Outback Bowl
Michigan State Spartans vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Jan. 2, 1:00 pm ET
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)
Website: http://www.outbackbowl.com/
TV: ABC
Line: Georgia -2.0
The Spartans are coming off that tough loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, and Michigan State would have loved nothing more than ending its Rose Bowl drought. But quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Spartans have a lot to prove against a good SEC team.
Georgia hasn’t really defeated a high-end team this fall, but a 10-win season was exactly what Mark Richt needed to improve his job security in Athens. The Bulldogs have a solid defense and anything is possible with Aaron Murray at quarterback
Making This All Possible
If you haven’t tried the Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries at least once then you haven’t lived. These Australian-themed restaurants can be spotted in about any city with a mall. Outback is known for their juicy steaks and bloomin’ onions. Of course, you need a dose of Lipitor and defibrillator as you walk out the door.
Get To Know: Michigan State
Fifth-year senior quarterback Kirk Cousins is the heart and soul of the Spartans. He has won more games than any quarterback in Michigan State. He is 26-12 in 38 career starts and he’d love nothing more than going out with a bowl win. The Spartans are actually a better team than the one that went 11-2 last year.
Get To Know: Georgia
Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray is the face of the Georgia program, and he’s primed to be a superstar in 2012. The Bulldogs had a young team this season, but still found a way to reel off 10 consecutive victories after opening up 0-2. The key to this team winning is its athletic defense.
You Should Know…
Mark Dantonio’s first four seasons at Michigan State have all ended with a bowl loss. He’d like to end that trend in his fifth season in East Lansing. The Spartans haven’t enjoyed much success either as they have not won a bowl game in a decade.
If You’re Going
You can start at Busch Gardens, which has all the fun of Disney World without the long lines. But you won’t spend more than one day there, so you should also look into CineBistro at Hyde Park Village. As a former Floridian, I would also suggest stopping by the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. There isn’t a gentler creature on this planet.
If You’re Watching At Home
Let’s make this simple. Get a little curbside service at your local Outback and forget about the calories, carbs and cholesterol. This is about enjoying a tasty meal in the afternoon. Of course, you may want to get some Foster’s beer to wash it all down.
Prediction
Michigan State was basically bitch-slapped all over the field last year by Alabama in the Capital One Bowl. Mark Dantonio and the Spartans actually relish the chance to prove they are much better than that performance. It won’t be easy, but Michigan State shouldn’t get embarrassed by the young Georgia team.
Michigan State 20, Georgia 17
