Tim Tebow called it the "petting zoo", the smothering publicity that comes with winning college football's highest honor.
Others have a coarser name for it: The Heisman Curse.
Mark Ingram makes it six of the last seven Heisman winners playing in the BCS title game. Only one has won a national championship -- USC's Matt Leinart in 2004 was the only player this decade to also win the title. Ingram's chance comes Jan. 7 in the Rose Bowl.
A bad sign for Alabama? We'll see. The Curse is just one of the issues of our overblown, overwrought bowl season that kicks off this weekend. The stories range from SMU's first bowl in 25 years to Texas trying to become a candidate for Team of the Decade. If the Horns win, they will be one of four teams to win two championships this decade -- USC, LSU and Florida are the others. Teams with the nation's top five winning streaks are all involved in BCS bowls. If you squint, all five have at least an outside chance at a national championship with the AP poll keeping an open mind.
While you wait to see how it all turns out, here's my annual ranking of the bowls:
1. Jan. 7 Alabama vs. Texas, BCS title game
Alabama cancels classes. Mack Brown gets a $2 million raise.
Ya think football is big at these two football factories? Look what happened when they made the BCS title game. The combined salaries of the two coaches in this game -- $9 million -- is worth half the payout ($18.3 million). Colt McCoy is the leading passer in Texas history. Ingram is the top single-season rusher in Alabama history.
You can't look away even though you're disgusted at the BCS. There will be great plays by great players. Somewhere, Bear Bryant and Darrell Royal are smiling. The legacies are bright and shiny.
2. Jan. 4, TCU vs. Boise State, Fiesta Bowl
Root for Texas winning a sloppy game against Alabama, then for a TCU blowout of the Broncos.
There's still a part of me that thinks AP voters will award the Horned Frogs a national championship. This isn't the kid's table -- this is a sign that both programs have arrived. Credit Fiesta Bowl executive director John Junker for making this happen. In the old bowl system, these teams would be split up to play against inferior competition. And by inferior I mean Boise playing Iowa in the Fiesta and TCU playing Georgia Tech in the Orange.
Let's celebrate the best passer in the country (Boise's Kellen Moore) and the best defense in the country (TCU). What's wrong with that?
3. Dec. 22, Oregon State vs. BYU, Las Vegas Bowl
It's Vegas, baby. Ask BYU, which is there for the fifth consecutive time.
This could be the most entertaining game of the postseason. For the first time in this bowl's history, there are two ranked teams as Oregon State was five points from the Rose Bowl. All four of its losses have been to ranked teams. BYU fell to only TCU and Florida State.
This is the Rodgers brothers (Jacquizz and James) vs. Dennis Pitta (BYU's talented tight end). This is BYU quarterback Max Hall vs. Stephen Paea (the Pac-10's best defensive lineman). Plenty of points, cheap shrimp cocktail and, um, cocktail waitresses for the more Woodsian inclined.
"I think this is one of the more intriguing bowl games of this year," Beavers coach Mike Riley said.
For a lot of reasons.
4. Dec. 23, Utah vs. California, Poinsettia Bowl
Andy Ludwig holds the key -- for both teams.
Ludwig was the offensive coordinator during Utah's undefeated run last season. Then he went to Kansas State for about a month before going to Cal. Ludwig knows the offense of both teams.
Utah true freshman quarterback Jordan Wynn comes back home (Oceanside, Calif.), where he was 2-0 as a high schooler in Qualcomm Stadium. For the first time in 18 years, the Utes have a running back-receiver combo that has gone over 1,000 yards: tailback Eddie Wide and receiver David Reed.
It's questionable whether Cal's Jahvid Best will return healthy from his concussion, but Shane Vereen isn't a bad backup (868 yards, 10 touchdowns).
Take Utah in a shootout -- the Utes lost only Oregon, TCU and in overtime to BYU.
5. Dec. 24, Nevada vs. SMU, Hawaii Bowl
Almost a quarter century since its last bowl game, SMU goes bowling again.
Nevada has three 1,000-yard rushers. SMU throws 36 times a game. June Jones' fireworks vs. Chris Ault's pistol.
Ten years ago, Jones set the NCAA record by improving Hawaii by 8½ games from 1998 to '99. Now he makes his triumphant return to the islands with SMU back in the postseason for the first time since the death penalty. Did he leave for the money? Well, it wasn't SMU's winning tradition.
6. Dec. 30, Idaho vs. Bowling Green, Humanitarian Bowl
Idaho returns to the place where it was bombed 63-25 by Boise State. Oh well, a bowl game is a bowl game especially when you haven't been to one since 1998.
The Vandals are one the season's better stories. Midway through the season Robb Akey was my national coach of the year. Idaho finished 1-4, but Akey is finally building a program in one of the sport's Godforsaken outposts. Guard Mike Iupati became an All-American.
