Hitting the Home Stretch

So, a bit of BowlQuest controversy ahead.

Louisville vs. Mississippi State

This is the former Gator Bowl and will forever be known as the Gator Bowl to me.  Mississippi State fans, as always, brought their cowbells to ring relentlessly through the game.  <turns volume on TV down>.

The game overlapped with the next so I stick with this one until the start of the second quarter of the Liberty Bowl. Nice back and forth game between the Cardinals and Bulldogs, 21-17 at half.  Didn't see any of the second half.

Louisville quarterback and 2016 Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson threw four interceptions giving Mississippi State the opportunity to grab the win. Two fourth quarter touchdowns put the SEC in the win column.

Mississippi State 31  Louisville 27

My Pick:  Louisville.  Record now 19-12.

What Did I Eat:  A salad!  Okay, it did have some fried chicken on it, but still, leafy greens.

Bowl Game Swag:  Gift suite, Fossil watch, backpack, beanie.  No free tax preparation?

Fun Fact:  Why exactly do Mississippi State fans ring cowbells incessantly throughout every game?  No one knows.  According to the official Mississippi State alumni page, "The precise origin of the cowbell as a fixture of Mississippi State sports tradition remains unclear to this day. The best records have cowbells gradually introduced to the MSU sports scene in the late 1930s and early 1940s, coinciding with the 'golden age' of Mississippi State football success prior to World War II."  The best traditions are the most pointless I guess.

Memphis vs. Iowa State

Another team playing a home game although technically not at the Memphis Tigers home stadium.  Why exactly does Memphis need two football stadiums?  I guess that will go down with the Mississippi State cowbell ringing.

Only good for the second quarter. Good match up, with Iowa State's defense able to dampen the high octane Memphis offense.  14-10 Cyclones at half and I was out.  Mrs. Keith and I had "date day,", more on that in a bit.

The Cyclones only let the Tigers in the end zone one more time and held on for the win and a pretty terrific season.

Iowa State 21  Memphis 20

My Pick:  Memphis, I thought they would score a lot more than 20.  My record slips to 19-13.

What Did I Eat:  Nothing

Bowl Game Swag:  Bass Pro Shops shopping trip, Bulova Caravelle watch, Nike athletic shoes, sports sandals, backpack, football.  Nice to see a bowl committee be creative with the swag.  Hello Bulova!

Did you know Bulova ran the first ad on TV?

Fun Fact:  The Liberty Bowl win was Iowa State's first since 2009 and during the trophy presentation the stage collapsed.  There were also reports that Iowa State fans drank all the Busch Light available at bars around Memphis.  

Penn State vs. Washington

Okay, here is a bit of BowlQuest controversy.  I did not watch this game.  My wife and I wanted to get out of the house for a trip to Jack casino and then some drinks and food in Over The Rhine.  I had planned on staying at the casino longer than we did which would have given me ample time to watch the first quarter at their bar.  Unfortunately my wife isn't much of a gambler and once she starts losing any amount of money she's had enough.  She literally lost $10 and was done.  I usually like to stay for at least a couple hours, play some different games, maybe some blackjack, have a drink, you know, go to the casino. 

Also, I fully believe my wife Theresa could be employed by casinos as a cooler.  If you don't know what a cooler is, it's someone a casino believes actually cools off the action at a table if a player is on a hot streak.  There's an excellent movie called "The Cooler" starring William H. Macy, check it out.  Anyhow, every time she came near a game I was playing, the winning ended.  If it happened once or twice, coincidence.  But it happens every single time.  I believe she has some weird electromagnetic field around her.  She also has a long standing ability to ruin electronic devices without doing anything but using them. 

Long story longer, I gave up playing a game when she circled back to find me and the winning stopped, again. She wanted to get to Over the Rhine to eat.  The problem was the Fiesta Bowl was just getting started.  Okay, fine, I'll watch a quarter at one of the many bars in OTR.  Here's the thing, the vibe in OTR is hipster cool, and a lot of places don't have TV's.  It's all about drinks, small plates and conversation.  Like every place we went.  Japps, Salazar, The Anchor - all highly recommended unless you want to watch a game.  By the way, we had a fun time, the drinks at Japps are great and the food was outstanding. 

My wife Theresa at Japp's, one of the top bars in America.  And yes, it was cold.


So, if you haven't stopped reading by now, I was not able to see a live quarter although I did see some plays through the bar window at Lachey's.  (Yes, a bar partly owned by Nick Lachey and his brother Drew.) 


