San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl Wrap Up and Beef O' Brady's Bowl Preview

BYU Linebacker Kyle Van Noy had a huge game in their Poinsettia Bowl Victory over San Diego State

San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl: BYU 23, San Diego State 6

This was a game that featured very little offense, especially in the first half, as San Diego State held a 6-3 lead going into the half. The second half was a completely different story, as BYU stepped it up on defense, especially linebacker Kyle Van Noy, as he scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery, and also ran an interception back for a score. He was undoubtedly the deciding factor in this game, as BYU scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to win the game 23-6. 

I picked San Diego State in this game, so I am now 2-1 on bowl picks this season.

The knights of Central Florida will square off against Ball State tonight for the Beef O' Brady's Bowl

Beef O' Brady's Bowl:

How They Got Here:

Central Florida: The Knights of Central Florida had a good season this year, finishing with a 9-4 record in the Conference USA. Central Florida has a high powered offense that has been putting up 35 points per game this season, and its only losses came against Missouri, Ohio State, and Tulsa (twice). Central Florida lost the Conference USA Title Game to Tulsa, which put them in the Beef O' Brady's Bowl instead of going to the Liberty Bowl. Central Florida had some key wins over East Carolina, SMU, and Rice.

Ball State: The Cardinals of Ball State also had a good season as they went 9-3, represent the MAC conference, and look to pick up their first ever bowl win tonight against UCF. Ball State is 0-5 all time in bowl games heading into tonight's match up against the Knights. Ball State played a tough schedule this year, as the MAC Conference surprised some people by getting Northern Illinois to a BCS Bowl, and having seven teams in the conference be bowl eligible. Ball State relies on their explosive offense, but they don't play that great on defense, as they are ranked 91st in points allowed in the nation. Ball State picked up some key victories against Southern Florida, Ohio, Toledo, and Central Michigan. 

Prediction: I picked against defense last time, as I picked San Diego State over BYU, and with Central Florida having such an explosive offense I have to go with the Knights in this match-up. Ball State will keep it close, but if they make a mistake Central Florida will take advantage of it, and I think that will be the difference. Central Florida wins this high scoring affair, 42-38.

Credits:

Central Florida picture:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/beef-o-brady-bowl-preview-central-florida-vs-001124932--ncaaf.html#more-24224

BYU Picture:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2012/12/21/brigham-young-san-diego-state-poinsettia-bowl/1783645/

Information:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/2050/ball-state-cardinals

http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?id=323562116

http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/2116/ucf-knights

Gildan New Mexico Bowl and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Wrap Up, San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl Preview

Arizona running back Ka'Deem Carey had a big game in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona 49, Nevada 48
This game was a thrilling start to the 2012 bowl season. This high scoring affair was decided late in the final quarter, as the Wildcats rallied from a 21 point deficit to defeat the Nevada Wolf Pack, 49-48. Arizona was down 13 with just under two minutes remaining.

Arizona knew they needed a miracle. Arizona quarter back Matt Scott kept his composure, and took the team down the field for a much needed touchdown. Then with no timeouts, Arizona had to attempt an onside kick. Then the unthinkable happened. The onside kick was executed to perfection. Scott then rallied the Wildcats and led them down the field throwing a two yard strike to wide receiver Tyler Slavin, who scored the game winning touchdown. The Wildcats kicked off this year's bowl season with a heck of a game. Both teams combined for 1,237 yards of total offense. Turnovers really killed Nevada late in this game, as two fumbles were the Wolf Packs downfall. Arizona back Ka'Deem Carey ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He is only a sophomore, and he could contend for the Heisman Trophy next season. He's definitely a player to watch.


I picked Arizona in my preview post, so after this game I am 1-0 in Bowl Picks.

Utah State running back Kerwynn Williams ran all over Toledo

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State 41, Toledo 15
This game was close for three quarters, but got way out of hand. Toledo never had a chance in the second half as Utah State running back Kerwynn Williams exploded in the 4th quarter, having two rushes of of more than 50 yards. Williams finished the game with 235 yards rushing and three touchdowns.


I picked Utah State in the preview, so after this game I am now 2-0 in Bowl Picks.

San Diego State will square off against BYU in this years Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl:

How They Got Here:

BYU: The Cougars of BYU had an up and down year this season, going 7-5 as an Independent.They started out the year 2-0, with routs of Washington State and Weber State, but dropped their next two games against Utah, 24-21, and Boise State 7-6. BYU then destroyed Hawaii, and took a 6-3 victory over Utah State. BYU had a rough schedule this year, and their next two games came against two top 10 opponents. BYU lost both games, 42-24 to Oregon State, and 17-14 to the top ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. BYU finished the year out on a high note, winning three of their last four games against Georgia Tech, Idaho, and New Mexico State. BYU mainly relies on their 5th ranked defense to win them games. Five of their games were decided by a touchdown or less.


San Diego State: The Aztecs of San Diego State went 9-3 this season, and won a share of the Mountain West title. The Aztecs opened up the year with a loss against Washington, but defeated Army 42-7 the next week. The Aztecs got in a close game the following week, as they edged North Dakota 49-41. San Diego State then dropped two contests against San Jose State and Fresno State. The Aztecs then got on a roll winning seven straight games to wrap up their year at 9-3, and are playing in the Poinsettia Bowl for the second time in three years. Some key wins for the Aztecs are their victories over Boise State, Air Force, and Nevada.


Prediction: BYU does have the 5th ranked defense in all of college football, but I am looking for San Diego State running back Adam Muema to have a big game, and he will need to in order for San Diego State to pull out the victory. Muema, a sophomore, rushed for 1,355 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. The Cougars are the favorite, but look for them to slip up as San Diego State wins this low scoring affair 17-13.




Credits:
Ka'Deem Carey Photo:
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/55/85548096-2b78-11e2-870c-0019bb2963f4/509ebe879e944.preview-620.jpg
Gildan New Mexico Bowl Information:
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=323500012
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Information:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?id=323500328
Kerwynn Williams Photo:
http://www.idahopress.com/blogs/sports/dave/famous-idaho-potato-bowl-utah-state-toledo-fourth-quarter/article_5a9df9a6-4700-11e2-90fd-0019bb2963f4.html

San Diego State photo:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/949010-boise-state-football-grading-the-broncos-win-over-san-diego-state#/articles/949010-boise-state-football-grading-the-broncos-win-over-san-diego-state/page/7
BYU Information:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/252/brigham-young-cougars
San Diego State Information:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/21/san-diego-state-aztecs