Picks Trying Not to Suck: Bowl Special

(Throughout the glorious bowl season, Homerism will offer his take on his favorite opportunities.)

Southern Miss (+4.5) vs. Troy

New Orleans Bowl

New Orleans, Louisiana

Dec. 21

One of the NFL's biggest games of the season goes down Sunday night, as the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers battle in a game that should go a long way toward determining home field advantage for the playoffs. Homerism hates crowds, however, so I'll be making my way over to ESPN to check out what promises to be a lightly watched but far more entertaining game.

First-year head coach Larry Fedora has brought his high-flying spread offense to the Mississippi Delta, and after a period of adjustment, the Golden Eagles caught fire near the end of the year. Southern Miss won its last four games--including a victory over Conference USA champ East Carolina--to finish the season 6-6 and gain bowl eligibility. In reality, despite going 2-6 in their first eight games, the Golden Eagles actually played pretty competitive football. Outside of double-digit losses to Auburn and Boise State, they stayed within a touchdown in every defeat during that stretch.

Troy may have won the Sun Belt this year, but the Trojans list of vanquished opponents is far from impressive. In fact, their best game of the year was probably the infamous collapse in Baton Rouge. At least Troy dominated LSU for a half in that game.

This looks like another case of a new head coach who can make a splash with a win to build on, making the dog an attractive play.

Homerism Says: Fedora wears the white hat in Hattiesburg after a solid bowl win.