And here comes BowlQuest rule No. 2.  One of my two sons can watch a live quarter.  I completely forgot to call either one of them and invoke rule No. 2.  But we're not done yet.  Boy No. 2 Bryant works at Jungle Jims in Fairfield in their beer and wine department and in that department they have a bar that has TV's on that show sports. It's a big bar inside a grocery store and you an walk around and drink while shopping.  The Fiesta Bowl was on TV the entire game and Bryant was there, just as I am while at work when I have games on.  It's flimsy but it's all I have so I leave it up to you - BowlQuest fail or not?  It did meet the criteria I use while I'm at work and he did have some details on the play of Penn State's quarterback Trace McSorley.  You decide.  FYI, we did check with Boy No. 1 and he did not watch the game.

Penn State 35  Washington 28

My Pick:  Penn State, record 20-13.

What Did I Eat:  Some great food - crispy pig ears with dipping sauce and bone marrow butter on grilled bread at Salazar; fresh oysters and an amazing scallops dish at The Anchor.  Good eats. 

Bowl Game Swag:  Playstation PS4 PRO Bundle, Fossil watch, Ogio backpack.  This game gets it. 

Fun Fact:  If fans choose to stay in Phoenix to ring in 2018 they can do it at the Flannel Ball where there will be drinks flowing, lots of food and plenty of flannel.  The new year comes in with the piñata drop.

Wisconsin vs. Miami

We were home in time for me to watch most of this game, no issue.  Too much writing already, Wisconsin overcame an early 14-0 deficit to get the win. Decent game, lousy finish to the season for Miami which lost its last three games after starting 10-0.

Wisconsin 34  Miami 24

My Pick:  Wisconsin, record 21-13, the Big Ten 7-0.  The conference can go 8-0 by Monday or South Carolina can win, which is fine with me.

What Did I Eat:  Nothing

Bowl Game Swag:  Gift suite, Tourneau watch, Lyfe Brand hat, Ice Shaker water bottle and shaker cup.

Fun Fact:  The Orange Bowl trophy literally is a bowl of oranges and it takes a crew of four to load in the oranges. 

Seems like overkill.  Also, the trophy is huge, almost the size of the man back right.

No games on December 31st, I'll let you decide if I should continue Monday.  It won't hurt my feelings if the consensus is "fail."  Also, apologies for the font changes, no idea why and this is too long to clean up.

Five Game Friday

Too many games to stuff into the post title.  Much like my stomach after eating at Chuy's. (See previous post.)  Short and sweet on the recaps.

Texas A&M vs. Wake Forest

No defense in what turned into a track meet and point fest.  66 points scored in the first half is a new bowl record for a first half if I heard correctly.  I was in for all of the first half.  It was difficult to keep up with all the scoring. Didn't come back for the second half, had to go Sun Bowling.

Evidently there weren't enough players running up and down the field.  Three women also jumped into the action, armed with some sort of protest signs. 

Good luck to new Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher on finding some semblance of defense for 2018. 

Wake Forest 55  Texas A&M 52  Hard to believe the game ended on a defensive stop by Wake.

My Pick:  Texas A&M, record now 16-10

What Did I Eat:  Nothing, the Chuy's lunch had me covered for the afternoon.

Bowl Game Swag:  $450 shopping trip at a Belk store, Fossil watch.  The announcers in the game made some weird reference on how the jewelry section was closed off to the player shopping trip. Might have had something to do with an Arkansas player being arrested for shoplifting during the Belk shopping trip prior to the game last year.  

Fun Fact:  While 107 total points is a lot, it doesn't come close to the bowl game record.  That was set in the 2001 GMAC Bowl when Marshall and East Carolina would go for 125 points in two overtimes. 

North Carolina State vs. Arizona State

Not much to see here.  NC State had a nice lead in the first half and didn't need defensive standout Bradley Chubb, who chose to sit out the game. I watched until midway into the second quarter and then had to move on to the next game. 

There is some talk now at most of the these game about a player or two sitting out to protect their draft status. I really have no issue with the guys sitting out but don't get why they travel with the team.  If you don't want to play, fine, but stay home.  Chubb was at this game with his Wolfpack teammates. 

NC State 52  Arizona State 31  The Sun Devils put up 21 points in garbage time, probably affecting "the over" in Las Vegas.

My Pick:  NC State, record 17-10

What Did I Eat:  Again, nothing,

Bowl Game Swag:  Gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Majestic Pro Base fleece pullover, Ogio Politan backpack, Under Armour cap, coin. 

