Sully's Big Blog! Commentary on College Football, Weekly Games, And Strange Statistics!

New Era Pinstripe Bowl Rutgers vs ND 2013

Bowl History: The New Era Pinstripe Bowl is brand new … the NCAA certified the Bowl September 30, 2010! The first game was played on December, 30, 2010 … Syracuse beat Kansas State, 36-34 and last years game featured Syracuse against West Virginia, a game won by the Orange (Syracuse), 38-14! The teams play for the George M. Steinbrenner Trophy! The Conference tie-ins are the AAC & the Big 12 & the New Era Pinstripe Bowl Payout is … $2,000,000.00

Teams:Rutgers: Conference Affiliation: AAC; Overall Record 6-6, Conference Record 3-3  ….  vs …. Notre Dame:   Conference Affiliation: Independent; Overall Record 8-4!

Bowl Location: New York, New York @ Yankee Stadium, the seating capacity @ the facility is 52,328. Last year’s game which featured Syracuse and West Virginia, was attended by 39,098 or 75% of Yankee Stadium’s capacity.

Day, Date & Time: Saturday, 12/28/2013 @ 11:00 a.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): Rutgers: Did not beat a Bowl eligible team ND: beat Southern Cal 10-4, ASU 10-3, & MSU 12-1!

Worst Losses: Rutgers: U-Conn 28-17 ND: Pitt 28-21

Common Opponents: None

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: ND -15.5

Offensive Team Data: Rutgers ; Total Yards,  368 YPG; Passing Yards,  239 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  129 YPG; Scoring Average, 29 PPG, Turnovers,  2.31 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 34.6%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 78% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 59%

Offensive Team Data: Notre Dame ; Total Yards,  395 YPG; Passing Yards, 248 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 147 YPG; Scoring Average  28 PPG, Turnovers,  1.23 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 44%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 78% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 55%

Defensive Team Data: Rutgers; Total Yards,  402 YPG; Passing Yards,  305 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  97 YPG; Scoring Average,  28 PPG, Turnovers,  1 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 43.4%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 86% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 70%

Defensive Team Data: Notre Dame ; Total Yards,  368 YPG; Passing Yards,  201 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  167 YPG; Scoring Average,  22 PPG, Turnovers,  1.23 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 41%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 83% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 57%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take ND’s total yards on offense, add it to what Rutgers gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Rutgers’s total offense, add it to what the Irish give up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, ND…. 399 to 368

Passing Yards: Advantage, ND …. 277 to 220

Rushing Yards: Advantage, Rutgers…. 148 to 122

Scoring: Advantage, ND …. 28 to 26

Turnovers: Advantage,  ND… 43.7 to 37.8

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, .ND.. 1.115 to 1.77

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, ND... 82% to 81%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, ND… 63% to 58%

Individuals to Watch: Rutgers: QB Gary Nova, 2159 Passing Yards, 18 TD’s & 14 INT’s & WR Paul James, 146 Rushing Attempts, 833 rushing yards, & 9TD’s; ND: Tommy Rees, 2938 passing yards , 27 TD’s & 13 INT’s & TJ Jones 65 receptions, 1042 receiving yards, & 9 TD’s!

Sully Says: The Irish win … but do not cover!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, AAC, Big Ten, FBS Independents, Notre Dame |

Military Bowl Marshall & Maryland 2013

Bowl History: This bowl was founded in 2008, previously known as the EagleBank Bowl (in its’ planning stages it was to be called the Congressional Bowl … played @ DC’s RFK). EagleBank is a Washington D.C. financial institution which sponsored the first two games (2008 & 2009) until Northrup Grumman, one of the worlds largest defense contractors, took over sponsorship in 2010. They renamed the event …. the Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman …. that same year! The conference tie-ins are the ACC vs C-USA, Navy or Army. The first game in this bowl was played on December 20, 2008 between Navy & Wake Forest …. Wake won 29-19! Last year’s (2012) winner San Jose State beatBowling Green, 29-20! …  Bowl Payout …. $ 1,000,000.00 per team

Teams: Marshall: Conference Affiliation: C-USA, Overall Record 9-4, Conference Record 7-2, & Divisional Play 5-1 … Won C-USA vs Maryland: Conference Affiliation: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Overall Record, 7-5, Conference Record, 3-5, and Divisional Record 1-5 (Atlantic Division of the ACC).

Bowl Location: Washington D.C. The Military Bowl is played at RFK Stadium  with a seating capacity of 56,692 for football (baseball 45,596)! Last year’s (2012) attendabce was 17,835

Day, Date & Time: Friday, 12/27/2013 @ 1:30 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): Marshall:  East Carolina 59-28; Maryland:West Virginia, 37-0 & Virginia Tech, 27-24 in OT … on the Road!

