Emerald Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

8:30 EST, San Francisco, Cal., ESPN

Prediction: Oregon vs. Boston College

Pac-10 no. 5 vs. ACC no. 7

Analysis:

The original Bowl Projection opinion was that Boston College wouldn't even make it to a bowl game this year. Boy were we wrong. And I'm not sure why we were so negative on B.C. They handled last year's ACC champion in Wake Forest in week one. And Matt Ryan looks good at quarterback. Jeff Jagodzinski is doing a nice job so far. Do you think that Tom O'Brien is second guessing his move to NC State?

Oregon handled Houston in the season opener. Week two will be an even better barometer or how well the season will go for the Ducks. Will Michigan bounce back after getting beat by Appalachian State? Or can Oregon hand the Wolverines the second straight home loss to open the season. One would think that if Appalachian State can do it, so could Oregon.

Emerald Bowl

Dec. 28, 2007

Prediction: Cal vs. Maryland

Pac-10 no. 5 vs. ACC no. 7

Analysis:

Cal may have lost ultra-talented running back Marshawn Lynch, but they hardly lose a beat with Justin Forsett still in the backfield. Their biggest weapon may be receiver DeSean Jackson, though. Jackson was not only good for over 1,000 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, but he also provided four punt return touchdowns as well. How well Cal plays on the road will go a long way towards determining whether they can finish any higher than fifth place in the conference.

Maryland rides high into the 2007 season following a convincing 2006 Champs Sports Bowl win over Purdue. Maryland has a solid if unspectacular offense keyed by the line play. Guard Andrew Crummey and tackle Jared Gaither make the rest of the team look that much better. Scheduling both West Virginia and Rutgers on the non-conference schedule isn't making things any easier for Ralph Friedgen's Terrapin squad.