Summer Fever: Expansion Style

Setting the dominoes in place

As many of you know, the summer of 2010 was a monumental one for college football. No team was safe in the expansion move, as virtually every team was a potential move. Notre Dame, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, Pitt, TCU, Boise State, and more were the favorites to be moving. Nebraska moved to the Big Ten, while TCU headed to the Big East, and BSU fell into place in the Mountain West. There were more moves, such as Colorado to the Pac 10, as well as Utah joining the same conference.

There was also fear for every team, as we weren't sure whether or not the traditional college landscape would collapse, and we would move to 2 Super conferences with 16 or more teams. Surprisingly, the SEC didn't budge. Now, with that, it brings us to today's news.

Say Hello to....

UTAH!!!! Your 2011 Pac-12 Champions!!

Utah is getting out of the MWC because no one likes Boise State....

Updates Original Comcast Sports story on the invite.

USC Board of Trustees informed of extended invite to Utah.

My thoughts on the matter are twofold: Big win for Utah, and a Big Meh for the Pac10. Utah has been a rising program with two recent BCS appearances. The move to the Pac10 will give them an outright shot at a BCS game every year, no more wondering and sitting on the edges of their seats for what bowl game they're going to.

"Meh" for the Pac10. After a big swing and a miss on the whole Texas and everyone else thing, this seems like settling. I get it, Utah has become a more legit program of late, but it's not like stealing half of the Big12. Besides, this was the original rumor months ago: Colorado and Utah to the Pac10. In all actuality Utah could very well win the Pac10 year in and year out unless Washington or UCLA continues their respective come backs. With USC being dealt a kick in the junk and Oregon's mess at QB and RB Utah could walk in and dominate right away, and potentially expose the Pac10 to the rest of the nation as just another "Big" East clone.

Update 2: ESPN is confirming all of this, and Utah is supposed to announce their leaving Friday.

Update Numero Tres: Colorado Atheltic Director confirms North/South Divisions for the new Pac-whatever, Utah to be in North, Colorado to somehow be in the south with Teams like ASU, UofA, USC, and UCLA.

Final Thoughts: Oregon

Well, that was pretty freaking’ awesome. Ohio State and Jim Tressel came out with a plan on offense. Pass, when they expect run. It’s a really simple concept, but Tressel hasn’t really gotten that until now. Speaking of Tressel, did you see his face once it was over? I haven’t seen him that happy since the 2002 National Championship game against the U. Terrelle Pryor came out looking to prove he is a QB, and not just a running back that has good arm strength. He threw for career highs in attempts and more importantly, yards. I know that Thad Gibson is a man, as is Cam Heyward, but if we get them back next year as well, I don’t see why we couldn’t take it to the BCS Championship game. That’s not an opinion really, they will have so much talent next year.

You may not remember, but last year’s loss to USC, before the game, all the experts were talking about the stable of running backs that they had. Hmm, Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, Jaamal Berry, Carlos Hyde, Jermil Martin, and finally Jordan Hall. Out of all those RB’s only one is not on the team at this moment due to academics, and that is Hyde. It would not surprise me to see Brandon Saine or one of the other smaller backs be moved to a WR spot. We could use a 4th option in there, as we will have Sanzenbacher, Posey, and Duron Carter. I hope to see T Wash in the mix, but there is no word yet. Laamar Thomas is in the same situation, unfortunately.

On defense, we come back reloading, depending on some NFL decisions. If, in fact, we do happen to get Heyward and Thad back, that would leave Jermale Hines, who really has a legitimate shot at the pros, and Chimdi Chekwa. I highly doubt Chekwa would go, simply because he has a lot to learn, and he has simply not lived up to expectations so far. If we keep all of those, which leaves a free safety spot open in place of Anderson Russell, who really shouldn’t be TOO hard to replace.

Oregon played a heck of a game, but we had our way upfront. I don’t know if you all noticed, but every one of our guys was so much bigger than theirs. Look back to the only sack of the game, and Heyward barely shoved him, and Masoli went down without another thought. That’s ok; I would have done the same thing if I saw all of that steam-train coming at me. I tip my hat to Oregon’s third option, Barnes. Inside The Shoe did not really mention him during the preview, or the Matching up posts. He defiantly earned a mention.

