Season End Awards

It's over. Boise State football has moved from the dawn of a new season to the dusk of imminent darkness that now surrounds us and signifies the end of the 2010-2011 Broncos. That means no more games on The Blue, Kellen to Pettis or Kellen to Young, and Muscle Hamsters trucking Vandals on their way into the end zone. The good part is that we can bid farewell to images of "missed" field goals sailing at or near the shorter-than-standard Reno goal posts. All in all, Bronco football has upped the ante and, naturally, the expectations for future athletes that will play for one of the best, most exciting teams in the nation.

A 12-1 season is something that teams all around the country would kill to have. Bronco Nation has become accustomed to undefeated teams, but expecting that yearly is unwise and as was seen in some fans after the loss to Nevada, unhealthy. With that said, there is plenty to be excited about in Bronco Nation with new players getting ready to make a name for themselves, the move to a new conference, and of course, the all-important annual quest for a BCS bid.

The proper thing to do is give out (fake) awards to Boise State players who exemplified out-of-this-world heart, drive, competitiveness, will, strength, intensity, and excitement all in the face of sheer adversity and conflict. It is important to recognize these athletes, the outstanding plays they made, and the excitement and joy that they provided for their fans. It's Bronco Chase's way of saying "thank you," even if they have no idea who Bronco Chase is... Without further delay:




Biggest Story
Boise State in the National Championship Game.
This was all the rage and debate for the entire season. It even found it's way to the front page of Sports Illustrated.

Best Coaching Job
Pete Kwiatkowski.
He went from a question mark (after Justin Wilcox left for Tennessee) to one of the most important cogs in the Boise State clock. The defense was ferocious and improved from last year, which is really saying something.

Best Freshman
Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe.
Hailing from the Netherlands by way of Boise High School, not only does he have the best name on the team, but he contributed a lot as part of the Bronco defensive line that shut down opponents. He was a key back-up and enjoyed sacking quarterbacks.

Best Catch of the Year
Tommy Gallarda vs. Virginia Tech.
The catch in itself was sweet, but that wouldn't have been enough to push it to the top of a list that includes some amazing grabs by Austin "Sticky-Hands" Pettis and Titus Young. The stage on which it was made and what was at stake make it the best catch of the year. Check it out for yourself on YouTube right here.



Break out Star of the Year
Shea McClellin.
He went from a solid contributor on the D-line to a candidate for WAC Defensive Player of the Year. Whether he was sacking the quarterback, running a beautiful interception in for a touchdown, or stealing Ryan Winterswyk's fumble recovery in the end zone, he was amazing this year. It seemed to have come out of nowhere. McClellin's athleticism, heart, and intelligence make him this season's break out star.

Best Play of the Year
Moore to Pettis for the win.
Again, could it have been anything else? The big stage came for Kellen again and he was more than ready. The catch set up the win and set the table for the rest of a dominating year for the Broncos. Tears of joy are still shed when this play is shown on ESPN.

Biggest Hit of the Year
Jamar Taylor sack vs. Oregon State.
A lot of fans do not remember this one, but it was gorgeous. Taylor came in from the blind side and rocked Ryan Katz' world! The fool didn't know what hit him. It was comparable to the Kyle Wilson sack on Andy Dalton in the Fiesta Bowl.

Game of the Year
Labor Day vs. Virginia Tech
For so many reasons this was the game of the year. The stage, the stakes, the atmosphere, and what transpired on the field were a perfect storm of awesomeness. Bronco Chase still likes to watch replays of the masterful 2-minute drill by Kellen Moore.

Special Teams MVP
Cedric Febis
Febis is another import from the Netherlands. A cornerback by trade, he was out there for every special teams snap, knocking people out and making plays. Bronco fans hope to see him doing much of the same next year.

Defensive MVP
Byron Hout
This was a hard one to pick as there were many qualified candidates. The reason why beautiful neck-roll wearing Hout gets the nod is because of what was missed when he went down with a foot fracture. The defense really needed him and his ferocious, man-devouring self for the Nevada game. He will be back, ready to clean house and light up some more chumps.

