2011 Minor Bowl Game Previews

Belk Bowl, North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Louisville Cardinals: It wouldn't exactly be an upset if Louisville can wrap this one up, but the bookmakers favour the Pack (by a small margin, though). Both teams ended their season on a high note and will be serious competitors.

Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman, Air Force Falcons vs. Toledo Rockets: Toledo should definitely win this one. They've proven they can dominate games from the beginning on in a tight Big East and weren't losing in dramatic fashions.

Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl, Texas Longhorns vs. California Golden Bears: Texas isn't the team anymore it was a couple of years back, but they should still be able to dominate the game in the air and on defense. The Bears will really need a brilliant day to win this one and that's doubtful.

Champs Sports Bowl, Florida State Seminoles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A combined 70 bowl games and 13 national titles, this is a game of big names, but not exactly big teams at the moment. Both won 2/3 of their games (8-4) and both seemed to struggle offensively when being presented with tough pass defenses. Either team can take, I'm leaning towards Our Lady.

Jacob Coker of FSU warms up before the game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the Florida State Seminoles at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, FL.

Valero Alamo Bowl, Baylor Bears vs. Washington Huskies: With Baylor being a nationwide #12 and finishing their Big 12 season 9-3, there isn't much of a doubt that on a normal day, they will win it with a double digit margin.

Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl, BYU Cougars vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane: Almost too close to call. Both teams had a bad start into their respective season, but ended them quite well. There are some doubts about Tulsas defense, so the Cougars might win this one.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Iowa State Cyclones vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights: With Rutgers having a better season overall and especially a better ending to it, I have to go with the bookies and assume the Cyclones can't create enough fresh wind on the offense.

Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater (5) in action during the game between the Louisville Cardinals and the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Both teams had so-so seasons (6-6), but in rather competitive divisions. Even though the Bulldogs being a clear favorite, Wake Forest can pull of a minor surprise if they can get their running game going and put the pressure on Russell and Relf.

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