Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Bowl Game Edition

Happy New Year, everybody! It's 2014, the year when I begin my quest for world domination in earnest. I'm ready to dominate, but you knew that already. But first, I have to get out of high school.

The world totally needs domination. Why not?

See, that's what makes it smart and necessary. I'm prepared for the job, too! But first, we gotta pick some football games. Watch me work.

Gator Bowl -- Nebraska Cornhuskers (+9) vs. Georgia Bulldogs, in Jacksonville. As it happens, this could be the last game for our angry pal Bo Pelini, who was last seen blowing yet another gasket following an embarrassing loss to Iowa. He's probably gone if he doesn't achieve a victory today and Georgia is too good right now. So I expect to see our friend Bo meeting Rick Spielman in the future. Georgia 56, Nebraska 49.

Actually, I think Bo is safe, win or lose. But he's running out of chances. Nebraska's season has been ruined with injuries, so it's not exactly fair to give Pelini the ax for that. He does need to change his deportment a little, though. Georgia 31, Nebraska 20.

Outback Bowl -- Iowa Hawkeyes (+7.5) vs. LSU Tigers, in Tampa. You might be thinking that this will be another Big Ten embarrassment. You would think wrong. Wrong! LSU is starting a true freshman at quarterback as their star quarterback, Zach Mettenberger, is out with a torn ACL. The thing about Iowa is this -- they aren't afraid of anyone, they play good defense, and they have a history of playing well in bowl games. Okay, that's three things. Iowa is going to represent the Big Ten quite well today. Iowa 35, LSU 27.

Actually, I agree with you. LSU is talented but playing with a true freshman quarterback is a tough assignment. Iowa played very well this season and was very impressive in spanking Nebraska at the end of the season. I think they'll win as well. Iowa 27, LSU 21.

Capital One Bowl -- Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-1.5) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks, in Orlando. We saw the Badgers in person in their last game, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I'm still not sure why they played so poorly that day, but they did. So now, this decorated senior class wants to go out on a high note. This team is dangerous, especially since they can physically match up with the Gamecocks. Jadeveon Clowney is a beast, no doubt about it, but this year he's not going to be popping the helmet off of a Badger running back. Look out for South Carolina to figure out the meaning of the term beatdown. Wisconsin 70, South Carolina 24.

Uh, no. I think the Badgers can win this game, but they aren't going to hang 70 on the Ol' Ball Coach, even though America would appreciate it. I expect a close, hard-fought game. Very close. Wisconsin 28, South Carolina 24.

Rose Bowl -- Michigan State Sparty the Spartan (+6.5) vs. Stanford Cardinal, in Pasadena. So this one is going to be old school. Really old school. Two teams that are tough on defense and like to punch you i the nose are going to be on the field in Pasadena. Sparty surprised us a little, because they weren't afraid of Ohio State at all. Thanks a lot, Ohio State, by the way -- the one time I actually was cheering for you, you find a way to lose. But I digress. Sparty is very good, but Stanford is better. I'm afraid to tell Spartan fans that 1988 is a long time ago. Stanford 27, Sparty 21.

Here's what the Benster is talking about -- the last time Sparty made the Rose Bowl, it was 1988 and it looked like this:


Sparty should have a chance to win this one. Stanford is rock-solid but unspectacular and they aren't likely to score a lot of points today. That gives Sparty a chance to hang in there and steal it late. And that's what's going to happen. Michigan State 24, Stanford 23.

We'll be back for the National Championship game later on, and we have a little more business on the NFL front, too. And if you want to know why, here's why:


I don't think I'll ever get tired of that one. Ben out!

3 comments:

Brad said...

Benster - 0 for 4. Oof.

3john2 said...

There are three classic mistakes:

1. Getting involved in a land war in Asia.

2. Going in with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

3. Picking a Big 10 team to win a bowl game.

3john2 said...

Btw, I watched the highlights of the Duke - Texas A&M game and have to say I was impressed with Manziel. I'd like to see more plays with him actually under center, but the throws he made and the field vision were exceptional - as was the play where he leapt, bounced off a tackler and then spun and threw a TD pass. What really showed up, though, was his interaction with his teammates on the sideline, exhorting and challenging them. I suppose a little of that can go a long way (especially if you don't have the trust and respect of your teammates), but it was an eye-opening display of leadership and will. If he fell to the Vikes I wouldn't be disappointed.