Offensive MVP
Kellen Moore
This was easier than hardcore fans would have thought. As the orchestrator of a fluid, seamless, high scoring offense, you get a lot of credit. Kellen continued to improve after a stellar sophomore season and found himself sitting in the front row for the Heisman Trophy presentation in December. While he did not win and finished 4th, the fact that he was there was a milestone for the Boise State program and the culmination of an outstanding 3 years at the helm for Kellen. The only thing that didn't go well for Moore this year was having to share the WAC Player of the Year award with Colin Kaepernick, of which the league copped out. How could a Heisman Trophy finalist not win the conference award outright? Anyway, Kellen will be back next year. Opposing defenses, watch out!

That's it! Bronco Chase has handed out imaginary trophies and trinkets to those deserving of much more credit than he can give them. The seniors on this list will be missed. But Boise State fans everywhere are ecstatic for the years of football that will follow. Go Broncos!

How is Boise State's Football Cupboard Looking?

I apologize for yesterday's rant on the hypocrisy of the NCAA. I get really worked up sometimes. Wait a second, I don't apologize at all. I am not sorry for what I said. I mean it and will forever feel like that. I am fully aware that there is not much a 25 year-old guy from Twin Falls can do to bring about an enormous change in college football, but that still won't stop me from trying! Let's get back to familiar territory and talk Bronco football! As I mentioned a couple of days ago, there are a few questions regarding Boise State football that need to be answered. I took care of one before the Sugar Bowl-induced interruption of yesterday, so let's hit another one now.

Who will replace Boise State's departing seniors and how effective will they be?

I tend to get a little bit anxious about these types of thoughts. It was the same way when Legedu Nanee, Drisan James, Ryan Clady, Jerard Rabb, Jeremy Childs, and Ian Johnson all left. I retain comfort knowing that all of those players were replaced by the likes of Austin Pettis, Titus Young, Nate Potter, and Doug Martin. In other words, Boise State knows how to recruit and will get the job done.

There are a lot of great players on the departing list, as you already know. I understand that it will be impossible to find someone with hands like Austin Pettis. Titus Young's speed is unparalleled. Nobody scares the pants off of Fresno State quarterbacks like Winston Venable. Yes, this was a fantastic class, one of the best to play on The Blue. Remember, Coach Petersen is one of the hottest, most coveted coaches in the nation for a reason. Also, football is amazing because great minds who teach and train these players (like Coach Pete!) can twist, change, mold, form, tweak, cater, and alter an offensive or defensive scheme to fit the players that are currently on the roster. Petersen and his staff are experts at doing just that. Example: Vinny Perretta was a triple threat. He could catch, throw, and run, and he did all three on a consistent basis. There were plays and variations of plays based on his unique skill set. With Kellen at the helm, the offense is tailored to fit his pocket-passing strengths. Do you ever see him running the option (I think I remember seeing it once, but only once)? Joe Southwick, on the other hand, will run the option consistently when he gets a hold of the reigns of the offense.

Next year, you will see a lot more of Doug Martin and (hopefully) a healthy DJ Harper. They will be the feature of the offense because they are both really talented and the absence of Young and Pettis will make it so. I wouldn't even be surprised to see a lot more use of the pass-catching tight ends and Chris Potter running the wildcat as a run/pass option (much like Vinny Perretta did). With that said, let's go over who will possibly replace the above mentioned seniors.

~Austin Pettis - Aaron Burks - Let's hope he can learn how to catch like Mr. Pettis. Maybe we can even surgically attach Austin's sticky hand to Burks' arms. Come on science! Help us out here! Tyler Shoemaker is also an option to move from the third option receiver to prime time as number 1 or 2.

~Brandyn Thompson - Ebo Makinde - Not only does he have a sweet name (his real one is Ebeneezer), but he was a good recruit for the Broncos. It's time to step up.
Jerrell Gavins, Antwon Murray, and Quaylon Ewing are also options. There is a four-star CB recruit named Stefan McClure that is still considering Boise State. It's a long shot that he will come here, but if he did he would get a good look at starting as a freshman.

~Daron Mackey - JC Percy was already starting due to the fact that Mackey was constantly injured. Percy will stay there. Look for freshman Blake Renaud to make some noise in spring ball.

~Darrell Acrey - Byron Hout was already the starter before he got injured. He should re-assume that role next season. The primary backups will be Tommy Smith and Allen Mooney.