This game is worth watching if only for a look at the most productive receiver in the country, Bowling Green's Freddie Barnes.
7. Dec. 31, Stanford vs. Oklahoma, Sun Bowl
Is this the best Sun Bowl in years or what? Oklahoma was supposed to contend for a national championship. Stanford has a Heisman finalist. The hook, here, is the nation's leading rusher (total yards) vs. the No. 7 run defense.
Peel back the layers, though, and you find the truth. Stanford's Toby Gerhart moved it against everyone. Oklahoma had its worst season in 10 years.
Andrew Luck is doubtful after surgery on a finger. That gives OU's Landry Jones a chance to tune up for next season.
8. Dec. 26, North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh, Meineke Car Care Bowl
You think these two coaches don't know each other? Dave Wannstedt and Butch Davis won a national championship in Miami with Jimmy Johnson. Then they followed J.J. to Dallas.
The Meineke now is a battle of two coaches who have yet to turn the corner. You have to feel for Wanny, who lost back-to-back heartbreakers to West Virginia and Cincinnati. In a year during which it seemed everyone had a shot, North Carolina finished fourth in the Coastal Division.
Get a look at next year's early Heisman frontrunner, Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis (1,640 yards). The Panthers are trying to win 10 for the first time in 18 years. Some guy named Marino did it.
9. Dec. 30, Nebraska vs. Arizona, Holiday Bowl
The best bowl road trip features fish tacos and Ndamukong Suh.
Recruited by Bill Callahan, polished by Bo Pelini, the Heisman finalist gets one last chance to put his game on the national stage. Barry Sanders is the best player I ever saw. Suh is the Barry Sanders of defensive tackles, in my opinion. Anyone who saw the Big 12 title game will agree.
Tailback Nic Grigsby is expected back from a shoulder injury for Arizona. Some advice: Pick up No. 93 on every play, no matter what you do.
10. Dec. 26, Boston College vs. USC, Emerald Bowl
Will USC show up? That is the most profound question of the postseason. For BC this is a cross-country reward for an 11th straight bowl appearance. For the Trojans, this is a monumental disappointment played out in a baseball stadium.
The attendance, mostly Eagles fans, will resemble a Giants-Nationals mid-week series in April. Perhaps Pete Carroll can sell this game (via Twitter, of course) as a building block toward next season. Waiting to see if 1.) Matt Barkley ends the season like he started, 2.) Taylor Mays can get himself back up in the top two rounds of the NFL Draft and 3.) Joe McKnight is the next big thing in the backfield.
Like Stanford and Arizona in the Pac-10, BC has a chance to bring home a rather impressive scalp.
11. Dec. 31, Air Force vs. Houston, Armed Forces Bowl
The over/under on total yards, at least 900. The over/under on points, at least 90.
This is not a good matchup for either defense. Case Keenum leads the nation in passing yards. Air Force is fourth in rushing. In case you missed it, Keenum might have been the nation's best quarterback.
12. Jan. 1, Oregon vs. Ohio State, Rose Bowl
An early look at the two top 10 teams in 2010.
Big Ten, you're on the clock. You haven't won a Rose Bowl since the beginning of this decade. That's six consecutive Pasadena losses. Sure, USC has dominated. Sure, Texas was magic (by a point over Michigan in 2005). No excuses now.
It's up to Terrelle Pryor to step up. Dude, it's the end of your second year. It's time for Ohio State to dominate against a legitimate opponent. That performance against USC doesn't look so impressive.
Oregon might have the nation's best offense, not statistically, but to the naked eye. With the one-two punch of LeGarrette Blount and LaMichael James, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli should be free enough to go downfield.
13. Jan. 1, West Virginia vs. Florida State, Gator Bowl
What other reason do you need? It's Bobby Bowden's last game.
If Florida State officials have any class (doubtful) they will delay the start of the game 45 minutes to give Bobby the most extravagant send-off in history. It was gutless that president T.K. Wetherell and AD Randy Spetman didn't face reporters the day after giving Bobby The Big Haircut. They owe Bowden.
The Gator folks jiggered this one so it could get Bowden against his old school on Jan. 1. They blew it. I'm sure Joe Paterno would have been more than happy to play in this game.
14. Jan. 1, Cincinnati vs. Florida, Sugar Bowl
We'll see if there is an SEC title game hangover for Florida. In January, Alabama didn't want to be in New Orleans and it showed.
Tim Tebow gets a proper send-off. Meanwhile, Brian Kelly is already off to Notre Dame. Cincinnati can strike the latest blow for the non-traditions with an unstoppable offense going against an unmovable force, Florida's D. Well, unmovable until Dec. 5. Brandon Spikes and crew were completely exposed against Alabama.
15. Dec. 29, Miami vs. Wisconsin, Champs Sports Bowl
Miami should be in the Gator Bowl. Wisconsin should be in a New Year's Day bowl.