Fun Fact:  This Sun Bowl was the 50th for CBS, commemorated on the game ticket and a special poster.

The Sun Bowl was first televised on CBS in 1968 when Auburn defeated Arizona 34-10 with Lindsey Nelson and Frank Gifford announcing the game. 

New Mexico State vs. Utah State

The first time in 11 BowlQuests that NM State has been in a bowl game but it goes back farther than that.  The Aggies had not been in a bowl game in 57 years.  And who did NM State play in that game in 1960?  Utah State.  It's Aggie on Aggie action, again!

I was good for one quarter for the game carried on CBS Sports Network.  The Sun and Arizona Bowls are CBS' stand against ESPN buying up every game. 

This game ended in overtime with Utah State missing a field goal and NM State scoring the winning touchdown.  Good on you Aggies, New Mexico State variety. 

CBSSN had nothing to go to after the game so they kept the camera on this guy for a while. 

New Mexico State 26  Utah State 20

My Pick:  Utah State, record now 17-11

What Did I Eat:  Still nothing

Bowl Game Swag:  Gift suite, watch, Ogio backpack, beanie. 

Fun Fact:  This was the first time the Arizona bowl was televised, it had only been on the internet the previous two years.  For whatever reason, attendance at this game in Tucson is booming, up to over 40,000 tickets sold. It did look like a good crowd too, not some bogus attendance number like many games post.

Northwestern vs. Kentucky

After Aggie on Aggie action, let's go Wildcat on Wildcat.  I was in for most of the second half here, a game I was actually looking forward to for some reason.  

Glad to see a game that had some actual defense played. There was a bizarre ejection of a Kentucky player that definitely impacted the game.  UK running back Benny Snell was tossed after what looked like he was being helped up by an official and then pushed away.  Snell is one of the top players in the SEC and it definitely hurt the Cats chances of winning.

And yet, there they were at the end of the game, scoring after a Northwestern turnover.  I love coaches who go for two and the win and that's what UK coach Mark Stoops did.  Unfortunately for Kentucky, the play failed and Northwestern gets the W.  

Northwestern 24  Kentucky 23

My Pick:  Northwestern, record 18-11

What Did I Eat:  Some beef jerky. 

Bowl Game Swag:  Gift suite, Fossil watch.  Not really trying in Nashville.

Fun Fact:   Northwestern won back to back bowl games for the first time in school history. 

Also, NU head coach Pat Fitzgerald was given a Music City Bowl guitar. They probably gave one to Stoops too but his was taken away by the official that ejected Benny Snell.

Ohio State vs. USC

While a fifth straight game really didn't seem all that appetizing this game had the best match up of bowl season so far. Traditional powers, both teams feeling snubbed by the playoff committee, big crowd in Jerry World. 

What. A. Dud. 

Ohio State's defense manhandled Southern Cal's offense from the start.  USC QB Sam Darnold looked like another year in school might be a better move than going into the draft.  The guy turned the ball over three times in the first half.  He did look like a starter for the Browns though.

USC managed to get on the board before the end of the half, capitalizing on an Ohio State muffed punt.  Buckeyes up 24-7 at half and that score would stand.  Neither team did much of anything in the second half. 

Ohio State's defense looked pissed off, their offense looked like they would let the defense do the heavy lifting.  There will be some fans who will clamor for an eight team playoff, pointing to Ohio State being left out.  I think Ohio State would get beat by any of the four teams in the playoff.  Also, what other three teams would be put in that would compete - UCF, Wisconsin? Certainly not No. 8 Southern Cal.  Just leave the playoff at four teams. 

Ohio State 24  USC 7

My Pick:  Ohio State, record 19-11.  The Big 10 is undefeated in bowl season. 

What Did I Eat:  Nothing.  And while I'm writing up the recap this came up on a local TV segment about party food for New Year's Eve.  

Now my appetite is destroyed for the rest of he day (probably not). What is that? Is the bacon cooked?  Are those figs, dates or beetles?  Maybe chicken liver?  Did anyone think the cranberry garnish would make this look more appetizing?  

Four games on Saturday.  Let's see if the Big 10 with Wisconsin and Penn State can keep things rolling.

Camping World/Alamo/Holiday Bowls

Late update today, I had work to do this morning and then the second half of our annual Man Day outing.  Last week Man Day part one was at Premiere Shooting and at Mellow Mushroom.  This time it was TopGolf and Chuy's.  Good times.

