2009 BCS Bowl Preview and Predictions
The 2009 BCS Bowl Season is quickly approaching – not that anyone should care.
I’m not trying to sound bitter, but if the BCS doesn’t care about any of its five bowl games outside of the national championship game, then why should we? All the BCS essentially cares about is figuring out who the top team teams are in college football – and they can’t even do that right.
But I digress. I’m not going to burn another 1,200 words on why college football needs a playoff because it’ll just fall upon deaf ears. Instead, I’ll get into the bowl season spirit and break down the five BCS bowls, as well as hand out predictions for each game.
Predictions are essentially meaningless, but they’re fun so make sure you throw out your picks in the comment section below.
Rose Bowl: Penn State vs. USC
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California, January 1, 4:30PM ET ABC
Some college football pundits believe that this one will be over with by halftime, but if Penn State uses Oregon State’s victory over USC as a blueprint for success, the Nittany Lions could make this a tighter game than most expect. PSU tailback Evan Royster has been a playmaker this year and if the Lions can employ him the same way the Beavers’ used Jacquizz Rodgers to beat the Trojans earlier this season, then maybe they can exploit USC’s quick defense. Then again, the Trojans’ D is one of the fastest and most talented units in the country and it won’t be easy for PSU to spread the field on them like they did against Big Ten opponents this season. USC has the most talented linebacker corps in the country and their secondary features two safeties in Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison that blanket the field in both coverage and run support. In order for the Lions to claim victory, quarterback Daryll Clark will have to play mistake free and not try to force action in the passing game. Offensively for USC, quarterback Mark Sanchez has been outstanding, but he will make mistakes. He threw at least one interception in seven games this year and if PSU’s defense can generate some pressure, they could force Sanchez into some turnovers and capitalize on some prime field position. But outside of getting pressure on Sanchez, Penn State needs to tackle well and limit the yards-after-catch opportunities that USC’s receivers thrive upon. Sounds basic enough, but the Trojans have one of the fastest offenses in the league and Sanchez has excelled at taking what defenses give him and in getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers. The Lions would be wise to get 11 defenders around the ball at all times, especially when USC tailback Stafon Johnson gets the opportunity to make plays.
Rose Bowl Prediction: USC 30, Penn State 17.
FedEx Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Dolphin Stadium, Miami, January 1, 8:30PM ET FOX
The job Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly has done this year has been remarkable. This is a team that was ransacked by injuries earlier this season (most notably at quarterback where they’ve used four different starters) and still found a way to win a Big East title. The Bearcats’ offense will revolve around whether or not they can strike a balance between their dynamic passing game, and a sound running game. Kelly’s offense excels at spreading a defense out and attacking the middle of the field with short, timely patterns that allow receivers to make the catch and get up field. While Cincy can strike quick, the offense is at its best when it methodically moves up the field by attacking the seams. Quarterback Tony Pike and his wideouts Dominick Goodman and Marty Gilyard will certainly have their hands full with Virginia Tech’s physical defense. Frank Beamer’s Hokies love to send multiple defenders at the quarterback and force him to get the ball out of his hands quickly and make mistakes. If Pike can’t read the defense at the line, than he’s going to have a long day. Still, the Bearcats have an experienced defense and match up well against an inexperienced Hokie offense. While Tyrod Taylor looked good in the ACC Championship Game against Boston College, he must prove that he can win moving the ball through the air. If the Bearcats contain him and not allow him to keep drives alive with his feet, Tech might struggle putting points on the board. But this game should come down to two things – defense and special teams, which happen to be two things Beamer’s team excels at. Cincinnati has had a hell of a year and this one is going to be tight, but Tech wins a nail bitter down the stretch.
