We're going to subject you to some extra pontification this week and give you a shot of college football bowl game pick 'em along with our NFL picks. Lucky you!
Let's start it off with the BCS games.
BCS National Championship - Texas v. Alabama
Loren - Texas. What I refer to as the BS National Championship, at least until a playoff system is instituted, should be a grand example of why the current system is broken. Yes, both of these teams are good, but neither is a juggernaut and there will be plenty of teams out there thinking they could have had a shot against them. Great offense versus great defense is rarely a formula for a great game and this will likely be no different, but I expect Texas will have enough firepower to pull this one out.
Derek - Alabama. I thought Texas might be the team to beat all year long, until I watched the Big 12 Championship game. The Longhorns O looked terrible, sure Nebraska has a good D but so does Alabama. I could see this game being a blowout.
Rose Bowl - Ohio St v. Oregon
Loren - Oregon. Honestly, if I didn't take Oregon I would probably have reason to fear for my life, but I'm not just taking them to preserve my health. Oregon's offense has come together and really is a juggernaut. Meanwhile, Ohio St is...unmemorable. Seriously, when was the last time Ohio St had a team with the same record yet was so underwhelming? If Oregon is smart, they'll blitz the hell out of Pryor, especially considering the mobility issues with his knee.
Derek - Oregon. Like there's a chance I wouldn't take'em. Ohio State gets beat by speed, Oregon has more speed than Ohio State has seen since the 07 championship game. Oregon's O is nothing like OSU has seen since the 07 championship game. OSU has a megar O. Does any of thise add up to a Buckeye victory? No.
Sugar Bowl - Cincinnati v. Florida
Loren - Florida. I'm not buying the hype that Florida will be too distracted and won't bring their A game, and you can bet Tebow will do his best to make sure that doesn't happen. He's already lost a shot at another national title so he'll come into the game determined to salvage the season and go out a winner. Cincy has enough speed on both sides of the ball to stay competetive though, and this is one of the games I'm most looking forward to.
Derek - Florida. The Gators are just a better team, they play well in big games and should simply overwhelm the Bearcats. Cincy is a good story but it's unraveling for them with the Kelly departure. Gators big.
Fiesta Bowl - Boise St. v. TCU
Loren - TCU. TCU may not have played the best competition but, with the exception of Oregon, Boise St. played no one. The talk is about TCU's defense versus the offense of Boise St., but that's a simplistic view. TCU averaged over 40 points per game and has a better rushing attack. Defense plus the ability to run the clock and grind out yards will win the day for TCU. Of course, that's what people thought when Boise St. upset Oklahoma. All in all this looks to be a great game, but it's a shame neither of these teams were allowed to prove themselves against major conference teams.
Derek - TCU. This might be the best of the BCS games, and I'd rather see a good game then either of these teams playing Cincy or Iowa. That being said TCU just looks too dominate on both sides of the ball, in fact I'd take them over any team in the country right now. I think they'd beat Alabama, Texas or Florida. BSU had another good year but they have the most to prove. They have to play well in this game.
Orange Bowl - Iowa v. Georgia Tech
Loren - Georgia Tech. Also known as the "What? These teams are playing in a major bowl game? Yawn." Bowl. I can't really find anything to say about this game other than at least neither of these teams are playing in one of the other BCS bowls.
Derek - Georgia Tech. At one point in the season I thought GT was a top 5 team. They have the O to score on anyone. Iowa has been living on barrowed time for much of the year and yes it caught up with them somewhat but they still owe something to the football gods.
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On to some NFL action. I'm sitting on a comfortable lead and I'm thankful since this week could prove disastrous. Several teams may sit starters this week to avoid injury, but that doesn't mean their opponents have a gimme. Tough picks this week, which is the way we like it.
Pittsburgh @ Miami
Loren - Miami. So I got the Steelers/Ravens game right last week, but the Steelers really didn't do much to convince me they're playing at their peak. I don't know, maybe they are and that's why they're likely out of the playoff picture. Meanwhile, Miami is trying to show that they'll be a force next year. I'd rather not give Derek the chance to take the Steelers here, but I really believe Miami can take this one at home.
Derek - Pittsburgh. I'd love to pick Miami, but this might be one of the best opportunities to make up some ground. The Steelers have played well the last two weeks, while the Dolphins have not, so that SHOULD work to my advantage.
New England @ Houston
Loren - New England. Reports are that Brady will play, but we don't know for how long. Even so, I like their ability to make plays down the field. Plus, you know, they're playing Houston.
Derek - New England. The easy call of the week. The Pats are playing well and know that they need a rhythm going into the playoffs, they won't take much time off.
Green Bay @ Arizona
Loren - Green Bay. Both of these teams have seeding to play for, so expect to see the starters all day long unless the game turns into a blowout. I like Green Bay for the simple reason that they have just a little more momentum. They are 6-1 in their last seven games, with the lone loss the heartbreaker against the Steelers. They showed no ill effects from that loss, though, in trouncing Seattle last week.
Derek - Arizona. Home games for the Cards have not been a good thing, but they seem to know how to play down the stretch. Warner will come out and have a big game letting the NFC know that they are the reigning champs.
Philadelphia @ Dallas
Loren - Philadelphia. I don't like this pick one bit, but you'll never catch me taking Dallas unless I believe the other team has absolutely no shot against them. Obviously, Philly can take the division with a win, but they would also end up with a first round bye. Expect them to play out of their minds in this game so they can get the extra week of rest.
Derek - Dallas. Again I have to take a chance to pick up some points. I think Philly is a better team, but Dallas is playing well and they have the huge home field advantage.
Cincinnati @ New York Jets
Loren - Jets. New York has everything to play for, while Cincinnati can only damage their playoff prospects through injury. The only reason for Cincy to play their starters is to keep the Jets from thinking they can hang with the Bengals in a potential post-season matchup. Still, it's likely the Bengals will pull their starters before long and let the Jets walk away with the win.
Derek - Jets. The chances are just too big that the Bengals will pack it up mid-way through the game. I don't like the Jets, they should not make the playoffs but I think they'll take this game.
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