January 7, 2009

The MRI vs. The World, Trophy Presentation Edition

Who cares that the crystal football hasn't been handed out. It's over.

No, I am not talking about Rick Reilly handing his mythical National Title to Utah.

The MRI vs. The World has officially been won.

Congratulations to Will Harris of ESPN, who has taken the title with 22 wins in the 33 bowl games that have been held so far this season.

Harris now holds a two point lead on the MRI, the Congrove Computer, Pat Forde and Bruce Feldman.

The World...well, you all finished in dead last, with 16 wins. That's right. You have a losing record so far this bowl season with Florida as your only hope to get to .500.

Good news, though. That would qualify you for a bowl game.

The MRI has reason to celebrate beyond finishing in a tie for second place.

For starters, it tied as the best computer this season.

Next, it beat Kirk Herbstreit, and will tie Bruce Feldman. Can't feel bad about that.

And if you go deeper, the MRI beat four of six Fantasy Sports writers on ESPN, and will beat or tie seven of the nine ESPN Sportscenter Anchors who played in the Bowl Mania challenge.

And for even more satisfaction, it beat another of the computer haters, Skip Bayless.

Overall, not a bad finish for a computer that started 1-5 and looked all but left for dead.

So, congratulations to all of this year's contestants, and a special "Wahoo!" to the MRI for its achievement. The computer looks forward to facing you all again next year.

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 3:02 PM | Comments (0)

January 5, 2009

The MRI vs. The World, The Final Showdown Edition

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%)

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, The Final Showdown Edition"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:16 PM | Comments (0)

January 2, 2009

The MRI vs. The World, Easing into the New Year edition

So it wasn't a hangover that kept me from posting the next round of The MRI vs. The World yesterday.

Instead it was a faulty router which took a good deal of the morning and afternoon before I could get it up and running again.

But while computer problems plagued posting, they didn't stop the MRI from going undefeated yesterday in the five New Year's bowl games.

The biggest game up for grabs was the Orange Bowl which saw Virginia Tech's stellar defense stifle Cincinnati's offense to the tune of four turnovers. Beamer Ball was alive and well in Miami.


It was pleasing to see Frank Beamer so happy to finally break through and win that BCS game. It had been an 0-fer until last night and you could see the big weight come off of Beamer's shoulders with the win. He couldn't wait long enough to pass out the Oranges from the trophy.

Winning a big game should help Beamer stick around in Blacksburg for a long time.

You may think that it is silly to even think about him losing his position, but look at what happened in Tennessee this year, or Auburn. The ACC is not the SEC, and winning along the coast should be much easier than winning where Phil Fulmer and Tommy Tuberville did for so long. Yet, Beamer's team has had issues with getting to the top of the less than stellar ACC, and even when he did, he lost the big game.

So a win could quiet any peeps of a rumor for a time. Or we can hope.

Ok, enough soapboxing for the day.

The MRI now has 17 wins on the bowl season after being one of four contestants to correctly pick Virginia Tech. That moves the computer into 3rd place in the competition.

As an added bonus, the computer is guaranteed at least a tie against Kirk Herbstreit who has 15 wins and only two games different the rest of the season.

However, Herbie is not in last place. That coveted position belongs to "The World". Yes folks, the majority of America has proven that they can not pick bowl games better than the experts, or the computers. There is still a small hope for them to crawl out of the last place hole, but that light is quickly draining.

Up front is Will Harris who has 19 wins on the season. ESPN's expert picker only differs with the MRI on one game the rest of the way, which means it will outplay the computer this season, but the championship is far from won.

Let's see what is on tap for the next few days.

January 2, 2009

The Cotton Bowl
Why to watch?: Mississippi is the only team that was able to beat Florida's high-powered offense this season. That means Texas Tech had better watch out. The Red Raiders are ripe for a let down game against the Rebels, after being left out of almost every discussion among the top ten because of their loss to Oklahoma late in the year. Given how Graham Harrell and the rest of Mike Leach's squad have played all season, I really don't think that will happen. This should be a good close game with Tech's offense just barely better than Mississippi's defense. The MRI likes Texas Tech quite a bit in this one.

Texas Tech: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Feldman, Harris, The World (91%)

Mississippi: Forde, Herbstreit


The Liberty Bowl
Why to watch?: East Carolina looked like the Cinderella team of the season for the first few weeks. Skip Holtz appeared as if he were channeling his father's glory days. That is what wins over Virginia Tech and West Virginia can do for you. Heck, East Carolina was even ranked! Then reality set in. A loss to then struggling North Carolina State was followed by two more losses, and East Carolina limped into the Conference USA title game on the back of its weak division. That didn't stop it from capturing the conference title though against a much better Tulsa team. So what does that mean against Kentucky? Come on. Kentucky struggled to even get to a bowl. If they hadn't played every small division college earlier this year, the Wildcats would be sitting at home. East Carolina should be sitting pretty.

East Carolina: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (81%)

Kentucky: Congrove

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, Easing into the New Year edition"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 10:23 AM | Comments (1)

December 31, 2008

The MRI vs. The World, NYE Edition

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

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, NYE Edition"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 8:53 AM | Comments (0)

December 24, 2008

The MRI vs. The World 2008: Sad Times

Things haven't gone well for the MRI so far this bowl season. Overtime losses, missed field goals and just plain playing under expectations have foiled the MRI's best chances to win once again this year...and we have only had six games so far this year.