Worst Losses: Marshall: Ohio, 34-31  Maryland: FSU, 63-0

Common Opponents: Virginia Tech: Maryland beat in OT, 27-24 while Marshall lost in OT, 29-21 & FIU both Maryland, 43-10 & Marshall 48-10 beat Florida International

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: Marshall -2.5

Offensive Team Data: Maryland ; Total Yards,  397 YPG; Passing Yards,  253 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  144 YPG; Scoring Average,  27 PPG, Turnovers,  2.25 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 32%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 81% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 49%

Offensive Team Data: Marshall ; Total Yards,  511 YPG; Passing Yards, 289 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 222 YPG; Scoring Average  43 PPG, Turnovers,  1.69 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 53.6%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 92% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 79%

Defensive Team Data: Maryland ; Total Yards,  367 YPG; Passing Yards,  216 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  151 YPG; Scoring Average,  25 PPG, Turnovers,  1.75 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 33.7%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 90% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 54%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  358 YPG; Passing Yards,  211 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  147 YPG; Scoring Average,  23 PPG, Turnovers,  2 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 34%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 82% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 60%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take Marshall’s total yards on offense, add it to what Maryland gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Maryland’s total offense, add it to what Marshall gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, Marshall …. 439 to 378

Passing Yards: Advantage, Marshall …. 253 to 232

Rushing Yards: Advantage,Marshall …. 187 to 146

Scoring: Advantage: Marshall… 34 to 25

Turnovers: Advantage, Marshall… 1.75 to 2.125

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, Marshall… 43.65% to 33%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, Marshall … 91% to 82%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, Marshall… 67% to 55%

Individuals to Watch: Marshall: QB Rakeem Cato, 3579 passing yards, 36 TD’s & 9 INT’s, RB Essray Taliaferra, 202 attemps, 1059 rushing yards, & 9 TD’s, & WR Tommy Shuler 97 receptions, 1097 receiving yards, and 9 TD’s; Maryland: QB C J Brown, 2045 passing yards, 11 TD’s & 6 INT’s,

Sully Says: Stefon Diggs is down & out and so is Maryland … Marshall wins 10 games for the 1st time since 2002 … Take the Thundering Herd and give Maryland the 2.5

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, ACC, C-USA, Marshall, Maryland |

SDCCU Poinsetta Bowl Utah State & NIU 2013

Bowl History: The original Poinsettia Bowl was first played in 1952 and featured the champions of the Eastern and Western Military Bases against one another. Bolling Air Force Base defeated San Diego Naval Training Center, 35-14, on December 20, 1952! This format was followed through 1955, the bowl was cancelled after the 55 game! The Poinsettia Bowl was resurrected in 2005, with the intent to involve the military academies on an annual basis … when and if Bowl eligible. In 2005, Navy beat Colorado State, 51-30, last year’s game featured BYU and SDSU, a game won by BYU, 23-6! The 2008 game, between #11 (TCU) and 9th ranked (Boise State) was the highest rated pre-Christmas Bowl game ever on ESPN – TCU 17 Boise State 16! Poinsettia Bowl Pay out, $500,000.00 per team

Teams:  Northern Illinois, MAC , Overall Record 12-1, Conference Record 8-1, Division Record 5-0 vs Utah State, Mountain West Conference, Overall Record 8-5, Conference Mark 7-1. & Mountain Division 4-1!

Bowl Location:  San Diego, California. The San Diego County Credit Union Bowl is played at Qualcomm Stadium with a capacity of 71,500!  The 2010 game between San Diego State & Navy (SDSU won 35-14) boast’s the Bowl’s highest attendance, 48,049!

Day, Date & Time: Thursday, 12/26/2013 @ 8:30 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): Utah State: UNLV 28-24 & Colorado state 13-0; NIU: Iowa 30-27 & Purdue 55-24

Worst Losses: Utah State: Utah 30-26  NIU: Bowling Green 47-27

Common Opponents: None

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: Utah State -1

Offensive Team Data: Northern Illinois; Total Yards,  536 YPG; Passing Yards,  223 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  312 YPG; Scoring Average,  42 PPG, Turnovers,  1.15 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 45.6%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 88% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 59%

Offensive Team Data: Utah State; Total Yards,  421 YPG; Passing Yards, 241 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 180  YPG; Scoring Average  33 PPG, Turnovers,  1.31 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 45.6%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 93% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 76%

Defensive Team Data: Northern Illinois; Total Yards,  424 YPG; Passing Yards,  274 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 150 YPG; Scoring Average,  25 PPG, Turnovers,  2.15 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 38.5%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 85% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 64%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  332 YPG; Passing Yards,  225 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  107 YPG; Scoring Average,  17 PPG, Turnovers,  2.15 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 32.2%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 71% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 41%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take USU’s total yards on offense, add it to what NIU gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking NIU’s total offense, add it to what Utah state gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, NIU…. 434 to 423

