Five games today as we close out 2011 and then on Monday, January 2, the big games start.
Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas- Texas A&M vs. Northwestern
Texas A&M finished slowly, ultimately costing Mike Sherman his job. Kevin Sumlin is the new Aggie coach but he will not coach this game. Northwestern finished strongly after a mid-season skid. This game will feature two good offenses and two shaky defenses.
Parker's pick: Texas A&M
My pick: Texas A&M
If George Foreman is still the pitchman for Meineke, expect to see lots of Big George commercials during this game.
Hyundai Sun Bowl- Georgia Tech vs. Utah
Georgia Tech's triple-option offense can generate lots of yardage but Utah has a solid defense. Utah struggled in its first year in the PAC-12 and sometimes struggles on offense. But the Tech defense isn't outstanding. Based on Tech's recent bowl difficulties, it seems that when good defenses have weeks to prepare for a specialty offense, Tech can have trouble scoring enough.
Parker's pick: Georgia Tech
My pick: Georgia Tech
I test-drove a Hyundai once.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl- Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt
Cincinnati is the co-Big East Champion. Not sure that means alot anymore. But they finished well playing a backup QB for much of the year. Zach Collaros is back from injury for this game. Vanderbilt is in a bowl for only the 5th time in history. New coach James Franklin has them believing they are a good team.
Parker's pick: Cincinnati ("I'd love to pick Vandy but........")
My pick: Cincinnati
Going to the Liberty Bowl, and to Memphis, may not appeal to alot of teams but for Vandy this is a major step forward.
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl- Illinois vs. UCLA
This is a matchup of teams with interim coaches, certainly not what bowl sponsor Kraft ever anticipated. The Illini lost its last 6 games and Ron Zook is gone. Several assistant coaches are threatening to boycott this game over the termination of their contracts. Rick Neuheisel was let go by UCLA after another disappointing season and the Bruins at 6-7 had to receive a waiver from the NCAA to qualify for this game.
Parker's pick: UCLA ("Even though they have a losing record, they won more games in their conference")
My pick: UCLA
Kraft makes a mean macaroni and cheese.
Chick-fil-A Bowl- Virginia vs. Auburn
Coach Mike London has engineered an impressive turnaround at Virginia. Both Auburn coordinators are headed elsewhere, the QB situation is unsettled and outstanding RB Michael Dyer is suspended for this game. Solid vs. unsettled is usually a clear choice but in a bowl game you never know.
Parker's pick: Virginia
My pick: Virginia
Chick-fil-A. My pleasure.
Overall Bowl Record:
Parker: 15-3; he's on a 9 game win streak; 15 wins by a total of 160 points or 10.7 points per game; 3 losses by a total of 17 points or 5.7 points per game
Me: 12-6; 12 wins by 145 points or 12.1 points per game; 6 losses by a total of 32 points or 5.3 points per game
And with the same 5 picks, I won't catch him today.
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