2005 College Bowl Games

CaliforniaRaisin · December 20, 2005

We'll have another thread for the bowl games on January 2 - January 4. Bowl season starts tomorrow!

New Orleans

Southern Miss vs. Arkansas State

Lafayette, La. Dec. 20

8 p.m. ESPN

GMAC

UTEP vs. Toledo

Mobile, Ala Dec. 21

8 p.m. ESPN

Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas

BYU vs. California

Las Vegas, Nev. Dec. 22

8 p.m. ESPN

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Colorado State vs. Navy

San Diego, Calif. Dec. 22

10:30 p.m. ESPN2

Fort Worth

Kansas vs. Houston

Fort Worth, Texas Dec. 23

8 p.m. ESPN

Sheraton Hawaii

Nevada vs. UCF

Honolulu, Hawaii Dec. 24

8:30 p.m. ESPN

Motor City

Memphis vs. Akron

Detroit, Mich. Dec. 26

4 p.m. ESPN

Champs Sports

Clemson vs. Colorado

Orlando, Fla. Dec. 27

5 p.m. ESPN

Insight

Arizona State vs. Rutgers

Phoenix, Ariz. Dec. 27

8:30 p.m. ESPN

MPC Computers

Boise State vs. Boston College

Boise, Idaho Dec. 28

4:30 p.m. ESPN

MasterCard Alamo

Michigan vs. Nebraska

San Antonio, Texas Dec. 28

8 p.m. ESPN

Emerald Bowl

Georgia Tech vs. Utah

San Francisco, Calif. Dec. 29

4:30 p.m. ESPN

Pacific Life Holiday

Oregon vs. Oklahoma

San Diego, Calif. Dec. 29

8 p.m. ESPN

Gaylord Hotels Music City

Minnesota vs. Virginia

Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 30

Noon ESPN

Vitalis Sun

Northwestern vs. UCLA

El Paso, Texas Dec. 30

2 p.m. CBS

Independence

South Carolina vs. Missouri

Shreveport, La. Dec. 30

3:30 p.m. ESPN

Chick-fil-A Peach

Miami vs. LSU

Atlanta, Ga. Dec. 30

7:30 p.m. ESPN

Meineke Car Care

South Florida vs. North Carolina State

Charlotte, N.C. Dec. 31

11 a.m. ESPN2

AutoZone Liberty

Tulsa vs. Fresno State

Memphis, Tenn. Dec. 31

1 p.m. ESPN

EV1.net Houston

TCU vs. Iowa State

Houston, Texas Dec. 31

2:30 p.m. ESPN2

Derwood · December 20, 2005

Only games I'm going out of my way to see are:

UCLA vs. NU

LSU vs. Miami

PSU vs. FSU

OSU vs. ND

Texas vs. USC

Jon · December 20, 2005

-3 alcohol-related arrests in the past month (within a week of each other, actually)

-1 starting WR subsequently kicked off the team

-1 defensive starter kicked off the team for academics

-1 defensive starter's status is questionable for academics, although he'll likely play

A great way lead up to the game.

Flames24Rulz · December 20, 2005

Only games I'm going out of my way to see are:

UCLA vs. NU
LSU vs. Miami
PSU vs. FSU
OSU vs. ND
Texas vs. USC

same here. I might put the Akron-Memphis and UTEP-Toledo games up there too just to see how NIU's competitors look.

CaliforniaRaisin · December 20, 2005

-3 alcohol-related arrests in the past month (within a week of each other, actually)
-1 starting WR subsequently kicked off the team
-1 defensive starter kicked off the team for academics
-1 defensive starter's status is questionable for academics, although he'll likely play

A great way lead up to the game.

We can't compete with you. We only have one DUI/felony hit-and-run, though he's one of the best kickers in the country and now we're going to struggle to make a FG over 30 yards.

burnt out cubbie fan · December 20, 2005

-3 alcohol-related arrests in the past month (within a week of each other, actually)
-1 starting WR subsequently kicked off the team
-1 defensive starter kicked off the team for academics
-1 defensive starter's status is questionable for academics, although he'll likely play

A great way lead up to the game.

We can't compete with you. We only have one DUI/felony hit-and-run, though he's one of the best kickers in the country and now we're going to struggle to make a FG over 30 yards.

What you lack in quantity, you make up for in quality.