Passing Yards: Advantage, Utah State.…. 258 to 224

Rushing Yards: Advantage, NIU.…. 210 to 165

Scoring: Advantage, .NIU…. 30 to 29

Turnovers: Advantage: NIU … 1.65 to 1.73

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage: Utah State,  ... 42.05% to 38.9

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, Utah State… 89% to 80%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, Utah State… 70% to 50%

Individuals to Watch: Utah State: Chuckie Keeton NIU: QB, Jordan Lynch, passing yards 2676, 23 TD’s 7 INT’s … Rushing 274 carries, 1881 rushing yards & 22 TD’s

Sully Says: Jordan Lynch (Mount Carmel H.S.   ….  64th & Donte on Chicago’s South Side … Lynch’s old stompimg grounds) & NIU O’ are in with a defense similar to Bowling Green’s (a 47 to 27 popping)… different result this time …. NIU gets this done against USU D’  ….. Take Northern and the point …..  as NIU outscores USU!!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, MAC, Mountain West, Northern Illinois, Utah State |

Fight Hunger Bowl BYU vs Washington 2013

Bowl History: This bowl was certified by the NCAA Bowl Committee in 2002 and has been played every year since that time. The game has had many different descriptors; San Francisco Bowl (2202), Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl (2002-03), Emerald Bowl (2004-09), & Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (2010 to present). On November 20, 2012, the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl & the San Francisco 49ers announced the event will be moved to the new Santa Clara Stadium in Silicon Valley in 2014! The first game in this bowl series was played on December 31, 2002, the contest pitted Va Tech against Air Force, a battle won by the Hokies, 20-13! Last year’s game featured the Naval Acadamy taking on the Sun Devils of ASU … Arizona State sunk the Midshipmen, 62-28! The current conference tie -ins are the PAC 12, Navy, BYU …. Alternates are the ACC, MAC & WAC…. Payouts are PAC 12 $900,000.00 … all others $750.000.00!

Teams: Washington: Conference Affiliation: PAC 12; Overall Record 8-4, Conference Record 5-4, Divisional Record 3-2 (North Division of the PAC 12)! ….  vs …. BYU:   Conference Affiliation: Independent; Overall Record 8-4; Conference Record: 0-0!

Bowl Location: San Francisco, California @ AT&T Park, the seating capacity @ the facility is 40,148. Last year’s game which featured Navy and Arizona State, was attended by 34,172..

Day, Date & Time: Friday, 12/27/2013 @ 8:30 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): BYU: Texas 40-21 & Boise State 37-20; Washington: Boise State 38-6 & Arizona 31-13.

Worst Losses:  BYU: Virginia 19 to 16 & Utah 20-13; Washington: ASU 53 to 24 & Oregon 45 to 24.

Common Opponents: Boise State: BYU 37-20 & Washington 38-6 & Idaho State: BYU 59-13 & Washington 56-0

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: Washington -3

Offensive Team Data: Washington ; Total Yards,  511 YPG; Passing Yards,  271 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  240 YPG; Scoring Average,  39 PPG, Turnovers,  1.25 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 50.3%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 85% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 74%

Offensive Team Data: BYU; Total Yards,  495 YPG; Passing Yards, 221 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 275 YPG; Scoring Average  31 PPG, Turnovers,  1.67 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 38.4%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 77% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 41%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  382 YPG; Passing Yards,  222 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  160 YPG; Scoring Average,  23 PPG, Turnovers,  1.92 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 38.1%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 81% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 60%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  385 YPG; Passing Yards,  226 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  159 YPG; Scoring Average,  21 PPG, Turnovers,  1.83 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 36,7%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 81% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 51%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take BYU’s total yards on offense, add it to what Washington gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Washington’s total offense, add it to what BYU gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards: Advantage, Washington …. 448 to 439

Passing Yards: Advantage, Washington… 249 to 222

Rushing Yards: Advantage, BYU …. 218 to 200

Scoring: Advantage, Washington…. 30 to 27

Turnovers: Advantage,Washington  … 1.55 to 1.80

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, Washington … 43.5% to 38.3%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, Washington … 83% to 79%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, Washington … 63% to 51%

Individuals to Watch: BYU: QB Tayson Hill, 2695 passing yards , 19 TD’s & 13 INT’s & Tayson Hill BYU leading rusher, 211 caries, 1211 rushing yards, & 9 TD; Washington: QB Keith Price, 2843 passing yards, 28 TD’s & 5 INT’s & RB Bishop Sankey, 306 carries, 1775 rushing yards, & 18 TD’s.

