Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #11

CORRECTION: Yesterday I stated that the Liberty bowl would be worth 1 point. That was incorrect, the Liberty bowl was worth 3 points, as established before the bowl pool started.

NOTE: Today's International Bowl is worth 1 point.

-No one went perfect yesterday, since we all picked Bama and they decided to embarass our conference.

-Earl, SRQDawg15, and I went 2-1.

-Jason went 0-3, everyone else going 1-2.

CANADA BOWL

The majority has picked UCONN over the Buffalo Bulls in Toronto. The split is 9/4.

Bubba, Stephen, Jason, and Joe are the only ones to pick Buffalo.

RANKINGS

SRQ's double victory has pushed him to 1st, Earl's double victory has put him in 2nd, Streit's in 3rd, and Ally and Stephen are tied for 4th.

Joe is still in last, and my double victory pushed AUMaverick down to second to last.

SRQDawg15 - 33pts.
Earl - 32pts.
Streit - 31pts.
Ally - 30pts.
Stephen S. - 30pts.
Bubba - 28pts
Ann & Bob - 26pts.
Jason W. - 25pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 24pts.
BFR - 23pts.
BulldawgJosh - 23pts.
AUMaverick - 22pts.
Joe P. - 19pts.

How I Spent My New Year's Eve

(Please Note: This is a personal account of the events that took place on my trip to Orlando and they are somewhat off topic for this blog, but I thought it appropriate to share my story.)

As I stated earlier this week, Mrs. Streit and I set out for Orlando from Atlanta at around 8:00 on Wednesday. We had dinner reservations in Orlando that night and tickets in section 212 to see the Dawgs take on Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl the next day. The trip was going fine and we preparing to stop in Valdosta for lunch when our world (figuratively and literally) got turned upside down.

We had just passed the highway sign for Hahira and I was telling Mrs. Streit that it was the home of former Braves outfielder JD Drew. We were in the middle lane (of 3 on I-75 South) when a white semi truck suddenly began coming into our lane. To avoid the truck, I hit the brakes and turned the wheel. We began to skid and I was unable to regain control.

You know how in movies they always show wrecks in super slow motion? Well that is exactly how the next few seconds felt. We crashed into the concrete median and proceeded to flip twice back into the middle of I-75. We landed right side up and once I realized both myself and Mrs. Streit were okay, I got out and looked at the car. This what I saw:

Outside the car

Inside the car

And of course, the semi was gone. A number of people stopped to help as we waited for the police and ambulance to arrive. Miraculously, we both came out nearly unscathed. Mrs. Streit had a cut on her hand and some bruises and I suffered a pretty deep cut just below my elbow. As we were 4 hours from home and our car was un-driveable, we both rode to the hospital in the ambulance. We spent the next 6 hours at South Georgia Medical Center until finally my arm was cleaned and stitched up (it took them about 5 hours to finally work on me as my arm continued to bleed.)

Here I am at the hospital, waiting to be stitched up.

In the end we never made it to cheer on the Dawgs. I watched Stafford lead us back in the second half from my couch doped up on codeine. I am thankful to be alive and am a firm believer in the statement, "Seat belts save lives." Also surviving the crash was the bottle of champagne from my wedding night. Mrs. Streit and I had planned to share it on our first New Year's together and despite being thrown onto the side I-75, it survived.

With the Georgia victory, 2009 is off to a better start than 2008 ended. Make every moment this year count, because you never know when it could be your last.

Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #10

NOTE: The Cotton Bowl will be worth 3 points, the Liberty Bowl worth 1 point, and the Sugar Bowl worth 5 points.

-The majority went 3-2 yesterday, losing out on the Iowa and Nebraska victories.

-I should've never bet on Penn State. I was the only one to lose both BCS bowl games yesterday.

-No one went 5-0 or 0-5 yesterday.

-Bubba, Earl, and Streit went 4-1.


"Crazy Coach Bowl," featuring the Rebahs! vs. Red Raider Pirates

The world might explode from the hilarious possibilities that could ensue from these two coaches getting together.