And I should be a millionaire.
Let's move on.
These teams are here because they didn't take care of business at crucial times this season. Miami lost at home to Clemson. Wisconsin gave up 33 at Northwestern in a game that probably kept them from that Jan. 1 bowl.
Randy Shannon set the stage for Miami's return to prominence. If the U is going to be back in 2010, it needs to run the plodding Badgers out of the building.
16. Dec. 31, Missouri vs. Navy, Texas Bowl
Do yourself a favor, tune in to watch the nation's best receiver. Missouri's Danario Alexander, who finished the season with 200 yards or more in three of his last four games. I don't think Navy has enough athletes to cover him.
Amazingly, Alexander wasn't on the list of Biletnikoff Award finalists. Blame the insanely early deadlines for these awards. Then again, Missouri's defense might be on the field all day. The Tigers' D is 12th against the run because teams have been passing against it all season.
17. Jan. 5, Georgia Tech vs. Iowa, Orange Bowl
Call this a 1990 throwback: That was the last year Iowa was in the Rose Bowl and Georgia Tech won a national championship.
It doesn't help that the two teams that damaged these two teams' seasons are Georgia (Independence Bowl) and Northwestern (Outback). That's part of the reason the Fiesta passed on Iowa. It's as mundane a two-loss team as you will find.
Few teams have been able to stop Paul Johnson's offense. The defense is a question. Iowa will not have played for 6½ weeks. Take the Yellow Jackets because they've broken a sweat lately.
18. Jan. 1, Northwestern vs. Auburn, Outback Bowl
When your team hasn't won a bowl since the G.I. Bill, there is a certain amount of longing with the fan base. That's the case with Northwestern, which is oh-fer since 1948.
There is a reason Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald's name keeps coming up for jobs. He keeps winning at a Notre Dame-like place. Meanwhile, Gene Chizik's first season at Auburn has to be considered a success.
Look for a shootout and then look out. If Northwestern wins, the goalposts are coming down. Or should.
19. Jan. 2, East Carolina vs. Arkansas, Liberty Bowl
Ryan Mallett jump starts his 2010 Heisman campaign. Arguably the SEC's best quarterback goes up against a defense that allowed five touchdowns and more than 500 passing yards against Houston in the Conference USA title game.
Bobby Petrino doesn't even have to go over the game tape, just let Mallet go. East Carolina is 110th against the pass. Interesting how Skip Holtz is on a lot of radars. Since starting 3-0 in 2008, the Pirates are 14-9, but have won back-to-back Conference USA titles.
20. Jan. 2, Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi, Cotton Bowl
Ole Miss' Houston Nutt took Ed Orgeron's excellent recruits and produced back-to-back Cotton Bowl teams. The Rebels were one of the more disappointing teams early on, before rebounding late. A second consecutive nine-win season would have to be viewed as a plus even though the Rebels once reached as high as No. 5 in the polls.
21. Jan. 6, Central Michigan vs. Troy, GMAC Bowl
Dan LeFevour, the poor man's Tebow, plays his last game. That alone makes this worth, well, not skipping.
This isn't a classic, but it does have LeFevour, who has scored the most touchdowns in I-A history (148). This guy also has a better NFL future than Tebow. Troy's Levi Brown is no slouch with almost 4,000 yards passing.
Troy won its fourth consecutive Sun Belt title. Central Michigan won the MAC for the third time in four years. Still, this game should end the way most Sun Belt games do when its teams venture out of conference.
A loss.
22. Jan. 1, Penn State vs. LSU, Capital One Bowl
Two teams that disappointed. This is a New Year's bowl masquerading as a second-level bowl.
Les "The Mad Spiker" Miles tries to rebuild his rep with LSU fans. Joe Paterno tries to win No. 394. Both teams wonder how they ended up here. Penn State had Iowa at home and lost, LSU led Alabama in the second half.
23. Dec. 31, Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee, Chick-fil-A Bowl
Amaze your friends with this fun fact: The last time these teams met, Peyton Manning was playing in The Swamp.
That's right, the 1994 Virginia Tech-Tennessee Gator Bowl was moved to Gainesville because Jacksonville Municipal Stadium was undergoing renovations for the Jaguars. This time, the Vols are dealing with an NCAA investigation. Who knew "Come to Tennessee" could land you in hot water? Lane, try to stay legit until New Year's Eve, will ya?
Team Kiffin -- Monte with the defense and Lane with Jonathan Crompton -- did great jobs as coordinators. Tech has freshman All-American Ryan Williams setting the stage for perhaps a '10 Heisman run.
24. Dec. 27, Kentucky vs. Clemson, Music City Bowl
I'll say it right now: If C.J. Spiller doesn't touch the ball 40 times in his final game, Dabo Swinney needs counseling.