The MRI is mired in dead last with only one win so far this bowl season. The World hasn't done much better, with two wins to its credit.

Leading the pack right now are Pat Forde and Will Harris, who both have five wins so far. The Hawaii Bowl this evening will sort out the top of the rankings, as Forde has sided with the Warriors while Harris (along with the MRI) have picked the Golden Dome to break their long losing streak.

But there are still more games to be picked, so let's go to the spreadsheet.

December 26, 2008

The Motor City Bowl
Why to watch?: Perhaps they will give out some of the financial bailout money to whoever tunes in. The best reason to watch is Dan LeFevour, quarterback for Central Michigan. Since his freshman year, he has been putting up numbers on par with the best quarterbacks in college football. And if his team was slightly better, you might be seeing LeFevour in New York. Central Michigan should be tops this game and give Howard Schnellenberger his first bowl loss

Central Michigan: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (92%)

Florida Atlantic: None


December 27, 2008

The Emerald Bowl
Why to watch?: To see if anyone runs into the walls which are inexplicably close to the field at AT&T park in San Francisco. Frankly this shouldn't be much of a game. Cal is the MRI's 34-point confidence pick in all the bowl challenges. How the line is only 8 points when Cal just needs to ride down the road in a bus is beyond me. Of course, Cal has been known to screw up big advantages in the past.

Cal: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Herbstreit, Harris, The World (92%)

Miami: None

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World 2008: Sad Times"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 4:00 PM | Comments (0)

December 19, 2008

Bowling anyone?: The MRI vs. The World 2008

Everybody ready? Start singing: "It's the most wonderful time... of the year."

At least ESPN would like you to think so.

It probably has something to do with their stake in 95 percent of the bowl games that will be played over the next month. I won't go off on the WWL in the same manner as Dan Wetzel did over at Yahoo.

But, suffice to say, 34 bowl games, two more than last season, is a little bit of overkill.

Do we really need another game featuring a 6-6 team this season? Didn't we already get our fill of watching Notre Dame bring its disgraceful offense to the field (Actually, maybe there is no greater pleasure this time of year than watching Weis's Weiners fail...). Should Southern Mississippi, North Carolina State, or Colorado State really take the field again this season?

The short answer is no.

But since the games are held, we might as well make a few picks.

As tradition holds, the MRI will once again be taking on The World, and a few other challengers.

And as tradition holds, last year's winner has apparently retired. Colin Cowherd, who lapped the field last season, did not make picks this year -- at least none I could find.

So for this year's line-up, we have:

Computers: The MRI, Harmon Predictor, Congrove Computer
CBS: Darin Darst, Dennis Dodd
ESPN: Pat Forde, Bruce Feldman, Will Harris, Kirk Herbstreit
The World: The team getting the greater percentage of picks on ESPN's college bowl contest.

Feldman and Herbstreit choose to draw out their picks over the bowl season (probably because there is not much to actually write/talk about for most of the games this year), so they will be a bit behind as the games are updated.

Let's start and see where it takes us:

December 20, 2008

The EagleBank Bowl
Why to watch?: Maybe you missed the first game between Wake Forest and Navy. If so you missed Wake Forest absolutely implode. I was at a bar in Washington, D.C. to see this one and it was one of the few times I saw the Navy fans cheer all season. So maybe the Middies will give them something to cheer for again here.

Navy: The MRI, Harmon

Wake Forest: Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Harris, Herbstreit, The World (54%)


The New Mexico Bowl
Why to watch?: Really, if you are watching, you are scraping the bottom of the barrel here. Colorado State barely sneaked into the bowls, Fresno State is not the Fresno State we usually see each season. Maybe watch because this is one of the few games where there is a real disagreement about who will win, which could mean a good, although low quality, game.

Fresno State: The MRI, Dodd, Congrove, Feldman, The World (87%)

Colorado State: Harmon, Darst, Forde, Harris, Herbstreit

Continue reading "Bowling anyone?: The MRI vs. The World 2008"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)

January 2, 2008

The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8, Part 4

It looks as if we have our winner in the MRI vs. the World contest. No matter what happens over the last 5 games of the bowl season, a champion has been crowned. And we should all be ashamed.

Colin Cowherd has won the MRI vs. The World contest.

I can't believe it myself. When the Schwab was replaced, I thought that this was the year for someone to take away the crown. Yet, not so much.

Give ESPN some credit here. They have consistently had very good picks in the Fan Challenge and it makes it very hard for anyone else to win the MRI vs. The World Challenge when they do so well.

On the other hand, it was not a good showing so far from the boys at CBS. And I don't just mean last place, I mean last place by a big margin. Oh well, CBS, you can't win them all, and if you picked better, well, maybe you wouldn't be working at CBS.

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), Part 3

The Fiesta Bowl
Why to watch?: Even without a coach, there is still a strong team in West Virginia. But I say that with the caveat that Pat White must play the entire game. This is probably the fastest defense they have seen all season, so expect a short lull for them at the beginning of the game. Oklahoma is, well, Oklahoma, and wants a shot at showing the AP voters that maybe they deserve another look.