I did see all the bowls on Thursday and updating here as I watch the first of five games today. 

Oklahoma State vs. Virginia Tech

Not really interested in this game.  I watch into the second quarter and then caught last week's episode of Top Chef.  This season the chef-testants are in Denver and one of the eliminations was to cook a French omelet.  One of the chef's omelets had raw eggs.  I'm not a professional chef by any means but I can cook an omelet in 20 minutes without serving raw eggs. 

Came back in the second half to watch the Cowboys hold off the Hokies.  I guess you could say this was the Hokie-Pokie bowl. 

Oklahoma State 30  Virginia Tech 21

My Pick:  Oklahoma State, record now 14-9.

What Did I Eat:  Mrs. Keith made dinner - meatloaf, roasted potatoes, salad. I cleaned up. 

Bowl Swag:  $400 Best Buy player shopping trip, Timely Watch Co. watch.  That's how to do it, let the guys picks their own stuff. 

Fun Fact:  Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy's mullet wasn't a one season phenomenon.  He's in it for the long haul with business up front, party in the back. 

For whatever reason, the two late games were on at 9pm.  And here come the Spartans.

No. 16 Michigan State vs. No. 18 Washington State

The Spartans are back in bowl season after the disaster that was 2016.  MSU was looking for its 10th win against a Washington State team that was without their starting quarterback Luke Falk and two starting wide receivers.

After a sluggish start, the Spartans took control of the game with a nice balanced run/pass attack, putting up 21 straight points to take the big lead to the half.  I had to go with the double screen to fit in a guaranteed quarter of the Alamo Bowl on at the exact same time.  I have no idea why Fox didn't go with an earlier start time for the Holiday Bowl and it wasn't on national Fox instead of FS1. 

The Spartans came out in the second half and scored again thanks to the legs and arm of sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke.  This team should be stacked for 2018. 

Michigan State 42  Washington State 17   This may have been the most complete game the Spartans played all season.  Even if WSU had Falk, I don't think it would have been a different outcome, he doesn't play defense.

My Pick:  MSU (you didn't think I was taking the Cougs, right?)  Record up to 15-9. 

What Did I Eat:  Nothing, I was full from dinner.  

Bowl Swag:  Gift suite, Fossil Watch, Ogio backpack.  Who cares, the Spartans got win No. 10, that's what they really wanted. 

Fun Fact:  The MSU win was the 100th for head coach Mark Dantonio.  

This guy saved the Michigan State program - right man for the job. 

Stanford vs. TCU

Watched the second quarter on the second screen.  This had all the looks of a beat down, just like MSU's win in the Holiday Bowl.  But one thing, never count out TCU in the Alamo Bowl.  A couple years ago they came all the way back from a big deficit to beat Oregon and they did it again Thursday night.  I turned off the second screen when Stanford went up 21-3.  

Once Michigan State had the game in hand in the second half, I switched back and forth and this turned into a furious shootout.  One big play after another, it had something for everyone, just like Ferris Bueller. 

TCU 39  Stanford 37 - move this one to the top of the list for best bowl game of the season.  

My Pick:  TCU, now up to 16-9.  Getting a little more respectable.

What Did I Eat:  Nothing, again. 

Bowl Swag:  Amazon Echo Show, $175 Amazon gift card, Fossil watch, mini-helmet, Rock 'Em socks, team panoramic photo.  This is a pretty nice haul. 

Fun Fact:  Before playing in the Alamo Bowl, Stanford had only played in four other indoor games - in the Superdome against Tulane (1977), the Bluebonnet Bowl in the Astrodome (1978), against Tulane back in the Superdome (1979) and the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State at University of Phoenix Stadium (2011).

Armed Forces Bowl

First day of my last vacation days of 2017.  I'm off until Tuesday, so nothing but football for five straights days. I'm might have a sickness.

Navy vs. Virginia

When there are 40 bowl games, you never know what you're going to get each time out.  What teams will be fired up, what teams will be flat, what team will throw one pass and win by 42 points?  Not Virginia.

UVA jumped out to the early lead with a return on the opening kick off and that would be their only highlight.  The only one.  Their last play, a pass that was nullified by a penalty.  End of game.

In between, Navy piled up more than 440 yards of offense, all running yards, and would cruise to the easy win.  It's almost impossible to fathom what Virginia did during the time they were preparing for this game.  Their defense was worse than their offense.  Anyone playing Navy knows exactly what is going to happen, they only run the ball. UVA may be the one team that wasn't aware.