What you waitin' for, D? Spiller was the game's most dangerous all-purpose weapon and is coming off 301 yards against Georgia Tech in the ACC title game. Here, I'll help you: Kentucky is 100th against the run and 60th in kickoff return yardage defense.
That's 40 touches, Dabo. Call it 20-25 rushing, 10 passes and a few returns. You're welcome in advance for the game plan.
25. Dec. 28, Texas A&M vs. Georgia, Independence Bowl
The Let Down Bowl. Are these the Aggies who almost upset Texas or the disciplined group that laid down against Oklahoma?
Georgia coach Mark Richt is in the process of reshuffling the defensive staff. That means both teams should score in the 30s. Easily.
26. Dec. 29, Temple vs. UCLA, EagleBank Bowl
Al Golden won -- and lost. Temple's coach has the Owls in a bowl for the first time since 1979. However, golden boy Golden missed out on the Virginia job. A better opportunity might be waiting down the road.
Temple freshman tailback Bernard Pierce is expected to be back from a shoulder injury. This is the Owls first winning season since 1990.
27. Jan. 2, South Florida vs. Northern Illinois, International Bowl
It's not going to be a comfortable media day. Bulls' coach Jim Leavitt goes in fighting allegations that he hit a player.
South Florida did its usual second-half flop job, losing five of its last seven. Disappearing along with the Bulls has been one-time All-American defensive end George Selvie. George, where ya been?
28. Jan. 2, Texas Tech vs. Michigan State, Alamo Bowl
If Michigan State has any players left, this could be a good one.
As of the third week of December, nine players had been charged with conspiracy and assault after an on-campus fight. Two players have been kicked off the team. All this apparently happened at a fraternity's potluck dinner.
Guys, if you don't like the asparagus, don't take it out on the frat boys.
Look for Tech's Mike Leach to lob snarkier comments than that during the media sessions -- he can't help it.
29. Jan. 2, Connecticut vs. South Carolina, Papajohns.coms Bowl
This is what the Steve Spurrier legend has become -- 35 wins in five seasons and limping into a bowl named after a pizza company.
Sad, but Spur Dog has vowed to keep going for at least four or five more years. The Gamecocks come in having lost four of their last six games. Stephen Garcia was OK this season but didn't become a difference maker.
UConn's season can't be fairly evaluated because of the loss of Jasper Howard. The win at Notre Dame was one for the ages and helped catapult coach Randy Edsall into the conversation to replace Charlie Weis.
30. Dec. 31, Minnesota vs. Iowa State, Insight Bowl
Cow milking contests before, during after the game.
Minnesota was fun to watch when it had receiver Eric Decker (since injured). The Cyclones were a blast, scooping up eight turnovers at Nebraska. Now, I'm wondering how either team is going to score. Iowa State is 102nd in scoring, Minny is 113th. Combined November record: 2-4.
31. Dec. 19, Wyoming vs. Fresno State, New Mexico Bowl
Wyoming's Dave Christensen got to a bowl game in his first season. Fresno's Pat Hill got an extension after his 13th.
This is a game only an agent could love.
Fresno's Ryan Mathews is the nation's leading rusher (yards per game) who averaged 140 in two games against BCS conference teams. That's 30 less yards rushing than Wyoming allowed per game (91st nationally).
Hill should win his ninth game for the sixth time and his 101st overall at Fresno.
32. Dec. 19, Rutgers vs. Central Florida, St. Petersburg Bowl
How big a deal can a bowl be when one of the head coaches misses the pre-bowl press conference? Rutgers' Greg Schiano was too busy to fly down to St. Pete recently.
This is not exactly what the Scarlet Knights envisioned before getting blown out by Cincinnati in the opener. Rutgers did rebound nicely and has a chance to win nine games and its fourth bowl in a row.
Central Florida holds the embarrassment card if a Conference USA team can upset the Big East. Don't count on it. The Fighting O'Learys played two BCS conference teams this year (Texas, Miami) and lost by a combined 62-10.
33. Dec. 20, Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee, New Orleans Bowl
A battle of former big-time SEC coordinators. Middle Tennessee's Tony Franklin is the defrocked former OC at Auburn who was so hot at one time he was writing books. Southern Miss head coach Larry Fedora was OC at Florida and Oklahoma State.
Maybe Lane Kiffin can finally be embarrassed. Middle Tennessee, not Tennessee, has the state's longest -- and the nation's sixth-longest -– winning streak (six).
Look for lots of points and lots of empty seats.
34. Dec. 26, Ohio vs. Marshall, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Pizza! Pizza!
Try to find some redeeming value to this bowl: How about Snoozer! Snoozer! Ohio is playing in this bowl for the first time but at Ford Field for the second consecutive game. It lost the MAC title game to Central Michigan. Marshall came into the month looking for a new coach after Mark Snyder resigned.