Oklahoma: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (87%)

West Virginia: None




The Orange Bowl
Why to watch?: Maybe Kansas is better than we thought. They managed to come back against Missouri when they were down and almost completed that miracle. Virginia Tech is no scoring machine like Missouri. How many kicks will the Hokies block and return for TDs in this one?

Kansas: The MRI, Darst, Picker

Virginia Tech: Harmon, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, The World (77%)

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8, Part 4"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 9:37 AM | Comments (0)

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

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8, Part 3"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)

December 27, 2007

The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8, Part 2

It has been a strong start to the Bowl season for the MRI. Despite taking a loss picking Boise State (along with "The World" and all of the experts) the MRI has held its own and is among the leaders in the race for the Bowl trophy this season.

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)

And now for the next set of games, games that will take us through December 30th. Our next update will come on New Year's Eve and should define who has the inside track to the trophy this season.

The Holiday Bowl
Why to watch?: Arizona State is looking for a reason to be happy after not making a BCS bowl game. Maybe the Wii they got for playing this one will help. Beating an underperforming Texas squad sure will.

Arizona State: The MRI, Darst, Dodd, Forde, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (54%)

Texas: Harmon, Congrove, Feldman




The Champs Sports Bowl
Why to watch?: Catholics vs. Convicts, the couch burning version. Biggest test here is if Michigan State can overcome what seems to be a brain deficiency when it gets cold outside. Boston College might be too good for that.

Boston College: The MRI, Harmon, Darst, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Cowherd, Smith, Picker, The World (91%)

Michigan State: Dodd

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8, Part 2"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2007

The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8

It is Bowl Time again, which means the MRI will again be taking on The World, consisting of Expert picks around the Internet, and the all important fan vote, taken from FanIQ.com.

Last season's champion is gone. The Schwab more than proved himself worthy over the two years he was a part of the MRI's competition and has retired from picking. In his place is someone I know a lot of the Internet loves to hate, Colin Cowherd. Judging from Cowherd's picks, he will end up around the same score as Dennis Dodd, who again proved that he likes to go against the grain and pick a little on the wild side.

Here is this year's lineup of challengers to the MRI:

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
Colin Cowherd (Replacing The Schwab): Listed Here
Erick Smith (USA Today): Listed Here
Tulsa World Picker (Crazy Cartoon Hero): Part 1 Listed Here

This first listing will take us through all of the picks up until December 26th, the day after Christmas, when the picks for the next set will again be published. Good luck to all of the challengers again in this year's challenge.

The Poinsettia Bowl
Why to watch?: Triple Option games are fun! Utah's defense is fun-ner.

Utah: The MRI, Harmon, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Feldman, Smith, Picker, The World (70%)

Navy: Darst, Cowherd




The New Orleans Bowl
Why to watch?: Friday nights are a bad NCAA basketball night.

Florida Atlantic: The MRI, Darst, Dodd, Congrove, Forde, Cowherd, Picker

Memphis: Harmon, Feldman, Smith, The World (65%)

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World, 2007-8"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 1:30 PM | Comments (0)

January 7, 2007

National Championship Game - Florida vs. Ohio State

Ok, so I lied. I didn't post predictions for either the International Bowl or the GMAC Bowl. Let's be honest though. Did anyone watch these two? Why do we have lesser bowl games played between the BCS Bowls and the National Championship. Someone needs to get Fox on the horn and correct this.

The National Championship should not be being played after the NFL playoffs have begun. It should be close to the other meaningful bowl games, and while a week of hype is probably better for ratings, it also really stretches the season longer than necessary.

Conference season is starting in basketball before we have this game. Does that not bother anyone else that we are still trying to follow one more game while basketball is starting to hit its huge stride.

This should be corrected and the entire bowl schedule needs to be looked at. I think the addition of 4 bowl games this year was a little much, and the extension of the bowl season, while a great time, makes it seem like the regular season was so far away. And really, it was. The conference championships were played on December 2nd. Even Florida will have had 36 days since their last game. That is a long time.

But off my soapbox I jump. It is time to look at the biggest game of the year, the third meeting between #1 and #2 and the quest for the crystal football.

Continue reading "National Championship Game - Florida vs. Ohio State"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 9:00 PM | Comments (0)

January 1, 2007

2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 7

As I write this, Boise State has taken a improbable lead on Oklahoma into halftime, making the MRI's prediction of a Bronco victory, not only a possibility, but also likely. That should at least help to get the computer out of the basement in the standings.

USC's victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl will certainly have everyone talking about how the "correct" choice was made to put Florida into the National Championship. The Wolverines definitely didn't look like the same team that had rumbled through the season as the 2nd best in the nation. USC definitely didn't look like the team that got beaten by UCLA just a few short weeks ago either. The Trojans turned what should have been a very close game on paper into a statement that will follow them into next year when they will once again be the favorites to run the table and win yet another National Championship for Pete Carroll.

But before we crown them next year, there are still a few more games to look at. In this edition, let's take a look into the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl, with the final non-championship games to come in a preview later this week.