Bowl Week 3 (part 3)

On the aftermath of a great Rose Bowl game, and Florida took care of buisness, finally shutting up those darn Bearcat fans, and talking about how they could easily take on a good defense. Their are still games to be played, including another Big Ten team. As of right now, Inside The Shoe´s record stands at 25-19. It looks like our losses are catching up..lets get started!

Today

International Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. USF – 12:00 p.m. (ESPN2)

Northern Illinois has the 17th best rushing attack in the nation, and USF will look to slow down the attack, while Northern Illinois will look to focus on shutting down do-everything QB B.J. Daniels. Look for some talented play, and USF to win, 17-7.

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss – 2:00 p.m. (FOX)

At the beginning of the season, this could have been an easy OK St win, but now with injuries, and their best passing attack receiver gone, Zac Robinson will be running for his life, as Ole Miss´s Jevan Snead looks to make a good impression on pro scouts. Ole Miss will take their second Cotton Bowl, 38-24.

PapaJohns Bowl: UConn vs. South Carolina – 2:00 p.m. (ESPN)
UConn will want to prove a point early, but South Carolina´s Stephen Garcia looks to avoid the bust label, and the talent and (i can´t believe i´m saying this) speed of the Gamecocks will be way to much for the team that will be playing in memory of Jasper Howard, as they win it 28-17

Liberty Bowl: Arkansas vs. East Carolina – 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)

East Carolina comes off a CUSA championship win, but has to face the Arkansas Hogs and their SEC speed. ECU will give it their best, but i don´t see how their defense can stop former Michigan QB Ryan Mallet, who has been absolutely monstrous this season. With it being ECU, though, look for Arkansas to sleep until near the end, and finally pull it out, 31-24.

Alamo Bowl: Michigan State vs. Texas Tech – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Before the unfair firing of Mike Leach, I would have picked TT. Now, without their head playcaller, Texas Tech has to imporvise, and that generally leads to mistakes. Look for them to have a couple of INT´s or fumbles, as Mark Dantonio´s defensive squad takes advantage, and wins a close one, 21-19

Enjoy watching some good bowl games! The rest of the bowl game predictions will be in Bowl Week 4.

Bowl Week 3 (part 2)

I won´t really give an introduction, other then after part 1, Inside The Shoe is now 21-13.

Today

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl - Air Force vs Houston - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN

In a re-match of last year´s bowl game, Houston´s best passing attack in the nation, will take on Air Force´s best passing defense in the nation. Houston will be led by quarterback Case Keenum, who was in the top 10 Heisman voting. Houston´s ability to run up the score has helped them, and their offense get even better. Meanwhile, Air Force has the 4th ranked rushing attack, while Houston is terrible at defending the run. With that being said, Houston will be to much for Air Force, 31-20.

Brut Sun Bowl - No. 21 Stanford vs Oklahoma - 2:00 PM ET - CBS

If your a Sooner fan, your probably feeling a bit down, not being ranked, not in a BCS bowl, and playing in El Paso. If your a Cardinal fan, you are ranked, you have one of the best backs in the nation, and your playing a former Big 12 powerhouse. Nevertheless, look for this to be a good game as Toby Gerhart and Sam Bradford lead their offenses. I see Stanford winnnig a competieve game, 28-17.

Texas Bowl - Missouri vs Navy - 3:30 PM ET - ESPN

Buckeye fans got a nice look at the triple option aganist Navy, as Navy came very close at the end to upsetting the Buckeyes. We know that Missouri is in the process of rebuilding, and that Navy fights for a whole 60 minutes, without rest, as the Buckeyes learned. So in this situation, I really like Ricky Dobbs and that crazy option attack, as Navy gets the win, closing a fantastic season, 24-10.

Insight Bowl - Iowa State vs Minnesota - 6:00 PM ET - NFL Network

After a little persuasion, and some outcrys by their fans, Iowa State fought their way into the Insight Bowl to take on the Golden Gophers. Minnesota brings in a mixed attack, with wideout Eric Decker being out to injury. Adam Weber has had a mixed season, along with the offense, as they can score points, but not many. The key is stopping ISU´s rushing attack, which Minnesota is actually good at doing. I see the Big Ten going to 2-0 after this one, 17-10

