An early bowl round-up

Poking along

Before we get to our January college bowl games, we should take a brief look at the games of local or regional interest that have already taken place. Again, if you don't like the 800 bowl games being played, don't watch them.

Army 16, SMU 14
You almost feel bad for Kyle Padron and the Mustangs. They kill the awful Army team and lose by two, mostly, due to Padron's fumble that was returned for a touchdown and two interceptions. But give Army a little credit. They don't have much, but they had zero penalties and did not turn the ball over. June Jones is 1-1 at SMU in bowl games.

Syracuse 36, Kansas State 34
No doubt the best bowl game to date. Tons of offense, no turnovers and a lot of lead changes in the second half. Naturally, it's overshadowed by a shitty official's call: A bunk overcelebration call on K-State that forced them to try a two-point conversion from the 18-yard-line. It failed and the Wildcats were sunk. Football needs to get the celebration bullshit straightened out, quick. If we're worried about gamesmanship and whatnot, Cam Newton's ineligible.

Oklahoma State 36, Arizona 10
The definition of "cruising." Arizona never had a shot, even at 14-7. The Pokes needed Kendall Hunter for just 10 carries and you ain't beating anyone allowing five sacks and three interceptions. A really fine season for Oklahoma State. No shame in 11 wins. Just to note: Mike Gundy's the second-best coach in the Big XII and Justin Blackmon's a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.

Washington 19, Nebraska 7
It's insane that Nebraska's offense isn't good already. Or good enough to score 21 points. The Cornhuskers should not be losing to Texas A&M 9-7 nor to Washington 19-7. With all those athletes and you can't score? Insane! By the way, Jake Locker's a first-round pick? Give me Chris Polk.

Iowa 27, Missouri 24
I was mildly shocked to see Mizzou's Blaine Gabbert as a potential top five quarterback in the NFL draft. On cue, it was a Gabbert TAINT that shot the Tigers in the foot against the Hawkeyes.

Illinois 38, Baylor 14
As Robert Griffin goes ... Illinois made Baylor one-dimensional and I don't care how bad or good your opponent is, that'll get you beat a lot of times. Baylor probably turned back into a pumpkin six weeks ago. By the way, it makes the Big XII 1-4 in bowl games and 0-2 against the Big Ten. No wonder Nebraska's leaving.