Bowl Games, Ranked Only by Name

There are just some things that are staples of the holiday season. Christmas carols being played everywhere you go. Houses lit up with lights. Shopping malls filled up with hurried people looking for a gift for that special someone. Random college football games scattered throughout the week.

That's right, the arrival of the holiday season also marks the arrival of bowl game season. Bowl games feel like novelties. There are currently 40 in total, and each one is unique in its own special way. Some have conference tie ins. Some have team tie-ins. Some are grand events, paired with parades and celebrations. Others are just excuses for a quick vacation. Yes, most of them are glorified exhibition games, and yes, the main purpose of them is to generate as much money as possible for the evil empire that is the NCAA, but if we look past that, we can appreciate the weirdness and wackiness of bowl season.

One of the weirdest and wackiest things about bowl season are the bowl game names. The combination of the word "Bowl" with plants, foods, or other things, along with an obscure sponsor, can make for some silly-sounding names. There have been dozens and dozens of different bowl names throughout the century-plus history of college football, and some have had more staying power than others. Since I like to play games, let's play a quick round of "Which List is Real". I will give a list of words that were real bowl game monikers at some point or another. I will also give a list of bowl game names I just made up. It's up to you to discern which is which.

List A:

• Galleryfurniture.com Bowl
• Poulan Weed-Eater Independence Bowl
• Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl
• Blockbuster Bowl
• Papajohns.com Bowl

List B:

• Salad Bowl
• Gotham Bowl
• Raisin Bowl
• Aloha Bowl
• Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented by Bridgestone

Were you able to figure out which list of bowl games is real, and which is not. It's difficult, but there are some tell-tale signs... okay, I tricked you. All the names on the lists were names of real-life bowl games. But that just goes to show how ridiculous some of these names are. So ridiculous that fellow Head In The Gamer Troy Lehman and I decided to rank this year's bowl games solely based on name.

1. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 3

Not only is it the Potato Bowl, it's the Idaho Potato Bowl. Not only is it the Idaho Potato Bowl, it's the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Potatoes are such a versatile food. They're great baked, cooked, fried, sliced, diced, salted, or cheesed. But not sweet or mashed. 

Troy's Ranking: 1

If you look up perfect bowl name in some weirdly specific dictionary that exists, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is right next to it. Here's a couple of things that make me really like a bowl name: First is that the "base name" has something to do with the location without being the actual location. Second is a sponsor that actually makes sense for the game. Both are true with the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. 

2. Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 1

Behold this wondrous bowl game name in all of its glory. Bad Boy Mowers? Best name for a bowl game sponsor. Gasparilla? I don't know what it is or means, but it sounds pretty dope. Put those together and that's a fine-lookin' bowl game name.

Troy's Ranking: 6

The name Gasparilla derives from pirate legend José Gaspar, who supposedly mostly resided in the Tampa Bay area. If you name something after a pirate, I'm likely to like it.

3. Celebration Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 4

Troy's Ranking: 4

Celebrate good times come on!

4. Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual

Grant's Ranking: 9

You know it's a serious bowl game when it includes "Presented by". And "The Grandaddy of Them All" is a serious bowl game . However, there are better-sounding insurance companies for a bowl game to be presented by. Imagine the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Lemonade (which is apparently the name of a real insurance company).

Troy's Ranking: 3

The classic of all classic bowl games. The Rose Bowl is simple and elegant-sounding. Plus it's probably the most historic bowl game and never bows down to a sponsor, hence the phrasing "presented by". 

5. Walk-On's Independence Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 13

I have some questions here. To whom is "Walk-On" referring to? And what does it mean by "Walk-on's Independence". Are we celebrating this walk-on's independence? Is this walk-on fighting for his/her independence? I need answers.

Troy's Ranking: 2

Many a walk-on has laid down their lives in the great Independence War of 1987. This bowl game is in remembrance of them. 

6. Camellia Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 12

I initially didn't know what a camellia was. Turns out it's a pretty flower, which compelled me to move this bowl up in my rankings despite still not knowing for sure whether it's pronounced "camellia" or "camellia".

Troy's Ranking: 5

There's not anything too much to why this bowl is ranked so high. I think it just sounds nice and is a sort of interesting sounding word. Also, I looked up camellia and it's a very nice looking flower. 

7. TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 7

I just love that this bowl name features the words "Tax", "Slayer" and "Gator" consecutively. The only other place I would expect to see those words together is in a Florida newspaper article...

A Florida man was arrested Thursday afternoon at a local Wal-Mart. The man got visibly upset after an employee refused to take the sales tax off of his purchase. He claimed that, as a "Gator Slayer", he should be tax-exempt. After being asked to leave by the manager, he returned naked and carrying the head of an alligator in his hand. It was then that police were called. 

Troy's Ranking: 14

This is the bowl game featuring the greatest team in the state of Indiana (Notre Dame is its own city-state and does not show up on state maps). Less importantly, it sounds like the most possible Florida bowl game name.

8. Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 11

These are just three fun words to say (and "bowl", which is just okay). Apparently, Cheribundi is a tart cherry drink that claims to have "the highest antioxidant strength of any super fruit juice", so they have that going for them too. Also, Boca Raton is the hometown of pop superstar Ariana Grande.

Troy's Ranking: 11

This is just so fun sounding. I'm not sure what Cheribundi is but I'm just going to assume it's a small mammal native to Australia. Boca Raton is the bowl location that sounds the most like it is from Star Wars. By the way, my on the record opinion of The Rise of Skywalker is that it is a very good movie.

T-9. Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Grant's Ranking: 8

This name exudes confidence. Not only does it include a company that makes tires (which are necessary for driving) and a fabric that can be made into clothing (which is necessary for a lot of things), it also forgoes "Bowl" for the more elegant "Classic".

