Sports News: Dec. 17 paper

Check out these bowl games

In the world of major college football’s postseason system, the bowl has overflowed with mundane games and match-ups. There are a total of 38 bowl games — up from 18 just 12 years ago. What does that mean for the fan? More football — if you can take a 6-6 Mid-American Conference team dueling with a 7-5 club from the Mountain West Conference. For us, it means more games to talk about and more space to use in the paper. But instead of hashing through the mediocre, we’ll rundown the games with local and national significance.

Poinsettia Bowl – San Diego State vs. Navy

Thurs. 12/23 at 8 p.m. on ESPN

With their ninth straight win over Army, the Midshipmen of Navy try to win in their seventh consecutive bowl appearance. However, they’ll have to overcome the homefield advantage in San Diego at Qualcomm Stadium. The Aztecs are in a bowl game for the first time since 1998.

Military Bowl – Maryland vs. East Carolina

Wed. 12/29 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

Home cooking in this one resides with the local club. The Terrapins have a short drive to RFK Stadium for their meeting with an East Carolina team that struggled down the stretch to finish 6-6 and qualify for a postseason game. Maryland finished the regular season 8-4 after winning just two games one year ago. 

Rose Bowl – TCU vs. Wisconsin

Sat. 1/1 at 5 p.m. on ESPN

It’s not the most compelling Rose Bowl, but it should be high-scoring. Both teams matched each other in point production – posting 520 for the year (tied for fourth in the nation). The Badgers are in Pasedena for the first time since the Ron Dayne era. For the Horned Frogs, this is unchartered waters.

Fiesta Bowl – Connecticut vs. Oklahoma

Sat. 1/1 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

Like the game above, this one doesn’t reek with tradition. For Oklahoma, they’re used to appearing in BCS bowl games. Connecticut, a program trying to establish itself as a regular national power, is foreign to these types of contests.

Orange Bowl – Stanford vs. Virginia Tech

Mon. 1/3 at 8:30 on ESPN

The Hokies defense, which has not been as good as it usually is, will be challenged by Heisman runner-up Andrew Luck – likely to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. His passing ability will be matched by Tyrod Taylor’s dual threat. Behind him is a trio of running backs that have helped establish the top ranked offense in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Sugar Bowl – Ohio State vs. Arkansas

Tues. 1/4 at 8:30 on ESPN

The Buckeyes will try to shake a stretch of nine straight bowl games against an Southeastern Conference opponent without a victory. The Razorbacks have already ended one drought. This is their first time in the Sugar Bowl since 1980. Hogs quarterback Ryan Mallet and OSU signal caller Terrelle Pryor both get a chance to prove their worth on the big stage.

BCS National Championship – Auburn vs. Oregon

Mon. 1/10 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

Get your calculators ready. The scoreboard operator will have a workout. All signs point to plenty of points in the fight for No. 1. Auburn boasts a rushing attack led by Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. The Ducks of Oregon have a pretty good runner of their own in LaMichael James. The unquestioned deciding factor in this one is who comes with the better defense.

— Brian Wright