In My Opinion: Top 5 Non-BCS Bowls

Everyone talks about the 5 BCS bowl games.  They are the lead on College Football Live every day during the season, and are the talk of Bowl Season.  But until those games happen, there are plenty of intriguing matchups and great games worth watching (and visiting) during this bowl season.  Here are my top 5 non-BCS Bowls.

1)      Konica Minolta Gator – West Virginia v. FSU

-Not as much for the game as for the man.  Bobby Bowden has meant more to Florida State and college football than anyone else in the game.  When he started at FSU the team had won 3 games in 2 years.  He turned them into a powerhouse and led them to one of the greatest runs in the history of sports (14 straight top 5 finishes).  Something that will never again be topped (Just ask SC).  Bobby will look to go out with a bang where his Seminoles take over his old team the West Virginia Mountaneers.  While his team is nowhere close to those of the past, look for them to come out inspired and play like his 1993 and 1999 National Championship teams.  With famous FSU alums in the stands, I’m not sure how they couldn’t be inspired.  I expect this one to be high scoring, as both teams have pretty weak defenses and expect FSU to will their way to victory.  If anyone can inspire them Bobby can.

2)      MAACO Las Vegas – Oregon State v. BYU

-Vegas baby, Vegas.   That alone is the reason to go to this battle between two ranked teams in the desert.  Don’t be fooled, however, the weather is not warm but the stakes are high.   BYU may not be excited to be in their 4^th straight Las Vegas Bowl but their fans travel well.  Oregon State put up a heck of a fight against one of the best teams in the country, on the road, in a rivalry game, on national television.  I look for them to do the same tonight.  Win or Lose fans will have a good time at this one, the stakes are always high in Vegas.

3)      Capital One – Penn State v. LSU
-Before the season, these two teams hoped to face off in a bigger game with National Championship implications.  Still, they should be excited for a January 1^st bowl against another powerhouse.  I’m excited to see how Penn State’s offense faces off against a strong LSU defense.  In their only two tough games of the season (against Iowa and Ohio State) Penn State’s offense went missing and they fell badly.  Les Miles may need this win to try and win some recruits over Nick Saban and Urban Meyer.  I like LSU

4)      Chick-Fil-A Peach – Virginia Tech v. Tennessee

-This is always a big game and this year it hasn’t changed.  Don’t think Lane Kifflin isn’t going to get his Volunteers excited for this December 31^st bowl.  Virginia Tech started here, and hopes to leave with a better taste than last time, when they lost a tough game to Alabama.  Tennessee isn’t that talented, but they will play hard.  Look for Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams to establish the running game and slowly end Tennessee’s excitement.

5)      Pacific Life Holiday – Arizona v. Nebraska

-The chance to spend Late December in San Diego is enough for me.  Then take two awesome teams, a Heisman trophy finalist a high powered offense and a tough defense and you have yourself a fantastic game.  I look for a low scoring one as I feel Ndamukong Suh and his defensive teammates have a chance to shut down Nick Folds and the Arizona offense.  Look for a fun one though, and enjoy wearing a T-shirt in December.

Honorable Mention –Emerald Bowl – USC v. Boston College

-Okay, so maybe I’m adding this as a recent BC grad and future fan in attendance, but there are plenty of storylines.  Will Joe McKnight play?  Whether he does or doesn’t, will USC really get up for a game against Boston College?  Are they really as bad as they have been playing all year?  This game could go either way.  I look for BC to play an inspired game in a low scoring battle.  IF they can hold off SC and gain some confidence, this could be one of the upsets of the bowl season and could be the biggest win for the ACC in a long time.

Thursday Night Football Site: North Carolina

Thursday night's ACC battle takes place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where the North Carolina Tar Heels host the Florida State Seminoles.  Unfortunately, at the beginning of the year (with this team ranked 20 and 18 respectively) this game was going to be a big ACC showdown.  These are teams that have gone from nationally ranked to a combined 0-5 in the ACC heading into late October. One boasts the league's best offense and its worst defense, the other has the best defense and the worst offense. And both have plenty of unfulfilled expectations and frustrated fans.  Don't let that fool you though.  Every game at this stadium is a memory and any time FSU comes to town, the place is rocking!

Carolina football plays its home games at Kenan Memorial Stadium (cap. 60,000), one of the most picturesque athletic venues in America. Kenan Stadium has been the home of the Tar Heels since 1927.