Sully CFP Says: Washington wins & covers! 

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, BYU, FBS Independents, PAC 12, Washington |

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Pitt vs Bowling Green 2013

Bowl History: The Bowl game was established in 1997 and was known as the Motor City Bowl until 2009 when Little Caesars took over sponsorship. The first five games (1997 to 2001) were played @ the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, before being moved in 2002 to Fords Field in downtown Detroit. The Conference Tie-ins are the MAC and Big Ten… with the alternate being the Sun Belt. The first game in this bowl series took place on December 26, 1997… Ole Miss beat Marshall 34 to 31 and last year’s (2012) defending Champ, Central Michigan, snuck by Western Kentucky, 24-21. This year’s match-up pits the ACC (Pitt)against the Mid-American Champ (Bowling Green).

Teams:  Conference, MAC; Bowling Green, Overall Record 10-3; Conference Record 8-1; & East Division Record, 6-0 .. vs .. Pitt Conference, ACC; Overall Record 6-6; Conference Record, 3-5; Divisional Record, Coastal Division 2-4!

Bowl Location: Detroit, Michigan …. the game is played annually @ Fords Field, which has a seating capacity of 65,000! The largest crowd to attend this bowl was in 2007 @ the Purdue /Central Michigan Game …. 60,624 were present …. for what turned out to be the best game as well …. a 51 to 48 Purdue win.

Day, Date & Time: Thursday, 12/20/2013 @ 5:00 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): Bowling Green: Beat NIU 47-27; Pitt: Beat ND 28-21

Worst Losses: Bowling Green: Toledo 28-25 Pitt: Navy 24-21

Common Opponents: None!

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: Bowling Green -4.5

Offensive Team Data: Bowling Green; Total Yards,  472 YPG; Passing Yards,  264 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  207 YPG; Scoring Average,  35 PPG, Turnovers,  .85 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 46.9%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 83% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 66%

Offensive Team Data: Pittsburgh ; Total Yards,  352 YPG; Passing Yards, 237 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 115 YPG; Scoring Average  26 PPG, Turnovers,  1.42 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 39.4%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 75% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 63%

Defensive Team Data: BGU; Total Yards,  309 YPG; Passing Yards,  166 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  143 YPG; Scoring Average,  15 PPG, Turnovers,  1.62 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 36%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, % & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, %

Defensive Team Data: Pittsburgh; Total Yards,  374 YPG; Passing Yards,  213 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  160 YPG; Scoring Average,  27 PPG, Turnovers,  1.33 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 39.1%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 92% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 61%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take BGU’s total yards on offense, add it to what  gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Nevada’s total offense, add it to what Arizona gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, Bowling  Green …. 423 to 331

Passing Yards: Advantage, Bowling  Green …. 239 to 202

Rushing Yards: Advantage, Bowling  Green … 184 to 129

Scoring: Advantage, Bowling  Green …. 31 to 21

Turnovers: Advantage, Bowlin  Green … 1.09 to 1.52

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, Bowling  Green … 43% 37.7%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, Bowling  Green  … 87.5 to 68.5

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, Bowling  Green… 63.5 to 62.5

Individuals to Watch: Pitt: QB Tom Savage, 2834 passing yards, 21TD’s & 9INT’s, Tyler Boyd, 77 receptions, 1001 receiving yards, & 7 TD’s; BGU:  QB Matt Johnson, 3195 passing yards, 23 TD’s, & 7 INT’s, RB Travis Greene, 261 rushes, 1555 rushing yardsm & 11TD’s!

Sully Says: BGU wins & covers!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, ACC, Bowling Green, MAC, Pittsburgh |

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl Boise State vs Oregon State 2013

Bowl History: This Bowl came into existence in 2002 and has been played every year since its inception @ Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawai’i! The game is played either on Christmas Day or on Christmas Eve Day (one exception … in 2007, the game was played on the 23rd of December)! The Bowl’s 1st sponsor was ConAgra Foods, for one year only, 2002, the next year (2003) Sheridan Hotels & Resorts Hawai’i took over and have sponsored the event every year since 03!  The first Hawaii Bowl was played on December 25, 2002, the game featured Hawaii and Tulane, the Green Wave beat the Warriors, 36-28 in front of 35,513 fans! The 2012 defending Champ is SMU, who pounded Fresno State, 43-10, on Christmas Eve Day! The Bowl Tie-ins are the WAC (2002 through 2011), C-USA (2005, 2007, & 2009 to Present) & in 2006 & 2008 the PAC 12 had the tie-in with the Western Athletic Conference! Since the WAC is out of business as a football conference, the Mountain West is involved through Boise State’s participation this year! The Bowl Payout is $500,000.00 Per team!