Chick-fil-A Bowl - No. 11 Virginia Tech at Tennessee - 7:30 PM ET - ESPN

With the losses to Georgia Tech, and Alabama, Va Tech will look for it´s first win in Atlanta this year, and they have to do it aganist Lane Kiffin´s Volls. Tyrod Taylor leads the attack, and I have to say, Tennessee won´t be able to stop him, or running back Ryan Williams. Virgina Tech wins a close one, 24-17

New Year´s Day

Outback Bowl - Auburn vs Northwestern - 11:00 AM ET - ESPN

Even after dropping it´s last 5 of 6 games, hopes are high at Auburn, the reason being they almost upset Alabama. Northwestern, on the other hand, has won four of it´s last 5 games, and they look to continue winning. With an SEC vs. Big Ten game, expect a bit of mouthing off to each other, but look Northwestern to pull the upset and unbelivably, the Big Ten going 3-0, 35-31.

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl - No. 16 West Virginia at Florida State - 1:00 PM ET - CBS

In Bobby Bowden´s last game as a head coach, a lot will be said about his storied career. He faces his old WVU team, and looks to go out with a bang. I hate to say they will have a tough time stopping the 3rd ranked rushing attack. WVU gets the win, 38-24.

Capital One Bowl - No. 12 LSU vs No. 13 Penn State - 1:00 PM ET - ABC

LSU wanting another 10 win season under Les Miles, looking to take care of a PSU team that lost to the Buckeyes, 24-7. Oh, I didn´t have to add that, did I? PSU´s Darryl Clark will want to go out with a win aganist an SEC opponet, but will just fall short, 24-21.

Rose Bowl

Inside The Shoe will cover this game the day of it.

Allstate Sugar Bowl - No. 3 Cincinnati at No. 5 Florida - 8:30 PM ET - FOX

A game in which both head coaches are new, due to the old ones having health problems, and getting a new job at Notre Dame. Cincy comes in looking for it´s first BCS bowl win, while Florida, looking to send Tebow on a rainbow to the NFL, where he will be, umm, no one really knows. Florida has an outstanding defense, while Cincy has a high powered offense. Florida will take this because Cincy has no defense, and Florida has one of the best. 42-21.

Part 3 will come the day after the Sugar Bowl, keep it here folks! Enjoy your New Year.

Matching Up: Special Teams

Kicking/Punting

Advantage: Ohio State

Pettrey/Barclay/Thoma: As far as the OSU kicking game goes for 2009, Jim Tressel probably was a little dissatisfied with how it ended up. After a dirty block on kicker Aaron Pettrey during the NMSU game, Devin Barclay had to fill in fast. The 23 year old kicker then proceeded to kick a simple game winning, rose bowl clinching, field goal in ovetime aganist Iowa. I think that Barclay is reliable, but I think we need to use Pettrey in long FG oppritunites, while using Barclay in shorter ones. As for punting, during the course of the season, the punting has been solid by Jon Thoma, but nothing compared to what usual Ohio State punting is. He has gotten the job done, and it has worked out just fine so far.

Rice/Flint: With Flint being the kicker, last year he had trouble getting them in, especially the 35-40 yarders, but this season he has done a pretty good job going 15 of 17 giving him an 88 percent. That is pretty darn good, and should help in the long run aganist Ohio State. Jackson Rice, the freshman punter, earned his starting spot in a duel with the other punter, and has a average of 40.3 yards a punt. For a freshman, that's not something to scoff at, and he will play a key role for the Ducks, because of Ray Small being suspended.

Returning

Advantage: Oregon

Ohio State: With Ray Small, and Duron Carter being gone, the Buckeyes will have to get creative on the punt returns. Laamar Thomas will return with Brandon Saine in the Kick Returns, but for the punt returns, Tress will probably go ahead and use DeVier Posey, and mabye Dane Sanzenbacher. Without Ray Small, though, the returning game, would have gone to the Buckeyes, but without him, it is a much less lethal attack.

Oregon: They to, lost a huge asset to their return game, by losing the Oregon version of Ray Small. Oregon has greater speed, and I wouldn't be to surprised if LeMichael James wasn't used in some sort of situation, either on kick returns or punt returns.

Overall

Advantage: None

Ohio State/Oregon: I'ts really hard to judge special teams, anything can happen. Both teams have speed and quickness, so they are pretty even. This game might come down to special teams, whether it be a FG to win it, or better field position for a game winning drive. Special teams has always been stressed and preached at Ohio State, whenever Jim Tressel is around. He is going to make it better, even with the loss of Small.

