Bowlapalooza Week 1 (12/16-12/23)
Bowlapalooza Week 1 (12/16-12/22)
Bowl season starts so early! Have to fit in all of these games, even though we have no idea who will be playing in them or coaching in them. I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season, Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating this Sunday, and if you want to watch some college football, or have a sound bite to mention if the game is turned on at the party, please enjoy the below preview!
RIP Mike Leach
On Tuesday morning the word went out that Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach had passed away. This was terrible news to hear and certainly my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Leach was an offensive innovator, someone who perfected a scheme that could elevate rosters with less talent to the highest heights of the sport. Even as his offensive philosophy was becoming mainstream, he was always passed over for the top jobs. He finally got a chance to be the head coach at an SEC school with Mississippi State and pulled off some great upsets in the toughest division in the sport. If you watch football at any level, you will see plays ran that were created by coach Leach (I still have a Sports Illustrated poster of how they ran Y-Cross in 2007). His biggest win as a head coach came against the Texas Longhorns in 2008, when the #7 Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off the upset against the #1 Longhorns. Enjoy the highlights below and rest easy, coach.
Favorite Play of the Week - NFL Edition
We take a break from the college game to bring you an NFL edition of the Play of the Week. I know a lot of you think I don't enjoy the NFL, but that is not the case. I simply do not have the bandwidth to write a blog that covers both college and the NFL. I wish I did, the NFL is the highest level of the sport and a beautiful game, but we aren't cashing checks for the blog just yet.
One of my favorite teams to watch is the 49ers. I love what Kyle Shanahan calls and how he uses his weapons to score in a variety of ways. For all of his faults as a coach, he is a brilliant mind. You have to see where he places every player on every play and he gets his players to play with more effort than other teams do. Everyone on this team blocks. Next time you watch a 49er game, watch the star receivers willfully engage in blocking, something that is very rare. Now, to their first touchdown against the Bucs on Sunday.
- In the red zone things get tight. This has allowed more teams to work on getting the edge with a variety of plays. Here the 49ers start with Brandon Aiyuk (dot 1) in jet motion, which brings the corner (dot 2) along with him and vacates that side of the field.
- The 49ers have their backup tight end, Tyler Kroft (dot 3) flexed off the line of scrimmage. This allows him to be outside the edge player (dot 4) so he can pin him down for the coming sweep.
- The 49ers have a wide receiver who can play running back and a running back who can play wide receiver. They split McCaffery out wide (dot 5) and put Deebo Samuel (dot 6) at running back, behind their star tight end, George Kittle.
- At the snap Brock Purdy fakes the handoff to Aiyuk (dot 1) before pitching it to Samuel. The jet motion has brought the corner (dot 2) out of the play and the fake handoff forced star linebacker Devin White (dot 3) to widen away from where the play is going. This will come into play later.
- Kroft (dot 4) sets the edge and Mike McGlinchey (dot 5) pulls all 6'6" 291lbs of himself around the outside as a lead blocker.
- So now we have the edge set (dot 1), two amazing blockers (dots 2 and 3) in front of an All-Pro wide receiver. This is looking great.
- The Bucs have only two guys ready to take on the lead blockers (dot 4) and White (dot 5) is hustling to get back in the play.
- Both blocks are engaged (dots 1 and 2), something that is difficult to do in space, and Deebo has the edge.
- White (dot 3) makes a very flat pursuit path because of where they are on the field, and will not make the play.
- Just want to call attention to Christian McCaffery (dot 4). He beats the corner that was guarding him and the corner that followed Aiyuk to the other side of the field. This is a star player who is drinking the Kool Aid. Mad respect.
- Deebo dances along the sideline and squeaks it in the endzone. The rout is on.
Bowl Week 1 Preview
In case you have not been watching all of the news, college football is in the midst of a huge transfer portal wave and a lot of coaches are moving around too. I will try to do my best to showcase all the bowls and give some notes, along with a ML pick, but don't take any gambling picks as gospel because it will be difficult and everchanging.
Friday, December 16th
HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl: Miami (OH) vs UAB
Prediction: UAB ML (-425)
Player to Watch: Ryan McWood (LB - Miami (OH))
Superlative: Best Bowl Location
UAB's players were quite strong in their stance on keeping the interim coach, but I think Trent Dilfer will do some great things. I think the Blazers finish the season on the high note.
Duluth Trading Cure Bowl: UTSA vs Troy
Prediction: UTSA ML (+100)Player to Watch: Zakhari Franklin (WR - UTSA)Superlative: Best G5 Game
You all know I am a huge fan of UTSA's offense. Troy had a great season and won the Sun Belt over America's favorite darlings. This will be one of my favorite bowls of the year and I would highly recommend catching some of it.
