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* Analysis by everyedge.com

Monday, January 1, 2007

USC Trojans vs. Michigan Wolverines – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA (Artificial)

AKA The Bridesmaid Bowl, both teams have no one to blame but themselves for their predicament. Michigan lost to the archrival Ohio State in their final game and kissed an almost guaranteed berth to the title game goodbye. USC chose the wrong time to coast in neutral losing to cross-town rival UCLA and watching an opportunity to clinch No. 2 evaporate.

Line: USC -1 (Opening: Michigan -1½)

Over/Under: 47½ (Unchanged)

Records: Michigan 11-1 (7-4 ATS), USC 10-2 (6-6 ATS)

Analysis: This is probably the first time in recent memory that 2 teams lost to make it to the Rose Bowl. USC would be playing for the national championship if not for a stinker vs. UCLA. Michigan played well offensively but the defense unraveled in the 3-point loss to Ohio State. USC has a balanced offense thanks to the emergence of QB John David Booty (2,956 yards, 25 TDs) and a ground game that rolls different backs. WRs Steve Smith (975 yards, 8 TDs) and Dwayne Jarrett (810-10 and healthy) are a formidable duo but the offense will be facing the 8th-rated defense in the country. DT Alan Branch is a 330-lb behemoth who demands attention and the defense can move between a 4-3 and 3-4 alignment thanks to the versatility of DE-OLB LaMarr Woodley. Michigan’s offense has been keyed by 5’9” RB Mike Hart, a player aptly named. He ran for 1,515 yards and 14 TDs and takes pressure off QB Chad Henne (2,199 yards and 20 TDs). Henne isn’t a player that can win games by himself but is very capable in this offense. USC has great LBs but a young secondary that while talented, still makes mistakes. Both teams would rather be in Glendale but at least Michigan still has a shot at an AP national championship. We’ll take the Michigan defense and Hart to get the Wolverines a tough win. Take the Wolverines

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. LSU Tigers – Allstate Sugar Bowl, Superdome, New Orleans, LA (Artificial)

The Irish only lost two games this year, unfortunately the two games were against USC and Michigan which drove a stake through their dreams of a BCS title berth. A bout with the LSU Tigers could result in another L to their less than stellar bowl record of late.

Line: LSU -8½ (Opening: -7)

Over/Under: 56 (Opening: 53)

Records: Notre Dame 10-2 (4-7-1 ATS), LSU 10-2 (6-4 ATS)

Analysis: Notre Dame comes into this game having lost 8-straight bowl games. In their only two losses of the season (Michigan and USC), the Irish’s lack of athletes and overall team speed were exposed. LSU is almost as talented as those two teams and they’ll be after QB Brady Quinn all day. Quinn has had a great year (3,278 yards and 35 scores) but struggled in the losses. Irish RB Darius Walker (1,139-7) will have a hard time finding running room against a dominant D-line that helped LSU to No.2 overall in total defense (238.6 yards per game). LSU QB JaMarcus Russell (2,797-26) has really blossomed since the mid-way point of the year and should be able to exploit a secondary that lacks speed. LSU has the edge in team speed and Notre Dame HC Charlie Weis has no confidence in his PK. This could lead to the Irish taking chances when a FG might be the way to go. Overall, we like a Tigers team that is playing well and has mismatches on offense and defense. Take the Tigers

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