Navy 49  Virginia 0 (I'm taking away that kick off return, it shouldn't count.)  By the way, the one pass Navy threw was incomplete. 

My Pick:  Navy, record now 13-9. 

What I Ate:  Some Husman's sour cream and onion potato chips late in the 4th quarter. 

Husman's is my least favorite of the local potato chip offerings.  Nothing wrong with them, but I prefer Grippos and then Mike Sell's.  Husman's sour cream and onion flavor is also kind of flat.  Utz's Crab Chips are my all time favorite. They use Old Bay seasoning for the "crab" flavor.  A flavor punch.

Bowl Swag:  Rock 'Em socks, Under Armour beanie and backpack.  Virginia players should get nothing, not even this weak haul.

Fun Fact:  This was the second game during bowl season where a team played on its home field, Navy in Annapolis.  The upside, fans did not have to go far to see the game.  The downside, Virginia football.  Also, during the initial planning stages for this bowl game, organizers wanted to call it the Congressional Bowl, which would have been perfect for Virginia as they did nothing, just like Congress.

Foster Farms Bowl/Texas Bowl

The back half of a four bowl Wednesday. It felt like it was going to be a struggle to get in a quarter of the late game.

Purdue vs. Arizona

Welcome back Boilermakers, trying to earn their first winning season since 2011 under new head coach Jeff Brohm.

A fun first quarter with both teams scoring quickly, 14-14. Purdue was playing their backup QB Elijah Sindelar, who it turns out, has been playing with a torn ACL.  Arizona countered with Khalil Tate, a dual threat QB.  Both teams should be better next season.

I checked out during the second quarter to get a quarter of the next game in.

An exciting finish with Arizona grabbing their first lead late but Sindelar led the Boilers on a late winning drive to seal up that winning record, Boiler Up!  Good day for the Big 10 with Iowa and Purdue wins.

Purdue 38  Arizona 35

My pick:  Arizona, record drops to 11-9.

What Did I Eat:  Shrimp cocktail

Bowl Swag:  Fossil watch, Sony XB950N1 extra bass noise cancelling headphones, Timbuk2 backpack, coin, $25 Apple iTunes gifrt card.  Those headphones are pretty nice.

Fun Fact:  Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm once played in Vince McMahon's XFL.  This may be the best 90 seconds of that league. 

"Let's play football!"

Missouri vs. Texas

Not a lot of enthusiasm for the last game of the day.  Unlike the Foster Farms bowl, which was played in a nearly empty Levi's Stadium, there was a great crowd at NRG Stadium in Houston for this game.  It doesn't hurt that Texas was playing but a nice showing from Missouri fans too.

The full, live quarter came from the second and the story of the entire game was Texas punter Michael Dickson. Much like charcuterie on the food scene, Aussie punters are all the rage and this guy will no doubt be drafted. Dickson had 11 punts, 10 inside the 15, seven inside the 10 with no touch backs.  That's wizardry.

The Longhorns took advantage of Missouri constantly having poor field position thanks to Mr, Dickson, and pulled away.  I did manage to stay awake to see the horrible snap by Missouri that turned into a safety for Texas, their only points (2) of the third quarter.

Texas 33  Missouri 16  You can't expect to drive the length of the field every possession and win.

My Pick:  Texas.  Record now 12-9, and we've passed the halfway point of BowlQuest!

What Did I Eat:  Nothing, I was tired and it was late. Boy No. 2 Bryant came home from work and made a charcuterie plate.  He's hip to the cool foods.

I didn't take a picture of his but here's a solid example.  He did offer me some but it was too late for fine meats and cheeses for my 53 year old digestive system.

Bowl Swag:  Gift suite, Academy Sports + Outdoors (game sponsor) gift card, Addidas duffel bag and of course, a belt buckle.  Theses buckles are about as Texas as it gets.

Independence Bowl/Pinstripe Bowl

Blogging while BowlQuesting.  Two of the four games on the schedule today.

Florida State vs. Southern Miss

My last day at work for the rest of the year.  Not that work is done, I just don't have to go in until January 2nd.  I wrapped up what I had to do to be able to watch the full second quarter in our common area.  I may have dozed off for a moment or two.

A real garbage game, with Florida State keeping their bowl streak alive at 32 years with a sketchy win over Delaware State.  I had no doubt FSU would win, they're loaded with talent, but just played awful all season after their starting QB was injured in their first game against Alabama.

