Before we get into all of the other bowls, let's talk about Temple - UCLA. Personally, I'm stoked about this matchup for multiple reasons...First off, the Bruins are a nice name/test for the Owls to use to go into the 2010 season which could be even bigger for Temple if things bounce right for them. The talking heads on ESPN said that UCLA has the better talent and should easily walk all over the Owls. I just can't see that happening unless Golden is gone. No this Cincinnati opening scares the crap out of me but I can't see him leaving...I just can't.
For those not familiar with the Owls, Temple gets it done on the ground with freshman stud Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown along with Lamar McPherson and a little James Nixon around the edge. Pierce is practicing and should be ready for this. Chester Stewart has been an improvement over Vaughn Charlton as he's slightly more accurate and gives them a threat to run. This offense uses the reverse and the play action pass so well in getting it out to Nixon, Maneri and Campbell.
Defensively, I must say that this defense is perplexing. Their front four/five are outstanding. Adrian Robinson can get to the QB along with Neblett and the rest of the boys up front. Lately they havent been as good getting to the QB though and it's forcing this piss poor secondary to get burned. I've never seen a team run zone coverage worse then Temple does. They cover no one at all. I'm stunned at how poor they are. The linebackers are pretty good as this team hasnt been gouged too badly on the ground.
With regards to UCLA, from what I know about them, they were an under team. Great defense but a piss poor offense. This is a great matchup for Temple as I dont think the Bruins can beat the Owls as badly thru the air. Their QB play is so inconsistent that I can't see it going haywire on us. Defensively of course it's a concern for me as they could bottle up the run and force Temple to pass. Of course other teams have done that too but the Owls managed to still move the ball on them as well.
Intangibles in this one are these....Will Coach Golden be Coaching the Owls? I'd love to think he will but there's a chance he won't. If he's not, who knows what the mindset will be. Attendance will be another intangible. I have a feeling that UCLA fans won't be that thrilled to be in DC on the 29th and who knows if that carries over to the team. Flying east for a relatively early bowl game isn't exactly the best thing for a west coast squad. Finally, the intangible that is Temple in the bigtime...The Eagle Bank Bowl isnt great to most teams but this means a whole lot to these players, this school, this fanbase and everyone involved. Will nerves be a factor? Will the experience of UCLA win out?
Prediction: Your gonna think this is a homer pick...your going to question my thinking....I'm going to take Vegas gift and say thank you as I just think this magical season ends with a win. Could Temple be outclassed and get run out of the building? Sure....I see the game going like this....defensive struggle early on with field position flipping back and forth...Maybe a 7-3 halftime score...Temple's going to win this thing.
Temple 21-17Other Bowl Game Picks:
St. Petersburg Bowl: Under 44.5 with two good defenses going at it here. The UCF offense is pretty bad. Rutgers is inconsistent but may struggle with UCF.
New Orleans Bowl: Under 58....Two underrated defenses in this one. I really like Dwight Dasher in this one almost enough to take MTSU but I'd rather go total here instead.
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon State ML...The Beavers are the better team. How much motivation does BYU have to play in this bowl again? Not exactly what the Beavs want either but I'll take this PAC 10 talent over the Mountain West.
Poinsettia Bowl: Utah +3...Utes have won eight straight bowl games. Something about Cal just doesn't sit right with me.
Hawaii Bowl: Over 73.5...Two fun offenses in this one. Kyle Padron has moved in nicely for Bo Levi Mitchell. The balance of Nevada prevents me from taking SMU in this one but I'd lean to the underdog if forced to take a side.
Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl: Ohio ML...Bobcats win behind another solid effort by Theo Scott. Who is going to coach Marshall? Will Darius Marshall be healthy? Neither are questions I want to ask before a bowl game.
Meineke Care Bowl: Under 44.5 -- Two solid defenses. I like UNC to slow down Dion Lewis and force Stull to beat them. The Heels offense has been disappearing way too much this season.
Emerald Bowl: BC +9 -- Gotta question the Trojans motivation for this one. My worry about taking BC is that they dont have the talent to compete with a focused Trojan team. I'm banking that they arent and BC wants it more.
Champs Sports Bowl: Miami ML...Canes win this one with better athletes then Wisky has. Home field will play a factor a bit in this one too.
Humanitarian Bowl: Over 68...Fun game here with two teams that have smoking hot offenses. Idaho's defense tends not to show up in shootouts. This one will be played in the 40's.
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston -4.5...Air Force can't keep up in this one. Sure points will be scored but Case Keenum has a field day.
Sun Bowl: Stanford +8...Another chance for the Cardinal to make a statement to the country. Toby Gerhart will run wild on OU.
Texas Bowl: Over 53...This one will be like the SMU or Hawaii games. Navy can't stop the balance of Missou while the Tigers struggle with the Naval attack.
Chick Fil-A Bowl: VT ML...If the Hokies don't blow out Tennessee, i'll be disappointed. VT is head and shoulders above the Vols it's not even funny.
Gator Bowl: West Virginia -3....I dont care that it's Bowden's last game. Give me the more talented squad and the shorter number. FSU's defense is one of the worst units i've seen this season.
Rose Bowl: Oregon ML....I lulz at Ohio State. The Ducks will run roughshod all over the Buckeyes.
Sugar Bowl: Over 57...Cincinnati will be angry and will really test the Gators without Charlie Strong. The Bearcat D sucks too and Tebow won't want his last game to be a dud.
International Bowl: NIU +6.5 -- South Florida's collapse continues as the Huskies beat em outright.
Papa Johns Bowl: UConn +4.5 -- This team should have more wins and has played inspired ball since their CB's death. The Huskies close out the season on a high note.
Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss -3 -- Better team. SEC > Big 12
Liberty Bowl: ECU +7.5 -- The Pirates defense is underrated. They did some work on Tulsa who isnt as good as Arkansas but I feel they will do enough to hang around.
That's my bowl picks....have at it.