Continue reading "2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 7"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 10:25 PM | Comments (0)

The MRI vs. The World - Update #3, The Home Stretch

The Big Ten finally got a few bowl wins today. Penn State and Wisconsin overcame that "pretty good" conference, the SEC with wins over Tennessee and Arkansas. The games of the past few days have once again jumbled the standings in the big race, shuffling the MRI down to ... umm, well, last place. There is still time and a few games for the computer to reassert its dominance, though.

If it is any consolation, last year's big winner, Dennis Dodd has fallen into a tie with the MRI and that will make the last few games interesting. And while we can't catch the Schwab, who looks in line for the win overall, we definitely can make it interesting since the computer likes a few underdogs moving forward.

As I like to say, it is still anyone's game.

Updated Standings:
1. The Schwab, 20-5, 80%
2. The World, 18-7, 72%
2. Harmon Predictor, 18-7, 72%
4. Darin Darst, 16-9, 64%
4. Congrove Computer, 16-9, 64%
6. The MRI, 15-10, 60%
6. Dennis Dodd, 15-10, 60%

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World - Update #3, The Home Stretch"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 3:50 PM | Comments (0)

December 31, 2006

2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 6

Few saw that one coming. Georgia, down 18, rallies back to beat what was probably the best team in the ACC by the end of the year. This was the Georgia team with little offense, that looked like they were throwing away the game in the first half, and yet, they end as the Pea...Chick-Fil-A Bowl champs.

Of course the opposite happened too. Everyone thought that Texas Tech would win, and they had to make the biggest comeback in bowl history in order to beat Minnesota. I was sitting there watching the television and couldn't believe my eyes as the Minnesota score continues to tick up while the Red Raiders were stuck on zero. And then, once I had given up all hope, of course they manage to come back. Football is a strange game.

So, more amazing feats to add to our bowl season checklist: Oregon State shows cajones going for two to win instead of just going to overtime, and gets it. Steve Aponavicius goes from goat to hero with a last second field goal to beat Navy. Iowa learned how to play football in the last month, but still lost to a superior Texas team. Rutgers was that good this year. Cal didn't give up on their season. Clemson's kicker did.

Six more games kick off on New Year's Day. Let's take a look at them all from morning to night.

Continue reading "2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 6"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 3:00 PM | Comments (0)

December 30, 2006

The MRI vs. The World - Update #2

The Schwab is starting to open up a lead on the rest of the contestants. That normally happens when you only get two games wrong the entire bowl season. I think this is mostly Schwab taking this a little more seriously this year.

Last season, the fans defeated the Schwab and I think that made him mad. Haven't you ever watched "Stump the Schwab" and seen him lose? He gets angry, sort of like incredible hulk angry. You wouldn't like The Schwab when he is angry.

So this year he is getting his revenge on all of us. We are only half way home so there is plenty of time for us all to catch him.

Updated Standings:
1. The Schwab, 15-2, 88%
2. Darin Darst, 13-4, 76%
2. The World, 13-4, 76%
2. Dennis Dodd, 13-4, 76%
5. Harmon Predictor, 12-5, 71%
6. The MRI, 10-7, 59%
6. Congrove Computer, 10-7, 59%

Continue reading "The MRI vs. The World - Update #2"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)

December 29, 2006

2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 5

Four More Bowls! Four More Bowls! That's right, there are four more bowls after today before the ball drops and we say hello to 2007. Don't fret though. Over a third of the bowl season is yet to come once we hit next year. That is kind of sad when you think about it.

There used to be meaning to getting to play on New Year's Day or after. Now it seems that the bowls don't really start rolling until you get to New Year's Day. And you get to watch teams like Western Michigan, and Southern Mississippi, and Ohio yet.

But more on those games next time. For now, let's take a look at the final four bowls of 2006 before moving into next year's over the weekend.

Continue reading "2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 5"

Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 3:35 PM | Comments (0)

December 28, 2006

2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 4

Things we have learned this Bowl Season so far: Florida State does have an offense, there are too many bowl games, Colt Brennan can really really throw the ball, there are too many bowl games, BYU was overlooked by too many people this year, and did I mention there were too many bowl games?

The bowl season thunders on. By the end of the day though, we will have only scratched the surface still. There will be 12 bowl games complete, with 20 more to go. That also means that I am way behind on the bowl previews. So for your reading pleasure, some more 1 minute analysis on each game upcoming.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 3:45 PM | Comments (0)

December 25, 2006

The MRI vs. The World - Update #1

The MRI got off to a good start, thanks to the picking of a couple of upsets, including the San Jose State victory over New Mexico on the Wolfpack's home field. It is anything but over with so many games remaining on this year's bowl schedule, although watching some of these games has proven to be much more difficult than last year. There are only so many 30 point blow outs that one can stomach.

Updated Standings:
1. Darin Darst, 6-1, 86%
1. The Schwab, 6-1, 86%
3. The MRI, 5-2, 71%
3. Dennis Dodd, 5-2, 71%
3. Congrove Computer, 5-2, 71%
3. The World, 5-2, 71%
7. Harmon Predictor, 4-3, 57%

More predictions for your enjoyment.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)

December 24, 2006

2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 3

The MRI is off to a great start, even with the less than interesting games which have been on the slate so far. With two losses on the tally, the MRI has great hope going into the remainder of the bowl season. But enough about me, let's look at some more games, and where the true favorite should be.

