Today’s bowl games
Boston College (9-3) vs. Navy (9-3)
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Time: 10 a.m. TV: ESPN
Key stats: Boston College is 13th nationally in rush defense (90.1 ypg). Navy is first nationally in rush offense (327.4 ypg).
The game: Does BC want to be here? Will there be any ill effects from the departure of coach Tom O’Brien to North Carolina State? BC has held half its foes to less than 100 rushing yards. That’s not going to happen today, but the Eagles need to make sure the Middies don’t come close to their rushing average. This will be a huge test for BC LBs Jolonn Dunbar, Brian Toal and Tyronne Pruitt, and SS Ryan Glasper.
Boston College QB Matt Ryan, who led the ACC in passing, should have success against a mediocre secondary. It would help his cause, though, if TBs L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender have success running behind an offensive line that should be able to overpower a small Navy defensive front. Navy needs big games from FB Adam Ballard and WB Reggie Campbell, who have combined for 1,447 yards and eight TDs.
Iowa (6-6) vs. Texas (9-3)
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Time: 4:30 p.m. TV: ESPN
Key stats: Iowa is 28th nationally in total offense (385.0 ypg). Texas is second nationally in rush defense (58.3 ypg).
The game: Iowa, which was 2-6 in the Big Ten, comes in having lost five of its last six. The Hawkeyes committed 29 turnovers this season and have a minus-10 turnover margin. QB Drew Tate has struggled with his consistency this season, but he is talented and will hurt Texas if he gets time to throw. TE Scott Chandler should be a weapon today. Texas was one victory away from a BCS berth, but a loss to Texas A&M in the regular-season finale caused them to slide to this bowl. QB Colt McCoy had a great first season as the starter (2,262 yards, 27 TDs), but he has been bothered by a sore shoulder. Expect to see a lot of handoffs to TBs Jamaal Charles and Selvin Young (a combined 1,385 yards and 13 TDs). If Texas shows up ready to play, it wins – and maybe quite easily – in front of what should be a partisan crowd.
Georgia (8-4) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2)
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
Time: 5 p.m. TV: ESPN
Key stats: Georgia is 77th nationally in total offense (321.1 ypg). Virginia Tech is first nationally in total defense (221.1 ypg).
The game: While Georgia’s offense is weak, the defense has been stout (ninth in the nation at 264.0 ypg). DEs Charles Johnson and Quentin Moses are standouts, LB Tony Taylor always is around the ball and junior FS Kelin Johnson has become a big contributor. Georgia was expected to have a strong rushing attack, but that hasn’t happened. It’s hard to imagine the Bulldogs getting much done on the ground today, meaning true freshman QB Matthew Stafford must be sharp and avoid mistakes. Much like Georgia, Virginia Tech has a strong defense and a weak offense. Tech’s offense is awful (95th nationally, at 304.0 ypg). It’s vital that TB Branden Ore (99.6 ypg, 14 TDs) is productive because the Hokies’ passing attack won’t get much done against the Bulldogs’ secondary. Tech has a solid group of receivers, but quarterback Sean Glennon is way too inconsistent. He threw five TD passes against teams with winning records. The Bulldogs should be helped by what should be a home crowd.