Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

1 p.m. EST, Charlotte, N.C., ESPN

Prediction: South Florida vs. Maryland

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

Neither of our bowl participants did much of note during the first week of the season. They both beat Championship subdivision opponents, which is more than Michigan can say, though. South Florida beat Elon handily. Quarterback Matt Groethe and the defense will lead the way for more prominent wins as the season continues. Maryland, meanwhile, beat Villanova in another yawner. A win is a win and Ralph Friedgen will need every one to get the Terrapins bowling in the postseason.

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.