We're licking more than our wounds this New Year's
That New Year’s hangover couldn’t be any stronger after going 2-3 on our New Year’s Eve picks, but we’re not going to let that deter us from winning the battle. Even with those losses, we’re still an astounding 15-7-1 going into today. Here’s what you need to know to come out ahead on your day off.
TicketCity
Houston (-7) vs. Penn State
Jan. 2, Noon (ESPNU/ESPN3)
As Jeff Foxworthy said, You might be playing in a shitty bowl game when you find yourself being molested in a shower in Texas”. Ok, he never said that, but this home game for the Cougars is about as close to justice as we’ll see this month against a Penn State team that will struggle to stop the U of H offense. That said, Houston has literally had zero tough games this year except for their conference title game, where they were exposed. Take the seven points and go with the fifth ranked PSU defense.
Outback
Michigan State (+3) vs. Georgia
Jan. 2, 1 PM (CBS)
Call me a homer but it’s hard to pick against Sparty in this matchup. Sure, “a bad” UGA team lost to Boise State but then miraculously became ZOMFG awesome to get to the SEC title game (sorry, but Boise got jobbed on a BCS game). That said, the Bulldogs are still an above average SEC team playing an MSU team that SHOULD have gone to the Rose Bowl. Take the Spartans and the points and don’t forget to burn a couch in the process.
Capital One
Nebraska vs. South Carolina (-2.5)
Jan. 2, 1 PM (ESPN/ESPN3)
I was down on South Carolina this year especially after
they dismissed Stephen Garcia, but they’ve really picked it up since then. Nebraska can’t pass the ball, so if they get down early look for SC to roll. It’s a safe bet to lay the 2.5 points and take the Gamecocks.
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
Ohio State vs. Florida (-2)
Jan. 2, 1 PM (ESPN/ESPN3)
Let’s start with the fact that it’s a home game for the Gators. Add in that Urban Meyer is going to take over the OSU program facing his former team. And yes, the Gators suffered injuries and played the “murder’s row” of SEC teams that the media loves to ejaculate over. All that said, it’s hard to pick against Florida playing at home to an OSU team that tanks in bowl games and struggles to score through the air. Take the Gators and enjoy some fricasseed possum.
Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio
Wisconsin vs. Oregon (-5.5)
Jan. 2, 5 PM (ESPN/ESPN3)
The “Grandaddy of them All”, which used to air in prime time on ABC, is now an ESPN-televised, 5 PM game. What a rip off. Seriously, that is a let down for those of us that grew up in the Midwest and watched an evening game. The Badgers had some really odd losses on their schedules but still got to this game. The Ducks, aside from getting their asses handed to them early from LSU, got beat by a hot USC team by 3. Let’s be honest – our cheese eating friends from Wisconsin are not USC> Look for the Ducks to run it up and cover the 5.5 point spread.
Tostitos Fiesta
Stanford (+4) vs. Oklahoma State
Jan. 2, 8:30 PM (ESPN/ESPN3)
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Mr. Indianapolis Andrew Luck takes on a team that should be in the national title game,
plane crash not withstanding. The Cowboys can score like the Oregon Ducks, who handed Stanford their only loss of the season. Look for the Cowboys to roll and cover the points.
BONUS
Allstate Sugar
Michigan (-2.5) vs. Virginia Tech
Jan. 3, 8:30 PM (ESPN/ESPN3)
Let’s start with the fact that neither of these teams belong in a BCS game. Beyond that, Michigan has one of the most athletically gifted players in the nation in Denard Robinson, and their defense and rushing game has improved significantly this year. The Hokies are on a roll, having smoked every team on their schedule except the Clemson Tigers twice. I think this is going to be a close game, so taking the 2.5 points and a solid VT defense isn’t a bad option here.