~Jarvis Hodge - Matt Kaiserman, Jay Ajayi - the question here is who will be the third string, garbage time running back. Ajayi is really good, but I don't know if the coaches will want to burn his red shirt.

~Jason Robinson - Cedric Febis - Robinson was the back up and Febis, a special teams stand out, will replace him in that role.

~Jeremy Avery - DJ Harper - He will be back and I sure hope he stays healthy. He is a great running back. Raphiel Lambert is an option as well. It's too bad that Malcolm Johnson crapped out. He was a great recruit for the Broncos.

~Jeron Johnson - Jeremy Ioane - I am really excited about this kid. He chose Boise State over Washington and Notre Dame. There is a lot expected from him and I think he will deliver.

~Kevin Sapien - ? - Sapien called it quits after the Fiesta Bowl last year due to some serious nagging injuries. He helped coach on the sidelines. His presence and personality might be missed, but that's about it.

~Kyle Brotzman - Jimmy Pavel or Jake Van Ginkel - The Van Ginkel kid has not committed yet, but is seriously considering the Broncos. Trevor Harman is also a legitimate option.

~Matt Slater - Brenel Meyers - Meyers started at the Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos have a pretty deep offensive line rotation. Other names that will be considered are Charles Leno and Faraji Wright.

~Mike Coughlin - Joe Southwick - Coughlin and Southwick were already co-back ups. Grant Hedrick will get a look as well.

~Ryan Winterswyk - Tyrone Crawford - As a back up this last season, Crawford was named a third-team all American. He is an absolute beast and will wreak plenty of havoc next year. Don't overlood Sam Ukwuachu or Robert Ash either. Boise State's D-Line is really deep.

~Sean King - ? - King never even saw the field. There is not much to replace here.

~Titus Young - Geraldo Hiwat - He has the speed. Let's see if he can hold on to the ball. Also, if Matt Miller can recover from his ruptured achilles, he could see some action as well.

~Tommy Gallarda - Gabe Linehan - When Gallarda got hurt, Boise State's run game took a hit. He was a great blocker and good at catching touchdowns in the red zone. Linehan played well this year when he saw the field. If he can work on his blocking, he will get the nod. Don't forget Chandler Koch or Kyle Sosnowski.

~Will Lawrence - Faraji Wright - This one is a toss up. There are any number of players that could take this spot.

~Winston Venable - Dextrell Simmons - Simmons is a JuCo transfer from Blinn College in Texas. He was a great pick up for Boise State. Don't overlook hard-hitting Jonathan Brown either.

So there you have it. I am not too worried about the replacements. Boise State's recruiting has improved considerably since they started winning Fiesta Bowls. The team is in good hands and I look forward to another great year. The offense will change, of course, but it is nothing to lose sleep over. Go Broncos!

The Sugar Bowl Wasn't all that Sweet

Don't get me wrong, it was a great game to watch, filled with pendulum-like momentum changes, sorrow, heartbreak, joy, anxiety, cocky, privileged athletes, and of course a sweater vest. I had absolutely no problem with what happened on the field last night in New Orleans. It was the off-field shenanigans and hypocrisy that I am upset about. Let's go back to the beginning, Quentin Tarantino-like, and set the stage for my grievance(s).

In June 2010, the NCAA lowered the boom on the University of Southern California for "lack of institutional control" stemming from the Reggie Bush improper benefit saga. You all know the story; the Trojans were penalized big time for their egregious infraction. They were banned from post season play for 2 years, gave up 30 scholarships, and had to forfeit their 2004 National Championship. Bush voluntarily forfeited his Heisman Trophy so as to prevent the huge mess and headache that would ensue if the trust were to try and take it from him. A precedent was set.