Saturday, December 17th
Wasabi Fenway Bowl: Cincinnati vs Louisville
Prediction: Louisville ML (-110)Player to Watch: Ivan Pace Jr. (LB - Cincinnati)Superlative: The Revenge Bowl
This game may have the most spicy off-the-field stories surrounding it. Cincinnati's new coach is Louisville's former coach, Scott Satterfield, and the prodigal son, Jeff Brohm, is returning home. I think the Cardinals will want to stick it to their former coach in this one.
Prediction: Louisville ML (-110)
Player to Watch: Ivan Pace Jr. (LB - Cincinnati)
Superlative: The Revenge Bowl
This game may have the most spicy off-the-field stories surrounding it. Cincinnati's new coach is Louisville's former coach, Scott Satterfield, and the prodigal son, Jeff Brohm, is returning home. I think the Cardinals will want to stick it to their former coach in this one.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Florida vs Oregon State
Prediction: Oregon State ML (-365)Player to Watch: Ryan Cooper Jr. (DB - Oregon State)Superlative: The "Only One Side Cares" Bowl
Oregon State has everything to play for and I'm not sure Florida will be able to field a team. Give me the Beavers cutting down the Gators.
Prediction: Oregon State ML (-365)
Player to Watch: Ryan Cooper Jr. (DB - Oregon State)
Superlative: The "Only One Side Cares" Bowl
Oregon State has everything to play for and I'm not sure Florida will be able to field a team. Give me the Beavers cutting down the Gators.
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented by Stifel: Washington State vs Fresno State
Prediction: Fresno State ML (-150)Player to Watch: Jake Haener (QB - Fresno State)Superlative: The Best Bowl of This Slate
The best bowl game of this slate! The Cougars were a frisky team out west and played upset in Madison, and Jake Haener will continue to show out for the Bulldogs. This game is the one you should catch some of if your NFL team needs a quarterback.
Prediction: Fresno State ML (-150)
Player to Watch: Jake Haener (QB - Fresno State)
Superlative: The Best Bowl of This Slate
The best bowl game of this slate! The Cougars were a frisky team out west and played upset in Madison, and Jake Haener will continue to show out for the Bulldogs. This game is the one you should catch some of if your NFL team needs a quarterback.
LendingTree Bowl: Rice vs Southern Miss
Prediction: Southern Miss ML (-255)Player to Watch: Jay Stanley (S - SMU)Superlative: The Best Bird Mascot Bowl
The Owls give up a ton of points for a bowl eligible team. I think the Golden Eagles can get some stops and then Rice will not be able to keep up.
Prediction: Southern Miss ML (-255)
Player to Watch: Jay Stanley (S - SMU)
Superlative: The Best Bird Mascot Bowl
The Owls give up a ton of points for a bowl eligible team. I think the Golden Eagles can get some stops and then Rice will not be able to keep up.
New Mexico Bowl: SMU vs BYU
Prediction: BYU ML (+105)Player to Watch: Rashee Rice (WR - SMU)Superlative: The Coinflip Bowl
Both teams have shown low floors and high ceilings. I will take the Cougars, who have the more veteran team, to win the game as a slight dog.
Prediction: BYU ML (+105)
Player to Watch: Rashee Rice (WR - SMU)
Superlative: The Coinflip Bowl
Both teams have shown low floors and high ceilings. I will take the Cougars, who have the more veteran team, to win the game as a slight dog.
Frisco Bowl: North Texas vs Boise State
Prediction: Boise State ML (-390)Player to Watch: George Holani (RB - Boise State)Superlative: The Gambler's Delight Bowl
Amazing season for both teams, but I will take the Broncos to know how to handle bowl week. Would definitely take the Mean Green against the spread though.
Prediction: Boise State ML (-390)
Player to Watch: George Holani (RB - Boise State)
Superlative: The Gambler's Delight Bowl
Amazing season for both teams, but I will take the Broncos to know how to handle bowl week. Would definitely take the Mean Green against the spread though.
Monday, December 19th
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Marshall vs UConn
Prediction: UConn ML (+310)Player to Watch: Eric Watts (DL - UConn)Superlative: Didn't Marshall Beat Notre Dame? Blind Bet Bowl
Marshall had some good wins this year, but UConn really has bounced back! I think Mora will have the Huskies fired up and their seniors will really want this win.
Prediction: UConn ML (+310)
Player to Watch: Eric Watts (DL - UConn)
Superlative: Didn't Marshall Beat Notre Dame? Blind Bet Bowl
Marshall had some good wins this year, but UConn really has bounced back! I think Mora will have the Huskies fired up and their seniors will really want this win.
