Ten to Win: Post Christmas bowls offer chances for upsets

Clemson's C.J. Spiller will be out to help the Tigers break a three-game bowl losing streak. (Icon SMI)

By Ben Cook, Lindyssports.com columnist

“Ten to Win” has gone 4-2 in the first six bowl games to bring the season record to 95-50. So, here are the picks for the post-Christmas weekend.

Ohio (9-4) vs. Marshall (6-6) in the Little Caesar’s Bowl: Ohio comes into this game a big favorite, although Ohio will be coming in after losing the MAC Championship Game. If they can get over that disappointment, quarterback Theo Scott should lead the Bobcats to their first bowl win. Marshall will be trying to avoid a losing season with interim coach Rick Minter directing the effort.

Ohio 31, Marshall 24

Pittsburgh (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4) in the Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pitt had the Big East championship and a BCS bowl as its goal, but the Panthers lost that heartbreaking 45-44 decision to Cincinnati and it all went out the window. Can the Panthers get over it and convince themselves that beating North Carolina and winning the Car Care Bowl are a good substitute. Dion Lewis was outstanding against Cincinnati, and if he can have a similar game, the Panthers are the best team. But the Tar Heels are in a good spot for an upset if T.J. Yates has a big game. I just have a feeling this game will mean more to the Heels.

North Carolina 20, Pittsburgh 17

Boston College (8-4) vs. Southern California (8-4) in the Emerald Bowl: These two teams come into this bowl game feeling different about their 8-4 records. USC stumbled down the stretch losing three of its last five while BC was picked to finish last in the ACC Atlantic Division, yet here they are. BC’s Montel Harris rushed for 1,355 and 13 touchdowns, but can he do it against the Trojans’ defense. USC has been distracted by Joe McKnight’s driving habits, academic casualties and rumors that Pete Carroll has let the program get away from him. Expect the Trojans to mail it in.

Boston College 24, USC 21

Kentucky vs. Clemson in the Music City Bowl: This could be an entertaining game. Kentucky just keeps on doing what most people don’t expect. This is the fourth year in a row that Rick Brooks has the Wildcats playing in the postseason and they will be trying to win their fourth consecutive bowl game. Clemson, on the other hand, brings one of America’s most explosive players into the game in C.J. Spiller. The Tigers will be trying to avoid a fourth consecutive bowl loss and if they turn Spiller loose, they should be able to accomplish that goal.

Clemson 38, Kentucky 21