College Football Picks: Part Three

Dec. 30
Humanitarian Bowl- Maryland v. Nevada
This is another case of one team being very happy to be in a specific Bowl game and the other slightly disappointed. Maryland has nobody to blame but itself, losing three of its final four games. Nevada, on the other hand, has done the exact opposite, winning three of four to get here. If Maryland comes out hungry, it wins, if the Terps come out moping, the Wolfpack win.
Matt- Nevada
Ben- Maryland
Mike- Maryland
Chris- Nevada

Texas Bowl- Western Michigan v. Rice
Gotta like the Owls in this one. It's been a very weak showing for the MAC so far, and it's going to be very hard for Western Michigan to right the ship. Ben has faith in the directional Michigan school, but the other three of us really like Rice's explosive offense to take care of business.
Matt- Rice
Ben- Western Michigan
Mike- Rice
Chris- Rice

Holiday Bowl- Oklahoma State v. Oregon
There should be a lot of points scored in this game. A lot of points. You can certainly see our west coast bias shining through (not to mention Chris went to Oregon) because three out of four of us have the Ducks when the nation is voting for the Cowboys to win at nearly 80 percent, according to ESPN. My feeling is that the team that can limit the other to a couple of field goals instead of touchdowns will win because neither team is going to hold the other scoreless on too many drives.
Matt- Oregon
Ben- Oklahoma State
Mike- Oregon
Chris- Oregon

Dec. 31
Armed Forces Bowl- Houston v. Air Force
The Cougars are 0-for their last-8 in Bowl games, but Chris likes them to get their first win since 1980 in post-season play. With my affinity for the Mountain West, I like Air Force a lot and Mike and Ben are with me. In the end, the Falcons discipline and ball control will be the difference.
Matt- Air Force
Ben- Air Force
Mike- Air Force
Chris- Houston

Sun Bowl- Oregon State v. Pittsburgh
Mike is the lone wolf here, going with the Panthers. I think the rest of us are pretty sure that the Pac-10 runner up is better than the Big East runner up. I also have no faith in Dave Wannstedt. I do expect both teams to be committed to running the ball with their stellar backs (LeSean McCoy for Pitt and Jacquizz Rodgers for the Beavers). I think it will come down to which quarterback doesn't screw up.
Matt- Oregon State
Ben- Oregon State
Mike- Pittsburgh
Chris- Oregon State

Music City Bowl- Boston College v. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is very lucky to be in a bowl game after going 1-6 in its last seven games. Boston College, on the other hand, played for the ACC title, which leads me to believe the Eagles momentum will be enough to win this game. I also don't like either of Vandy's quarterbacks against a very good Eagles defense.
Matt- Boston College
Ben- Boston College
Mike- Boston College
Chris- Vanderbilt

Insight Bowl- Kansas v. Minnesota
The Gophers are disappointed at being 7-5 after starting the year 7-1 and Kansas is disappointed in being 7-5 after starting the year ranked in the top 20. One of them will have the chance to salvage a respectable season and the other will be left with a very sour taste. The Kansas offense is a bit more consistent than the Goofs right now, which leads me to think the Jayhawks win. Mike and Chris disagree, however.
Matt- Kansas
Ben- Kansas
Mike- Minnesota
Chris- Minnesota

Chick-fil-A Bowl- LSU v. Georgia Tech
It's amazing to me to see a unanimous selection against LSU in a Bowl game. I am also surprised that most of the country feels the same way. I still feel nervous that LSU is gonna win big and piss me off, but there is nothing to indicate that. The Tigers have no quarterback, and the Tech triple option is going to be too much for them to handle.
Matt- Georgia Tech
Ben- Georgia Tech
Mike- Georgia Tech
Chris- Georgia Tech