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BCS Championship Preview

The Florida Gators are the hottest team in the nation right now. After suffering a loss to Ole Miss, Florida turned it on, winning 9 games in a row. The heart, soul, and energy is provided by Junior QB Tim Tebow. What can you say about him, he's willing to do anything to win the game, whether it's throwing to his receivers or running over a corner. On the season, he has throw for 28 TD's with 2,515 yards. Tebow's main man, Percy Harvin, has caught 7 TD passes this season. In the backfield, Chris Rainey, Jeffery Demps, and Emanuel Moody will look to find holes in the Sooner defense. Lineback Brandon Spikes is an All American who will clog up the holes, applying pressure on Sam Bradford. Florida can make it 2 championships in 3 years with a win over Oklahoma.

The Sooners are led by QB Sam Bradford. On the year, he has a 48 to 6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Missing in the backfield for the Sooners is DeMarco Murray, who will not suit up tonight. Wideout Juaquin Iglesias has been on the receiving end of 10 of Bradford's TD passes. Oklahoma's defense is fine against the run, but it lacks in pass defense. The defense will need to be able to match up with Florida's speed and quickness if they want to win this game. On special teams, they have struggled against stopping the return game. Tonight, they are facing the nation's best return game.

Chris's Pick: Florida, 41-28 Player 2 Watch: LB Brandon Spikes

Flip's Pick: Florida, 48-31 Player 2 Watch: WR Percy Harvin

Another Buckeye Tragedy

Losing two consecutive National Championships is a real heartbreaker. But the loss last night may be the killer of them all. When Todd Boeckman found Terrelle Pryor in the endzone to get Ohio State within 2 points of Texas, the Buckeyes appeared to have every bit of the momentum. Then, a huge 3 and out for Texas resulted in Ohio State having a chance to pull ahead late. Well Daniel Herron capitalized, scoring a 15 yard TD run, giving the Buckeyes the 21-17 lead with 2:05 left.

Heisman nominee, Colt McCoy had the opportunity to show why Texas deserved a spot in the BCS Championship. On the drive, McCoy stayed calm and composed, a true talent of any NFL QB. Play after play, Texas kept gaining yards. Then came the biggest 4th down attempt in Longhorn history. McCoy threw a bullet to the right, with his receiver landing just on the 1st down mark. The call was made, and Texas had converted the down. At that moment, Ohio State saw flashes of past failures rising. Then, with 16 seconds left, Colt McCoy fired a dagger on a 5 yard slant by Quan Cosby. When catching the ball, Cosby turned upfield, shedding off an Ohio State defender, and bolting towards the endzone, finally diving in for the touchdown. The 26 yard pass was the 14th catch for Cosby on the night, but the one catch that Ohio State will never forget. The TD made all Buckeye fans cringe, failing once again in a bowl game.

Fiesta Bowl Preview

"The" Ohio State State Univesity is looking to end a its miserable bowl history. The Buckeyes have lost consecutive National Championship Games to SEC teams: LSU and Florida. Today, they will give the ball to Freshman Terrelle Pryor. He is a difficult QB to tackle, showing his phenominal mobility. With 152 passing attempts, Pryor has only thrown 4 INT's. Chris "Beanie" Wells has battled injuries this season, still rushing for over 1,00 yards with 8 TD's. Terrelle Pryor is also a running threat, scoring 6 TD's with his legs. Wideout Brian Robiski is a big part of the offense, with Pryor looking for him in key situations. On the season, Robiski has 419 yards with 8 TD's. On the defensive side, Senior LB James Laurinaitis is their heart and soul. Laurinaitis wants to erase his memories of two BCS blowouts. In the secondary, Malcom Jenkins is a quick corner who will look to contain Texas' passing attack. Look for Jenkins on special teams, as he has had big returns for the Buckeyes.