The majority picked Mike Leach over Houston Nutt by a split of 9/4.

Bubba, Earl, SRQDawg15, and myself picked Ole Miss.


Pirates vs. Bluegrass Wildcats

The majority picked Kentucky over Skip Holtz by a split of 11/2.

Bubba and Jason were the only ones to pick ECU.


Utes vs. Delusional People From The State Next To Us

Everyone picked Bama, so it doesn't matter.

Summary

The majority has picked Texas Tech, Kentucky, and Bama.


RANKINGS

Streit is now in 1st, AUMaverick has climbed out of the last place, Joe is still in last, and I've dropped to second to last.

Streit - 28pts.
Ally - 27pts.
Stephen S. - 27pts.
SRQDawg15 - 27pts.
Earl - 26pts.
Jason W. - 25pts.
Bubba - 25pts
Ann & Bob - 23pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 21pts.
BFR - 20pts.
AUMaverick - 19pts.
BulldawgJosh - 17pts.
Joe P. - 16pts.

VICTORY!!!

Suck a nut, Big 11.

We just took this bowl back for the SEC.


photo taken from ajc.com

Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #9

NOTE: the Outback, Capital One, and Gator bowls are worth 3 pts., and the Rose and Orange bowls are worth 5 pts (as are all BCS games).

The majority went 3-2 yesterday.

SRQDawg15 and Stephen went 5-0 yesterday.

Jason and BFR went 4-1 in games yesterday.

Streit went 1-4 in games yesterday.

Earl went 0-5 in games yesterday.

Outback

The majority has picked South Carolina over Iowa by an 8/5 split.

Capital One

We have a defector. JOE PICKED MICHIGAN STATE. Traitor!

Obviously, the majority picked the Dawgs in a 12/1 split.

Gator

The majority picked Clemsux over the Cornshuckers by an 8/5 split.

Rose

I'm the only one to pick Penn State.

So, the majority is going against me in a 12/1 split.

Orange

The majority has picked the Bearcats over the Hokies by an 8/5 split.

Summary

The majority has picked South Carolina, UGA, Clemson, USC, Virginia Tech.

RANKINGS

Ally - 14pts.
Jason W. - 14pts.
Stephen S. - 14pts.
SRQDawg15 - 14pts.
Streit - 12pts.
Ann & Bob - 12pts.
BFR - 12pts.
BulldawgJosh - 11pts.
Bubba - 11pts.
Earl - 10pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 10pts.
Joe P. - 8pts.
AUMaverick - 8pts.

Greetings From Swampland, USA

I don't really have much to report as of yet. However, as I've been driving around, it appears that all Michigan State fans look exactly like their mascot:

That face is creepy as hell.

BulldawgJosh and Bubba's 80's Music Video of the Week

First, we have to apologize for the absence of a video last week. Secondly, we want to wish everyone a happy new year by giving you the 1986 classic "The Final Countdown" by Swedish Rockers Europe as we countdown to 2009:

Europe - Final Countdown

Good luck to Earl, Streit, BDJ, and all of out other friends in Orlando supporting the Dawgs. Have a safe and happy New Year.

Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #8

I'm preparing to go to Orlando, so I'm going to try and keep this short.

Bubba and Streit were the only ones to pick all 3 of yesterday's games right.

BFR, Earl, Joe, and ThinkingBulldog each only got 1 game right.

The majority was right on 2 out of 3 games, only missing the Oregon victory.

Terps vs. The Other Wolfpack

Great game, the Terps pulled it out in the end.

Broncos vs. Owls

Rice showed its intellectual and athletic superiority by crushing Western Michigan.

SCREW YOU NFL NETWORK FOR NOT BEING WIDELY AVAILABLE, AND WHOEVER ELSE IN THE WORLD LET THEM CARRY THIS GAME. BECAUSE OF YOU, THIS WAS THE FIRST BOWL GAME I DIDN'T GET TO WATCH.