We all thought the governing college sports body was setting an example. Yet here we are two-plus years later and the NCAA is allowing players and schools to get away with murder. Cam Newton played the "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" card and let his dad take the fall for a pay-to-play scheme. I cannot stand to see that huge grin on Newton's smug face, knowing that there was an obvious violation from his camp and yet he is still allowed to play. I have already stated my case for the utter ridiculousness of the situation, so there is no need to rehash it here. The point is there was a huge loophole that was found through the Cam and Cecil Newton case that shouldn't have been there in the first place. All of the sudden the serious, sheriff-like, punishment-dealing NCAA that ate USC's lunch became the soft, docile, lenient person who wants to be cool with their friends and therefore gives them what they want, even at their own expense. The NCAA ruled that because Cameron was not aware of the transgressions of his father, then he was not in violation and therefore was allowed to play (even though initially they ruled him ineligible). Think about it this way-Any cash or sustenance that his dad received would directly benefit Cameron, i.e. purchasing needed school supplies, books, food, clothes, helping pay rent, spending money, and/or transportation. Therefore, they are improper benefits, regardless of who is directly receiving them.

Next came tattoo gate. Five of Ohio State's top players were getting free or cheap tattoos in exchange for autographs and memorabilia. Not just that, but quarterback Terrelle Pryor and a few others had sold their Big 10 championship rings and some gold pants (that they receive for beating Michigan). Read all about it here. Remember, Georgia's star wide receiver A.J. Green was suspended for the first four games of this season for selling a game-worn jersey. Here's where things get tricky. To stay consistent, the NCAA suspended Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas for five games. Great. The problem is they were still allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl last night. In other words, the suspension was suspended until the beginning of the season next year. What? There were obvious violations that these Buckeyes were involved in and yet they were still allowed to play in the biggest game of the season? Asinine. The reasoning behind the delay in suspension is "the acknowledgment the student-athletes did not receive adequate rules education during the time period the violations occurred." Right...

Here's the deal-Had the Buckeyes not been in a BCS Bowl and had Auburn not been in contention for the National Championship, the NCAA would have dropped the hammer on both of those teams much like they did the USC Trojans in 2008. There is a clear double standard here. Kevin Lennon, the NCAA's vice president of academic and membership affairs, has no problem penalizing players and teams for violations that took place a long time ago, when those players are no longer at the university in question. But if it's a current situation where him and his college governing entity are at risk of losing money, they go easy or delay the consequences. Everything is done in a way that will benefit them and their cash-cow sport. That is what has me so upset.

I know that had Arkansas won last night, they would have wanted to do it against a prepared and full strength Ohio State team. The Razorbacks would have rolled easily if their opponent had been missing those 5 key players. Then the NCAA would have had another Fiesta or Orange Bowl snoozer on hand with a lopsided score and the audience tuning out by halftime. There go the ratings. The NCAA can't afford that, nor did they want to even risk it. The game was very entertaining and for that I am happy, but knowing the sketchy NCAA-allowed condition of some of the players involved taints the overall feeling and joy of such a contest. I don't have an answer for this, but how do the Arkansas players feel about it? If the anti-playoff BCS system is already robbing fans of a true college football championship experience, then the NCAA and their double standards are polluting the best part of the sport. The only thing that we have left to call our own are those glorious fall and winter Saturdays, sitting on the edge of our seats, living and dying by the on-field, in-game successes and failures of our favorite team, letting the amateur kids decide the winner, all for the love of the game. I don't know about you, but I have no desire to let the NCAA take that away from us.

Which is a Better BroncoTeam, 2009 or 2010?

This is the hot topic now that the football season is officially over for Boise State. I know, it's sad, but life goes on. Look on the bright side, there are only 2 months until spring ball starts! We are left with a few questions that I intend to answer to the best of my abilities. I will tackle one today and go from there.


Was this the best (most talented team) in Boise State history?

This is a loaded question. Such an inquiry deems it necessary to look at numbers, but at the same time to follow your heart. The final record of this year's team was 12-1, with a close overtime loss at Nevada. Last year the team won the Fiesta Bowl over TCU and finished 14-0. The 2006 team ended 13-0 with the now famous thrilling OT win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. If you go by just the records then no, 2010 was not the best Bronco team. Luckily for me I don't look at just the record.

There is a difference between most successful and most talented. Consider this-the 2010 Boise State Broncos averaged 521 yards gained per game (beating the 517 record mark set 36 years ago), set the record for pass efficiency at 180, and averaged 45.1 points per game (which is in 3rd place behind the 2002 and 2004 teams). That's just the offense's numbers. On defense, the Broncos registered a record 49 sacks, held opposing offenses to a pass efficiency rating of 95.2, gave up only 255 yards per game (the best total in 40 years), and allowed an average of 13.6 points per game. All that totals up to a school record 32.3 average margin of victory. That is impressive. That alone will prove that 2010 was the most talented Boise State group yet.