CaliforniaRaisin · December 20, 2005

That'd be a shame if a game with crappy defenses and Basanez, Sutton, Olson, Mo Drew and Marcedes came down to FGs. Especially because UCLA would lose.

Jon · December 20, 2005

Anyways, Northwestern and UCLA are basically even. Here's the short version:

QB

NU: Basanez has had a great year and brings a running game that Olson doesn't have. With 32 more yards on the ground, he'll become the first ever Division I-A QB to pass for 10,000 yards and rush for 1,000

UCLA: Olson's TD/INT ratio is big trouble for an NU secondary that relies on take-a-ways

Edge: split

RB

NU: I don't expect Sutton to get that many carries, unfortunately, unless he gets off to a very fast start. Fumbles are going to cost them the game, so he has to hang on. Roberson is not Markey's equal.

UCLA: Maurice Drew and Markey should give the Bruins a more consistent run game.

Edge: split

TE

NU: We have a TE?

UCLA: No brainer. The Wildcats are going to have a big problem containing Lewis

Edge: UCLA

WRs

NU: We're already down one starting WR, but there are plenty of weapons, including freshman. The 'Cats are at their best when Basanez has 8 different guys to go to. You never really know what you're going to get, though. They can be quite inconsistent.

UCLA: Don't know much about them, but come on, they're facing Northwestern's secondary.

Edge: NU

O-Line

NU: Inexperienced but really played above expectations this year, allowing just 11 sacks and allowing Sutton to have a great rookie season. Strief is one of the best in the country. Don't expect the Bruins to get to Basanez too much, especially considering his above-average escaping skills.

UCLA: Very solid. They're not going to get much pressure unless Northwestern calls for some poorly timed blitzes. They may be down to their third-string center, but they should have a good game and give Olson all the time in the world.

Edge: NU, but only slightly

D-Line

NU: Northwestern has just 11 sacks all season and will have lost some much needed depth thanks one of the starters being kicked off the team. His replacement has played plenty this season, though. Either way, don't expect much. If they can do a good job tackling, they'll remain somewhat respectable.

UCLA: I don't think enough to get much pressure on Basanez. If they allow the 'Cats to have early success in the running game, they could be in for a long day.

Edge: NU if the 'Cats focus on the run

LBers

NU: Solid. Senior Tim McGarigle leads the group and most of the country in tackles. They don't have much speed, though, and don't help out enough in the passing game. Their focus needs to be on keeping Drew and Markey in front of them.

UCLA: Also solid. Probably a little better if fully healthy. The question will be how well they can stop the run against a spread offense.

Edge: split

Secondary

NU: Ouch. We're getting back Heinz, who hasn't played all season, though. He's going to add much needed depth at safety. Deante Battle's academic status is questionable, but it looks like he'll play. It's going to be hard to pick off Drew Olson, but they're going to need to do it. They've had a lot more success going after turnovers and big hits than they did before that.

UCLA: Don't know much about them, but they're going to have their hands full. Basanez doesn't go deep that much, but if Northwestern's offensive gameplan is a good one, they're going to have their hands full in the middle of the game, most likely.

Edge: UCLA, but only slightly

Special Teams:

NU: Yuck. They've made Randy Walker reconsider his position on not having a special teams coach many a time. Kickoffs should get a boost with the altitude and Howells has been okay, although they don't kick that many FGs. The punting game has been downright terrible, though. You might very well see two punters play. Neither has shown much, though. Hangtime, distance, and direction all leave a lot to be desired. And it doesn't help that they can't tackle.

UCLA: If Northwestern has to punt much, Maurice Drew is going to make them pay. However, if the elevation isn't enough for the 'Cats to send kickoffs into the endzone, expect pooch kicks. FG kicking, though, is going to be a real drama. I'm guessing that you'll see UCLA go for it on 4th downs when less than 3 yards needs to be gained between the 35 and 20.

Edge: UCLA, since the game shouldn't come down to FGs

Extra notes

NU: The 'Cats have been poor in the red zone at many points in the season. They have to convert on every opportunity they can if they expect to win. And Randy Walker's trick plays (there are going to be a couple) better not backfire.

UCLA: They have the advantage of having bowl experience. The '03 Motor City bowl doesn't do much for the 'Cats. 4 weeks should be plenty of time for recovering from the loss to USC.

Edge: UCLA

Take your pick. Both offenses have been completely shut down this year. I think UCLA's is capable of doing a little more, but Northwestern's slight edge in defense makes up for that. Unless UCLA hangs onto the ball. This game might just come down to how the ball bounces. Then again, it could just as easily be lopsided.

