Bob McCarty Writes

The Big 12 North’s Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Big Ten’s Minnesota Golden Gophers, 42-21, late yesterday afternoon in the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz.

Because the game was aired on NFL Network, I didn’t watch it and will not give spend much time writing about the efforts of these two unranked teams.  I will, however, thank KU for the margin of victory.  Here’s why:  In my second annual bowl game predictions post, I picked Mark Mangino’s team to win 41-17.  That’s only five total points off.

In the predictions game, I’m now 2-1, just like the Big 12 Conference.

Recap:  My Predictions for New Year’s Day

At Noon CDT, two more unranked teams, Nebraska vs. Clemson, play in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl in Jacksonville.  On Wednesday, I predicted Bo Pelini’s Cornhuskers of the Big 12 North will defeat the lowly Tigers of the Southeast Conference, 17-15, in a defensive struggle.

At 3:30 p.m. CDT, #8 Penn State takes on #5 USC in the Rose Bowl presented by Citi in Pasadena, Calif.  My prediction has the Trojans winning big again, defeating Joe Paterno’s Nittany Lions 39-6.

At 7:30 p.m. CDT, #19 Virginia Tech tries to discredit #12 Cincinnati in the FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami.  Many in the sports media have been saying the Bearcats need to win to prove they deserved the #12 ranking, and I agree.  Further, I think they will win and pick ‘em to beat the Hokies, 20-17.

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UPDATED — See also:

With Big Game Only Hours Away, Former Oklahoma QB Reflects on College Football Bowl Season (1/08/09)