The Armed Forces Bowl

BYU heading for the Golden Hurricanes

On December 30, 2011, the Brigham Young Cougars will take the field against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes for the 9th annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas (12 Noon on ESPN or ESPN 3). While it may not be the most high profile match up of the 2011-12 Bowl Season, it's hard to not look at this as an intriguing matchup. On one side you have the independent Cougars who finished the season with a 9-3 mark , while on the other side you have the 8-4 Golden Hurricanes who finished third in the Conference USA. It may not be Alabama v. LSU, but when it comes down to it, it's an intriguing matchup between two teams who have a tendency to put a lot of points up on the board.

When it comes down to it, you can say that Tulsa spent the 2011 season taking on all comers and beat the teams that they were supposed to beat. The Golden Hurricanes spent three of the first four weeks of the season taking on top ten opponents. After getting blown out by then #1 Oklahoma in week one, the team then took on then #8, and eventual #3, Oklahoma State at home, where they lost in a shootout 59-33. The Hurricanes followed that up with a trip to the blue turf of Boise State, where they got beat by 20. Following a hard first four weeks, Tulsa settled into their Conference USA schedules, winning their next seven games before running into #8 Houston and touchdown-extraordinaire Case Keenum, who blew out the 'Canes 48-16.

As an independent, BYU didn't have to deal with a conference schedule, and it can be argued that they took a much (much) easier path to their 9-3 record. Yes, they beat Ole Miss, hung tight before getting nipped by Texas 17-16 and made a game out of it when they hosted TCU late in the season, but the rest of their schedule didn't exactly brood "power". You could argue that BYU simply beat up on some of the "weaker" teams in the FBS, such as Idaho State, San Jose State, New Mexico State, Idaho and Oregon State.

One of the more intriguing parts of the upcoming Armed Forces Bowl matchup is that you have one of those classic matchups between one team who scores a lot and gives up a lot of points, and a team that doesn't score as much but doesn't give up as many points. Tulsa averages roughly 34 points a game while it gives up an unimpressive 27 a game. BYU, on the other hand, averages less than 30 points per game, yet only gives up around 20 points a game. Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne has passed for three or more touchdowns six times this season, though it's going to be interesting to see whether the 23rd ranked Cougar defense can stop him. This game could turn into a shootout, especially if both quarterbacks an find weaknesses down the field. Both teams can put up a lot of points if need be, so it will be interesting to see if defense will be abandoned early on.

Armed Forces Bowl Overview

Over the years, college football is known for the pageantry and traditions that accompany various games / teams throughout the season. In the case of the different bowl games, each one has its own unique customs that embraces the culture of teams and the game itself. In many ways, this is what makes every bowl game special, as it creates a one of kind atmosphere that the participants and fans will always remember. One such bowl game that embraces these ideals is the Armed Forces Bowl. Where, it has created an atmosphere that allows some of the top teams in the country, to compete against each other for recognition and clout.

History
The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl began in 2003, when it was originally named the Plains Capital Armed Forces Bowl. Over the years, it has been known for the patriotic over tones and military hardware that is often showcased. Where, some of the most advanced military aircraft have been known to provide spectacular fly overs of: Gerald Ford Stadium (on the TCU campus) in Fort Worth, Texas. The pinnacle event is: the presentation of the Great American Patriot Award. In 2009, the recipient was General Mike Mullin.

A few of the other recipients would include: General David Patreus, Preston Green and Gordon England. This is important, because it shows how a basic foundation has been established of: deep patriotic traditions and the latest in military technology.

Yet, when you look beyond this theme, it is clear, that the Armed Forces Bowl is about the game itself and the teams that are playing. To reflect this attitude, they allow one team from the Western Athletic Conference to take on an opponent from Conference USA. At the same time, they have agreements with the US Military Academies and ESPN. The date of game has been played: December 23rd, December 31st and December 30th.

When you put these elements together, you are creating an atmosphere for explosive football, in an exciting backdrop. Some good examples of this would include: the 2009 game when Air Force beat Houston 47 to 20 and the 2003 matchup between Boise State / TCU (with Boise State winning 34 to 31). This is significant, because it shows how the team and atmosphere make for exciting games that no one can predict.

Volunteerism
Beyond the game of football, the Armed Forces Bowl is about supporting the community. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than, the cheerleaders and athletes from both teams participating in the Welcome a Hero Program (at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport). At the same, time they will visit and hand out gifts to the children of: Cook's Children Hospital. This is important, because it shows how the game will have an emotional benefit for the community, as the players and cheerleaders will learn something more than just sports.

Clearly, the Armed Forces Bowl has become known for its traditions of: patriotism, volunteerism and great football. When you put these different elements together, it is obvious, that this bowl game is more than just about football. Where, it is instilling a sense of: community service, compassion and respect. As a result, one could argue that this is what makes the Armed Forces Bowl so special.

If you can't wait don't forget we have all types of NFL odds available right now in the sportsbook. Just like with our college football betting lines we have all types of wagers for NFL MVP, NFL Rookie of the year and all types of props, parlays and teasers. Especially don't forget the best game of the all, the Super Bowl. The Armed Forces Bowl odds and Armed Forces Bowl betting & lines will be published as soon they become available as college bowl season begins and the teams are announced for the game.