The War Room | HoustonProFootball.com 
December 21, 2006
Bowling On
by Warren DeLuca
HoustonProFootball.com
It is late December, meaning Texans fans’ hopes of winning at least as many as they’ve lost have long since shattered like a fallen Christmas ornament. The college bowl games, 32 this season, become more intriguing than the ones played by the guys in the deep steel blue helmets on Sundays. Sit back in your recliner and search for the players to turn this mess around.
Here’s HPF’s look at who you may want to keep an eye on in some of the bowl games played in the waning days of 2006. All times listed are Central time. Asterisks (*) indicate underclassmen who are eligible to enter the draft.
December 21
Las Vegas Bowl: Brigham Young vs. Oregon
(7:00 pm, ESPN)
BYU QB John Beck’s (#12) pinpoint accuracy helps him to be very efficient in the Cougars’ ball-control passing game.
December 24
Hawaii Bowl: Arizona St. vs. Hawaii
(7:00 pm, ESPN)
Arizona St. TE Zach Miller* (#86), who leads the Sun Devils in catches, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, lines up at tight end, H-back, and fullback plus plays on special teams.
December 26
Motor City Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Central Michigan
(6:30 pm, ESPN)
Central Michigan LT Joe Staley (#73) has retained his athletic ability as he added 80 lbs. and moved from tight end to tackle.
December 28
Independence Bowl: Oklahoma St. vs. Alabama
(3:30 pm, ESPN)
Bama RB Ken Darby (#34) is a tough, physical runner and the Tide’s #3 all-time rusher but has not scored a rushing touchdown this year.
Holiday Bowl: California vs. Texas A&M
(7:00 pm, ESPN)
Cal RB Marshawn Lynch* (#10) has a rare combination of power, speed, and moves. CB Daymeion Hughes (#3) isn’t a burner but, with eight picks this year, has been very productive.
Texas Bowl: Rutgers vs. Kansas St.
(7:00 pm, NFL Network)
An accomplished runner, receiver, and blocker, Rutgers FB Brian Leonard (#23) will show the Reliant Stadium crowd that he can handle anything an NFL fullback might be asked to do.
December 29
Music City Bowl: Clemson vs. Kentucky
(Noon, ESPN)
Clemson DE Gaines Adams (#93) is a speed rusher, likely the best in the draft, who has racked up 10.5 sacks and 25 pressures.
Liberty Bowl: Houston vs. South Carolina
(3:30 pm, ESPN)
UH QB Kevin Kolb (#4) has a nice arm and release but will have to shake the “product of the system” tag.
Insight Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Minnesota
(6:30 pm, NFL Network)
Tech RG Manuel Ramirez (#63), a Willowridge High School product, has a brawler’s mentality but rarely gets to go out and mash people in Tech’s pass-happy offense.
December 30
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Navy vs. Boston College
(Noon, ESPN)
BC RG Josh Beekman (#75) also started three games at center this season and should be considered by NFL teams at both positions. CB DeJuan Tribble* (#27) is undersized at 5’9” but is a playmaker who has picked off seven passes and returned three for touchdowns this season.
Alamo Bowl: Texas vs. Iowa
(3:30 pm, ESPN)
Texas RG Justin Blalock (#63) has played right tackle for most of his UT career but moved inside for the last six games; he’s considered primarily a guard prospect by the NFL. DE Tim Crowder (#80) has 10.5 sacks this year and can hold up against the run. DT Frank Okam* (#97) is a massive run stuffer who can control the line of scrimmage. FS Michael Griffin (#27) is a great athlete who will contribute immediately in the NFL as a special teamer (eight career blocked punts). CB Aaron Ross (#31) is only a first-year starter because of the talent that the Longhorns have had in the secondary, but he has made a positive impression on the scouts in that short time. Iowa TE Scott Chandler (#87) is a former wide receiver with soft hands who is improving as a blocker.
Chick-fil-A Bowl: Georgia vs. Virginia Tech
(7:00 pm, ESPN)
Georgia TE Martez Milner (#87) has filled in nicely for Arizona 2006 third-rounder Leonard Pope. DE Quentin Moses (#94) is a speed rusher who could also play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Virginia Tech strong safety Aaron Rouse (#36) could move to linebacker in the NFL.
December 31
MPC Computers Bowl: Miami vs. Nevada
(6:30 pm, ESPN)
Miami TE Greg Olsen* (#82) leads the Canes in receptions and is carrying on the "U" tradition of outstanding tight ends. SS Brandon Merriweather (#19) is a top pick based on talent, but character concerns could push him down the board.
Our look at the January 2007 bowl games is coming soon.
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