Troy's Ranking: 15

The sponsorship isn't overpowering the base name of the bowl game and Cotton is something that goes with the location of the game. Overall it's just a solid bowl name. 

T-9. Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman

Grant's Ranking: 10

This may not be as serious as the Rose Bowl, but it's still a serious bowl game, as evidenced by the "Presented by". I have no idea who Northrop Grumman is, but kudos to him (or her) for supporting our troops.

Troy's Ranking: 13

I mean obviously, I'm going to support this bowl name. The sponsorship doesn't shadow the great base name of the Military Bowl. 

11. Allstate Sugar Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 17

I enjoy sugar. One might even say I am addicted to sugar. I like sugary foods and sugary drinks. The more sugar, the better. however, a bowl of sugar does not sound appetizing to me, especially one sponsored by an insurance company.

Troy's Ranking: 8

Again, I like it when the sponsor doesn't get in the way of the true bowl name, and "Sugar" goes well with a game played in the South. It's a classic name that doesn't try to be anything silly. 

T-12. Vrbo Citrus Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 19

Citrus is cool. My issue is with the first "word" in this name. It has three consonants back-to-back, and only one vowel. That is an uneven consonant-to-vowel ratio. On the other hand, it still sounds cool, and it apparently helps you find places to stay when going on vacation.

Troy's Ranking: 7

Unlike the Orange Bowl, this bowl decided to include all the fruits of the citrus because we gotta support our lemon and lime-loving friends. 

T-12. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 16

This is a fine name for a bowl. But it pales in comparison to its predecessor. "Tostitos Fiesta Bowl" just fit so well. Nothing against PlayStation, but when I think "fiesta" (or "bowl", for that matter), I think "tortilla chips" long before I think "video game console". 

Troy's Ranking: 10

The name would've been higher back when it was the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl because tortilla chips go more hand and hand with a fiesta. On the other hand, I'm on team Sony, so as long as it's not the X-Box Bowl it'll stay high. 

T-14. Capital One Orange Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 18

Another fine bowl game name. Just fine. If we were judging bowl games based on trophies, this would be higher, but since this is solely based on the name. a fruit-flavored bowl sponsored by a credit card company is slightly above average.

Troy's Ranking: 9

I like how this bowl has had a consistent sponsor for a long time. To go along with it, if you think about the positive things associated with Florida - difficult I know - oranges are usually near the top.  

T-14. Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 15

I've looked over Chick-fil-a's menu and I have not found any peaches. This is a case of two things that are good on their own not quite fitting when combined. That being said, I love chicken as much as I love sugar, so this is a top-15 bowl game name for me. 

Troy's Ranking: 12

I would like to correct Grant's misinformation. Chick-fil-a has had a peach milkshake on its menu. That being said, two things that get associated with Atlanta are the chicken restaurant and peaches. The combo makes for a good bowl name. 

16. Outback Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 14

The "Outback" here is obviously referring to Outback Steakhouse, but it also sounds like it could be a football game played in the middle of the desert by kangaroos. That image alone puts this name up this high, even if it's really just a bowl sponsored by a steakhouse.

Troy's Ranking: 17

Here's where I start to get into my personal philosophy about bowl names; if the bowl name is only a sponsor with nothing else, it's a bad name. That being said, the Outback Bowl is the best of the sponsor only names. 

17. Belk Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 6

Alliteration is always a good thing when it comes to bowl game names. Also, I like the simplicity here. Two words, two syllables. There is often beauty in simplicity. Another plus is the fact that this is the only bowl game I follow on Twitter.

Troy's Ranking: 26

Remember what I just said about sponsor only bowls? Well, that comes up again. Sure, Belk Bowl is fun to say, but for the love of all branding add in something else, otherwise once you inevitably change the sponsor no one will know what bowl you're talking about. 

18. Cheez-It Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 5

I'm all for bowl games named after snack foods. Give me the Cheeto Bowl, the Dorito Bowl, the Peanut-Butter Pretzel Bowl (which would be number one in my rankings), etc. Sure, it sounds kind of silly, but that's exactly what bowl season is.

Troy's Ranking: 29

This is a bad bowl name, I'm not going to sugar coat it. It's sponsor only, which is terrible, and it's a sponsor that makes it sound super cheesy, pun intended. Also, I'm a Ritz Bitz kind of guy. 

19. Valero Alamo Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 20

The Alamo Bowl is not quite as memorable as the actual Alamo. It's a solidly-named bowl, but I don't know how I feel about the back-to-back words ending in "o".

Troy's Ranking: 16

This is the bowl name you most need to remember. 

20. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 2

This sounds like some kind of fancy drink at Starbucks. But it sounds like a fancy drink I would definitely order. 

Troy's Ranking: 36

I haven't disagreed with Grant this much since hearing his terrible take on ice cream. This bowl game is five words long. It's a corny sponsor name that has nothing to do with Frisco, Texas. All around it's just terrible. 

T-21. AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 23

As the well-know phrase from the Declaration of Independence reads, "Life, the Liberty Bowl, and the pursuit of auto parts". At least, I'm pretty sure that's how it goes. Anyway, I appreciate this bowl celebrating America's freedom, but I don't think there's anything free at AutoZone.

Troy's Ranking: 18

Give me Liberty Bowl or give me motor oil!

T-21. TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 21

This name gets points for alliteration, but loses points because the word(s) "TicketSmarter" is thrown in front. Luckily, the name still has some flow to it despite the inclusion of Ticketmaster's little brother.

Troy's Ranking: 20

I mean it's just whatever. Whoever decided on the company of TicketSmarter shouldn't be naming things, but the bowl name is far from the worst. 