Texas can say that they deserve to be where Oklahoma is at. But since they are not in the Championship, the Longhorns must face reality and realize that they must show what they got against Ohio State. Heisman nominee Colt McCoy is everything for the Longhorns. He is their leading passer, leading rusher, and the big man on campus. On the season, McCoy has thrown for 3,445 yards with 32 TD's. He also leads the team on the ground, rushing for 576 yards and 10 TD's. Jordan Shipley just fell short of having a 1,000 yard season, but still recorded 11 TD's. Nagurski Trophy winner Brian Orakpo is back from knee injury. Look for him to be applying pressure all night on Terrelle Pryor. On special teams for the Longhorns, Shipley has the ability to break a big return against the Buckeyes. This game could come down to just one play, so be ready for the moment when Shipley or Jenkins breaks through daylight.

Flip's Pick: Texas, 49-30
Flip's Player 2 Watch: WR Jordan Shipley

Chris's Pick: Ohio State, 31-30
Chris's PLayer 2 Watch: LB James Laurinatis

We Have A New #1

In a shocking turn of events, Boston College pulled the upset that shocked the college world. With their dominant play, North Carolina seemed to have a chance of going undefeated. Well North Carolina get a reality check, losing to Boston College 85-78.

The coaches poll came out today, giving Pittsburgh the #1 spot. The Panthers are currently undefeated and proving to be a tough test for their Big East conference foes. North Carolina dropped to #3, falling behind ACC rival Duke, who slid into the #2 spot. Wake Forest and UCONN round out the top 5. The ACC has 5 teams in the Top 25, while the Big East has 9 schools. Teams who dropped from the Top 25 were previously ranked #16 Gonzaga, #23 Michigan and #24 Ohio State. Both teams suffered heartbreaking losses this week.

The new #1, Pittsburgh, is led by Sam Young. So far, Young has averaged 19.5 points per game. DeJuan Blair has contributed nicely, bringing 12,5 boards a game along with 14.2 points a game. Pittsburgh has a matchup with Saint John's on the 11th, then with South Florida on the 14th, and traveling to Louisville on the 17th.

Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins Preview

The Ravens are riding the backs of their unstoppable defense. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has proved to be one of the best tackles in the game, while veteren linebacker Ray Lewis continues to be the ultimate intimidator. Safety Ed Reed has really come on lately, forcing tunrovers in almost all of the Ravens games down the stretch. On the other side of the ball, rookie phenom Joe Flacco has made a great turnaround from the beginning of the season, helping to lead his Ravens to the postseason. On the year, Flacco has thrown for 2,971 yards with 14 TD's, completing 60% of his passes. The run game for the Ravens has proven to be tough to stop, just ask the Cowboys. RB Le'Ron McClain has scored 10 TD's with 902 yards, along with Willis McGahee's 671 yards and 7 TD's. Derrick Mason has surpassed 1,000 yards on the season and scored 5 TD's, while Mark Clayton is averaging 17 yards a catch.

Miami went 1-15 last season, making an amazing turnaround, finishing 11-5 this season. The Dolphins can thank the Packers for where they are now. If the Packers didn't trade Brett Favre to the Jets, QB Chad Pennington never would have been a Dolphin. During his great season, Pennington has thrown for 3,653 yards and 19 TD's. He was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year, his 2nd time receiving this award. The Dolphins have introduced the Wildcat formation, with RB Ronnie Brown running for 916 yards and 10 TD's. Despite last season's defense being one of the worst, the defense this season has made a much needed improvement. Linebacker Joey Porter may be Defensive Player of the Year, making the linebacking crew better with his arrival from Pittsburgh.


Flip's Pick: Ravens, 31-17
Flip's X Factor: SS Ed Reed


Chris's Pick: Ravens, 21-17
Chris's X Factor: QB Joe Flacco

Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals Preview

The Falcons are led by Offensive Rooke of the Year, Matt Ryan. During his rookie campaign, Ryan threw for 3,440 yards with 16 TD's. Matt Ryan has made the fans forget about Mike Vick. Their star free agent, Michael Turner, has ran for 1,699 yards and scored a career high 17 TD's. Matt Ryan has been thrilled to have Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Roddy White catching his passes. White has 88 receptions and 1,382 receiving yards with 7 TD's. Both White and Michael Jenkins are averaging more then 15 yards a reception. On the defensive side, defensive end John Abraham will look to apply pressure on Kurt Warner. Safety Lawyer Milloy has playoff experiance, and he will look to shutdown Arizona's star wideouts.

