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December 31, 2007
The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8, Part 3
Things have tightened up in the MRI vs. The World challenge this season. Instead of a few entrants running away with the whole thing, we have most of the entrants running away from the CBS talking heads.
Aside from the Congrove Computer, which has 13 points and leads the contest, there are 8 entries within three bowl wins. With enough discrepancy over the final week of games, this contest is still anyone's game. That is, anyone but Dennis Dodd and Darin Darst.
Just a reminder that our lineup of Bowl Experts comes from the following list:
CBS Experts (Darst, Dodd, Harmon): Listed Here
Congrove Computer: Listed Here
Pat Forde (ESPN.com): Listed Here
Bruce Feldman (ESPN): Insider Article on ESPN, 1st Half Picks, 2nd Half
Colin Cowherd (Replacing The Schwab): Listed Here
Erick Smith (USA Today): Listed Here
Tulsa World Picker (Crazy Cartoon Hero): Part 1 Listed Here, Part 2 Listed Here (No TCU-Houston Pick)
These predictions take us into the new year and our last installment will be January 2nd with the close-out of the contest.
The Armed Forces Bowl
Why to watch?: Cal wins for the most disappointing team this season, not any of those schools in Florida. This is their last chance to prove that they were better than they showed.
Air Force: The MRI, Darst, Dodd, Forde, Feldman, Smith, Picker
Cal: Harmon, Congrove, Cowherd, The World (74%)
The Humanitarian Bowl
Why to watch?: The Blue turf will complement the gold and red of the Georgia Tech and Fresno State uniforms so nicely. This is Georgia Tech's chance to see if they can break the streak of teams without a coach losing.
Georgia Tech: The MRI, Harmon, Dodd, Congrove, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (71%)
Fresno State: Darst, Forde, Feldman, Smith
The Sun Bowl
Why to watch?: Oregon hasn't won a game since Dennis Dixon got hurt. Let's see how well whomever is at quarterback deals with the South Florida defense featuring George Selvie. Things don't look good for the Ducks
South Florida: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Picker, The World (83%)
Oregon: Cowherd, Smith
The Music City Bowl
Why to watch?: Can Florida State overcome missing almost 1/3 of their traveling team? Doubtful. This is Andre Woodson's one last chance to impress in a game situation before the draft.
Kentucky: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, The World (90%)
Florida State: Picker
The Insight Bowl
Why to watch?: Oklahoma State's offense is something to behold. Indiana, not so much, but they made a bowl game for the first time since 1993. That should give them at least some incentive to win.
Oklahoma State: The MRI, Harmon, Congrove, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (87%)
Indiana: Darst, Dodd, Forde, Feldman
The Peach Bowl
Why to watch?: I still can't call it solely by its chicken sponsor's name. You can't change the name of one of the most famous bowl games without it taking a little time for people to get used to it. This is just like that FBS and FCS craziness that the NCAA has tried to impose on us. Auburn was everyone's favorite spoiler this season, and this will be their chance to spoil some draft hopes for the two Clemson running backs. Expect a wild one in Atlanta.
Clemson: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Feldman, Picker, The World (57%)
Auburn: Forde, Cowherd, Smith
The Outback Bowl
Why to watch?: Tennessee ended up in the SEC championship based on tie breakers. It was hard to say that they were the best team out of the SEC East this season. So, can slow and steady Wisconsin take down the pretender? This is one of the best match ups of the bowl season.
Wisconsin: The MRI, Darst, Dodd, Feldman, Smith, Picker
Tennessee: Harmon, Congrove, Forde, Cowherd, The World (75%)
The Cotton Bowl
Why to watch?: Missouri has a chip on their shoulder after being left out of the BCS when they only lost to one team this season, even if they lost twice to them. Arkansas is a team in transition, but they still have Darren McFadden (for now, unless this car thing gets resolved in a day), and Felix Jones. The over is in serious jeopardy.
Missouri: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, The World (77%)
Arkansas: Smith, Picker
The Gator Bowl
Why to watch?: Texas Tech's air attack will be tough for Virginia to keep up with. See how quickly Virginia gets down when they give up more than 20 points in a game, potentially in the first quarter.
Texas Tech: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, The World (83%)
Virginia: Dodd, Picker
The Capital One Bowl
Why to watch?: Michigan has had trouble with spread offenses all season long. This game should be no different against Florida. What should be interesting is how much the senior offense of the Wolverines can put together, featuring Mike Hart, and Chad Henne. This may not do well for their draft prospects.
Florida: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (92%)
Michigan: None
The Rose Bowl
Why to watch?: USC is the biggest favorite of all 32 bowl games. Can they cover? It looks better and better after Lou Holtz jinxed the Illini with one of this pep talks.
USC: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (85%)
Illinois: None
The Sugar Bowl
Why to watch?: This is Hawaii's chance to shock the world like Boise State did last season. While most people don't think the Warriors belong, their are at least 90 men on their sideline who do. Georgia was left out of the National Championship by the poll voters and have plenty to prove in this one. Let's call this the "Affirmation Bowl"
Georgia: The MRI, Harmon, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (74%)
Hawaii: Darst
Standings:
1. Colin Cowherd, 22
2. Congrove Computer, 21
3. Harmon Predictor, 20
3. "The World", 20
5. Erick Smith, 19
6. Pat Forde, 18
7. The MRI, 17
7. Bruce Feldman, 17
9. Tulsa World Picker, 14
9. Darin Darst, 13
11. Dennis Dodd, 11
The MRI is a computer football ranking system. It has been picking games since 2003. Ben Miraski writes for MRISports.com and is a featured blogger on FanIQ. Readers can contact Ben at bmiraski@mrisports.com
Posted by bmiraski at December 31, 2007 12:05 PM
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