Spring training has started for Major League Baseball, which means that NCAA Baseball has started as well.  The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking for a strong season from starting pitcher, Brad Goldberg.  So far this season, he has lived up to expectations.

In three games so far, Goldberg is 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA in 19 innings.  He has only allowed 7 hits, and 2 runs with only one of them being earned.  Opposing hitters are hitting .119 against him.  He has struck out 22 batters that he has faced and walked 9.

Walks and high pitch count have been a concern for Goldberg in the past but so far this season he has improved in both of those stat categories.  It is still early in the season, and therefore the 19 innings probably could be higher, but there isn’t a need to leave him out there in a game to accumulate statistics.

This is why at the beginning of the season major leaguers will often be pulled even with a no hitter going.  Conference play is going to matter much more than these beginning of the season games that have no real effect on the outcome of the whole year.

Goldberg has been getting draft buzz for quite some time now, and if he can keep it up this season, it will only increase his stock.  He features a fastball (sinker), change up, cutter, and curve ball.

He was elected Big Ten Pitcher of the Week 2 consecutive weeks to start the season giving up no earned runs in 13.1 innings of work while striking out 17 batters.  If he stays strong throughout the season he will get serious consideration as Big Ten Pitcher of the Year.

Indiana is slated as the favorite to win the Big Ten this year, but Ohio State’s recruits from head coach Greg Beals are going to be major contributors.  The team is fairly young, but they have veterans and leaders in the right places.

Obviously Kent State stole the show last year qualifying for the College World Series, and will get the bulk of attention for Ohio college baseball teams.  However, the Buckeyes can certainly do damage in the Big Ten this year, and as we saw with Kent State last year, anyone can make a run.

The Buckeyes will head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the long weekend during Ohio State’s spring break.  This could pose a potential matchup with Goldberg on the mound against a dangerous Coastal Carolina squad, in which he his very familiar with, having transferred to Ohio State from Coastal following his sophomore season.

Another matchup to watch is against Ball State, which is where coach Beals was head coach before accepting the Ohio State job.  The Buckeyes home opener is scheduled for March 15 against Bryant University.  Big Ten play opens up at Purdue March 22.

This should be a fun season to watch for the Buckeyes, and it will be especially fun to watch what Goldberg can accomplish on the mound, and going forward in the MLB draft process.

Signing day has come and gone, but I am not done with my opinion about the entire spectacle of it all.  Quite honestly, I am not a fan of signing day and all the hype that it brings.

Yes, there should be hype and excitement about fans wanting their schools to get the top players.  However, it is getting a bit excessive.  These high school football players are already starting to be treated like superstars.

We have already seen what happens to a number of them once they get that big head and develop the big ego.

Here are a few examples:

Isiah Crowell, RB:
Attended the University of Georgia as a highly touted running back and was very effective his freshman year.  He announced he was going to UGA by bringing a bulldog puppy up and telling everyone he named it Uga, for obvious reasons.  Although very cute and creative, what was soon to follow Crowell was not.  It was just plain stupid. Crowell was arrested in June of 2012 on three weapons charges with two of them being felonies.  Crowell was dismissed from the team and now attends Alabama State University.

Asiantii Woulard, Dual Threat QB:
This is more recent, being this year.  Woulard is a high school standout as a dual threat quarterback and chose to attend UCLA, and for those of you who don’t know UCLA stands for the University of California, Los Angeles.  So when Woulard was speaking and decided on UCLA, he said he would be playing his college football at UCLA University.  Though this may not seem like much, as a fan or current member of the team, I would want the incoming recruit to at least say the name of the school correctly.  A similar situation occurred with the next player who also was the center of a certain tattoo scandal.

Terrelle Pryor, Dual Threat QB:
Pryor was one of the most highly rated players coming out of high school in recent history, and he certainly backed it up.  He had the ability to burn opposing teams with his feet and arms. However, during his announcement he said The University of Ohio State which clearly as we all know it is The Ohio State University.  Pryor made statements claiming it was a knock on Michigan and how he wanted to stir up the rivalry a little more, and as a Buckeye fan that is fine.  The real issue is the impression it left on other people which was just plain stupidity.  Many attribute that to him getting such a big ego because all of the attention was on him that he didn’t even care to say the name of the university correctly.  Pryor always had a big ego and it really came out when he decided he was able to get free tattoos in exchange for a number of items (we have all heard the story).  This clearly was a direct result of his cockiness and ego thinking he was better than others and bigger than the NCAA rules.

