Bowl Predictions, Part 1

Predictions for the Dec. 29-30 bowls:

Emerald Bowl, Georgia Tech vs. Utah -- It isn't the same Utah offense without Urban Meyer and Alex Smith. Pick: Georgia Tech.

Holiday Bowl, Oregon vs. Oklahoma -- Here's where Oregon has a chance to prove they belonged in the BCS. Cal was in the same situation last year and got drilled by Texas Tech in this game. Pick: Oklahoma.

Music City Bowl, Virginia vs. Minnesota -- This game will be renamed the Mason City Bowl and relocated to North Central Iowa after the Gophers ride Laurence Maroney to their third win in four years. Pick: Minnesota.

Sun Bowl, Northwestern vs. UCLA -- Might be the most fun bowl of all to watch, as long as you don't mind missing defense. Pick: Northwestern.

Independence Bowl, South Carolina vs. Missouri -- The Gamecocks have the better-known coach, but Mizzou has the better team. Pick: Missouri

Peach Bowl, Miami vs. LSU -- To think that these two teams were both in the top 5 in November, this is a great matchup for a pre-New Year's Day game. I can't get around the sight of Miami shutting down Virginia Tech in their biggest game of the season. Pick: Miami.

I'll return with Dec. 31 - Jan. 3 picks before saving the best for last. And by the way, I shed no tears when Michigan gets a bad break, but they have a reason to be upset with the referees last night. Some really shaky calls, or non-calls, if you will.

DJ