Arizona has one of the best aerial attacks in the NFL. Veteran QB Kurt Warner has throw for 4,583 yards and 30 TD's. The reason for his success lies in the hands of his star receivers. Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald has 1,431 yards with 12 TD's, and Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin has 1,038 yards with 11 TD's. Despite limited action, Boldin has great statistics in just 12 games played. Running the ball for the Cardinals is rookie Tim Hightower. On the season, he has rushed for 399 yards with 10 TD's. The Cardinals have allowed 221 passing yards a game, while allowing 110 yards rushing per game. Kicker Neil Rackers may be a key factor for the Cardinals, as this game may come down to the wire.

Flip's Pick: Falcons, 27-20

Flip's X Factor: RB Jerious Norwood

Chris's Pick: Falcons, 21-7

Chris's x Factor: Atlanta's Offensive Line

What About Utah?

When you finish the season undefeated, you usually are the #1. Not in Utah's case. Entering last night's Sugar Bowl matchup against 12-1 Alabama, Utah was against all the odds. Alabama was supposeded to b the faster, stronger, and better team. But it didn't matter to the Utes, they wanted to prove to the world why they were undefeated. Alabama didn't see this coming, just look at Nick Saban's face.

Utah got off to one of the quickest starts I have ever seen, scoring 21 unanswered points in the 1st quarter. Brian Johnson threw 2 TD's in the first quarter, while RB Matt Asiata scored on a 2 yard rush. Nick Saban was so shocked at Utah's quick start, he called a timeout, gathering all his players on his sideline. This must have worked, atleast for the 2nd quarter, as Alabama scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter. Going into halftime, Utah held a 21-10 lead. The second half was a great half for the Utes, scoring 10 points, while Alabama only scored 7 points. Utah was victorious, defeating the SEC giant 31-17. QB Brian Johnson was named Most Outstanding player, throwing for a career high 336 yards and 3 TD's.

Utah finished with a perfect record, but will not be in the #1 spot for the final rankings. How can you say that Utah doesn't deserve a slice of the National Championship? Why doesn't Utah get a matchup with Oklahmoa or Florida? These questions are going to be throw around for a while, until the BCS system has this flaw fixed. I say if your undefeated, you should get a shot at the champ, whether it's Florida or Oklahoma.

Sugar Bowl Preview

Alabama vs Utah, 8PM on Fox

The Crimson Tide are coming off a tough loss in the SEC Championship Game to the Florida Gators. Alabama was undefeated entering the game with Florida, but blew the lead in the 2nd half. The Tide are led by QB John Parker Wilson, who threw for 1,347 yards and just 6 TD's. Their offense relies on the running game, with Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram. Coffee ran for 1,347 yards and 10 TD's. Mark Ingram scored the most TD's on the ground for Bama, reaching the endzone 12 times. The Crimson Tide have one of the best lines in the nation, but will be without All American left tackle Andre Smith, who was suspended before the Sugar Bowl. Alabama will face a fast paced offense tonight. The Utes run no huddle, a problem that may cause the Tide's defenders to get tired.

Quarteback Brian Johnson has been a real treat for the Utes this season. He threw for 2,636 yards with 24 TD's. Running the ball for the Utes is Matt Asiata, who had 666 rushing yards with 11 TD's. Utah will look to run the ball laterally to force the big Alabama linemen to make plays with their feet. On defense, the Utes has 17 interceptions. All Conference cornerback, Sean Smith, will have primary responsiblity in covering Bama WR Julio Jones. Defensive End Paul Kruger will get a lot attention from the Crimson Tide's line, but he still has the ability to break off of double coverage and get pressure on the QB.

