I started this game while I was on the air and got the important required first quarter in before I was off at 2pm. And not a very inspired start for Arizona. The Wildcats looked totally overwhelmed by Nevada and disinterested in being in the game. Within in the first 11 minutes Nevada jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to Arizona mistakes and a complete defensive let down. But sometimes being down big wakes a team up . And so does a rare sideline fight between teammates.
I had to leave this game in the second quarter for some work and the drive home. Got home in time for the second half and what looked like a total beat down by Nevada. By the end of the third quarter it was 45-28 Wolfpack and looked it was just a matter of playing out the final quarter and the earthenware trophy would be headed to Reno.
But hold your BowlQuest horses, Rich Rod and his Wildcats had something to say and what a finale. Down 48-35, the Wildcats ran down the field and scored with 42 seconds left. 48-42. Onside kick and the pigskin does funny things, like go back to the Wildcats. Since there was little defense played in this game no reason to believe it would start now. Arizona was in the end zone 23 seconds later and it was 49-48 and hysteria ensued in Albuquerque!
Ironically, in a game with little defense played, the game ended on an interception. Arizona wins and we may not see a more exciting game in this bowl season.
Game notes:
-Good for me, I had Arizona to win this game in my confidence picks pool and all the way up at #10. They lose this one and I'm probably out.
-What's Gildan? A company that makes cheap apparel, especially t-shirts. You probably have one of their shirts in your drawer with a company name emblazoned on it.
-Ice-T's wife Coco is from Albuquerque.
I don't think she was at the game. They probably would have shown her in the crowd. A few times.
-Albuquerque is also home to The American Rattlesnake Museum.
-What kind of swag did the players get? Electronics gift suite, Oakley Fuel Cell sunglasses, Oakley beanie, New Era cap, Oakley Panel backpack, pen with box, and Christmas ornament. Maybe the Nevada players will be using the complimentary pens to write apology letters to some boosters for losing this one.
-Nevada had over 400 yards of rushing in this game...and lost. That's some bad football.
-For the second straight year, New Mexico head football coach Bob Davie stopped by the ESPN booth during the game. He was there last year having just taken the job and this year after coaching the Lobos to a 4-8 record. The school's athletics website declares that Bob Davie has coached the Lobos to one of the biggest turnarounds in college football in 2012! That doesn't say much for the state of football at New Mexico.
Bowl pick record: 1-0
On to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
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