College football bowl capsules

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Capsule previews for the 11 college football bowl games on New Year's Day and beyond. All times Eastern and all rankings Associated Press.NEW YEAR'S DAY:OUTBACK BOWL in Tampa, Fla.No. 18 WISCONSIN (9-3) vs. No. 16 TENNESSEE (9-4), 11 a.m., ESPN.PAYOUT: Each school receives $3 million.FAVORITE: Tennessee by 4.COACHES: Bret Bielema (21-4 in second year at Wisconsin) and Phillip Fulmer (146-45 in 16th year at Tennessee).BOWL RECORD: Wisconsin 10-8. Tennessee is 24-22.LAST GAME: Wisconsin won at Minnesota, 41-34, on Nov. 17. Tennessee lost to No. 5 LSU, 21-14, in the SEC Championship Game Dec. 1.SERIES HISTORY: Tennessee leads, 1-0.LAST MEETING: Tennessee won, 28-21, in the 1981 Garden State Bowl.STATS THAT MATTER: Since 1998, Vols are 2-5 in bowls while giving up 30 points per game in the losses. Meanwhile, Badgers have pushed past SEC foes Auburn and Arkansas in winning bowl games last two seasons.GAME FACTS: A rare Big Ten-SEC showdown. With leading RB P.J. Hill questionable with deep thigh bruise, Badgers may turn to QB Tyler Donovan (2,452 yards passing, 16 TDs, 10 ints.) to throw more, though freshman RB Zach Brown (539 yards rushing, 5 TDs), sophomore Lance Smith could find holes in soft Vols' run defense (9th in SEC vs. run, 162.5 ypg). But how will UW secondary (third in Big Ten vs. pass, 210.6 ypg, 12 ints., 19 TD passes given up) hold up vs. talented Vols passing attack led by QB Erik Ainge (third in SEC in QB rating, school-record 300 completions, 3,157 yards passing, 29 TDs, 10 ints., school-record 7 TD passes vs. Kentucky Nov. 24)? In his UT farewell, senior Ainge is anxious to atone for pair of awful ints. in final quarter vs. LSU that cost Vols any chance at first SEC title since 1998. And now Vols have roster issues with leading WR Lucas Taylor, second-leading tackler LB Rico McCoy and DT DeMonte Bolden among six players academically ineligible. LB Jerod Mayo (49 tackles in last three games) will move from middle to outside in makeshift front seven. S Eric Barry (83 tackles, 5 ints.) is one of top freshmen in nation. This is also farewell for offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who has accepted head coaching job at Duke, and top assistant Trooper Taylor, off to become co-offensive coordinator at Okla. State.COTTON BOWL in Dallas.No. 7 MISSOURI (11-2) vs. No. 25 Arkansas (8-4), 11:30 a.m., Fox.PAYOUT: Each school receives $3 million.FAVORITE: Missouri by 3.COACHES: Gary Pinkel (48-37 in 7th year at Missouri) and Reggie Herring (interim Arkansas coach).BOWL RECORD: Arkansas is 11-21-3. Missouri is 10-14.LAST GAME: Arkansas beat No. 1 LSU, 50-48 in triple overtime, on Nov. 23. No. 1 Missouri lost to No. 9 Oklahoma, 38-17, in Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 1.SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 2-2.LAST MEETING: Arkansas won, 27-14, in the 2003 Independence Bowl.STAT THAT MATTERS: Against anybody other than Oklahoma this year, Tigers went 11-0 outscoring foes by combined score of 472-240.GAME FACTS: After losing out on national title game with second bitter loss to Oklahoma, Tigers must refocus here. First 12-win season in 116 years of Mizzou football would be nice. After finishing fourth in Heisman voting, QB Chase Daniel (fourth in nation with 4,454 total offense, 33 TD passes, 10 ints., 4 TD runs) wants to make up for sub-par Big 12 title effort vs. Oklahoma (23-of-39, 213 passing, int, TD run, only game this season he didn't throw TD pass). Defense seemed worn out down stretch giving up 98 points in final three games, including 56 in the last six quarters. That's good news for Razorbacks' wondrous RB Darren McFadden (fourth in nation with 1,725 rushing, 15 TDs, also threw 4 TD passes), who was second in Heisman voting for second straight year after gashing LSU for 206 yards rushing with 3 TDs and a TD pass thrown. That upset, which capped 5-1 finish, wasn't enough to keep coach Houston Nutt around and now he's at Ole Miss while Bobby Petrino, who