Bowled Over

It will be bone chilling cold in Boise, Idaho, no one will see the Texas Bowl and the Holiday Bowl will be a shootout as always. Here's our quirky look at the upcoming bowl games.

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - December 30 - Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Nevada vs Maryland (I'm leaning toward Nevada)

Parting Gifts: I don't know what swag the players get. Perhaps a cowboy hat or a piece of smurf turf.

SWAG Meter: 0.0

Bowl Event: A beef dinner for both teams. With 300 pound lineman, better have a ton of meat.

Final Analysis: In ACC circles, participating in the Humanitarian Bowl is like being shipped to Siberia. Yes its a bowl game but it's a long , cold trip. Maryland gets that honor this year after losing their last 2 games. The Terps face Nevada from the WAC. The Wolfpack have one of the top running games in the nation. A good test for the Terp defense.

Texas Bowl - December 30 - Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Western Michigan vs Rice (Take the Owls)

Howdy Partner, What Do You Got For Me?: Well Tex, players from both teams will receive a $350 Best Buy gift card, a Swisstek watch, an Under Armour HeatGear Long-Sleeve Tee, an Under Armour twister pant, an Under Armour tech hat, a Toppers backpack and finally a commemorative belt buckle.

Not a bad haul. The players get to go on a shopping spree to Best Buy. The belt buckle might be the only thing garage saleable.

SWAG Meter: 8.5

Bowl Event: The teams get to cowboy up at the George Historical Ranch and compete in the annual Rodeo Bowl.

Final Analysis: It's a home game for Rice but I doubt they bring a big crowd. A few Western Michigan fans will make the trip from Kalamazoo. Millions of fans won't be able to see this gem because it's on NFL Network. Wait for results from your morning paper.

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - December 30 - Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
Oklahoma State vs Oregon (I love this match up. I'm going with the Fightin' Gundy's)

Dude, What's In The Bag?: Awe dude, your will get a righteous bounty of stuff. Players from both teams get a Tourneau watch, a hooded sweatshirt from Sports Tek, an Insignia 19” HD TV/DVD Player, and a Best Buy gift certificate.

While the HD TV/DVD player is sweet, you could have done better. Give away the sweatshirt.

SWAG Meter: 6

Bowl Event: The players get to wine and dine with sailors and Marines held aboard an active Navy ship. This has been a highlight for the players. Really cool.

Final Analysis: The Holiday Bowl is always worth a look. Every year it's an offensive showcase. The Cowboys and the Ducks should put up the points as well.