The Seminoles were never challenged in this one, up 23-6 at halftime and never looked back.

The most intriguing thing about this game was how little money a company can spend to sponsor a bowl game.  Walk On's is a small chain of 16 higher end Louisiana-themed sports bars co-owned by Drew Brees.  The Saints QB was in all their commercials. Their Boom Boom shrimp Po' Boy looks pretty good.

The larger point is that a small chain of sports bars or a small lawn mower company can now sponsor a bowl game because there are no sponsors left.  At least it was better than when this game was sponsored by pyramid scheme Advocare, also using Brees as a spokesperson.

Oh yeah, the game.  Florida State won in a rout. The Seminoles have a couple running backs that will play on Sundays.  No idea how they could go 6-6 with those two guys on their team.  Their lousy season did give former coach Jimbo Fisher the opportunity to fly the coop for a huge payday at Texas A&M. 

Florida State 42  Southern Miss 13

My Pick:  Florida State, huge confidence pick.  I think my record is now 10-8.

What Did I Eat:  Nothing. My pregame lunch was low sodium Progresso wedding soup which had no resemblance to actual wedding soup and Cheez-Its from the vending machine.  And a bag of peanut M&M's. 

Bowl Swag:  Gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, New Era skull cap, football.  Lame, just like Shreveport.

Fun Fact:  I contend Shreveport, Louisiana is the absolute worst bowl game destination for players and fans.  It's in the northwest part of the state.  There is no reason for anyone to ever go there.  The mayor is always in the tourism ad that runs during the game.  The message is always, "Hi, we're Shreveport and we're not that bad.  We have a casino!  And disregard that smell."

Doing a google news search, the first item that came up was "Three victims identified in Shreveport Christmas shooting."  Second story, "Shreveport man arrested four times for DWI."

Meet Brett Burdges, who was arrested for DWI back in August.  Also in 2006 and 2009.  He was passed out at a red light in his most recent infraction.

I'll never forget the time Air Force played in this game and their Falcon mascot just flew away, presumably to escape Shreveport.

From Shreveport to New York City.

Iowa vs. Boston College

Still at work, I caught the full first quarter.  It was 23 degrees at game time, probably good punishment for two teams that were 7-5.  Iowa was here to break their five game bowl losing streak.

They did.

I did watch the end of this game.  Boston College had the ball back after Iowa went up for their final score and the first two plays were runs up the middle.  There was little time on the clock and they ran it up the gut for next to no gains two times in a row.  While I have zero experience coaching I do think I could substitute for some offensive coordinators and no one would notice.

Game.  The Pinstripe Bowl is played at Yankee Stadium and its obvious they don't have the coils under the field to keep the grass from freezing like actual football stadiums.  Players were slipping and falling all game. 

Iowa 27  Boston College 20

My Pick:  Iowa, bowl record now 11-8.  I'm sure Kirk Ferentz somehow fleeced the state of Iowa for a $500,000 bonus for tying Hayden Fry's wins record.  Ferentz is easily the most overrated long term coach in big time college football. 

What Did I Eat:  Some of those spicy pecans I still have around.

Bowl Swag:  A variety of New Era products.  This game has always been secretive of their swag.

Fun Fact:  Sometimes one player can win a game.  That was the case here with Akrum Wadley who had 88 yards rushing, 24 yards receiving and 171 yards of kick returns.  NFL teams would be wise to not let this guy slip too far down in the draft.  It would also have been wise for BC TO AVOID KICKING TO THIS GUY.

Cactus Bowl

Third game of the night on Tuesday.

This was a game, it was on ESPN, I did the least.

UCLA vs. Kansas State

The reason to watch this game was UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who is sounding a lot like Eli Manning when it comes to the NFL draft.  Rosen did not clear concussion protocol and wasn't able to play.  Okay then, one quarter, the first.

Kansas State 35  UCLA 17

My Pick:  Kansas State, it was pretty certain Rosen wouldn't play. Record now 9-8.

What Did I Eat:  Nothing, it was late

Bowl Swag:  Yeti cooler and tumbler, Fossil watch, Ogio backpack, Legendary hat, JBL Flip 4 speaker, blanket.  The Yeti gear is quality stuff, nice job Cactus Bowl.

Fun Fact:  This game has bounced through various names including the Copper Bowl, The Insight Bowl, The Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl (Michigan State won one of those), The Motel 6 Cactus Bowl and now just Cactus Bowl.

