PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

1 p.m., Birmingham, Ala., ESPN2

Prediction: Cincinnati vs. Tulsa

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The battle is going to come down to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for the berth in this game, and based upon week one's play, Cincinnati it is. So far so good in Brian Kelly's first year in running the Bearcats. The balance on offense was good to see. They seems to be able to run and pass equally well.

For Tulsa, even though it wasn't against the strongest of opponents, a win on the road is always a good thing. Paul Smith showed why he is deserving of first team All-Conference USA. If Tulsa misses Steve Kragthorpe, they haven't shown it yet.

PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: Pittsburgh vs. SMU

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The fallout from the Gator Bowl continues with Pittsburgh entering into the bowl equation. The Panthers weren't in our original projections, but are now in due to the unusual on again/off again arrangement between the Big East and Big XII with the Gator Bowl. And while that may be good news for Pittsburgh, it also means Colorado has dropped out of bowl projections completely. Sorry Buffs fans.

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt holds onto his job by guiding Pitt to a bowl game for the first time in his three years as coach. And things are looking up. After getting to a lower tier bowl in 2007, an even better bowl may come in 2008. The Pat Bostick to Oderick Turner connection should only get better as time goes on. Not to be overlooked, Pitt has one of the best special teams units in the conference if not the nation.

PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: Rutgers vs. SMU

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

It's hard to believe a team as good as Rutgers could be playing in such a lowly game as the PapaJohns.com Bowl. But with the Big XII possibly taking away a Big East bowl bid in the Gator Bowl, the Big East just isn't left with all that many options remaining. And Rutgers could be really good. It's possible that the Big East could have four teams ranked in the top 25 at the end of the year, maybe even five in a dream situation. Ray Rice and last year's 20 rushing touchdowns return for 2007. And if quarterback Mike Teel can improve on last year's touchdown to interception ratio, Rutgers will have a successful year. Last year, he had 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Look for Southern Methodist to return to post-season action for the first time since 1984. The Mustangs will be dogged by a tough schedule, but they have the talent to overcome it. Take a look at the talent positions. Quarterback Justin Willis threw for 26 touchdowns with only six interceptions and had a 67.4 percent completion rate as a freshman! He also had 354 rushing yards and three touchdows to boot. Last year's leading rusher DeMyron Martin returns for his junior season, but he needs to improve on last year's 369 rushing yards. And last year's leading receiver returns as well with Emmanuel Sanders who had nine receving touchdowns in 2006. That's some offensive firepower!