Wild Cards:

Alex Collins is a running back from Plantation Florida and on signing day his mother was not happy with his decision to choose Arkansas over near by University of Miami, so she simply took the papers and was on the run. Now, nobody knows what the fate of Collins will be as a running back in college, but he seemed to have made a decision for himself and left his mother out of it (by the sound of it, a good idea).  This story swept the country because it was signing day and created even more drama to the soap opera type of day.

Reuben Foster is a LB recruit heading to Alabama.  What is interesting is that he has a huge Auburn tattoo on his forearm.  He was committed to Auburn before de-committing, but not before getting inked up with the Auburn Tattoo.  This just adds to why signing day and this whole process is too much.

Let us also not forget the infamous OL Kevin Hart.  He called for a press conference and announced he was going to Cal without even having an offer!

Athletes transfer, things happen that are unforeseen, and there are a number of factors that go into choosing a school.  Signing day gives them these huge egos that in some cases will end up making a huge difference in their lives like Isiah Crowell and Terrelle Pryor, or just makes you look flat out stupid like Reuben Foster.

The signing day events should be toned down and the hype should be toned down in order to preserve the mindset of these athletes.

The bowl season started and finished in a flash just as it always does, but we end with the same result. Notre Dame forgot to show up to Miami and was stomped all over by the Crimson Tide who continue their dominance as they give the SEC their seventh crystal football in a row. Nick Saban is now only two championships away from tying Alabama great Bear Bryant for most all time in college football. Alabama is going to lose quite a few players including RB Eddie Lacy to the NFL Draft in April, but we know Nick Saban will regroup and recruit and be ready to defend his title next season.

In other bowl news Oregon ended their stellar season with a blowout against Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl in which Marcus Mariota made a case for his Heisman run in 2013. Wisconsin was smashed for the third consecutive year in the Rose Bowl by the Stanford Cardinal. The PAC-12 looked great for the entire bowl season except for those teams in Southern California. UCLA was taken down by Baylor and USC in the closing seconds to a Georgia Tech team who had lost their previous eight bowl games. UCLA still had a pretty decent season and looks to start off strong next year. USC better figure something out because they went from unanimous number one to losing the Sun Bowl to a struggling Georgia Tech team.

SEC newcomers Texas A&M took it to their former rivals the Oklahoma Sooners. Heisman winner Johnny Maziel single handedly took down the entire Sooner defense with 516 total offensive yards. The college football world better get ready because the Aggies down at College Station may be thinking about punching that ticket to Pasadena next year.

There was many close games this year, but nothing compared to the Chik-fil-a Bowl which featured Clemson and LSU. LSU had this game in hand the whole time until the fourth quarter as Sammy Watkins and Clemson stormed back and represented the ACC conference by handy the SEC their first bowl loss this season. There was not a better play in all of the bowl season then in the Outback Bowl. Michigan has the ball on third down and the ball is handed off to Vincent Smith and almost immediately South Carolina Defensive End Jadevon Clowney nearly decapitates him. Called “The hit heard around the world,” Clowney’s hit knock Smith’s helmet off and he struggled to get up and off the field before the next play. The NFL better get ready for this guy.

Northwestern finally won a bowl game, first one since the 1949 Gator Bowl. Back to the National Championship and the way Notre Dame’s season deserved to end. The media covers this school like they are God’s. The one time they have a good season they are praised as the best team of all time. With having their own television network in which every single game is televised to the entire nation, they displayed twelve straight wins this season. But the predictions were outrageous. Including Lee Corso who picked the Irish to beat Alabama by at least ten. Heisman runner-up Manti Te’o recorded two tackles in the entire 60 minutes of National Championship football. The Irish were finally exposed by a team who is literally unstoppable right now and could have not played a down in the second half and still blown out Notre Dame. Everyone doubts the Crimson Tide all season and they end up demolishing the one team the was getting praises all season for being so good. At least the Irish continued their streak of 0-4 in BCS bowl games.

On to 2013 starting with National Signing Day, Spring Football,  NFL Draft, and the road to Pasadena.

First Game of 2013 season: Alabama vs. Virgina Tech in Atlanta, Georgia.