Orange Bowl Prediction: Virginia Tech 21, Cincinnati 20.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Utah vs. Alabama
Superdome, New Orleans, 8:00PM ET FOX
Will this be a repeat of the Boise State-Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl game two years ago where an undefeated “no name team” beats the program from the elite conference? Doubtful. The Utes have had a great year and you don’t win 12 games by accident. That said, Alabama has a major advantage up front on both sides of the ball and even though their offense has lacked explosiveness at times this season, the Tide will shove Glen Coffee down Utah’s throat for four quarters and wear them down. Outside of an impressive come-from-behind win over TCU, the Utes haven’t faced a superior opponent all season. ‘Bama has one of the best defensive lines in the nation and will certainly give quarterback Brian Johnson fits. Utah hasn’t faced a defense as fast as the one they’ll play in New Orleans come January 1 and while I hate to fall into the masses that believe that just because Alabama played in a better conference that they’ll roll in this game, I just don’t think Utah has the players up front to win.
Sugar Bowl Prediction: Alabama 34, Utah 14.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, January 5, 8:00PM ET FOX
Outside of the national championship game, this might be the best bowl matchup of the season. Ohio State lost each of their toughest games this season when they were defeated by USC and Penn State, but freshman quarterback Terrell Pryor brings an added dimension to the field and seems to be getting better each game. Of course, it helps having a running back in Chris “Beanie” Wells in the same backfield. An early season injury cost him the opportunity to possibly win the Heisman Trophy, but Wells has been otherwise dominant this season. His blend of speed and power make him one of the best backs in the nation and the Texas defense hasn’t seen a player like Wells all season. For Texas, everything revolves around quarterback Colt McCoy, who has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. McCoy excels at getting the ball out of his hands quickly and accurately, and allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch. And when his receivers are blanketed, McCoy is equally effective with his legs as evidence by his team-leading 576 rushing yards. While many pundits will be quick to assume that Texas will roll in this game because of the Buckeyes’ weak schedule, the fact of the matter is that the Longhorns haven’t faced a defense as good as OSU’s this season. The Buckeyes are experienced and physical on that side of the ball and will certainly focus on getting pressure on McCoy and not allowing receivers Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby to break free for big plays. And if the Buckeyes can control the tempo with Wells and keep McCoy on the sidelines, then an upset could be in the making. But I don’t have the marbles to predict an OSU victory – not after their last two bowl appearances, at least. Texas is still pissed at being snubbed by the BCS and they’ll use this game to prove that they deserved a shot to play in the national championship. In the end, I don’t think Pryor will make enough plays in the passing game for OSU to win.
Fiesta Bowl Prediciton: Texas 30, Ohio State 24.
BCS National Championship Game: Florida vs. Oklahoma
Dolphin Stadium, Miami, Florida, January 8, 8:00PM ET FOX
With some fantastic storylines, this will be one of the most anticipated national championships ever. 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow faces 2008 winner Sam Bradford. Who will come out on top: Florida’s dynamic defense vs. Oklahoma’s explosive offense? Can Urban Meyer win two titles in three years? Will Bob Stoops lose yet another bowl game? The individual and team matchups are outstanding and it’s too bad a dynamic playmaker like DeMarco Murray will miss the game. Still, the Sooners’ offense is loaded with talent and this is a team that hasn’t scored less than 60 points in over a month. But they’ll face their toughest challenge of the season in the Gators, who have the fastest defenses in the country next to USC. It’ll be interesting to see how Meyer will game plan his defense to stop Bradford, who has seemingly been unstoppable this season. Even in OU’s loss to Texas, Bradford threw for 387 yards and five touchdowns. He’s simply outstanding and his numbers have been extraordinary this season, but as well as he’s played, Tebow has played equally as well. And Tebow didn’t have the luxury of facing weak defenses all year in the SEC like Bradford did playing in the Big 12. Tebow beat LSU, Georgia and Alabama, and did so in convincing fashion. If Percy Harvin is healthy (which he should be), Tebow won’t have any problems putting points on the board against an OU defense that was shredded by Texas and Oklahoma State this season. Both teams will score points, but Florida has the clear advantage on defense and I’ll always take a stout defense over an explosive offense, even if that offense is averaging well over 50 points a game. Bradford will face more pressure in one game than he faced all season.
BSC National Championship Prediction: Florida 44, Oklahoma 37.
