6B - Thursday, January 4, 2007

Exitin
x c n g .................................... INSIGHT BOWL
1 TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL 2 Texas Tech 44, Minnesota 41
Boise State 43, Oklahoma 42 (OT)
The most surprisingthingfromthe game:Min-
MVP: Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky for overcoming failure. nesota coach Glenn Mason lost his job because
After throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown with a of the collapse. Minnesota athletic director Joel
minute left in the game, Zabranksy led his team down the field to tie the Maturi admitted that Mason would probably still
game and eventually win. be employed if he had won the game.
Craziest plays of the game: Zabranksy threw a slant to Drisan James I didn't change the channel because: Well
who lateraled to Jerard Rabb, who then ran 35 yards for a touchdown to actually I did change the channel when Minne-
tie the game with seven seconds left. Following their overtime touchdown sota was up 38-7. When I realized that nothing
and trailing by one, the Broncos went for two instead of playing it safe. else was on, I came back and witnessed the Red
They called the "Statue of Liberty" play, and it worked to perfection. Raiders' 31-point comeback.
- Alex Prosperi - Ian Robinson
BRUT SUN BOWL
No. 25 Oregon State 39, Missouri 38 Quirkiest moment of the game: The cameras consistently
returning from commercials showing "fans" who climbed the
The most shocking play of the game: After cutting a 14- mountains surrounding the stadium in El Paso, Texas, for a
point deficit to one with 22 seconds to go, Oregon State just view of the game. Props to those resourceful few who not only
needed an extra point to tie the game and send it to overtime. got some exercise, but were also smart enough to know that
But head coach Mike Riley sent his offense back onto the field bowl games in El Paso are rarely worth buying a ticket for.
and Yvenson "Rocky" Bernard took a handoff straight ahead - Nate Sandals
to give Oregon State two points and the win.

The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com

1! HOLIDAY BOWL
No. 20 California 45, No. 21 Texas A&M 10
MVP: California back-up running back Justin
Forsett. He ran for 124 yards on eight carries and
one touchdown, out-gaining the official Holiday
Bowl MostValuable Player, runningback Marshawn
Lynch (111 yards on 20 carries).
Craziest moment of the game: On a rushing
attemptby Lynch atthe Aggies' two-yard line. Lynch
fumbled the ball into the end zone and the initial
ruling on the field signaled Aggies' first down. But
after a review, the call was reversed and the Bears
notched another six points. The call deflated any
comeback attempts by Texas A&M.
- Ashley Bilkie

.PIONEERPUREVISION LAS VEGAS BOWL
2 Brigham Young 38, Oregon 8
You knew the game was over when: Oregon started quarter
back Brady Leaf, younger brother of former Washington Stat'
quarterback Ryan Leaf. Ryan might have been a star during hi:
college days, but Brady clearly learned more from Ryan's patheti
cally brief NFL career. Brady completed 6-of-14 passes for 4'
yards and one interception. The Ducks never had a chance.
The funniest moment of the game: the announcers mistakenly
referring to Brady Leaf as Brady Quinn. It was understandable
considering Quinn has been on TV about 60 times more that
Leaf. Even so, Quinn might be one of the most overrated play
ers in college football, but he isn't nearly as bad as Leaf, who wa
simply awful.
- Stephanie Wrigh

MOTOR CITY BOWL , Most inspiring effort: belonged to me. Following the game,
@ Central Michigan 31, Middle Tennessee 14 all seemed well until my friends ran into a Middle Tennes-
see player's mom and dad outside Ford Field. The two parties
Youknew the game was over when: I went downto the field exchanged words, and when the phrase "I'm not afraid to go
level with about eight minutes left in the game and the two to jail," came up, I figured it was time to step in. My coura-
trophies for the post-game ceremonies were already inscribed. geous effort stifled any potential fight, and translated into my
Central Michigan's champion and Middle Tennessee State's first ever "Most inspiring effort" award (awarded by myself).
runner-up trophies were already prepared. Talk about no con- - Scott Bell
fidence in the Blue Raiders.
And the reFst----------

Junior Marty Tadman and his teammates at Boise State wan the mast encitint bawl tame af 2006.
------Wh1ie you were
awa"y, these Bowls
w ere played ...................