Teams: Mountain West Conference, Boise State: Overall Record, 8-4, Conference Record 6-2, & Mountain Division 5-0! Oregon State (OSU) Conference Affiliation ….  PAC-12, Overall Record 6-6, Conference Record 4-5 & Divisional Record 2-3 in the North Division!

Bowl Location: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii! The Capacity of Aloha Stadium is 50,000.The Stadium has four movable parts that allow the arena to be reconfigured to meet the event’s needs …. A Concert, Football Game, Baseball Game etc…. It was the first sports stadium in the U.S. to have such a feature! The largest crowd ever to be @ the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl was in 2010, 43,673 were present to see Hawaii take on Tulsa (Tulsa won the game 62-35) on Christmas Day Eve!

Day, Date & Time: Tuesday, 12/24/2013 @ 7:00 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s):  Boise State: Utah State 34-23; Oregon State: Washington State 52-24

Worst Losses: Boise State: Washington 38-6; Oregon State: Eastern Washington 49-46

Common Opponents: Washington: Boise State lost 38-6 & OSU lost 69-27 & San Diego State: Boise State lost in OT 34-31, while OSU won 34-30!

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: Oregon State -3

Offensive Team Data: OSU ; Total Yards,  468 YPG; Passing Yards,  382 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  86 YPG; Scoring Average,  35 PPG, Turnovers,  2.08 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 42.4%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 93% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 77%

Offensive Team Data: BSU; Total Yards,  471 YPG; Passing Yards, 261 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 202 YPG; Scoring Average  39 PPG, Turnovers,  1.83 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 47%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 91% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 70%

Defensive Team Data: OSU; Total Yards,  428 YPG; Passing Yards,  235 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  193 YPG; Scoring Average,  32 PPG, Turnovers,  2.33 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 37.2%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 93% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 64%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  410 YPG; Passing Yards,  248 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  162 YPG; Scoring Average,  24 PPG, Turnovers,  2.17 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 41.3%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 81% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 58%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take BSU’s total yards on offense, add it to what OSU gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Oregon State’s total offense, add it to what Boise State gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, …. Boise State … 450 to 439

Passing Yards: Advantage, OSU …. 315 to 252

Rushing Yards: Advantage, Boise State…. 198 to 124

Scoring: Advantage, Boise State …. 36 to 30

Turnovers: Advantage, Boise State … 2.08 to 2.13

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, Boise State … 42.1% to 41.9%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, Boise State… 92% to 87%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, OSU… 67.5% to 65%

Individuals to Watch: OSU: QB Sean Mannion,  4403 Passing yards, 36 TD’s & 14 INT’s,  WR Brandin Cooks, 120 receptions, 1670 receiving yards, & 15 TD’s; BSU: QB Joe Southwick, 1654 passing yards, 12 TD’s & 5 INT’s, RB Jay Ajayi, 226 attempts, 1328 Rushing Yards, & 17 TD’s, & WR Matt Miller, 77 receptions, 934, & 11 TD’s;

Sully Says: BSU coach, Chris Petersen, is gone to Washington … OSU wins & covers!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, Boise State, Mountain West, Oregon State, PAC 12 |

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl Ohio vs East Carolina 2013

Bowl History: This Bowl began in 2008 (formally known as the magicJack Saint Petersburg Bowl) today the official name of the bowl  is … St.Petersburg Bowl presented by Beef ‘O’ Brady. The first game was played between South Florida & Memphis on 12/20/2008, a game won by USF, 41-14! The defending champ, UCF, beat Ball State, 38-17 in last year’s (2012) game! The bowl tie-ins are … Big East & Conference-USA (with the MAC or SUN Belt as back ups) when teams from these respective leagues are available for selection. Bowl Payout …. $500,000.00 per team!

Teams: East Carolina; Conference-USA, Overall Record, 9-3, Conference Record, 6-2 , Divisional Record, East Division 5-1 …  vs …. Ohio; Mid-American Conference (MAC) Overall Record 7-5, Conference Overall Record, 4-4, Divisional Record; East Division 3-3

Bowl Location:  The game is played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The stadium was originally designed for baseball and has housed the Tampa Bay Rays (Formally known as the Devil Rays) since their inaugural season of 1998! The highest attended game (28,793) was the second of four Beef ‘O’ Brady Bowls played thus far; in that game, UCF (Central Florida) was hammered by Rutgers, 41-24, on December 19, 2009! The capacity of Tropicana Field is 43,772 and last year’s (2012) attendance was 21,759!

Day, Date & Time: Monday, 12/23/2013 @ 1:00 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): East Carolina: Beat in state foes, UNC 55-31 & NC State 42-24; Ohio: Beat two teams that qualified for the post season…. North Texas 27-21 & Marshall 34-31.