23. Quick Lane Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 22

This is a nice, short, clean bowl game name. No, it's not flashy, and yes, it's sponsored by a place that changes oil, but the three one-syllable words add a succinctness to it.

Troy's Ranking: 22

I don't like sponsor only bowl names as previously established. It also reminds me that this used to be the Motor City Bowl, which is a phenomenal bowl name. 

T-24. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 27

I like the name "Music City Bowl". It's a lot better than just calling it the "Memphis Bowl". But then they had to go and ruin it by putting "Franklin American Mortgage" in front. Now the bowl game name is too many syllables. Points for the little alliteration in the middle, though.

Troy's Ranking: 19

Music City Bowl is a very good name for a bowl. The problem is that Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl is such a long name that it probably won't fit on a standard tee-shirt. 

T-24. San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 25

Speaking of bowl game names with too many syllables, this Boxing Day bowl sponsored by a city's credit union is a classic. But despite being too long, it is based in San Diego (which I've heard is a beautiful city) and does include the word "Holiday", so it's not a horrible name.

Troy's Ranking: 21

Once again the name is just too long. The Holiday Bowl is a well known bowl name but the sponsor hurts a lot more than it helps. 

26. SoFi Hawai'i Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 24

If you like words doing things that words don't usually do, then this bowl is for you. The first word has a capital letter in the middle of it, and the second word has an apostrophe between two i's. If only they didn't pair a beautiful batch of islands with a loan refinancing company.

Troy's Ranking: 24

I honestly don't remember why I ranked this one so low. It kind of flows but is nothing special. 

27. SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 28

OH, SO YOU THINK YOU'RE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVERYONE ELSE BECAUSE YOU'RE IN ALL CAPS?? WELL, YOU'RE NOT!! However, first responders are incredibly important and I want to thank them for their service.

Troy's Ranking: 23

WHY IS THE SPONSOR YELLING AT ME?!? PLEASE MAKE IT STOP! I'M GETTING SCARED.

28. New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 26

There is only so much excitement that can be had regarding a bowl named after a fabric design and a brand of hat. If a bowl chooses to go that route, I would rather see it be named something like "59Fifty Polka-Dot Bowl". But maybe that's just me. 

Troy's Ranking: 27

I mean I kind of like that everything has to do with it being in a baseball stadium, especially the Yankee stadium. At the same time, why are they playing a football game in Yankee Stadium? Why is NYCFC playing in Yankee Stadium? Could we please start only playing baseball in Yankee Stadium?

29. New Mexico Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 32

Not much to discuss here. It's a bowl game named for the state that it takes place in. So here are some fun facts about New Mexico:

• New Mexico has the highest number of PhDs per capita of any state
• Santa Fe, NM is the oldest capital city in the United States. It was established in 1610. It is also the highest capital in America, at 7,000 feet above sea level
• There probably aren't aliens in New Mexico, but there might be buried treasure.

Troy's Ranking: 25

I mean it's just nothing special. I do kind of want to go to New Mexico though, it seems like a funky place to be, plus I could see some aliens. 

30. Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 30

I should have ranked this one higher. This is a weird bowl game name that makes me appreciate the unnecessarily large number of bowl game. But it also makes no sense. I do not believe a "tiger sun" is a thing, and I'm pretty sure Tony cannot claim ownership of the Sun.

Troy's Ranking: 28

Can we just not call it this? Could we all decide as a community to not call it the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl?

31. Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 29

This isn't even the best military-related bowl game. I do prefer the name "Armed Forces Bowl" to "Military Bowl", but instead of being "presented by" a guy with an interesting name, they just put the interesting name of a guy in front of the bowl name.

Troy's Ranking: 30

This is like when someone names their youngest kid something that's super close to the older kid, like if it's Molly and Milly. 

32. Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 31

With the right sponsor, the Bahamas Bowl has the potential to be a great bowl game name. This is not the right sponsor. This is literally an advertisement for an industrial park in Illinois, which sounds like the opposite of the Bahamas.

Troy's Ranking: 31

It's just not interesting. I mean you probably don't need a stellar sponsor to convince teams to come play in the Bahamas, but still. 

T-33. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 34

I'd love to visit New Orleans some day. I've heard that it's a fun city. To create this bowl game name, they put a fun city with the name of a freight shipping company. I shouldn't have had to look that up, because "R+L Carriers" sounds exactly like the name of a freight shipping company.

Troy's Ranking: 32

I have no real rhyme or reason, this is just a bad sounding name. 

T-33. Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 33

Like New Orleans, Las Vegas is a fun city I'd love to visit. I equate the "City of Sin" with many things, but a Japanese car manufacturer is not one of those things. Even the alliteration can't save this name.

Troy's Ranking: 33

Call it the Sin City Bowl and all your problems are solved. 

35. FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 35

I was wondering what the bowl was trying to cure (or if it was sponsored by the band "The Cure"), so I looked it up. It turns out that this bowl is named this way as a way to raise awareness for breast cancer, so kudos to them for that. As sweet as the sentiment is, however, it's a below-average name, especially with its new sponsor. 

Troy's Ranking: 34

Is this bowl trying to cure mortgages? I'm not really sure what that means but I guess we have to run in a 5K to raise money. 

36. NOVA Home Loans Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 37

This is literally a bowl game named after a mortgage company. Not just an existing bowl that's sponsored by a mortgage company (like the Cure Bowl), but a bowl game for a mortgage company. Because nothing says football like debt (well, maybe college football...).

Troy's Ranking: 35

This is both a sponsor only bowl and a bowl with a boring sponsor. That combo equals a bad name. 

37. LendingTree Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 36

Speaking of debt...

Troy's Ranking: 37

See the NOVA Home Loans Bowl. 

38. Redbox Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 38

I didn't know Redbox was still a thing. People still rent physical copies of movies? With the amount of streaming options popping up these days, they probably won't much longer. Redbox is an endangered species in my eyes.

