Hey, we’ve won the Las Vegas Bowl once since then!
However, the BCS does set up a sense that either you play for #1 or you are just playing in a consolation prize. And the UCLA team was riddled with dissension by the end of that season. The offense and defense hated each other.
This year, both the offense and defense can feel bad about the USC game.
OSU’s hot offense will have cooled to room temp by January 2nd. 
As I recall, Wisconsin had a bit of chip on their shoulder that year. They backed into the Rose Bowl thanks to a series of upsets at the end of the season and I remember one TV commentator in particular called them “the worst Rose Bowl team ever” or words to that effect. Then UCLA fell into the trap of talking as if the Badgers were beneath them…
…also 1994 was the first time Wisconsinites had tasted football success since Super Bowl II. We were happy to be there in 1994. By 1998 we had experienced a Super Bowl win and a close loss and we were not up for being treated as flukes.
I definitely recall the Stanford-Wisconsin Rose Bowl the following year being a much more placid affair in comparison. Besides, it was probably harder to tell the fans apart in the parking lot… 
Regardless I will carry a grudge against Wisconsin fans to my grave!
Since I live in Pasadena, I’ve been to a few Rose Bowls and not just ones involving UCLA. From my experience, the most annoying fans were the ones from Northwestern, who came to Pasadena with an extremely high level of superiority. They complained about the Rose Bowl’s construction, its toilets, the way they served drinks, everythign. They turned me into a USC fan for that day. I’m very protective of my neighborhood bowl game and like to see it treated with the respect it deserves.
The most interesting Rose Bowl game I ever atteneded and the one with the best fans was the one between Washington State and Michigan. Michigan was going for a national championship and Washington State hadn’t been for years. Half the stadium was blue, the other half crimson. I didn’t really care who won. I just sat back in my seat and enjoyed the spectacle. Or to be precise, leaned on my bench and enjoyed the spectacle.
I’m going to be attending the Las Vegas Bowl (Cal-BYU). Should be fun, for myriad reasons.
What really sux for Oregon is that they have to play without their starting QB. With Clemons, they would stomp Oklahoma and have a big “I told you so” for the BCS. Without him, they’re in trouble–Oklahoma is starting to play well.
Florida State, on the other hand…Virginia Tech should be ashamed for letting FSU disgrace the BCS field.
Bowl games on Jan 4 is a sin.
Plus-one is definitely the way to go. Traditional conference tie-ins (played on Jan 1, the way God intended). Two best teams standing face each other, a week later.
Agree with the poster who said that the Sun (UCLA-Northwester) resembles those old Holiday Bowls; those 100-point combined shootouts with BYU and San Diego State. Those were a blast.
Personally? I worry about the offense. They’ve played well this year, but there were only a few games that I took it for granted they’d win from the start. Perhaps it’s just left-over Davies’ hauntings…
I see two issues: (1) Quinn has moments of unpredictability and (2) Walker just isn’t a game-breaking RB (although he’s pretty good at consistently getting 3-5 yards/carry). Hopefully, Stovall, Samardzija, Shelton, and Fasano will pick up any slack. (And I hope that Fitzgerald is back on track too.)
I’m just not familiar enough with OSU this year to offer an informed opinion. Weiss seems to have an incredible talent for keeping the players focussed and intent on winning; in addition to his wizardry, I’m hoping that’ll be enough. One way or the other, I hope it’ll be a great game!
The Rose Bowl has done it religiously since 1922.
The Cotton Bowl has done it since its inception.
The Sugar Bowl has done it since its inception (except for the few years in the mid-1970’s when it was on Dec. 31).
The Orange Bowl has done it since its inception.
I can, if you like look at all the bowl games, but I think you will find that college football does not play on Sunday. Pretty much period.
As a Husker fan, we do have our hands full. Our one big win was Colorado, and it was a great win (until Texas beat them 70-3). Looking at the wins and losses and relative schedules, we are a bit overmatched. But I will admit it sounds neat to get into a lowly bowl like the Alamo and get such a juicy-name matchup. Better than the Fort Worth Bowl vs Houston or something.
If (when?) UM wins, I KNOW we’ll hear about 1997, when they split the title with us. I even hear fans talking about payback for 97 (“payback” for 2 unbeaten teams sharing the title?) Uh, people, the current players were in Intermediate school in 1997!
I think USC will drill Texas. Remember last year how Oklahoma blew through the Big XII and Texas Tech destroyed Cal. It seemed like the Big XII was stronger than the Pac-10, especially since USC had close calls (Stanford, UCLA, Oregon St), while OU didn’t.
55-19.
You stop Young, you stop Texas. Then again, with all of USC’s weapons, they may not have to stop Young to outscore Texas. I could play QB for USC blindfolded, toss around the ball, and someone would make the play. Best offense since the 1995 Huskers.
