Weekend Bowl Picks  

Walter:

Cincinnati -7 over Western Michigan

Well what do I know. I know that Western Michigan will be without their starting tailback. I also know that Cincinnati is a pretty damn good team who has impressive victories this season over Rutgers (30-11) and South Florida (23-6). Both of those teams looked excellent in their bowl games and we might be seeing something of a resurgence in the Big East. I am not certain how the Bearcats have done it on offense. They don't have any stars and may be doing it with smoke and mirrors. Still, without Mark Bonds the Western Michigan offense won't be close to the same. Let's call it Cinci 24-13.

Ohio +6 over Southern Mississippi

Why no love for the 9-4 Bobcats. Frank Solich has done an outstanding job this season, although I have a strong feeling this could be his last game at Ohio U (he'd be an outstanding hire for a team like Minnesota). Ohio has several impressive victories this season including at Illinois, at Norther Illinois, and at Miami of Ohio. Kalvin McRae is one of the more productive backs you've never seen play, as he paces the Bobcat offense with 15 rushing TD's. Don't get me wrong, Souther Mississippi has had a nice season and they are a somewhat underrated program. But this looks like a close game to me so I am taking the points. Ohio was able to hang with Rutgers and Missouri for three quarters before losing late. They stick around in this one too. Call it Souther Mississippi 20-19.

Overall Bowl Record: 13-14

Frazier:

Western Michigan +7 over Cincinnati

Ugh, a garbage game in the middle of the fun ones. Who cares? Anyways, I don't like the idea of a new coach coming in for the bowl game, even if he has experience against the opponent. Everything is weird, and communication will be tough with all the different jargon and play calling, and getting settled in a new school in a new town. Just seems like a very, very bad idea. I like Western Michigan to keep it close, but lose, 24-20.

Ohio +6 over Souther Mississippi

In a game where I really don't know shit, I am taking the points and the coach. Solich has done a marvelous job, and shown once again that he is deserving of a major college job. He got a raw deal at Nebraska, and he is doing a great job building the Bobcats program. They win outright, 27-23.

Overall Bowl Record: 12-17