"Cat Fight" at the Alamo

Joined the Papajohns.com Bowl in the middle (uh, closer to the end) of the third quarter with NC State leading 17-9 and thought “boring.” But the last quarter and half was anything but, as the Scarlet Knights from Rutgers staged a comeback to take down the North Carolina Wolf Pack by a final score of 29-23. The Scarlet Knights outscored NC State 23-6 in the second half. The game had 5 lead changes. Both schools entered the bowl with winning streaks…Rutgers at 6 and NC State at 4. Add to that, Rutgers started the season 1-5 but has won three straight bowl games. The Big East is now 3-0 in bowl play and 2-0 against the ACC.

NC State held a 17-6 halftime, but their starting quarterback was knocked out of the game with a strained knee late in the first half and did not return. The Scarlet Knights scored 10 consecutive points in the third quarter including a TD following a blocked punt to get close at 17-16. With 7:06 to play and Rutgers leading 26-23, NC State had the ball near mid-field but threw their second interception of the game. The Scarlet Knights milked the clock down to 0:47 before kicking a field goal and a 29-23 lead. The game ended on a desperation pass that was intercepted on the Rutgers 20-yard line. NC State turned the ball over four times, including one lost fumble and the three second-half interceptions.

Twelve pickers (55%) got this game correct as did the ‘Vegas line but Rutgers didn’t cover the spread (-7).

Who doesn’t enjoy a good “cat fight” every now and then? All that scratching, clawing, hair-pulling and boob bouncing…but I digress. In the end, it was the Missouri Tigers over the Northwestern Wildcats 30-23 in an OT thriller at the Alamo Bowl. The Wildcats gave Missouri all they could handle in the most entertaining and exciting game thus far in the 2008_09 Bowl Season. Northwestern used ball control (18 mins.) and the lack of mistakes (0 penalties) to take an early lead. Missouri didn’t score a touchdown until a 75-yard punt return with 1:30 to go until halftime, but that was enough for a 10-10 tie. Keep in mind, Northwestern hadn’t won a bowl game since 1949 (a feat the Irish couldn’t match!).

The second half was a back-n-forth battle as each team had the lead but couldn’t hold. Missouri’s vaunted QB (Chase Daniels) threw too many (3) interceptions and tried too hard in his final college game in his home state. Mizzu had a chance to win in regulation but their 44-yard field goal attempt sailed just right as time expired.

In OT, Missouri scored a TD rather easily to take a 30-23 lead. Northwestern moved the ball on their possession but on 3rd and goal from the eight, their quarterback was sacked and fumbled back to the 32-yard line. The 4th down “hail Mary” fell to the turf in the end zone.

The quote of the day goes to Chase Daniels…”the game was won by my teammates, in spite of myself.” This was the first bowl game for the Big 12 so they start at 1-0 and marks the second loss for the Big-10 (0-2).

Loel and David W. made-up a game on Garreth (11-4). David’s wife, Leslie (Ms. Highland Lakes) moved into a tie for third with Bass, Brooke and “Random” Rusty. (* For those of you paying attention, David and Leslie each gained an extra game when I found another break in the spreadsheet. Remember to check your picks and keep me honest.) Jerry slipped in his picks on the day and now joins “the T. Hegs” (Tom & Trent) and Dale in the cellar at 5-9.

On Tuesday, we have a “trifecta” of bowl games starting with Maryland vs. Nevada on the blue field in the Humanitarian at 3:30 and followed by the Texas and Holiday Bowls at 7:00. Most of us will be watching the Holiday Bowl (Ok State vs. Oregon) since the Texas Bowl (Rice vs. somebody) is on the NFL Network (what’s up with that?).

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008
2008 Bowl Standings
Garreth 11
Loel 10
David W. 10
Bass 9
Brooke 9
Rusty 9
Leslie (Ms. Highland Lakes) 9
Jason W 8
Kainer 8
Rich W 8
Bryan 8
Fanchon 8
Tom Jackson 7
Angel M. 7
Ben H 7
Matt 6
John 6
Bryce Heg 6
Jerry 5
Dale 5
Tom Heg 5
Trent Heg 5