Matching Up: Defense

With 2 days until the Rose Bowl, Inside The Shoe is diving deeper into the match up between Oregon and Ohio State by looking at the three main points of the game, and choosing who has the advantage. With Oregon having the advantage on Offense, we now look at Defense.

Defensive Line

Advantage: Ohio State

Gibson/Heyward/Wilson/Larimore: I mean, do you really have to ask? These guys are about as studly as they come. All of the following linemen can pass rush, and of course, stop the run. Thad Gibson is a definte pass rusher and has great agile speed. Heyward and Wilson are similar, they both bring great run coverage and Larimore can do a combination. The D Line really showed their stuff aganist supposdly the best offensive line in the nation, USC. After a lackluster effort at Navy, it looked like the Silver Bullets were back.

Tukuafu/Bair/Ferras/Rowe: Although they all give pretty good pass rush, the defensive line for Oregon was porous when it came to the running game this year and to add on to that, their pass rush fell below expectations this year as well, as Oregon's opponets had a good time running and passing all day long to score a lot of points.

Linebackers

Advantage: Ohio State

Spitler/Rolle/Homan: When the Ohio State Buckeye linebackers took the field aganist Navy, they were filling big shoes, in Marcus Freeman, and James Laurinatis. Spitler was the only one who had game experince, although Ross Homan had quite a bit of playing time whenever the score was run up. As you know, Brian Rolle made an entrance by making the game sealing INT for 2 points aganist Navy. The season has been very good for the Buckeye linebackers, even if they had their downs. At some points they seemed to under achieve, or didn't seem to play all out. This was the closest match up, and the only reason they won this was because overall, they were better.

Matthews/Paysinger/Pleasant: At the beginning of the season, hopes were high for the linebacking core at Oregon, and they should have been. Casey Matthews, The son of former NFL star Clay Matthews, with Paysinger and Pleasant were hoping to carry this defense to a national championship. Overall, they did their jobs, but sometimes just doing your job means giving up big points to the opposing offenses. That will not win games for your team either, but you can't put it all on the linebacking core.

Secondary

Advantage: Oregon

Coleman/Torrence/Chekwa/Russell/Hines: Although very talented, Ohio State's cornerbacks really kill them, otherwise, they would have won. As you saw aganist Iowa, a quality WR gives them trouble. They also tend to leave a lot of space, which means big plays off of bubble screens, and slants. With that being said, Kurt Coleman, Jermale Hines, and (ugh) Anderson Russell have to pick up some of the slack. Russell started out awful, giving up the majority of the passing TD's, but has settled down, and is now a solid contribuitor. Kurt Coleman is, in one word, studly. Jermale Hines does his job effectivly, and likes to bring a big hit up every now and then.

Oregon: They get some players back from injuries, and coming off a huge 2008 season, Oregon's secondary has stepped up, but not to expectations. The secondary looks to correct it's final mistakes, but should worry about run defense more, as Ohio State said it would focus on the run.

Overall

Advantage: Ohio State

Ohio State: If you look at the Silver Bullets this year, they really stepped up, pitching a couple of shut outs at Toledo, Illinois, and New Mexico State. They held Penn State to 7 points, and USC to 18. In my life time, beside the 2002 national championship team, this is the best defense i've seen. That, is my opinion, but i like it, and support it. They will look to stop this crazy Oregon offensive attack, and will hope to have their final great performance.

Oregon: Focus: Stop the run. If you can force Ohio State to throw the football, you have a wayyyyy better chance to put this game under the win column. They have had an underwhelming season, giving huge points up, but it could have to do with always being on the field, because of the quick pace and up-tempo offense Oregon brings to the table.

Bowl Week 3

20-9! With the win over Kentucky last night, Clemson secured a bowl win, and Inside The Shoe´s 20th win in picking. We hope to have more success with this, and will keep moving on. So let´s begin week 3, I am excited, as the bowl games get more intense, all leading up to the BCS bowls.

