GoSooners Bowl Season Thread With "Running Dogs"!

[shale]

The motivational factors and coaching changes can be huge for some of these teams in the bowls. Here is a list of a few things to think about for each game:

Fresno/Colorado St. Fresno has to be disappointed with their season after having BCS hopes. But CSU might just be happy to be there. Plus CSU has a first year coach.

TCU/Boise Neither of these teams should have any trouble being motivated for each other.

USF/Memphis USF has to be very disappointed in their season. Memphis probably looking to make up for last season's poor bowl showing.

Notre Dame/Hawaii ND has to be disappointed in their season. But also motivated to stop their bowl losing streak. Hawaii playing at home.

FAU/CMU Both were preseason faves in their respective conferences. So it's probably a wash.

West Virginia/UNC WV fell way short of their preseason goal. UNC's first bowl game in 4 years.

Wisconsin/FSU Neither achieved their goals.

Miami/CAL Miami just happy to be in a bowl. CAL underachieved?

NIU/La Tech Both just happy to be in a bowl

NCST/Rutgers NCST just happy to be in a bowl after missing last season and starting slow. Rutgers didn't achieve their goals but played well down the stretch. Tough call. Tom O'Brien coached teams have done well in their bowl games. Both teams red hot on offense.

Northwestern/Missouri NW should be pumped since nobody is giving them a prayer to beat Mizzou. Mizzou fell way short of their BCS goal.

Nevada/Maryland Nevada probably the more motivated team after getting beat in their bowl game last year. Maryland coming up short in the ACC.

WMU/Rice Rice is definitely motivated to win this game and get to 10 wins for only the second time in their school's history. Plus they haven't won a bowl game since I've been alive. And I'm older than dirt. But not as old as CoachLT...LOL

Oregon/OSU Both teams should be very motivated to play each other. OSU's DC leaving.

Houston/Air Force Houston looking for revenge from early season loss to AF in which the game was moved because of the hurricane that hit the Houston area.

Pitt/Oregon St. Pitt could possibly be a little disappointed by not making it to a BCS game. But OSU is probably devastated by not making it to the Rose Bowl. I would say Pitt has the motivational edge.

BC/Vandy Vandy should be motivated because this is their first bowl game in 26 years. But BC probably very motivated to extend their 8 game winning streak.

Minnesota/Kansas Minny probably has the motivational edge. But may be just happy to be there. Kansas taking a big step back from last season's BCS game.

LSU/GT GT should have the motivational and coaching edge. LSU going from the penthouse to the outhouse.

Iowa/South Carolina I htink Iowa probably has a huge motivational edge after missing out on a bowl last year. I think SC had bigger plans for this year. Plus their last two blowout losses doesn't help.

Clemson/Nebraska Same thing for Clemson as SC. A BIG disappointment this season, going up against a Husker team who missed a bowl last year. I'm also more apt to take first year coach Pelini over an interim coach.

MSU/Georgia Have to think Georgia's season was a huge disappointment.

Penn State/USC Both missed out on their BCS title dreams. The west coast angle always favors USC in these games.

VT/Cincy Both teams should be motivated. Cincy probably happy and shocked to be there.

Ole Miss/Texas Tech Probably a huge motivational edge for Ole Miss here after TT's BCS hopes went up like a nuclear bomb in Norman.

ECU/Kentucky ECU was thinking big earlier in the year. But I'm not sure there is really a motivational edge here.

Utah/Bama Utah HUGE after Bama blew their chance at a NC. Plus nobody is giving Utah a prayer.

Buffalo/UCONN Buffalo should definitely be motivated. But UCONN probably is too after losing their bowl game last season. Plus the Huskies have more bowl experience. Turner Gill possibly leaving?

Texas/Ohio State Will Texas be disappointed or pissed after missing out on a BCS title game? Like the Sooners, OSU would like to silence the critics. Possible revenge game for Colt McCoy after losing to OSU as a freshman starter. Tough motivational call.

Ball State/Tulsa Both have to be disappointed after losing their conference title games. But who will be the most devastated?

OU/FLorida OU should definitely be motivated after their last few BCS performances, and the fact that not many of the "experts" are giving them a chance. Florida will be pretty much the home team.

Couple of insights on my part as well.

