- November 25, 2024
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When I’m watching the pre-game shows for sports, one of my favorite things to do is mock the “experts” on their lousy record for predicting winners of games.
There’s no skill required to pick the winners.
But, of course, all my picks will be right ... Here are the five biggest games of the year:
AutoZone Liberty Bowl — Georgia vs. Central Florida
When: 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
My pick: UCF, 38-31
As a Florida Gators fan, I’ve seen what Georgia has done this season. The Bulldogs started off rough, but really pulled things together. But the Knights have too many athletes, and George O’Leary has his team ready to win its first bowl game in school history. Knights freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey will outplay Bulldogs QB Aaron Murray.
Meineke Car Care Bowl — South Florida vs. Clemson
When: Noon Friday, Dec. 31
My pick: Clemson, 28-24
Clemson lost its best player, C.J. Spiller, to the NFL draft. Still, the Tigers will overwhelm the Bulls defensively.
Chick-fil-A Bowl — South Carolina vs. Florida State
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
My pick: South Carolina, 24-21
Gamecocks’ freshman running back Marcus Lattimore will help his team control the time of possession. Coach Steve Spurrier’s defense will be too much, and it’s not clear who will be under center for the Seminoles: Christian Ponder or E.J. Manuel.
Outback Bowl — Florida vs. Penn State
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1
My pick: Gators, 34-24
It’s Urban Meyer’s final game as coach of the Florida Gators. Despite the struggles this season, the Gators win their eighth game of the season, though 83-year-old Joe Paterno will return for his 46th season in August.
Tostitos BCS National Championship — Oregon vs. Auburn
When: 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10
My pick: Oregon, 45-41
Two undefeated teams will square off in a heavyweight fight. Auburn — winner of the Southeastern Conference, squares off against Oregon — PAC 10 champ — for the national championship.
Quarterback and Heisman Trophy Winner Cam Newton has been the catalyst for Auburn, but Oregon has more weapons. Newton leads the Tigers in passing and rushing. The Ducks have Darron Thomas under center and in the backfield is LaMichael James, who finished third in the Heisman voting to Newton.
To make fun of Andrew’s picks, e-mail [email protected].
