Well I’m not off to a great start at 1-2 to the bowl season but I plan to pull ahead to 4-2 with predictions on these three pre-Christmas bowls. These three games all take place in cities I’d like to be in right now to escape the cold. Before I go on a rant about the “global freezing” crisis, lets get to the predictions.
MAACO LAS VEGAS BOWL
Tuesday, December 22
8 PM ET on ESPN
Oregon State (8-4) vs. BYU (10-2)
Oregon St. came close to a Rose Bowl birth but fell short against rival Oregon in the post-season finale. BYU lost this game last year to Arizona. This is a match-up worthy of a New Year’s Day game. Oregon St. has a great running attack with Jacquizz Rodgers and BYU is lead by their outstanding QB Max Hall.
This has all the making of a shootout and shouldn’t be decided until the fourth quarter. I think the Beavers will make a play in the fourth quarter that seals the win.
THE PICK: Oregon State 35, BYU 28
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL
Wednesday, December 23
8 PM ET on ESPN
Utah (9-3) vs. California (9-3)
Utah is coming off a disappointing loss to BYU in the season finale. Cal is going off a disappointing end to the season. Cal was a top 10 team earlier this year before sliding down the poll to end the season. The Bears also lost one of the best runners in the game in Jahvid Best who won’t be back for this bowl.
Utah lost to all ranked teams and outside of the TCU game had an opportunity to win them. Cal has been blown out and you just never know how they’re gonna play.
The Utes have won six straight bowl games including upsetting Alabama in last year’s Sugar Bowl. They make it seven in a row.
THE PICK: Utah 28, California 24
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Thursday, December 24
8 PM ET on ESPN
Nevada Wolf Pack (8-4) vs. SMU Mustangs (7-5)
This is an intriguing game. Nevada brings in a tremendous running game and SMU has a high powered aerial attack. Nevada has three 1,000 year rushers this season. SMU has several playmakers on offense as well so this should keep the scoreboard lit up for four quarters.
June Jones returns to the island where he used to coach two years ago before leaving for SMU. He should know what to do to keep his team focused while there.
The Wolf Pack has played the better schedule and should be better prepared for what they’ll see from the opposition because of it. Their rushing attack will wear SMU down in the second half and allow them to get the W.
THE PICK: NEVADA 45, SMU 35
We’ll have bowl predictions for the games December 26-30 up on Christmas Day so when you need that break from the family sneak over to MachoRhino.com and find out who’s gonna win those bowls.
