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