Every bowl season there are tons of people (the public) declaring one game or the other a huge mismatch, Then Loyd Carr's UM team beats Tim Teabow's UF squad, WVU minus RR beats OU, KU beats VT in the Orange Bowl, and Utah beats Bama.
Sure some of this is motivation, suspensions, and matchup issues, but where are the shockers this year.
We all know they are going to happen. We have to think about what is possible rather than what is likely. LSU might beat GT by 31 points (08).
Cincy over UF:
On paper a total mismatch. If this was the BCSCG I might give UF more that 15. UF hasnt played a game where they were trying or competing for a BCSCG since well Michigan. How does a team with nothing left to play for, play for what? Teabow's last game? OK, even UF fans are breaking their necks to get to NOLA to see this. 1/2 of the gators have their minds thinking about where outside of gainesville they will be next year.
Ohio State over Oregon:
Its so easy to fall in love with that Oregon spread offense. This OSU defense is the best and most athletic defense the ducks will face all year. That speedy O may abuse Ohio State, but I am not so sure. The Oregon defense is pretty suspect, and if I was going to wager this one based on defense alone, I would take the Buckeyes. Say all you want about the PAC 10 Rose Bowl record but the '94 Torjans arent coming out of that tunnel.
Iowa over GT:
I dont think that Ferentz is that great of coach, but he is one hell of a bowl coach. Iowa plays the run real well, and the D-line may be able to penetrate enough to blow up the fullback dive, and stretch out the option. Clemson was athletic enough to do that, but just not coached up enough. If Stanzi is playing, this might be a lot like GT's last bowl game.
UNC over Pitt:
Well for one Wanny is still coaching Pitt, and Butch Davis is at UNC. This is also the best defense, especially run defense this team has seen. Overall, ACC is better than the Big East. Granted this is Big East #2 versus ACC #7 or so. I happen to think that the ACC might just be that much better.
TAMU over UGA:
Keep in mind that Tamu played UT pretty tight. Granted they were/ and prolly more pumped about playing UT then they will be about plaing UGA. Still I expect a better effort out of Aggies than I do the Dawgs. This has the makings of being a head scratcher. Just dont be shocked.
Bol