My prediction: Northwestern 48, UCLA 42

Edited December 20, 2005 by Jon

Jon · December 20, 2005

-3 alcohol-related arrests in the past month (within a week of each other, actually)
-1 starting WR subsequently kicked off the team
-1 defensive starter kicked off the team for academics
-1 defensive starter's status is questionable for academics, although he'll likely play

A great way lead up to the game.

We can't compete with you. We only have one DUI/felony hit-and-run, though he's one of the best kickers in the country and now we're going to struggle to make a FG over 30 yards.
What you lack in quantity, you make up for in quality.

I beg to differ:

1 underage DUI, 1 forced entry at 3 AM while drunk due to mistaking an apartment for his own (that featured a punch through a window), and for giggles, 1 drunken spree of breaking off car antennae (although he's the defensive player that was kicked off the team for academics).

Flames24Rulz · December 20, 2005

Anyways, Northwestern and UCLA are basically even. Here's the short version:

QB
NU: Basanez has had a great year and brings a running game that Olson doesn't have. With 32 more yards on the ground, he'll become the first ever Division I-A QB to pass for 10,000 yards and rush for 1,000
UCLA: Olson's TD/INT ratio is big trouble for an NU secondary that relies on take-a-ways

RB
NU: I don't expect Sutton to get that many carries, unfortunately, unless he gets off to a very fast start. Fumbles are going to cost them the game, so he has to hang on. Roberson is not Markey's equal.
UCLA: Maurice Drew and Markey should give the Bruins a more consistent run game.

TE
NU: We have a TE?
UCLA: No brainer. The Wildcats are going to have a big problem containing Lewis

WRs
NU: We're already down one starting WR, but there are plenty of weapons, including freshman. The 'Cats are at their best when Basanez has 8 different guys to go to. You never really know what you're going to get, though. They can be quite inconsistent.
UCLA: Don't know much about them, but come on, they're facing Northwestern's secondary.

O-Line
NU: Inexperienced but really played above expectations this year, allowing just 11 sacks and allowing Sutton to have a great rookie season. Strief is one of the best in the country. Don't expect the Bruins to get to Basanez too much, especially considering his above-average escaping skills.
UCLA: Very solid. They're not going to get much pressure unless Northwestern calls for some poorly timed blitzes. They may be down to their third-string center, but they should have a good game and give Olson all the time in the world.

D-Line
NU: Northwestern has just 11 sacks all season and will have lost some much needed depth thanks one of the starters being kicked off the team. His replacement has played plenty this season, though. Either way, don't expect much. If they can do a good job tackling, they'll remain somewhat respectable.
UCLA: Better than Northwestern's, but I don't think enough to get much pressure on Basanez. If they allow the 'Cats to have early success in the running game, they could be in for a long day.

LBers
NU: Solid. Senior Tim McGarigle leads the group and most of the country in tackles. They don't have much speed, though, and don't help out enough in the passing game. Their focus needs to be on keeping Drew and Markey in front of them.
UCLA: Also solid. Probably a little better if fully healthy. The question will be how well they can stop the run against a spread offense.

Secondary
NU: Ouch. We're getting back Heinz, who hasn't played all season, though. He's going to add much needed depth at safety. Deante Battle's academic status is questionable, but it looks like he'll play. It's going to be hard to pick off Drew Olson, but they're going to need to do it. They've had a lot more success going after turnovers and big hits than they did before that.
UCLA: Don't know much about them, but they're going to have their hands full. Basanez doesn't go deep that much, but if Northwestern's offensive gameplan is a good one, they're going to have their hands full in the middle of the game, most likely.

Special Teams:
NU: Yuck. They've made Randy Walker reconsider his position on not having a special teams coach many a time. Kickoffs should get a boost with the altitude and Howells has been okay, although they don't kick that many FGs. The punting game has been downright terrible, though. You might very well see two punters play. Neither has shown much, though. Hangtime, distance, and direction all leave a lot to be desired. And it doesn't help that they can't tackle.
UCLA: If Northwestern has to punt much, Maurice Drew is going to make them pay. However, if the elevation isn't enough for the 'Cats to send kickoffs into the endzone, expect pooch kicks. FG kicking, though, is going to be a real drama. I'm guessing that you'll see UCLA go for it on 4th downs when less than 3 yards needs to be gained between the 35 and 20.

