It isn't Monday night, but the question that has boomed out of TV speakers during football season since 1989 has never seemed more appropriate:
Are you ready for some football?
Seriously.
Are you ready for some football?
Although the Bowl Championship Series has conspired to push back several bowl games, there is a full slate of pigskin on parade today. Here is a look at the games. Remember to pace yourself -- the NFL playoffs start on Saturday.
OUTBACK BOWL
Teams: Iowa (8-4) vs. South Carolina (7-5)
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Tampa
Broadcast: ESPN
Line: Iowa by 4
Lowdown: Big Ten rushing champ Shonn Greene leads the Hawkeyes against a tough Carolina defense. Iowa's season highlight was a huge upset of Penn State. The Gamecocks had their sights set higher, but dropped games to Florida and Clemson in the final two weeks of the season.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL
Teams: No. 17 Georgia (9-3) vs. No. 18 Michigan State (9-3)
Time: Noon
Place: Orlando, Fla.
Broadcast: ABC
Line: Georgia by 7.5
Lowdown: Much like aforementioned South Carolina, the Bulldogs will have to shore up their run defense and stop Spartans running back Javon Ringer, who gained 1,590 yards and scored 21 touchdowns this year. If quarterback Brian Hoyer can help, Michigan State can build a cushion to withstand the attack of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno. The Bulldogs are 6-0 against the Big Ten in Florida bowl games.
GATOR BOWL
Teams: Nebraska (8-4) vs. Clemson (7-5)
Time: Noon
Place: Jacksonville, Fla.
Broadcast: CBS
Line: Clemson by 2.5
Lowdown: This game represents a rematch of the 1982 Orange Bowl, which Clemson won to complete a perfect season en route to the national championship. Obviously, there isn't as much on the line here. Clemson removed the interim tag from coach Dabo Swinney's door and the Huskers are trying to build on late momentum in Bo Pelini's first season. Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh could jam things up for Clemson's offense. Cornhuskers quarterback Joe Ganz could spark an upset.
ROSE BOWL
Teams: No. 4 Southern Cal (11-1) vs. No. 6 Penn State (11-1)
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Pasadena, Calif.
Broadcast: ABC
Line: USC by 9
Lowdown: A bounce here or there and these teams could be meeting for the national title. The Trojans, who are playing in the Rose Bowl for the fourth straight year, allowed fewer yards and points than any team in the country. That could spell trouble for Nittany Lions quarterback Daryll Clark. Penn State has a strong defensive line, which may rattle the mistake-prone USC offense.
ORANGE BOWL
Teams: No. 12 Cincinnati (11-2) vs. No. 19 Virginia Tech (9-4)
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Miami
Broadcast: Fox
Line: Cincinnati by 2
Lowdown: Virginia Tech has emerged as a top-flight program, but the Hokies are 7-14 all-time in bowl games. Cincinnati's big-play offense can carry the day against an injury-depleted defense, but only if senior wide receiver Dominick Goodman can contribute. Tech's offense has been erratic. This could come down to special teams and the Bearcats have been good in those departments.