Considering its majestic setting among the Carolina pines, many observers say Kenan Stadium is the most beautiful football facility in the country. One national sports magazine rated Kenan one of the five best places in America to watch a college football game. For scenery, atmosphere and charm, it cannot be surpassed.

The stadium has been expanded several times since its completion in 1927. In each instance, though, great care was taken to keep its fundamental beauty intact. The addition of the Frank H. Kenan Football Center and the North Side Stadium Preferred Seating Box in 1997 have further enhanced the stadium's status as a campus landmark.

The Charlie Justice Hall of Honor, located on the ground floor, is a multi-media history of Carolina football. Photographs, awards, trophies and artifacts detailing the rich and storied history of the sport in Chapel Hill are on display. The players who have been honored by placing their names and numbers on display in the stadium are also featured in the Hall of Honor. Special plaques, flags and an audio-visual presentation on each player are highlighted.
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A number of rooms in the Kenan Football Center have been dedicated in the honor or memory of Carolina's benefactors, fans and athletic personalities. They include the Brinkley Lounge, the fourth floor reception area named for Harvey M. Brinkley Jr.; the Don McCauley/Paul Miller Head Coach's Suite; the Norman M. (Buddy) Black Jr. Lounge, the fourth floor hospitality area; the Oscar Davenport/Chris Keldorf Quarterback Meeting Room, as given by Bob Biggerstaff; the Jo Allison Clary Smith Weight Room; the Carolina Football Players' Locker Room, named in behalf of the more than 400 former Tar Heels who donated more than $2 million to the project; the Nassif Offensive Staff Meeting Room; the Ann and Paul Lawing Coaches' Locker Room; Koury Box North, box seating on the north side of the stadium named for Maurice J. Koury; the John W. Pope Academic Support Facility; the John W. Pope Stadium Box, a stadium box on the north side; the John D. Swofford Auditorium and the Jimmy W. Garrell coaches meeting room.

The most recent additions to Kenan Stadium are two ribbon videoboards on the facade of the North and South side upper levels. In 2003, a $2 million scoreboard at the east end of the stadium was added. The scoreboard was financed through an agreement with Learfield Communications, UNC's multi-media rights holder.

Before the game, visit Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery.  This restaurant was created to break up all the chains in the Chapel Hill area.  With awesome outdoor dining, incredible micro-brews and fantastic televisions this place was voted one of the best places to stop on Franklin Street.  Go down there early and grab a few beers before heading to the tailgates and into the beautiful stadium.

Forecasted Weather
Forecast for Thursday, October 22, 2009
Kenan Stadium CHAPEL HILL, NC Updated: 10/22/09 11:45 AM ET	Lo: 54°F Hi: 76°F Precip: 10%

College Gameday Look: LSU

College Football's last two National Champions face off this week as the #1 and #4 teams in the Nation in Baton Rouge, LA.  If I could pick any sporting event to visit this year, the Florida-LSU battle would be my number one choice.  LSU is know for its amazing tailgate experience, awesome drinking experience, deafining stadium and incredible food spots all around.  

Most LSU students, alumni, and fans make LSU football games a part of their Saturdays during the fall. Game days normally consist of tailgating, the pre-game show, and of course the game in Death Valley.  I wouldn't be surprised if people are out there tailgating right now (Friday at noon), but officially most start at 6am on Gameday.  Considering this game starts at 8pm, you have 14 hours to check out the LSU scene.  I suggest getting out there early at 6, setting up and starting with a couple brews to remove the hangover from the wild night before.  Use these beers to wake you up and head over to Louie's Cafe, a 24 hour breakfast spot.  It serves all types of food but is best known for its breakfast which it serves on tables or red stools set on its old-school, black-and-white checkered floor.

Afer that, you have to head over to see College Gameday.  If your goal is to get on TV, make Gameday your first stop and head over to the breakfast spot later.  With LSU's wild fans this should be one of the best gameday scenes, packed with thousands-and-thousands of people all going wild hoping to get themselves a quick glimpse on TV.  Bring a sign and hope you get that glory, maybe even be voted sign of the week!