Conference Bowl Wins

1. SEC – 9
2. BIG-12 – 9
3. PAC-12 – 8

Final BCS Standings:

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Ohio State
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia

Six weeks ago Georgia Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray threw a pass for five yards which was five yards short of the endzone and cost him his chance to play a bowl game in January. Instead for the third time in four years the Alabama Crimson Tide will play for the National Championship. The Crimson Tide almost lost their chance to play in this game after being beat by Johnny Maziel and the Aggies of Texas A&M. They have Stanford and Baylor to thank for that one. If Nick Saban raises that glass football on Monday night, he will be the second all time winningest coach in Crimson Tide history, only behind Bear Bryant.

Notre Dame took down the Trojans seven weeks ago in Los Angles to punch their ticket and complete the undefeated regular season and their chance to play in the National Championship. Led by their Heisman runner-up Manti Te’o, the Fighting Irish and their number five ranked defense and number one scoring defense will take on the most feared team in all of college football.

This should not be a very high scoring game, but instead will be a battle of defenses and who can be the one to out-shine the other. Alabama Quarterback AJ McCarron is the fourth quarterback since the 1930′s to start in back to back National Championship games and the first Crimson Tide quarterback to do it.

The State of Alabama has a chance to be the only state in history to win the national championship four years in a row. Nick Saban does not lose very often and in the last three years he has only lost three times, one time each season. If the pattern continues Alabama will not lose against Notre Dame. The last time Notre Dame was even in a national championship every single player on the Irish team was not even born. It has been a very long time since Notre Dame has been as good as they are now. But can they tango with the SEC’s best in SEC country down in south beach.

Coverage starts at 6pm et. on ESPN from Miami Gardens, Florida

Prediction:

Alabama 27-21 Notre Dame

I am writing this in response the recent hot topic of eliminating kickoffs.  As I was watching games with my dad, we came up with an idea to change the kickoffs to make them safer, but still keeping the basics of it.

Kickoffs are a very important part of the game, and personally I think it will take away from the fan experience if they are removed.  Safety must come first, and I understand that, but there is nothing like a stadium erupting after kick off return for a touchdown.

The proposal for a new kick off is that the kicker will kick from the 30 or 35 yard line with two players lined up there as well.  However, the rest of the kicking team will start at the 50 yard line and are not allowed to start running until the ball passes them.  This will eliminate the high speed hits that everyone is worried about.

By the time the ball passes them and then gets to the receiver it will be difficult for the tacklers to get to top speed before making a tackle.  Even if they do reach top speed, the timing of the play will most likely result in them overrunning the return man.  The kicking and returning game will then become more strategy based opposed to athletic and speed based.

If the kicker still kicks from the 35 yard line, we will continue to see the current trends in touchbacks. If the kicker kicks from the 30 yard line it will still significantly slow down the tacklers and reduce the dangerous hits.  I firmly believe with this new kickoff format it will benefit everyone.  Returners can still return, and the dangerous hits will be with less force, and occur less frequently.

A question that I anticipate is how will offsides be determined.  Since it will be judgment if a player leaves before the ball crosses the 50 yard line, it will initially be determined by the side judges.  If there is serious doubt in the call, it can be reviewed very quickly from above on a monitor.  This will resemble soccer and their offsides call, minus the review if needed.

Another anticipated question is how onside kicks will work.  They will work the same as they do now.  Since most of the onside kicks are expected when they happen anyway, in this new format it must be announced when a team is planning to attempt an onside kick.

I hope this can lead to helping football’s future in the discrepancy regarding kickoffs.  I personally don’t want them eliminated, and I can confidently say that most fans and players don’t want them eliminated either.  There needs to be some type of modifications to the kickoffs for player safety, but eliminating them is simply not an option in my opinion.

Bowl Season is upon us once again and it is time to break down each and every bowl game and predict who will be having a happy holiday season this year and who will not. There are many great teams that just couldn’t do enough this season to make it to one of these great games, but for those who did get ready to rumble.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Nevada vs. Arizona

Nevada has had a tough season and somehow made it to a bowl game with a 7-5 record. One reason they got this far is because of their running back Stefphon Jefferson who has rushed over 1,700 yards this season. Rich Rodriguez has led the Arizona Wildcats to a 7-5 record and their only losses coming from very talented teams including Arizona State and Oregon. The Wildcat offense averages 37 points a game, so Nevada better watch their backs.
Prediction: Arizona over Nevada

