Champs Sports Bowl - Boston College vs Michigan State

**Louisvillekid1** · 12-03-07, 03:20 PM

tough game to call here. 27 24 close game here, could go either way

**Ted Stickle** · 12-10-07, 08:22 PM

Boston College wins by 6.

**hhsilver** · 12-14-07, 03:50 PM

it's tough to ignore BC's great bowl run in recent years, although last year's win over Navy didn't cover. I know they have a new coach, but they had a great year with him.

**BUCK82** · 12-25-07, 11:35 PM

Guys...don't let this line fool ya since BC is favored by only 4. Remember, BC did drop the ACC title game and remember, the whole season they felt they were going to a BCS bowl. They basically lived on turnovers all year but only had 3 interceptions over the last 6 games. Their top sackman DL Albright is out for the bowl too. Now MSU on the other hand won their last two games of the year as underdogs and all five of their losses were by a touchdown or less. 2 of MSU 5 losses were in OT. Now here's the kicker homies!!!! MSU's emotions are the polar opposites of BC's because at first they though they were going to the Detroit to play a MAC team in a bowl but surpise...you've now won a trip to Orlando and Disney World to play the mighty Boston College!! I'm going to be all over Michigan State and the points on this one. I wouldn't be suprised if they win outright.

**Razz** · 12-25-07, 11:43 PM

Originally posted by BUCK82

Guys...don't let this line fool ya since BC is favored by only 4. Remember, BC did drop the ACC title game and remember, the whole season they felt they were going to a BCS bowl. They basically lived on turnovers all year but only had 3 interceptions over the last 6 games. Their top sackman DL Albright is out for the bowl too. Now MSU on the other hand won their last two games of the year as underdogs and all five of their losses were by a touchdown or less. 2 of MSU 5 losses were in OT. Now here's the kicker homies!!!! MSU's emotions are the polar opposites of BC's because at first they though they were going to the Detroit to play a MAC team in a bowl but surpise...you've now won a trip to Orlando and Disney World to play the mighty Boston College!! I'm going to be all over Michigan State and the points on this one. I wouldn't be suprised if they win outright.

Totally agree, especially with the part I bolded.

**eglickman** · 12-26-07, 01:47 PM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/specials/bowls/2007/12/24/bc.fbc.michiganst.disci.ap/index.html

Does this change your opinion?

**BUCK82** · 12-26-07, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by eglickman

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

Does this change your opinion?

Not at all. If anything it will strengthen it. The betting public is going to be all over that article and over-react. Remember, bowl practices give you enough time to prepare for situations like this. My pick and forecast still is not going to change.

**mofome** · 12-28-07, 04:38 AM

good info from rivals here

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=754920

**Seattle Slew** · 12-28-07, 09:24 AM

I also like MSU in this spot to win outright. BC's streak is impressive, but I don't like their coach, who completely botched the game against Virginia Tech. Plus, he snapped at Bonnie Bernstein at halftime when she asked a legitimate question about their terrible special teams. BC's kicking game is also atrocious.

BC should have lost outright vs. Navy last year. The Middies fumbled at midfield trying to run out the clock with 1:40 left and BC hit a couple throws to kick the game winning FG.

**mgcolby** · 12-28-07, 12:19 PM

I think the emotional argument is weak. You don't think that BC is pissed that they didn't get into a better bowl or blew their chance at the BCS? If you think that MSU can get up for a "surprise" bowl game why couldn't BC get up for the game with the "we'll show them" mentality?

It goes both ways. And lets not fool ourselves, BC is by far the better team. If Henne can throw for 200+ yards and 4 TD's what do you think Matt Ryan will do to them?

I think BC wins by 2 TD's.

**mopack** · 12-28-07, 01:42 PM

I think BC is a bit overrated and has been much of the year. Now, MSU isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut but they definitely have the weapons-ringer and caulcrick toting the rock, and devin thomas is a threat to go everytime he touches the ball. I see this as a very close, high scoring game. Playing MSU +5 and Over 56.5.

**BuddyBear** · 12-28-07, 01:56 PM

Couple points of contention:

1) In response to post #4 from Buck: Now MSU on the other hand won their last two games of the year as underdogs

Well this is actually important because teams that win their final 2 games of the season outright as underdogs are automatic fades in bowl games. Historically, they have performed horribly in bowl games. This fact alone should keep you off MSU.

2) In response to the post #12 from mopack: Now, MSU isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut

Well they did average 200 yds on the ground and 200 yards passing so I would say that qualifies them as an offensive juggernaut.

**mgcolby** · 12-28-07, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by mopack

I think BC is a bit overrated and has been much of the year. Now, MSU isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut but they definitely have the weapons-ringer and caulcrick toting the rock, and devin thomas is a threat to go everytime he touches the ball. I see this as a very close, high scoring game. Playing MSU +5 and Over 56.5.

I agree they were overrated at number 2 but they are clearly a top 15 team. But BC has the number 1 rushing defense in the country. They allow 60 yards per game on the ground. Just an FYI.

