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The MRI vs. The World, The Final Showdown Edition
January 5, 2009
By Benjamin Miraski
The MRI might have felt like its hangover hit a day late. After sweeping through New Year's Day, the computer lost all three bowl games on January 2 before righting the ship on the third by picking Connecticut over Buffalo.
But because of the slips on the second, the MRI has kept itself from being in position to take the MRI vs. the World challenge title.
Instead that will be decided over the next few days during the final three games.
The contenders?
- Will Harris of ESPN, who currently leads with 20 correct out of 31 games. Over the final three games, Will has Texas, Tulsa and Oklahoma as the winners. Harris needs wins from either Tulsa and Oklahoma to win the title straight out, but he must have one of those two games.
- Bruce Feldman, also of ESPN, trails Harris by one victory. In the final three, Feldman has picked Texas, Ball State and Florida. Ball State and Florida are must wins if Feldman will take home the title, and he needs both victories.
The best news for the MRI is that it will either beat or tie all of the other computers in the challenge. Even better, the Harmon Forecast, so prominently places on CBS Sports, could be beaten by the MRI.
Ah, sweet victory.
So while the best the MRI can hope for is a second place finish, I don't think it is too wrong to be a little joyful about the bowl season after having such a miserable start that it looked like the MRI could flop.
But there are three more bowl games to go. Let's see what the spreadsheet says.
January 5, 2009
The Fiesta Bowl
Why to watch?: I find it humorous that Kirk Herbstreit was so diligent about sticking with the Big Ten through all of the bowl games, until the big ones. And that includes shunning his alma mater, Ohio State. Herbie pick Michigan State, Wisconsin and Northwestern. How did that work out? 0-fer, that's how. And now, when he has a chance to pick Ohio State to pull a shocker, he doesn't. Texas has been murdering opponents all season long, and its only loss came with a single second left on the clock. I can't believe that no matter how good Ohio State's defense may have been against almost everyone that they will find a way to stop both the passing and running attack of Texas. The only hope might be to somehow contain Colt McCoy enough that he is forced to make mistakes. And that just seems like a losing bet.
Texas: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (90%)
Ohio State: None
January 6, 2009
The GMAC Bowl
Why to watch?: There should be a rule against this. There is no reason for there to be a bowl game this tangential played so late in the bowl season. Heck, this bowl game should have been played prior to the New Year. Tulsa was an MRI darling all season long, and I can hope that it can pay the bills again with a victory over Ball State. Heck, Ball State should be in total let down mode. Their coach is leaving, they ruined their chance at a perfect season by losing to Buffalo in the MAC championship and they are playing in Mobile, Ala. When there were so many better places to go and chances to take, you don't think these kids are disappointed. That should be the perfect formula for Tulsa to win, which should translate into a Will Harris championship.
Tulsa: The MRI, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Harris
Ball State: Harmon, Darst, Feldman, Herbstreit, The World (71%)
January 8, 2009
The National Championship Game
Why to watch?: Because we don't have a playoff and this is going to be a great game. I know I have said that before when Oklahoma has made the big one, but I really think this Oklahoma team might be different that those others who were embarrassed with losses when it meant something. For starters, it is a more balanced team, and while Sam Bradford is a big factor in the offense, he is not the only factor. For its part, Florida is a much better team than the one that won two years ago. The balance and speed should be a little too much for Oklahoma, especially when Tim Tebow throws the ball. Oklahoma's passing defense can be a little suspect and Tebow is very accurate. Look for a high-scoring affair with the Gators coming out on top. At least that is what the computer says.
Florida: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, The World (61%)
Oklahoma: Harris
The MRI Rankings are copyright 2009 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 January 5, 2009 12:16 PM
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