Troy's Ranking: 38

Do people still use Redbox? You can find basically every movie known to man on some streaming service and if not you could probably rent it on Amazon for an extra dollar. 

39. Camping World Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 39

Wait, there is a game called the World Bowl, and it's sponsored by camping? Oh, it's just a bowl sponsored by a place called Camping World? That's disappointing. I would much rather have an international bowl sponsored by the act of camping. 

Troy's Ranking: 39

Sponsor-only so it's getting a thumbs down. 

40. Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl

Grant's Ranking: 40

Look, there are no bowl game names I truly hate. There are just some I think sound worse than others. This bowl has multiple components of a worse-sounding name, including being too long, being named after the state it takes place in, and being overshadowed by the name of the sponsor.

Troy's Ranking: 40

This is gross. It sounds so bad. Whoever decided to let this happen deserves to have a bad Tuesday.



Follow Troy on Twitter @T_RoyStory and Grant on Twitter @G_Tingley 

Championship Week Primer

It feels good to be back. After starting my first real adult job, I took a break from my weekly football previews. This was mostly because I now work for most of the day Monday-Friday, and I have much less time and energy to do a preview every week. But this is Championship Week.

PAC-12 Championship

#5 Utah vs. #13 Oregon

Where: Santa Clara, CA

When: Friday, 8:00 PM

TV: ABC

Line: UT -6.5   O/U: 45.5

Who to Watch For: Oregon QB Justin Herbert entered the season as one of the favorites to be the first quarterback taken in next year's NFL Draft. Although that no longer looks to be the case (thanks to the play of Joe Burrow), Herbert, who has thrown for 3140 yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions this season, will still be one of the first signal-callers taken next April.

While Oregon has ridden Herbert's arm this season, Utah has ridden the legs of Zack Moss. Moss has toted the rock 200 times this year, rushing for 1246 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is also a good argument for Utah's inclusion in the Playoff. He got injured in the first half and did not return in Utah's lone defeat (a 30-23 loss at USC), meaning the team's only blemish came largely without the services of its best player. Luckily, his services will be available Friday night.

Playoff Implications: The PAC-12's hopes of being represented in the College Football Playoff for the first time since the inaugural CFP in 2015 rest on the shoulders of Utah. If the one-loss Utes take care of Oregon Friday night and Georgia loses to LSU Saturday, they will likely be the fourth and final Playoff team.

Fun(?) Facts: Utah's team name is the Utes. "Utes" are a segment of Native Americans who reside in Utah and Nevada. The Utes once had a head coach whose nickname was "Cactus". I'm assuming this was because he had a prickly personality and didn't drink a lot of water.

Oregon's team name is the Ducks. The team was known as the Webfoots (which is just a sillier way to say Ducks) until the 1960's. The Webfoots had several nickname-laden head coaches, including "Cap", "Doc", "Prink" (no, I have no idea what that means), and "Tex".

Pick: Utah 28, Oregon 24

Big 12 Championship

#7 Baylor @ #6 Oklahoma

Where: Arlington, TX

When: Saturday, Noon

TV: ABC

Line: OU -9   O/U: 65

Who to Watch For: Joe Burrow may be the clear favorite to win the Heisman Trophy now, but back in Week 1, it looked like Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts might run away with the award following a six-touchdown performance in his Sooner debut. The Hurts Heisman buzz has faded a bit since then, but his performance hasn't. The former Alabama starter has 4564 total yards and 49 total touchdowns this season, and he and receiver CeeDee Lamb (14 TD) are one of the most electrifying pairings in college football.

On the Baylor side, I could go with WR Denzel Mims or QB Charlie Brewer, but I would be remiss if I didn't highlight junior defensive tackle James Lynch, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Lynch has registered 10.5 sacks on the season (tied for 13th-most in the nation) and is Baylor's all-time leader in career sacks with 19. He is part of the reason Baylor had the best scoring defense in the Big 12 this season (18.4 points allowed per game).

Playoff Implications: Both teams still have a shot at making the Playoff, but they'll need some outside help to sneak in. The winner of this game will need two of the following things to happen: A Georgia loss to LSU, a Utah loss to Oregon, a Clemson loss to Virginia. The chances may not be all that high, but it's definitely possible.

Fun(?) Facts: Here's a fact(?) straight off of Wikipedia: "The Big 12 conference is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Delaware", a state nowhere near any Big 12 school.

Also, the Big 12 currently has 10 teams, while the Big Ten currently has 14 teams. At least the Pac-12 (formerly the Big Five, Big Six, Pac-8, and Pac-10) has stayed up-to-date.

Pick: Oklahoma 38, Baylor 31

Sun Belt Championship

Louisiana @ #21 Appalachian State

Where: Boone, NC

When: Saturday, Noon

TV: ESPN

Line: APP -6.5   O/U: 57.5

Who to Watch For: App State's high-scoring offense (38.9 points per game, 11th in the nation) is led by junior running back Darrynton Evans. The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year has scored 20 total touchdowns this season (19 rushing, three receiving and one on a kick return). Against Charlotte on September 7, Evans ran for 234 yards and three touchdowns, and he added a kickoff return for a touchdown. He is the only player this century to have at least 200 yards rushing, three rushing touchdowns and a kick return touchdown in a single game.

Although Louisiana did not have any offensive players make the All-Sun Belt First Team, the Ragin' Cajuns actually led the conference in total offense (500.3 yards per game, eighth in the nation). A large part of that powerful offensive attack is senior wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley, who has recorded 48 receptions this season, totaling 760 yards and seven touchdowns.

