Is it the end of the college football season already? It seems that only yesterday that the quote, unquote experts projected a Notre Dame-Ohio State title game.

Well twelve weeks later, the Buckeyes have fulfilled their end of the bargain and the Florida Gators have come, seemingly out of nowhere.

College bowl season is set to begin in earnest with the Poinsettia Bowl—I won’t even bother typing out the entire name—but let’s be serious; the real bowl games are played in late December, early January. Here is a quick betting crib sheet for some notable games. Keep in mind, there will be both the Fiesta Bowl and the BCS Championship game in Glendale Arizona this year. * Game analysis provided by everyedge.com

Wednesday December 27, 2006

Florida State Seminoles vs. UCLA Bruins – Emerald Bowl, AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA (Artificial)

The fans in Tallahassee were probably expecting to play a week later, but will be content with a win over the UCLA Bruins this week.

Line: UCLA -3½ (Opening: UCLA -4½)

Over/Under: 40 (Opening: 41)

Records: FSU 6-6 (4-8 ATS), UCLA 7-5 (7-4-1 ATS)

Analysis: FSU has been one of the most disappointing teams this season and their problems begin on offense. Their O-line is weak and that stops them from running the ball effectively. They also haven’t been able to settle on a starting QB, either QB Drew Weatherford (11-10 TD/INT) or QB Xavier Lee (7-5). UCLA is lead by their defense (12th in run defense) and especially by DEs Bruce Davis and Justin Hickman (25 combined sacks). UCLA’s offense hasn’t been dominant either as QB Pat Cowan (9-7) is asked to manage games. The ground game is lead by RB Chris Markey (963 yards, 2 TDs) but he’ll face a tough run defense (8th). UCLA lacks offensive playmakers on offense, while FSU has playmakers at the LB spot. These offenses ranked 79th and 80th overall this year, so expect the defenses to control the game. UCLA starts only 3 seniors and will use this game as a springboard to next season. UCLA also has the PK edge and we like them over a very inconsistent FSU team with little to play for. Take the Bruins

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Texas Longhorns – Alamo Bowl, Alamodome, San Antonio, TX (Artificial)

One year removed from a National Title, the Texas Longhorns will have to settle for an invite to the Alamo Bowl.

Line: Texas -9 (Opening: Texas -10)

Over/Under: 53½ (Opening: 54)

Records: Iowa 6-6 (1-10-1 ATS), Texas 9-3 (5-6-1 ATS)

Analysis: This game features 2 teams that didn’t figure they would be playing in a pre-January bowl game. Texas lost their last 2 games to fall out of national championship, BCS bowl and Big 12 title contention. Iowa has lost 5 of 6 and went 2-6 in the Big 10. However, Iowa has had numerous injuries while Texas has been hampered by bad defense at the wrong time. Texas QB Colt McCoy threw for 2,262 yards and 27 scores but was banged up in the last 2 losses. He has a top player in WR Limas Sweed (11 TDs) to throw to and the Hawkeyes have been hurt by athletic wideouts. The Longhorns have run effectively but have still been uneven on offense. Iowa QB Drew Tate has toughed out injuries but the time off has helped Iowa immensely. Look for him to make plays against a secondary that has surrendered many of them this year. Both teams aren’t happy to be here but Iowa was derailed by injuries and figure to be more up for this game, plus they’re getting a lot of points. Take the Hawkeyes

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