Fresno/Colorado State: HC Hill has won four of past five bowl games.

BYU/Arizona: BYU's fourth straight Las Vegas Bowl (1-2) Arizona's first bowl game under Stoops and first Bowl game since '98.

Penn State/USC: Joe Pa's makes only his second trip to the Rose Bowl other being 1994 when the went undefeated and still finished second. Has won last 3 bowl games, last 5 of 6 and 9 of 11 Bowls. USC's fourth straight trip and 5th in 6 yrs.

TCU/Boise State: HC Patterson has won past 3 bowl games and 4 of last 5.

Miami/Cal: rumbling on the inside at Miami??? per UoweDucks...

Two links here but there is a lot more on discontent with several older players who seem to feel as if they are being pushed out by the youngins.. A lot of that stuff I have gleaned from the boards... I'll track down some more later.

would be nice of some Miami fans could shed more insight but I've spent enough time looking into this to form an opinion.


http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/c...logs_inside_um
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/c..._unlikely.html


OSU/Texas: Tressel has won all three games they have played in Fiesta Bowl. Brown has won last three bowls and last 6 of 7 bowls. Texas first Fiesta Bowl since '97.



Just a couple of insights for now......do not have time for more at this moment. Hopefully will have some more time in the next day or two.


<!-- / message -->

 

[shale]

Go Sooners:
Please download this for any fwiw info. It is a compliation of all the bowl games along with records, ats (closing number), totals along with how each conference has fared. I know that it is extremely general but there are some interesting numbers to look.

https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=TTZuaUNBT004Q1IzZUE9PQ

 

[8ate]

FYI: The Clemson coach is no longer interim; Dabo is new permanent Clemson boss..

gl

 

[shale]

Wake Forest (-3) over Navy **
I like Wake for all of the reasons I stated in the thread. And even though I don't take revenge into high regard in capping games, it still remains somewhat of a factor in a team making amends for the way they played in the first game back in Septemeber. Keep in mind that Wake played a very uncharacteristic game that day with Skinner throwing 4 picks. Combine that with Wake LT Birdsong getting ejected from the game, which helped contribute to Wake's poor rushing performance, and you get a team that lost their mojo both on offense and defense. Even at that, with Navy up 17-0 at half, it still ended up a 24-17 game. We're talking about a BCS team that has gone from being 16 point favorites to just 3 point favorites against a non-BCS team on a neutral field, based on one bad performance. So Wake has gained a lot of line value here. I hate to go against my "running dogs" system, but keep in mind that teams like Navy and Air Force, as long as the other team is favored, are always going to be running dogs in their games because they are exclusive running teams. And in this case I just don't think Navy is getting enough points against a BCS team to be considered a play on team. I also like the coaching matchup here. And I feel Grobe will change some of his defensive schemes around and shut down the Navy run a little better in this game. Another thing I like is Wake is a senior dominated team, especially on defense, playing in their final game. And this should also help their motivation in this game.

Was looking into this a bit more. some good reading information regarding Navy..

Sounds as though Navy HC "IS" expecting some defensive changes...

Despite all that talent, Navy's had no problem running the ball against Wake the past two years. The Midshipmen piled up 367 yards rushing in 2007 and 292 earlier this season. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo is curious to find out whether the Demon Deacons alter their defensive strategy.
"It will be interesting to see what they do. They lined up the same way against us the last two years," Niumatalolo said.

Navy QB was talked outta quitting football a little more than a month ago...

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/12_14-20/NAS

Wake insights:
Wake Forest juggling plans for bowl game with Navy
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/12_10-13/NAS

 

[GoSooners]

Was looking into this a bit more. some good reading information regarding Navy..

Sounds as though Navy HC "IS" expecting some defensive changes...

Despite all that talent, Navy's had no problem running the ball against Wake the past two years. The Midshipmen piled up 367 yards rushing in 2007 and 292 earlier this season. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo is curious to find out whether the Demon Deacons alter their defensive strategy.
"It will be interesting to see what they do. They lined up the same way against us the last two years," Niumatalolo said.

Navy QB was talked outta quitting football a little more than a month ago...