"I'M A MAN, I'm 40!" vs. Ducks

Great game, as many of us expected. Ducks pulled it out, and Okla State wasn't the same with Dez Bryant.

We have 5 games on the slate for New Year's Eve:

Cougars vs. Falcons

The majority picked this game by an 8/5 split, in favor of Houston over Air Force.

Beavers vs. Wannstache

Jacquizz and James Rodgers are out for Oregon State, which puts their ability to win in doubt.

I would wish to take this pick back, but it would be violating my number policy for college football: NEVER BET ON THE WANNSTACHE. Let him prove you wrong. More often than not, he won't.

Bubba, Earl, Streit, and ThinkingBulldog were the only ones to pick Pitt.

Commies vs. Wicked Awesome Eagles

Vandy is in a bowl game for the first time during my lifetime. Wow.

Too bad they didn't get to leave Nashville.

This game was another 8/5 split in favor of Boston College.

Fighting Manginos vs. Golden Gophers


Minnesota comes into this game on a 4 game losing streak.

Don't mess with Kansas, Mangino is a badass.

Earl, Joe, and Streit were the only ones to pick Minnesota.

NERDS vs. Cajun Bengals

North Avenue Trade School. Yuck. Both teams in Yellow. Yuck.

Thank that lord I won't be around Atlanta tonight in case the Nerds win this game.

Ann&Bob, AUMaverick, Bubba, Earl, and myself were the only ones to pick the Techies. Man, I feel dirty for doing so.

Summary

The majority picked Houston, Oregon State, Boston College, Kansas, and Ga Tech.

Ally and Streit 1st place, Earl and Jason are tied in 2nd, and Joe and AUMaverick are tied for last.

Ally - 11pts.
Streit - 11pts.
Earl - 10pts.
Jason W. - 10pts.
Ann & Bob - 9pts.
Stephen S. - 9pts.
Bubba - 9pts.
SRQDawg15 - 9pts.
BFR - 8pts.
BulldawgJosh - 8pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 7pts.
Joe P. - 5pts.
AUMaverick - 5pts.

Streit's Bowl Picks: SEC Edition

The bowl season is almost halfway over and now the real bowls can begin. The SEC has sent 8 teams to bowls for the 2008-2009 season (the only guys missing out are Mississippi State, Auburn, Arkansas, and Tennessee). Below are my picks for all of the SEC games, including Georgia's match up with Michigan State, leading up to the BCS Championship. I will preview that game in a later post.

Music City Bowl - Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

Vandy finally qualified for a bowl game for the first time in 26 years and they get to travel to... Nashville. That's right, they get to stay home and play Boston College in their home town. Vanderbilt was everyones early season darling, jumping out to a 5-0 start and a top 15 ranking. But, the Commodores soon returned to Earth and lost 6 of their final 7 games (including an embarrassing loss to Duke). Boston College was not expected to compete for the ACC Championship in their first year PMR (Post Matt Ryan). The Eagles ended the regular season strong, winning their final 4 games before falling to Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship. Boston College improved during the season while Vandy seemed to get worse.

Boston College 37, Vanderbilt 13

Chick-Fil-A Bowl - LSU vs. Georgia Tech

As much as the Georgia defense was a disappointment this season, LSU's defense was worse. LSU allowed 31 points in each of its final 3 games to the likes of Troy, Ole Miss, and Arkansas. Lesticles does not have a solid option at QB with Jarrett Lee continuing to throw touchdowns to the wrong team and Jordan Jefferson still a year away from being ready to take the reins. Receiver Brandon LeFell and RB Charles Scott are big time players, but the lack of a QB hurts the Bayou Bengals. Georgia Tech has become a media darling this season with Paul Johnson's triple option attack working better than most thought it would. ACC player of the year Jonathan Dwyer, Roddy Jones, and Josh Nesbitt will be a tough task for the LSU defense. most people are picking Tech to win this one, but I think there will be an upset.

