7-6)