2011-12 Bowls: Little Caesars Pizza Bowl open thread & Belk Bowl preview

by 3k on Dec 27, 2011 3:20 PM CST in 2012 NFL Draft

I was out of the loop yesterday during the day, but got back just in time to catch Mizzou run all over UNC in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl. It's going to be interesting to see Bryn Renner and Erik Highsmith in Chapel Hill next year without Dwight Jones. And say what you will about James Franklin being a bad quarterback (James Franklin is a bad quarterback), there's nothing wrong with finishing a season with 5 wins in 6 games including wins over Texas, Texas A&M, and the bowl win. Interestingly enough, that lone loss in the final six was to Baylor despite Franklin's best game of the year.

But let us stop living in the past. I say grab a copy of the watchlist, and let us look to the future and voyage into the unknown. For there is where truth lies! (I give a hearty yay for vapid cliches.)

Today's two bowls previewed after the jump.

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Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, (Western Michigan v. Purdue), 4:30pm - ESPN

Sadly, this is not the most intriguing of bowl games but it may be a fun watch. Western Michigan can put up points and let in quite a few as well (yes, this happened). And Purdue has been one of the most up-and-down teams in all of FBS. So here comes some wackiness.

Two players to keep an eye out for: Purdue RS junior DT Kawann Short and true sophomore CB Ricardo Allen. Both look like very, very strong prospects. Do not be deceived by W. Michigan WR Jordan White. He is the MAC version of Justin Blackmon, a prospect whose numbers are so ridiculous they mask the deficiencies in his game.

Here's the reference list:

- the watchlist

- Mocking the Draft watch notes

- the SBN StoryStream

- the EDSBS 35 for 35 show (with Travis of Hammer and Rails)

- Bill C's stat-heavy preview and prediction

- Hammer and Rails (now doubly linked), the SBN community for fans of Purdue

- Hustle Belt, the SBN community for the MAC conference

Rams player of interest: DT Kawann Short, Purdue (RS Jr.)

Final score: Western Michigan 48, Purdue 37

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Belk Bowl, (Louisville v. NC State), 8pm - ESPN

Getting closer to top tier scouting with this one. I've got four top prospects in the watchlist, though NC State sophomore CB David Amerson isn't draft eligible yet. And I should note I have a horrible pro-Terrell Manning bias. Just getting that out there.

I'll have some real info up for game time, but feel free to drop any questions at me in this thread.

Rams player of interest: OLB Terrell Manning, NC State (RS Jr.)

Final score: NC State 31, Louisville 21

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Comments

I haven't had crazy bread in like 18 years

there was a LC a few miles down the road for a year or so but it closed down. Now I have to drive an hour and a half to taste nostalgia. I’m willing to bet it’s gross anyway.

I’m hungry.

Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
GangGreenNation.com

by Bro Namath on Dec 27, 2011 3:55 PM CST reply actions

I found this funny.

2 men enter 1 man leaves. THOSE ARE THE RULES OF THUNDER DOME!
"I learned that Madonna will be singing at the Super Bowl. I thought this was football not the soundtrack to your menopause." ~ RAMpage28

by RAMpage28 on Dec 27, 2011 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

I used to go to this Little Caesars

right off campus back when I was at UNT. It smelled like flour and Optimos.

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan

by 3k on Dec 27, 2011 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

The crazy bread was always great.

I remember their pizzas (back in the day) always being square. Tripped me out as a youngin’ to see a square pizza.

Now you can spend $5 on a large pepperoni that’s been sitting in a heating cabinet for 4 hours.

"Fac Fortia et Patere"

by FailureDrill on Dec 27, 2011 4:31 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

but

it’s soaked up all that good metallic flavor. Mmmmm, tungsten

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan

by 3k on Dec 27, 2011 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

Sausage, pepperoni

and the refreshing taste of industrial-grade oven cleaner. It’s the new Little Caesar’s Hot-n-Ready-n-Toxic! Nasty-nasty!

/ate one two weeks ago

"Fac Fortia et Patere"

by FailureDrill on Dec 27, 2011 4:39 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

We just got a LC back after being gone from the region for a number of years

Now they have wings – 8 for fi-dollar. Can’t beat that. They take a slight short cut. The wings are just sitting there in their little container under the lights. When you order em, they ladel on whatever sauce (of 8) you want. Actually not too bad in spite of the description – better than Dominos.

Were we supposed to talk about football?

3K – It’s OK with the Terrell Manning bromance. He’s the real deal in college. Not sure how well it will translate in the NFL, but he is always around the ball. I think Nate Irving was better last year, but he hasn’t done much with the Broncos – has only played in 4 games this season. That’s disappointing because he was GREAT in college as the Mike. For that reason, I’m scared Manning will not play up to expectations either.

Gabriel to Snow - TOUCHDOWN!

by ramdude on Dec 27, 2011 6:36 PM CST up reply actions