LSU 31, Georgia Tech 27

Outback Bowl - South Carolina vs. Iowa

Steve Spurrier's Palmetto State chickens finished an up and down 2008 season with a loss to rival Clemson and a 7-5 record. Outside of WR Kenny McKinley (who missed part of the season with injury) Carolina never found a true identity on offense. The strength of the SC team is their defense led by linebackers Eric Noorwood and Jasper Brinkley. The 'Cocks will be without leading tackler Emanuel Cook, who has been suspended by Coach Steve Spurrier. The Carolina defense ranked 11th in the nation, one spot ahead of the Iowa Hawkeyes. For Iowa, the game plan is all about defense and running back Shonn Greene. Greene beat out Knowshon Moreno and Javon Ringer for the Doak Walker Award by putting up big time numbers for the 8-4 Hawkeyes. The edge in this game goes to Iowa because of their ability to pull a major upset (of then #2 Penn State).

Iowa 20, South Carolina 14

Cotton Bowl - Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech

Houston Nutt surprised a lot of people in his first season in Oxford by winning eight games. I was not one of those people. With Texas transfer Jevan Snead under center and a new attitude on the sideline, I expected the Ole Miss program to have a strong 2008. Jevan Snead and WR/HB Dexter McCluster lead an explosive Mississippi offense. The question is, will they be able to keep up with Mike Leach's Red Raiders? Graham Harrel and Michael Crabtree lead the Texas Tech offense that scored 535 points this season. This team reached as high as #2 in the rankings and also gave one of the most memorable moments of 2008:

Texas Tech 45, Ole Miss 38

Liberty Bowl - Kentucky vs. East Carolina

Kentucky gave Georgia a scare this season when it finally found its QB of the future in Randall Cobb. The 'Cats were riddled with injuries this year, and after a 4-0 start lost 6 of their last 8 games. East Carolina also started the the season with some big wins, dropping Virginia Tech and West Virginia in consecutive weeks. But, disappointing losses to NC State, Houston, and Virginia derailed their BCS dreams. The Pirates recovered and won the Conference USA Championship by beating Tulsa. Even with ECU's impressive wins, I think Kentucky has a chance to pull the upset.

Kentucky 27, East Carolina 21

Sugar Bowl - Utah vs. Alabama

Another non-BCS school gets to take on the SEC in the Sugar Bowl. This sucks and I expect to see a similar story to play out as the one that happened last year. Nick Saban will have the Crimson Tide ready for the Utes and I expect the defense to have a field day. The Tide offense, while not explosive, will do enough between the running of Glenn Coffee, the passing of JPW, and the receiving of Julio Jones to put up 40 points. Without consensus All-America OL Andre Smith, suspended for violation of team rules, Alabama will need to get the ball out of the backfield a little quicker than usual. Don't look for that to cause Saban too many headaches in the game planning. Utah still runs a variation of the offense left by Urban Meyer, so look for them to use a similar scheme to that which was used by Florida in the SEC Championship. This game won't be as ugly as Georgia's destruction of Hawaii was, but another easy win for 'Bama none the less.

Alabama 45, Utah 24

Capital One Bowl - Georgia vs. Michigan State

At this point, we all know the big story line of this game is the match up between Knowshon Moreno and Javon Ringer. Both backs had great seasons and were finalists for the Doak Walker Award. The Dawgs were a preseason #1 team that underachieved and lost big games while the Spartans were a middle of the pack Big 10 team who is hoping to get to 10 wins for the first time since Nick Saban left for LSU. Rather than carry on about statistics, I'm just going to give my opinion on this game: Georgia should win rather easily. Georgia's offense boasts several top-tier college players: in addition to Knowshon Moreno, consider the fact that Matt Stafford and the combination of AJ Green and Mohammed Massaquoi have become one of the best QB/WR combos in the country. While Georgia may have struggled on D over the last few games, the offense has not. We are the better team and we should win. Ringer is a good back, but he averages only 4.2 yards a carry vs. 5.9 for Knowshon. If we step up and make tackles (yes, that is a big IF), we should stop Ringer in his tracks. And despite our struggles on D, we still ranked 28th in the country on total defense while Michigan State was 61st. I'm picking the Dawgs to pick up their 10th win of the season.

