Autozone Liberty Bowl
Initial Thoughts: Mike Leach would make a great head coach at East Carolina with his love of pirates and all.
Most Awesome Player: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB (210/367 for 3,425 yards, 29 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)
Most Awesome Sponsor: Embassy Suites Memphis. Highly recommended; the manager's reception every night has an open bar!
The Line: Arkansas -7.5
Over/Under: 63.5
Chad Millman's blog says: To me this is an inflated number based on the fact it's an SEC team, which is why none of the sharps I know bet this game. I'd make this line closer to five or 5.5 and I'd expect sharp money, if it comes in at all, to come in at the end.
Accuscore says: Arkansas 34.8, East Carolina 26.7
ESPN says: East Carolina 31, Arkansas 27
Who you should be rooting for: Chris Johnson's alma mater. Because he's awesome.
Valero Alamo Bowl
Initial Thoughts: The Red Raiders just blew themselves.
Most Awesome Player: Taylor Potts, Texas Tech QB (280/427 for 3,068 yards, 20 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)
Most Awesome Sponsor: Credit Union Direct Lending. Because I have a soft spot for credit unions that sponsor bowl games.
The Line: Texas Tech -8
Over/Under: 60.5
Chad Millman's blog says: When you have a head coach removed from the equation, especially one who is as big as the program or bigger, you can't know how it's going to affect a team. In a lot of places, this game came off the board and when it goes back up it will be interesting to see what they do, I think it will adjust back down to seven. But, you just never know without Leach.
Accuscore says: Texas Tech 34.4, Michigan State 26.1
ESPN says: Texas Tech 24, Michigan State 20
Who you should be rooting for: I can't in good conscience root for Texas Tech after they just fired the most entertaining head coach out there. Go Spartans.