fled the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, is waiting to take over in Fayetteville next year. After struggling much of season, QB Casey Dick came on down stretch (24-of-35, 293 passing, 5 TDs in last two games). Herring is also gone after this audition to become Mike Sherman's new defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. His defense also has had problems lately (149 points given up in last four games).CAPITAL ONE BOWL in Orlando, Fla.MICHIGAN (8-4) vs. No. 9 FLORIDA (9-3), 1, ABC.PAYOUT: Each school receives $4.25 million.FAVORITE: Florida by 10.COACHES: Lloyd Carr (121-40 in 13th year at Michigan) and Urban Meyer (31-7 in third year at Florida).BOWL RECORD: Michigan is 18-20. Florida is 16-18.LAST GAME: Michigan lost at home to No. 7 Ohio State, 14-3, on Nov. 17. Florida beat Florida State, 45-12, on Nov. 24.SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads, 1-0.LAST MEETING: Michigan won, 38-30, in the 2003 Outback Bowl.STAT THAT MATTERS: In losing five of last six bowls (including last four straight), Wolverines have given up 34 points per game.GAME FACTS: In 33 consecutive bowl appearance (longest streak in nation), Wolverines want to send Carr out on high note. He announced retirement two days after UM's pitiful offensive showing vs. Ohio State (only 8 first downs, 91 total yards, first time Wolverines didn't have 100 total yards in game since 1962) in back breaking fourth straight loss to OSU. At least RB Mike Hart (6th in nation with 1,232 rushing, UM's all-time leading rusher with 4,911 career yards), QB Chad Henne should be healthy after injuries hampered both down stretch. Defense has had big problems vs. spread offense teams (gave up 73 points in losses to Appalachian State and Oregon) and that's bad news considering Gators' Heisman-winning QB Tim Tebow (second in nation in QB rating, 7th with 3,970 total offense, 29 TD passes, 22 TD runs, only 6 ints. in 317 passes) is waiting here. Tebow did break bone in his left (throwing) wrist vs. FSU but insists he'll be fine. Others in explosive offense (fourth in nation in scoring, 40.6 ppg) include WR-RB Percy Harvin (599 rushing, 8.5 per carry, 5 TDs, 50 catches, 3 TDs), WR Andre Caldwell (37 catches, 4 TDs in last four games). Young defense (6th in SEC in total defense, 348.3 ypg) had its best game of season, holding FSU to 4 FGs, 287 total yards. Gators are 6-3 vs. Big Ten teams in bowls including last year's 41-14 thrashing of Ohio State in BCS title game. Meyer has never lost a bowl game going combined 4-0 at Florida and Utah.GATOR BOWL in Jacksonville, Fla.No. 21 VIRGINIA (9-3) vs. TEXAS TECH (8-4), 1, CBS.PAYOUT: Each school receives $2.25 million.FAVORITE: Texas Tech by 6.COACHES: Al Groh (51-26 in 7th year at Virginia) and Mike Leach (64-37 in 8th year at Texas Tech).BOWL RECORD: Virginia is 7-9. Texas Tech is 9-20-1.LAST GAME: Virginia lost at home to No. 8 Virginia Tech, 33-21, on Nov. 24. Texas Tech beat No. 3 Oklahoma, 34-27, on Nov. 17.SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.STAT THAT MATTERS: In winning four of last five bowl games, Red Raiders have averaged 36 points per game while Cavaliers have given up 34 ppg in splitting last two bowls.GAME FACTS: To slow down high-scoring Tech (second in nation in total offense, 537 ypg, 6th in scoring, 41.7 ppg), Cavs must get pressure from 3-4 defense led by ACC defensive player of the year DE Chris Long (14 sacks), son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie. After winning astonishing five games by two points or less, UVA will be comfortable if game is close in fourth quarter. Sophomore QB Jameel Sewell (2,098 passing, 11 TDs, 9 ints., 4 TD runs) has underrated talent. But his numbers pale compared to Raiders Graham Harrell, who led nation with 5,298 yards passing, 468 completions, 644 passes and 45 TD passes. Harrell was superb in upset of Oklahoma (47-of-72, 420 passing, 2 TDs, 2 ints., TD run) and also led Tech to greatest comeback in bowl history last year as Raiders rallied from 38-7 hole to beat Minnesota, 