CFL : Bowl Picks

It's the season to be jolly or to sit in front of the television set eating left overs, if you're a college football fan.

We've already seen four bowl games and only have 21 more to go, starting later this week with the Galleryfuriniture.com Bowl. So, buckle yourself into your easy chair, throw a log on the fire and pour yourself a favorite beverage.

If by Jan. 3, you can tell your neighbor the names of the Iowa State offensive linemen, then you either have a very understanding wife or a new home.

Orange Bowl Florida State vs. Oklahoma, Jan. 3: The Seminoles have enough talent to overpower the Sooners, but Chris Weinke will miss academically ineligible receiver Marvin Minnis from the arsenal. Gritty Oklahoma will keep it close before tiring and watching FSU win at least a share of the national title. Florida State 35, Oklahoma 27.

Sugar Bowl Miami vs. Florida, Jan. 2: The Hurricanes have the national championship riding on their first meeting with the Gators since 1987. Miami has enough speed among its receivers to get behind the Florida secondary and plenty of defense to make Steve Spurrier squirm on the sideline. Miami 34, Florida 24. Outback Bowl Ohio State vs. South Carolina, Jan. 1: The Buckeyes seemed like a solid pick before wide receivers Ken-Yon Rambo and Reggie Germany were injured. Rambo probably will play, which is a plus considering the Gamecocks dare opponents to pass. Ohio State's defense has a huge edge on the South Carolina offense. Ohio State 28, South Carolina 20.

Cotton Bowl Kansas State vs. Tennessee, Jan. 1: While the Volunteers are on a six-game winning streak, the Wildcats played top-ranked Oklahoma close twice and beat Nebraska. The Kansas State defense will control the Tennessee offense and quarterback Casey Clausen. Kansas State 23, Tennessee 14.

Gator Bowl Virginia Tech vs. Clemson, Jan. 1: The quarterback duel between the Hokies' Michael Vick and the Tigers' Woody Dantzler will be entertaining. But Tech is more explosive and more balanced, with running back Lee Suggs leading the nation with 28 touchdowns. Virginia Tech 35, Clemson 21.

Citrus Bowl Michigan vs. Auburn, Jan. 1: The Wolverines, with Drew Henson, Anthony Thomas and David Terrell, have far too many questions for the Tigers' defense to answer. If Michigan doesn't turn it over, it could win easily against an overrated team. Michigan 27, Auburn 7.

Rose Bowl Purdue vs. Washington, Jan. 1: Drew Brees has more help from the Boilermakers' offense than Marques Tuiasosopo does from the Huskies' offense. Purdue also has an underrated defense that surrounds the ball quickly. Purdue 31, Washington 27.

Fiesta Bowl Oregon State vs. Notre Dame, Jan. 1: While the Fighting Irish have enjoyed a turnaround this season and a questionable BCS berth, they will have their hands full against the veteran Beavers. Ken Simonton is the best running back you've never heard of, rushing for 1,542 yards. Oregon State 27, Notre Dame 14.

Silicon Valley Bowl Fresno State vs. Air Force, Dec. 31: The Falcons have spread their wings and their offense this season, ditching the Wishbone and scoring 43 points in their last three games behind quarterback Mike Thiessen. The Bulldogs have some weapons on offense, but none on defense. Air Force 40, Fresno State 31.

Independence Bowl Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State, Dec.31: The Aggies could wear down the Bulldogs' gambling defense by sending mammoth running back Ja'Mar Toombs between the tackles. If A&M doesn't give up the football, it wins going away. Texas A&M 24, Mississippi State 20.

Alamo Bowl Nebraska vs. Northwestern, Saturday: Who would have dreamed of ever seeing the Cornhuskers playing the Wildcats in a bowl game? Northwestern's spread offense can score quickly, but Nebraska will grind down and wear out the Cats' defense. Nebraska 42, Northwestern 38.

Liberty Bowl Colorado State vs. Louisville, Friday: The Rams are seven points away from a perfect season because of a powerful ground game and a stingy defense. The Cardinals are explosive on offense and vulnerable on defense. Colorado State 35, Louisville 29 . Sun Bowl Wisconsin vs. UCLA, Friday: The Badgers and the Bruins are meeting in a bowl for the third time in eight years, but they thought it would be in Pasadena. Both teams have strong offenses, but Wisconsin has a much better defense. Watch the war of words between Wisconsin cornerback Jamar Fletcher and UCLA receiver Freddie Mitchell. Wisconsin 31, UCLA 14.

Peach Bowl Georgia Tech vs. LSU, Friday, 5 p.m: The Yellow Jackets have a high-powered offense and perhaps the most underrated quarterback in the country in George Godsey. The Tigers are talented and erratic. These two teams could be contenders for bigger things next season. Georgia Tech 33, LSU 21.

Holiday Bowl Texas vs. Oregon, Friday: While everyone goes gaga over the Longhorns offense, quarterback Chris Simms and receiver Roy Williams, their defense is weak. The Ducks are seasoned and balanced. The only thing ugly about them is their garish uniforms. Oregon 27, Texas 17. Humanitarian Bowl Boise State vs. Texas-El Paso, Thursday: This one, believe it or not, could be one of the more entertaining bowls. The Miners have an explosive offense that features All-America tight end Brian Natkin. The Broncs led the nation in scoring and quarterback Bart Hendricks led the nation with 35 touchdown passes. Texas-El Paso 38, Boise State 36.

Music City Bowl Mississippi vs. West Virginia, Thursday: Retiring Mountaineers coach Don Nehlen gets his last chance to end an eight-game bowl losing streak. The Rebels, although inconsistent, have a potent offense led by running back Deuce McAllister. Mississippi 28, West Virginia 16. Micronpc.com Bowl Minnesota vs. North Carolina State, Thursday: The Golden Gophers have had their share of trouble off the field this season. On the field, they have powerful offensive and defensive lines and the triple threat of quarterback Travis Cole, running back Tellis Redmon and receiver Ron Johnson. Minnesota 37, North Carolina State 28. Insight.com Bowl Pittsburgh vs. Iowa State, Thursday: The Panthers will attack the Cyclones' shaky defense with quarterback John Turman, running back Kevan Barlow and the best receiving tandem in the country in Antonio Bryant and Latef Grim. Pitt wins its first bowl game in 11 years. Pittsburgh 38, Iowa State 24.

Motor City Bowl Cincinnati vs. Marshall, Wednesday: The Bearcats have a balanced offense and a sturdy defense. The Thundering Herd is a different team away from home. Cincinnati 24, Marshall 20. Galleryfurniture.com Bowl Texas Tech vs. East Carolina, Wednesday: The Red Raiders run a spread offense that features quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, who passed for more than 3,000 yards. The Pirates defense is small and banged-up. Texas Tech 35, East Carolina 31.

Of all of these games my lead pipe pick for a team to pull the upset is in the Alamo Bowl Northwestern has the offense to pull it off. And please remember that these picks are for entertainment purposes only.