New Year's Day Bowl Picks

So, although the bowl season has been spread out a little bit (which I like), January 1 is still a day filled with quality bowl games throughout. I have been focusing more on college hoops lately (although not with picks); but there are a few games tomorrow that I thought I would share my thoughts on.

Oregon -3.5 vs Ohio St. Have you seen Ohio St. in bowls (or even big games) in recent years?? Do I have to say anything more? If that is not enough, this Buckeye team, while athletic and solid on D, really struggles on offense as Pryor has yet to figure out how to play QB, which hurts them. Ohio St. is also missing that dominant RB they have had in recent years to take the pressure off. The Ducks on the other hand have played really well after stumbling out of the game in Boise. Their offense has been clicking and there defense is athletic and has held up there end of the bargain. I also think their coach has found his comfort zone as a head coach instead of a coordinator. As good as the Buckeye D can be, I will be surprised to see them totally slow down the Duck offense. And although the Buckeye's may be able to put a few points on the board, I don't think they will be able to keep up with the Ducks. I expect the poor bowl run for Ohio St. to continue despite the fact this is not for the BCS championship. Well done Ducks, are you serious.

LSU +2 vs Penn St. This should be a defensive battle with 2 solid stop units. I do not expect either team to run away with it, but in a war of this nature, give me the Tigers and Coach Miles, he just wins bowl games. I love Joe Pa as well, but think LSU will be more athletic and find a few big plays on offense (and maybe D) to put points on the board and expect their D to make it difficult for PSU to move the chains consistently. Also, come on, an SEC team getting points from the Big Ten, am I missing something? Regardless, I like the Tigers to win the game, but will gladly take the 2 points in this presumably very low scoring contest. Tough last minute drive and FG for the push.

Ga Tech -4 vs Iowa. I know Iowa is sound and plays solid in all phases of the game; but I just don't think they have enough athletes to keep up with the Jackets and consistently slow down that triple option offense. Having Stanzi back will certainly be an advantage for Iowa, but that is asking a lot, even for a veteran player, to come back after this much time off and play well in a bowl game against a quality opponent. I expect Ga Tech's option offense to wear down the Hawkeye's D and put too many points on the board for Iowa to keep up. And, you may see a pattern here, but I don't have a lot of respect for the Big Ten in these high quality bowl games. Iowa may hang around for a while, but do not think they have the weapons to keep up, Yellow Jackets get it down.

There you have it, on the last day of 2009 the Chicago Kid gives you a few picks to help add a little fun to a great day for college football, New Year's Day! So, good luck to everyone and hope everyone gets 2010 off to a great start.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!