It's time to go bowling. Outside of the NFL playoffs, it may be the greatest sports season of year--in fact it <em>is</em> the harbinger of the playoffs for the pros. It surrounds the Christmas and New Year holidays, and it even spurs annual debate by crowning a Champion without a playoff system. 

Unlike many people who feel there are too many bowls, I don't care who the bowl sponsor is, or who's playing in it...I'll watch it and enjoy it. At first glance the match-ups looked pretty uninteresting a couple weeks ago, yet after careful consideration, I've found that in the 2010-2011 bowl schedule, there lies potential for some great football games.

Let's break 'em down in play order:
<h3>12/18 - New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs. UTEP</h3>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3133" title="UTEP" src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/UTEP-e1292376625439.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="600" />
BYU is a pretty easy favorite in this match-up. UTEP QB Trevor Vittatoe is a difference maker, yet his ankle is busted up, and he's looking at less than a week for it to get any better. If he's somehow able to play through the pain, the Miners could make it interesting.
<h3>12/18 - Humanitarian Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State</h3>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3135" src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Fresno.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="387" />
Northern Illinois put up an impressive 10-3 season, but now they're meeting a Fresno team led by veteran coach Pat Hill after multiple weeks of preparation. This promises to be a battle, and picking either team would be a logical decision. The vast majority of the nation is going with the bulldogs, but I'm taking the Huskies. 
<h3>12/18 - New Orleans Bowl: Ohio University vs. Troy</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Boo-Jackson-OhioU-e1292378277401.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="342" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3136" />
Ohio QB, Franshaw "Boo" Jackson. He can be quite exciting when he's hitting on all cylinders, yet I was unimpressed with the MAC this season. I'm going against the populous once again on this one, and sticking with the team from the south. I see another battle, and Troy coming out on top. 
<h3>12/21 - St. Petersburg Bowl: Southern Miss. vs. Louisville</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/SouthernMiss.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="368" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3137" />
Didn't ya hear? Brett Favre found a game of NCAA eligibility and is coming out of collegiate retirement. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to use the image. Look at the young gun slinger... Call me insane this year, but I'm going against the majority again with this pick. I feel like Louisville has the slight edge. I like it to be another close one. 
<h3>12/22 - Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs. Boise State</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/KellenMooreBoise.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="312" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3138" />
Aside from a couple missteps vs. TCU and Notre Dame, Utah put together a pretty impressive season. They won close games down the stretch and earned this match-up vs. the powerhouse known as Boise State. The Broncos BCS dreams were crushed in the NCAA game of the year vs. Nevada, yet a week later they went back to work and took care of business. I have a feeling that Kellen Moore is going to go off in Vegas like a 21 year old with their multi-millionaire father's credit card. ...that Kellen Moore is going to go off in Vegas like a fat dude at the Circus Circus buffet. He may opt for both options. BSU is the team that I would never bet against. You shouldn't either. 
<h3>12/23 - Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. San Diego State</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Ricky-Dobbs-NAVY.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="310" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3139" />
Navy is impressive... but San Diego State is possibly the best 8-4 team in the country. They have played <em>everyone</em> close. Everyone. Their 4 losses were by a combined 15 points. While I think the Navy option might give them headaches, and I'm rolling with the Midshipmen...as of now. I reserve the right to change my mind due to the factual evidence listed above. It's worth noting, this is the final game for Navy QB Ricky Dobbs--the kid is a stud. He has always played big in big games, and probably loves being the underdog. 
<h3>12/24 - Hawai'i Bowl: Hawaii vs. Tulsa</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Hawaii-e1292390690856.jpg" alt="" title="Hawaii" width="500" height="331" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3143" />
Hawaii at home? Check. Hawaii with a devastating passing attack? Check. Tulsa with a suspect secondary? Check. Tulsa with the ability to gunsling? Check. Could be a shoot out, but this one is going to the Warriors of Hawai'i. 
<h3>12/26 - Little Caesars Bowl: FIU vs. Toledo</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/TimBeckmanToledo-e1292390916838.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="375" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3145" />
These two teams. Geez. How many times did you see either of these teams play this year? Exactly. FIU is scary because they're a new program, and they just don't know better than to score 50 points in some games, but I'm hitching my wagon to the Rockets of Toledo and the best coach you've never heard of, Tim Beckman. Don't be surprised when Toledo is cracking the Top 25 in another few years...if they can keep Beckman around. 
<h3>12/27 - Independence Bowl: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/JoshNesbittGeorgiaTech.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="312" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3146" />
This battle has options. How's that for a play on words? Joshua Nesbitt is a guy with the potential to take over field. It would be awesome to see the guy have the game of his life in the Independence Bowl. Even so, I don't know that the Yellow Jackets have the moxie to dogfight with the Falcons. I'm going with the Academy. 