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Utah State vs. Toledo

Utah State won the WAC and ended their season with ten wins. Toledo was right behind them with nine recorded wins this season. Toledo has had a one-two punch this season in quarterback Terrance Owens and running back David Fluellen. This both missed the last game of the season, but should both be back to handle the Aggies of Utah State.
Prediction: Toledo over Utah State

Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego State vs. BYU

The Aztecs finished the season on a seven game win streak along with being in a three-way tie for first in the Mountain West Conference. San Diego State has one of the best offenses in the country and home-field advantage in this game. BYU has a top 10 defense in points allowed with less than 15 a game. This is a classic top offense versus top defense fight to the finish.
Prediction: San Diego State over BYU

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl
Central Florida vs. Ball State

Central Florida lost in the conference title game against Tulsa in a game that some are still trying to figure out how they even got it in. They spent the second half of the season, after a great start, getting trampled by Ohio State and Missouri. Ball State has won six straight and have only losses against top ACC teams. Ball State’s defense will not show up, you can count on that, but if their offense does, watch out.
Prediction: Ball State over Central Florida

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
East Carolina vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Both teams finished their seasons winning the final three games and are both excellent on offense. Defense could get very interesting. Louisiana-Lafayette started this season in full stride, but have fell off the map a bit. The Pirates have a slightly better team and are crossing their fingers their defense can come up with a few stops.
Prediction: East Carolina over Louisiana-Lafayette

Las Vegas Bowl
Boise State vs. Washington

This has been an off year for the Broncos, but with their new flashy uniforms this game could be just what they need to get back in the spotlight. The Huskies have pulled some upsets this year and have lost some close ones. I would look for Keith Price to have a big day against the Bronco secondary and end their season on a high note.
Prediction: Washington over Boise State

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
SMU vs. Fresno State

SMU almost did not make this game until their last minute victory over Tulsa. SMU has had a tough year and is looking to pull a huge upset against the Bulldogs. Fresno State has Derek Carr who has lit some teams up this season with over 3,700 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. Fresno State scores quick and often and if the SMU defense is not ready they will be left in the dust early.
Prediction: Fresno State over SMU

Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl
Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky

Central Michigan has let many teams score alot of points on them and that is why their defense is averaging 33 points. Western Kentucky is not too great of a squad either and is lucky to even be in a bowl game. Which ever team has the ball last will win this game and by a very slim margin. This game has the potential to have more turnovers than points.
Prediction: Central Michigan over Western Kentucky

Military Bowl
San Jose State vs. Bowling Green

San Jose State is extremely talented and is not getting any credit. They have lost only two games this year including Stanford by a field goal and Utah State. The Falcons of Bowling Green have only allowed on average 16 points a game which makes their defense one of the top in the country. I think the Spartans may be a bit too much for that Falcon front seven.
Prediction: San Jose State over Bowling Green

Belk Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Duke

Cincinnati may have a little trouble in the beginning considering their recent coaching change. But in the end Duke may have their hands full. The Bearcats are averaging more than 30 points a game and their defense is allowing no more than 17 points a game. Which makes them one the most evenly distributed teams out there.
Prediction: Cincinnati over Duke

Holiday Bowl
Baylor vs. UCLA

Well UCLA has a great all-around team. Baylor has a fantastic offense and a horrible defense. A defense that West Virgina put 70 points on. The Bruins were one win away from a Rose Bowl appearance and I believe they will be taking out their anger on the Bears. Johnathan Franklin is hot and I do not see him slowing down any time soon.
Prediction: UCLA over Baylor

Independence Bowl
Louisiana-Monroe vs. Ohio

Louisiana-Monroe is the team that exposed Arkansas in the season opener this season. Ohio was the team that took down Penn State in the season opener as well. Both teams are very evenly matched and both have had very similar seasons. Louisiana-Monroe has won two straight so I see them pulling this one out.
Prediction: Louisiana-Monroe over Ohio

Russell Athletic Bowl
Rutgers vs. Virgina Tech

Rutgers was one of the best team in the Big East this year and were a field goal away from winning the conference title. Their defense is quite solid, which has been the reason many teams have struggled against them this season. Virgina Tech is in a whole heap of trouble ending their season 6-6 with very disappointing losses. I do not see the Hokies even remotely pulling this one out.
Prediction: Rutgers over Virgina Tech