Extra notes
NU: The 'Cats have been poor in the red zone at many points in the season. They have to convert on every opportunity they can if they expect to win. And Randy Walker's trick plays (there are going to be a couple) better not backfire.
UCLA: They have the advantage of having bowl experience. The '03 Motor City bowl doesn't do much for the 'Cats. 4 weeks should be plenty of time for recovering from the loss to USC.

Take your pick. Both offenses have been completely shut down this year. I think UCLA's is capable of doing a little more, but Northwestern's slight edge in defense makes up for that. Unless UCLA hangs onto the ball. This game might just come down to how the ball bounces. Then again, it could just as easily be lopsided.

My prediction: Northwestern 48, UCLA 42

nice post...hopefully the game mirrors your prediction. That would be a very fun game to watch :)

Jon · December 20, 2005

nice post...hopefully the game mirrors your prediction. That would be a very fun game to watch :)

My fear is for those expecting 100 points to be put up is that both of these offenses have been shut down at times when you wouldn't expect them to be. I'm a little more concerned about that on Northwestern's end, especially because of red zone struggles. I still think a shoot out will likely occur and the offensive totals are going to be impressive, but you never know.

CaliforniaRaisin · December 20, 2005

WR:
UCLA: Don't know much about them, but come on, they're facing Northwestern's secondary.

There are a few decent #2 and #3s, but no Freddie Mitchells, Brian Poli-Dixons, Craig Braggs or Tab Perrys. Marcedes Lewis and running backs Mo Drew and Chris Markey are the biggest threats in the passing game (c'mon, UCLA runs the WCO). I expect UCLA to have a field day running screens and swing passes - this isn't USC's athletic, speedy defense.

OL:
UCLA: Very solid. They're not going to get much pressure unless Northwestern calls for some poorly timed blitzes. They may be down to their third-string center, but they should have a good game and give Olson all the time in the world.

For now, I'd guess Chai - the backup C who started against Arizona, ASU and USC will go.

D-Line
UCLA: Better than Northwestern's, but I don't think enough to get much pressure on Basanez. If they allow the 'Cats to have early success in the running game, they could be in for a long day.

Completely undersized DL is only good at getting pressure. Sutton should have a field day, especially with NU's spread offense.

LBers
UCLA: Also solid. Probably a little better if fully healthy. The question will be how well they can stop the run against a spread offense.

Justin London is fully healthy, unlike the USC game when he played on one leg.

Secondary
UCLA: Don't know much about them, but they're going to have their hands full. Basanez doesn't go deep that much, but if Northwestern's offensive gameplan is a good one, they're going to have their hands full in the middle of the game, most likely.

One decent CB (Rodney Van), good safeties. The reason teams don't pass much on UCLA is because it's so easy to run on them and because they do get some timely pressure.

Special Teams:
UCLA: If Northwestern has to punt much, Maurice Drew is going to make them pay. However, if the elevation isn't enough for the 'Cats to send kickoffs into the endzone, expect pooch kicks. FG kicking, though, is going to be a real drama. I'm guessing that you'll see UCLA go for it on 4th downs when less than 3 yards needs to be gained between the 35 and 20.

Sounds about right unless Aaron Perez gets to kick FGs on top of his punting and kickoff duties.

I expect UCLA to come out quick and inspired on offense, much like the ASU game. As long as this game doesn't come down to making FGs, UCLA will win. UCLA might have bowl experience, but Dorrell has yet to win a bowl game - losing in San Jose and Las Vegas. El Paso sounds like another nice town to add to Dorrell's resume. :roll:

I do expect UCLA to win though, let's say 49-38. Justin London means a lot to this D, he's the second most important guy after Spencer Havner.

CaliforniaRaisin · December 20, 2005

nice post...hopefully the game mirrors your prediction. That would be a very fun game to watch :)
My fear is for those expecting 100 points to be put up is that both of these offenses have been shut down at times when you wouldn't expect them to be. I'm a little more concerned about that on Northwestern's end, especially because of red zone struggles. I still think a shoot out will likely occur and the offensive totals are going to be impressive, but you never know.

UCLA was shut down by two teams with speedy, athletic defenses that can easily get to screens and swing passes. I don't think NU can stop that part of UCLA's playbook.