Today

Independence Bowl: Texas A&M v. Georgia – 5:00 PM (ESPN2)

Expect an all out bout of passing attack as Joe Cox and the Bulldogs face of aganist Texas A&M´s Jerrod Johnson. This game in which two high powered offenses face off aganist the opposing defense´s that are, well, terrible, to put it simply. I like Georgia, but i think i HAVE to go with the upset simply because Georgia tends to let everyone down, Texas A&M 35-31

Tuesday

EagleBank Bowl: UCLA v. Temple – 4:30 PM (ESPN)

In a game that UCLA is lucky to be in, as if Army would have won aganist Navy they would be in and not UCLA, Temple looks to cap off a pretty good season, and will look for the so called "upset". Both teams have nothing spectactular about their offense. Or defense. Or really anything for that matter, so expect a bit of a slow start, middle, and ending, as Temple gets the win 10-7.

Champs Sports Bowl: Miami v. Wisconsin – 8:00 PM (ESPN)

This game brings a lot of attention, 1. Jacory Harris and 2. It´s the first B10 team. Both team´s have their play makers on offense with Jacory Harris and John Clay. Wisky´s defense is not much of a threat, although they can rise to the occasion. Miami´s D-Line is not to be toyed with, so expect Clay to have some trouble finding some holes as Miami takes this one, and will look to have a great season next year, 24-14

Wednesday

Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green v. Idaho – 4:30 PM (ESPN)

With the game being full of high scoring and high powered offenses, look for this to be a common, but fun to watch MAC\WAC shootout, Bowling Green´s senior wide-out, Barnes, looks to hold the single season reception record down, if he can get 5 more catches. Look for BG to win, a close one though, 42-35

Holiday Bowl: Arizona v. Nebraska – 8:00 PM (ESPN)

Perhaps the match-up everyone has been waiting for, for awhile now. You have one of the best defenses, Nebraska, and a high powered offense, Arizona. Suh will look to cap off a Heisman running season, into which he leads his team, while Arizona looking for some bowl love, will be led by tailbacks Nic Grigsby and Keola Antolin, who combined for over 1100 yards and 9 touchdowns for this season. Expect a struggle for power, with Nebraska pulling it out 20-14.

The rest of the bowl week 3 will be continued in another post, as a majority of the bowls are on Thursday, then we move to the BCS bowls..stay tuned.

One away..

I´m not sure why It´s such a big deal to me, but 20 wins is something to be proud of, right? With USC´s win over Boston College, Inside The Shoe moves to 19-9. I have to say, the Pac-10 is quite a dissapointment this year so far, and with all of the chaos ensuing Urban Meyers statement, It almost seems like BCS chaos. Except with College Football itself. Thoughts?

Matching Up: Offense

With 5 days until the Rose Bowl match up between Ohio State and Oregon, Inside The Shoe will delve deep into the match ups of the game, as well as deciding who has the advantage point. First up is the Offense. The way this works, we will look at each key point in the offense\defense, and compare it with the opponent´s.

Quarterback

Advantage: Oregon

Terrelle Pryor: First off, this guy is a sophomore at Ohio State, just finishing up learning all the reads and plays. Then you look at his progression from last year, and you see it is definatly noticable, but not as much as expected. He has learned to throw the ball away more when he needs to instead of trying to make a play.  The descion making is not yet there, as well as overall accuracy. Descion making wise, just look at his INT´s this year. You can´t really say he has regressed from last year, because he wasn´t throwing as much when you had Beanie in the backfield. As far as accuracy goes, if you take a look at the Penn State game, he had a couple of deep bombs to Posey that would have been 6 both times, but resulted in an overthrow. Again, he is still young, and tends to get excited. If he can keep his arm under control he should be ok.

Jerimah Masoli: Building off of last year´s success, he lead his team to a 10-1 record (10-2 actually, but he didn´t play in the loss to Stanford) and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Masoli has been said to have one of the best fake handoffs in the game today, but he will need all of his talents to outsmart the Buckeye defense, with his uncanny ability to make a big play whenever need be. Masoli has proved himself capable of throwing in the pocket, and taking off with quick, agile speed. In the USC game, he seemed to know exactly where the defense was looking, and thinking, and would provide the sufficent play. Masoli understands the defense and all of the surrounding players abilitys to make sure the play goes smoothly.

Running Back
Advantage: Oregon

Brandon Saine\Daniel Herron: The Ohio State University is known for it´s power running game, and this year, you look at Boom and Zoom, you don´t really see that big power I-formation back. The closest to being that is Zoom, but the running game this year has been a bit confusing. You can´t replace a Beanie so says Jim Tressel, and that what this season has truly been about. Saine has started to come more into the role of an every down back, but Boom is trying to make his case, this could lead to some switching of the 2 during the Rose Bowl, and leading into next season, with the addition of Carlos Hyde(?) and Jaamal Berry.

