ATS Bowl Predictions 2010: Who Will Shine In Las Vegas—Utah or Boise State?

Neither Boise State, nor Utah figured to end their season playing in a lower tier bowl and it was only a handful of weeks ago that both teams were sitting atop the BCS standings with hopes of playing for a national title.

However, Boise State didn't count on Nevada's tenacity—or a kicking game gone south—and Utah could not have imagined the epic meltdown they suffered at the hands of TCU—at home.

Now both are playing in the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl—far from the spotlight of the BCS—with much less on the line.

Kudos to the Vegas Bowl for sealing up such a terrific match-up this early in the bowl season, but this game certainly could not have been in the travel plans of either team's fanbase.

That said, the bigger question now is which team will be best prepared to win the game?

Boise State has two potential NFL stars in Austin Pettis and Titus Young, but the two will face one of their greatest challenges this season playing against the talented tandem of Brandon Burton and Lamar Chapman who—despite their sub-par performances against TCU and San Diego State—are potential NFL stars in their own right.

Utah's defense is often overlooked due to the aforementioned games against TCU and SDSU, where they were lit up for more than 700+ passing yards combined. However, that means little in a game where both teams should be well-rested, well-focused, and minus much fanfare.

This is a football game that should be great to watch—who will win could be anyone's guess.

The  'Lady' walked away with a 2-1 record after the weeks first slate of games. Let's see what happens this week—all lines courtesy of VegasInsider.com—as I cover games to be played 12/21-12/26.


December 21st:


Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville, Beef O'Brady's Bowl: Louisville (-2.5)

You have to love what Charlie Strong has been able to do in his first year as the Cardinal's head coach. Last season the Cards were 4-8 and sporting the 65th ranked defense in the nation. This year, they ended their campaign bowl eligible with the 15th ranked scoring defense in the country—what a difference a year makes.

The Golden Eagles sport a talented and potent offense, but the Cardinals defense can be tough to move on. This game could be very tight, but you have to love the Cards' chances to eek out a big win.

The Lady's Pick: Louisville to cover

December 22nd:

Utah Utes at Boise State, MAACO Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State (-17)

This game is tough to pick for one reason: you just don't know which version of either team will show up. Boise is always stout, but even before the loss to Nevada, they suffered through some mistake-laden football games. The same can be said of a Utah team that came up very short against both TCU and San Diego State.

That said, with Jordan Wynn out and Boise State sporting a Top 10 run defense, this is easily a game that should be won by the Broncos.

The Lady's Pick: Boise State to cover

December 23rd:

Navy vs. San Diego State, San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl:  San Diego State (-5)

This is a home game for the Aztecs and the Midshipmen aren't as impressive on the road this year. While the Aztecs aren't nearly as tough against the run as they may need to be to stop Navy from executing their gameplan, they have had several weeks to prepare—that could be the difference here.

Also worth considering, Navy will have a tough time keeping up with the Aztecs passing attack and, if San Diego can get on the board early, they may be able to sustain the advantage and walk away with a win in this one.

The Lady's Pick: San Diego State to cover

December 24th:


Hawaii vs. Tulsa, Honolulu Bowl: Hawaii (-8)

Hawaii is a tough play in their home state and this game won't provide many breaks for the Golden Hurricane's.

The Lady's Pick: Hawaii

December 26th:

Florida International vs. Toledo, Little Caesars Bowl: Toledo (-1.5)

Don't underestimate the Golden Panthers. If they can control the clock with their better than average rushing attack and keep the ball off the ground, they can win this game. Toledo relies on good line play—on both sides—to control and win but,  if the Panthers can keep it close, they have an opportunity to pull the minor upset.

If this were an outdoor game, the edge would decidedly be in the favor of Toledo. The dome of Ford Field will be the ultimate equalizer here.