Motor City Bowl
I mentioned during the MAC Championship game preview that the winner got a chance to go back to Detroit and play in the Motor City bowl. At least that is normally what happens. Detroit made sure to lock in the best and most surprising team in the MAC before the championship game was even played. Dan LeFevour, the fabulous freshman quarterback was a big reason for the Chippewa success this year, and a return to Detroit should not be any difference. Central Michigan drew Middle Tennessee State in the bowl. This is the first bowl appearance for the Blue Raiders, and their loss to Sun Belt Conference Champion Troy was the difference between them playing here and playing in New Orleans. They make the bowl based on there not being enough Big Ten teams to fill all of the conference's slots. The Blue Raiders feature a strong defensive line (Erik Walden, Tavares Jones) so Central Michigan may not run away with this game as should be expected. However, the MAC squad is definitely the better team here.

MRI Predicts: Central Michigan Confidence factor: 77.78%, 17 out of 32

Continue reading "2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 3"

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December 20, 2006

2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 2

With the Poinsettia Bowl under wraps for another season, it is good to know that the MRI will not go winless this year. TCU and what I will from now on call their "Sea of Purple" defense made Northern Illinois look like a high school team. Garrett Wolfe was unable to make any impact and I think that Dan Nicholson spent more time on his back than he did throwing the ball. As one astute fan commented during the game, it is never a good sign when the quarterback has grass stains on the top of his shoulder pads.

Everyone, except for Desmond Howard, picked the Horned Frogs to win last night, which means that everyone got off on the right foot. Here's hoping that this trend will not continue.

For your enjoyment today, more bowl previews, taking us through Christmas Day.

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December 19, 2006

The MRI vs. The World... Again

With bowl season upon us, it is time for the MRI to take on the World again. In past years, we have tied Trev Alberts, lost to Dennis Dodd (badly), and been even up with the Harmon Forecast, a computer competitor.

This year, we are going to expand the field, which means no fancy table this year to track the results. That's right, we have a few new entrants this season, including, well, the actual world. How did I manage this? We will be using the Fan Consensus from our friends over at FanIQ as one of the entrants. The team getting the majority of the fan support the pick 'em polls will be "The World"'s selection.

Of course, this makes tracking the results a little difficult with the table. It also make the showing of picks difficult, especially ahead of time. Let's be straight here. The MRI will not change its picks. They will be set in stone once the Poinsettia Bowl flips its coin tonight. The only bowl which could likely change according to the computer is the Rose Bowl, which right now leans towards Michigan. USC (with the home field advantage), has a slim possibility of becoming the favorite based on the results of the prior bowl games. But the MRI will stick by its Michigan selection, since our opponents will also.

With that said, off to the picks, at least the first few.

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2006 Bowl Predictions - Part 1

The title is actually semi-humorous as I think about it. With the addition of a few more games this year to the bowl season, it actually feels like I will have to make 2006 bowl predictions before the end of football this year. But it is really only 32. The whole thing kicks off tonight with the Poinsettia Bowl. Note to the players: Keep the plant you get away from your house pets... assuming you like your house pets.

The game features TCU and Northern Illinois. Be lucky Army didn't win six games or you would have them instead of the Huskies here. In case you forgot, the Black Knights made a deal with this bowl at the beginning of the season that if they reached the magic six, they would be headed to San Diego. No one really thought it would happen. Army finished at 3-9 and will be watching the game on television.

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November 26, 2006

BCS Bowl Picture

I don't know if things are now more clear or more muddy in terms of the BCS bowl picture after this weekend. With ten spots and four of them pretty much guaranteed at this point, there is a great deal of shuffling which can still take place. If you look at what could be the projected standings and think about what the organizers of the four big games want you can take a shot at projecting the BCS bowls at this point. And that is without the championship games being played.

In order to do that though, you need some assumptions.

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January 5, 2006

The World Beats the MRI

Well, at least Dennis Dodd did. You have to give him credit for picking 18 of the 28 bowl games correctly. The MRI and the Harmon Forecast finished second with 16-12 records. Not shabby, but one game off of last year's total when we correctly picked 17 of the bowl games. Finishing last, the Schwab and myself. We finished with a respectable 14-14 mark. The MRI did correctly predict this year's champion, though it took all of 59 minutes and 41 seconds for Texas to finally be up for good.

Congrats to Mr. Dodd. You have beaten the king. I hope that next year you can repeat your challenge and that the MRI will show you what a fluke bowl season you had (Kansas?!?, LSU?!?, Wisconsin?!?).

Maybe I have found my new nemesis...

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 10:45 AM | Comments (0)

January 4, 2006

2006 Rose Bowl

In a few hours, we have the kickoff of the latest of the "Game of the Century" series. It all began last season with the much hyped Oklahoma-USC match-up in the Orange Bowl. And that was a flop. This year's earlier version matched Texas and Ohio State. That game was one worth watching and therefore tonight's game has a lot to live up to.

