Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes against the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

(January 14, 2012 – Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — Analyzing the offenses, defenses and special teams that will decide the AFC title game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants.

When the 49ers have the ball …

The best way for the San Francisco 49ers to put the brakes on the New York Giants’ waves of pass rushers is to slam Frank Gore into the line and escort him through to the second level.

The Giants are wary of long trap plays — pulling the backside guard to lead Gore or Kendall Hunter— but won’t tone down their Gore-centric defensive plan used during a 27-20 loss vs. the 49ers in November.

On a sore knee, he rushed six times for zero yards vs. mostly eight- and nine-man defensive fronts, including consistent use of a five-man defensive line.

The 49ers feature tight end Vernon Davis and don’t have the playmakers outside to stretch the secondary vertically.

The Giants were effective Sunday in cluttering the middle of the field to push Green Bay Packers receivers to the sideline and funnel passes outside the numbers. Aaron Rodgers’ longest completion was for 21 yards.

The Niners coaching staff has instilled confidence in quarterback Alex Smith. His athletic skills were evident on a 24-yard touchdown run last weekend.

Smith can lock on to Davis but trusts him to come up with the ball using his muscle against cornerbacks and speed against linebackers. As matchups go, Davis is a ton. He’s as fast as any player the Giants have to cover him, with raw strength to boot.

The 49ers offensive line, which is built for power from tackle to tackle, can be limited in a high-tempo game.

If the Giants jump to an early lead, 49ers left tackle Joe Staley would be overmatched by defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora in San Francisco’s four-minute offense.

When the Giants have the ball …

The 27-20 loss at the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 13 should boost the New York Giants’ confidence.

Without running back Ahmad Bradshaw and limited by an offensive line pieced together because of injuries, the Giants drove to the 49ers’ 10-yard line in the final minute with second-and-2 and a chance to tie but couldn’t get the job done.

Since that game, the line has jelled, wide receiver Victor Cruz has put a case of the drops in his rearview mirror and Eli Manning has firmly established himself as the one of the NFL’s elite quarterbgacks.

The Giants can take plenty of lessons from last weekend’s film of the New Orleans Saints’ game plan.

The Saints found big plays in the middle of the field — and took multiple big hits from the 49ers’ hard-hitting, risk-taking safeties.

Manning won’t back away from working the ball between the hash marks with San Francisco’s wide-split safeties Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner, but his trump card is Bradshaw.

Bradshaw is the team’s best blocking back, and he surprises with his power to gain yards after contact. If Bradshaw and big back Brandon Jacobs can get going, Manning should thrive in play-action.

Manning was 7-for-9 for 155 yards with two touchdowns working off play-action at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field on Sunday.

Cruz is a flash in the open field, and his burst off the line strains teams that bump receivers at the line without over-the-top help.

The 49ers regularly walk a safety into the box in their eight-man front, but tracking Cruz and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks might force a change in approach.

For all the attention the 49ers have received for dominant third-down defense, the Giants are just as impressive on first down offensively, averaging almost 8 yards a play in the postseason on first down.

When the Giants do face long-yardage downs, Manning gets rid of the ball if there’s nothing there, and the offensive line has allowed only 16 sacks in the last 13 games.

Special teams

The San Francisco 49ers special teams have been a game-changing unit, and coach Jim Harbaugh harps on the team’s ability to win the field-position battle.

In the regular season, the 49ers’ average starting field position was their 33.5-yard line, and they held foes to the 24.3.

Their kickers arguably are the best in the NFL. Punter Andy Lee had a 44.0-yard net average and kicker David Akers made a regular-season record 44 field goals with a touchback rate above 50%.

Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr.’s status was in question because of a knee injury at midweek. He’d be missed — Ginn has six career returns for touchdowns and averaged 27.6 yards on kickoff returns this season.

For a team with ball security concerns on returns, the New York Giants anticipate the 49ers being more physical than most on their coverage teams — they had two takeaways in the kicking game last weekend against the New Orleans Saints.

