As you get ready to ring in the New Year, there are still five games left to be played in the 2011 NCAA Bowl season.
Illinois Vs. UCLA, Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl 2011: Interims And Athletes
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 15: A.J. Jenkins #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is tackled by Andrew Sweat #42 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) Getty ImagesNOTE: Confused? See the quick glossary at the bottom.
We talk a lot about motivation and the role it plays in bowl games. With momentum having ground to a halt after a few weeks off, bowls are often decided by who shows up ready to play their A-game and who doesn’t. The stats below treat the game as if both teams will be equally motivated, but the likelihood of that being the case is minimal. With both teams playing for interim coaches (and Illinois dealing with some other interesting coaching issues as well), reeling from disappointing seasons, and ranking high on the Schizophrenia scale, the odds of getting the same level of game out of each are miniscule.
Read Article >Auburn Vs. Virginia, Chick-fil-A Bowl 2011: Meeting In The Middle
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 26: The Virginia Cavaliers run onto the field prior to their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium on November 26, 2011 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images) Getty ImagesNOTE: Confused? See the quick glossary at the bottom.
A year ago, Auburn won their first national title in over 50 years and their first Heisman in over 25 years. They were the talk of college football, for (mostly) better or (sometimes) worse. Virginia, meanwhile, was going 2-8 versus FBS teams, with five losses by double digits and an F/+ ranking of 81st. This year? Different story. The two teams are separated by one game and just three spots in the F/+ rankings. Virginia improved by four games, Auburn regressed by six. Auburn is looking for two new coordinators and fighting off “Star running back transferring” rumors, while Virginia just locked down their up-and-coming head coach with a raise and a contract extension. Auburn still has the history, the trophies and the rings, but Virginia, at least for now, has the momentum.
Read Article >Georgia Tech Vs. Utah, Hyundai Sun Bowl 2011: Moving The Goalposts
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 8: Stephen Hill of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) Getty ImagesNOTE: Confused? See the quick glossary at the bottom.
First impression: did Georgia Tech have a good season this year? And what about Utah?
Read Article >Cincinnati Vs. Vanderbilt, Liberty Bowl 2011: High Memphis Watchability
Getty ImagesNOTE: Confused? See the quick glossary at the bottom.
On paper, Cincinnati does have quite a few advantages here. With Collaros, their offense is the single best unit in the game, the defense makes a ton of exciting plays, and the Bearcats were semi-steady all season before Collaros got hurt. But the possibility for glitches is high, and Vanderbilt improved by leaps and bounds as the season progressed. And with high MACtion potential (big plays, in both directions, on passing downs), but should be a fun one.
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