Playoff Implications: There are no College Football Playoff implications here. There aren't even any New Year's Six implications here, since the winner of the Memphis - Cincinnati game will represent the Group of Five over Appalachian State.

Fun(?) Facts: Louisiana (AKA the University of Louisiana Lafayette) is known as the Ragin' Cajuns. According to Wikipedia, "Ragin' Cajun" is also a nickname given to political consultant James Carville, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Russel Honore, former wrestler and current cartoonist John LeRoux, "racing driver" (Wikipedia's term, not mine) Hal Martin, and FIDDLER Doug Kershaw. That is probably one of the few things that could tie together a political consultant, a pro wrestler-turned-cartoonist, an army general, a race car driver, and a fiddle player.

Pick: Appalachian State 35, Louisiana 28

MAC Championship

Miami (OH) vs. Central Michigan

Where: Detroit, MI

When: Saturday, Noon

TV: ESPN2

Line: CMU -6.5   O/U: 55

Who to Watch For: Miami's freshman quarterback has a name that may sound familiar to football fans. Brett Gabbert is the younger brother of NFL (is he still in the NFL? I'm honestly not sure.) quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Brett won the MAC's Freshman of the Year award, throwing for 1967 yards and 10 touchdowns (along with eight interceptions).

Central Michigan's offense has been more productive than Miami's, and that offense is highlighted by the MAC's leading receiver, Kalil Pimpleton. The sophomore has caught 73 passes for 771 yards and six touchdowns this season. He also has 20 punt returns totaling 180 yards. He also has a fun name.

Playoff Implications: I love the MAC and all the weird moments it has produced, but I doubt there will ever be a Mid-American Conference game with College Football Playoff implications.

Fun(?) Facts: First off, shout out to college football blogger Spencer Hall (@edsbs on Twitter) for giving us the term "#MACtion". He may not have invented the term, but he at least popularized it.

Secondly, the MAC has had one team make a "major" bowl game: Northern Illinois in 2012, when the 15th-ranked Wolfpack played Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Pick: Central Michigan 41, Miami (OH) 28

Conference USA Championship

UAB @ Florida Atlantic

Where: Boca Raton, FL

When: Saturday, 1:30 PM

TV: CBSSN

Line: FAU -8.5   O/U: 49.5

Who to Watch For: Florida Atlantic had the second-best offense in Conference USA this season (431.2 yards per game), thanks to a passing offense highlighted by senior Harrison Bryant. Bryant has caught 61 passes this year for 965 yards and six touchdowns, and he's a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which is given to the nation's top tight end. 

While UAB isn't as productive on the offensive side of the ball, the Dragons do possess the best defense in the conference. A key cog in that defense is sophomore linebacker Jordan Smith, who has registered 10 sacks this season (tied for 15th nationally) and forced four fumbles. Smith and the rest of the defense will be paramount to UAB pulling off an upset.

Playoff Implications: No, there are no College Football Playoff implications here, and, as with the MAC, there will probably never be a Conference USA Championship game with Playoff implications.

Fun(?) Facts: Due to insufficient funds to build new facilities, the UAB football program was shut down after the 2014 season. The next year, it was announced that the program would return in 2017. In the nearly three seasons since coming back to life, the Dragons are a combined 28-10.

Pick: Florida Atlantic 34, UAB 21

American Athletic Conference Championship

#20 Cincinnati @ #17 Memphis

Where: Memphis, TN

When: Saturday, 3:30 PM

TV: ABC

Line: MEM -9.5   O/U: 57.5

Who to Watch For: Memphis has one of the most productive running backs in the country, and he's only a freshman. Kenneth Gainwell, the American's Freshman of the Year, has racked up 1381 rushing yards (11th in the nation) and 12 touchdowns (tied-20th) on 204 carries (tied-27th), averaging 6.8 yards per carry (14th). Watch out for this guy the next few years.

Cincinnati has the best scoring defense in the conference (21.1 points allowed per game), and it's hard to highlight just one player. Five Bearcat defenders made the all-conference first team: lineman Elijah Ponder, linebackers Bryan Wright and Perry Young, corner Ahmad Gardner, and junior safety Darrick Forrest, who has racked up a team-leading 52 tackles, along with three interceptions.

Playoff Implications: There are no playoff implications in this game, but there are New Year's Six implications. Every year, the highest-ranked champion from the Group of Five conferences (American, Sun Belt, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West) gets a spot in either the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, or Peach Bowl. This year, that team will be Memphis if the Tigers win this game. If Cincinnati wins, it will either be the Bearcats or Boise State.

Fun(?) Facts: The AAC (American Athletic Conference) is the newest major college football conference. It formed in 2013 from the rubble of the old Big East, although the conference still claims 1979 (the year the Big East formed) as its inception date. The conference spreads as far northeast as Connecticut, as far south as (South) Florida, and as far west as (Houston) Texas. In that sense, I guess it is the most "American" conference.

Pick: Cincinnati 35, Memphis 34

SEC Championship

#4 Georgia vs. #2 LSU

Where: Atlanta, GA

When: Saturday, 4:00 PM

TV: CBS

Line: LSU -7   O/U: 56

Who to Watch For: LSU has the second-best offense in the country (560.4 yards per game), and the Tigers have stars at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. With all due respect to Clyde Edwards-Helaire (1233 yards rushing, 16 TD) and Ja'Marr Chase (1457 yards receiving, 17 TD), I can't not highlight the likely Heisman winner, senior QB Joe Burrow. The former Ohio State backup has torn up opposing defenses this season to the tune of 4366 yards and 44 touchdowns, both second-best in the nation. He's also the top QB draft prospect.

Georgia has not had the offensive success LSU has, but when the Bulldogs do have success, it's often due to junior running back D'Andre Swift. Swift has rushed for 1203 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He is listed as questionable for this game with a shoulder injury, but he's expected to play.