Follow the Scores Report editors on Twitter @clevelandteams and @bullzeyedotcom.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: Alabama Crimson Tide, Anthony Stalter, BCS Bowl Previews, BCS Bowls, BCS national championship game, BCS National Championship Game Prediction, BCS National Championship Game Preview, BCS sucks, Bob Stoops, Brian Johnson, Chris “Beanie” Wells, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colt McCoy, Daryll Clark, DeMarco Murray, Dominick Goodman, Evan Royster, Fiesta Bowl, fiesta Bowl Preview, Florida Gators, Frank Beamer, Georgia Bulldogs, Glen Coffee, Jordan Shipley, Kevin Ellison, LSU Tigers, Mark Sanchez, Marty Gilyard, Nick Saban, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oklahoma Sooners, Orange Bowl Prediction, Orange Bowl Preview, Penn State Nittany Lions, Percy Harvin, Quan Cosby, Rose Bowl Prediction, Rose Bowl Preview, Sam Bradford, Sugar Bowl Prediction, Sugar Bowl Preview, Taylor Mays, Terrell Pryor, Texas Longhorns, Tim Tebow, Tony Pike, Tyrod Taylor, USC Trojans, Utah Utes, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big mistake in Orange bowl prediction. The BEARCATS are playing, not BC. What a slam to us faithful fans.
In case you’re interested …
If you can’t get a ticket to the big game, we’ll be webcasting all the festivities surrounding the Rose Bowl live from Pasadena New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on Paltalk.com. The pep rallies, the news conferences, the tailgating.
You can join with other fans in the action and comment in text and in voice. It’s like being right there but right from your computer.
You can also discuss the game with other fans while it’s on.
Please go to rel="nofollow ugc">http://blog.paltalk.com/paltalkblog/2008/12/penn-state-football-fan-club for more information.
Thanks,
Gary
Obviously you’re an idiot.
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl was not a win by a “no name team”. Boise State has one of the best records in the nation year in and year out. I realize the supposed “elite conferences” have great tradition in big bowl games although the MWC schooled the PAC-10 this year. The ACC and Big East are terrible conferences when it comes to football. This years Orange Bowl is a disgrace to the BCS standings. Utah has already played a higher ranked defense in TCU and Utah won. We’ll see what happens tomorrow night. Hopefully Bama players think as stupid as you because Utah is not one to be taken lightly.
Jon – you have to read between the lines. The “no name team” reference is how most media members seem to portray teams that aren’t in the bigger conferences. I added quotation marks so that I can help fine folks like yourself understand what I was trying to say.
I think ‘Bama will roll – that’s my opinion. You don’t, and that’s your opinion. I don’t know how I’m stupid and an idiot for having an opinion, but I guess the only way you feel you can make your opinions heard is to degrade people. Hope that works out for you in the long run.
Personally, I’m not one for calling people I don’t know stupid. Seems pretty ridiculous when you’re doing it from behind a computer, but hey, that’s just me. Now if you said it to my face, I could respect that. But judging by the way you go about things, I doubt you’re that type of guy, Jon.
God Bless and Happy New Year.
I’m truly sorry although I didn’t call you personally stupid, I stated that your thoughts were. Nick Saban was quoted as having said that Alabama went 12-0 in a REAL conference. Now I call that comment stupid. Notice I didn’t call Nick Saban stupid only his comments.
I will correct the other statement of calling you an idiot. I Think that disregarding a team just because they don’t play in a BCS conference is idiotic.
Yes if we were face to face I would state the same opinions I have here. Maybe we could have a good discussion on the matter or maybe not.
I hope the rest of the Bama team feels the same as you in thinking that they will roll. Utah, in my opinion, will surprise.
Go Utes!
Jon – no hard feelings. I like having debates because that’s what sports are about and I can see you’re passionate about the Utes, which is awesome.
I think Utah is a great program and you’re probably right in saying they’ll hang with ‘Bama. And I could see why you reacted the way you did to my piece with what Saban said. I wrote several pieces about how schools from “smaller” conferences deserve shots to play bigger programs in bowl games (i.e. GET A DAMN PLAYOFF IN PLACE.) I don’t share Saban’s feelings and I think he’s being shortsighted.
