New Year's Eve Musings

Well, you can add Butch Davis's name to the litany of idiots who can't seem to grasp the concept that they are responsible for using sound logic and judgement in end of game clock management situations. I won't rehash it, but the scene included having about 18 guys on the field as his QB is clocking the ball to set up for a 30 yard game tying FG. If you get a chance to see it, it was worse than the LSU debacle against Tennessee earlier this year. Apparently, the 10 second run off rule doesn't exist in college football, which turned out to be a good thing for Butch(and me).

7-5 for the numbered musings. Too bad I didn't just include the also rans in those too because they're 5-0. Moving on.

13. Notre Dame +3 v Miami(Fla): Miami looks a little bit better on paper than Notre Dame, but shit, they looked a hell of a lot better than Virginia and South Florida too, and lost both of those games. They come in to this game at 7-5, same as Notre Dame, but these teams are heading in different directions. ND has won three in a row including wins against Utah and USC, while Miami is coming off two losses in a row, the last of which got their coach fired, it was so uninspiring. Despite the opponent being Notre Dame, I can't see how Miami is motivated at all for this one. They just want to get the season over with and move on to the Al Golden era.This should also be one of the biggest coaching advantages of the bowl season, with Brian kelly against whoever lame duck got stuck coaching this game for Miami. ND has been excited to prepare for this one, as Kelly has mentioned many times, and their staff sees it as easily the most important game of their tenure so far. Even though Miami in most cases should handle this ND team, I can't see it happening here...I actually almost expect a rather comforable ND win in this one.

14. Florida St +3 v South Carolina: Another ACC v SEC game. Don't like taking the ACC in these games, but I find myself doing it again. 68% of the public is on South Carolina here, but in my opinion, these teams are pretty evenly matched for the most part, except FSU is more consistent in all phases. South Carolina is having all kinds of trouble stopping the pass, and it appears that Christian Ponder will be pretty much totally healthy for this game. FSU is stronger overall on the defensive side, and they will be pressuring Garcia all night(#2 in country in sacks), never a good thing for the Gamecocks. Actually, USC can pressure the QB as well(#6) but I would be much more comfortable with Ponder than with Garcia. Motivation is probably on FSU's side as well. coming off the destruction of Florida and with a new staff still looking for reasons to get the kids to believe. South Carolina also has a penchant for tanking bowl games under Spurrier as well. Like the points here.

Others: can't make a call on USF/Clemson...going with the under. I'm also going to take a flyer on UCF to cover the 7 against UGA, since this appears to be a major motivational edge for them, as UGA is also just going through the motions here, like a lot of teams. UCF os also pretty good on offense and defense..they have a chance to give Georgia fits on both sides of the ball, even though Georgia has much better athletes. By the way, look at Aaron Murray's stats this year. WAYYYYY better than Matthew Stafford at the same time in their development.

Take care!!