Meineke Car Care Bowl
Minnesota vs. Texas Tech

Both of these teams have struggled all season long. Minnesota has six wins against very poor Big Ten teams. Texas Tech could not come up with any solid wins against any top school this year and to top it all off their head coach is outty 5000 and headed to Cincy. Neither of these teams deserve a bowl game, but since they are here they might as well play.
Prediction: Texas Tech over Minnesota

Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force vs. Rice

If you love the run game in football you are going to love this game. Neither team has a good record and neither team has too many star players. But both teams can run the ball. Which should come into affect as soon as the coin is flipped, considering both quarterbacks are so-so. I’m going to give this high scoring affair to the men behind enemy lines.
Prediction: Air Force over Rice

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
Navy vs. Arizona State

Navy is coming off of yet another win against rival Army. Arizona State is coming off of another win against their in-state rival Arizona. Both teams had pretty average seasons for their programs. Arizona State’s defense is something to take a second look at it as Will Sutton will lead the way. The Midshipmen are averaging over 250 rushing in each game this season. If the Sun Devils can stop the run, the Naval Academy may be in a little trouble.
Prediction: Arizona State over Navy

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Syracuse vs. West Virgina

West Virgina plays horrible defense, but they play awesome offense. Former Heisman contender Geno Smith will light up Syracuse with his feet and with his arm. Last year Syracuse handed the Mountaineers their worst loss of the season and plan to do the same here. Whichever quarterback has a bigger day will come out on top.
Prediction: West Virgina vs. Syracuse

Valero Alamo Bowl
Oregon State vs. Texas

Both of these teams started off the season with high hopes and possible BCS chances. Texas suffered their worst loss ever against rival Oklahoma and Oregon State got their butts handed to them by rival Oregon. Cody Vaz will lead the Beavers against a down-right awful Longhorn defense who needs to go back to high school and learn to tackle. Texas’ offense is all over the place as well and they will have to pick between an OK quarterback and a so-so quarterback.
Prediction: Oregon State over Texas

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
Michigan State vs. TCU

The Spartans had high hopes this season, but barely made it to a bowl game with a 6-6 record. TCU was a bit more up and down this season than years past, including a tough loss against Oklahoma a few weeks ago. This game will be about defense, considering both offenses are quite beat up. I see Gary Patterson figuring out a way to win.
Prediction: TCU over Michigan State

Music City Bowl
North Carolina State vs. Vanderbilt

Considering the SEC is full of excellent defensive teams there is only certain ones that get credit, because they are high in the BCS rankings. Vanderbilt won eight consecutive games this season and will be playing basically a home game. NC State has been all over the place, with some significant wins, but some even more significant losses. If quarterback Mike Glennon doesn’t find his edge this could be over early.
Prediction: Vanderbilt over North Carolina State

Sun Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. USC

Talk about the most disappointing team in the country. Once talked about dethroning Alabama in the title game and now representing the PAC-12 in the Sun Bowl. USC has had marquee games this season and they just could not perform at the top of their game. Including quarterback Matt Barkley being injured and missing his final game. The Yellowjackets do not deserve a bowl game as they sit at 6-7 and have an awful offense and an even worse defense. The Trojans could not show up and probably win this game.
Prediction: USC over Georgia Tech

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Tulsa vs. Iowa State

The 6-6 Cyclones are taking on the WAC Champions in a bit of a lopsided game. Tulsa is usually a very weak team, but this year have proven by winning their last 10 of 12 regular season games. Iowa State struggled this season and did not get any of their well known upsets, and should have not been invited into a bowl game.
Prediction: Tulsa over Iowa State

Chik-Fil-A Bowl
Clemson vs. LSU

Now this is an awesome game to tune in to. LSU suffered slim losses this season against top teams in Alabama and Florida. Clemson is on top of the ACC and have a receiver by the name of Sammy Watkins who will light any corner up. This game will be all about LSU’s defense and Clemson’s Offense. Get ready for a high powered battle between to elite teams.
Prediction: LSU over Clemson

Heart of Dallas Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Purdue

The Cowboys lost a heart-breaker against their rival Oklahoma and are looking to take out their anger on the Boilermakers. Oklahoma State’s defense is not that great, but their offense is averaging 45 points a game. Since Purdue’s defense is not rock solid look for a blowout here.
Prediction: Oklahoma State over Purdue

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
Mississippi State vs. Northwestern