Tonight, as if you haven't heard, Texas and USC are playing in the Rose Bowl for the National Championship.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 3:20 PM | Comments (2)

January 2, 2006

2006 Fiesta Bowl

Anyone who has read the MRI knows that I have no love for either Ohio State or Notre Dame. If the field in Tempe this afternoon would just roll up and swallow both teams, I might actually have a good time watching the games. Games like this make me wish they had never gotten rid of the tie in college football. That would be the only perfect ending to a game that features two teams which get no props from me.

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December 30, 2005

2005 Peach Bowl

I predicted this match-up at the beginning of the year. I did, really. Ok, so it looks a little different than what I expected it to look like. For starters, I thought this would be the Rose Bowl match-up based on my other predictions, some of which came true, some of which did not. Maybe if we give Miami and LSU peach colored roses, I can still have my National Championship game, albeit in Atlanta instead of Pasadena.

No, LSU is not undefeated, but given the struggles they had this season in terms of weather and make-up scheduling can you blame them? Tulane faced some of the very same struggles that the Tigers did this year, playing on the road for home games, having no weeks off where they weren't consumed with hurricane repairs and taking care of the displaced families. LSU and Les Miles fought through one of the toughest seasons that any team in college football has ever had, and came out with only two losses. I can't explain what happened in the second half against Tennessee when a 21-0 lead evaporated. I can almost explain what happened in the Georgia game, but being tired at that point in the season is almost no excuse, but it can lead to injuries and that is just what happened. LSU gets a chance to change everything that happened this season though with one game, and isn't it appropriate that the mascot of the opposing team is the Hurricanes.

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December 29, 2005

December 30th Bowls

With the number of bowls per day steadily increasing, the day before the day before the new year gets a quick round up of its games, with one big article dedicated to the top game of the day, the Peach Bowl.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 7:00 PM | Comments (0)

2005 Holiday Bowl

Oregon is the latest Pac-10 team to be left out of the BCS in favor of another team. This year, it wasn't voting shenanigans that kept the Ducks away but Notre Dame and their huge fan base. Last season, Cal was sent to San Diego and was humiliated in the Holiday Bowl after their disappointment. Will Oregon have the same result this season?

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Thoughts on the 2005 Alamo Bowl and 2005 Emerald Bowl preview

I don't know how much there is to say after last night's amazing finish in the Alamo Bowl. Watching as Michigan almost pulled off the win in the final seconds while the stadium announcer and even ESPN were announcing the game being over was quite a sight. Michigan has lost more than four games in a season for the first time since the mid-80s and it remains to be seen what the fate of Lloyd Carr will be. I can state that many alumni were calling for his departure last night as I watched the game surrounded by maize and blue. You have to wonder about the motivation of the players. Chad Henne and Jason Avant both turned the ball over late in the game when you should be counting on your stars to provide solid leadership. In addition, Michigan needs to figure out how to stop teams on defense down the field or we won't be seeing them playing in January any time soon.

Nebraska meanwhile is proving that it is getting better. Yes, the move to the West Coast offense by Bill Callahan may not have been the most popular decision in Lincoln, but he is starting to fill the holes on the team with players who can come through for him. Transfer Zac Taylor showed us that there are very good players available across the country, even at the JUCO levels. Senior Cory Ross left his college career on a high note. With the young players that Callahan has at his disposal, there is no reason to think that next year, Nebraska will improve even more to win eight or nine games in the regular season. They still have to compete with the very good Big XII South, but the North is just waiting for them to return.

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December 28, 2005

2005 Alamo Bowl

At the beginning of the season, Michigan didn't expect to be playing in their bowl game before 2006. They were picked by many to be the top team in the Big Ten and to win the league's BCS bid for the third straight season. Things didn't work like they expected though. Injuries and early losses threw the Wolverines off pace for the league title but the season was not without its highlights, including a literal last second win over conference champion Penn State that began a run of four straight wins. A tie for third in the conference left them with three possible bowl slots, but the Alamo Bowl came calling with a game that could not be passed up.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 4:15 PM | Comments (0)

2005 MPC Computers Bowl

Since 2001, when Dan Hawkins has led a team out onto the blue field in Boise, that team has won. He has one last chance to add to that record today in the MPC Computers bowl, where Boise State will be going for their 32nd straight win at home. Hawkins and Boise State will be doing it with some sadness as this will be his last game as coach of the Broncos. After this game, Hawkins will move on to Colorado to take over a program that has been under the microscope quite a bit over the past two years.

Their challenge comes in the form of Boston College, a team who proved it wasn't an afterthought in the move to the ACC. The Eagles finished tied for the lead in their division in the ACC but their only loss in that division was to Florida State, the team they tied with. As a result, the Eagles were shut out of the ACC championship game. Later, they were shut out of the southern based ACC bowls. Boston College will therefore take their game west to Boise to prove that you can win there even if your nickname isn't Broncos.

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December 27, 2005

2005 Insight Bowl

One of the most exciting moments of the college football season took place rather early in the year. With a little over a minute remaining in the game, Early Doucet made an acrobatic catch on the left side of the end zone to put LSU ahead against Arizona State. The game meant more in the grand scheme of things, this being the opening game for the LSU Tigers, a game which was supposed to have been played in Louisiana but was moved because of the hurricanes which struck the region.