44-41, in OT, with Harrell (36-of-55, 2 TDs, int., TD run) winging it early and often. And now Harrell has arguably nation's best freshman in WR Michael Crabtree (led nation with NCAA freshman record 125 catches, 6th in nation with 21 TDs). This often leads to Leach abandoning ground game (last in nation with 61.4 ypg rushing, at least 14 ypg less than 116 other I-A teams). Defense has had lots of problems stopping good teams (2-4 vs. bowl teams while giving up 35.6 ppg).ROSE BOWL in Pasadena, Calif.No. 5 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (10-2) vs. No. 13 ILLINOIS (9-3), 5, ABC.PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.FAVORITE: USC by 14.COACHES: Pete Carroll (75-14 in 7th year at USC) and Ron Zook (13-22 in third year at Illinois).BOWL RECORD: USC is 29-16. Illinois is 6-8.LAST GAME: USC beat UCLA, 24-7, on Dec. 1. Illinois beat Northwestern, 41-22, on Nov. 17.SERIES HISTORY: USC leads, 10-2.LAST MEETING: USC won, 55-3, in 1996.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since November, 2001, Trojans are 73-9 (best mark in nation) including 4-1 mark in BCS bowl games.GAME FACTS: Winners of last six over Big Ten teams, Trojans have a lot going for them here, which explains bloated point spread. Healthy again after nagging thumb injury, QB John David Booty played well down stretch (77-of-128, 867 passing, 8 TDs, 1 int. in last four games) while RB Chauncey Washington (894 rushing, 9 TDs) leads deep, talented running game. Athletic defense (second in Pac-10, 6th in nation with 40 sacks, 24 turnovers forced) features formidable pass rush led by All-American DT Sedrick Ellis (8-1/2 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 2 recovered fumbles), DE Lawrence Jackson (9-1/2 sacks, 14 tackles for loss). They'll take aim on elusive Illini QB "Juice'' Williams, who helped UI make remarkable turnaround from combined 4-19 mark in Zook's first two years to first bowl since 2001 (first Rose Bowl since 1984). RB Rashard Mendenhall (second in Big Ten with school-record 1,526 rushing, 18 TDs, also an Illini record) has already more than doubled his yardage output from last year. WR Arrelious Benn (889 all-purpose yards) is one of nation's most exciting freshmen. Secondary (8th in Big Ten, 76th in nation vs. pass, 240.9 ypg, 17 TDs given up, 16 ints.) has shown holes so pass rush (fourth in Big Ten with 37 sacks) must turn up heat on Booty. LB J Leman led Big Ten with 124 tackles but got little All-American consideration. Before beating No. 21 Penn Statte, 27-20, on Sept. 29, Illini had lost 19 straight to ranked opponents but finished 3-1 this year including epic 28-21 upset at No. 1 Ohio State Nov. 10.SUGAR BOWL in New Orleans.No. 10 HAWAII (12-0) vs. No. 4 GEORGIA (10-2), 8:30, FOX.PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.FAVORITE: Georgia by 9.COACHES: June Jones (76-40 in 9th year at Hawaii) and Mark Richt (71-19 in 7th year at Georgia).BOWL RECORD: Hawaii is 5-2. Georgia is 23-16-3.LAST GAME: Hawaii beat Washington, 35-28, on Dec. 1. Georgia won at Georgia Tech, 31-17, on Nov. 24.SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.STAT THAT MATTERS: Bulldogs are 4-1 in last five bowls beating at top 16 team in every win while Warriors have never faced a ranked team in a bowl.GAME FACTS: Hoping to follow lead of last two BCS outsiders -- Utah and Boise State -- that scored wins as at-large picks, Warriors get chance to silence critics who say only their soft schedule (ranked 8th easiest in nation) got them here. No matter who they faced, the offensive numbers (led nation in scoring 46.2 ppg, second in passing, 450.2 ypg, third in total offense, 529.2 ypg) are impressive thanks to QB Colt Brennan (third in nation in QB rating, 337-of-472, 4,174 passing, 38 TDs, 14 ints., 8 TD runs) and slew of excellent WRs including Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Millen, Jason Rivers (combined 283 catches for 3,617 yards, 32 TD catches) who rank 5th, 6th and 8th respectively in nation in catches. How defense (34th in nation in total defense, 