Others have a coarser name for it: The Heisman Curse.
Mark Ingram makes it six of the last seven Heisman winners playing in the BCS title game. Only one has won a national championship -- USC's Matt Leinart in 2004 was the only player this decade to also win the title. Ingram's chance comes Jan. 7 in the Rose Bowl.
A bad sign for Alabama? We'll see. The Curse is just one of the issues of our overblown, overwrought bowl season that kicks off this weekend. The stories range from SMU's first bowl in 25 years to Texas trying to become a candidate for Team of the Decade. If the Horns win, they will be one of four teams to win two championships this decade -- USC, LSU and Florida are the others. Teams with the nation's top five winning streaks are all involved in BCS bowls. If you squint, all five have at least an outside chance at a national championship with the AP poll keeping an open mind.
While you wait to see how it all turns out, here's my annual ranking of the bowls:
1. Jan. 7 Alabama vs. Texas, BCS title game
Alabama cancels classes. Mack Brown gets a $2 million raise.
Ya think football is big at these two football factories? Look what happened when they made the BCS title game. The combined salaries of the two coaches in this game -- $9 million -- is worth half the payout ($18.3 million). Colt McCoy is the leading passer in Texas history. Ingram is the top single-season rusher in Alabama history.
You can't look away even though you're disgusted at the BCS. There will be great plays by great players. Somewhere, Bear Bryant and Darrell Royal are smiling. The legacies are bright and shiny.
2. Jan. 4, TCU vs. Boise State, Fiesta Bowl
Root for Texas winning a sloppy game against Alabama, then for a TCU blowout of the Broncos.
There's still a part of me that thinks AP voters will award the Horned Frogs a national championship. This isn't the kid's table -- this is a sign that both programs have arrived. Credit Fiesta Bowl executive director John Junker for making this happen. In the old bowl system, these teams would be split up to play against inferior competition. And by inferior I mean Boise playing Iowa in the Fiesta and TCU playing Georgia Tech in the Orange.
Let's celebrate the best passer in the country (Boise's Kellen Moore) and the best defense in the country (TCU). What's wrong with that?
3. Dec. 22, Oregon State vs. BYU, Las Vegas Bowl
It's Vegas, baby. Ask BYU, which is there for the fifth consecutive time.
This could be the most entertaining game of the postseason. For the first time in this bowl's history, there are two ranked teams as Oregon State was five points from the Rose Bowl. All four of its losses have been to ranked teams. BYU fell to only TCU and Florida State.
This is the Rodgers brothers (Jacquizz and James) vs. Dennis Pitta (BYU's talented tight end). This is BYU quarterback Max Hall vs. Stephen Paea (the Pac-10's best defensive lineman). Plenty of points, cheap shrimp cocktail and, um, cocktail waitresses for the more Woodsian inclined.
"I think this is one of the more intriguing bowl games of this year," Beavers coach Mike Riley said.
For a lot of reasons.
4. Dec. 23, Utah vs. California, Poinsettia Bowl
Andy Ludwig holds the key -- for both teams.
Ludwig was the offensive coordinator during Utah's undefeated run last season. Then he went to Kansas State for about a month before going to Cal. Ludwig knows the offense of both teams.
Utah true freshman quarterback Jordan Wynn comes back home (Oceanside, Calif.), where he was 2-0 as a high schooler in Qualcomm Stadium. For the first time in 18 years, the Utes have a running back-receiver combo that has gone over 1,000 yards: tailback Eddie Wide and receiver David Reed.
It's questionable whether Cal's Jahvid Best will return healthy from his concussion, but Shane Vereen isn't a bad backup (868 yards, 10 touchdowns).
Take Utah in a shootout -- the Utes lost only Oregon, TCU and in overtime to BYU.
5. Dec. 24, Nevada vs. SMU, Hawaii Bowl
Almost a quarter century since its last bowl game, SMU goes bowling again.
Nevada has three 1,000-yard rushers. SMU throws 36 times a game. June Jones' fireworks vs. Chris Ault's pistol.
Ten years ago, Jones set the NCAA record by improving Hawaii by 8½ games from 1998 to '99. Now he makes his triumphant return to the islands with SMU back in the postseason for the first time since the death penalty. Did he leave for the money? Well, it wasn't SMU's winning tradition.
6. Dec. 30, Idaho vs. Bowling Green, Humanitarian Bowl
Idaho returns to the place where it was bombed 63-25 by Boise State. Oh well, a bowl game is a bowl game especially when you haven't been to one since 1998.
The Vandals are one the season's better stories. Midway through the season Robb Akey was my national coach of the year. Idaho finished 1-4, but Akey is finally building a program in one of the sport's Godforsaken outposts. Guard Mike Iupati became an All-American.
