Bowl Predictions, Day 6

Previous day against the point spread: 1-0.
Bowl season thus far against the point spread: 6-2.

Today's games:

Meineke Car Care Bowl: West Virginia vs. North Carolina (+1.5). It's Pat White's last game for the Mountaineers and he's given them lots of good memories, but never won big when it counted. North Carolina is having a resurgence and this game sold out not long after it was announced the Tar Heels would be playing in Charlotte. While WVU has very good athletes at the skill positions, I think Butch Davis is a fantastic coach. You'd have to be to get UNC to a bowl game. I think if you give him three weeks to get ready and a home game, I like my chances. Diner Prediction: North Carolina 23, West Virginia 17.

Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State vs. Wisconsin (+5.5). Gone are the days when Alvarez would take a Badger team to a bowl and whip all comers. This year the Big 10 is way down, and this team lost a game to Michigan...not to mention lowly Syracuse. Jimbo Fisher, the head coach in waiting, finally has these Seminoles doing well on offense and they can win their 9th game of the season today. They will, and that sound you heard is FSU crashing back into national relevance. Diner Prediction: Florida State 27, Wisconsin 17.

Emerald Bowl: California vs. Miami (+8.5). One of the drawbacks of the BCS system few talk about is that, because of the selection process, cities try to combine a local team with a university known for traveling well. (How else can you explain Vanderbilt--in their first bowl in 30 years--playing in...NASHVILLE?) That's what happened here. I've always been a fan of Cal as they seem to have speed on offense and enough defense to get by in the Pac 10. These Hurricanes aren't the Hurricanes of old, but they are up and coming. I like them to keep it close for a half, but Cal will pull away with better depth and the home San Francisco crowd late. Diner Prediction: California 34, Miami 24.

Only 23 more to go!