I would suggest nothing more for the rest of the day than grabbing some brews and finding a tailgate.  Baton Rouge locals like to say, "We may have not invented tailgating, but we perfected it." It's hard to argue. Surrounded by wide-open spaces that fit all the RVs, cars and generator-pumped TVs, the LSU campus sees as many as 150,000 fans on game days (expect even more for this game). Tailgate groups cook up jambalaya and indluge in beers, and football all day.  These tailgates are open to any and all, just a love of football and an empty stomach and you will be welcome all day and night. 

If tailgating is too much for you, check out the many bars in Tigerland around Nicholson street (just south of campus).  Fred's, a well populated dive bar, has $2.50 Coors Lights on gamedays when it opens up at 10am and pounds students with $1.50 shots after midnight.  Another popular spot is Walk On's, which was opened by former LSU basketball walk on players, is a newer resaurant but hosts coach shows and serves awesome food and drink up until 2am.  Pretty much anywhere in downtown is filled with restaurants, theaters and more and is an exciting place to kill a couple hours before gametime.  

After drinking, eating and watching football for the better half of 13 hours, head into the stadium early to experience a wild and loud scene and Mike the Tiger.  Mike the Tiger is LSU's official (and real) mascot.  Mike is a cult like figure for LSU and they believe he affects the teams play.  Make sure to arrive about half an hour early to experience Mike.  Mike’s trailer is parked next to the opposing team’s locker room until about 20 minutes before the game. LSU’s opponents must make their way past Mike in his cage-on-wheels to reach the field. One of LSU’s traditions is for Mike to parade around the field with the LSU cheerleaders perched on top of his cage-on-wheels. Mike’s trailer stops in front of the Tiger Band and the student section.  LSU tradition dictates that the Tigers will score a touchdown for every time Mike growls before the game.  Mike the Tiger does not appear to like Mike the Mascot, or any other mascot for that matter. Mike tends to roar at the mascot almost every time he sees him, predicting a touchdown for LSU and exciting the crowd inside Death Valley.  Tiger fans watch the large screens located at each end of the field as Mike the Tiger roars at the mascot. Each of the tiger’s roars are followed by the roar of the crowd filling Tiger Stadium.

Make sure to enjoy the game, you are seeing two top 5 undefeated teams battle it out in one of the greatest stadiums in all of sports.  Enjoy it, embrace it, and hope LSU wins for the pure noise that will come out of the stadium.

If football is not all you want on your docket.  Here are some outdoor adventures to enjoy.  Baton Rouge proximity to the Mississippi and bayou (not to overlook New Orleans) means there's plenty to do. Now a museum, the Old State Capital-- mocked as an "atrocity" by Mark Twain in "Life in the Mississippi" -- is studded with castlelike turrets and boastful Gothic Revival interiors. During the Great Depression, the infamous governor Huey Long spent $5 million to replace it with a new limestone state capitol. At 450 feet, it's the nation's tallest, with a great observatory for bayou views. Plus, Baton Rouge has haunted tours and the gator-filled wilds at the nearby Alligator Bayou.

Trip of the Week!

Trip of the Week

Thursday – Washington Capitals @ Boston Bruins 7:05pm

Friday – Cleveland Indians @ Boston Red Sox 7:10p

Saturday  – College Gameday in Chestnut Hill 10:00am

     - Florida State @ Boston College 3:30pm

Sunday – Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots 1:00pm

Can you think of a better spot for a sports filled weekend?  Better take an extra day off!  On Thursday, the Boston Bruins opening up the season looking for their first Stanley Cup in 37 years against Alex “the Kid” Ovechkin.  On Friday, the Boston Red Sox get ready for the playoffs when they close out the season against the Cleveland Indians.  On Saturday, “College Gameday,” the famous ESPN Pregame Show heads to Chestnut Hill which leads to the Florida State – Boston College game.  End the weekend up right and head over to Foxboro where the New England Patriots host the 3-0 Baltimore Ravens.

Thursday – Washington Capitals @ Boston Bruins 7:05pm

Head over to the Garden to check out the Boston Bruins and get ready for some NHL!  Always an exciting time in Boston and with high hopes for the team, look for a rowdy crowd.  Before the game, bar hop at some of the most popular bars in Boston, called “Bars on steroids.”  Start off at Boston Beer Works, a two story facility that is the oldest and largest brewery and restaurant in the Boston Area.  Shoot some pool, play some darts and try one of 50 different Beers, Ales and Lagers.  If that is too small for you, head over to The Greatest Bar.  Part sports bar part night club the Greatest Bar features a lot of big screens (including a 14 inch projector screen), plus DJ’s and live music.  On game nights, the Greatest Bar plays a 90 minute video highlighting the greatest moments in Bruins history, good way to get the people pumped up!  Another great spot is Hurricane O’Reillys.  This bar is popular not just on game days but other nights, specifically for young to mid 20’s Boston residents.  Enjoy these bars before and after the game, but get some rest, its going to be a big weekend!