Punter Steve Weatherford has been an excellent directional kicker this season, and if he can master the winds — and potentially slick track — at Candlestick Park to force the 49ers to march the length of the field repeatedly, the Giants might be hard to beat.

The Giants return teams are below average, notably poor on punt returns, where their 6.1-yard average return should have Lee salivating.

Compiled by Jeff Reynolds of The Sports Xchange

Sizing up the NFC Championship Game: 49ers vs Giants is a post from: PhatzRadio.com

Be sure to check out other great articles at PhatzRadio – A New Voice In Sports Talk Radio With Rock, Jazz, Soul, R.
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes against the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(January 14, 2012 – Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — Analyzing the offenses, defenses and special teams that will decide the AFC title game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants.

When the 49ers have the ball …

The best way for the San Francisco 49ers to put the brakes on the New York Giants’ waves of pass rushers is to slam Frank Gore into the line and escort him through to the second level.

The Giants are wary of long trap plays — pulling the backside guard to lead Gore or Kendall Hunter— but won’t tone down their Gore-centric defensive plan used during a 27-20 loss vs. the 49ers in November.

On a sore knee, he rushed six times for zero yards vs. mostly eight- and nine-man defensive fronts, including consistent use of a five-man defensive line.

The 49ers feature tight end Vernon Davis and don’t have the playmakers outside to stretch the secondary vertically.

The Giants were effective Sunday in cluttering the middle of the field to push Green Bay Packers receivers to the sideline and funnel passes outside the numbers. Aaron Rodgers’ longest completion was for 21 yards.

The Niners coaching staff has instilled confidence in quarterback Alex Smith. His athletic skills were evident on a 24-yard touchdown run last weekend.

Smith can lock on to Davis but trusts him to come up with the ball using his muscle against cornerbacks and speed against linebackers. As matchups go, Davis is a ton. He’s as fast as any player the Giants have to cover him, with raw strength to boot.

The 49ers offensive line, which is built for power from tackle to tackle, can be limited in a high-tempo game.

If the Giants jump to an early lead, 49ers left tackle Joe Staley would be overmatched by defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora in San Francisco’s four-minute offense.

When the Giants have the ball …

The 27-20 loss at the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 13 should boost the New York Giants’ confidence.

Without running back Ahmad Bradshaw and limited by an offensive line pieced together because of injuries, the Giants drove to the 49ers’ 10-yard line in the final minute with second-and-2 and a chance to tie but couldn’t get the job done.

Since that game, the line has jelled, wide receiver Victor Cruz has put a case of the drops in his rearview mirror and Eli Manning has firmly established himself as the one of the NFL’s elite quarterbgacks.

The Giants can take plenty of lessons from last weekend’s film of the New Orleans Saints’ game plan.

The Saints found big plays in the middle of the field — and took multiple big hits from the 49ers’ hard-hitting, risk-taking safeties.

Manning won’t back away from working the ball between the hash marks with San Francisco’s wide-split safeties Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner, but his trump card is Bradshaw.

Bradshaw is the team’s best blocking back, and he surprises with his power to gain yards after contact. If Bradshaw and big back Brandon Jacobs can get going, Manning should thrive in play-action.

Manning was 7-for-9 for 155 yards with two touchdowns working off play-action at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field on Sunday.

Cruz is a flash in the open field, and his burst off the line strains teams that bump receivers at the line without over-the-top help.

The 49ers regularly walk a safety into the box in their eight-man front, but tracking Cruz and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks might force a change in approach.

For all the attention the 49ers have received for dominant third-down defense, the Giants are just as impressive on first down offensively, averaging almost 8 yards a play in the postseason on first down.

When the Giants do face long-yardage downs, Manning gets rid of the ball if there’s nothing there, and the offensive line has allowed only 16 sacks in the last 13 games.

Special teams

The San Francisco 49ers special teams have been a game-changing unit, and coach Jim Harbaugh harps on the team’s ability to win the field-position battle.