Worst Losses: East Carolina: Marshall 59-28; Ohio: Buffalo 30-3 & Bowling Green 49-0

Common Opponents: Marshall … Ohio: beat Marshall 34-31; East Carolina: lost to Marshall 59-28

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: East Carolina -14

Offensive Team Data: Ohio ; Total Yards,  375 YPG; Passing Yards,  239 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  136 YPG; Scoring Average,  28 PPG, Turnovers,  1.75 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 39.5%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 77% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 69%

Offensive Team Data: East Carolina ; Total Yards,  460 YPG; Passing Yards, 327 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 133 YPG; Scoring Average 40 PPG, Turnovers,  1.33 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 51.7%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 88% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 72%

Defensive Team Data: Ohio; Total Yards,  392 YPG; Passing Yards,  212 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  180 YPG; Scoring Average,  27 PPG, Turnovers,  1.83 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 44.3%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 76% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 57%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  363 YPG; Passing Yards,  246 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  118 YPG; Scoring Average,  25 PPG, Turnovers,  1.75 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 46.6%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 74% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 60%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take ECU’s total yards on offense, add it to what Ohio gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Ohio’s total offense, add it to what East Carolina gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, East Carolina …. 426 to 369

Passing Yards: Advantage, East Carolina …. 270 to 243

Rushing Yards: Advantage, East Carolina…. 157 to 127

Scoring: Advantage, East Carolina …. 34 to 27

Turnovers: Advantage, East Carolina… 1.58 to 1.75

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, East Carolina… 48% to 43.05%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, East Carolina… 82% to 76%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, East Carolina / Ohio … 65% to 65%

Individuals to Watch: Ohio: QB Tyler Tettleton 2623 passing yards, 20 TD’s & 9 INT’s, WR Donte Foster 63 Receptions, 857 receiving yards, & 6 TD’s. East Carolina: QB Shane Carden 3866 passing yards, 32 TD’s & 10 INT’s, WR Justin Hardy 105 receptions, 1218 receiving yards, & & 8TD’s, & RB Vintavious Cooper, 205 carries, 995 rushing yards, & 11 TD’s.

Sully Says: East Carolina wins & covers!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, C-USA, East Carolina, MAC, Ohio |

Orange Bowl 2013: OSU vs Clemson

Bowl History: This Bowl was first played in 1935 and has been held annually since the bowl’s inaugural game!  The initial game was played on January 1, 1935, when Bucknell beat Miami of Florida, 26-0! The Orange Bowl celebrated its 75th anniversary in the 2009 rendition of the game, Virginia Tech beat Cincinnati, 20-7 and last year’s game had FSU pounding NIU 31- to 10! The Conference tie-ins are the ACC and Orange Bowl Committee Selection Team! The payout is $17,000,000.00 per team!

Teams: Clemson: Conference Affiliation: ACC; Overall Record 10-2, Conference Record 7-1, Divisional Record 5-1 (ACC’s Atlantic Division) vs OSU:  Conference Affiliation: Big Ten; Overall Record 12-1, Conference Record: 8-1, Divisional Record 5-0 (Big Ten’s Leaders Division Winner)

Bowl Location: Miami Gardens, Florida … played @ the Sun Life Stadium, the seating capacity @ the facility is 75,540. Last year’s game which featured FSU and NIU, was attended by 72,073.

Day, Date & Time: Friday, 1/3/2014 @ 7;30 CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): Ohio State: Wisconsin 31-24; Clemson; Georgia 38-35

Worst Losses: OSU: MSU 34-24 (only loss); Clemson: FSU 51-14 @ home!

Common Opponents: None!

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: OSU -2.5

Offensive Team Data: Clemson ; Total Yards,  502 YPG; Passing Yards,  329 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  173 YPG; Scoring Average,  40 PPG, Turnovers,  1.83 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 44%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 86% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 68%

Offensive Team Data: OSU ; Total Yards,  518 YPG; Passing Yards, 201 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 318 YPG; Scoring Average  46 PPG, Turnovers,  1.15 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 49.9%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 95% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 83%

Defensive Team Data: Clemson ; Total Yards,  350 YPG; Passing Yards,  198 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  153 YPG; Scoring Average,  21 PPG, Turnovers,  2.17 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 31.8%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 80% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 60%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  362 YPG; Passing Yards,  260 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  103 YPG; Scoring Average,  21 PPG, Turnovers,  1.69 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 34.4%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 79% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 67%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take OSU’s total yards on offense, add it to what Clemson gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Clemson’s total offense, add it to what Ohio State gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, OSU…. 434 to 432

