Happy New Year, ‘Dawgs!
Our hearts go out to the people of New Orleans and the victims of the tragic incident that occurred in the French Quarter early this morning. Here’s hoping that all of you and all of yours are safe.
All indications from city officials are that tonight’s Sugar Bowl will go forward. But before we get to the game that matters most we have two playoff quarterfinal matchups that, well, are of some significance in their own right.
#5 Texas will take on #4 Arizona State at 1:00 in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl live from Kirby Smart Field in Atlanta (it’s very decent of the Kirbster to let the Mercedes people put their branding on it). Texas is a two touchdown favorite, which may be a bit of a surprise for Bulldog fans. But the Sun Devil defense hasn’t been particularly robust this season, ranking 36th in total defense and 69th in passing defense.
Then at 5:00 eastern time #8 Ohio State takes on #1 Oregon in the Granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl. Oregon is the only undefeated team left, but the Buckeyes looked impressive last week in a 42-17 opening round blowout of the Tennessee Volunteers. I think the key matchup in this one may be the Ohio State offensive line against a fast, physical Oregon front. If the Buckeyes can run the ball and win the field position battle I think they may pull the upset. But I don’t think that’s the most likely outcome. I’m picking the Ducks over the Bucks.
Both games, like the Sugar Bowl, will be broadcast on ESPN and across the House of Mouse family of networks.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!