But wait there's more. With the Las Vegas Bowl trophy sitting in Coach Pete's office (or wherever it is) we say good bye to the seniors. Who are they and what did they do? Well, Titus Young holds the record for most career receiving yards with 3,063. Austin Pettis has 39 career touchdowns (number 1 in the record book), and the most receiving touchdowns in a single season (14). He also sits second behind Titus for career receiving yards. Kyle Brotzman is the highest scoring kicker in NCAA history and the highest scoring player (not just kicker) in Boise State history with 439 points. Don't forget the man-beast that is Ryan Winterswyk who was named as a junior to the WAC all-decade team. He sacked a lot of quarterbacks in his college career. There is also Jeron Johnson, Brandyn Thompson, Darrell Acrey, Matt Slater, Tommy Gallarda, and Will Lawrence amongst other Bronco name mainstays. It's too bad Winston Venable doesn't have any more eligibility left. His time with us was so short.

In other words, the success and talent in this senior class in incredible. That is why I think 2010 was the most talented in Boise State history. Don't let a bad second half against Nevada tarnish your memory or view of this team. Think about it, they were 30 minutes, a defended pass, a made tackle, a made field goal, a completed pass, a quarterback sack, or a blocked field goal away from a date with Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Had they made it to Pasadena and won, this debate wouldn't even be happening. Like I said, they were the most talented, but unfortunately not the most successful. Those are two different arguments. As for me, I love this team, this group of guys, and I will be sad to see them go.

What is exciting is what is ahead of us. There is plenty of talent on the roster. This article from the Idaho Statesman explains more. I will go into more detail on that tomorrow. Until then, check out the Sugar Bowl tonight!

Happy New Year - I Love College Football!

I don't know about you, but my holiday break is over and that means I am back to the grind of everyday life. So as I sit here at work, where I like to blog (I know, I should be working...It happens), I have realized something. I, Bronco Chase, have not posted many fruitful or enlightening nuggets for you my faithful readers for a few weeks. For that I apologize and promise to do better. As a token of my remorse I offer you this; a smorgasbord of stories, information, comedy, and heartbreak all combined into one amazing post. I hope you enjoy it and I hope even more that you can find it in your heart to forgive a wretch like me. I am aware that there are still bowl games to watch. However, the 7 match ups that are left happen to be spread out across 8 days. That means there is time to kill and that there are posts to add on this blog. Sit back and read...



The coaching carousel has begun, just as it does every year around this time. It does seem that things have been even crazier than normal. It must be the impending doom of humanity via Nostradamus and that dang Mayan calender. It's driving people nuts. Here is what we know so far:

-Florida ripped Will Muschamp from the grasps of Texas' defense and the baffling title of "coach-in-waiting." I think he will be great for the Gators. Muschamp is a fiery individual and that will bode well in Florida. Plus, he is actually from Gainesville. Along with that, he has somehow pried Charlie Weiss from the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs as his offensive coordinator. It's an all star cast down there.

Tell us how you really feel Mr. Muschamp


-Pitt had hired themselves a pretty good, emerging head man in Mike Haywood. He had resurrected a terrible Miami (OH) team from 1-11 to 9-4 and had earned a MAC Championship to show for it. Too bad he was arrested and charged with felony domestic abuse shortly after landing what many would consider a dream job. He was subsequently fired before he even had a chance to do much of anything. All this took place in a period of about 3 weeks. Nice work, Mr. Haywood. On the bright side, he left the Panthers with an undefeated record.

I know Mike, tell me about it!


-Maryland was on the cusp of hiring the pirate-crazy and eccentric former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. Apparently they got cold feet last minute and went a different direction. They jacked Randy Edsall from UConn less than 24 hours after the Huskies were embarrassed by Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Congrats Terrapins. I guess Maryland is a better job than Connecticut...

This man scares me


-Miami hired Al Golden from Temple. That is a good hire as well.

-Michigan will most likely fire Rich Rodriguez after another mediocre season and a blow out loss in a bowl game.