EMERALD BOWL
Florida State 44, UCLA 27
Iknew it was over when: UCLA defeated Southern Cal
on Dec. 2, 2006. Even with a few weeks between games,
the Bruins were bound to have an upset hangover after
being the monkey wrench thatcompletely messed up the
Bowl Championship Series. I'm sure the college football
gods weren't too pleased with that, and there was no way
that they would allow the sport's jolly old man, Bobby
Bowden, to end another season with a loss.
MVP: Seminole runningbackLorenzo Booker was like
McDonald's - he was everywhere. Booker ran 22 times
for 91 yards and two touchdowns; he also caught five
passes for 117 yards. That's more mileage than he'll put
on the Hummer he'll buy with his pro contract.
- H. Jose Bosch
HAWAII BOWL
Hawaii 41, Arizona State University 24
I didn't change the channel, even during the largely
uneventful first half, because: I was entertained by
the Santas in swimsuits, the reindeer antlers worn by
shirtless fans, and the attire of both coaching staffs:
Hawaiian-print shirts, beads, shorts and yellow visors.
It was hard to take the coaches seriously when they
were calling plays in leis.
The most interesting part of the game: watching a
potential frontrunner for next year's Heisman Tro-
phy. Hawaii junior quarterback Colt Brennan set the
NCAA single-season record for touchdown passes with
58, outscoring Heisman winner Troy Smith by more
than 20 touchdowns. After the game, an ESPN analyst
remarked that Brennan "worked Arizona State like a
part-time job tonight."
- Courtney Ratkowiak
R + L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS
BOWL
Troy 41, Rice 17
I didn't change the channel because: Troy coach
Larry Blakeney obviously isn't a very creative man.
Apparently he stole his playbook from NCAA '07 and
decided to throw hail mary passes for half the game.
The funniest moment of the game: speaking defi-
cient Ohio State alum and ESPN color commentator
Chris Spielman single-handedly set the English lan-
guage back centuries with his syllable-slurring state-
ment: "That was an amazing sack of Haugabook by Bio
Bilaye-Benibo."
- Adam Wood
BELL HELICOPTER ARMED
FORCES BOWL
Utah 25, Tulsa 13
You knew the game was over when: Eric Weddle,
Utah's all-purpose player, ran for a three-yard touch-
down with a minute left. Weddle played five different
positions including quarterback, running back, corner-
back, holder and returner.
The most interesting part of the game: that the only
Tulsa player who could score touchdowns was quar-
terback Paul Smith, who ran for two touchdowns on a
severely injured ankle.
- Adam Wood
AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL
South Carolina 44, Houston 36
You knew the game was over when: Starting at the
South Carolina 36 followinga great fourth-down stop,
Houston looked to erase an eight-point deficit late in
the fourth quarter. But Cougar quarterback Kevin
Kolb was pinned 13 yards backward. Even ESPN knew
Houston didn't havea chance, switching to the Florida
Citrus Bowl two plays later.
I didn't change the channel because: Following a 41-
point second quarter, an old-fashioned shootout was
brewing in Memphis. But after a halftime performance
byLeAnnRimes, Houston couldn't fight the moonlight,
giving up the next 17 points.
- Anthony Oliviera