Georgia's 2009 New Year's Resolution: TACKLE BETTER!

Georgia 45, Michigan State 28

I'm headed to Orlando in the morning to cheer on the Dawgs. I'll be back next week with my National Championship Game preview as well as a season wrap up for Georgia.


GO DAWGS!!!

Late Notice: Capital One Bowl Tickets available

Last minute notice for anyone who has not yet made plans for the game and wishes to attend:

A true Bulldog fan and truly wonderful person who helped to sponsor the infamous BFR and BDJ trip to Lexington has offered up two tickets that will not be used. If you're thinking about going, please help out Carole by buying her tickets so that she is not stuck with them. She is looking for as close to face value as she can get for the tickets, but that's not asking too much. Help out a fellow Dawg fan if you, or anyone you know, are looking for tickets to the game. Please give me a call on my cell phone if you are interested--706-224-8634--and I'll help get you in touch with Carole.

Go Dawgs and thank you Carole!

P.S. I'm really trusting our readers not to disseminate or otherwise abuse the phone number listed above. If you fail to live up to the responsibility inherent in reading this blog, now with my personal phone number posted, I'll have no other choice than to go Knowshon on your ass...

Don't abuse my number, man...but do call me for the tickets, or if you're cute, single, and maybe a season ticket holder!

Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #7

AUMaverick, Joe, and myself got both games wrong yesterday.

Ann&Bob, BFR, Earl, Jason, SRQDawg15, and Streit got both games right yesterday.

New Jersey Knights vs. Wolfpack

In one heck of a game, Rutgers pulled out a win against NC State. The Wolfpack were plagued by their starting QB being injured and the back ups playing inconsistently (just as they dealt with in the beginning of the season).

The slight majority of 7 took this game.


Kitty Cat Battle - Tigers vs. Wildcats

The most accurate kicker in NCAA history missed a last second, game winning field goal for Mizzou. THIS IS WHY YOU WATCH BOWL GAMES.

I'm sure the commentators for the game jinxed him after constantly discussing how he would never miss a field goal...oops...

Unfortunately for AUMaverick, Joe, Bubba, and myself, Northwestern blew it in OT.

The majority won on this close game game.


Today we have three games:

Terps vs. The Other Wolfpack

Maryland was probably one of the more wildly inconsistent teams this year. They would lose to teams they had no business losing to, and they would crush teams that were better than them.

AUMaverick, BFR, Earl, and ThinkingBulldog were the only ones to pick Nevada.


Broncos vs. Owls

The MAC meets Conference USA in this battle between Western Michigan and Rice.

Rice comes into this game on a 6 game winning streak.

Rice hasn't won a bowl game in over 50 years, while W. Michigan has never won a bowl game (in 5 previous bowl appearances).

Joe and ThinkingBulldog were the only ones to pick Western Michigan.


"I'M A MAN, I'm 40!" vs. Ducks

The holiday bowl is typically a great game, and this year shouldn't be any different.

Oregon comes in on a 3 game winning streak, having destroyed Oregon State in their previous game.

Both teams are 9-3, the Ducks come into this game a bit under the radar, and Oklahoma State's quality play this year has been forgotten because of their end of the season loss to Oklahoma.

In the last 10 meetings, the Big 12 leads this bowl battle 6-4 over the Pac-10. In that time span, Oregon is 1-1 in this bowl game.

AUMaverick, Bubba, Streit, and ThinkingBulldog were the only ones to choose Oregon. Even though I didn't pick them, I'm surprised so few people went with Oregon.

Summary

The majority has strongly picked the Terps, the Owls, and the Ducks for today's games.


