Poinsettias and Paradise

San Diego, California is beautiful in late December. Hawaii is of course paradise. The college bowl season heads to two great locales so here's the breakdown, if that's what you want to call it, of the next round of bowl games.

San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - December 23rd - Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
Boise State vs TCU (I like TCU)

Here's a special prize chosen just for you: Your very own 8 gig IPOD touch for the players of both teams. There's more, a Tommy Hilfiger Watch, a certificate from Best Buy and a hooded sweatshirt from Sports Tek

The sweat shirt is re-giftable but the rest sounds great. Way to go Poinsettia Bowl.

SWAG Meter: 8.5

Bowl Event: Grand Prix carting for the players. They must of spent all their money on the SWAG.

Final Analysis: Did the Poinsettia Bowl luck out with this marquee match-up or what. Unbeaten Boise State was a long shot for a BCS bowl, didn't get it and has landed in the Poinsettia Bowl. The Broncos will face the TCU Horned Frogs who finished 10-2 and have the 2nd best defense in the nation. This WAC - Mountain West showdown is must see TV.

Sherton Hawaii Bowl - December 24 - Honolulu, HI
Notre Dame vs Hawaii (It's a pick'em)

What Do They Win Don Pardo: Well each player from both teams will receive Hawaii Bowl custom backpack, KICKER IKick500 ipod/iphone, a custom Hawaii Bowl tie, Oakley sunglasses, a Kahala Aloha shirt, a Wearever beach chair, a beach towel, a team t-shirt, an SHB calendar, a Hawaii Bowl hat, a Hawaii Bowl visor and Luggage Spotter with bag tags.

A trip to Hawaii and a bag of gifts. The Fighting Irish will be thrilled. Keep it all, even the tie.

SWAG Meter: 9.5

Bowl Event: Forget the formal events, just go to the beach and chill. Check out the scenery (if you know what I mean.)

Final Analysis: Hawaii may be paradise but this match-up is anything but. It's a home game for the Warriors against Notre Dame. Unless your family is just annoying the hell out of you or your football withdraws are so severe you can't stop shaking, avoid this one. Besides, the warm weather scenics will tick you off.