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL
Georgia 31, Virginia Tech 24
The most interesting part of the game was: the lack
of class displayed by both teams. The Dawgs and Hok-
ies combined for an overwhelming six personal fouls
and several more instances of intense pushing, shoving
and trash-talking. Watch out Miami, these teams may
have less class than you.
MVP: Georgia should give its most valuable playerctro-
phy to Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon. With
a 21-13 lead going into the fourth quarter, Glennon
turned the ball over four times, resulting in 18 points
that put the Dawgs up for good.
- Andy Reid
ALAMO BOWL
Texas 26, Iowa 24
The most shocking part ofthe game was: when Iowa
forgot which end zone it was supposed to run to. Down
by two points late in the fourth quarter, the Hawkeyes
were on track for a winning field goal after gaining a
first down near midfield. But instead of pushing for-
ward, they ran a reverse - and lost 11 yards. At second
and 21, Iowa was out of field-goal range and out of the
game.
The quirkiest play of the game was: Iowa's fran-
tic imitation of Michigan's controversial 2005 Alamo
Bowl play. With the clock at zero, the Hawkeyes start-
ed a lateral play that, unlike last year, did not catch the
opponent unaware. The play was so short that there
was no time for the Longhorns to mistakenly rush the
field - Iowa fumbled at its own 20-yard line to end the
game.
- Courtney Ratkowiak
CAPITOL ONE BOWL
Wisconsin 17, Arkansas 14
I didn't change the channel because: I wanted to see
whether Arkansas quarterbacks Casey Dick or Mitch
Mustain could actually throw a decent pass.
Most interesting aspect of the game: Despite Wis-
consin's inability to put together any semblance of a
cohesive offense, Arkansas's passing game was inept
enough to allow the Badgers to squeak by with the
win.
- Chris Meszaros
OUTBACK BOWL
Penn State 20, Tennessee 10
Biggest momentum change possible: In a10-10 game
in the fourth quarter, Tennessee was in the red zone -
until an Arian Foster fumble was returned 88 yards by
Tony Davis to give the Nittany Lions a lead that would
never be threatened.
Why I didn't change the channel: The excessive
camera shots of Penn State coach Joe Paterno directing
his team from the booth because of a broken leg. What
better reason is there for HDTV than to constantly be
looking at an 80-year-old?
- Rob Kaitz
AT&T COTTON BOWL
Auburn 17, Nebraska 14
You knew the game was over when: With less than
two minutes to go in the first half, Nebraska quarter-
back Zac Taylor threw the ball out of bounds on fourth
and 11 from the Auburn 30-yard line. On asplay in which
Nebraska's offense seemed confused, it might have
made sense for Bill Callahan to put his creative offen-
sive mind to rest and simply kick a field goal to tie the
game.
1 didn't change the channel because: The Auburn
defense came out revamped in the second half and
Nebraska made absolutely no half-time adjustments,
resulting in only a field goal in the last 30 minutes
of play. To make the half more interesting, Fox had
an exclusive interview with David Irons Sr., father
of both the starting Auburn running backand its
cornerback. Irons revealed that, in order to watch
both Auburn's offense and defense during a game,

he never went to the bathroom. Play-by-play man
Pat Sumerall thought this was "pretty good."
- Mike Eisenstein
GAYLORD HOTELS MUSIC CITY BOWL
Kentucky 28, Clemson 20
MVP: With his 299 yards and three touchdowns lead-
ing Kentucky to its first bowlivictory in 22 years, quar-
terback Andre Woodson became the only Kentucky
quarterback besides Tim Couch to have more than 30
touchdowns in a season. Watch out, NFL.
The most interesting part of the game: After four
consecutive possessions ending in turnovers (two for
each team), Kentucky took possession of the ball, only
to fake a punt after its previous punt had been blocked.
Kentucky then threw a 70-yard touchdown pass on
the next play. The only thing going for Clemson at this
point in the game was that it could let its kicker be a
scapegoat for its woes, as he had missed two field goals
in the first quarter.
- Mike Eisenstein
FEDEX ORANGE BOWL
Louisville 24, Wake Forest 13
I didn't change the channel because: Even though I
was tempted to turn the game off, these were still two
conference champions playing a relatively competitive
BCS game.
I knew the game was over when: Louisville corner
William Gay stepped in front of a desperation pass
made by Riley Skinner for an interception. Down 24-
13, the Demon Deacons had been driving, but with just
under three minutes to play, the turnover cemented a
bowlvictory for the Cardinals.
- Chris Herring
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL
South Florida 24, East Carolina 7
MVP: South Florida coach Jim Leavitt, who decided he
was happier coaching a second-tier Big East team than
accepting the Alabama coaching vacancy.
Iknew the game was over when: The Bulls arrived in
Birmingham, Ala. South Florida, a program playing in
just its second bowl game in school history, was clearly
the better and more prepared team from the get-go.
- Kevin Wright
GATOR BOWL
West Virginia 38, Georgia Tech 35
Most inspiring effort: Georgia Tech quarterback Tay-
lor Bennettpassed for 326yards and three touchdowns.
A solid performance from a back-up signal caller who
had tontake the place of suspended Reggie Ball.
Dumbest play-by-play comment: Gary "SEC Cam-
paign Chief" Danielson was the commentator for the
game. Even though this was an ACC/Big East game, it
was still difficult to take him seriously.
- David Russell
MPC COMPUTERS BOWL
Miami 21, Nevada 20
I knew it was over when: Miami cornerback Chavez
Grant made the game-clinching interception to end the
final Wolfpack drive.
The most interesting part of the game was: seeing
how Miami players would perform for already-fired
coach Larry Coker. The players were quoted as saying
they wanted to win it for him.
- David Russell
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL
Maryland 24, Purdue 7
MVP: Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach, who
was 15-for-24 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. He
finally got the help from his defense - which let Hol-
lenbach down when he shredded Boston College, only
to lose a spot in the ACC Championship game when his
defense played like Michigan's in the Rose Bowl.

