hey kids, it's been 12 days since I sat down at the old Smith-Corona and pounded on the keys. But it is bowl season, so need to do some predictions.
In this edition of Baseball, God and Tacos, we will look at all the SEC teams that are going to bowl games, as well as take a look at the CFP Playoffs. Got all that? Ok, get your wings, chips and dip or tofu and let's take a look at what is upcoming.
The playoffs - First Round
Friday, Dec. 19 - Alabama (10-3) at Oklahoma (10-2) - 7p - ABC - Just over a month ago the Sooners came to Tuscaloosa and beat the Tide, and to be honest, I didn't think Alabama looked too good in that game. They played better at Auburn, but looked horrible in the SEC Championship against Georgia two weeks ago. I would love for Alabama to win this game. I just don't see it happening. Oklahoma 35, Alabama 24
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Miami (10-2) at Texas A&M (11-1) - 11a - ABC - The Aggies were undefeated until their last game, when old foe Texas sent them home packing, which meant no SEC Championship game, and no first round bye in the playoffs. I think the Aggies will come out aggressive and hungry. A&M -38, Miami 28
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Tulane (11-2) at Ole Miss (11-1) - 2.30p - TNT - The Rebels are heavily favored, as they should be. I think they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after Lane Kiffin bolted for Baton Rouge first chance he got. I would be shocked if Ole Miss loses this game. Ole Miss 42, Tulane 27
The Bowl Games
Saturday, Dec. 27
Gator Bowl at Jacksonville, FL - Missouri v. Virginia - 6.30p - ABC - My brother's wife earned her MSN at UVA. Their oldest son is working on his PhD at Mizzou. Of course I grew up in Missouri, but my brother lives in Virginia. Follow all of that? Mizzou 34, Virginia 28
Texas Bowl at Houston, TX - LSU vs. Houston - 8.15p - ESPN - What is this? LSU 's opponent is playing a home game? Hmmm, something fishy here. I'm afraid just the first of many curses coming LSU's way. Houston 30, LSU 22
Tuesday - Dec. 30
Music City Bowl at Nashville, TN - Illinois vs. Tennessee - 4.30p - ESPN - Tennessee kind of let the Volunteer fans down as the season came to a close, and I'm not sure how much excitement is left. Surely they can beat Illinois though, don't you think? Tennessee 31, Illinois 27
Wednesday - Dec. 31
ReliaQuest Bowl at Tampa, FL - Vanderbilt vs. Iowa - 11a - ESPN - I don't know about Vandy. Yeah they played well, but missed the playoffs, then their prize quarterback throws a gasket when he didn't win the Heisman, kind of reminded me of a certain someone who didn't win a certain Nobel. I'm going with the Hawkeyes, and for the life of me I don't know why. Iowa 26, Vandy 24
Citrus Bowl at Orlando, FL - Texas vs. Michigan - 2p - ABC - Michigan gets thumped by Ohio State in their final game, then their coach pulls a Bobby Petrino. Good thing it snowed up there to put out the dumpster fire. Texas 42, Michigan 20
Friday - Jan. 2
Duke's Mayo Bowl at Charlotte, NC - Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest - 7p - ESPN - I like Mississippi State, I really do and I miss the Pirate a lot. But they are 5-7 and really shouldn't be in a bowl game. Wake Forest? I like their nickname, the Demon Deacons, plus that is where Arnold Palmer went to school. Let me also add, Duke's is my mayo of choice. Wake 38, Miss. State 23
Bonus Pick - Saturday, Dec. 20
NCAA Division II National Championship at McKinney, TX - Harding vs. Ferris State - 3p - ESPN2 - Both teams are 15-0 and are the top two teams in Division II. Harding won the National Championship in 2023, and Ferris won it in 2024. I should mention Harding, located in Searcy, Arkansas, is the Alma Mater of both me and M, all her siblings, her mother and father, my brother, as well as my mom and dad, two sisters-in-law, four nephews, and two nieces. We have a long history and connection to the school. Meanwhile on the gridiron, Harding broke all sorts of NCAA rushing records this year, gaining over 6,000 yards on the ground. That is an average of over 400 yards per game! It will be sunny and 70 degrees in McKinney on Saturday. I'll be watching. Harding 35, Ferris 30
I'll update as the playoffs go along. Have a wonderful holiday season everyone, be careful if you are traveling.
Be kind to each other.
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