Jingling all the way

Merry Christmas all.

Like many of you, my holiday season has been busy this year. Basically I've got a road trip that will take me through Southern Massachusetts westward to Upstate NY and back to Eastern Mass. So I've got some car time ahead of me, but before I hit the road to continue spreading Christmas Cheer I'll let you in on a few things to look for in the upcoming bowl action.

Tonight
Motor City Bowl
Florida Atlantic vs Central Michigan

Congrats to Coach Schnellenberger for building an FAU program that is playing in back-to-back bowl games for the first time ever. The Owls are a program on the rise in the Sunshine State. But Central Michigan is no slouch. They can score and have put up big numbers all year. I like the Chips to take this one by about 10 points. Look for a score somewhere in the high 30s. If the Owls can figure out a way to contain NFL prospect Dan LeFevour this one could be closer than I expect. But otherwise, I think we're looking at a Central Michigan win in front of a hometown crowd. Prediction: CM 38, FAU 27.

I'll check back in with some more updates when time permits. Its time to log a few highway miles now (302 to be exact). Until next time, I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my hea-ah-aaart.

-El Beavo

Slowing it down...

So you're living in Orlando and you don't know what to do next weekend, eh? Well I'll tell you what to do: get your buddies together, find a car, and GO TO THE FUCKING ST PETERSBURG BOWL, ASSHOLE!!

We have entered the slow period of time during every college football season where fans can recharge their batteries and take in some FCS playoff action they would normally miss out on. Whether your team(s) are bowl bound or in the midst of a coaching change, this weekend provides a little R&R before bowl mania kicks off. So take a deep breath, stretch your legs, and if you feel the need, snag yourself a cat nap. Because you're going to need all of the energy you can get next week.

Now, here is a continuation of our comprehensive bowl coverage, picking up where we left off:

12/20/08
Magic Jack St Petersburg Bowl
South Florida vs Memphis

I repeat- if you are reading this and you live in the state of Florida you should attend this game.

The Bulls have the home field advantage in this one, so expect a not-so-neutral field at Tropicana Field. And if you're a Bulls fan that's a good thing because you're going to need all the help you can get. USF is sputtering right now, losing 4 of its last five games after a season that started with such high expectations for Matt Grothe & Co. Since then, the Bulls have slipped from the rankings, their conference race, and the nation's radar. On the plus side, a solid performance in this game could be just what the doctor ordered. The Bulls need to pump some oxygen into their program- and fast- if they want to get back on track heading into spring practice. On the flip side, the Memphis Tigers are playing good football right now going 6-3 after an 0-3 start. Both teams' defenses appear to be superior to their opponents' offenses, so look for this to be a low-scoring affair. I give Memphis the edge based on offensive production and the lack thereof at USF.

USF Keys:
1. Eliminate turnovers- they are -7 in the turnover battle in their last 5 games.
2. Field position- Bulls' offense needs help from their defense
3. Create space for Grothe- he is the ideal "X-Factor" in an evenly-matched game like this

Memphis Keys:
1. Stay composed- Bulls are a desperate team right now- don't give them opportunities to make plays
2. Creativity on offense- don't let USF defense settle into groove
3. Lock down Grothe- the Bulls go where he takes them

12/20/08
Las Vegas Bowl
BYU vs Arizona

Don't let the numbers fool you. Both teams are averaging mid 30s in offensive production and 21 ppg yielded on defense. On paper, this baby looks even. But the Cougs are far superior to the happy-to-be-bowling Wildcats. Surely, if you're a BYU fan you were hoping for a better bowl bid than this, but it beats sitting at home this time of year. So there is a let down factor with BYU, who is coming off a 48-24 loss to Utah. But don't expect coach Bronco Mendenhall to let his Cougs wallow in self pity. They will be tuned up for an old fashioned ass whooping of Arizona come gameday. The Cats, on the other hand, are making their first bowl appearance in a decade. Their offense is potent, but mainly against teams with average or below average defenses. The old adage "sometimes the best defense is a good offense" certainly applies here, for both teams. Unfortunately for Arizona, the BYU offense is a juggernaut. I don't see the Cats keeping up with the Mormons in this one. Too much firepower and not enough answers on Stoops' sideline.

