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SCS.com This bowl features two perennial powerhouses in a game that is less prestigious than they are used to. In the olden days, this might have been for the national title, but as of late, both programs have begun to backslide a little, and neither is playing on New Year's Day this year.

Michigan's Keys to the Game

In order to win this game, the Wolverines must be able to move the ball on the ground. To do this, they will have to take some chances and attempt to move the ball through the air, which will spread the defense thin. Chad Henne is a reliable leader and passer, but Mike Hart has been injured entirely too much this season and looks to still be favoring an ankle due to a sprain. Nebraska is going to bring the heat so the o-line had better be ready.

Nebraska's Keys to the Game

In order to be successful in this contest, Nebraska must get to the quarterback. With a banged up Hart, UN has a great chance to take a step forward. If the Cornhuskers bring the heat, and bring it often, they will force Michigan to become one dimensional and beat them through the air, which would play right into the Huskers' hands.

Staff Predictions:

Jonathan David Reed Cortney Jeff

Michigan Michigan Michigan Michigan Michigan

EMERALD BOWL
Georgia Tech vs Utah

SCS.com After getting snubbed by the Meineke Car Care Bowl, Georgia Tech has something to prove, and Utah looks to be the target. After a sub-par season with their new coach, Utah is coming into this game without their starting quarterback. This is not a good sign when you are playing an ACC team determined to vent some frustration.

Georgia Tech's Keys to the Game

To beat the Utes, Georgia Tech really just needs to play a solid game. Attacking a lack-luster Utah offense early and often could pay dividends for the Yellow Jackets. Tech wide-out Calvin Johnson, who is an exceptional playmaker, should have a career day against this undermanned Ute defense.

Utah's Keys to the Game

If Utah's first string quarterback were in, then they might have a chance, but he isn't, so they don't. Georgia Tech is going to come at backup Brett Ratliff so hard he won't know what to do, and neither will Utah.

Staff Predictions:

Jonathan David Reed Cortney Jeff

Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Utah Georgia Tech

HOLIDAY BOWL
(#11) Oregon vs Oklahoma

SCS.com Stoops' squad had a less than spectacular season but the youthful Sooners came together late in the season and really show a big increase in game savvy and maturity. Oregon, on the other hand, is a little bit riled that they didn't get into a BCS game, but this matchup provides a chance for the Ducks to avenge last year's defeat at the hands of the Sooners in Norman.

Oklahoma's Keys to the Game

In order to win this game, Oklahoma must do one thing: give the ball to Adrian Peterson. Peterson is a dynamic player who can turn any opposing defense into Swiss cheese. He is a mixture of both power and finesse and has basically carried this Sooner squad. His talent has led to Rhett Bomar being able to pass when he wants without being roughed up. Peterson forces defenses to stay honest, and Oregon will have their hands full with him.

Oregon's Keys to the Game

To win this game, the Ducks are going to have to maintain some offensive balance. The Sooners' defense isn't extraordinary, but it is talented and can make plays if an offense becomes too predictable. QB Dennis Dixon must have a good game. RB Terrance Whitehead could help this buy having one himself. When Oregon can move the ball, they are extremely dangerous.

Staff Predictions:

Jonathan David Reed Cortney Jeff

Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma Oregon Oregon

> Talk about it in The College Corner...

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