LaMichael James\LeGarrette Blount: At the beginning of the season, Oregon fans probably were thinking something along the lines of "What happend to LeGarrette Blount?" After a 1,000 yard rushing season last season, he was held to -5 yards on 8 attempts aganist Boise State. And oh yeah, this. The result led to a year long suspension, but after further review, got taken back, and played his first game since then aganist Oregon St, in which he had 51 yards on 9 attempts with a TD. Enter LaMichael James. James burst on the scene as a true freshman and ended up with an outstanding 1,476 yards on 215 attempts. He is sure to be a great RB someday, and could look forward to a Heisman running in the next couple of years.

Wide Recevier
Advantage: Ohio State

Posey\Sanzenbacher: There´s not much you can say about either team´s receivers, although Ed Dickson for Oregon provides a bit of a knockout punch. Posey and Sanzenbacher are more than sufficant when it comes to making big plays, and more importantly, getting open. Sanzenbacher has deceiving speed, and doesn´t mind going over the middle and\or taking a hit. Posey always runs a good post or even better, a fade route. With the loss of Ray Small and Duron Carter, it looks like Laamar Thomas will finally get his chance. Taurian Washington will also join the mix of WR out on the feild, and it will be intresting to see what he can produce.

Ed Dickson\Jeff Mahel\D.J. Davis: The talented tightend in Ed Dickson is their main receiving threat, and looks to have a great career ending game. As for Mahel and Davis, they provide speed and talent, and will provide Masoli more options to go to. Don´t go counting out the running backs as a passing threat either, James had 13 receptions for 143 yards.

Offensive Line
Advantage: Depends.

Ohio State\Oregon: The offensive line is hard to judge. Both these teams amounted for just about as many rushing yards as each other, with Oregon having more on 2 more attempts. The reason I put depends is merely because the Ohio State line is complicated. On one hand, you can have the USC\Penn St. game line, or the Purdue game. If the USC one shows up, i would have to give it to Ohio State, but Oregon has done such a great job up front, I almost gave this one to them, seeing as they had the better stats, and have put forth a USC effort all year long. So this is for you to judge and decide.



Overall Offense
Advantage: Oregon

So Oregon is the winner of Offense. The Oregon offense has blown up this year, creaming teams like USC, Arizona, etc. Remember there is more to a football game then offense, and the defense and special teams play just as an important part. We here at Inside The Shoe have looked over some film, and decided that Oregon was better on offense..Ohio State, has growing pains at the moment. So, let us know your thoughts.

Bowl Week 2.

After a 2-3 start in the bowl season, Inside The Shoe hopes to make a better showing as the bowl games get bigger and more exciting. The MWC has really shown they can play, and are fighting as hard as possible to get a BCS bid. I have to agree with Yogi on the fact that BCS bowls should allow only 1 team from each confrence, instead of 2. SEC fans and B12 fans might be upset with that though. Anyway, back to the task on hand. Yogi mentioned flipping a coin, and he landed on Nevada..i feel strongly about SMU though, so let´s get this party rolling.

Today

Hawaii Bowl: Nevada v. SMU – 8:00 PM (ESPN)

SMU makes it´s first apperance in a bowl game in 25 years, and Nevada doesn´t look the kind of team to give a freebie away. Nevada will look to their Pistol attack that has worked so well in the past, while SMU will look to have a great day on offense. Both these teams really should have a party with the opposing defense´s as SMU’s 88th ranked nationally rushing defense is setting a flame to a firecracker. Nevada has 3 players with over 1,000 yards rushing, but SMU will make a splash winning 21-7.

Saturday

Little Caesars Bowl: Marshall v. Ohio – 1:00 PM (ESPN)

For the 2nd time this year, Ohio will be heading to Ford Field to take on the Marshall Thundering Herd.

This game is a chance for the Bobcats to give Frank Solich his Pizza Pizza trophy. (oh lord). Star receiver Taylor Price comes off a one recepetion game aganist Central Michigan in the MAC Championship, but he will have to do way better aganist Marshall, and i believe he will, leading the Bobcats to a easy 24-13 win.