It could be worse, I guess...


-West Virginia's Bill Stewart retired. I imagine Rich Rod wishes he had never left the comfy confines of Morgantown to navigate the choppy waters of Ann Arbor.

-Stanford's Jim Harbaugh is the hottest coach in the nation. Everybody wants him, including the San Francisco 49ers. His alma mater Michigan is waiting until after the Orange Bowl to try and pry him away from the Cardinal. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do.

-Everybody wants Coach Pete from Boise State as well. I don't see it happening. At least not yet.



The Big 10 had a terrible New Year's Day. 5 teams from that vaunted, glorious conference all lost their bowl games, some in amazing blow out fashion. Here's the breakdown:

TCU 21, Wisconsin 19 (Rose Bowl)
Texas Tech 45, Northwestern 38 (TicketCity Bowl)
Alabama 49, Michigan State 7 (Capital One Bowl)
Florida 37, Penn State 24 (Outback Bowl)
Mississippi State 52, Michigan 14 (Progressive Gator Bowl)

That is a huge blow to the reputation of the Big 10. Also, Ohio State's Gordon Gee and his "Little Sisters of the Poor" comment are now eating copious amounts of crow. How does that taste?!

Should this man really be talking about football?




Congratulations to TCU for their Rose Bowl victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. This is huge for them and for all non-AQ schools. It was a great game, hard fought, and the Horned Frogs were the better team. They play great defense. They deserve to be in a BCS conference. Boise State, you are next (I hope)!

Nice work Gary Patterson. Even the Gatorade is purple!




UConn may be the worst team to ever participate in a BCS Bowl Game. Maybe not quite the worst, but they are pretty high up there. Here is my list of the worst teams to ever defile a respected and important(?) BCS Game.

3. UConn Huskies, 2011
2. Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, 2008
1. Pitt Panthers, 2006

I see two teams from the Big East on the list. I'm sensing a problem with that conference. TCU will own them.






That is all I have for now. I understand that it was bit choppy, but I had a lot of things to cover and get out of the way. Tomorrow will be more detail orientated and informative. Make sure you watch the Orange Bowl tonight. It will be a good one. I am personally cheering for the Hokies. Although, I don't like their chances.

Bronco Chase's Bowl Picks, 6th Edition

Now that's more like it! I have been suffering some tough bowl pick losses lately and I really needed a good day to make me feel better. I sure got it. I started off the new year at 4-0 before settling down to watch the two BCS Bowls that we were graciously offered by ESPN. TCU won the Rose Bowl. It was a great game and a few mistakes by Wisconsin (missed field goal, bad clock management at the end of the first half) cost them the game. Congratulations to the Horned Frogs. They won it for the non-AQ schools. Next came the Fiesta Bowl. Oklahoma found themselves in another lose/lose situation. If they win the game, then everybody says "Well they were supposed to. No biggee." But if the Sooners lose, the consensus is "They suck." But they took care of business and finally won a BCS game for Bob Stoops after 5 failed attempts. It was one of those games where Oklahoma dominated, but UConn hung around enough to not allow me to turn off the TV. Frustrating. I would venture to say this the Huskies are one of the worst teams to ever play in a BCS Bowl (2006 Pitt, 2008 Hawai'i). Another observation; did you notice that the vaunted SEC was 0-3 in bowl games before January 1st? Well things changed when Alabama blew out Michigan State, Mississippi State owned Michigan, and Florida hung tough against Penn State to send Urban Meyer off on a good note. Good for them. The conference really needed that boost. Anyway, let's recap the action and go from there.

TicketCity Bowl
My prediction was Texas Tech wins 35 to 28
Final score: Red Raiders 45, Wildcats 38






Outback Bowl
My prediction was Florida wins 24 to 21
Final score: Gators 37, Nittany Lions 24






Capital One Bowl
My prediction was Alabama wins 31 to 21
Final score: Crimson Tide 49, Spartans 7







Gator Bowl
My prediction was Mississippi State wins 35 to 34
Final score: Bulldogs 52, Wolverines 14






Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO
My prediction was TCU wins 21 to 18
Final score: Horned Frogs 21, Badgers 19






Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
My prediction was Oklahoma wins 38 to 21
Final score: Sooners 48, Huskies 20






Batch total: 6-0
Bowl totals: 17-11
Season total: 82-28

__________________________

As a reminder: if the word "prediction" has stars, then it is an upset. It will look like this:

*Prediction*:

Also, I have analyzed some of the games with a write up, but not all of them. I wrote on all the bowls were WAC teams are involved and the BCS Bowls. The others just have when, where, the bowl name, who's playing, and a score prediction. Finally, I am including these bowls in my season long record.