My nephew who goes to Boston College has been bragging that he’s going to go see the Eagles play their bowl game. I hope he enjoys Boise in December. 
No disrespect intended, of course! Go Big Red! I agree though that it’s a pretty good draw for Nebraska, just think that UM might be a bit much. However, Nebraska’s got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Could be the signature win they need to turn it around (like you said, the Colorado win got diminished a bit by UT).
I tend to agree with you … however … can USC stop Vince? I mean, he’s phenomenal and USC’s defense is not that great. They’ve been sufficient - especially with that juggernaut of an offense, but let’s be honest. Fresno State (I was at the game! whoo-hoo! Go me!) gave USC hell. They just wouldn’t quit - even though Pinegar threw like 4 picks. They would not quit, and they always found a way to move on this defense. I think VY and Ramonce Taylor, etc. may be able to move the ball.
The more interesting match-up for me is USC’s offense v. UT’s defense. I mean, I’ve said it before, but USC has not faced anywhere near this good a defense this year.
Also re: 1995 Huskers … Tommy Frazier? My favorite NCAA player of all time. If Walter Payton never existed, he would be my favorite player of ALL TIME.
Man, I’m so psyched!
And on preview, zamboniracer, better get your nephew a new winter coat and gloves for Christmas!
Alright, I’m brimming with hubris right now - so even though they’re not that glamorous, here’s my thoughts on the first 5 bowls:
(1) New Orleans Bowl - Arkansas State v. Southern Mississippi
Well, it’s the first bowl game of the season and … um, and … Just kidding. I don’t know much about Arkansas State. And truthfully, I’m not expecting much since they got creamed this season by Missouri and Army. On the other hand, Southern Miss is a pretty decent ball team. I saw their OT win against Marshall and their early game against Bama and I think they should be pretty dominant here.
(2) GMAC Bowl - Univ. of Texas El Paso (UTEP) v. Toledo
Ugg. All the stupid media can talk about is Mike Price returning to Alabama. Like he’s going back there to re-tour the strip clubs. He actually put together a helluva team and was looking good for Coach of the Year early on. There was a pretty depressing slide though at the end of the season. On the other side, Toledo has a great QB in Gradkowski (sp?). This should be a pretty good game, with lots of offense.
(3) Las Vegas Bowl - Brigham Young Univ (BYU) v. Cal
Fireworks. BYU always puts together a decent offensive attack. They send those linemen off on their mission, and they come back strong and tough. They should be able to move the ball. The real question here is whether Jeff Tedford can coach Ayoob into having a good game to end the season on a good note. I think he probably can.
(4) Poinsettia Bowl - Colorado State v. Navy
Only one thing matters here to me (and I apologize to CSU fans): Navy’s option, Navy’s option, Navy’s option. CSU has struggled ever since Van Pelt graduated, so it would be good for them to get a win. But I always end up pulling for Navy because I love that option!
(5) Fort Worth Bowl - Kansas v. Houston
I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen Houston play - but they apparently have a stud QB in Kolb. Kansas is nothing but a defense, so this should be a pretty good matchup. Although when Kansas is playing O and Houston is playing D, you can just go ahead and flip over to your Charlie Brown Christmas DVD.
Anyways that’s my early take.
Hopefully, I’ll get the gumption to finish 'em off and go through every bowl - if somebody else wants to take a few, please do! Anyways, feel free to disagree, comment, mock, praise, or disregard my thoughts!
In 1995, the Orange and Peach Bowls were played on Sunday, January 1.
I don’t think Ayoob is going to start in the Las Vegas Bowl. He didn’t start Big Game and his backup Levy did a decent job. Ayoob’s confidence is shot.
Cal should have enough talent to handle BYU, which is not a particularly strong team or has an offense remotely approaching its glory years.
I am not really a big college football fan (growing up, my local college sports team was UConn, and they didn’t have a team that mattered until a few years ago… so I never picked up a real passion for the sport), but as a Big East fan… I find this absolutely hilarious, as BC is getting exactly what it deserves. When you turn traitor on the conference that has gotten you where you are, where you have all the tradition, and where you make the most sense geographically… you damn well deserve to be shunned by southern ACC bowl affiliations that want more local teams
As a general sports fan (since UConn fell a win short of the bowl picture this year), I will happily be rooting for Louisville/Big East (to beatdown some more ACC traitors), Charlie Weis, West Virginia/Big East (to show the BCS bid was worth it with a win over the big bad SEC), JoePa, and not-USC (everlasting disdain for Pete Carroll as a Pats fan) when those games are on. No strong feelings on any of the other games, though I’m sure I’ll catch a few.
:smack:
I even watched the Big Game. Totally forgot that. And, from googling, looks like Tedford is going to start Levy in the Vegas Bowl.
I’m a shitty quarterback, so … good catch, BobT.