This game is worth watching if only for a look at the most productive receiver in the country, Bowling Green's Freddie Barnes.
7. Dec. 31, Stanford vs. Oklahoma, Sun Bowl
Is this the best Sun Bowl in years or what? Oklahoma was supposed to contend for a national championship. Stanford has a Heisman finalist. The hook, here, is the nation's leading rusher (total yards) vs. the No. 7 run defense.
Peel back the layers, though, and you find the truth. Stanford's Toby Gerhart moved it against everyone. Oklahoma had its worst season in 10 years.
Andrew Luck is doubtful after surgery on a finger. That gives OU's Landry Jones a chance to tune up for next season.
8. Dec. 26, North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh, Meineke Car Care Bowl
You think these two coaches don't know each other? Dave Wannstedt and Butch Davis won a national championship in Miami with Jimmy Johnson. Then they followed J.J. to Dallas.
The Meineke now is a battle of two coaches who have yet to turn the corner. You have to feel for Wanny, who lost back-to-back heartbreakers to West Virginia and Cincinnati. In a year during which it seemed everyone had a shot, North Carolina finished fourth in the Coastal Division.
Get a look at next year's early Heisman frontrunner, Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis (1,640 yards). The Panthers are trying to win 10 for the first time in 18 years. Some guy named Marino did it.
9. Dec. 30, Nebraska vs. Arizona, Holiday Bowl
The best bowl road trip features fish tacos and Ndamukong Suh.
Recruited by Bill Callahan, polished by Bo Pelini, the Heisman finalist gets one last chance to put his game on the national stage. Barry Sanders is the best player I ever saw. Suh is the Barry Sanders of defensive tackles, in my opinion. Anyone who saw the Big 12 title game will agree.
Tailback Nic Grigsby is expected back from a shoulder injury for Arizona. Some advice: Pick up No. 93 on every play, no matter what you do.
10. Dec. 26, Boston College vs. USC, Emerald Bowl
Will USC show up? That is the most profound question of the postseason. For BC this is a cross-country reward for an 11th straight bowl appearance. For the Trojans, this is a monumental disappointment played out in a baseball stadium.
The attendance, mostly Eagles fans, will resemble a Giants-Nationals mid-week series in April. Perhaps Pete Carroll can sell this game (via Twitter, of course) as a building block toward next season. Waiting to see if 1.) Matt Barkley ends the season like he started, 2.) Taylor Mays can get himself back up in the top two rounds of the NFL Draft and 3.) Joe McKnight is the next big thing in the backfield.
Like Stanford and Arizona in the Pac-10, BC has a chance to bring home a rather impressive scalp.
11. Dec. 31, Air Force vs. Houston, Armed Forces Bowl
The over/under on total yards, at least 900. The over/under on points, at least 90.
This is not a good matchup for either defense. Case Keenum leads the nation in passing yards. Air Force is fourth in rushing. In case you missed it, Keenum might have been the nation's best quarterback.
12. Jan. 1, Oregon vs. Ohio State, Rose Bowl
An early look at the two top 10 teams in 2010.
Big Ten, you're on the clock. You haven't won a Rose Bowl since the beginning of this decade. That's six consecutive Pasadena losses. Sure, USC has dominated. Sure, Texas was magic (by a point over Michigan in 2005). No excuses now.
It's up to Terrelle Pryor to step up. Dude, it's the end of your second year. It's time for Ohio State to dominate against a legitimate opponent. That performance against USC doesn't look so impressive.
Oregon might have the nation's best offense, not statistically, but to the naked eye. With the one-two punch of LeGarrette Blount and LaMichael James, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli should be free enough to go downfield.
13. Jan. 1, West Virginia vs. Florida State, Gator Bowl
What other reason do you need? It's Bobby Bowden's last game.
If Florida State officials have any class (doubtful) they will delay the start of the game 45 minutes to give Bobby the most extravagant send-off in history. It was gutless that president T.K. Wetherell and AD Randy Spetman didn't face reporters the day after giving Bobby The Big Haircut. They owe Bowden.
The Gator folks jiggered this one so it could get Bowden against his old school on Jan. 1. They blew it. I'm sure Joe Paterno would have been more than happy to play in this game.
14. Jan. 1, Cincinnati vs. Florida, Sugar Bowl
We'll see if there is an SEC title game hangover for Florida. In January, Alabama didn't want to be in New Orleans and it showed.
Tim Tebow gets a proper send-off. Meanwhile, Brian Kelly is already off to Notre Dame. Cincinnati can strike the latest blow for the non-traditions with an unstoppable offense going against an unmovable force, Florida's D. Well, unmovable until Dec. 5. Brandon Spikes and crew were completely exposed against Alabama.
15. Dec. 29, Miami vs. Wisconsin, Champs Sports Bowl
Miami should be in the Gator Bowl. Wisconsin should be in a New Year's Day bowl.