January 3rd at 6:30 PM
Discover Orange Bowl
Miami, Florida

(11-1, 8-1 Pac 10)
vs.

(11-2, 8-0 ACC)




Line: Stanford favored by 3
I am really looking forward to this game. The Hokies have won 11 straight games after starting the season 0-2. The Cardinal’s only loss came at Autzen Stadium against Oregon. Both squads are playing extremely well and the Orange Bowl should be an epic clash. Virginia Tech is famous for their great defenses, but this year has been a down one for many people. I think Stanford actually has the better defense in this game. In college football, I would take Tyrod Taylor over Andrew Luck as far as play-making goes. Plus, the Hokies have three very talented and explosive running backs. The game will be close. The Cardinal will make enough stops throughout and possess the ball to keep Taylor off the field.
Prediction: Cardinal 24, Hokies 21

January 4th at 6:30 PM
AllState Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, Louisiana

(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
vs.

(10-2, 6-2 SEC)




Line: Ohio State favored by 4
Arkansas earned their BCS Bowl the hard way this year. They faced a tough schedule and came out on top, losing only to Auburn and Alabama along the way. Ryan Mallett at quarterback is tough for anyone to stop, as well as the Hogs great receiving core. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, have had a significantly week schedule and lost to the toughest team they played, which was Wisconsin. Still, Ohio States plays very well on defense and has the offense to compliment it well. Terrelle Pryor is developing into a very good pocket passer that uses his legs only when necessary. The Buckeyes are too talented and deep to lose this game. 2 BCS Bowl wins in a row for Jim Tressel. But more importantly, the Buckeyes finally beat an SEC team in a BCS Bowl game.
Prediction: Buckeyes 31, Razorbacks 24

January 6th at 6 PM
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Mobile, Alabama

6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt)
vs.

(9-4, 7-1 MAC)




Line: Miami (OH) favored by 2
Prediction: Redhawks 28, Blue Raiders 24

January 7th at 6 PM
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Arlington, Texas

(10-2, 6-2 SEC)
vs.

(9-3, 6-2 Big 12)




Line: LSU favored by 1
*Prediction*: Aggies 24, Tigers 21

January 8th at 10 AM
BBVA Compass Bowl
Birmingham, Alabama

(7-5, 5-2 Big East)
vs.

(6-6, 2-6 SEC)




Line: Pittsburgh favored by 3
Prediction: Panthers 31, Wildcats 21

January 9th at 7 PM
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
San Francisco, California

(12-1, 7-1 WAC)
vs.

(7-5, 4-4 ACC)




Line: Nevada favored by 10
The Eagles started off the season poorly. They were at 2-5 before rattling off 5 wins in a row to finish the season and secure a spot in a bowl game. It was their rugged defense against the run (top ranked in the nation) that has allowed them to get to this point. What is their reward? The top ranked rushing offense and one of the most prolific in the history of college football. It is strength against strength in San Francisco and it should be a lower scoring affair than one would think with the Nevada Wolfpack in the game. Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua will do enough to put their squad on top, even with a great Boston College defense trying to stop him. Colin Kaepernick is 0-3 as a starter in bowl games. He has already gotten the Boise State monkey off of his back, can he do the same thing in San Francisco? This will be his year. (On a side note, I hate Boston College. This one is personal.)
Prediction: Wolfpack 28, Eagles 21


Bowl totals: 17-11
Season total: 82-28

If you are paying attention, you know that I have only 1 bowl game left to pick, and it is the National Championship between Oregon and Auburn. I will be posting that as well as a detailed preview and analysis of the match up and what it means for college football. Until then, enjoy the end of a fantastic season and stay tuned to Bronco Chase for some stories, analysis, ideas, and whatever else I come up with.