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.

Sun Bowl

Dec. 31, 2007

Prediction: Oregon vs. South Florida

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

Analysis:

A closer look at the bowl affiliation has the Gator Bowl selecting a Big XII team only twice in a two year period. According to Big XII official website, "In the two years in which the Gator does not select a Big 12 team, the Sun Bowl will."

We believe only one Big XII team will make it to a BCS game this season. In turn, we still think there will still be several very good Big XII teams that are bowl eligible, and the Gator Bowl will elect to nab a very good Oklahoma team for its New Year's Day slot. Therefore, we have to amend our earlier prediction that the Sun Bowl would pit Oregon and Texas Tech.

Oregon will still be the Pac-10 representative, but the Sun Bowl will have to go with a Big East team instead. Our prediction is South Florida, which is not a bad alternative. South Florida will have a punishing defense while sophomore quarterback Matt Groethe looks to have a better year in 2007.

Stay tuned as the Gator Bowl fallout will affect our predictions in about five other bowls.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: South Florida vs. Miami

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

It might be the bowl with the worst corporate name, but it might be one of the most underrated bowls there is. Whoever the Big East representative is in this bowl, they're bound to be good. South Florida and their suffocating defense get the nod here, although Rutgers could provide stiff competition. Senior linebacker Ben Moffit leads the team this year, but expect even bigger things from USF in 2008.

Miami will join the Bulls in what will be both a Florida vs. Florida match-up and a defensive showdown. There's always high expectations at Miami, but road games at Oklahoma, Florida State and Virginia Tech will prevent the 'Canes from a high finish in the polls. A bowl game match-up with the no. 3 or no. 4 team from the Big East will be even better than fans will want to admit, though.