<h3>12/28 - Champs Sports Bowl: West Virginia vs. NC State</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/noel-devine-WV.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="333" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3147" />
The Champs Sports Bowl will mark the end to the collegiate career of star running back, Noel Devine, and if he can rush for 112 yards in the contest, he'll go over 1,000 yards for his third consecutive season. QB Geno Smith has offered a stamp of legitimacy to his sophomore season. If the Mountaineers come into the contest focused, which I believe they will, NC State will have their hands full--unfortunately, WVU has not played well in bowl games without a fella by the name of Pat White under center. 
<h3>12/28 - Insight Bowl: Missouri vs. Iowa</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Blaine-Gabbert-Missouri-Tigers-e1292392509939.jpg" alt="" title="Blaine-Gabbert-Missouri-Tigers" width="500" height="280" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3148" />
Mizzou flaked on themselves this season. They sat in the drivers seat, took it to Oklahoma in a convincing fashion, but couldn't get themselves up for the inevitable battles vs. Nebraska and the inferior Texas Tech. After getting the wheels back on track, they finished the season strong. Iowa's Ricky Stanzi is a joy to watch. 25 TDs to 4 INTs--flat out, impressive! He led the Hawkeyes to compete in every game, yet they dropped their final 3 only two weeks after knocking off #5 Michigan State. This one could go either way. If both teams bring their best, it could be one of the best games of the bowl season. In this border war, I gotta go with Missouri. MIZ-ZOU. 
<h3>12/29 - Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Maryland</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Maryland-e1292395736293.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="359" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3156" />
Nothing like two state schools battling in the Military Bowl. ECU started the season off well at 5-2, then dropped 4 of their last 5. QB Dominique Davis will have his hands full vs. Maryland, who is disciplined and talented on both sides of the ball. I'm going Terps all the way in this first ever meeting between the two teams. 
<h3>12/29 - Texas Bowl: Illinois vs. Baylor</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/robert-griffinBaylor-e1292393352278.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="583" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3150" />
Do yourself a favor and check out a bit of this game. Baylor will play with the relative home field advantage, and will look to cap the season on a positive note after dropping their final three games. Baylor QB Robert Griffin III, and Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure are two to watch in this battle. I'm going with the Baylor Bears in their first bowl appearance since 1994. 
<h3>12/29 - Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Arizona</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/JustinBlackmonOSU-e1292393858530.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="303" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3151" />
Two words. Justin Blackmon. The Arizona defensive game plan will be to shut this guy down. If I were Mike Gundy, and I were a man...who was forty...two... I would ensure that Blackmon receive 10 touches, even if they're triple teaming the guy. Can you believe Dez Bryant and this dude played together? How'd we miss that? Arizona can compete, and they can also fall flat in the second half of big games; however, you know the Stoops boys are sharing information. Regardless, I think this game belongs to the Cowboys. 
<h3>12/30 - Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs. SMU</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/SMU.jpg" alt="" title="SMU" width="500" height="399" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3152" />
Can SMU stop Army's option attack? I believe that they can. It's so nice to see SMU back in the mix after years of football obscurity. June Jones will certainly have a few wrinkles in the game plan with so much time to prepare. Army will move the ball, and will score some points, but when it comes down to it, they're inability to pass the ball effectively will hurt them vs. the Mustangs. 
<h3>12/30 - Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas St. vs. Syracuse</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bill-snyder-KSU-e1292394624356.jpg" alt="" title="bill-snyder-KSU" width="500" height="618" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3153" />
Bill Snyder is letting Syracuse know, "Oh yeah, we're coming to New York, and we're gonna put it down! Meet us at Yankee Stadium!" How can you pick against Bill Snyder? I know I can't. 
<h3>12/30 - Music City Bowl: North Carolina vs. Tennessee</h3>
North Carolina--to many Tar Heel fans, this will be the season that could have been. Broken rules = Player suspensions. Tennessee, all things considered, had an amazing season, competing deep into games with some of the nation's most elite teams. I think Derek Dooley is going to do amazing things at UT! You hear that Colin Cowherd? Yeah, bro, I remember you dissing him earlier this season. Well, he took Lane Kiffin's scraps and mess and is going to a bowl game...which the Volunteers will win. 
<h3>12/30 - Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs. Washington</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/jake-locker-Washington-e1292395215407.jpg" alt="" title="jake-locker-Washington" width="500" height="422" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3154" />
Jake Locker maybe wishes he had declared for the draft after last season. Unfortunately, the Huskies just didn't offer much support to talent under center. Locker will have his hands full vs. a well prepared Bo Pelini, Nebraska defense. I'll honestly be surprised if Washington scores more than 13 points. If you haven't seen Nebraska play this year, have a look-see. Roy Helu Jr. and Taylor Martinez are an exciting offensive duo. 