Flip's Pick: Utah, 42-35
Flip's Player 2 Watch: QB Brian Johnson


Chris's Pick: Alabama, 28-10
Chris's Player 2 Watch: WR Julio Jones

Cotton Bowl Preview

Texas Tech vs Mississippi at 2PM on Fox

The Red Raiders have one of the most explosive offenses in college football. QB Graham Harrell threw for 4,747 yards with 41 TD's. Harrell's favorite targer is Sophomore WR Michael Crabtree. During the season, Crabtree recorded 18 TD's and 1,135 yards. While the Red Raiders are a pass happy team, they will look to run the ball. RB Baron Batch rushed for 742 yards, while backup RB Shannon Woods scored 12 TD's. The big question for all the Big 12 teams is whether they can defend top teams. The Red Raiders secondary are led by safeties Darcel McBath and Daniel Charbonnet. The two players have combined for 11 interceptions on the season. The kicker for Tech has only attempted 1 field goal longer then 35 yards.

Mississippi QB Jevan Snead, a transfer from Texas, threw for 23 TD passes on the season. Jevan Snead may the 2nd best QB in the SEC, behind Florida's QB Tim Tebow. The RB's for the Rebels are Cordera Eason and Dexter McCluster. Eason led with 644 yards, while McCluster scored 5 TD's on the season. All American lef tackle Michael Oher will help make the running game get going. The leading receiver for the Rebels is Senior Mike Wallace, who had 704 yards and 6 TD's. All-SEC kicker Joshua Shene made 16 of 19 field goals for the Rebels. They are strong on the defensive line, led by All-SEC tackle Peria Jerry. Mississippi gave up 20 points in their last 4 games combined, including shutouts to Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State.

Flip's Pick: Texas Tech, 38-24
Chris's Pick: Texas Tech, 42-21

Flip's Player 2 Watch: PR Eric Morris
Chris's Player 2 Watch: QB Graham Harrell

Orange Bowl Preview

Cincinatti vs Virginia Tech, 8:30 PM on Fox

Cincinatti QB Tony Pike has emerged after an injury to starter Dustin Grutza. Pike has thrown for 2,168 yards and 18 TD's. Their top playmakers are their wideouts, Mardy Gilyard and Dominick Goodman. Gilyard has 1,118 receiving yards and 10 TD's. Goodman has found the endzone 7 times, with 977 yards. While often looking for short passes, the Bearcats rushing attack is split between John Goebel and Jacob Ramsey. Goebel has 7 TD's this season, while Ramsey is averaging 4.3 yards a carry. Cincinatti has a great cornerback in Mike Mickens, but he is injured, but if he's ready for the game, Tyrod Taylor better be aware of him. The Bearcats were 1 of 15 teams to hold the opposition to fewer then 105 rushing yards a game.

The Hokies will need QB Tyrod Taylor to play smart tonight against a tough defense. Taylor has only 2 TD's and 6 INT's in the games he has played in this season. With an inexperianced QB, Freshman halfback Darren Evans must be ready to get a lot of carries tonight. Evans had a late surge this season, rushing for 1,112 yards and 10 TD's. If Evans has difficulty breaking runs, expect Tyrod Taylor to look for running lanes and make plays with his quickness. The Hokie defense was 7th in yards allowed and 13th in scoring defense. Cornerback Victor Harris has shutdown skills, and will

matchup with Dominick Goodman, the leading receiver for the Bearcats.

Flip's Pick: Virginia Tech, 23-14

Chris's Pick: Virginia Tech, 34-31

Flip's Player 2 Watch: CB Victor Harris

Chris's Player 2 Watch: QB Tyrod Taylor

Rose Bowl Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions will battle the USC Trojans today at 4:30pm on ABC.