**BuddyBear** · 12-28-07, 02:01 PM

I am not sure what to think here. I've heard both sides of the argument and both are pretty convincing. I agree wholeheartedly that BC is overrated and a one dimensional team. I've heard the emotion argument, i've heard the experience argument, I've heard the suspension argument, the BC bowl record argument, the QB argument...

Matt Ryan isn't that much better than Brian Hoyer trust me. Ryan threw 18 INTS compared to Hoyer's 7 INTS. However, he is more experienced.

I really don't know what to think. I"ve seen MSU +5.5 +100 on some books and am ready to bite. But I know that dogs that win outright their final 2 games of the year are horrible bets. On the other hand, i can't lay BC -5/-5.5...the line is out of control. I also know that teams that win the rushing battle typically win the game and MSU should be able to win that even with a lackluster performence just b/c BC does not run the ball much.

Anyone have a strong opinion on this game/total???? Even as an MSU alum I don't have much of an opinion.

**RJBucs** · 12-28-07, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by BuddyBear

I am not sure what to think here. I've heard both sides of the argument and both are pretty convincing. I agree wholeheartedly that BC is overrated and a one dimensional team. I've heard the emotion argument, i've heard the experience argument, I've heard the suspension argument, the BC bowl record argument, the QB argument...

Matt Ryan isn't that much better than Brian Hoyer trust me. Ryan threw 18 INTS compared to Hoyer's 7 INTS. However, he is more experienced.

I really don't know what to think. I"ve seen MSU +5.5 +100 on some books and am ready to bite. But I know that dogs that win outright their final 2 games of the year are horrible bets. On the other hand, i can't lay BC -5/-5.5...the line is out of control. I also know that teams that win the rushing battle typically win the game and MSU should be able to win that even with a lackluster performence just b/c BC does not run the ball much.

Anyone have a strong opinion on this game/total???? Even as an MSU alum I don't have much of an opinion.

This is my feeling almost to the T on this game. The suspensions worry me and I wanted to take MSU but I just dont know. And there is no way I can lay some wood on BC giving up -5.5. Prolly a no play for me. Good Luck fellas

**ronniejamedio** · 12-28-07, 03:07 PM

no one can predict what can happen. just like in texas last night. I think boston is the bettter team overall, so I roll that way. just like texas was the better team overall last night.

**area51steve** · 12-28-07, 04:10 PM

Boston College -5

Can the eagles defense, ranked 1st in Division 1-A against the run (68.1 yards allowed per game), stop the spartans rushing attack of Javon Ringer (1,346 yards and 6.0 yards per carry) and Jehuu Caulcrick (813 yds rushing and 21 TD's)? To do so BC will need a big game from FS Jamie Silva (75 solo tackles and 6 INT's).

This will be the final collegiate game for BC senior QB and reigning ACC player of the year, Matt Ryan (4.258 passing yards and 28 TD's).

The spartans will need to get pressure from DE Ervin Baldwin
(7.5 sacks), especially since the teams top pass-rusher,
DE Jonal Saint-Dic (10 sacks), has been declared academically ineligible for this game.

**rjt721** · 12-28-07, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by BuddyBear

Matt Ryan isn't that much better than Brian Hoyer trust me. Ryan threw 18 INTS compared to Hoyer's 7 INTS. However, he is more experienced.

Disagree here. Ryan's a much better QB. The numbers don't really tell the story. Ryan's thrown the ball almost twice as often as Hoyer. He's working behind a mediocre offensive line, and the victim of a coach who's foolishly abandoned the run this year (ridiculous considering the running game was the strength of the team under O'Brien, and Callender and Whitworth are very good backs). Ryan's not under nearly as much pressure as Hoyer, who benefits from a great running game. Ryan's also working with average receivers, and without a WR who even closely resembles the talents of Thomas.

Originally posted by BuddyBear

Anyone have a strong opinion on this game/total???? Even as an MSU alum I don't have much of an opinion.

Like the over a bit, particularly Sparty over 27. BC's run defense is ranked No. 1, but this is probably the best rushing attack they've faced, and I do think MSU can run on them. OSU is pretty much the only defense that's stopped MSU's ground game, and the Eagles' defense doesn't compare to the Buckeyes'. MSU's offense has played as well as anyone down the stretch, and w/o DeJuan Tribble, one of the best corners in the country, BC doesn't have a DB who can check Thomas, who should be good for a few big plays.

I give MSU a good shot of winning outright, but for some reason I'm a little hesitant to pull the trigger.

**onlooker** · 12-28-07, 05:03 PM

I have Boston College only being a -1 in this match up. Even with the players out for Michigan State, I would have to take my chances with the +6. I also have the total set around 55, so again, the UNDER 59 would be a lean.

This is yet another game I will not be wagering on, so good luck guys.

**greek** · 12-28-07, 05:04 PM

mich state

**onlooker** · 12-29-07, 12:04 AM

This was a pretty good game, where Boston College couldn't run the clock out and MSU couldn't field two punts at the end to get better field position then they got.

Boston College 24
Michigan State 21