Bowl-Palooza: The Games to Watch

I have a confession to make: I love bowl games.

Excuse me?

There's no denying it. If college football were like high school, then the talk of playoffs would be the new hot girl at school and the bowl system would the old girl that was really hot when she first got to school a while ago, but has since lost her luster. This is mainly because of the situations that we've run into almost every year since the BCS's inception about who should be playing in the BCS bowls and most importantly, who deserves to play in the title games. All are valid arguments, but beyond the politics and controversy that the BCS garners, the non-BCS bowl games, also known as to some as "The Others," still provide great matchups.

We have to face facts. Recently, the BCS bowl matchups have left a lot to be desired once the actual games are played on the field. The hype for most of these games has been great, but the product that follows sometimes can be less than satisfying. And while the masses have their eyes set to the big money bowls on New Year's Day and thereafter, there are usually some good bowl games to keep an eye on. Here's a look at a few that should be entertaining going through Christmas, through the ball dropping up to most people getting over hangovers on the morning of January 1, 2009.

Poinsettia Bowl: No. 9 Boise State vs. No. 11 TCU

Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, CA; December 23; 8 PM

Quite possibly could be listed as the "BCS Busters" Bowl. Both the Broncos and Horned Frogs have done their damage to favored opponents in BCS conferences in recent years. Boise State, led by '07 Fiesta Bowl hero Ian Johnson, is looking for their second perfect season in three years, while the Mountain West runner-up Horned Frogs look to get to 11 wins. Both teams have high scoring offenses and underrated defenses.

Meineke Car Care Bowl: West Virginia vs. North Carolina

Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC; December 27; 1 PM

This has the potential to be an extremely exciting. Pat White looks to cap a brilliant career, including upset wins in two BCS bowl games, with his fourth win as the Mountaineers' signal-caller. Sophomore star Noel Devine had over 1,200 yards for the Mountaineers after splitting time in the backfield with Steve Slaton in his rookie season, but only found the end zone three times.

Meanwhile, it didn't take long for Butch Davis to get North Carolina back in the discussion in ACC; the Tar Heels are headed to their first bowl since 2004. Hakeem Nicks had a great season with just over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 total touchdowns. Carolina's T.J. Yates, who missed five games this season, is expected to be delivering the ball to Nicks and the rest of the receiving corps, but it's possible that backup Cam Sexton, who took the snaps while Yates was sidelined, could see time, as well.

Holiday Bowl: No. 17 Oklahoma State vs. Oregon

Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, CA; December 30; 8 PM

This game could have huge offensive fireworks. Both teams tout top 10 offenses in total yards, rushing yards and scoring. There is no shortage of talented skill players in this game. The Cowboys will be lead by quarterback Zach Robinson (24 passing TDs), largely overshadowed in the QB-rich Big 12, his number one target All-American wideout Dez Bryant (1,313 receiving yards, 18 TDs), and the dangerous Big 12 leading rusher Kendall Hunter (1,588 rushing yards, 6.7 avg. per carry, 14 TDs).

The Ducks will be lead by a pair of Jeremiahs, quarterback Masoli (12 passing touchdowns, 7 rushing TDs) and running back Johnson (1,082 rushing yards, 12 TDs). Johnson's backfield of LeGarrette Blount rushed for 928 yards and set a school record with 16 rushing touchdowns. The only talk about defense in this ballgame could very well be the one that makes a big play to stop the other offense. This bowl game historically has been a high-scoring and often exciting one to watch over the years.

Chic-Fil-A Bowl, LSU vs. No. 14 Georgia Tech

Georgia Dome; Atlanta, GA; December 31; 7:30 PM

A bowl game that features two teams that moved in the opposite directions of expectations. The defending champion Tigers had some embarrassing losses this year, including blowouts at Florida, at home against Georgia, and a crushing second straight defeat to Arkansas. Add in the near catastrophe against Troy, and LSU and Les Miles became the first defending national champs to play in the Chick Fil-A bowl and are looking to rebound a year after winning it all to end the season on a high note.

The Yellow Jackets in their first year under Paul Johnson really came on late in the season. Teams had a whale of time containing the triple-option as Jonathon Dwyer (1,328 rushing yards, 12 TDs) became arguably the most explosive player in the open field in college football the last four games of the season. Tech stayed competitive in the ACC and came within a early season Virginia Tech loss of the ACC championship game. The Jackets have a virtual home game with the Georgia Dome less than two miles away from Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Capital One Bowl, No. 15 Georgia vs. No. 18 Michigan State

Florida Citrus Bowl; Orlando, FL; January 1; 1 PM

This year turned out to be a huge disappointment for the Bulldogs, who were ranked No. 1 in the polls before the season. Expected to contend for the national championship this year, they faltered in their big name games against Alabama, Florida, and Georgia Tech. Matthew Stafford had a decent junior season with 22 touchdowns. Knowshon Moreno led the SEC in rushing with 1,338 yards and 16 touchdowns and Mohamed Massaquoi and super freshman A.J. Green combined 102 catches, more than 1,800 yards, and 16 touchdowns. Georgia's defense was a huge disappointment in the second half of the season, with poor tackling displays against Florida and Georgia Tech. They will need to tackle better against the overachieving Spartans, led by senior super back Javon Ringer (1,590 rushing yards, 21 TDs) who had a stellar final season in East Lansing.

Are there too many bowls? Absolutely! But there are some dandies on this year's bowl schedule. It really is the most wonderful time of the year and if you really love college football, these are the times you enjoy the most. Plus, you have all the offseason and next year to drum back up the playoff debate. I'll think I'll stick with old hot girl for now.