In the regular season, the 49ers’ average starting field position was their 33.5-yard line, and they held foes to the 24.3.

Their kickers arguably are the best in the NFL. Punter Andy Lee had a 44.0-yard net average and kicker David Akers made a regular-season record 44 field goals with a touchback rate above 50%.

Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr.’s status was in question because of a knee injury at midweek. He’d be missed — Ginn has six career returns for touchdowns and averaged 27.6 yards on kickoff returns this season.

For a team with ball security concerns on returns, the New York Giants anticipate the 49ers being more physical than most on their coverage teams — they had two takeaways in the kicking game last weekend against the New Orleans Saints.

Punter Steve Weatherford has been an excellent directional kicker this season, and if he can master the winds — and potentially slick track — at Candlestick Park to force the 49ers to march the length of the field repeatedly, the Giants might be hard to beat.

The Giants return teams are below average, notably poor on punt returns, where their 6.1-yard average return should have Lee salivating.

Compiled by Jeff Reynolds of The Sports Xchange

Sizing up the NFC Championship Game: 49ers vs Giants is a post from: PhatzRadio.com

Be sure to check out other great articles at PhatzRadio – A New Voice In Sports Talk Radio With Rock, Jazz, Soul, R.

With the NFL picks still pending for the conference championship games, sportsbooks have already posted odds for the potential Super Bowl 46 matchups.

01:00 PM
12351	SB-GIANTS (NYG)	-2.5 -115	–	–
12352	SB-RAVENS (BAL)	+2.5 -115	–	–
01:00 PM
12353	SB-GIANTS (NY)	+3.5 -115	–	–
12354	SB-PATRIOTS (NE)	-3.5 -115	–	–
01:00 PM
12355	SB-49ERS (SF)	-2 -115	–	–
12356	SB-RAVENS (BAL)	+2 -115	–	–
01:00 PM
12357	SB-49ERS (SF)	+4.5 -115	–	–
12358	SB-PATRIOTS (NE)	-4.5 -115	–

YouTube betting videos and sports betting podcasts are all part of the sports betting information on the OffshoreInsiders.com Network.

Get the sports betting picks for today’s bowl games at OffshoreInsiders.com

In less than 24 hours, Michigan State and Georgia will square off in their second meeting in four years, meeting in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.

But beyond being two disappointed 10-3 conference runner-up squads, the Spartans and Bulldogs will serve as ambassadors for the Big Ten and SEC in the latest chapter of the battle between two of the best football conferences in the nation.

By itself this bowl game is big for either team, but on a larger scale it adds to the argument of whether or not the SEC will remain dominant over the Big Ten in the years to come.

Michigan State hasn’t helped the Big Ten’s case over the last four season, losing once to Georgia in the Capital One Bowl and then getting harassed by Alabama one year ago in the same bowl game. But while State and other Big Ten members have struggled to scrape out victories in their matchups with SEC counterparts, the Spartans have steadily emerged as one of the mainstays of the top 25 over the last three seasons. Their current streak of 16 consecutive weeks as a ranked team in the BCS top 25 is a school record. Compiling 21 wins over two seasons currently has MSU tied at no. 9 with the likes of Alabama, Auburn and Oklahoma for the most wins during that stretch.

While many analysts, fans and experts believe the Big Ten to be an overrated conference, the fact remains that five Big Ten teams are currently ranked in the final season standings, equaling the amount of SEC teams on the list.

Now I’m not saying that the Big Ten is better, or even as good as the SEC right now. As you’ve probably heard, this year’s BCS national championship game features two SEC teams in a rematch from earlier this year. But just because the SEC has been the powerhouse of college football in recent memory, doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

Coming full circle, the Outback Bowl will serve as a statement game, not only for two aspiring elite programs, but for two conferences looking for an extra edge over their competition. Michigan State has proved this season, that they have what it takes to win big games, a previously haunting flaw of the green and white. But with wins over Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin, the Spartans showed why they are one of the best teams in the Big Ten and a fair representative of what the conference has to offer.