348.9 ypg) holds up vs. physical Bulldogs may be key. Since humbling 35-14 loss at Tennessee Oct. 6, UGA has been among nation's best ripping off six straight wins by combined 206-131. That coincided with emergence for freshman RB Knowshon Moreno (second in SEC with 1,273 rushing, 12 TDs), who had five straight 100-yard games, the first Bulldog to do that since Herschel Walker won the Heisman in 1982. After ugly freshman season last year (9 TD passes, 13 ints.), sophomore QB Matthew Stafford (2,348 passing, 18 TDs, 9 ints., 2 Td runs) has improved. Secondary (6th in SEC in pass defense, 205.1 ypg, 11 TDs given up, 11 ints.) hasn't seen QB as good as Brennan or receivers as capable as Bess, Grice-Millen and Rivers, who are tough to cover man-to-man. So pass rush (led SEC with 34 sacks) must get going early behind DE Marcus Howard (7-1/2 sacks), DT Geno Atkins (6-1/2 sacks).JANUARY 2:FIESTA BOWL in Tempe, Ariz.No. 11 WEST VIRGINIA (10-2) vs. No. 3 OKLAHOMA (11-2), 8, FOX.PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.FAVORITE: Oklahoma by 8.COACHES: Bill Stewart (interim West Virginia coach) and Bob Stoops (89-29 in 9th year at Oklahoma).BOWL RECORD: West Virginia is 11-15. Oklahoma is 24-15-1.LAST GAME: West Virginia lost at home to Pitt, 13-9, on Dec. 1. Oklahoma beat No. 1 Missouri, 38-17, in the Big 12 Championship Game Dec. 1.SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma leads, 2-1.LAST MEETING: West Virginia won, 41-27, in 1982.STAT THAT MATTERS: In losing to LSU, USC and Boise State in last three BCS bowl appearances since 2003, Sooners have been outscored 119-75.GAME FACTS: Mountaineers come in pretty much in disarray. After crushing loss to Pitt that cost WVU spot in BCS title game, coach Rich Rodriguez fled for Michigan. WVU fans seem to have gone with him as school returned 7,500 unsold tickets. Blame game got going as well. After missing pair of costly FGs vs. Pitt, K Pat McAfee (11-of-15 on FGs) received hate e-mails and his car was vandalized. Still, talent remains to more than compete remains with QB Pat White (2,733 total offense, 14 TD runs, 12 TD passes, 4 ints.), Big East offensive player of year for second straight season, who should play despite dislocating thumb vs. Pitt. RB Steve Slaton (1,053 rushing, 17 TDs) went from preseason Heisman contender to rushing for baffling 11 yards on just nine carries vs. Pitt. After embarrassing OT loss here to Boise State last year, Sooners want redemption. Freshman QB Sam Bradford (led nation in QB rating, 216-of-308, 2,879 passing, 34 TDs, 7 ints.) has been absolutely sensational leading potent offense (third in nation in scoring, 43.4 ppg). His injury early in loss at Texas Tech Nov. 17 may have cost Sooners spot in BCS title game. Senior RB Allen Patrick (927 rushing, 5.8 per carry, 8 TDs) is reliable option on ground while sophomore TE Jermaine Gresham turned 11 of his 34 catches into TDs. LB Curtis Lofton sewed up Big 12 defensive player of the year award in OU's second win over Missouri in Big 12 title game with 9 tackles (3 for loss), sack, int. that set up clinching TD. CB Reggie Smith, who also excels on punt returns, is out with broken toe as is S Lendy Holmes (reportedly academically ineligible). JANUARY 3:ORANGE BOWL in Miami.No. 8 KANSAS (11-1) vs. No. 5 VIRGINIA TECH (11-2), 8, FOX.PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 millionFAVORITE: Va. Tech by 3-1/2.COACHES: Mark Mangino (36-36 in 6th year at Kansas) and Frank Beamer (166-84-2 in 21st year at Va. Tech).BOWL RECORD: Kansas is 4-6. Va. Tech is 7-13.LAST GAME: Kansas lost to No. 3 Missouri, 36-28, on Nov. 24. Va. Tech beat No. 12 Boston College, 30-16, in ACC Championship Game Dec. 1.SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since October, 2004, Hokies are 10-5 vs. ranked teams while Jayhawks are 1-6 over that same span vs. ranked foes.GAME FACTS: Curious how Jayhawks got this coveted BCS at-large bid considering loss to Missouri cost them Big 12 North title and schedule (71st toughest in nation) was a bit mushy. Still KU fans are