Playoff Implications: The implications are pretty simple in this game. Win or lose, LSU likely gets into the playoff. If Georgia wins, the Bulldogs are in. If they lose, they are out.

Fun(?) Facts: Bulldogs are called bulldogs because they used to be used to herd bulls. Tigers have never herded Bulls, but they are extremely dangerous animals. I think of bulldogs as dogs with ugly faces, and I think of tigers as beardless lions. I don't know which animal would win in a fight (probably the tiger), but it would be a battle.

Pick: LSU 42, Georgia 21

Mountain West Championship

Hawai'i @ #19 Boise State

Where: Boise, ID

When: Saturday, 4:00 PM

TV: ESPN

Line: BSU -14   O/U: 64.5

Who to Watch For: The Blue Field Broncos are led defensively by junior linebacker Curtis Weaver. The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year has 13.5 sacks on the season, good for fifth in the nation. His four sacks against Portland State tied a school record. He also has an interception and a forced fumble this season.

The Island Rainbow Warriors are led offensively by junior quarterback Cole McDonald. McDonald is among the nation's leaders in passing yards (3401, eighth in the country) and touchdowns (29, tied for 13th in the country). The California native also has great hair.

Playoff Implications: No Playoff implications to be found out west Saturday afternoon, but, as is the case with the American Championship, there are New Year's Six implications. If Boise State wins and Memphis loses to Cincinnati, it will either be the Broncos or Bearcats representing the Group of Five in a New Year's Six bowl game.

Fun(?) Fact: The University of Hawai'i was founded in 1907 as the College of Hawai'i. Two years later, the college's football team played its first game. Back then, they were know as the "Fighting Deans", which I'm assuming means they were somehow able to field an entire football team made up of people named Dean. 

In 1923, a rainbow appeared over the field during a 7-0 Hawai'i win over Oregon State. After that, reporters started calling the university's sports teams the "Rainbows". The Rainbow Warriors dropped the Rainbow from 2000-2013, then brought the Rainbow back after realizing that football teams can like rainbows too.

Pick: Boise State 35, Hawai'i 28

ACC Championship

#23 Virginia vs. #3 Clemson

Where: Charlotte, NC

When: Saturday, 7:30 PM

TV: ABC

Line: CLEM -28.5   O/U: 57.5

Who to Watch For: You can't talk about Clemson without mentioning Trevor Lawrence and Tee Higgins, but the engine that really makes this offense go is junior running back Travis Etienne. Etienne has run for 1386 yards this season (10th in the nation) and 16 touchdowns (tied-9th). His yards per carry average of 8.3 ranks second in the nation. He has found the end zone in all but one game (a blowout over Charlotte), and will likely find the promised land again Saturday night.

Any hope Virginia has of pulling off the upset starts with senior quarterback Bryce Perkins. The dual-threat signal-caller has thrown for 2949 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, and has added 687 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. That running ability will play a vital role in any potential upset bid by the Cavaliers.

Playoff Implications: If Clemson wins (as expected), the Tigers are in. If Clemson loses, the Tigers could be left out in favor of one-loss teams with stronger schedules (like Utah and Oklahoma).

Fun(?) Fact: This past Spring, the Virginia basketball team became the first NCAA Tournament team ever to win the championship a year after losing to a 16 seed. In the Spring of 2018, the Cavaliers became the first NCAA Tournament team to ever lose to a 16 seed.

Pick: Clemson 34, Virginia 21

Big Ten Championship

#1 Ohio State vs. #8 Wisconsin

Where: Indianapolis, IN

When: Saturday, 8:00 PM

TV: FOX

Line: OSU -16   O/U: 57

Who to Watch For: When you talk about Wisconsin, you talk about Jonathan Taylor. The junior running back has carried the ball 279 times this season, fourth-most in the country. He's turned those carries into 1761 yards (2nd in the country) and 20 touchdowns (4th). His 5932 career rushing yards currently rank seventh in FBS history, and are the most by a player through his junior season. Taylor also holds the record for most 200-yard games in a career with 12. Whether Taylor returns for his senior season or departs for the NFL, he'll go down as one of the greatest college football running backs of all-time.

Ohio State has three legitimate Heisman Trophy candidates in Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins and Chase Young. Although Joe Burrow may beat them all out for the Heisman, at least one (if not two) of the three will be in New York as a finalist. Young is arguably the best player in the country, but Fields is arguably Ohio State's most important player. The sophomore quarterback and former Georgia backup has the third-most touchdowns passes (37) in the nation and the least interceptions (1) among qualified players. Fields has also displayed running ability and toughness.

Playoff Implications: If Ohio State wins, the Buckeyes will almost certainly be the number one seed in the College Football Playoff. If the Buckeyes lose, they will probably still get into the Playoff, but it'd be less certain. I don't want to say Wisconsin has a zero percent chance of getting in, but the Badgers have less than a one percent chance.

Fun(?) Fact: How about some badger facts? Badgers are nocturnal, meaning Wisconsin has a better chance in this game since it's being played at night. They live in holes and tunnels that they did, and sleep on grass and leaves. There are tunnels in Lucas Oil Stadium, but the grass is artificial. It's a good thing Wisconsin isn't playing a team named the Dachshunds, because Dachsund is German for "badger hound".