The Wildcats will run the football during this game many times, because that is about all they can do. But it has worked considering they won nine games this season. Any time Mississippi State plays a tough team they get smashed. But don’t forget the bulldogs were ranked number seven in the country at one point this year. The only problem they lost five of their last six.
Prediction: Northwestern over Mississippi State

Capital One Bowl
Georgia vs. Nebraska

The loser of the SEC Championship and the loser of the BIG 10 Championship game meet. This is a blowout if I have ever seen one. The Bulldogs are excellent on defense and offense and have one of the bets pass rushers, that gave Alabama fits, in Jarvis Jones. Nebraska has done nothing but struggled this season, and now we all see how overrated Taylor Martinez really is, considering he is the best quarterback that was eligible to come out of a horrible conference.
Prediction: Georgia over Nebraska

Outback Bowl
Michigan vs. South Carolina

Another SEC and Big 10 match-up which will include a butt woopin’. Michigan has a pretty good offense led by Senior Quarterback Denard Robinson, but the Gamecocks defense is spectacular. Jadevon Clowney is going to give the Wolverines fits and going to send Denard out with a sack or two.
Prediction: South Carolina vs. Michigan

At&T Cotton Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has had a decent season, but Landry Jones has very very inconsistent. He did demolish Texas and beat in-state rival OSU, but did lose some close games against Notre Dame and Kansas State. Texas A&M on the other hand have a player named Johnny Manziel, maybe you have heard of him, you know youngest Heisman Trophy winner ever. He single handedly took down Alabama in Tuscaloosa and other then two very close losses, he has led a so-so team to one of the best bowl games all year.
Texas A&M over Oklahoma

BBVA Compass Bowl
Ole Miss vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s break out moment of the year clearly was against Notre Dame win the almost beat the Irish in triple over time just to lose by a field goal. Ole Miss has been playing high marquee match-ups all season in the SEC and have won some, but have had trouble against powerhouses. The Rebel defense is definitely something to watch. If they stop the Panthers run game they will do just fine.
Prediction: Ole Miss over Pittsburgh

GoDaddy.com Bowl
Kent State vs. Arkansas State

Arkansas State was led by Gus Malzahn who just took the head coaching job at Auburn. Kent State lost in a close one and was a matter of seconds from getting to the Orange Bowl. Kent State has a group of receivers that are something to watch and definitely will be playing on Sundays. After watching the MAC Championship I don’t see Arkansas State winning this against that Kent State offense.
Prediction: Kent State over Arkansas State

Rose Bowl
Stanford vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin was impressive against Nebraska and Montee Ball is definitely back. But Stanford’s defense will not let him pass in Pasadena. Freshman Quarterback Kevin Hogan took down the Ducks in Eugene and will do the exact same thing against the Badgers who are the best team eligible to come out of the worst conference.
Prediction: Stanford over Wisconsin

Orange Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Florida State

Everyone things Northern Illinois will be the BCS buster this year, but im not buying it. The Seminoles have had a tough outing this year, but they are playing a home game and are quite sick of everyone saying they will be beaten by a team like Northern Illinois. EJ Manuel will light up everyone on the field and Florida State will come out on top without a doubt.
Prediction: Florida State over Northern Illinois

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Florida vs. Louisville

Charlie Strong has led Louisville to a excellent season and put them back where they ought to be. The only issue is going to be the Florida Gators and the powerful defense. I believe this game will be very close, in the first half. But if Louisville does not take care of Jeff Driskel early we could be looking at blowout.
Prediction: Florida over Louisville

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Kansas State vs. Oregon

Probably the best bowl game of them all as the BIG 12 Champions take on the high powered Ducks. Oregon lost a close one to Stanford, but will be looking to make a statement and bring back their high-powered, fast pace offense back to the lime light. Collin Klein will look to cap off his Senior season against the Ducks, but better strike fast. If De’Anthony Thomas or Kenjon Barner get ahold of the ball this could get ugly.
Prediction: Oregon over Kansas State

BCS National Championship Game
Notre Dame vs. Alabama

The number one defense against the number one defensive player. Manti Te’o will lead the undefeated Irish against possibly one of the best head coaches of all time (Nick Saban) and his stout defense which doesn’t let teams score very often. Notre Dame allows on average 10.3 points a game and Alabama is allowing 10.7 points a game. This will not be a high scoring affair, but will be a battle won by the better defense. Get ready for the south to rise again.
Prediction: Alabama over Notre Dame