Heart of Dallas Bowl/Quicklane Bowl

Back to work and I have to catch more games. Just one more day of that.

Totally unnecessary game on a Tuesday afternoon but a good match-up based on team names alone.  The only thing that can mean is two lousy seasons.

West Virginia vs. Utah

Yup, Utah at 6-6 and WVU at 7-5.  At least West Virginia has the excuse of losing their QB Will Grier to injury. 

I was working most of the time during the first half and saw some plays but not a live quarter.  I got that while I was on the air.  One of my co-workers scoffed at the idea that being on the air and watching a game weren't possible and that I was making up the rules as I went along.  Listen J.D. Hughes...

or anonymous employee, I've done this for 11 years.  It's not easy to get every game in and carry out my arduous duties for a group of radio stations. The TV is on, I'm in the room, hence, I'm watching. 

As for this game, no one needed to watch.  Neither team seemed to care, especially West Virginia.

Utah 30  West Virgnia 14  Utah Coach Kyle Wittingham has an 11-1 record in bowl games, best among all current coaches. 

Also, WVU's backup QB is Chris Chugunov, whose last name sounds like a bottom shelf vodka.

My Pick:  Utah, record now 7-8.

What Did I Eat:  Nothing.  I was working, that point has already been made.  I did have a sandwich from home and a can of Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch. 

Bowl Swag:  Gift suite, football.  Come on WVU players, put those footballs on ebay so I can buy one.

Fun Fact:   This game is played at the old Cotton Bowl stadium, which is not the site of the current Cotton Bowl which is played at Cowboys Stadium.  The stadium was featured in a 1981 episode of "Dallas" where J.R. Ewing meets Dusty Farlow.

The game in Dallas rolled right into this one, so yes, another game I can qualify by being on the air. 

Duke vs. Northern Illinois

This game was never in question.  The MAC stinks this year in bowl season.  I watched the first and fourth quarters live.  In between, I hung out with co-workers including the doubting J.D. Hughes, drove home and watched Jeopardy. 

If Northern Illinois and West Virginia played each other, they would have quit in the middle of the third quarter out of lack of interest. Actually, a Utah vs. Duke game would have been good.

Duke 36  NIU 14  The MAC is now 1-4 in bowl games.

My pick:  Duke, back to .500 at 8-8.

What Did I Eat:  Some Snyder's of Hanover Jalapeno Pretzel bites and dry roasted peanuts.  I'm supposed to avoid certain snacks because of my high blood pressure.  Not sure if these count.  Felt like health food.

Bowl Swag:  $175 Best Buy gift card, JBL bluetooth headphones, life-sized Fathead decal for participant of his likeness, Ogio backpack and tag, mini-helmet, hoodie, workout shorts, winter hat, vintage football.  Now that is how you do a swag package.  And this a game is in Detroit on a Tuesday.

Fun fact:  While everyone hates Duke basketball, no one hates Duke football, which produced quarterback Sonny Jurgenson.  Check out the 1972 Redskin highlights.

Good Lord, what I would give to have this NFL come back. Listen to John Facenda. No replay, a couple games on TV, NFL Films, daytime Super Bowls.

Hawai'i Bowl

Only one game on Christmas Eve, as it is every year, a trip to the islands. 

Fresno St. vs. Houston

No interest at all in this game, did my one live quarter and called it a night.  We usually watch a  movie on Christmas Eve, this year's choice Christmas Vacation.  There was some dilemma when I couldn't find my DVD copy of the movie.  I keep all my movies in alphabetical order and somehow this one jumped from the C's to the A's.  Movie watched, ordered restored. "Hey Gris, if you're not doing anything constructive, run into the living room and get my stogey." 

Movie over, 25,000 Italian twinkle lights lit, on to the game.  I struggled to stay awake but managed to watch the third quarter. There were more lights on Clark's house than fans in the stands, and it wasn't close.

This game did feature a rare block six, a block field goal returned for a touchdown. 

Fresno State 33  Houston 27

My pick:  Houston, record now a sad 6-8.

What I ate:  Nothing.  We had dinner an hour before the game.  Standing rib roast, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, good stuff.

Bowl Swag:  Electronics gift suite, Oakley backpack and sunglasses, Tori Richard aloha shirt, beach towel, Pro Athletics surf trunks, performance t-shirt.  

Probably the most fun swag of all the games.  Get one of those Tori Richards shirts for your next casual Friday.

Fun Fact:  Fresno State had the longest bowl win drought, at six games.  Streak ended, way to go Bulldogs.