<h3>12/31 - Meineke Car Care Bowl: South Florida vs. Clemson</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/KyleParkerClemson-e1292395520539.jpg" alt="" title="KyleParkerClemson" width="500" height="334" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3155" />
I really don't have much to say about this one. It's not that I don't care, it's just that I don't care much. Clemson put up yet another sub-par season, and the Bulls of South Florida are still trying to find their way under new leadership. Slight edge to the Tigers. 
<h3>12/31 - Sun Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Miami</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/TommyReesNotreDame-e1292395993738.jpg" alt="" title="TommyReesNotreDame" width="500" height="398" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3157" />
The season in South Bend was riddled with tragedy. Am I about to go out on a limb? I certainly am. Yes, I believe Notre Dame will win this bowl game, but I also believe that Notre Dame has turned the corner under Brian Kelly. Regardless of how I feel, Miami is the popular favorite, and favored by 3.5 where you can pay to play. 
<h3>12/31 - Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. UCF</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/AJ-GREEN-Georgia.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="375" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3158" />
A.J. Green watched the beginning of the season in street clothes. That was the difference in Georgia's season. This Georgia squad proved that they could compete with the best when they went to war with Auburn. They fought hard for their sixth win to enjoy this extra game. I believe they'll take full advantage of it vs. the UCF Golden Knights. 
<h3>12/31 - Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina vs. Florida State</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/marcus-lattimore-south-carolina-e1292396817797.jpg" alt="" title="" width="500" height="347" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3160" />
Want to see the best Freshman running back in the nation? You'll want to tune into this one. South Carolina playing at their best takes it to Alabama. South Carolina missing the mark gets hammered by Auburn. When I say South Carolina, yes, I mean USC QB Stephen Garcia. The guy has talent, and he's surrounded by talent. RB Marcus Lattimore, WRs Alshon Jefferey and Tori Gurley: These three are Sunday players. I like the Gamecocks--I like Steve Spurrier over Jimbo Fisher. 
<h3>1/1 - TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/TaylorPottsTexTech-e1292397203255.jpg" alt="" title="TaylorPottsTexTech" width="500" height="290" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3161" />
Northwestern hasn't won a bowl game since the 1948 Rose Bowl. I don't think that streak is going to end vs. this Texas Tech team. Tommy Tuberville has quietly taken a messy situation and worked a few wonders. As much as I love NW coach Pat Fitzgerald's mojo, I think the Red Raiders will be slingin' their guns in this battle. 
<h3>1/1 - Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Penn State</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/urban-meyer.jpg" alt="" title="urban-meyer" width="500" height="333" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3162" />
Farewell, Urban. As an LSU fan, I'm supposed to loathe you, but I don't. You're probably as confused as I am about your 2010 Gators squad. This Florida squad just seemed unfocused, grossly lacking that on field leadership that Tebow offered the previous four years. I foresee the squad focused for Urban's final game on the UF sidelines. Penn State will be no pushover, but they simply don't have the firepower to run with the Gators, even if both squads are firing on both cylinders. 
<h3>1/1 - Capital One Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan State</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/markingramAlabma-e1292398330265.jpg" alt="" title="markingramAlabma" width="500" height="525" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3163" />
How did Alabama lose three games this season? I still believe they're the most talented team in the country. Rarely do a I look at a coach like Nick Saban and question personnel decisions, but I felt Mark Ingram was underutilized all season, after returning from his knee issue. Now, I'm an outsider--perhaps both he and Trent Richardson are headed to the draft, in which case, I get it. I hope to see Ingram get 20+ carries in the Capital One Bowl. I think this game is all Crimson Tide. Yeah, I'm biased--I love the SEC, and can't stand the Big 10. 
<h3>1/1 - Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Michigan</h3>
<img src="http://manjr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Denard-Robinson-Michigan-e1292398764413.jpg" alt="" title="Denard-Robinson-Michigan" width="500" height="333" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3164" />
It's another SEC vs. Big 10 match-up. Hmmmm...wonder which way I'm going? I do love watching Denard Robinson play, but after facing Cam Newton, Mississippi State will feel like they're playing against Newton's little brother, who they'll handle. 
<h3>1/1 - Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU</h3>
<h3>1/1 - Fiesta Bowl: UConn vs. Oklahoma</h3>
<h3>1/3 - Orange Bowl: Stanford vs. Virginia Tech</h3>
<h3>1/4 - Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Arkansas</h3>
<h3>1/6 - GoDaddy.com Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Miami (OH)</h3>
<h3>1/7 - Cotton Bowl: LSU vs. Texas A&amp;M</h3>
<h3>1/8 - BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky</h3>
<h3>1/9 - Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada vs. Boston College</h3>
<h3>1/10 - BCS National Championship: Oregon vs. Auburn</h3>
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VS.

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