Monday, March 9, 2009

Week 14 Prognostications & Bowl Predictions

Like a fine wine, your favorite t-shirt, or the smell of Coach StuBucksman's shoes after a nice jog, Season III of RUTS keeps getting better with age. We enter the final week of the regular season with more excitement than an Ed Orgeron Hummer commercial. Along with the conference championship week, this week will go along way in clearing up the bowl picture and BCS national title game.

Bragging rights galore are on the line, with 4 RUTS teams facing off in rivalry games. Florida/Florida State goes without saying, but few remember the Nebraska/Miami rivalry, dating back to the 1980s. #1 Clemson head north to Happy Valley to face the Penn State Nittany Lions, while #2 LSU hosts #3 Ohio State in a huge out-of-conference tilt to close out the regular season.
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#6 Florida @ #3 Florida State
This Sunshine State battle is back and better than ever. Bragging rights, recruiting territories, and national title hopes are on the line as the Gators chomp their way into Doak Campbell Stadium. The Gators, who have jumped up to #6 in the BCS, have a chance to slip into the title game with upsets against FSU this week and LSU in the SEC title game. The Noles' only blemish this season is a 6 point loss to top-ranked Clemson, but when they're at their best, it's tough for anyone to stop the high powered passing attack of Christian Ponder and the speedy crop of WRs in Tallahassee. Look for the Noles to come out running the football with talented sophomore Kendall Pleasant following the blocks of the hog-mollies up front. If FSU can stay balanced in this game, it could keep the outstanding Florida defense guessing.
The Gators are fighting for their lives and will be tough to take down. Florida's speed, talent, and tremendous special teams play gives them a chance in any game they face. Look for Coach robtheblob51 to get tailback Chris Rainey the ball at every opportunity. Florida's defense, led by safeties Major Wright and Jirimy Finch will need to have big games against the Noles relentless passing attack.
With much at stake in this game, we look for both teams to come out fighting. But, in a close game, the Seminoles will come out on top of the Gators 28-24.
#17 Nebraska @ #22 Miami
The Huskers bring the Big Red army to South Beach this week. Traveling with a flock of rowdy fans looking for any excuse to escape the thriving metropolis of Lincoln, Nebraska, Coach ccut's confident squad has one thing in mind...embaressing Miami on their home field on senior day.
"We are going to ruin Miami's senior day," said Coach ccut. "Graig Cooper spells his name funny, and we are going to embarress him on national tv in his last ever home game."
The normally subdued Coach ccut hinted that his team, vastly underrated all season, is looking to show the nation what a ticked off bunch of corn-fed boys can do to South Beach's finest. "This will be a beat-down of titanic proportions," he said. "I compared it to what the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man did to New York City in the 1985 hit "Ghostbusters,"...only Coach Stubucksman and his team of thugs will not be able to melt us with their pro-ton packs. I don't even think they make pro-ton packs anymore."
When StuBucksman heard of these comments he went on a tirade that the media labeled as "Mike Gundy-esque" and finished by stealing a line from Ricky Bobby. "Coach ccut, I'm too drunk to taste this chicken! I play for keeps," Stubucksman said.
"Those fat cornhuskers and their husky jeans are going down," said Miami CB Demarcus Van Dyke. "And Pierre Powers is going to get a lesson in the manlihoodationalism. What kind of a name is Pierre?"
Miami fans on the message board CaneFansForKnoxKnunley have responded in unison to nebraska's challenge and have vowed to show up in full force at Dolphins Stadium this week. They've also been quick to point out that Miami owns Nebraska, citing these 2 games as reference:

1984 Orange Bowl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoNs0mdKAO8

"The Nebraska team wants to bring up history," said Miami message board addict I_heart_Stu. "Our Canes and our beloved Coach Stu will bring back the Hurricanes of yester year by showing these Huskers, yet again, how we roll on South Beach."

"These Canes are dilusional," said Pierre Powers. "Van Dyke can't stop me! I'm going to give him a lesson in TD dances, starting with showing him how I can do The Carlton on the U in the middle of the field after my first score."

Trash talking aside, much is at stake for both teams. If Miami can get a passing game going to compliment its great running game, look out. However, if Nebraska can keep Miami one dimensional, it could be a long day for the Canes. The RUTS PR staff likes this one to come down to the wire, but a late turnover will be the deciding factor....Nebraska 35, Miami 31 in one of the best games of the season.
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BOWL PREDICTIONS
BCS National Title Game - #1 Clemson vs. #2 LSU

Chick Fila Bowl - #22 Miami vs. Mississippi State

Sugar Bowl - #6 Florida vs. #5 Oregon State

Fiesta Bowl - #17 Nebraska vs. #13 Troy

Orange Bowl - #3 Florida State vs. West Virginia

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