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pittsburgh v. North Carolina – 4:30 PM (ESPN)

Let me just say, Pitt outdid UC in the Big East championship, it´s just, Cincy tends to get lucky. Pitt and Dion Lewis will look to have a great game, as the true freshsman running back looks to make a splash in his first bowl game. I don´t have much to say about UNC, other then, good luck, as Pitt takes the win 28-17.

Emerald Bowl: Boston College v. USC – 8:00 PM (ESPN)

If you think you have had a bad December at work, just talk to Pete Carroll to make you feel better. He has had to deal with injury´s, suspensions, and even academic inelgibilty. The upset-minded Eagles look to make USC have 5 losses this season, but i do not see it happening as USC will rely largely on their stable of running backs. Word is Joe Mcknight is practicing again, so might he play? If he doesn´t, i still see USC pulling this one out 35-10.

Sunday

Music City Bowl: Kentucky v. Clemson – 8:30 PM (ESPN)

Two teams this season that have tried their very best, although when you look at it, Clemson really made a 360 degree turn when it comes to season records. C.J. Spiller looks to close out a great Heisman running season, and might explode for his last game. Kentucky is representing the SEC´s first bowl apperance, but SEC supporters will have to wait on the bashing, as Clemson´s stud RB will run past the Wildcats 38-21.

That wraps up the rest of this week, and we will feature the new week on Monday morning as we will see the 2nd SEC team, Georgia, take on Texas A&M in the Independance Bowl. Enjoy your Christmas, we will still be posting here, Happy Holidays.

Speed is Key for Defense.

In my eyes, speed is a factor that is a luxury to have. Speed can define your team, or kill it. Oregon has speed, in both their running backs and our course, their QB Jerimeiah Masoli. Masoli is a reason Oregon fans are sort of glad that they didn´t land Terrelle Pryor. I mean, he can throw way better then Pryor can, by far. The dude can run, and has a the nastiest fake handoff in the book. That is where Jim Tressel and Buckeye nation hopes the defensive line can come in.

Jim Tressel has used the big brain and has decided to use 3rd string quarterback Kenny Guiton as their "Masoli". If you look at the game aganist Texas last year, Colt Mccoy led an offense, not similar to Oregon´s, but ran a hurry up offense. Thad Gibson was arguably Ohio State´s main pass rush threat, and yet he lined up offsides due to the fatigue of the hurry up twice. If Ohio State´s defense can keep up with the speed, they can most certainly have a huge impact. I can argue that this is one of, if not the best, defensive line in the country. They tend to be at their best aganist the "big" teams (See USC, Penn St). They do have a tendancy to slack a little bit, (Purdue, Navy) but that is overcomable.

The secondary is what worries me the most. Although Oregon lost Jamere Holland, they still have some pretty decent deep threats. This secondary is home to some corners that are young, Torrence, under acheiving, Chekwa, and just plain bad, Russell. Their is one star that will have to have a huge game, and I expect him to. That man is Kurt Coleman. Kurt Coleman looks to make a lasting impression by leading the Buckeyes to their first bowl victory since 2005. Ouch. He will also most likely want to make a good showing for the NFL scouts bound to be there. As Yogi mentioned, our corners like to give a little space to the receivers. NOT ALLOWED. Oregon likes throwing the quick little hitches and slants. Of course, look out for the bubble screen to the James.

Once again, please remember. Speed is Key.

Go Bucks.

Bowl Season Week 1

It's the first week of Bowl Season, and it's the best time of the year. As Christmas gets closer and closer, fans are making their wishes that their confrence and teams can bring home the bacon. This season starts out with Fresno St. and Wyoming, and of course, all these games will add to the Inside The Shoe game record. With that, Happy Bowling!

Saturday, December 19th

New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State vs. Wyoming – 4:30 pm (ESPN)

Fresno State comes rolling with an 8-4 record playing aganist a 6-6 Wyoming team. Fresno State is led by star running back Ryan Matthews who was first in all of FBS in rushing yards per game. Although their defense is something to turn away from, Wyoming should be kept in check, as Fresno wins this one 31-14.

St. Petersburgh Bowl: UCF vs. Rutgers – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)

UCF doesn't have to travel to far to get here, and Rutgers will be led by speedy WR Tim Brown who had 1,051 yards receiving. The Knight's also have a talented running back, Brynn Harvey, who looks to have a great game as the Scarlet Knights take this one 28-7.