Led on offense by seniors Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin, Joel Forman and Keith Nichol, Michigan State boasts the kind of veteran leadership it will take to beat a good Georgia defense that held teams to an average of 19.6 points per game during this season.

While the defense is a bit younger than Spartans’ offensive attack, leaders Trenton Robinson, Jerel Worthy and Johnny Adams have helped shape the defense into a game-changing force to be reckoned with.

Georgia provides considerably more athleticism than most of the teams Michigan State has faced this year, with the likes of Isaiah Crowell, Aaron Murray, Orson Charles, and Malcolm Mitchell. But most of Georgia’s talent at the skill positions is still unrefined and inexperienced. Michigan State’s defense is capable of handling the situation.

In a slightly more distressing matter for the Spartans, Cousins is 27 of 50 for 376 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions in three career bowl games. But while you might think he would be the key player for Michigan State on Jan. 2, he’ll actually serve as the last piece of the puzzle in this one.

The first step for the Spartans will be to execute on defense. If they can slow down the Georgia offense and keep the game within reach the door will open for MSU’s offense.

The second step will be special teams. Michigan State must win both the field position and momentum battles early on in this one.

Without the score getting out of hand, and consistently starting with good field position, Michigan State will be able to depend more heavily on the run game, which will land squarely on the shoulders of Le’Veon Bell and seek occasional aid from Edwin Baker. If those two and the offensive line can get going early, the passing game will inherently become deadly as it has often shown itself to be this year.

Not having the pressure of playing catch-up or being the main threat on offense, Cousins will then be able to make the plays everyone knows he can.

The stage is set for Michigan State to finally cap off a successful season with a bowl game win. While it isn’t the grand finale that Spartans everywhere had been hoping for, a win over a 3-loss team from the SEC wouldn’t make for a bad ending to this chapter of Spartan history.

Follow @jon_coffey

Be sure to check out other great articles at isportsweb.

(PhatzRadio / SI) — The search for Joe Paterno’s replacement as head football coach at Penn State is more than three weeks old, and the school has made two recent visits to Idaho that were likely attempts to convince Boise State head coach Chris Petersen to take the job, according to David Jones of The Patriot-News. Jones reports, however, that little is known of what actually transpired on those visits.

A hire of Petersen would be an all-but-unquestioned win for the beleaguered football program. Under Petersen, previously little-heralded Boise State has gone 73-6 in five years, and finished the 2011 season ranked seventh in the BCS standings. But Petersen has no notable ties to Penn State, and — aside from this reported persistence on Penn State’s behalf — there is little reason to assume that he would join a program currently mired in the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.

Jones further reports that Penn State’s second choice is current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak, who played his college ball at Penn State. As with Petersen, though, there is little reason to assume that Munchak would leave his current job for the uncertainties of the current situation in State College.

According to Jones, the two smaller names in PSU’s search are Duke head coach David Cutcliffe and Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe.

Penn State Head Coaching Search Focused On Boise State’s Chris Petersen is a post from: PhatzRadio.com

Be sure to check out other great articles at PhatzRadio – A New Voice In Sports Talk Radio With Rock, Jazz, Soul, R.

You’ve fought all season to get to this point, make sure you make the right roster selections to end your opponent’s season and keep yours going.

Drew Brees NO QB
Plays the 2nd worst pass defense in the league allowing 270 yards and 2 scores per game to QBs.

Aaron Rodgers GB QB
Had his worst game of the year in the Packers romp of the Raiders scoring a QB rating under 100 for the first time. Faces 3 middle of the road pass defenses to finish the season.

Tom Brady NE QB
With the exception of Christian Ponder’s outburst in week 13 (28 points), no QB has scored more than 11 points on them since week 10. Brady won’t have any trouble overtaking that number, but Denver is no pushover and they’re on some sort of magical run.

Cam Newton CAR QB
Another solid fantasy game for Newton last week with another tough challenge coming up. Atlanta is ranked 4th (202 yds, 1 td) at stopping opposing QBs.