Pick: Ohio State 41, Wisconsin 24

NFL 2019: Week 8

As we approach the midway point of the season, trade chatter is getting louder and teams are making moves. With the Trade Deadline next week, we've already seen several deals, and we'll likely see several more in the next few days. Here is who has been traded so far, and who might be traded in the coming days:

• Rams Ratchet it Up - A lot of movement occurred in the past two weeks, and it started when the L.A. Rams asked John Dorsey and the Browns if they'd be willing to trade guard Joel Bitonio for corner Marcus Peters. Cleveland said no, but Dorsey did send backup center Austin Corbett to Los Angeles for a draft pick. Following that deal, Les Snead sent Peters to Baltimore for Baltimore linebacker Kenny Young and a 2020 fifth-round pick. Les Snead and the Rams didn't stop there. They then pulled off a blockbuster for Jacksonville corner Jalen Ramsey, sending two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the Jaguars.

• The Trades Continued This Week - Tuesday, the Raiders sent corner Gareon Conley, a former first-round pick, to Houston for a third-round pick. That same day, the Patriots added to their wide receiver room, acquiring Mohamed Sanu from Atlanta for a second-round pick. But the day's trading was only halfway done. The 49ers also added to their receiving corps, acquiring Emmanuel Sanders from the Broncos in exchange for third- and fourth-round picks. Then Detroit made a surprising move by sending starting safety Quandre Diggs to Seattle for a fifth-round pick. 

• Who's Next? - There are several notable names on the trading block. Washington tackle Trent Williams, who is holding out, has been subject to trade rumors all season. Reports say that Bruce Allen is refusing to trade him right now, but multiple teams, namely Cleveland, are trying to change Allen's mind. Tampa Bay tight end O.J. Howard has also been rumored to potentially be on the move, as has Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. There may be more high-profile trades involving corners, as names like Arizona's Patrick Peterson and Denver's Chris Harris Jr. have appeared on the rumor mill as well. There will surely continue to be trade rumblings (and actual trades) all the way up until the 4:00 PM deadline next Tuesday.

Week 7 Superlatives

Best Performance: Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals (27 carries, 126 yards, 3 TD)

The 2018 fourth-rounder out of Fordham filled in for David Johnson, who was held back due to injury, and tore up the New York Giants defense to help propel Arizona to a 27-21 victory.

Best Play: Be Yourself, Unless you can be Eric Ebron

Colts tight end Eric Ebron made an incredible catch in the back of the endzone Sunday against Houston. Although he was originally called out of bounds, replay showed that he somehow got both feet down. The Colts went on to win, 30-20, and take over first place in the AFC South.

Best Quote: "I'm seeing ghosts" - Jets QB Sam Darnold

Apparently (*Googling...*) that kid from The Sixth Sense isn't the only one seeing dead people. Sam Darnold was mic'd up for New York's Monday Night Football game against New England, and he was getting haunted all night by the frightening Patriot defense.

Week 8 Games

Thursday

Redskins @ Vikings

(8:20 PM, FOX/NFL)

Plenty of narratives surround this game. There's the "revenge" narrative (Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum and Adrian Peterson are all playing their former team), the "Kirk Cousins in primetime" narrative, and the "Washington is bad" narrative. The last narrative will overwhelm the others.

Spread: WAS +16.5  O/U: Under 42

Prediction: Vikings 27, Redskins 13

Sunday

Seahawks @ Falcons

(1:00 PM, FOX)

The Seahawks fell to Baltimore last week, but they should bounce back this Sunday in Atlanta. Matt Ryan got hurt last week, so Atlanta might have to start Matt Schaub. It won't matter who starts, because the Falcons are a mess. I wouldn't be surprised if Dan Quinn gets fired on their bye week.

Spread: SEA -3.5  O/U: Under 54

Prediction: Seahawks 32, Falcons 17

Eagles @ Bills

(1:00 PM, FOX)

Speaking of birds, the Eagles will look to bounce back from a Sunday night loss in Dallas when they travel to Buffalo Sunday. This one could go in either team's favor, but I'll ride with the power of the Bills Mafia at home. No one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.

Spread: BUF -1.5  O/U: Under 43.5

Prediction: Bills 21, Eagles 17

Chargers @ Bears

(1:00 PM, FOX)

Da Bears looked reeeaaaal ugly last Sunday against New Orleans. Luckily for them, they host the Chargers this week. L.A. found a way to lose against Tennessee last week when Melvin Gordon fumbled at the goal line. I think the Bolts will find another way to lose this week in Chicago.

Spread: CHI -4  O/U: Over 41

Prediction: Bears 27, Chargers 20

Giants @ Lions

(1:00 PM, FOX)

After a controversial loss to the Packers, I thought Detroit would bounce back last Sunday at home against the Vikings. I was wrong. But I do think the Lions will bounce back this week, as they host the Giants, who have lost their last three games.

Spread: DET -7  O/U: Over 49.5

Prediction: Lions 30, Giants 21

Buccaneers @ Titans

(1:00 PM, FOX)

The Titans were lucky to escape with a victory last week. This week, they face jittery Jameis Winston and the Bucs. If Jameis plays like he did in London two weeks ago (where he threw five picks), there is no way Tampa wins. I think he'll just barely play well enough to not lose. 

Spread: TB +2.5  O/U: Over 45.5

Prediction: Buccaneers 25, Titans 21

Broncos @ Colts

(1:00 PM, CBS)

Joe Flacco looked worse than Matt Moore last Thursday during Denver's loss to the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Colts overtook first place in the AFC South, and I think they are currently, at worst, the seventh-best team in the NFL. Indianapolis should breeze by the Broncos Sunday.

Spread: IND -5.5  O/U: Under 43 

Prediction: Colts 28, Broncos 13

Bengals vs. Rams

(London, 1:00 PM, CBS)

The race for the first overall pick in next year's draft is a heated one, and it might come down to a big Bengals-Dolphins matchup in Week 16. I think winless Cincinnati will keep pace with winless Miami this week, as the Rams should roll in England. Tally-ho!