Arizona State recovered from the loss but only barely, limping into bowl season with just the minimum mark of 6-5 for their record, although they won 3 of their final 4 to get to that point. The Sun Devils have been fighting the injury bug for most of the season. Early injuries to the offensive line led to junior quarterback Sam Keller being injured and eventually sat for the season. In his place, freshman Rudy Carpenter, who finished the season with very impressive numbers will lead the Sun Devil offense against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 8:30 AM | Comments (0)

The MRI vs. The World

Looking across the vast landscape of the internet, it seems that I have scared away my opponents from last year. Mr. Stewart Mandel, who tied with the MRI system last season, apparently was too shocked that a computer could do just as well as he could. He did not post picks this season. My nemesis, Trev Alberts, was let go from ESPN earlier this season in a quietly swept under the rug firing kind of way. As a result, he will not be submitting picks this season either.

But have no fear, ESPN has replaced Mr. Alberts's picks with those of The Schwab. As a result, this year the MRI will be taking on the Schwab and two other contestants. The first contestant is a writer for CBS Sportsline.com, Dennis Dodd. The second is another computer formula, believe it or not. Each week, the Harmon Forecast attempts to pick the exact score of each football game. The winners of each bowl as predicted by the Harmon Forecast are listed here.

As with last season, I have updated this chart as the bowls have moved along and will continue to do so to the finish.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 8:00 AM | Comments (0)

December 26, 2005

2005 Champs Sports Bowl

The Bowl formerly known as the Tangerine Bowl welcomes Clemson to Orlando this year. Clemson has come a long way in making up for the very messy fight they participated in against South Carolina to end last season. A season that never seemed without its on edge moments, the Tigers have certainly proven to be among one the best teams in the country this season.

The same can not be said for the Colorado Buffaloes, coming into the game after being beaten badly in their last two games. Those crushing losses led to the firing of coach Gary Barnett and the Buffs will be playing with an interim coach and without very much motivation.

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December 25, 2005

2005 Motor City Bowl

Before senior running back DeAngelo Williams showed up on campus, Memphis had never played into December. All that changes very quickly when you draw a back who has run for over 5700 yards in his career. Williams has been the main reason for the emergence of the Tigers football program in the last three seasons. In those three years, they have moved up in terms of the bowl they have been invited to participate in. Two years ago, it was the debatable New Orleans Bowl. Last year, they went to the GMAC bowl. This year, they broke in with an at-large bid to take on Akron in the Motor City Bowl, a tribute to the changes that Williams has brought to the program and the fever of the fans that support the Tiger football team.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)

December 23, 2005

2005 Hawaii Bowl

Christmas Eve in Hawaii sounds nice, doesn't it? It has been a way of life for the University of Hawaii. They even created their own Bowl game a few years ago so that they wouldn't be forced to go to the mainland and fight the rest of us who would like a little nicer weather during the holiday season for a seat on a flight back. The last three years, they have gotten to stay home and host their 13th football game of the season.

Things didn't go so well for the Hawaii football team this year. They finished up at 5-7 and as a result, they don't get their extra home game. Instead, they are hosting Nevada and Central Florida for this year's Hawaii Bowl.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)

2005 Fort Worth Bowl

It is pretty hard to get hyped up for this game. Neither team was exactly what you would call a contender all season. Both Kansas and Houston won their final games to reach the required 6 wins, but neither team finished over .500 in their conference. This is the prime example of why there should be stricter requirements for bowl eligibility.

So, I ask you, the fans, what is there to talk about? I have been thinking about this game for the past two days and in that time, nothing. Still I have to believe there is something in this game that bears attention.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)

December 22, 2005

2005 Poinsettia Bowl

It's not as if San Jose is not a nice place to spend the holidays. The weather is usually pleasant, though there is a little bit of rain around this time of year. It's got to be better than going to Detroit, right? You would have thought that the Silicon Valley Bowl would have lasted given that the weather is better than going to the Midwest and an almost guarantee of snow. However, the bowl was not renewed after last season, though hope still remains that the bowl will return in 2006. A possible reason might be the lack of decent facilities. Given the state of San Jose State's football program which has only managed 8 wins over the past three seasons and the departure of the MLS Earthquakes which also called the stadium home, it is unlikely that a new stadium or any new facilities will be in the cards for the near future.

Instead of San Jose, we move south to San Diego for the newly instated Poinsettia Bowl. Beyond forcing journalists to learn how to actually spell poinsettia, this bowl provides the ultimate place to play for the Navy Midshipmen.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 9:00 AM | Comments (0)

2005 Las Vegas Bowl

What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. At least that is what BYU is hoping.

Last season, Wyoming conjured up some magic in the final quarter against UCLA to win the Las Vegas Bowl against a much tougher opponent. If the BYU Cougars want to have any chance of beating Cal this season, they better hope that magic is still hanging around.

