2007 Bowl Season off to a roaring start

Yesterday's Results: Utah 35, Navy 32

My 2007 Bowl Series Record: 1-0

Tonight's game:
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Memphis (7-5) vs. Florida Atlantic (7-5)
8PM ESPN 2
Line: Fla Atl - 3 1/2

Well, so far so good for my season of predictions.

Although Navy choked away an early lead and blew numerous opportunities to put the Utes away in the first half (such as fumbling the ball near the goal line in the second quarter), only to cave in to the relentless Utah offensive attack in the second half, the Middies still made it enough of a game to cover the number and earn me a win.

And if they hadn't been robbed of what should have been a touchback called with a few minutes left in the game, then wasted a beautiful onsides kick in the final minute when QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada (thank you, cut & paste)threw an interception as the Middies were driving towards a potential game-tying touchdown, the Midshipmen could have won the game outright.

Still, it was an exciting opening to the 2007 bowl season, and tonight's Game 2 promises to be another wild & woolly offensive affair.

That's because neither Memphis nor FAU play a lick of defense. Both schools are ranked near the bottom of the NCAA in defense, allowing over 30 points per game, and both schools love to light up the scoreboard, posting 30 PPG.

The difference could come in the history. While the Tigers have a long tradition of football (albeit not very good football), FAU is a relative newborn in the college pigskin ranks, having started the program from scratch just seven years ago. Although the Owls have the ancient field general Howard Schnellenberger leading the way, a 7-year-old team in its first bowl game has no business winning one its first time out.

Therefore I am going to take the Tigers, who average more total yards, passing yards and rushing yards than the upstart Owls, to cover the number and win the game outright. Let's see if I can get on a little winning streak before the season really heats up.

MY PICK: Memphis 37, FAU 33