You knew it was over when: Darrius Howard-Bey
somehow used his 4.38-speed to get under a Hollen-
bach pass and pull it in on a sideline route for a 46-yard
touchdown.
- James V. Dowd
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION
POINSETTIA BOWL
Texas Christian University 37, Northern Illinois 7
The needless national exposure award goes to: The
San Diego County Credit Union, which, accordingtoits
website, serves not only San Diego County residents,
but also the bustling metropolis of Temecula.
The time to hang up the microphone award goes
to: Lou Holtz, who could barely get a non-garbled
word out as a color commentator. But listening to
him was still slightly more pleasant than watching
this horrific matchup. After three-and-a-half years
of hard work at the Daily, you'd figure I'd get a better
assignment.
- Matt Singer
MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL
Boston College 25, Navy 24
You knew the game was over when: it was actually
over. Navy surprisingly controlled much of the game,
but Boston College hung in there and made a great
comeback as the seconds ticked away. You have to love
an ending like that, no matter what bowl it is.
Most inspiring effort: Eagle kicker Steve Aponavi-
cius, who booted the 37-yard game-winner with just
three secondsleft. Notbad for a walk-on who had never
played a game of football in his life until this season.
- Amber Colvin
TEXAS BOWL
Rutgers 37, Kansas State 10
I didn't change the channel because: I didn't have a
channel to change! Honestly, who owns the NFL Net-
work. And why is the NFL Network broadcasting col-
lege bowl games?
MVP: Rutgers. Sure they'll be overshadowed by mid-
major Boise State after the bowl season is finally fin-
ished. But give the boys from Jersey some credit for
making college football relevant in the New York/New
Jersey area, albeit for only a couple of weeks. The Jets
and Giants may not be the only football ticket worth
having next year.
- H. Jose Bosch
SUGAR BOWL
Louisiana State 41, Notre Dame 14
I knew the game was over when: Notre Dame's coach
was Charlie Weiss. I mean, seriously, has this Jabba-
the-Hutt-look-alike won a big game yet since coming
over from the New England Patriots?
The most surprising thing from the game: The
first half. Notre Dame actually kept it close for the
first half. But a late Louisiana State score put the
Tigers up by seven going into halftime, and nature
took its course from there. Louisiana State and star
quarterback JaMarcus Russell scored the game's
final 27 points and extended Notre Dame's embar-
rassing bowl game losing streak to nine games.
- Scott Bell
PETROSUN INDEPENDENCE
Oklahoma State 34, Alabama 31
The funniest moment of the game: Alabama
interim coach Joe Kines incomprehensible tirade
during a halftime interview. It left the audience
clueless, the reporter speechless and the announc-
ers laughing. Clearly, Kines was the only person
to understand his message that his team needs to
get off the field in the two-minute drill because his
team gave up a game winning field goal with nine
seconds.
You knew the game was over when: Cowboy kicker
Jason Ricks nailed a 27-yard field goal with nine sec-
onds left to put Oklahoma State ahead for good.

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