Arian Foster HOU RB
Had an off week with only 7 points but gets 3 great matchups in a row starting with the 31st ranked Carolina rush defense.

Tony Romo DAL QB
Fresh off his best game of the year. Too bad it was a loss, but that just means Dallas is desperate for a win in Tampa. They’re defense has been ugly so Romo will have another big week.

Tim Tebow DEN QB
Every week it looks like his numbers will finally fall flat and it just doesn’t happen. Good for him and even better when he gets a good passing matchup. He has that this week vs the Patriots who feature one of the worst defenses in the league.

Michael Vick PHI QB
Vick returned to the lineup just in time to hit a difficult schedule. He’s only scored 12 points in each of his last 3 starts and faces off against a top 5 Jets secondary that’s averaging 13.2 points per week to QBs.

Matthew Stafford DET QB
His playoff schedule is terrific. First up are the Raiders. The lowest scoring QB to face them the last 6 weeks notched 18 points.

Eli Manning NYG QB
He’s rolling and playing great but gets 2 very tough games in a row. First is Washington ranking 10th and allowing a low 15.9 points followed by the 5th ranked New York Jets.

Matt Ryan ATL QB
The Jaguars rank 6th against the pass which has me expecting a similar performance to what we saw against the Texans. Somewhere in the ballpark of 250 yards with 1 score – 2 if you’re lucky.

Philip Rivers SD QB
Looks good lately, but may be about to hit a brick wall known as the Baltimore Ravens. They rank #1 in preventing fantasy points to QBs.

LeSean McCoy PHI RB
The Jets run defense has rebounded and moved into the top 10, but fellow dual threat Roy Helu gashed them for 20 points a couple weeks ago, full speed ahead with McCoy.

Ray Rice BAL RB
MJD just ran all over the Chargers a couple weeks ago, en route to a 24 point day. Loving Ray Rice yet again this week.

Michael Bush OAK RB
McFadden still doesn’t sound close to returning, so Bush makes sense to use against the Lions. It helps that Toby Gerhart managed to tag them for 17 fantasy points last week.

Josh Freeman TB QB
Salvaged a rough outing last week with a rushing TD. Has another difficult opponent facing Dallas this week. It’s going to be on him to keep them in this one, so expecting 250 yards and 1-2 scores.

Rex Grossman WAS QB
The turnovers hurt a bit, but still had 250+ yards and 2 TDs vs New England. He will have another good outing this week against the Giants. He has averaged 21 points over his last 2 meetings with the G Men.

Chris Johnson TEN RB
Just when you think he’s back, he goes and lays an egg against a beatable New Orleans rush defense. Gets another great matchup with Indy giving up 21+ points to opposing RBs, but who knows!

Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF QB
He’s seen Miami once already and couldn’t manage a single TD, finishing the day with only 9 fantasy points.

Maurice Jones-Drew JAX RB
If you started him last week, he likely moved you one week deeper into the playoffs. No way you can sit him out now, no matter how stacked you are at RB.

Be sure to check out other great articles at Fantasy Football Freaks.

If your playoff team has any weaknesses, here are a few options that could provide the remedy.

Rex Grossman WAS QB
Grossman did his part last week, notching over 250 passing yards and a pair of scores against the Patriots. That came without TE Fred Davis and with only minimal participation from Roy Helu in the passing game (2 catches for 6 yards compared to 4/42 and 7/54 in the previous two games). He’ll be throwing all day long again this week on the road against the Giants. Over the last 3 weeks, no team has allowed more fantasy points to QBs than the Giants.

Carson Palmer OAK QB
The Giants may have been the worst pass defense over the last 3 weeks, but the Lions were right behind them. Most recently they allowed 36 fantasy points to the combination of Minnesota’s Christian Ponder and Joe Webb. The Packers taught him a lesson last week after taking him for 4 interceptions. He’ll take that reminder and make better decisions against Detroit. One things for certain, he’s going to be throwing a lot of passes – 250 and a pair of scores is what I’m expecting at minimum.

