Looking Into The Crystal Ball And Prognosticating All Eight Big XII Bowl Games

Its not easy being the resident conference bowl guru but someone's got to do it. I did go 5-3 last year in prognosticating the bowl winners for the Big XII conference so that should earn me a little street cred. Its also a bit ironic because I've got the Big XII going 5-3 this bowl season. To find out who I've got winning and losing this year you'll have to take the jump.

December 26^th

Independence Bowl

North Carolina vs. Missouri

UNC 24

Missouri 10

How It Will Happen: The Tigers will struggle to contain UNC's passing attack led by Bryn Renner who cracks the 300 mark. Meanwhile Missouri's James Franklin moves the ball with his feet but not his arm which proves costly after a close first half.

MVP Prediction: UNC's Bryn Renner

December 28^th

Holiday Bowl

California vs. Texas

Texas 44

California 14

How It Will Happen: The legend of Malcolm Brown explodes into folklore after the Longhorns ride their freshman running back to a convincing win over Cal. Meanwhile Cal struggles to move the ball against an inspired Texas defense.

MVP Prediction: UT's Malcolm Brown

December 29^th

Alamo Bowl

Washington vs. Baylor

Baylor 34

Washington 13

How It Will Happen: Baylor's Robert Griffin III and Terrance Ganaway become an unstoppable force against the Washington defense. Meanwhile the Huskies move the ball well between the 20's but struggle to produce points.

MVP Prediction: Baylor's Robert Griffin III

December 30^th

Pinstripe Bowl

Iowa State vs. Rutgers

Rutgers 34

Iowa State 13

How It Will Happen: The Scarlet Knights' defense smothers Iowa State's offense and never lets the Cyclones in the game. Meanwhile Rutgers' Jawan Jamison pounds the ISU defense on the ground.

MVP Prediction: Rutgers' Jawan Jamison

December 30^th

Insight Bowl

Iowa vs. Oklahoma

Oklahoma 41

Iowa 24

How It Will Happen: Oklahoma balances the offense and Roy Finch has a career day rushing the football complimented by a 300 plus yard passing day for Landry Jones. Meanwhile the Oklahoma defense creates havoc in the Iowa backfield and despite having his own 300 plus yard game Hawkeyes' quarterback James Vandenberg spends a considerable amount of time on his back.

MVP Prediction: OU's Roy Finch

December 31^st

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Texas A&M vs. Northwestern

Texas A&M 37

Northwestern 20

How It Will Happen: Cyrus Gray cracks 100 yards rushing and Ryan Swope 100 yards receiving as the Aggies leave the Big XII with a bowl win. Meanwhile Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa has a good day but the Wildcat offense can't keep pace.

MVP Prediction: A&M's Cyrus Gray

January 2^nd

Fiesta Bowl

Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

OSU 38

Stanford 31

How It Will Happen: Brandon Weeden rides off into the sunset after setting a Fiesta Bowl passing record and establishing himself as the most prolific passer to ever wear the Orange and Black...or gray...or white...or whatever other color they throw into their mix. Meanwhile Stanford's Andrew Luck has a great day as well but lacks the weapons Weeden has.

MVP Prediction: OSU's Brandon Weeden

January 6^th

Cotton Bowl

Kansas State vs. Arkansas

Arkansas 37

Kansas State 20

How It Will Happen: KSU stuffs Arkansas' rushing attack but can't contain the Hogs through the air. Tyler Wilson leads the Razorbacks to a second half offensive explosion. Meanwhile, the limited capabilities of the Wildcat offense prove to be costly.

MVP Prediction: Arkansas' Tyler Wilson