BYU Keys:
1. Play your game. You're the better team so just execute asshole.
2. Don't get caught watching the scoreboard. UA will get its share of points, but it can't get you down.
3. Stop marrying multiple people.

Arizona Keys:
1. Maximize breaks. Red zone attempts have to be TDs, not FGs. Turnovers must lead to pts.
2. Keep the game manageable- fall behind 2 TDs and its over.
3. Blitzing & run defense- take your chances on the deep ball; use pressure to create chaos.

12/21/08
New Orleans Bowl
Troy vs Southern Mississippi

The New Orleans Bowl Committee could not be happier with the game they've produced. This match up is intriguing on many levels, namely because it appears as though it'll be a shootout. Southern Miss finished with 4 wins to become bowl-eligible. Troy enjoyed another successful regular season campaign in the Sun Belt, nearly notching a landmark road win at LSU mid season.

Troy can hurt you in several ways on offense. They spread out their attack and force defenses to guard against more options than is possible. This leaves options available on every play unless you can get to the QB early and disrupt the timing and rhythm of their plays. Southern Miss has found its stride at the right time, entering the game red-hot on both sides of the ball. Their ball-hawking defense has been extremely efficient in the turnover battle, giving their offense great starting field position. If they continue this trend Troy will have all it can handle from the Eagles. The Sunday night time slot gives this game a higher profile than it would otherwise have, enabling more people to tune in for what promises to be a thriller.

Troy Keys:
1. Spread the ball around on offense.
2. Exploit 5-10 yard passing game. Get the ball in playmakers' hands in space.
3. Protect the ball. So Miss defense thrives on turnovers.

So Miss Keys:
1. Create Turnovers. +10 TO margin in last 4 games (all wins).
2. Control the tempo of the game.
3. Frustrate Troy's offense. Troy's attack is lethal when running smoothly. Force them to work outside their norm and your turnover opportunities will arise.

There. Three more bowl previews for you, free of charge. Don't thank me- tis the season to give. Get some rest this weekend because you're going to need it when we kick off the bowl games next weekend. Don't forget Montana @ James Madison tonight at 8 and Richmond @ Northern Iowa tomorrow at 4.

-Beav

Bryant @ BC basketball post game thoughts

I had the pleasure of attending a Bryant Bulldogs basketball game for the first time on Wednesday evening as a blog reader named Ray and I were able to score some last minute tix. Unfortunately the vistors didn't have what it took to upset Boston College, but what was a 31 point game with about 12 mins remaining actually turned into a competitive game down the stretch as Bryant rallied to close the game within about 10 points by the 4 minute mark. BC steadied themselves, however, shooting the ball well and making some athletic plays to finally seal the win.

For a while, Ray and I were wondering if BC, who looked flat, would be able to finish off a scrappy bunch from Bryant in search of only their second win in 8 tries. The Eagles looked flat at times, but coach Al Skinner did what he had to do to keep them focused and preserve the win in front of an empty Conte Forum. Had the Bulldogs' shot selection been better this one may have been closer, and indeed if they had an inside presence they would have given the Eagles all they could handle.

All in all it was a low energy game with little crowd involvement, save a few Bryant supporters that made the hour or so drive from Smithfield. Since the place was empty we pretty much had our pick of where we wanted to sit. Thus it surprised me that BC charged $20 a ticket for admission to an event scalpers could not give tickets away for (actually we paid $5). I think the athletic department should consider lowering ticket prices for games like this, or make them a part of a buy one get one ticket plan so they could get a few more bodies in the building and actually have an atmosphere with a pulse. So just for future reference, if you're planning on taking in a game at the Heights my advice would be to shop around online first to see what ticket deals you can get your hands on. Its not a bad way to spend your weeknight, but certainly not worth the $20 charged at the ticket office (however ACC games may be a different story- I've never attended one at BC).

Ray Bentley Update

Just a quick tip of the hat to Ray Bentley, who once again shouldered the load for ESPN2 by broadcasting the Division II playoff game between North-Somebody and Something Alabama State. We gave him a Beavie a few weeks ago to recognize his efforts in broadcasting the under-the-radar sports, and this past weekend was no different. Here's to you Ray Bentley- see you at the Las Vegas Bowl.