OK, we’ll admit it. The first installment of the Fab 4 bowl picks was less than good. In fact, it was our worst showing since going 1-5 the second week of the regular season, and it ranks as only the third time in 14 attempts we have finished on the wrong side of .500.
And we found it highly unentertaining. Think of it this way: If the new “Star Wars” movie was all the way over there on the supremely entertaining scale, then last week’s picks were at the other end of the spectrum, between “Caddyshack 2” and an insurance seminar.
Not entertaining at all.
But we are undeterred, despite stumbling in a variety of ways that include multiple turnover-touchdowns for Appalachian State and Arizona simply letting off the gas. In fact, we’re increasing our picks to catch up. (These picks are for games between now and Tuesday. We will have multiple pick installments next week; one on Tuesday and one on New Year’s Day.)
Where does that leave us? As always, we’re searching for entertainment of all sorts, including the story of Tayla Polia, which is highly entertaining in all directions.
Polia filled out a 15-team NFL parlay card last weekend, and when the Lions upset the Saints on Monday night, Polia’s $5 wager became $100,005. Not bad for a weekend’s worth of work. To make it even better, Polia told ESPN that it was the second wager she has ever made.
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s entertainment.
Marshall minus-5 over Connecticut. UConn is so offensively challenged, the Huskies got to 6-6 with the help of an early 7-3 win over Tulane in which the lone touchdown was an interception return. How bad is it? UConn ranked 107th or worse (among the 128 Football Bowl Subdivision teams) in points, yards per play, third-down conversions, tackles for loss allowed and sacks allowed. Now add the fact that the strength of the Marshall defense is a front four that is experienced and aggressive. Yes, please.
Indiana minus-2 over Duke. Man, what a hoops showdown this would have been back in the day. As a bowl game, well, it’s just a vehicle to try to find entertainment. Here’s what we know: Indiana played above its head for most of the year, scaring THE Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa in Big Ten play. In fact, the Hoosiers – HICKORY! – were really good against teams of similar talent, going 6-1 against comparable competition. Duke on the other hand, does not have a win against a team with a winning record.
UCLA minus-6.5 over Nebraska. This screams to be the biggest mismatch on the bowl season board. Nebraska – and all its troubles this fall – against an opponent that is starting to get healthy and still has freshman sensation Josh Rosen at quarterback. And we know Rosen has to be excited to face the Cornhuskers, who were 13th in the Big Ten in pass defense.
Pittsburgh-Navy over 52. Navy has been productive for the picks this year, even with the stumble against the spread against Army. That said, we are a touch worried about the Middies’ vaunted offense against Pat Narduzzi, who will have had a couple of weeks to focus on it. Still, a couple of big plays each way and you’re in the clear – and even as good defensively as Narduzzi is, Navy’s offense generates big plays.
San Diego State-Cincinnati under 57. San Diego State has one of the best secondaries in the country. Cincy will be without starting quarterback Gunner Kiel. You do the math.
Southern Miss-Washington over 55. Southern Miss may have the best story in college football that is not being told. The Golden Eagles were bagel-and-12 just three years ago. Now coach Todd Monken has Southern Miss at 9-4 and back in a bowl game with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Washington has the best defense in the Pac-12, but remember the Huskies are coached by former Boise State boss Chris Petersen, who is renowned for his unpredictability in bowl games.
Bowl games against the spread: 1-4 (20 percent).
Regular season against the spread: 57-39 (59.4 percent).
Fab 4 picks all-time (since start of 2011) against the spread: 342-228-6 (60 percent).
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343. Follow him on Twitter @jgreesontfp.