Illinois actually wins Texas Bowl...Yeah, there is such a game

QB Nathan Scheelhaase and RB Mikel Leshoure/Courtesy: Darrell Homeann-illinihq.com

If we come off sounding sarcastic or anything else about the plethora of strange and odd bowl games, it because of games like this.

Sure, it's a great capper to a rebound season for Illinois, from 3-9 in 2009 to a 7-6 record this season is a nice comeback and the Zooker and his Illini do have reason to be proud of that. That 7th win came Wednesday night when they pounded Baylor, 38-14 in the Texas Bowl.

Your MVP, Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure, who ran for 184 yards and scored 3 times.

More on the game from Illinihq.com RIGHT HERE

If you actually stayed up Wednesday night and watched this game, good for you. You are either a hardcore, football alum from one of these schools or a crazed football addict with nothing better to do. We aren't trying to be haters, but think about it.

Anyway, yeah, sorry we are being grouchy about this, but we...or at least I don't think there should be 836 Bowl games every year. Sorry, I just don't. But hey, if it makes you happy, then great, congrats on a good win Illinois and as for Baylor...we thought you were better than that.

Here's your look at the game, thanks to our friends at the Big Ten Network...
((HT: BTN/Youtube))

TWTW: Navy Sinks Mizzou On Land

Those of us at OSG HQ have always enjoyed thinking-man's football...

Otherwise known as "anything other than the spread..."

When you watch the armed services play ball it's always brains versus brawn...
Triple option versus conventional... bigger versus faster and more driven...

You get the point...

So, when Navy QB Ricky Dobbs has the ball, it's easy to see why he's the record setter that he is...

Navy pounded Missouri in the Texas Bowl in Houston, and Dobbs was directly responsible- as are most QB's in this offense...

Justin Unell of NBC 31 in Kansas City has your highlights and befuddled postgame...


The HQ was not surprised...

Tuesday Bowl Carousel: Let The Cycle Begin

Here's what we know...

Central Florida has accepted a bid to travel all the way from Orlando to St. Pete to play at The Juice Box against an as-of-yet-unknown opponent... could be Rutgers, UConn, or South Florida...

SMU accepted its first bowl bid in 25 years. They're going to the Hawai'i Bowl to take on an unknown opponent...

Looks like the Outback has Auburn and Wisconsin on New Year's Day. But Northwestern has a shot there as well.

The Gator is leaning toward the Bowden back-To-The-Future Bowl with Florida State and West Virginia on New Year's... the ACC is currently finagling that one...

Navy is heading to the Texas Bowl on New Year's Eve to take on a Big 12 opponent.

Jerry World gets Oklahoma State and Ole Miss for the Cotton Bowl...

Tennessee and Virginia Tech have the Chick-fil-A bowl on New Year's Eve...

Georgia gets to travel to Shreveport for the Independence Bowl, according to WSB-TV in Atlanta and the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper...

While the bowl executive director would not commit one way or the other on the Dawgs, Missy Setters acknowledged UGA and South Carolina are on their radar. Missouri, Iowa State, and Texas A&M are rumored from the Big 12 side.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal has Arkansas heading to the Liberty Bowl to take on the Conference USA champ- either East Carolina or Houston. They also have LSU headed to the Citrus to play Penn State.

That means that the Music City gets Kentucky to play either Miami or North Carolina, and the Pizza Bowl in Birmingham gets South Carolina to play a Big East opponent.

Got all that...???
There's a test later...

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.