And I should be a millionaire.
Let's move on.
These teams are here because they didn't take care of business at crucial times this season. Miami lost at home to Clemson. Wisconsin gave up 33 at Northwestern in a game that probably kept them from that Jan. 1 bowl.
Randy Shannon set the stage for Miami's return to prominence. If the U is going to be back in 2010, it needs to run the plodding Badgers out of the building.
16. Dec. 31, Missouri vs. Navy, Texas Bowl
Do yourself a favor, tune in to watch the nation's best receiver. Missouri's Danario Alexander, who finished the season with 200 yards or more in three of his last four games. I don't think Navy has enough athletes to cover him.
Amazingly, Alexander wasn't on the list of Biletnikoff Award finalists. Blame the insanely early deadlines for these awards. Then again, Missouri's defense might be on the field all day. The Tigers' D is 12th against the run because teams have been passing against it all season.
17. Jan. 5, Georgia Tech vs. Iowa, Orange Bowl
Call this a 1990 throwback: That was the last year Iowa was in the Rose Bowl and Georgia Tech won a national championship.
It doesn't help that the two teams that damaged these two teams' seasons are Georgia (Independence Bowl) and Northwestern (Outback). That's part of the reason the Fiesta passed on Iowa. It's as mundane a two-loss team as you will find.
Few teams have been able to stop Paul Johnson's offense. The defense is a question. Iowa will not have played for 6½ weeks. Take the Yellow Jackets because they've broken a sweat lately.
18. Jan. 1, Northwestern vs. Auburn, Outback Bowl
When your team hasn't won a bowl since the G.I. Bill, there is a certain amount of longing with the fan base. That's the case with Northwestern, which is oh-fer since 1948.
There is a reason Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald's name keeps coming up for jobs. He keeps winning at a Notre Dame-like place. Meanwhile, Gene Chizik's first season at Auburn has to be considered a success.
Look for a shootout and then look out. If Northwestern wins, the goalposts are coming down. Or should.
19. Jan. 2, East Carolina vs. Arkansas, Liberty Bowl
Ryan Mallett jump starts his 2010 Heisman campaign. Arguably the SEC's best quarterback goes up against a defense that allowed five touchdowns and more than 500 passing yards against Houston in the Conference USA title game.
Bobby Petrino doesn't even have to go over the game tape, just let Mallet go. East Carolina is 110th against the pass. Interesting how Skip Holtz is on a lot of radars. Since starting 3-0 in 2008, the Pirates are 14-9, but have won back-to-back Conference USA titles.
20. Jan. 2, Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi, Cotton Bowl
Ole Miss' Houston Nutt took Ed Orgeron's excellent recruits and produced back-to-back Cotton Bowl teams. The Rebels were one of the more disappointing teams early on, before rebounding late. A second consecutive nine-win season would have to be viewed as a plus even though the Rebels once reached as high as No. 5 in the polls.
21. Jan. 6, Central Michigan vs. Troy, GMAC Bowl
Dan LeFevour, the poor man's Tebow, plays his last game. That alone makes this worth, well, not skipping.
This isn't a classic, but it does have LeFevour, who has scored the most touchdowns in I-A history (148). This guy also has a better NFL future than Tebow. Troy's Levi Brown is no slouch with almost 4,000 yards passing.
Troy won its fourth consecutive Sun Belt title. Central Michigan won the MAC for the third time in four years. Still, this game should end the way most Sun Belt games do when its teams venture out of conference.
A loss.
22. Jan. 1, Penn State vs. LSU, Capital One Bowl
Two teams that disappointed. This is a New Year's bowl masquerading as a second-level bowl.
Les "The Mad Spiker" Miles tries to rebuild his rep with LSU fans. Joe Paterno tries to win No. 394. Both teams wonder how they ended up here. Penn State had Iowa at home and lost, LSU led Alabama in the second half.
23. Dec. 31, Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee, Chick-fil-A Bowl
Amaze your friends with this fun fact: The last time these teams met, Peyton Manning was playing in The Swamp.
That's right, the 1994 Virginia Tech-Tennessee Gator Bowl was moved to Gainesville because Jacksonville Municipal Stadium was undergoing renovations for the Jaguars. This time, the Vols are dealing with an NCAA investigation. Who knew "Come to Tennessee" could land you in hot water? Lane, try to stay legit until New Year's Eve, will ya?
Team Kiffin -- Monte with the defense and Lane with Jonathan Crompton -- did great jobs as coordinators. Tech has freshman All-American Ryan Williams setting the stage for perhaps a '10 Heisman run.
24. Dec. 27, Kentucky vs. Clemson, Music City Bowl
I'll say it right now: If C.J. Spiller doesn't touch the ball 40 times in his final game, Dabo Swinney needs counseling.
