Slightly Submerged Bowl Recap

We returned to the Red Renee world headquarters two days ago to find a blown sump pump and a basement full of water. Needless to say, the site’s running a little slow.

The “big boy” bowl games are fast approaching so it’s time to take brief moment and look back on the rest.

In terms of conference performance, the Pac-Ten and the Big East have looked impressive so far. Both conferences are 3-0 and the only thing separating them is the fact that Rutgers didn’t cover the spread so by my numbers, the Pac-Ten is in slightly better shape. Despite having a 3-3 record, the ACC has also performed well. They were underdogs in the three games they lost and covered the spread in the three wins (good for nine points total).

Here’s the current point total by conference (not divided yet because all the games haven’t been played). If you need a refresher on my point system, click here.

The favorites have won 13 of 17 bowl games so far which doesn’t bode well for future underdogs. In those 13 wins, the favorites covered the spread 9 times.

In terms of notable performances, there were a couple that stood out for me. Willie Tuitama finished his career with Arizona on a very high note going 24-35 for 325 yards and two touchdowns in the win over BYU. Tuitama had a very up and down year, but pulled it together when it counted.

For all the crap I’ve given Notre Dame this year, they impressed me in their game against Hawaii. Hawaii is a very mediocre team, but Notre Dame couldn’t beat several other mediocre teams during the regular season so there’s at least evidence of growth. The Irish will need to win games against similar opponents next year or Chuck Weis will surely be out. The bad news on this is the positive press for Notre Dame during the off-season will be insufferable and there will likely be a couple slobs that even mention Jimmy Clausen for the Heisman next year (ugh).

I was unimpressed with the Badgers in their blowout loss to Florida State. Bret Bielema may in fact be in over his head; a 7-7 record in 2008 including the Outback Bowl loss in January doesn’t look good. Badger nation is getting restless- like here, or the obligatory firebretbielema.com. They’ve got questions all over the place to get answered for 2009, otherwise Bielema might be on his way out.

Jahvid Best. Get to know his name. If you haven’t watched Pac-Ten football this year, you’ve missed one of the best backs in the country. JB finished the year with almost 1,600 yards and more impressively, an 8.1 yard per carry average. He’s only a Sophomore so expect him to do big things next year.

Mike Teel finished off a remarkable season recovery for Rutgers. The Senior QB had a dismal first half of the season throwing 3 touchdowns against 7 interceptions, with a 56% completion percentage. Through the final six games, he threw 20 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions, and improved his completion percentage to 68%.

I have to give credit to both Northwestern and Missouri. To Northwestern for playing tough and not giving up against a Missouri team that simply had more talent. To Missouri for keeping their heads in a game that they could have not been prepared for mentally given all they’ve been through this year. On a sidebar, bad form to Northwestern in overtime. How can you not put the ball in Tyrell Sutton’s hands even once after such a productive regulation. That’s why they’re Northwestern I suppose, but inexcusable play-calling.

Finally, huge props to Oregon. I called for an Oklahoma State win on the basis of them having the better QB. Clearly I was wrong. Jeremiah Masoli played lights out when he needed to, particularly running the ball. The second best touchdown of the night came in the 3rd quarter when Masoli plowed over a defender and ran the ball in for the score (see highlights below). The best touchdown of the game and one of the best touchdowns of the entire college football season came from Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount in the 4th quarter (about 3:07 mark). Blount takes the handoff, hurdles a dude, then drags two other defenders into the end zone. Beanie-esque if you will (I know you will).

In fairness to Okie State, Dez Bryant played on only one knee (still was the leading receiver), but somebody else needed to step up. The jury is still out on Big XII dominance as well. Oregon has the 77th ranked scoring defense and yet a mighty Big XII offense was held to 31 points.

You’re welcome.