Tied Together By Fate

As I alluded to last week in my game recaps, it is quite interesting that Tennessee met Texas A&M in last year's Cotton Bowl. Both were projected to have great years in 2005; however, it was not meant to be. The teams have struggled greatly, with the Vols lacking an offense and the Aggies a defense. This got me wondering if any other bowl foes of last season were having similar seasons. Here's what I found.

Southern Mississippi vs. North Texas - New Orleans Bowl

Irony abounds here. Both teams have had two games postponed due to hurricanes. And where was the site of this bowl game? Yeah, weird.

Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State - Alamo Bowl

These are the only two teams to have led Texas at halftime throughout this entire season.

UTEP vs. Colorado - Houston Bowl

Both teams are currently first in their divisions and playing the number two team this weekend.

Cal vs. Texas Tech - Holiday Bowl

Not only did both teams start 5-0, but they each had their win streak snapped by one of the five remaining undefeated teams (UCLA & Texas).

Purdue vs. Arizona State - Sun Bowl

Both teams were projected to have a good year, and then it all fell apart. Purdue dropped six in a row, and the Sun Devils dropped three.

Louisville vs. Boise State - Liberty Bowl

Both teams are currently 6-2 and disappointed. Each team lost one on the road in a blowout and one at home by a field goal or less. This is like Tennessee and Texas A&M on a slightly smaller scale.

Florida State vs. West Virginia - Gator Bowl

Both teams are 7-1 with the lone loss coming to teams from Virginia.

Pittsburgh vs. Utah - Fiesta Bowl

Pitt started the year ranked just inside the top 25, and Utah was just outside. Now neither is close as Pitt is 4-5 and Utah is 4-4.

Virginia Tech vs. Auburn - Sugar Bowl

Auburn went 13-0 and was locked out of the BCS championship game. It just seems right that VaTech is on the outside looking in, as well.