Birmingham Bowl/Armed Forces Bowl/Dollar General Bowl

Three games on the slate today, the first from beautiful Legion Field.

Your bowl game for southern hospitality and serious football and one of the worst stadiums in America, dilapidated Legion Field.  I've slammed Legion Field for many years so no reason to pile on here.

South Florida vs. Texas Tech

By all predictions this game had "shoot-out" written all over it.  Two high powered offenses and not much defense. And then both teams went out and scuffled around for the first half going to the break with a 10-10 score.

I took off at the half to fuel up the Ram truck you may have heard me endorse on WGRR, and to pick up some scratch offs for the stuffing of stockings.

The second half delivered the shootout the predictions promised,  both teams kicked it into high gear and played a great second half. Texas Tech took the lead with a minute and half to go and you know what happens when a team leaves too much time on the clock.  They keep playing.  And they give up a score.  USF marched right down the field for the win.  Best game of bowl season so far.

We do have a candidate for BowlQuest Best Player Name Award, Keke Coutee, which is just fun to say.

Mr. Coutee is a player in the Antonio Brown mode.  He was open all day and could move with the ball. 11 catches for 187 yards and a score.

USF 38  Texas Tech 34

Maybe the greatest post-game picture from the Bulls.

My pick:  USF, now 6-5.

What did I eat:  Some leftover spaghetti and meatballs for lunch.

Bowl Swag:  Gift suite, Oakley sunglasses, beanie, Big Game football.  These games need to step up their swag game. Also, I've looked for these bowl game footballs on ebay and the players do not sell them. Contrary to what people say about too many bowl games, they mean a lot to these players. (Statement based on the fact I cannot find their freebies on ebay.)

Fun fact:  Former MTV vee-jay Alan Hunter is a native of Birmingham.  What did Alan do after MTV?

That's him in the dress shirt, as a golfer in a Dockers commercial.  No one plays golf in a long sleeve dress shirt. Or Dockers.  Hopefully he's had the good sense to make it to Birmingham for the glory of the bowl game.  I've heard him on XM/Sirius' 80's on 8 channel and he sounds tired.

Next up, the Armed Forces Bowl from Fort Worth, Texas.

San Diego State vs. Army

I had to go picture in picture to catch the beginning of this game as the first game ran past 3:30.  SDSU's Rashaad Penny tore off a long run for the first score immediately and another shoot-out was underway.

21-21 at half and I had some other stuff to do including my one holiday "baking" tradition, making spicy pecans.  I use Emeril's recipe and technically there is baking, the nuts have to go in the oven for 45 minutes.

Some spicy pecans and bourbon to finish up this game, a terrific  fourth quarter by Army, scoring three times including a two-point conversion for the win.  Army's coach wasn't willing to go against Penny in overtime.

The game finished with SDSU attempting one last play that included six laterals followed by a pass intercepted by Army that the Black Knights took in for a score.

Army 42  SDSU 35  Great game

My pick:  San Diego State, record now 6-6

What did I eat:  As noted, the spicy pecans

Bowl Swag:  Just a trip through the gift suite. The Armed Forces Bowl not really trying.

Fun Fact:  Lockheed Martin is the sponsor of this game, so I like to pick one of their aircraft for my Christmas wish list.

Let's go with the U-2 Dragon Lady.  According to Lockheed Martin, the U-2S flies more than 10,000 feet higher, 100 mph faster and has larger bandwidth links than any other high-altitude ISR plaform.  Should meet all my reconn needs.

And on to the last game of the day.

After two great games, the nightcap had a lot to live up to, and failed tremendously.  Well, at least one team did.

Toledo vs. Appalachian State

I had little interest in another game and was in for one quarter.  Good choice too, the Rockets were garbage.

App State 34  Toledo 0  Getting shutout in a bowl game is not easy to do.

My pick:  Toledo.  Record now 6-7.  Not good.

What I ate:  Nothing

Bowl Swag:  Amazon Echo, Maui Jim sunglasses, Timely Watch Co. watch, Wilson football.  I have an Amazon Echo and have found little use for it.  It plays music, streams radio stations, can tell you the weather and traffic info and play some games.  You can also buy things from your Amazon account.  I think it's mainly a way for Amazon and Google to have open microphones in our homes and record everything we say.  Maybe I should have asked for a black helicopter from Lockheed Martin.

Fun Fact:  This was the first shutout in the Dollar General Bowl's 19-year history.  Not much fun, but neither was this game.