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/12_14-20/NAS

Wake insights:
Wake Forest juggling plans for bowl game with Navy
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/12_10-13/NAS

Shale....Thanks for the info on the Navy/Wake game. And also the bowl download...Very helpful..Thanks :toast:

 

[CoachLT]

GoSooners, my brother from a different mother, congrats on BOTH of us having our teams in the Big Game!
Any chance you will be going to Miami? I think I will go the day of the game. NO ticket as of now.

Keep on keeping on and Krack the bookie's Nutts. :toast: LT

 

[GoSooners]

GoSooners, my brother from a different mother, congrats on BOTH of us having our teams in the Big Game!
Any chance you will be going to Miami? I think I will go the day of the game. NO ticket as of now.

Keep on keeping on and Krack the bookie's Nutts. :toast: LT

Coach...I'm going to Miami. But it won't be until a couple weeks after the game when I head out on a Caribbean cruise from there. I wish I was going to the game. But I can't do both. I hope you find a ticket between now and then. I heard all of the Floridan's are buying them up in droves. It looks like the Okie's will definitely be in the minority for the game.

 

[CoachLT]

Coach...I'm going to Miami. But it won't be until a couple weeks after the game when I head out on a Caribbean cruise from there. I wish I was going to the game. But I can't do both. I hope you find a ticket between now and then. I heard all of the Floridan's are buying them up in droves. It looks like the Okie's will definitely be in the minority for the game.

GS, hopefully, Sooner:nohead: or later we will meet. Maybe at the 09 RX Bash. :toast:arty: LT

 

[mws]

In my opinion the defenses in the big 12 aren't nearly as good as the SEC. And probably not quite as good as the ACC defenses in general. But with the exception of Florida, the Big 12 offenses are better than the SEC and way better than the ACC. I've talked to Pags and a couple other cappers about this Nebraska/Clemson game, and the Husker defense is our big worry in this game.

The Virginia Tech game is a big red flag. VPI's offense is bad even by ACC standards. 17 points per game in ACC competition (excluding 4 defensive TDs) and 22 points per game (excluding one defensive TD) in non-conference games other than Nebraska (including Furman and W. Kentucky):

15 vs. East Carolina (at Charlotte) (+1 defensive TD)
24 vs. Furman
20 vs. GT
20 at UNC
33 at Nebraska (+ a safety on a blocked punt)
9 at BC (+2 defensive TDs)
27 vs. Western Kentucky
20 at Fla St
23 vs. Maryland
14 at Miami
7 vs. Duke (+1 defensive TD)
17 vs. UVA
23 vs. BC (at Tampa) (+1 defensive TD)

 

[GoSooners]

GS, hopefully, Sooner:nohead: or later we will meet. Maybe at the 09 RX Bash. :toast:arty: LT

Coach...I hope to make it to the Bash someday to meet all my fellow degenerates. BOL to you this bowl season.

 

[GoSooners]

Las Vegas Bowl


BYU (+3) over Arizona **
BYU is one of my running dogs. They are making their fourth straight trip to the Vegas Bowl. While Arizona is making their first bowl game under Stoops. The first thing that stood out to me with these teams were their schedules. Arizona has played 5 road games this year. With only one of those road games coming against a winning team, where they lost 55-45 at Oregon. Arizona has played only 4 teams with a winning record this year. With 3 of those games coming at home, resulting in two losses. And although Zona only gives up 302 yards on defense, these stats are very misleading. They've basically only played 4 offensive teams with a pulse. And although they probably did their best defensive job of the year against USC in holding them to 367 yards (only 188 total yards for Zona), they weren't as successful on defense in stopping the other teams. Cal had 415 yards, Oregon had 504 yards and OSU had 400 yards on this defense. Way above their average. Playing teams like Washington, WSU, UCLA and ASU has really padded their stats. On the other side BYU has played probably their toughest in conference schedule in years in having to travel to TCU, Air Force, Colorado State and Utah. All bowl bound teams. And the 48-24 score from their last game of the season against rival Utah was very misleading. BYU actually outgained Utah 419 yards to 415. But 6 BYU turnovers to Utah's 0 was what doomed the Cougs. So I like the situation here of a team coming into this bowl mad off a game they probably could have won, as opposed to a team coming in happy over a win over their in-state rivals ASU. Zona has proved over and over that they can't stop good offensive teams. And unlike BYU, they also aren't road tested. They should get very tested here against 70% passer Max Hall, and a decent BYU running game to keep them honest. The MWC conference has been strong this season. And so far they've had the Pac-10's number. I expect it to continue here witrh BYU looking for their third straight win over a Pac-10 team in this bowl. I think they get it here.