thrilled with first New Year's Day bowl since 15-14 loss to Penn State in 1969 Orange Bowl. It earned Mangino national coach of the year honors and healthy contract extension. After throwing total of 24 passes last year, sophomore QB Todd Reesing (9th in nation in QB rating, 3,462 total offense, 32 TD passes, 6 ints.) blossomed in spread offense (second in nation in scoring, 44.3 ppg). RB Brandon McAnderson (1,050 rushing, 16 TDs) provides muscle inside with his 240-pound frame while last year's starting QB Kerry Meier, moved to WR and caught 24 passes and caught, ran and threw for TDs. Lockdown CB Aqib Talib (led Big 12 with 17 passes defended, 4 ints.) has NFL future. Hokies come in riding 5-game winning streak (outscored foes 174-75). Beamer has figured way to mix and match QBs Tyrod Taylor, Sean Glennon (combined 9 TD passes, 2 ints., 4 TD runs last five games). Defense (second in nation in scoring, 15.5 ppg, fifth in both total defense, 293.3 ypg, and vs. run, 86 ypg, 43 sacks) is wicked as usual with DE Chris Ellis (8-1/2 sacks), LB Xavier Addibi (108 tackles, 2 ints.), CBs Victor "Macho'' Harris (5 ints., 11 passes defended), Brandon Flowers (5 ints.) constant menaces on every play. Then there's special teams, known as "Beamer Ball'' for Tech's 115 blocked kicks in 252 games under Beamer.JANUARY 5:INTERNATIONAL BOWL in Toronto.RUTGERS (7-5) vs. BALL STATE (7-5), Noon, ESPN2.PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.FAVORITE: Rutgers by 11.COACHES: Greg Schiano (37-46 in 7th year at Rutgers) and Brady Hoke (22-36 in fifth year at Ball State)BOWL RECORD: Rutgers is 1-2. Ball State is 0-3.LAST GAME: Rutgers lost at Louisville, 41-38, on Nov. 29. Ball State won at Northern Illinois, 27-21, on Nov. 24.SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 0-0-1.LAST MEETING: Teams tied, 31-31, in 1989.STAT THAT MATTERS: Scarlet Knights are third in Big East, 31st in nation in rushing (190.2 yards per game) while Cardinals are 10th in MAC, 99th in nation against run (197 ypg).GAME FACTS: After promising 3-0 start, Knights staggered home with 4-5 finish complete with blowing 28-10 second half lead at Louisville. So motivation is suspect here. After reportedly turning down inquiries from Michigan, Schiano has now led RU to three straight bowl games, compared to only one in Knights' first 133 years of football. Junior RB Ray Rice (third in nation with 1,732 rushing, 6th with 21 TDs) may be pondering early move to NFL. QB Mike Teel's sore thumb should be better by now. Combined 15-31 in Hoke's first four seasons, plucky Cardinals earned first postseason appearance since 1996. QB Nate Davis (led MAC in QB rating, 3,376 passing, only 6 ints. in 430 passes) threw school record 27 TD passes, including five (with no ints.) in wins over Toledo and Northern Illinois that got BSU here. WR Dante Love (87 catches, led MAC with 1,229 yards receiving), TE Darius Hill (56 catches, 9 TDs) are Davis' preferred targets. Having spent time in the Marines as well as working in an auto plant, DE Brandon Crawford (7 sacks) is college football's only 31-year-old sophomore. He and LB Bryant Haines (6th in MAC with 122 tackles) are best of defense that forces turnovers (led MAC with 27 gained) but also gives up lots of yards (88th in nation in total defense, 418.7 ypg).JANUARY 6:GMAC BOWL in Mobile, Ala.TULSA (9-4) vs. BOWLING GREEN (8-4), 8, ESPN.PAYOUT: Each school receives $750,000.FAVORITE: Tulsa by 5.COACHES: Todd Graham (9-4 in first year at Tulsa) and Gregg Brandon (38-23 in fifth year at Bowling Green)BOWL RECORD: Tulsa is 5-9. Bowling Green is 4-3.LAST GAME: Tulsa lost at Central Florida, 44-25, in the Conference USA Championship Game Dec. 1. Bowling Green beat Toledo, 37-10, on Nov. 23.SERIES HISTORY: Tulsa leads, 1-0.LAST MEETING: Tulsa won, 45-10, in 1989.