Tuesday, December 20th
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State
Prediction: San Jose State ML (-175)Player to Watch: Kyle Harmon (LB - San Jose State)Superlative: Best Bowl Name
The Spartans leave a lot to be desired on offense and the Eagles leave a lot to be desired on defense. Which one gives here? I think it is the bad defense does, so I am taking San Jose State.
Prediction: San Jose State ML (-175)
Player to Watch: Kyle Harmon (LB - San Jose State)
Superlative: Best Bowl Name
The Spartans leave a lot to be desired on offense and the Eagles leave a lot to be desired on defense. Which one gives here? I think it is the bad defense does, so I am taking San Jose State.
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: Liberty vs Toledo
Prediction: Liberty ML (+170)Player to Watch: Durrell Johson (DE - Liberty)Superlative: The Sounds Exotic But is Really Florida Bowl
I know they lost their coach, but Liberty had some great wins this year. I think they try to show it was not all Hugh Freeze getting those big wins. I like their new coach, Chadwell, and think they show out for him.
Prediction: Liberty ML (+170)
Player to Watch: Durrell Johson (DE - Liberty)
Superlative: The Sounds Exotic But is Really Florida Bowl
I know they lost their coach, but Liberty had some great wins this year. I think they try to show it was not all Hugh Freeze getting those big wins. I like their new coach, Chadwell, and think they show out for him.
Wednesday, December 21st
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Western Kentucky vs South Alabama
Prediction: Western Kentucky (+255)Player to Watch: Austin Reed (QB - Western Kentucky)Superlative: Find the Next Patriots' QB Bowl
South Alabama finished on a tear this year, but the Hilltoppers have a great offense and could surprise some people. In these crazy games I am taking the big dog.
Prediction: Western Kentucky (+255)
Player to Watch: Austin Reed (QB - Western Kentucky)
Superlative: Find the Next Patriots' QB Bowl
South Alabama finished on a tear this year, but the Hilltoppers have a great offense and could surprise some people. In these crazy games I am taking the big dog.
Thursday, December 22nd
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Baylor vs Air Force
Prediction: Air Force ML (+200)Player to Watch: Brad Roberts (RB - Air Force)Superlative: The Ball Control Bowl
Air Force will throw the kitchen sink at the Bears and it is a hard offense to prepare for. Let's get a huge dog on the board.
Prediction: Air Force ML (+200)
Player to Watch: Brad Roberts (RB - Air Force)
Superlative: The Ball Control Bowl
Air Force will throw the kitchen sink at the Bears and it is a hard offense to prepare for. Let's get a huge dog on the board.
3 and Out - Season Gambling Recap
Season Total: (20-22) -1.10 Units
Spread Picks (8-11) -3.65 Units, O/U Picks (8-6) +1.15 Units, ML Picks (6-6) +1.40 Units
Preseason O/U picks: (7-11-3) -5.25 Units
The Army-Navy under was only undone by double overtime. We can live with that loss. Not a bad season overall! Preseason win totals were rough, particularly in the G5 conferences. Certainly a fun exercise but incredibly difficult nonetheless.
Season Total: (20-22) -1.10 Units
Spread Picks (8-11) -3.65 Units, O/U Picks (8-6) +1.15 Units, ML Picks (6-6) +1.40 Units
Preseason O/U picks: (7-11-3) -5.25 Units
The Army-Navy under was only undone by double overtime. We can live with that loss. Not a bad season overall! Preseason win totals were rough, particularly in the G5 conferences. Certainly a fun exercise but incredibly difficult nonetheless.
Going Forward and Feedback Requested
Below is the schedule moving forward, below is how our future schedule looks.- 12/23: Bowl Week 2 Preview
- 12/30: New Years Bowl Preview
- Winter 2023: QB Draft Breakdowns
- Spring 2023: Mock Drafts
I'm considering doing NFL coverage for the playoffs, let me know if that is something you would enjoy.
Additionally, I would love to hear what you have enjoyed about the blog this year! Feel free to DM, text, email, carrier pigeon things you would love to see more of every week. Would you prefer less about the previous week and more film breakdowns and picks? Let me know. Also, if you think a Twitter account, so I could share picks throughout the week and tweet through Saturday's, or a podcast or other avenue would be enjoyable, let me know as well!
- 12/23: Bowl Week 2 Preview
- 12/30: New Years Bowl Preview
- Winter 2023: QB Draft Breakdowns
- Spring 2023: Mock Drafts
I'm considering doing NFL coverage for the playoffs, let me know if that is something you would enjoy.
Additionally, I would love to hear what you have enjoyed about the blog this year! Feel free to DM, text, email, carrier pigeon things you would love to see more of every week. Would you prefer less about the previous week and more film breakdowns and picks? Let me know. Also, if you think a Twitter account, so I could share picks throughout the week and tweet through Saturday's, or a podcast or other avenue would be enjoyable, let me know as well!
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