Felix Jones DAL RB
Obviously not the deepest sleeper of the week, but for many owners, he is a brand new acquisition following DeMarco Murray’s broken ankle. There’s a really strong case to make a spot for him in your lineup this week. That case is known as the Buccaneers. They’ve taken over the mantle of the worst run defense in fantasy football. Most recently they were dominated by MJD who put up obscene numbers on them to build a 37 point performance. Jones is in for a big day in his first start since week 6.

Beanie Wells ARI RB
Also not the deepest sleeper, but he’s been up and down all season. In 4 of his last 6 games, he’s scored 6 points or less. In the other two games, he scored a combined 41 points. This week will be one of the larger point totals. The Browns mostly held their ground last week against Pittsburgh, but outside of that game, a lot of RBs have destroyed them. By my count, 11 RBs have scored at least 14 points against them this year.

Demaryius Thomas DEN WR
Over the last 3 weeks, Thomas leads Broncos receivers in all of the major receiving stats. He’s had 11 grabs for 222 yards and 3 TDs – did I mention, he actually put up those stats in only 2 games? More importantly, the Broncos face the Patriots this week. They have consistently been one of the most QB friendly defenses to face and they rank dead last as of the end of week 14. Tebow has actually looked like a bit of a passer recently and he’ll be able to do it again vs this defense, making his primary target a viable option.

Jabar Gaffney WAS WR
He panned out last week against New England, leading the Redskins in receiving yards with 92 and a score. That was just enough to edge out teammate Santana Moss. He has the right matchup to repeat again this week. The Giants are second to last (behind only New England) against the pass. Week after week they have been picked apart by opposing receivers. It also helps that he’s been really consistent with at least 70+ yards in 3 of the last 4 games. The lone dud came against the Jets where he had to deal with Revis.

Nate Washington TEN WR
He had his two biggest point totals of the season in the same two games that QB Jake Locker saw significant action. It’s a strong possibility that Matt Hasselbeck’s calf injury could keep him out again this week. The Titans are headed to Indy and the Colts have struggled against, well, everything. They rank 28th against the pass and Washington could easily have another big day.

Jermichael Finley GB TE
Finley was held without a reception against the Raiders and only had 1 target on the day. This week, I expect him to bounce back strong against the Chiefs. He’ll be called upon to help fill the void that has been created with Jennings missing time (knee sprain). The Chiefs also rank 27th against TE, averaging 50 yards and .62 TDs per week.

Be sure to check out other great articles at Fantasy Football Freaks.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! College football is set to embark on yet another bowl season which means games on almost every night starting next week. I’m not going to bore you with another BCS rant because we all know how I feel about the matter… it sucks!

This system is the most un-American way to decide a national champion that I can think of. This country, which was built on the sweat and blood of great men, still lets the BCS get away with this travesty after 13 years. A system that is decided by computers and sports writer/AD opinions is no system at all. I can’t even begin to tell you how lame it is. Would getting ready for a 16 or 8 game playoff this week be any fun?

Would a playoff bracket make any money or cause any excitement? Am I laying on the sarcasm enough? The answer is a resounding YES to all of those questions but apparently my bitching and moaning here at ITS for the past 2 seasons has fallen on deaf ears. I guess some dude in NW Ohio screaming into cyberspace hasn’t made that much of a difference. Oh well. Since we have to live with this unfortunate system for now, I wanted to cover the best of this year’s bowl games. Every year there are intriguing matchups that you wouldn’t have otherwise seen during the regular season.

Those oddball games are great entertainment and a spectacular reason to stop talking to your co-workers and family during holiday gatherings! That reason alone is worth its’ weight in gold. So plant your ass in a favorite recliner, grab a cold one and get ready for the last of college football until next fall. Disclaimer #1- This is an Ohio St. blog (if haven’t already noticed). I will not include the Gator Bowl because it is obvious that contest is the best game to watch. There will be tons of pre game coverage on this blog and others so I don’t want to attack this one just yet.