CubsHawks25 · December 20, 2005

Only games I'm going out of my way to see are:

UCLA vs. NU
LSU vs. Miami
PSU vs. FSU
OSU vs. ND
Texas vs. USC

Don't forget FLA vs IOWA, baby!! \:D/ =P~ :mrgreen:

Jon · December 20, 2005

Well that's just great. The corner that was expected to be able to play has indeed been suspended.

adamb0719 · December 20, 2005

This may not be the most appropriate thread for this, and if not, I apologize.

FoxSports is doing a mock playoff system, using conference winners and at large teams. The first round was simulated today. Kind of interesting, so I thought I would post it.

link

Transmogrified Tiger · December 20, 2005

Hahaha, Arkansas State. Mizzou beat them 44-17, I'm fairly certain USC would score 100 points.

Andy · December 20, 2005

Did they have to count the Sun Belt as a conference? And ND/TCU and Texas/Akron? This wouldn't be very entertaining to be honest.

ConstableRabbit · December 20, 2005

I was just thinking about this last night:

The bowl games take place over a month after the season ends - what kind of practice schedule are the teams working?

GO CATS!

Jon · December 20, 2005

I was just thinking about this last night:

The bowl games take place over a month after the season ends - what kind of practice schedule are the teams working?

GO CATS!

Not sure, but one of the benefits of going to a bowl game is that it gives the freshman a lot more time to practice and learn the offense or defense. And we have a lot of freshman. I know that they returned to practice yesterday, so it's probably not a very heavy schedule. And I'd imagine that it was pretty light around finals time.

TruffleShuffle · December 20, 2005

I'm pretty sure PSU would beat Tulsa by more than a touchdown, and I doubt WVU will beat Georgia. 10-7 seems like the right number of points for a Miami-Auburn game, though.

CaliforniaRaisin · December 20, 2005

I was just thinking about this last night:

The bowl games take place over a month after the season ends - what kind of practice schedule are the teams working?

GO CATS!
Not sure, but one of the benefits of going to a bowl game is that it gives the freshman a lot more time to practice and learn the offense or defense. And we have a lot of freshman. I know that they returned to practice yesterday, so it's probably not a very heavy schedule. And I'd imagine that it was pretty light around finals time.

At least at USC, UCLA and Cal, there's no practice scheduled during finals week.

Jon · December 21, 2005

For all the Mizzou (or Gamecocks) fans out there:

AP[/url]"]COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri safety and captain Jason Simpson will not travel with the team to the Independence Bowl after being arrested for marijuana possession over the weekend.

Simpson, a three-year starter and the team's second-leading tackler this season, was suspended for the Dec. 30 bowl game against South Carolina by coach Gary Pinkel following the Sunday night arrest.

Simpson was arrested by police after his name popped up in a criminal database for failing to appear in court on a littering charge from last year. After a search, he was cited for possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. All the charges are misdemeanors.

He was issued two citations on the drug charges and posted $100 bond for the warrant. He is the third Missouri football starter in the past two years to be suspended after a drug- or alcohol-related arrest. Linebacker Marcus Bacon was suspended for the New Mexico game this season after a Sept. 3 arrest for driving while intoxicated. And linebacker David Richard was suspended for one game last year after an early season arrest for marijuana possession.

Transmogrified Tiger · December 21, 2005

For all the Mizzou (or Gamecocks) fans out there:
AP[/url]"]COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri safety and captain Jason Simpson will not travel with the team to the Independence Bowl after being arrested for marijuana possession over the weekend.

Simpson, a three-year starter and the team's second-leading tackler this season, was suspended for the Dec. 30 bowl game against South Carolina by coach Gary Pinkel following the Sunday night arrest.

Simpson was arrested by police after his name popped up in a criminal database for failing to appear in court on a littering charge from last year. After a search, he was cited for possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. All the charges are misdemeanors.

He was issued two citations on the drug charges and posted $100 bond for the warrant. He is the third Missouri football starter in the past two years to be suspended after a drug- or alcohol-related arrest. Linebacker Marcus Bacon was suspended for the New Mexico game this season after a Sept. 3 arrest for driving while intoxicated. And linebacker David Richard was suspended for one game last year after an early season arrest for marijuana possession.

Possibly a blessing in disguise. Simpson can hit and stuff the run, but he's exposed in the passing game. I wonder who they'll put there in his stead, maybe Terrell.

CaliforniaRaisin · December 23, 2005

Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson (rawaction!) are good. Very good.

2005 College Bowl Games

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