Cal, for their part, is hoping to exercise some demons of its own.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 8:45 AM | Comments (0)

December 21, 2005

2005 GMAC Bowl

Toledo's goal at the beginning of the season was to be playing against a Big Ten team in the Motor City Bowl. UTEP's goal was to be the BCS buster this year, coming out of their new conference, Conference USA. Neither one of the teams achieved those goals thanks to some stumbles along the way. That doesn't mean that the GMAC Bowl won't be without the fireworks that both these teams bring to the field.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2005

2005 New Orleans Bowl

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there was a great deal of attention paid to LSU and Tulane, and rightly so. There was one team however, that was displaced for the second season in a row and was forced to move two games this year. That team is the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.

Southern Mississippi has battled its way through the season to reach the New Orleans Bowl for the second year in a row. While their season didn't reach the high hopes that were originally in the minds of many throughout football, reaching a bowl game after the craziness of their season is certainly a win for this team. It only seems appropriate that the bowl game is the New Orleans Bowl, displaced itself thanks to Mother Nature.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)

January 4, 2005

Bowl Predictions, Orange Bowl

Whew!I made it. 27 bowl games down, one to go. And what a one that will be. Before I get to that, just to recap a little, how did this bowl season go? We started off hot, 4-0, and then we lost 3 straight. A 4-5 middle of the bowl season didn't sit too well with me. I have some bones to pick with Cal and Oklahoma State for embarrassing themselves. Someone also get Mike Price on the phone and ask him how his team could play well for so much of that football game and not finish the deal so that he could get his 9th win. And then New Year's Eve, my luck changed. Sure, Alabama lost, but they were driving for the win late in the game. Yes, LSU lost on the last play of the game on the biggest defensive gaff of the bowl season (Biggest Special Teams gaff: UCLA having the ball bounce off its face. Biggest Offensive gaff... Still up for debate.). But from that day on, we only lost 3 of the games. An 8-3 run to end the season isn't bad and the MRI will be looking to make it 9 tonight. So, all told, not a bad bowl season. We are currently sitting at 16-11. Last year, we finished 16-12 which means that this is the MRI's only shot to better itself. And to do that, we will have to win one of the best college football games of the year.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 11:49 AM | Comments (0)

January 3, 2005

Bowl Predictions, Sugar Bowl

Sugar Bowl: Auburn (6) vs. Virginia Tech (13)
Tommy Tuberville didn't expect to be playing in the Sugar Bowl this time last season. As the Auburn administration was gunning for a replacement and even interviewing candidates, Tuberville was trying to figure out what to do after the season ended. Auburn's season was supposed to have been last year. They were ranked high in the polls going into the season. And yet, they proceeded to fall on their faces, including a drubbing by eventual National Co-Champion USC on a nationally televised game. That was when Tuberville thought he might be in trouble.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)

December 31, 2004

Bowl Predictions, Part 4

Happy New Year! When you are letting that hangover pass away, and clearing up the Champagne bottles that litter your house, make sure you tune in to some college football. The MRI is 8-8 after Thursday night's games and many of the experts are only 9-7 so we aren't too far behind. Here are the previews for 2005's first football, the 4 non-BCS games.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:31 PM | Comments (0)

Bowl Predictions, Rose Bowl

Rose Bowl: Michigan (20) vs. Texas (7)
Mack Brown did the campaigning and got his team into the BCS, ruining Cal's hopes to make it for the first time in 40 years. As a reward, Brown got his contract extended for another decade, meaning that Oklahoma will win the next ten meetings in the regular season. But Brown isn't worried about Oklahoma right now. He is instead trying to make history and become the second Big XII team to win the Rose Bowl in the last three years.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)

Bowl Predictions, Fiesta Bowl

Fiesta Bowl: Pittsburgh (41) vs. Utah (4)
Pittsburgh needed a miracle to be here. They became the biggest fans that Syracuse ever had in the Orange's game against Boston College. When the Orange ran all over the Eagles, Pittsburgh was all but eating chips and salsa. The end of the Panther season saw them win 6 of 7 and come out on top by barely scraping into the BCS final standings, winning the tie breaker with Syracuse. This will be Walt Harris's final game as head coach before moving on to Stanford next season.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)

December 30, 2004

Bowl Predictions, Part 3b

New Year's Eve will feature 4 bowl games for your viewing pleasure while you wait for 2005 to dawn.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 5:25 PM | Comments (0)

Bowl Predictions, Part 3a

The MRI has taken a beating recently. 4-3 with the first seven picks, 2-3 with the next 5, and one of the wins was a 50-50 game. And after his performance last night, Teddy Ginn Jr. is now on the list of players to watch along with USC's Reggie Bush. I saw the man run 50 yards on a play where he lost two, avoiding at least 6 tackles. Hopefully things will improve as we go on. For Part 3a, we will preview the four games playing today. Part 3b will cover the Friday slate.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 5:24 PM | Comments (0)

December 24, 2004

Bowl Predictions, Part 2

The next five bowl predictions are here. Stay tuned for even more next week on Monday when the next eight will be done, taking us through New Year's Eve. Friday will see the release of New Year's Day predictions. The Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl will get their own predictions on the day of the games.

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 5:21 PM | Comments (0)

December 7, 2004

Bowl Predictions, Part 1

28 games in three weeks. At the end of that, we will have a National Champion that everyone will argue about, and the world of college football will go on, as it does every year. So, what does the MRI say about the bowl games this season?

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Posted by Benjamin Miraski at 4:54 PM | Comments (0)