December 18 brings us the first three of 35 bowl games of the season and boy are they stinkers.

The Toilet Bowl (aka the New Mexico Bowl), Albuquerque, N.M. The poster child for too many bowls: BYU (6-6) vs. UTEP (6-6). I think I’d rather watch that video from “The Ring” but if you dare: ESPN 2pm.

The Freeze Your Nurtz Off Bowl (aka: Humanitarian Bowl) played on the most ridiculous field in America. Forecast for Boise, Idaho is a high of 35°F and 80% chance of snow. This is Northern Illinois‘ and Fresno State‘s punishment for thinking they are viable programs. ESPN 5:30pm.

The Unnecessary Bowl (aka the New Orleans Bowl) played – guess where – in a dump stadium in a dump city. Sorry to sound insensitive but Brangelina are mistaken. That city is through. If you go and value your life, do not stray too far outside the French Quarter. Troy vs. Ohio. ESPN 9pm

#1 Alabama at #10 Arkansas – it’s Heisman hopeful Ryan Mallett vs. the young and inexperienced Alabama defensive backfield. The winner emerges as the SEC West favorite, as well as a BCS Bowl aspirations.

#12 South Carolina at #17 Auburn – Both teams are 3-0 and looking to show they are for real. SC has probably the best team under Spurrier in his six mediocre years in Columbia. The Tigers are coming off a hard-hitting OT win over Clemson.  This game is BIG for both teams.

#24 Oregon State at #3 Boise – We all know about Boise trying to bust their way into the big boys’ dance. Their answer to lame scheduling was to play Va Tech, OSU, Wyoming & Toledo. IMHO, if they wanted to be taken serious, those last two games should’ve been harder opponents since the WAC sked is SO lame. But anyway… The Beavers are like Jekyll & Hyde. For the sake of College Footbal, let’s hope they bring their A-game.

Nevada at BYU – Why is this important? Because we will get to see if Nevada is for real. The ‘Pack has rolled to a 3-0 start in three home games including a 52-31 romp over Cal. They may be the last shot at beating Boise who travels to Reno on November 26th.

Also watching:

• #22 West Virgina at #15 LSU -  Tigers fans are getting restless in Baton Rouge. A loss might cause a riot.
• #5 Oregon at Arizona State – The Ducks are my #3 behind Alabama and Ohio State.
• Kentucky at #9 Florida – Cobb and Locke should not be taken lightly as Florida tries to find their way.
• #16 Stanford at Notre Dame – the sun is always sunnier, the birds sing more merrily, everything is right with the world when Notre Dame loses.

Worst game of the Week: #118 New Mexico at #110 UNLV (rankings according to cbssports.com) – Both are 0-3. NM has given up 180 points in three games. I am taking Vegas.