So here we are: the final day of 2008. Was the last year good to you, dear readers? Yeah, I know there was that pesky recession and crappy economy to worry about, but think about it: just pick up a new offshore sportsbook and you might be able to break a new, tidy profit…think about it! (Just don’t bet your house or kids’ college funds or anything, okay? That’s not cool.)

Also, a source of good cheer to kick off the new year right: college bowl games by the dozen! Well, okay, there’s actually nine to choose from on New Year’s Day, but still — nine! Since I’m going to be preoccupied by the Blackhawks vs Red Wings line earlier that day, I’ll be picking up the action first with the Rose Bowl at 4:30 and then the Orange Bowl at 8 PM.

As far as Rose Bowl odds go, it’s a toughie — Penn State’s been looking great, and I think too many people have been writing them off. Yet the USC Trojans have had a bombastic year, and given the fact that they have a semi-homefield advantage, it’d be wise to bet on the Trojans — they’re a 10-point favorite, after all.

With the Orange Bowl odds, I’m going to have to retract my earlier pick and go with Virginia Tech. True, they’re not the best of the NCAAF teams and neither are Cincinnati, but this should be a defensive showdown for the agres. Virginia Tech will have a bit more of an edge in this matchup.

Oh yeah, and if you’re the industrious or imaginative sort, here are a couple of cute recipes to try out for tomorrow: football cupcakes and Rice Krispie mini-footballs. How cute!

They could also double for Super Bowl goodies — lest we forget, the big game’s only a month away! Be sure to keep checking up on the 2009 Super Bowl odds so you won’t be left out when February 1st rolls around.

Happy ‘09 to all of you, and see you in the new year!