Even though 6-6 wasn’t what we had in mind, the Gator Bowl offers a rare opportunity for retribution and revenge against those swamp rats from Gainesville. You don’t often get opportunities for a rematch when over 100 teams play in your sport so let’s hope the Buckeyes can get that monkey off their back. I really want this win even if it is on a slightly smaller stage than in 2006. Disclaimer #2- I refuse to include the MNC because it is bullshit that Alabama got another shot at LSU. Not only did the Tide not win their conference, they failed to even win their own division. While LSU was busy earning their way in the SEC championship, Bama was at home resting in preparation for the game they already knew they were going to. How on earth is that fair? If I were an Oklahoma St. fan I would be irate with anger.

The SEC bias in this country (ahem.. ESPN) is totally nuts. Alabama had their shot and they lost. Nobody can tell me otherwise. This year’s game is a sham. OK, without further adieu, I give you the best 3 bowl games this holiday season in no particular order.

Tositos Fiesta Bowl– Somehow Oklahoma St. has to get over the shit hand they were dealt and I think they take that anger out on Stanford. The game will feature two of the nation’s best quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and Brandon Weeden which should mean lots o’ points. Everyone enjoys a good barn burner and I think this one will deliver.

The Stanford offense is dangerous and can put points up with the best of them but I still don’t believe they are in the same class as OSU. The OSU/OK game really opened my eyes as to how good this team is. Blackmon is an absolute beast and I pity the poor corner who is assigned to cover him. He sure would look good in Orange and Brown next year. Sorry, I was just drooling at the thought of him in Cleveland. It will be close but look for OSU to come out on top.

Rose Bowl– I’ve been a Big Ten homer all of my life and it was impossible to leave the Granddaddy of them all off this list. The setting and pageantry of this game is unmatched in college football. Hey, the matchup is pretty good too. Those brutes from cheese land will take on the high octane offense from Eugene. I don’t know which way to lean in this one. On one hand, I want to go with Wisconsin and that massive offense.

If the Badgers can get that run game going, they might just stay on the field the whole night. That is the best way to beat Oregon after all. They can’t score points if they aren’t on the field. If the Duck defense can somehow stop Monte Ball and company from plowing them over I really like Oregon in this game. We saw firsthand how good that offense can be and how fast the scoreboard can light up. I am really excited for this one and I’m just going to go with Wisconsin because it is my blog and I have a Big Ten bias. So there.

Sugar Bowl– I really wanted to leave this game off the list but there aren’t a ton of other great games this year (thanks BCS). Is Michigan for real? Virginia Tech will offer a stern test but you wouldn’t know it after the throttling they took against Clemson. The Hokies really backed their way in to the BCS this year but somebody does that every season. Michigan on the other hand actually deserves to be in the big show this season. I know there are a lot of folks that wanted to see the Spartans get the nod but Michigan just offers the sexiest matchup for New Orleans.

Those turds up north have a huge following and they definitely offer a better game in theory. We shall see what happens but I think Denard and a vastly improved defense will get the Wolverines out of New Orleans with a victory. So that’s the list. There are some other marginal games that interest me but by and large the matchups were a little disappointing. That doesn’t mean I won’t be glued to the television starting next week. Bad college football is still light years ahead of the NBA so you know I will be tuned in. If you have a different opinion, don’t hesitate to tell me how stupid I am in the comments.

See how all the Nittany Lions in the NFL did in Week 14 after the jump! 

