Bowl Predictions, Day 8

Yesterday's record against the point spread: 1-0.
Bowl season record against the point spread: 9-3.

Today's games:

Papajohns.com Bowl: Rutgers vs. North Carolina State (+7). North Carolina State has this ability to give up big plays on defensive side of the ball...while Rutgers has a lot of players capable of making big plays, notably quarterback Mike Teel, a senior who threw for 3,000 yards--and obviously, you've got to have guys who can catch those passes. While the Wolfpack has played well with a freshman quarterback the last four games of the year, Rutgers has played better. With beautiful weather in Birmingham (which will offset to horrid looking Legion Field) Rutgers offense will win the day. Diner Prediction: Rutgers 35, North Carolina State 24.

Valero Alamo Bowl: Northwestern (+12.5) vs. Missouri. Missouri was the Big 12 north division champions--which isn't really saying much in that it might be harder to win District 6-5A in Texas high school football. Northwestern is here after finishing fourth in a week Big 10. The question comes down to whether or not the 5th best team in the Big 12 is two touchdowns better than the fourth best team in the Big 10. Chase Daniel, while never getting a championship and falling short in big-time games, has been dominant against teams he's supposed to beat. He's supposed to beat this one, and with more Tiger fans traveling to San Antonio, I suspect he'll do well in his NFL draft showcase. Diner Prediction: Missouri 42, Northwestern 27.

Only 20 more to go!