 

[GoSooners]

Bowl plays:


Wake Forest (-3) over Navy **
BYU (+3) over Arizona **

 

[jblonghorn]

Murray out for bowl game. Good luck now Sooners....Karma's gonna come in many different ways. It'll be interesting to see in what fashion it pops up next. Just posting this for informational purposes for wagering. BOL ALL!


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3772990

 

[bellyputter]

Murray out for bowl game. Good luck now Sooners....Karma's gonna come in many different ways. It'll be interesting to see in what fashion it pops up next. Just posting this for informational purposes for wagering. BOL ALL!


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3772990

You must have had the shit beat out of you as a little kid. What a fukn pussy! :missingte

 

[TOOTIGHT]

Las Vegas Bowl


BYU (+3) over Arizona **
BYU is one of my running dogs. They are making their fourth straight trip to the Vegas Bowl. While Arizona is making their first bowl game under Stoops. The first thing that stood out to me with these teams were their schedules. Arizona has played 5 road games this year. With only one of those road games coming against a winning team, where they lost 55-45 at Oregon. Arizona has played only 4 teams with a winning record this year. With 3 of those games coming at home, resulting in two losses. And although Zona only gives up 302 yards on defense, these stats are very misleading. They've basically only played 4 offensive teams with a pulse. And although they probably did their best defensive job of the year against USC in holding them to 367 yards (only 188 total yards for Zona), they weren't as successful on defense in stopping the other teams. Cal had 415 yards, Oregon had 504 yards and OSU had 400 yards on this defense. Way above their average. Playing teams like Washington, WSU, UCLA and ASU has really padded their stats. On the other side BYU has played probably their toughest in conference schedule in years in having to travel to TCU, Air Force, Colorado State and Utah. All bowl bound teams. And the 48-24 score from their last game of the season against rival Utah was very misleading. BYU actually outgained Utah 419 yards to 415. But 6 BYU turnovers to Utah's 0 was what doomed the Cougs. So I like the situation here of a team coming into this bowl mad off a game they probably could have won, as opposed to a team coming in happy over a win over their in-state rivals ASU. Zona has proved over and over that they can't stop good offensive teams. And unlike BYU, they also aren't road tested. They should get very tested here against 70% passer Max Hall, and a decent BYU running game to keep them honest. The MWC conference has been strong this season. And so far they've had the Pac-10's number. I expect it to continue here witrh BYU looking for their third straight win over a Pac-10 team in this bowl. I think they get it here.

Running Dog + MWC team to win vs. a PAC 10 team = pretty good odds :toast:

 

[bootman_66]

GoSooners. I read where you said that Cody Glenn was the only experience NU had at linebacker. He was the least experienced player. He was a running back until the spring.

 

[knowthegame]

does anyone have the strenght of schedule ratings for the year for Wake Forest & Navy handy?

Thanks

 

[CoolBreeze22]

GoSooners, thanks for all you've done this season and in the past. I'm going over the SOS angle and I'm having a hard time determining who has a better SOS between these teams. One site I go to will favor one team's SOS and then I go to another set of power rankings and they seem to favor the other teams SOS. The games in question are

Fla. Atl. vs. CMU

Rice vs. Western Michigan

La Tech vs. NIU

Oregon St. vs. Pitt

Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

Georgia vs. Mich St.

Penn St. vs. USC

Ole Miss vs. TexTech

Ohio St. vs. Texas

thanks

 

[CoolBreeze22]

does anyone have the strenght of schedule ratings for the year for Wake Forest & Navy handy?

Thanks

Wake was top 10 in most sets of Power rating SOS's that I looked at and Navy was usually between 65-90 in the other SOS ratings.

 

[GoSooners]

GoSooners. I read where you said that Cody Glenn was the only experience NU had at linebacker. He was the least experienced player. He was a running back until the spring.

I didn't mean to imply that Glenn had more LB experience. I was aware that he was a converted RB. But I was just implying that being a senior, he had more game experience than the other players at those positions.