Spread: LAR -13  O/U: Under 48

Prediction: Rams 31, Bengals 14

Cardinals @ Saints

(1:00 PM, FOX)

Don't look now, but the Cardinals have won three straight to get to .500. Don't look now, but the Saints have won five straight with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. You can look now. Considering Arizona's three wins came against the Bengals, Falcons and Giants, I'll take New Orleans in this one.

Spread: ARI +10.5  O/U: Over 48

Prediction: Saints 28, Cardinals 21

Jets @ Jaguars

(1:00 PM, CBS)

Hopefully, Sam Darnold won't be seeing as many ghosts when the Jets travel to Jacksonville Sunday. The Jags won last week, but Minshew Mania has faded a bit. There should be more mania surrounding Leonard Fournette, although I think Le'Veon Bell and the Jets will escape with the win.

Spread: NYJ +6.5  O/U: Over 41

Prediction: Jets 24, Jaguars 21

Panthers @ 49ers

(4:05 PM, FOX)

This may be the most compelling contest on the slate. The Panthers have an MVP candidate in Christian McCaffrey, but the undefeated 49ers have a ferocious defense. I've heard that offense wins games but defense wins championships. I think San Francisco's defense wins this game.

Spread: SF -5.5  O/U: Under 42

Prediction: 49ers 24, Panthers 17

Browns @ Patriots

(4:25 PM, CBS)

I enjoyed last week because I didn't have to watch the Browns be the Browns. Alas, they're back this week, and they play the best team in football. I do think Cleveland will make this surprisingly close, but I'm not about to pick against the Patriots. 

Spread: CLE +13  O/U: Over 45.5

Prediction: Patriots 31, Browns 23

Raiders @ Texans

(4:25 PM, CBS)

Both Oakland and Houston will be looking for bounce-back performances Sunday. The Texans fought hard, but relinquished first-place in the division to Indy. The Raiders got burnt by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. I'll take host Houston to get back in the win column here.

Spread: OAK +7  O/U: Under 51.5

Prediction: Texans 27, Raiders 24

Packers @ Chiefs

(8:20 PM, NBC)

Apparently, Patrick Mahomes is already back at practice despite a messed-up kneecap, and he has yet to be ruled out for this game. Obviously, his availability will play a key role in the outcome. I'm going to take the safe bet and pick Aaron squared and the Packers.

Spread: GB -3.5  O/U: Over 48

Prediction: Packers 32, Chiefs 24

Monday

Dolphins @ Steelers

(8:15 PM, ESPN)

What a Monday night matchup we have this week! I can't wait to see this quarterback showdown between Devlin Hodges (who is apparently the king of Dave & Buster's) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (who went to Harvard). I'll take the buck/duck hunter over the Ivy League graduate.

Spread: MIA +14  O/U: Over 43

Prediction: Steelers 28, Dolphins 17

Last Week: 11-3  vs. Spread: 7-7  Over/Under: 4-9-1

Season: 63-42-1  vs. Spread: 43-62-1  Over/Under: 44-58-4

My Week 8 Daily Fantasy Lineup

QB: Deshaun Watson, Texans (vs OAK)

Aaron Rodgers tore up the Oakland defense last week, throwing for 429 yards and five touchdowns. Watson, who also has thrown five touchdown passes in a game this season (against Atlanta), gets that defense this week. I also considered Rodgers against Kansas City.

RB: Aaron Jones, Packers (@ KC)

The second-most famous Aaron on the Green Bay offense is having a great year. He has found the endzone in every game but the first one. I think he'll find the endzone again this week against one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. Leonard Fournette vs. the Jets is also a solid option.

RB: Chris Carson, Seahawks (@ ATL)

Carson was quieted by Baltimore last week, but I think he'll bounce back in Atlanta. The Seahawks should be able to run all over the Falcon defense in a game that probably won't be very close. If you can afford him, Saquon Barkley is also a strong choice.

WR: Tyrell Williams, Raiders (@ HOU)

Williams is trending toward returning this week after missing two games due to injury. He has scored a touchdown in each of the four games he has played in. If he returns this week, I can see him getting into the endzone again. If Williams doesn't play, I might go with Courtland Sutton vs. Indy.

WR: John Brown (vs. PHI)

The Philadelphia secondary has been less than stellar this season, setting up a strong matchup for Buffalo's number one receiver. Brown's lowest yard total in a game this season is 51. He'll surpass that this week. With Adam Theilen out, Olabisi Johnson vs. Washington is another consideration.

WR: Kenny Golladay, Lions (vs. NYG)

Detroit's top receiver was almost nonexistent against Minnesota last week, but that's likely an anomaly. Golladay has been targeted at least eight times in each of his other five games this season. Depending on Devante Adam's status, Marquez Valdes-Scantling should get a look vs. the Chiefs.

TE: Austin Hooper, Falcons (vs. SEA)

Although most of the team has been a complete mess this season, Austin Hooper has been a consistent producer for the Falcons. On FanDuel, he has scored double-digit fantasy points in every game but one. I also considered Josh Hill vs. Arizona if Jared Cook is unable to go.

FLEX: Chase Edmonds, Cardinals (@ NO)

Edmonds went off last week, and it appears as though he'll get the bulk of the work again this week, with David Johnson still nursing an injury. If he even comes within the same stratosphere of last week's production, he's a good pick. You could also look at James White vs. Cleveland.

DEF: Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. MIA)

The Pittsburgh defense has been quite strong, aside from its first-week loss against New England. Monday, the Steelers host the winless Dolphins. That's about as good of a matchup as you can get. I also considered Tennessee's defense against the Buccaneers.

Stats and info via ESPN.com, YouTube.com, OddsShark.com, BleacherReport.com, CBSSports.com, USAToday.com, and Forbes.com

Lines via OddsShark.com

Lines as of Thursday afternoon