You touched on one of the greatest things about the bowl games: conference loyalty. I always think it’s great (as a UGA fan) to suck it up and pull for teams that I hate like Florida and Auburn. (I would have said Tennessee too but ooooh boy they suck this year! 3rd in the preseason polls my ass!) It’s not that I want to do it, but man - I want them to win - just so when people start arguing about what the toughest conference is, I have some ammo!
Anyways, the point I was making is that it’s great that people can pull for and against conferences. It really makes the bowl games fun for everyone.
Louisville’s got their hands full. I don’t care how badly FSU whipped up on VA Tech, that’s a dangerous team. And, notwithstanding Marcus Vick, they have the defense to give Louisville fits.
Man - lots of Chally Weis racis… I mean love this year! I’m just kidding - he’s a good coach, and hopefully he’ll put together a great plan against OSU. (I do wonder why they didn’t give Tyrone a $10,000,000 extension when he went 8-0 in his first year - I know the answer: Charlie’s a better coach. You can look at the players and tell - BUT it sure did give the appearance of impropriety. I think to his credit, Tyrone has been classy about the whole thing. Course he does have his hands full up at UW.)
Also, I almost always pull for JoePa too - I’ve always liked him, but it really came together for me a few years ago when he hung the referee in effigy. Hehe.
As for the not-USC - you’re on a bandwagon almost as big as the pro-USC bandwagon. Seems to me like the buildup to this game is going to get uglier than the 2004 election.
Bowl Games 6 - 10 (again, not the sexiest bowls of the field, but…):
(6) Hawaii Bowl - Nevada v. Univ of Central Florida
Two great storylines converge! George O’Leary may not have a Ph.D. ( ) but the man can coach. He’s taken UCF from 0-11 last year and taken them to a bowl. I’m expecting big things in the future from this program (if they can keep O’Leary around). On the other side, Nevada is coming off a quality win over a tough Fresno State team to get its share of the WAC title. This should be a solid matchup.
(7) Motor City Bowl - Memphis v. Akron
Hey, how about those Zips?! They basically came out of nowhere to win the MAC - showing decent offense and defense the whole way. But they’re going to have their hands full with Memphis’ runningback, Williams. This kid is seriously good. I have no idea which way it will break, but it should be fun to see if the Zips can stop Williams.
(8) Champs Sports Bowl - Clemson v. Colorado
Two inconsistent teams square off. Clemson closed out a fairly good season with a strong win over their arch-rival South Carolina. And (as a bonus) they didn’t get in any fights, so they get to go to a bowl game! Yay! Charlie Whitehurst is a stud at QB for the Tigers. On the other hand, Colorado is coming off an old-fashioned ass whoopin in the Big XII title game. They really need to put it together to prove to the world that the Big XII North doesn’t suck as hard as it does. Because from where I’m standing … oh man.
(9) Insight Bowl - Arizona State v. Rutgers
ASU has a great offense that played USC to a standstill before the defense broke. They’ve only lost to decent teams: LSU, USC, UCLA, Oregon. You’d think, that with this offense, they would have gotten at least one to break their way. They’re coming up against the Little Engine that Could however. Rutgers is a great story, as the Scarlet Knights have really put it together this year. I’m looking for huge numbers from both offenses (though I think that ASU should put this one away).
(10) MPC Computers Bowl - Boise State v. Boston College
Well, we’ve already mocked BC for being banished to Boise in December. Truthfully, this shouldn’t be much of a game. It shouldn’t. BC, for all of its issues this year, is a solid team. Boise State has had a down year. BUT … as Lee Corso would say … Not. So. Fast. The Smurf Turf - the great Equalizer. BSU’s players are practically camoflagued! They always seem to get great picks. Mark my words - if it starts snowing, this game will be decided by a point. However, if BC’s defense can get in there and pop Zabransky a time or two, the “big game” mental issues could take over. I’m liking BC, but with some reservations. Check the weather forecast.
I have been to many OSU games, but my favorite is still the game against Notre Dame in 1995. There is so much tradition and history for both teams, that it makes for a naturally compelling game.
I think this will be a great game, regardless. Lots of great story lines with Quinn being from Ohio and A.J. Hawk dating his sister and so on.
Notre Dame seems to play to the level of their opponent, which is why they looked very average against teams like Stanford, but great against USC.
It’s nice to be able to discuss this game without resorting to the normal “Well, we beat Michigan by more points than you guys, so we are obviously going to beat you”.
Interesting. I had no idea.
Interestingly enough, I didn’t follow college football until a few years ago. One of the things that got me into it is the absolute pleasantness of (most) ND fans at home games. It’s one of the reasons I’ll always root against the Florida teams – in my observations, both the fans and the players are jerks. There was an Observer editorial about the fans in the ND/Tennessee game that was spot on. As a fan, I try to live up to those expectations.
Just think of the trash Hawk could talk across the line in between snaps. You’ll never believe what your sister did last night! Seems like that’d rattle his concentration.