2009 Bowl Games

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Hawaii Bowl 8:00 PM EST
Nevada (-13) vs. Southern Methodist

This should be a high scoring affair, and bettors agree (72 or 73 points). June Jones returns to Hawaii. Nevada boasts a trio of 1,000 yard rushers who should overpower SMU’s defense.

Pick: Nevada

In the midst of yet another scandal involving USC football, many are left to wonder what has happened to a once honorable sports program. No longer does USC embody the famous “tradition,” “glory,” or “family spirit” for which it famously proclaims itself to be year after year. Instead, the current USC Trojan sports program is juggling three potential instances of illegal benefits, which makes five such occurrences in the past four years.

First of all, I don’t think that USC is run differently than any other university in the country, but I do believe that their geographic location puts them at a significant disadvantage in being able to provide “institutional control.” A search on the NFL Players Association website for certified agents listed in California illicit 109 results, by far the most of any other state. This does not even include the excess number of marketing agencies in and around the Los Angeles area.

The solution? USC needs to do away with their open-door policy of allowing full access to various agents and marketing representatives. Yahoo Sports’ investigation of the Reggie Bush case showed that in years past, agents and their representatives were actually allowed in the USC locker room and on the sidelines at practices and games. Pete Carroll uses this as a recruiting tool, knowing full well that high-profile high school players want to be put in the spotlight and given every advantage to maximize their exposure. This philosophy, however, has backfired and it’s now time for a major shift within the athletic department.

Athletic Director Mike Garrett needs to step in and make a statement to take some of the heat off of Pete Carroll and the USC coaching staff. Pete shouldn’t have to be the one solely responsible for watching over the players, he has an entire staff of administrators to take care of those things. His primary focus should be on recruiting and winning football games.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Southern Miss (-4) vs Middle Tennessee

Southern Miss returns to the New Orleans to face a red hot Middle Tennessee squad.
Pick: Middle Tennessee

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New Mexico Bowl

Fresno St. (-11) vs Wyoming 4:30 PM EST

Fresno State, who lost this same bowl game a year ago, looks for redemption against an overmatched Wyoming squad. Ryan Mathews, who led the FBS in ypg, will run all over the Cowboys Defense.
Pick: Fresno St.

St. Petersburg Bowl presented by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Rutgers (-2.5) vs Central Florida

Central Florida rolls in this bowl game winning their last three and the last five of six, while Rutgers dropped two of their last three. UCF’s speedy defensive line will run by Rutger’s O-line. Plus, its basically a home game for UCF and they are trying to impress the Big East for membership.
Pick: Central Florida

There has been a lot of buzz going around about possible expansion of the Big Ten, which already has 11 teams.  The rumors say that the Big Ten might expand to 12, 14 or 16 teams and create 2 divisions.

I am a bit concerned about how the Ohio State v M*ch*gan rivalry will be affected but I am most concerned about the following:

What will happen to the Big Ten name and Logo?

I think it is very creative how they put the 11 into the logo and can’t wait to see how they change it to 12, 14 or 16.  If they change to 16 I think there is an obvious solution, see below.  It doesn’t seem as clear if we end up with 12 or 14.

I have a feeling if they do indeed go to 16 teams it might be time for a name change.

“The work week stops in Columbus, Ohio when The Other Paper comes out on Thursdays.”

• 2009 College Football Bowl Game Betting Trends By Marzia Prince [VegasGab]
• Playing in a Bowl Game Often a Bad Business Decision [The Wiz of Odds]
• FCS expansion has mixed response [Chattanooga Times Free Press]

18 degrees in Columbus, Ohio this morning.

• Erin Andrews “Loses It” When Seeing Predator In Person [Awful Announcing]
• Ohio State Comes At You With A Gang Of Children [Every Day Should Be Saturday]
• Cris Carter’s Son Duron & Teammate Rob Rose Can Really Twitter, Can’t Pass A Class [The Angry T]

Tuesday has no feel … Oh, I’m feeling Tuesday.

• LSU Fans Are Picking Sides [Friends of the Program]
• USF Coach Jim Leavitt Denies Allegations He Struck Player In Face, Alleged Accuser Recants [SB Nation]
• Iowa’s D: “I hope you brought your punter.” [From the Rumble Seat]