What you waitin' for, D? Spiller was the game's most dangerous all-purpose weapon and is coming off 301 yards against Georgia Tech in the ACC title game. Here, I'll help you: Kentucky is 100th against the run and 60th in kickoff return yardage defense.
That's 40 touches, Dabo. Call it 20-25 rushing, 10 passes and a few returns. You're welcome in advance for the game plan.
25. Dec. 28, Texas A&M vs. Georgia, Independence Bowl
The Let Down Bowl. Are these the Aggies who almost upset Texas or the disciplined group that laid down against Oklahoma?
Georgia coach Mark Richt is in the process of reshuffling the defensive staff. That means both teams should score in the 30s. Easily.
26. Dec. 29, Temple vs. UCLA, EagleBank Bowl
Al Golden won -- and lost. Temple's coach has the Owls in a bowl for the first time since 1979. However, golden boy Golden missed out on the Virginia job. A better opportunity might be waiting down the road.
Temple freshman tailback Bernard Pierce is expected to be back from a shoulder injury. This is the Owls first winning season since 1990.
27. Jan. 2, South Florida vs. Northern Illinois, International Bowl
It's not going to be a comfortable media day. Bulls' coach Jim Leavitt goes in fighting allegations that he hit a player.
South Florida did its usual second-half flop job, losing five of its last seven. Disappearing along with the Bulls has been one-time All-American defensive end George Selvie. George, where ya been?
28. Jan. 2, Texas Tech vs. Michigan State, Alamo Bowl
If Michigan State has any players left, this could be a good one.
As of the third week of December, nine players had been charged with conspiracy and assault after an on-campus fight. Two players have been kicked off the team. All this apparently happened at a fraternity's potluck dinner.
Guys, if you don't like the asparagus, don't take it out on the frat boys.
Look for Tech's Mike Leach to lob snarkier comments than that during the media sessions -- he can't help it.
29. Jan. 2, Connecticut vs. South Carolina, Papajohns.coms Bowl
This is what the Steve Spurrier legend has become -- 35 wins in five seasons and limping into a bowl named after a pizza company.
Sad, but Spur Dog has vowed to keep going for at least four or five more years. The Gamecocks come in having lost four of their last six games. Stephen Garcia was OK this season but didn't become a difference maker.
UConn's season can't be fairly evaluated because of the loss of Jasper Howard. The win at Notre Dame was one for the ages and helped catapult coach Randy Edsall into the conversation to replace Charlie Weis.
30. Dec. 31, Minnesota vs. Iowa State, Insight Bowl
Cow milking contests before, during after the game.
Minnesota was fun to watch when it had receiver Eric Decker (since injured). The Cyclones were a blast, scooping up eight turnovers at Nebraska. Now, I'm wondering how either team is going to score. Iowa State is 102nd in scoring, Minny is 113th. Combined November record: 2-4.
31. Dec. 19, Wyoming vs. Fresno State, New Mexico Bowl
Wyoming's Dave Christensen got to a bowl game in his first season. Fresno's Pat Hill got an extension after his 13th.
This is a game only an agent could love.
Fresno's Ryan Mathews is the nation's leading rusher (yards per game) who averaged 140 in two games against BCS conference teams. That's 30 less yards rushing than Wyoming allowed per game (91st nationally).
Hill should win his ninth game for the sixth time and his 101st overall at Fresno.
32. Dec. 19, Rutgers vs. Central Florida, St. Petersburg Bowl
How big a deal can a bowl be when one of the head coaches misses the pre-bowl press conference? Rutgers' Greg Schiano was too busy to fly down to St. Pete recently.
This is not exactly what the Scarlet Knights envisioned before getting blown out by Cincinnati in the opener. Rutgers did rebound nicely and has a chance to win nine games and its fourth bowl in a row.
Central Florida holds the embarrassment card if a Conference USA team can upset the Big East. Don't count on it. The Fighting O'Learys played two BCS conference teams this year (Texas, Miami) and lost by a combined 62-10.
33. Dec. 20, Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee, New Orleans Bowl
A battle of former big-time SEC coordinators. Middle Tennessee's Tony Franklin is the defrocked former OC at Auburn who was so hot at one time he was writing books. Southern Miss head coach Larry Fedora was OC at Florida and Oklahoma State.
Maybe Lane Kiffin can finally be embarrassed. Middle Tennessee, not Tennessee, has the state's longest -- and the nation's sixth-longest -– winning streak (six).
Look for lots of points and lots of empty seats.
34. Dec. 26, Ohio vs. Marshall, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Pizza! Pizza!
Try to find some redeeming value to this bowl: How about Snoozer! Snoozer! Ohio is playing in this bowl for the first time but at Ford Field for the second consecutive game. It lost the MAC title game to Central Michigan. Marshall came into the month looking for a new coach after Mark Snyder resigned.