Passing Yards: Advantage, Clemson …. 295 to 200

Rushing Yards: Advantage, OSU  …. 236 to 138

Scoring: Advantage, OSU …. 34 to 31

Turnovers: Advantage, OSU … 1.66 to 1.76

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, OSU … 40.6% to 39.2%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, OSU … 87.5& to 82.5%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, OSU … 72% to 68%

Individuals to Watch: Clemson: Tajh Boyd 3473 passing yards, 29 TD’s, & 9 INT’s, RB Roderick McDowell 177 carries, 956 rushing yards, & 5 TD’s, & WR Sammy Watkins 85 receptions 1237 passing yards, and 10 TD’s. Ohio State: Braxton Miller QB 1860 yards passing, 22 TD’s & 5 INT’s and RB Carlos Hyde, 183 carries, 1408 yards rushing, & 14 TD’s, WR

Sully Says: Ohio State wins & covers!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, ACC, Big Ten, Clemson, Ohio State |

Rose Bowl MSU vs Stanford

Bowl History: “The Granddaddy of them all” as Keith Jackson used to say every January 1 @ the Rose Bowl! This is the oldest and most prestigious of all the Bowl Games! The game was first played in 1902 (Michigan hammered Stanford, 49-0)  and has been played annually since 1916! The 1916 game featured Washington State & the IVY League’s Brown University, a game won by WSU, 14-0! Last year’s game was won by Stanford, 20-14, over Wisconsin ! The tradition rich Bowl has refused to move off its January 1st date and continues to be played in the afternoon! The Conference tie-ins are the PAC 12 & the Big 10! The payout for this BCS Bowl Game is $18,000,000.00 per team or 36 million dollar overall payout!

Teams:   Michigan State: Conference Affiliation: Big 10; Overall Record 12-1, Conference Record 9-0, Divisional Record 5-0 (Big Ten’s Legends Division) vs  Stanford, Conference Affiliation: PAC 12; Overall Record 11-2, Conference Record: 8-2, Divisional Record 5-0 (PAC 12’s North Division)

Bowl Location: Pasadena, California … played @ the Rose Bowl, the seating capacity @ the facility is 91,136. Last year’s game which featured Oregon and Wisconsin, was attended by 93,359.

Day, Date & Time: Wednesday, 1/1/2014 @ 4:00 p.m. CST

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): MSU: OSU 34-24; Stanford: Oregon 26-20

Worst Losses: MSU: ND 17-13 (only loss); Stanford: Utah 27-21

Common Opponents: Notre Dame: MSU lost to ND 17-13 Stanford beat the Irish 27-20

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: Stanford -4.5

Offensive Team Data: MSU ; Total Yards,  384YPG; Passing Yards,  202 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  182 YPG; Scoring Average,  30 PPG, Turnovers,  1 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 45%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 80% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 57%

Offensive Team Data: Stanford ; Total Yards,  414 YPG; Passing Yards, 202 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 212 YPG; Scoring Average  33 PPG, Turnovers,  1.31 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 51.1%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 90% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 59%

Defensive Team Data: MSU ; Total Yards,  248 YPG; Passing Yards,  167 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  81 YPG; Scoring Average,  13 PPG, Turnovers,  2.08 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 21.9%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 78% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 48%

Defensive Team Data: Stanford; Total Yards,  339 YPG; Passing Yards,  248 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  91 YPG; Scoring Average,  19 PPG, Turnovers,  1.31 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 32.4%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 74% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 49%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take MSU’s total yards on offense, add it to what Stanford gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking Stanford’s total offense, add it to what State gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, MSU…. 362 to 331

Passing Yards: Advantage, MSU. …. 225 to 185

Rushing Yards: Advantage, Stanford  …. 147 to 137

Scoring: Advantage, MSU …. 25 to 23

Turnovers: Advantage, MSU… 1.16 to 1.70

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, Stanford … 39.5% to 38.7%

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, Stanford … 84% to 77%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, Stanford … 53.5% to 53%

Individuals to Watch: MSU: QB Connor Cook 2423 yards passing, 20 TD’s & 5 INT’s & RB Jeremy Langford 269 carries, 1338 yards rushing & 17 TD’s; Stanford: QB Kevin Hogan 2487 yards passing, 20 TD’s & 9 INT’s, RB Tyler Gaffney 306 carries, 1618 yards rushing, & 20 TD’s, & WR Ty Montgomery 58 receptions, 937 yards receiving, & 10 TD’s!

Sully Says:  Take the points & MSU … this game goes down to the wire!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, Big Ten, Michigan State, PAC 12, Stanford |

Outback Bowl 2013 Iowa vs LSU

Bowl History: The bowl was established in 1986 as the Hall of Fame Bowl (1986-94) renamed in 1995 …. through 2013 to the Outback Bowl. The first game was played on December 23,1986, Boston College beat Georgia, 27-24. Last year’s game featured Michigan & South Carolina, a game won by the Gamecocks, 33-28! The Bowl conference tie-ins are the SEC & the Big Ten … the bowl payout is $7,200,000.00!