Running Backs

• Michael Robinson, Seahawks — Plays Monday night
• Evan Royster, Redskins — 6 rushes for 44 yards, 2 receptions for 6 yards

Wide Receivers

• Bryant Johnson, Texans — No stats recorded
• Jordan Norwood, Browns — 2 receptions for 21 yards, 3 punt returns averaging 9.7 yards
  
• Deon Butler, Seahawks — Plays Monday night
  

Tight Ends

• John Gilmore, Saints – 1 reception for 9 yards

Offensive Lineman

• Levi Brown, Cardinals
• Kareem McKenzie, Giants
• Stefen Wisniewski, Raiders

Defensive Lineman

• Anthony Adams, Bears — Inactive (Coach’s Decision)
  
• Aaron Maybin, Jets — No stats recorded
  
• Jared Odrick, Dolphins — 2 tackles, 1 pass defended
• Scott Paxson, Browns — 2 tackles, 1 sack
• Phil Taylor, Browns — 1 tackle
• Jimmy Kennedy, Giants — No stats recorded

Linebackers

• Navorro Bowman, 49ers — 3 tackles
• Dan Connor, Panthers — 2 tackles
• Josh Hull, Rams — Plays Monday night
• Sean Lee, Cowboys — 9 tackles, 1 interception returned for 30 yards
• Paul Posluszny, Jaguars — 7 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 interception
• Cameron Wake, Dolphins – 5 tackles, 2 for loss
• Tamba Hali, Chiefs — 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
• Tim Shaw, Titans — 3 tackles
  

Defensive Backs

• Justin King, Rams — Plays Monday night
• Bryan Scott, Bills — 8 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown

Special Teams

• Robbie Gould, Bears — 1/1 field goals (57 yards), 1/1 XPs
• Jeremy Kapinos, Steelers — 4 punts for 165 yards averaging 41.7 yards/punt, 1 inside 20

Players on Practice Squads

• Chris Baker, Redskins
• Brett Brackett, Eagles
• Pat Devlin, Dolphins
• Dennis Landolt, Jets
• Ollie Ogbu, Colts
• Mickey Shuler, Vikings

For more great articles, check out PSU in the NFL.

There were some unusual heroes on Sunday. There always are. Let’s take a look at them and see if they are worthy of your fantasy rosters.
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John Skelton, QB, Arizona Cardinals:  Skelton threw for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He added 25 rushing yards. He seems to help Larry Fitzgerald’s value, but he’s not a guy I’d count on in Week 15.
Ruling:  Don’t Sweat ‘em.
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Joe Webb, QB, Minnesota Vikings:  Webb threw for 84 yards and a score and added 109 rushing yards and another score. As impressive as he was, Ponder is still considered the starter.
Ruling:  Don’t Sweat ‘em.
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Marion Barber, RB, Chicago Bears:  My assumption is most people snatched him up, but if not his 140 total yards (108 rushing) and touchdown should have done the trick.
Ruling:  Get ‘em.
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Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers:  Grant ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for 13 yards. With Starks banged up, Grant is a nice RB option.
Ruling:  Get ‘em.
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T.J. Yates, QB, Houston Texans:  Yates threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns with a pick. He added 36 yards on five carries. What’s even more impressive is he did it without Andre Johnson. While his job is secure, I couldn’t count on him at this point in the fantasy playoffs.
Ruling:  Don’t Sweat ‘em.
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Donte’ Stallworth, WR, Washington Redskins:  Stallworth caught four passes (six targets) for 96 yards. It was against the Patriots’ secondary though so be careful to put to much stock in the performance.
Ruling:  Don’t Sweat ‘em.
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Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos:  Thomas did it again. Seven catches (13 targets) for 78 yards and a score. I suppose he should be owned, but you likely have to wait until the fourth quarter to get your points.
Ruling:  Get ‘em.
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Titus Young, WR, Detroit Lions:  Young caught four passes (seven targets) for 87 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings have a brutal secondary, plus Stafford seems to pick a new target every week.
Ruling:  Don’t Sweat ‘em.
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Kevin Boss, TE, Oakland Raiders:  Boss caught five passes (seven targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. He had two catches for 16 yards combined in his previous two games. Not worth the risk.
Ruling:  Don’t Sweat ‘em.
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Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans:  Daniels caught seven passes (ten targets). Yates has confidence in him, and he makes a solid TE1 as the year closes.
Ruling:  Get ‘em.