Preview: 2012 Fiesta Bowl 41st edition “Shoot-out
in the Desert”
Date/Time:
January 2, 2012 8:30 PM (EST)
Stanford
Cardinals (11-1) vs. Oklahoma St. Cowboys (11-1) Favorite: Cowboys by 3
All-Time
Series: 1st meeting between the two teams
Boomers Four Keys in creating a “Fiesta”:
1)
Andrew Luck vs. Brandon Weeden
I can’t imagine seeing these two
teams in this game, if it were not for the two quarterbacks on each side.
Andrew Luck the foregone #1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft had a stellar season,
3,170 passing yards, 35 TD’s (5th in the nation) to only 9 INT’s.
The Heisman Runner-up the past 2 seasons, Luck showed all season what kind of
quarterback he would be in the future. Weeden, 28 haha, led Oklahoma State to
their 1st Big 12 Championship in school history. Weeden’s numbers
were among the leaders in the nation, 73% passes completed, 4,328 passing
yards, and 34 TD’s. In the end, I like Weeden and his sidekick two-time
Biletnikoff Winner Justin Blackmon (1336 receiving yards and 15 TD’s.) Advantage: Oklahoma State
2)
Stepfan Taylor vs. Joseph Randle
With
the focus of both offenses being on the passing attack, I believe whichever
team can mixed in the running game most effectively, will go a long way in
winning this game. Stepfan Taylor was the Cardinals #1 running back providing
the Cardinal attack with 1,314 total offensive yards and 10 TD’s. Taylor will
be counted on to provid the Cardinals offense with some balance, and help open
up the passing game for Luck. Joseph Randle finished the regular season with
1,193 rushing yards and 23 TD’s (4th in the nation). Randle also
showed he could be a reliable set of hands catching the ball out of the
backfield (38 catches, 238 yards, 2 TD’s). Both running
backs will do a great job spelling each one of their Quarterbacks, but I’m
going to have to go with Randle in this match-up. Advantage: Oklahoma State
3)
Let-Down vs. Opportunity
Each team is probably thinking,
“what if”, with both teams being passed over by Alabama (another one-loss team)
to play LSU in the National Championship. With that, both teams can play this
game two ways, play like you have been left off the “invite” list or show the
nation on national television that you deserved a shot at the National
Championship. Both programs are excellently coached and I can’t see either
playing below their potential. Both teams will play with a chip on their
shoulder. Advantage: Both teams
4)
David Shaw vs. Mike Gundy
Both
coaches will be coaching in their first BCS bowl game as Head Coaches, Coach
Shaw being on the Stanford staff last year as an assistant. Coach Shaw took
over the Stanford program from previous Coach Jim Harbaugh (watch your handshake
with that guy, haha) and guided the Cardinals to an 11-1 record in his 1st
year at the helm. Coach Gundy has come a long way from his “I’m a man, I’m 40”
rant, to guide the Cowboys to the schools first ever Big 12 Championship. It
will be interesting to see how each one matches each other as the game goes
along. I’m leaning towards the more experienced coach in Gundy in this one, coming
up with a BCS bowl victory. Advantage:
Oklahoma State
Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Stanford 35. I’M A MAN, IM
25!
