2006 Fiesta Bowl Preview

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Oklahoma (11-2) vs. Boise St. (12-0)

Fiesta Bowl matchup features relative unknown against perennial powerhouse.

One team (Oklahoma) has respect oozing out of its ears, despite posting a record this season with two losses(11-2). The other team (Boise State) is a relative unknown stepping into the limelight for the first time - and looking for a little respect - even after going undefeated at 12-0 this season.

Boise State (12-0) became just the second team from a non-Bowl Championship Series conference to claim a berth in one of the most lucrative bowls since the 1997 inception of the BCS. With their eighth-place finish in the BCS rankings, the Broncos were guaranteed a spot in the field, following the performance of the first team to accomplish the feat, Utah in 2004.

Despite the glaring differences in the programs, either imaginary or real, this game promises to be an exciting tilt that could turn out to be one of the best bowl games on the slate this year.

Here is a look at both teams, the impending matchup, the point spread and prediction.

Boise State Broncos (12-0)

Broncos quarterback Jared Zabransky may be the most underrated quarterback in the nation this season, but the senior signal caller knows how to run this offense and spreads the wealth between his top two receivers, Legedu Naanee and Drisan James, who have combined for 1,076 yards and eight touchdowns on 67 catches this season. Zabransky threw 20 TD passes this season with only seven interceptions and six rushing TDs.

However the player that really makes the Broncos offense go is sophomore RB Ian Johnson who has emerged as one of the most explosive running backs in the country. Johnson, who ranks third nationally, with an average of 146.6 yards rushing per game, is a big and tough runner who has shown a surprising burst of speed in the open field.

Left tackle Ryan Clady anchors a good offensive line but will be tested by Oklahoma defensive end C.J. Ah You in what should be one of the game's top matchups.

Defensively, Boise State may be known for its prolific offense, but its defense has kept pace in 2006. Led by versatile MLB Korey Hall, the Broncos' front seven has been dominant versus the run and ranks eighth nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (82). Safety Marty Tadman is a ball-hawk in the middle of the field and the entire secondary benefits from the pressure generated by DT Andrew Browning (eight sacks), OLB Colt Brooks (6.5 sacks) and Hall (3.5 sacks).

On special teams, few programs boast a 1-2 kicking combination the likes of kicker Anthony Montgomery (13 of 14 field goals, 56 of 58 extra points) and punter Kyle Stringer (45.2 yards per punt). Quinton Jones and Marty Tadman are solid returning kicks and punts, respectfully.

Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)

Head coach Bob Stoops guided the Sooners to a national championship in 2000, but the job he has done this season may be even more impressive, considering the Sooners' circumstances. First there was the preseason dismissal of starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and guard J.D. Quinn. Then there was the controversial loss at Oregon. And finally, there was the season-ending injury suffered by Heisman Trophy candidate Adrian Peterson in the sixth game of the season.

However, the Sooners have overcome all those losses thanks to an improved defense, an offensive line that has finally come together and the unselfishness of QB Paul Thompson, not to mention the unexpected wealth of talent at running back.

Offensively, Oklahoma can throw the football, thanks to Thompson, who has made an absolutely remarkable transition from wide receiver to quarterback.

Thompson has completed 60.9 percent of his throws with 20 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, mainly throwing to his favorite target, 6-foot-4, 204-pound sophomore WR Malcolm Kelly. There is also speculation that Peterson will return for the Fiesta Bowl, which would give the team a big boost. However, even if Peterson doesn't return, they should be just fine; they have won eight games in a row with Allen Patrick and Chris Brown sharing the load.

Defensively, Oklahoma, which ranks 17th in total and scoring defense, is loaded with speed and athleticism along the front seven. The Sooners held five of their last seven opponents to ten points or less, and held up to a supreme challenge in limiting Nebraska to seven in the Big 12 championship game.

The Huskers crossed into OU territory on 11 of 14 possessions, yet the Sooners constantly stiffened and prevented the short field from becoming a problem by forcing five turnovers. On special teams, the Sooners feature a Groza Award finalist in placekicker Garrett Hartley, as well as a dangerous kickoff returner, Juaquin Iglesias.

The Line: Boise State +7.5 Over/Under 50.5

Boise State's offense may be prolific, but this point spread may be too much for them to overcome. While they can certainly win this game outright (they will) the Sooners should cover this spread easily. The high over/under line also looks a little unsettling - until you remember that both of these teams, particularly Boise State, can score with their eyes closed on most occasions. Take the over and the Sooners for a Happy New Year's Day exacta.

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Eric Williams is a sports columnist for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun, and Sr. NBA analyst for basketball.com as well as a nationally syndicated freelance writer for both, print and online publications.

Posted on 12/31/2006 12:16:49 AM
NCAA Bowl Betting - Fiesta Bowl
By Eric Williams

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