Owls Scalp Chippewas in Motor City Bowl

Florida Atlantic pulled a bit of an upset in the Motor City “2 out of 3 ain’t bad”* Bowl last night by beating the Central Michigan Chippewas 24-21. The Owls were a 6-point underdog but never trailed in a rather lack-luster game. Florida Atlantic led 7-0 after the first quarter but a nice 1-handed catch by the ‘Chipp’s receiver in the corner of the end zone tied the game at 7 early in the second quarter. Granted, Central Michigan had a few questionable calls go against them, but that’s to be expected in these low-tiered bowl games. The Chippewas made it interesting at the end as they scored a TD plus the 2-point conversion to get within a FG with 3 minutes to play. However, the Owls recovered the on-side kick and ran out the clock.

Central Michigan has lost three straight bowl games (Note to self…do not pick the Chippewas next year, even with the cool mascot name.)

(It was the smallest turnout in the game's 12-year history, yet Motor City Bowl chairman said the game will return to Ford Field in 2009 despite Detroit's dismal economic forecast. *Chrysler pulled out of its Motor City Bowl sponsorship commitment in early November, leaving Ford and General Motors as the game's major sponsors. Maybe next year it will be the Toyota/Honda Bowl!)

Not much changed in our leader board as most the front-runners went with the underdog in this game. Tom and Dale picked the favorite and remain in the cellar with only 1 correct pick so far this season. Leslie W. separated herself “Mirror” candidates.

Three games today starting at noon with the Meinke Bowl. It’s West Virginia vs North Carolina in another toss-up pick. Then there’s the Champs sports Bowl that will either be a close defensive game if Wisconsin can hang with Florida State (-5) speed. Or it will be a blow-out for FSU. In the nite-cap game from San Francisco, it’s the Emerald “nuts” Bowl featuring California (-6) and Miami – if the Hurricanes have enough players left to take the field. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls08/news/story?id=3792899

Saturday, Dec. 27
2008 Bowl Standings
Rusty 7
Loel 6
Brooke 6
Garreth 6
Kainer 5
Fanchon 5
Bass 4
Jerry 4
Matt 4
Rich W 4
Bryce Heg 4
David W. 4
Angel M. 3
Bryan 3
Trent Heg 3
Ben H 3
Mrs. David W. 3
Jason W 2
John 2
Tom Jackson 2
Dale 1
Tom Heg 1