I think ‘Bama controls this game up front, although without Smith it might be a different game. I just think Alabama will play good D and wear down Utah over the course of four quarters.
How do you think Utah’s offense will fare against the Tide’s defense? What individual matchups do you like?
I’m sure if we were face to face we would have a great discussion, throw out some solid points, kick back a few beers and enjoy the game.
Bama will do what they do and that is play great D. In my opinion Utah will hang with Bama over the 4 quarters. Utah is smaller yet they have a very speedy defense. Utah so far this year has proven themselves during the 4th quarter to come back from behind at times and win games.
Bama’s offense, in my opinion, isn’t as good as the utes. I say this only because I think Utah has the better quarter back with Brian Johnson. Parker is a good quarter back although I think Johnson is the better overall leader. Bama has Coffee which he is a great threat. Utah has 2 backs that are very good and yet get over looked.
Two of the “X” factors
1. I guarantee that Urban Meyer has been on the phone with Kyle Whittingham teaching him how to beat Bama. The reason I state this is because Urban doesn’t like the BCS system and would love to see his old team beat Bama also Meyer and Whittingham are still good friends.
2. I’ve met Pete Carroll and we spoke once about the Utes/ MWC and he stated that the MWC always gives his teams fits no matter what the national rankings state. By the way the last time Utah met USC in a bowl game Utah won. This was also against Carson Palmer at QB.
In my opinion Florida and USC are the top two teams in the nation. Both of these teams lost earlier in the season due to over confidence. Remember that USC lost to Oregon State which the very next week Utah beat Oregon State.
I realize I have valid points although it means nothing. The battle will happen on the grass and we will see what comes of it. I’m actually very happy to see Bama playing well again and in the national scene again.
I would love to have a few beers and discuss this further. I will admit that I’m scared because we are talking about Bama and they are very very good.
you guys are great but its roll tide all the way
Um, I’m not sure who to start thanking first. I could say that Nick Saban was over-confident?
Congrats to your team Jon! What a game! Utah was impressive throughout…
I eat crow here:
http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/01/03/utah-pistol-whips-alabama-in-sugar-bowl/
You failed to mention that Florida only faced two offenses ranked in the top 50 all year, no disrespect to anyone but Big Twelve Defenses face Big Twelve offenses and so of course the stats arent impressive defensively. OU has been hearing negative predictions for almost a month now, the “Underdog” role will motivate the Sooners into a frenzy. Sooners play excellent “Mad” football. OU 51 UF 31
Yet another pundit who dismisses Utah football out of hand. Strong predicions…Looks like Glen Coffee and their one good receiver are just too predictable. And Utah’s defense knew that’s all that the lying Nick Saban had.
How in hell could Bama ever have been ranked #1 with such a limited offense?
The BSC is a pile of crap. Mike Tranghese should be slapped around for ever creating it.
Eat THAT, Bama.
I love it! I’ve made four predictions so far, three of them are right and I’m getting hammered for the one I got wrong! Amazing…
Hey Mike, in case you didn’t read any of the comments, here’s where I admit I was wrong and it crow:
"ugc">http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/01/03/utah-pistol-whips-alabama-in
-sugar-bowl/
How many other “pundits” do that?
Three out of four is great A.T. … If they were betting they would be plus good money. But they chose to play Monday Morning QB and come back with the one game loss smack. They would have never shot back if Bama won.
Watch out – Sooner fan might be laying in the weeds until after the game ….. tough business.
It looks like you were way off on the Sugar Bowl Prediction. No one gave the Utes a chance and you followed the masses. You had this one all backwards. It was the Ute defense giving JPW fits with 8 sacks and Bama’s running game was pretty much non-existent. Utah’s offense moved the ball at will. If this is SEC football I’m not impressed.
Go Utes – Ever heard of being a “gracious winner”?
boise state is a joke. they play high school teams.