Bowl Musings through Christmas

Well, 2 games, and predictably a 1-1 record. We move on.

The game Tuesday night in Vegas is a head scratcher. Last year, BYU outplayed Arizona but lost in this same bowl. Now they return, likely looking for some redemption against an Oregon State team that always seems to play well. BYU, as usual dominated the competition when they were heavily favored, but struggled when they were playing anyone with a pulse. Even though i think they will have the motivational edge and hold some statistical advantages on paper, I'm going to side with the hordes on this one and go with the Beavers. At the end of the day, BYu has struggled to score against real defenses, and has shown chinks in the defensive armor in these cases as well. Meanwhile, although OSU has shown some weakness on D, they have also handled solid offenses like Cal and fought hard against a great offense in Cincinnati. I think they'll find a way to win while BYU figures out a way to lose it. OSU - 2.5...up to 3.

I really like SMU in their game on the island against Nevada Christmas Eve catching 14-15. I got it at 15 a few days ago, the number is 14.5 currently. To me, this is a matchup between two defenses who will be struggling mightily to stop the opposing offense. Nevada's run game is ridiculously good. It's not even worth looking up what SMU has done against the rush this year, as Nevada will certainly pile up the rushng yards. What is also apparent is that Nevada will struggle to stop SMU's pass offense, as they are dead last aginst the pass this year. Nevad also will be missing both of their top RBs, Lippincott and Taua, but they'll have QB Colin Kaepernick, who is the ley for them. June Jones is returning to the island, and I have a hunch that SMU will be more motivated for their first bowl game in 25 years. More than 2 TDs is just too much here when you consider that SMU will havbe all knids of success throwing the ball on Nevada's defense. Take the points here.

As for the others, I'll be going with Utah + points (3). Also giving it a whirl with MTSU to surprise So Miss.
I'll have more thoughts soon....