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