Here are the most up to date rankings:

-Ally and Earl are now tied for 1st
-Streit is now tied with Jason for 2nd
-Ann&Bob have jumped from the bottom to a 4 way tie for 3rd
-AUMaverick is still in last

Ally - 9pts.
Earl - 9pts.
Jason W. - 8pts.
Streit - 8pts.
Ann & Bob - 7pts.
Stephen S. - 7pts.
BFR - 7pts.
SRQDawg15 - 7pts.
BulldawgJosh - 6pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 6pts.
Bubba - 6pts.
Joe P. - 4pts.
AUMaverick - 3pts.

Public Apologies to BDJ and the Entire Bulldog Nation

Please accept this as my public apology for deciding not to make the trek down to Orlando to support our beloved Dawgs in the Capital One Bowl this year. Bulldawg Josh and I vowed to each other in a completely heterosexual and non-innuendo fashion that we would attend every Georgia game this season. My defection from the Capital One trip breaks that solemn vow. I hope to maintain some respect for my patronage at all other Bulldog football games this season, but alas, I will not be able to claim that I attended 100% of the contests this season. I won't even be able to lay claim to attendance at all games in a calendar year given my January 2008 absence from the Sugar Bowl which broke my string of six consecutive Georgia bowl game trips. The Sugar Bowl absence wasn't by choice, my boss wouldn't let me miss work to go to the game. I believe his exact words were "I would understand if they were playing for the National Championship, but...Hawaii?!?"

BDJ, please accept my apologies for breaking my promise and for changing the plans on you at the last minute. Fellow Dawg fans, please don't hate me. BNE is represented well in Orlando with BDJ, Earl, Streit, and the new Mrs. Streit in attendance.

Go Dawgs!

I was at this game!

Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #6

In a 17-10 finish, Dooley's Cajun Dogs edged out the Huskies.

This afternoon, we have the Scarlet Knights vs. the Wolfpack. This should be a great matchup, given that both teams are on hot winning streaks (Rutgers-6 games, NC State-4 games).

7 people picked Rutgers, while 6 picked NC State.

Tonight we have the kitty cat battle between the Mizzou Tigers and Northwestern Wildcats.

AUMaverick, Bubba, Joe, and myself were the only ones to pick Northwestern. Man, I hope this pans out. Northwestern hasn't won a bowl game in 200 years.

Here are the most up to date rankings:

Ally maintains the lead, with Earl jumping into second by himself.

Ally - 8pts.
Earl - 7pts.
Jason W. - 6pts.
Streit - 6pts.
BulldawgJosh - 6pts.
Stephen S. - 6pts.
BFR - 5pts.
SRQDawg15 - 5pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 5pts.
Bubba - 5pts.
Ann & Bob - 5pts.
Joe P. - 4pts.
AUMaverick - 3pts.

Bubba 'N Earl Bowl Pool Update #5

Congrats to Ally and Stephen for getting all 3 games right yesterday.

No one missed them all, but AUMaverick, Bubba, Earl, Joe, Streit, and ThinkingBulldog did only get one game right.

Ally's sweep yesterday has put her into 1st place, with Earl dropping down to 2nd with Jason.

Stephen's sweep has vaulted him into the 5 way tie for 3rd.

AUMaverick is now all on his own in last.

Dooley's Cajun Dogs vs. Midwest Huskies

Cajun Tech plays No. Illinois tonight in Shreveport for the Independence "The SEC Didn't Fulfill All Of Its Bowl Slots" Bowl.

AUMaverick, BFR, Jason, Joe, and SRQDawg15 picked No. Illinois. Everyone else picked Cajun Tech.

RANKINGS

Ally - 7pts.
Earl - 6pts.
Jason W. - 6pts.
Streit - 5pts.
BFR - 5pts.
BulldawgJosh - 5pts.
SRQDawg15 - 5pts.
Stephen S. - 5pts.
Joe P. - 4pts.
ThinkingBulldog - 4pts.
Bubba - 4pts.
Ann & Bob - 4pts.
AUMaverick - 3pts.