Friday – Cleveland Indians @ Boston Red Sox 7:10pm

What’s Boston without a trip to Fenway Park!  The 2^nd oldest stadium in the Major Leagues created in 1912.  Fenway has more than history though.  It boasts one of the top pre-game bar scenes anywhere in the country.  I would recommend starting off at the Bleacher Bar, a bar attached to the stadium that allows you to look into the field through the right centerfield wall.  Check out batting practice and grab a beer and some food there but don’t stop!  After head over to Game On! Located right down the street.  Head down there and check out their top of the line multimedia center.  From there walk across the street to the Cask n’ Flagon, the #2 rated bar by ESPN.  This bar is one of the most popular pre-game bars by locals and visitors and has both a night club above and outdoor seating right outside the Monster.  Like the Garden these bars are also a great place to enjoy before and after the game!

Saturday – College Gameday 10:00am-noon

-         Florida State @ Boston College 3:30pm

What can be better than seeing some good ‘ole college football and checking out one of the most popular pregame shows in America “College Gameday.”  Get out to BC early (between 8:30 and 9:00am) for a good spot and bring a sign hoping to get on TV.  After the game head straight to the Mods and try and see if anyone will let you enjoy a beer with them (they usually do).  Once you have a couple in your system, head over to Shea Field, the most popular tailgate spot on campus.  Here, alumni and season ticket holders hold large tailgates on the field.  After the game, head over to Maryanne’s, the local spot.  Mary Ann's is BC's most infamous dive, with beer-sopped floors and just-turned-21 students clutching plastic cups of cheap beer. Meanwhile, it's a cult-like rite of passage to stomach a two-and-a-half-pound burger at Eagles Deli. Portions are more polite at City Side Bar & Grill, the area's nicest bar, with many TVs to watch games, good burgers and pizza, and a roof deck.

Sunday – Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots 1:00

End the trip and go see the three time champion New England Patriots at beautiful Gillette Stadium.  Head over there early as parking is tough.  Get ther eahd check out the awesome tailgate spots.  Patriots and BC fans are usually two different groups of people, so there wont be any hangovers preventing a top notch tailgate.  While there, also check out Patriot Place where they h ave tons of food and entertainment such as Davios, 5 Guys Burgers and the Blue Fin Lounge.  After the game, go there to grab a bite and let traffic die down before you head home for the weekend.

If you don’t just want to go to sports, here are 5 other top things to do in Boston

• Walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile signed walk connecting 16 of Boston's greatest revolutionary-era sites, including the 50-acre Boston Common. Note that one of the trail's founders is a BC grad.
• Biking the 8.6-mile Charles River Bike Loop, over stone bridges, past esplanades and grassy banks and sculler rallies.
• Visiting Harvard University in Cambridge and eating or drinking at Harvard Square.
• Toe-tapping at Club Passim, a half-century-old folk-music setting, where Joan Baez once introduced a shy Bob Dylan.
• Drinking beer – check out the Harpoon Oktoberfest on Friday or the Samuel Adams or Harpoon Breweries during your time off

Had a great sports weekend?  Send me a message at taylor.wishman@gmail.com and we’ll post it on the site! 

College Football Saturday

So far so good... awesome day in College Football.  So far this season has been unreal, upsets galore, #9 Miami and #6 Cal just proved that they are very very overated, FSU lost at home again, and BC and Wake played in one of the more epic games I have ever seen.  I was at the Wake BC game and didnt leave to tailgate anytime early.  BC was up 24-10 with five minutes left and somehow blew the lead (including a Riley Skinner 15 yard TD pass with 11 seconds left).  In overtime, BC made a field goal to go up 3 and Wake Forest drove to the 3 yeard line until a triple option call on 1st and goal was fumbled and BC recovered for the win.  While it may not be considered the best tailgate scene, or the most wild crowd, I have seen some of the more exciting games at Boston College.  Leads to the Red Sox, FSU and Patriots games next weekend.  Let's hope this amazing college football season continues.