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since start of 2005 season, Golden Hurricane is 24-2 when scoring 26 points or more and 4-9 when they don't.GAME FACTS: Rare national spotlight for Tulsa senior QB Paul Smith (C-USA player of the year, second in nation with 4,753 yards, passing, 42 TDs), arguably the best player you've never heard of. Smith would like to atone for beating he took last time out in C-USA title game when he was sacked six times and picked off three other times. Juco transfer WR Brennan Marion is nation's ultimate deep threat averaging whopping 31.9 yards on his 39 catches (11 TDs). Bad defense (111th in nation in total defense, 469 ypg) has hit new depths lately (126 points given up in last three games). Given up for dead after 38-27 loss at home to Ohio Oct. 27, Falcons ripped off four straight wins to make first bowl trip in three years. Sophomore QB Tyler Sheehan keyed surge going 86-for-131 for 1,021 yards with 8 TDs, int., TD run over last four games. Former QB Anthony Turner moved to RB and produced 351 yards rushing with 5 TDs while also throwing 3 TD passes on trick plays during winning streak. Gambling secondary (third in MAC vs. pass, 207.6 ypg) made lots of plays (14 ints.), but also gave up plenty as well (21 TD passes). They'll be challenged by Smith and his athletic WRs, and could be without top LB John Haneline (knee). JANAURY 7:BCS NATIONAL TITLE GAME in New Orleans.No. 1 OHIO STATE (11-1) vs. No. 2 LSU (11-2), 8, FOX.PAYOUT: Each school receives $17 million.FAVORITE: LSU by 4-1/2.COACHES: Jim Tressel (73-15 in 7th year at Ohio State) and Les Miles (33-6 in third year at LSU).BOWL RECORD: Ohio State is 18-20. LSU is 19-18-1.LAST GAME: Ohio State won at Michigan, 14-3, on Nov. 17. LSU beat No. 14 Tennessee, 21-14, in the SEC Championship Game Dec. 1.SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads, 1-0-1.LAST MEETING: Teams tied, 13-13, in 1987.STAT THAT MATTERS: Buckeyes are 0-8 vs. SEC teams in bowl games including last year's 41-14 debacle vs. Florida in BCS Championship Game.GAME FACTS: These two get shot at college football's ultimate prize, mostly because others gagged down the stretch. Winners of 30 of last 32 games since mid-2005, Buckeyes get shot at redemption here, but again face seven-week layoff that was factor in last year's disaster. With only one win over a team currently ranked (No. 18 Wisconsin), questions also persist as to how good OSU really is. Defense (led nation in total defense, 225.2 ypg, scoring, 10.7 ppg, vs. pass, 148.2 ypg, 10 ints., 9 TD passes) answered with dominating effort at Michigan (only 91 total yards allowed) after only bad game in 28-21 loss to Illinois Nov. 10. LB James Laurinaitis (103 tackles, 2 ints.), DE Vernon Gholston (fourth in nation with 13 sacks) lead dominating unit. After playing brilliantly for much of season, QB Todd Boeckman stumbled down stretch (20-of-36, 206 passing, 4 ints., 2 fumbles in last two games) and must avoid mistakes, handing often to RB Chris Wells (second in Big Ten with 1,463 rushing, 14 TDs). Tigers should enjoy home crowd advantage, just as they did in Superdome four years ago beating Oklahoma for national title. Backup QB Ryan Perrilloux came up big in SEC title game (20-of-30, 243 passing, TD, int.) but Matt Flynn (2,233 passing, 17 TDs, 10 ints., 4 TD runs) will start now that his sore shoulder is better. RB Jacob Hester (1,017 rushing, 5.0 per carry, 11 TDs) likes to run through opponents while WRs Early Doucet, Demetrius Byrd (33 catches, 18 ypg, 7 TDs) add zip on the outside. Nasty defense (third in nation in total defense, 283.8 ypg, led SEC, fourth in nation with 33 turnovers forced) is anchored by monstrous DT Glenn Dorsey, who won Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi and Lott trophies for outstanding defenders and should be even better after knee and back woes slowed him down stretch. S Craig Steltz (97 tackles, 6 ints., 3 forced fumbles) is glue that holds secondary together. Tigers problems are usually their own mistakes (next to last in nation with 113 penalties, 9th in SEC with 29 sacks allowed). Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini says goodbye to become head coach at Nebraska.(E-mail John Lindsay at lindsayj(at)shns.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)