Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

Prediction: Auburn vs. Texas Tech

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

The fallout of the Gator Bowl snafu continues with Texas Tech being demoted from the Sun Bowl in favor of a Big East team to the Independence Bowl instead. Our prediction of Auburn stays the same, this time playing the Red Raiders instead of the original projection of Oklahoma State. The prediction here is that Texas Tech will have a better record than Oklahoma State and the Cowboys will likewise be demoted.

Texas Tech gets bumped from the slightly more historic Sun Bowl, but they still get a good opponent in Auburn, an SEC powerhouse. The Auburn defense will definitely have to prepare for the Tech passing onslaught. With a year of seasoning under his belt, Graham Harrell should improve in his second year in the system.

Sun Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Oregon vs. Texas Tech

Pac-10 no. 3 vs. Big 12/Big East/Notre Dame

Analysis:

Running back Jonathan Stewart will have a good year as expected, but this year's improvement by Oregon will be due to quarterback Dennis Dixon's continued development. With another year of experience under his belt, Dixon will see last year's 12 to 14 touchdown to interception ration improve dramatically.

Texas Tech will build off of last year's 31 point comeback win against Minnesota in the Insight Bowl. If you thought quarterback Graham Harrell's stats were impressive last year, they should be even better this year after a season's worth of experience. Harrell loses his top two receivers from last year, but experienced running back Shannon Woods should help to take off some of the pressure.