Bowl Preview: Outback Bowl

Outback Bowl
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Northwestern vs. Auburn
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Auburn -8

About Auburn (7-5): The Tigers/War Eagles/Plainsmen brought in a new coach in Gene Chizek and after being a complete disaster at Iowa State, Chizek was at least passable in his first year at Auburn. The T/WE/P have crazy Gus Malazahn's wacky offense and score lots of points.

Intangibles:
Bo Jackson: +4
Brent Fullwood (look it up, kiddies): -2
Terry Bowden: -2
Terry Bowden in that hat and tie: -4

About Northwestern (8-4): This is probably the biggest bowl for NOrthwestern since the Wildcats went to the Rose Bowl in the mid-90s. NU doesn't do anything great, but they aren't bad at anything. Pat Fitzgerald, who was one of the dirtiest MFers you ever saw play, is a decent coach.

Intangibles:
Pompous alumni: -3
Windy as hell off lake: -2
1980s: +3

Impact Player: Northwestern QB Mike Kafka. This is where I make some witty Franz Kafka reference to show how well-read I am. Except I don't really remember anything by Kafka that I might have read. Maybe something about a jungle? Anyway, Kafka - good runner. Needs to complete some passes too.

Bowl slogan: "We're got a Pirate Ship!"

Little known fact: This game is a complete academic mismatch. I'll let you figure out which way.

Watchability (1-5): 3.6

The pick: Northwestern 35, Auburn 30