The USC Trojans are led by quarterback Mark Sanchez who threw for 2,794 passing yards with 30 touchdown passes. Sanchez will be looking for his main man Damian Williams. Williams had 707 receiving yards with 8 receiving touchdowns. USC needs to get the passing game going so they can hand it off to Joe McKnight. McKnight had 646 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns. USC has one of the best defenses, if not the best defense in the country, so they need the offense to score points. Penn State has a good defense so it will be a tough for USC's offense. If USC's offense can make plays and stop PSU's offense then they will win this game.

Leading the way for Joe Pa's Nittany Lions is Junior Quarterback Daryll Clark. Clark threw for 2,319 yards with 17 passing touchdowns. Clark will be looking for the three amigos Derrick Williams, Jordan Norwood, and Deon Butler. These receivers have combined for 15 touchdowns. The running back for the Nittany Lions is Evan Royster. Royster has 12 rushing touchdowns on the season. The Nittany Lions will have to score points against USC's tough defense. They will have to keep an eye on the defensive player of the year Rey Maualuga, the leading tackler for USC. If Penn State can control the ball and stop the USC offense, then they will win.

My Pick- PSU, 31-17

Flip's Pick- USC,44-17

My Player 2 Watch- Coach Joe Paterno

Flip's Player 2 Watch- RB Joe McKnight

Gator Bowl Preview

Clemson vs Nebraska, 1PM on CBS

Clemson has two capable running backs, James Davis and C.J Spiller. Davis is a strong, inside runner who racked up 11 TD's and 4.6 yards a carry. Spiller has the ability to break big runs at any moment, reaching the endzone 7 times and 5.6 yards a carry. QB Cullen Harper started the season slow, but has finished strong. His stats are deceptive, 11 TD's and 12 INT's, but he has played well his last 3 games in wins against Duke, Virginia and South Carolina. Clemson has a great defense, only allowing 167 passing yards a game. Their run defense has struggled against good backs, going up against sophomore Roy Helu today.

Nebraska has a great passing game, overshadowed by other Big 12 offenses such as Texas Tech and Oklahoma. QB Joe Ganz has over 3,300 passing yards and 23 TD's. RB Roy Helu has helped the Cornhusker's offense by keeping defenses on their heels. He has 804 yards with 7 TD's. The Cornhuskers' defense has been stellar against the run, only allowing 134 yards per game. They must continue their dominance today against Clemson's thunder and lightning halfbacks. Wideout Nate Swift has 60 catches for 909 yards, expect QB Joe Ganz to look for him in crucial moments.

Flip's Pick: Clemson, 38-28
Chris's Pick: Nebraska, 21-14

Flip's Player 2 Watch: RB C.J Spiller
Chris's Playe 2 Watch: Nebraska's D Line

Capital One Bowl Preview

Georgia vs Michigan State, 1PM on ABC


The Bulldogs are led by star halfback Knowshon Moreno. He has rushed for 1,338 yards and 16 TD's. Georgia relies on passing for 65% of its offense. QB Matthew Stafford has over 3,200 yards with 22 TD's. Stafford looks for his two spectacular receivers, A.J Green and Mohamed Massaquoi. Both wideouts have 8 TD's and just over 900 receiving yards. The Bulldogs are 4th in the nation at punt returns, with a returner by committee system. Georgia's pass efficiency defense ranked next to last in the SEC. Today, the defense will need to keep RB Javon Ringer in check, and not allow him to break free.

Senior Javon Ringer is the workhorse of Michigan State's ground attack. Ringer finished the regular season as the nation's leader in carries, tied for 2nd in TD's with 21, and 3rd in yards. Quarterback Brian Hoyer has thrown 4 interceptions and no TD's in his last 3 games. He faces a Georgia defense that has allowed big passing games to QB's in the SEC. The Spartans average 26.2 points per game, ranked 53rd in the nation. Michigan State's defense hasn't faced anyone like Knowshon Moreno during Big Ten play. When the Spartans have played teams like Georgia, such as Ohio State and Penn State, they have been smacked.

Flip's Pick: Georgia, 37-24
Chris's Pick: Georgia, 28-17

Flip's Player 2 Watch: RB Knowshon Moreno
Chris's Player 2 Watch: WR A.J Green