Sunday, December 20th

New Orleans Bowl: Middle Tennessee v. Southern Miss – 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

The only college bowl game this week to play on NFL Sunday, the Eagles are riding in on their high flying passing attack while Midd Tenn looks to go funky on them with QB Dwight Dasher. With all that added in, including Southern Miss's pretty awful defense, i still like them winning this one in a close one of 17-14.

Tuesday, December 22nd

Las Vegas Bowl: BYU v. Oregon State – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)

This bowl match-up will feature two teams you might have actually followed the whole year, and will look to be a good one. Jaquizz Rodgers looks to open up his Heisman candiadcy with a good game aganist the BYU Cougars. Keep in mind that this team almost made it to the Rose Bowl and upset Oregon, so look for them to be a little upset, and win 35-21.

Wednesday, December 23rd

Poinsettia Bowl: Cal v. Utah – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)

This game is Inside The Shoe's game of the week right here. The day before Christmas Eve is when College Football gives you your Christmas present. Cal looks to extend their hopes for next year's Pac 10 fight, and Utah will be trying to make it an impressive 9 win bowl streak. Sadly, stud RB Jahvid Best will be out for this game, due to the freak accident, and Cal will have to rely heavily on the arm of Sophmore QB Kevin Riley. Utah meanwhile, is trying to get their freshman QB ready for another BCS run next year. It will help him to have his junior tailback next to him, and expect him to have a fairly succesful game. It boils down to which defense will step it up under the lights, and we think Utah will pull this one out in a squeaker 14-10

Merry Christmas!

BCS Bowl Breakdown by Inside The Shoe.

Rose Bowl Presented by Citi - No. 7 Oregon vs No. 8 Ohio State

This is one of the BCS Bowl match-ups that almost everyone is looking forward to. It is sort of intresting in the plot. Here we have Oregon, looking to prove that the Pac-10 is not a one man team, and is trying to earn national respect. Ohio State, on the other hand, is trying to convince the nation that they still belong in that national spotlight. Oregon has a small defense, but will be facing a talented, big, but a very inconsistent offense, headed by sophomore Terrelle Pryor. On the offensive side of the ball, Oregon has one of the top 10 rushing games and faces the 5th ranked rushing defense in the Buckeyes. All very intresting. With all of this going on, Oregon is a 3 point favorite.

Allstate Sugar Bowl - No. 3 Cincinnati vs No. 5 Florida

In what many people view as a pretty big mismatch, the Big East champions look to take down the defending national champions. Florida comes in looking very strong on D, and a little blustered on offense. Alabama pounded them to the point it seemed like they didn't really want to seem to play anymore. On the other side, Cincy comes off a huge win over Big East rival, Pitt. After a long TD special, the Bearcats won by an extra point, showing they once again, have almost no defense. Giving Illinois 36 points is quite an amazing feat.

Tostitos Feista Bowl - No. 4 TCU vs No. 6 Boise State

I have to say, I am one of many that agree that the BCS voted for a cop-out. Instead of trying to prove a point that these confrences deserve BCS bids, and that they should have national respect, they will just be beating each other up in the face. The big key to this game is TCU's amazing defense aganist the best scoring offense, Boise State, in the NCAA. I would look out though, TCU has a pretty darn good offense.

FedEx Orange Bowl - No. 9 Georgia Tech vs No. 10 Iowa

Iowa got the 2nd BCS bowl for the Big Ten and Georgia Tech is feeling confident as they just won a close game aganist Spiller and the Tigers. GT's bread and butter is the triple option, though unfortunatly for them, Iowa's inside linmen are built for stopping the run. Just ask Ohio State. Right? Right?

CITI BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - No. 1 Alabama vs No. 2 Texas

People are already wanting to give the crystal, when Texas had to use every second they had to beat the good defense of Nebraska. After Alabama crushed the defending national and SEC champs, who would argue? I think it was read into to much about the Big 12 champ game, but I would defintaly say it's never to early to start watching film.

Now We Know.

Well, now we know who to prepare for. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be facing the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl, for all the Roses in it. Jim Tressel and Co. need to learn how to shut down freshman running back LeMichael James, and Jermiah Masoli. This is a great game to watch, and for OSU to try and get their respect back, little by little. Ok Ohio State, let's see what you got.