Teams: Iowa: Conference Affiliation: Big 10; Overall Record 8-4, Conference Record 5-3, Divisional Record 4-1 (Big Ten’s Legends Division) vs LSU: Conference Affiliation: SEC; Overall Record 9-3, Conference Record: 5-3, Divisional Record 4-2 (SEC’s West Division)

Bowl Location: Tampa, Florida … played @ the Raymond James Stadium, the seating capacity @ the facility is 65,908. Last year’s game which featured Michigan and South Carolina, was attended by 54,527.

Day, Date & Time: Wednesday, 1/1/2014 @ 12:00 p.m.

Network: ESPN

Best Win(s): Iowa: Beat Michigan, 24-21, Minnesota, 23-7 & Nebraska 38-17; LSU: Beat Auburn, 35-21 & Texas A&M 34-10

Worst Losses: Iowa; Wisconsin 28-9 (lost to 3 12-1 teams); LSU: Ole Miss 27-24

Common Opponents: None

Las Vegas Hotsheet Favorite: LSU -7

Offensive Team Data: LSU ; Total Yards,  466 YPG; Passing Yards,  265 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  201 YPG; Scoring Average,  37 PPG, Turnovers,  1.5 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 58.6%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 90 % & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 73%

Offensive Team Data: Iowa ; Total Yards,  390 YPG; Passing Yards, 200 YPG;  Rushing Yards, 190 YPG; Scoring Average  27 PPG, Turnovers,  1.58 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 45.1%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 68% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 48%

Defensive Team Data: LSU ; Total Yards,  350 YPG; Passing Yards,  201 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  149 YPG; Scoring Average,  23 PPG, Turnovers,  1.33 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 39.1%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 85% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 49%

Defensive Team Data: ; Total Yards,  302 YPG; Passing Yards,  182 YPG;  Rushing Yards,  121 YPG; Scoring Average,  19 PPG, Turnovers,  1.42 TPG; Percent of 3rd Down Conversions, 34.3%; Percentage of all scores in Red Zone, 85% & Percentage of TD’s in Red Zone, 50%

Sully’s CFP Game Simulator is a statistical analysis / predictor of how these teams will preform, based solely on their numbers, when they face off on the gridiron! Keep in mind, these stats were established against different teams and conferences and these differences must be taken into account to get a complete picture when attempting to predetermine a winner. If you are interested in how the Simulator works … read this part … if not … skip it! The process used is … we take Iowa’s total yards on offense, add it to what LSU gives up on defense, …  get a total and then divide that number by 2 … to get the mean. We then invert the process by taking LSU’s total offense, add it to what Iowa gives up on defense, get a total and divide that number by 2  to get the second mean… the greater number (with the exception of Turnovers) is then determined to have the advantage ( please note …. statistical advantage). We repeat this process in each of the eight statistical categories assessed!  That said… here are the results of the Head to Head Analysis:

Total Yards:  Advantage, LSU …. 385 to 370

Passing Yards: Advantage, LSU …. 224 to 201

Rushing Yards: Advantage, Iowa …. 170 to 161

Scoring: Advantage, LSU …. 28 to 25

Turnovers: Advantage, Iowa … 1.45 to 1.46

3rd Down Conversions: Advantage, LSU … 46.5 to 42.1

Red Zone All Scores: Advantage, LSU … 88% to 77%

Red Zone TD’s Only: Advantage, LSU… 62% to 49%

Individuals to Watch: LSU: QB Zach Mettenberger is out for the Outback Bowl Game … Anthony Jennings will start @ QB … he will be a key player in LSU success or failure in this game! RB Jeremy Hill Attempts 175, 1185 rushing yards, & 14 TD’s, and WR Jarvis Landry 75 receptions, 1172 receiving yards, & 10 TD’s; Iowa: QB Jake Rudock 2281 passing yards, 18 TD’s & 12 INT’s  & RB Mark Weisman 209 carries, 938 rushing yards, & 7 TD’s!

Sully Says: Iowa lost 4 games this year … 3 of them to teams who were 12-1 on the season (OSU 12-1, MSU 12-1, & NIU 21-1) their other loss was to Wisconsin 9-3. Pretty impressive! The last time these teams met … Iowa won on a Hail Mary! If  Z. Mittenberger were playing this game would not be close … but he is not … LSU survives but does not cover!

Posted in 2013/2014 Bowl Games, Big Ten, Iowa, LSU, SEC |