2-MINUTE DRILL: Two mediocre-at-best teams will face off on a mediocre-at-best television network when Minnesota (6-6) takes on Iowa State (6-6) in the Insight Bowl on NFL Network Thursday evening. The Gophers are amidst a second-half slide and still haven’t figured out how to cope with the loss of star wideout Eric Decker, who’s season ended prematurely on October 24 with a foot injury. Fortunately for Minnesota, its opponent is a beatable one. Iowa State has lost 3 of its last 4 and a vulnerable pass defense will suffer even more with the suspension of Kennard Banks, the Cyclones’ best coverage corner.

VOICES IN THE CROWD:

JackHawks: Wow, as far as I can tell the Minnesota fans on here don’t give a crap about the fact that they made it to a bowl, and only 1500 tickets sold that’s really sad. Sound like they just want to complain, I know for a fact that ISU fans are going nuts knowing that their Cyclones are in a bowl. And they should be, because it has been a long 4 yr wait. Go Cyclones!

JBTG33: There are toooooooo many bowl games and this one proves it.

ROLLIN’ THE DICE: These teams are too close (and too bad) to try and pick a winner in this one. Because both of these offenses are so inept, we’ll take the Under 48 total points for the game. Don’t think it’s possible for either of these teams to reach the 24-point mark, and both would need to do it to attain this over. Should be a sloppy game with more punts than there are Minny fans in Tempe (don’t know if that’s a knock on the game or Gopher support). Bet on a low scoring affair.

Minnesota QB Adam Weber will have to do it all agains Iowa State in the Insight Bowl, even without his best weapon (Eric Decker) running routes.

CHILLIN’ IN T-TOWN:

Pack your clubs, your swimsuit, and a wad of cash. Here are the top 3 things to do while you’re in Tempe (Insight Bowl not included):

1. Hit the links - So many places are so cold in the winter, what better way to enjoy a warm December than outdoors. Arizona is arguably the best golfing state in the country, so you must take advantage. The Dinosaur Course at Gold Canyon Ranch is probably the best value in the Phoenix/Tempe area. Greens fees are reasonable and the scenery and layout of the course is breathtaking. Canyon golf, if you haven’t tried it yet, could be golf’s coolest genre.

2. Be a Sun Devil for a day (or, better yet, a night) - There’s a reason that Arizona State University is a multi-time winner of Sports Illustrated’s “Best Party Schools in America.” Be it dorms with swimming pools, a cornucopia of bars, or crazy co-eds, Tempe’s famous party campus offers it all. Spend a night crashing the party, it’ll be well worth your while.

3. Casino Arizona - Outside of Las Vegas, this popular casino affords you more than just the gaming experience, which is a rare entity among such establishments. You can attend entertaining revues, sample delicious fare at upscale restaurants, and throw some vacation money around in the casino or racebook. Should you decide on this night of vice, buy tickets to the show and eat your dinner before gambling, while you still have your money.