The Lady's Pick: Florida International to cover

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The Utah Utes Battle Back to Win The "Holy War" Against BYU

The Utah Utes were favored by better than nine coming into the annual 'Holy War' contest versus the BYU Cougars—in Salt Lake City. However, someone forgot to deliver the memo to the Cougars who, in their last five games, have resembled something very different than the team that was demolished by TCU, 31-3, just six-weeks ago, and they didn't seem willing to get on their knees for the Utes today.

Jake Heaps, the biggest catch of BYU's 2010 recruiting class, has become the leader that Bronco Mendenhall wanted him to be as the true frosh has grown into a pretty good quarterback—one whose future looks bright if his positive trajectory continues as it has thus far.

Despite BYU's inability to do anything offensively for better than three quarters, the Cougar's defense played above average today—holding the Utes to zero points through three and forcing three interceptions. 

Unfortunately for the Cougars, four quarters of football is needed to seal a win and the Utes came alive late in the game, scoring 17-points and assuming a 1-point lead with less than 5:00 left in the game.

BYU was able to drive the ball down the field, getting into field goal range but, with time expiring, the would be winning kick was blocked—Utes win.

It was another "Holy War" for the ages and now, with BYU leaving the Mountain West and Utah headed to the Pac-10, one has to wonder if this annual rite of passage for these two proud universities will remain as passionate as it is now.

College Football: Utah Likely Out of BCS Top 10 If TCU Wins—As Expected

TCU has never beaten the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City before but, if the Utes can't start finding both their offense and their defense, that will likely change by the time this day is over.

Andy Dalton has led the Horned Frogs to a commanding 30-0 lead, at the start of the third quarter, and  there doesn't seem to be any sign that the overwhelming defense of TCU's front seven are looking to relinquish any points anytime soon.

Utah quarterback, Jordan Wynn, has been harassed and pressured all day and has 85-yards (passing) and an interception to show for his "efforts".

The rushing game for the Utes has fared no better as the talented combination of Eddie Wilde and Matt Asiata have a total of 30-yards between them—their simply has been no room to run against the Frogs.

If the domination continues, Utah can be assured of one thing: they will fall out of the BCS Top 10 on tomorrow. 

With Pac-10 Prestige, The Utes Finally Have The Chance To Prove Their BCS Worth

The Utah Utes are the beneficiaries of the ‘Texas Two-Step’.

At this time last week, the Longhorns, along with several other teams, were on the minds of every college football pundit, fan, and journalist in the nation as they were rumored to be leaving the Big 12 .

However, the dream of a Pac-16 was left flailing in the wind by a last-minute offer by Dan Beebe—saving the Big 12 (now the Big 10?) and leaving the Pac looking for a 12th man to fill the void.

Colorado was already on board, but the Pac-10 needed a team that would not only make sense from a location standpoint, but could possibly offer a natural rivalry for Colorado.

Enter the Utah Utes.

Utah has been on the football scene, nationally, since 2003 when Urban Meyer led them to a 10-3 record. Prior to that point, they were mostly known for their success in both basketball, under coach Rick Majerus, and gymnastics (they have won 10 national titles playing as an independent).

Now they will get the BCS respect they have been yearning for since finishing undefeated in 2004.

The move was a no-brainer for the Utes. The Pac-10 offers more exposure and a bigger paycheck than the non-BCS Mountain West (they stand to see a television revenue bump of about $7-8 million dollars per season). Even still, the question remains as to what will become of their rivalry with Brigham Young University (BYU)? The ‘Holy War’ between the two football teams has been played yearly since 1890 and has a ton of old tradition and passion behind it among both fanbases.

Will it continue or be scrapped or will the two programs continue to meet on the gridiron?

How will Utah fare in their new conference? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.  The Utes have had success in the Pac-10 over the last five-years but they haven’t played the powers of the conference—most of their wins, since 2005, have come against the bottom-tiered teams in the conference (Arizona, UCLA, and Oregon State). They have not played Cal, USC, or Stanford under current coach, Kyle Whittingham.

Even still, it’s a step in the right direction for a program that hasn’t been given a shot to show and prove and all eyes will be on them to see just how real they truly are.

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