Picks Trying Not to Suck: Bowl Special

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

Fresno State vs. Colorado State (+3)

New Mexico Bowl

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dec. 20

Colorado State has been very good to Homerism this year, so no point in jumping off the wagon now. 

The last time the Rams played in a bowl? December of 2005. Why is that relevant? Bowl games frequently come down to emotion and motivation. After trending back toward mediocrity in Sonny Lubick's final seasons in Fort Collins, the Rams are going bowling in coach Steve Fairchild's first year. Even if it's taking place in New Mexico, that's still a big deal for a newbie coach hoping to generate some enthusiasm in his program.

On the other side of the field, what should we like about Fresno State from a motivation standpoint? Well, head coach Pat Hill "resisted" overtures made by the Washington Huskies. That's like Homerism "resisting" free tickets to "The Nutcracker." Other than that, the Bulldogs had a pretty disappointing year overall. Talking heads were touting Fresno as a BCS-buster before the year. Twelve games later, the Bulldogs were lucky to be eligible for postseason play. (If you saw any part of the lashings Fresno received in a 61-10 loss to Boise State in the Bulldogs' final game of the season, you'd know that eligible and deserving are pretty far apart.)

Homerism Says: Young and restless Fairchild wants to make a good first impression. Take the Rams straight up.