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The MRI vs. The World, NYE Edition
December 31, 2008 | By Benjamin Miraski
The MRI is slowly climbing back into it. Last night, the computer scored two more victories (although losing the one game that this guy thought would be a perfect bet for those who partake in those things).
That brings the MRI to 9-8 this bowl season, good enough to be tied with the other two computers, Dennis Dodd and Kirk Herbstreit for last. Yet, we are only three games behind the leaders: Pat Forde and Bruce Feldman.
I guess there is a reason why Feldman has his own picks column every week on ESPN.com. Maybe they should rethink having Herbie pick on College Gameday though if the computers can pull ahead of him.
Revenge such as beating Herbstreit would be very sweet given his comments about the computers over the years.
But enough gloating. We have bowl games... and more bowl games... and still more bowl games to pick and watch.
Let's go to the spreadsheet.
December 31, 2008
The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Why to watch?: This is the second rematch of the bowl season and all of the prognosticators are hoping that it will also reverse itself. Houston is the real air force in this game, gaining over almost 500 yards passing per game. The air game should be enough for the Cougars to overcome Air Force this time around, especially since there isn't a hurricane barreling down on the two teams.
Houston: The MRI, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris
Air Force: Harmon, Darst, The World (61.5%)
The Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Why to watch?: It took over 25 years for Vanderbilt to finally qualify for a bowl game again. And to reward them for the feat, they get to stay home in Nashville. Not exactly what the Commodore players were hoping for, but still better than nothing. There will at least be some schwag -- oh wait, they are only getting noise canceling headphones. Vanderbilt will need them to tune out the boos that will rain down when Boston College clobbers them.
Boston College: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, The World (91%)
Vanderbilt: Harris
The Brut Sun Bowl
Why to watch?: Maybe someone in the stands will actually be wearing Brut. Seriously, I think I stopped getting anything made by Brut when I was 11. How can they honestly make enough money to sponsor a bowl game? Of course, it is in El Paso. Maybe the exchange rate works in their favor. The big question here will be which Oregon State team shows up: the one who stunk to begin the season and laid an egg against Oregon, or the one that almost won the PAC-10 again this season. The MRI is hoping for the latter.
Oregon State: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Harris
Pittsburgh: Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, The World (80%)
The Insight Bowl
Why to watch?: Good luck trying to watch this. It is on the NFL Network. And why would you even want to watch this? Neither team was able to be better than .500 in their conference and Minnesota couldn't even do that much. Basically this is a bowl game for people who have some time to kill before dinner tonight when they will watch the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.
Kansas: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (79%)
Minnesota: None
The Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Why to watch?: Paul Johnson has turned Georgia Tech into his running machine, which should be good news Yellow Jacket fan. Your team will eventually break through in the ACC once it gets used to the scheme. The bad news is that LSU is coming to town, but given the Tigers' struggles over the latter half of the season, I think you can worry a little less. LSU couldn't beat anyone in the SEC to end the year, losing four conference games in a row. Talk about a team that is deflated. I doubt there will be any talk about Les Miles being pulled somewhere else before this game.
Georgia Tech: The MRI, Darst, Dodd, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (77%)
LSU: Harmon, Congrove
January 1, 2009
The Outback Bowl
Why to watch?: You are still laying in bed after tonight and need something to stare at so the room stops spinning. This is a bonus on this version of the MRI vs. the World just in case I am in that state tomorrow at 10 a.m. Central when this one kicks off. Don't these people in Florida sleep? Iowa was the team that could, beating Penn State and making sure the Big Ten wouldn't be embarrassed with another Championship Game loss. Not that I think Penn State was that much worse than the other teams in contention, but no one needs to see the conference lose three in a row. There are just some things that aren't done. All eyes will be on Shonn Greene as he gains another 100-plus yards with his legs and has scouts in the NFL drooling all over themselves.
Iowa: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (64%)
South Carolina: None
The MRI Rankings are copyright 2008 by MRISports.com. Ben Miraski is a freelance reporter, edits and writes for MRISports.com and is a featured blogger on FanIQ. Readers can contact Ben at bmiraski@mrisports.com
Posted December 31, 2008 8:53 AM
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