Going Bowling, Day One

As part of what I hope to be a continuing series (we've all seen how much follow through I have when it comes to this blog), here is a preview of Thursday night's kickoff to the bowl season.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Utah Utes (8-4) vs. Navy Midshipmen (8-4)

Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

December 20, 8 PM CT on ESPN

The people of San Diego loved the Holiday Bowl so much, they decided to give it a little brother. The long and storied history of this game dates all the way back to 2005 when Navy defeated Colorado State 51-30. After a couple more years, this game could replace the Rose Bowl as "The Grand Daddy of Them All."

Even though Navy has lost coach Paul Johnson (not the former Tuscola High School teacher) to Georgia Tech, the Middies will continue to use the triple-option under new head coach Ken Niumatalolo. If you thought Ken Niumatalolo was the best name involved in the game, then you aren't aware of Navy QB Kaipo-Noa-Kaheaku-Enhada. Wasn't that the name of the high school football star voiced by Brendan Fraser on "King of the Hill?"

Biased Pick: Navy 1776, Utah 45

Actual Pick: Navy 33, Utah 28 (Only a terrorist would pick against the Naval Academy)