And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain. My friends, I’ll say it clear; I’ll state my case of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway (and got a speeding ticket going to Missouri). And more, much more than this, I did it my way.

The time has come. It’s the last picks column. So with a little help from my friend Frank Sinatra, lets pick the bowls and have a look back at some highlights from the season.

Brett enters the final week 62-18 (.775).

FORT WORTH BOWL: KANSAS VS. HOUSTON

The Fighting Manginos are playing well lately, winning three of their final four; the only loss was to Texas. Houston is coming off of a win, as well, but only put together back-to-back wins once.

I like the Jayhawk defense in this one, but look for Houston to challenge in Conference USA next year.

THE PICK: KANSAS

Regrets? I’ve had a few, (I picked Iowa, a pick I blew). But then again, too few to mention. I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption.

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL: COLORADO VS. CLEMSON

Do we even really have to play this game? I mean come on, the Buffaloes have completely stunk up the joint the past two games, losing by a combined score of 100-6. Colorado goes in to this just wanting the season over and gets crushed.

THE PICK: CLEMSON

I planned each charted course – (I brought up 70-10 each week just for the Huskers) – each careful step along the byway, and more, much more than this, I did it my way.

HOUSTON BOWL: IOWA STATE VS. NO. 14 TCU

Iowa State fans – and players, for that matter – may be disappointed with the way the season ended, and this will be their chance to get rid of the bad taste.

A nickname like “Horned Frogs” doesn’t exactly inspire fear, but a top-15 ranking might. Regardless, with a month for Stevie Hicks to rest up, the Cyclone running game will be ready to go, which has been the key to Iowa State’s success all year. Run good = win. Run crappy = lose. Besides, I’m still trying to make up for picking Iowa.

THE PICK: IOWA STATE

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew, (going on ISU TV in full Hawkeye apparel?) But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it my way.

INDEPENDENCE BOWL: MISSOURI VS. S. CAROLINA

This is an intriguing match-up. Brad Smith has the potential to go nuts, as this will be his final game after seemingly 12 years at Missouri.

I’m tempted to take Missouri in this one, but any time there’s a toss-up and one team is coached by Gary Pinkel and the other by Steve Spurrier, take Spurrier. I mean, geez, the guy won at DUKE. Gamecocks in a shootout.

THE PICK: S. CAROLINA

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried, I’ve had my fill – my share of losing. (3-3 a couple weeks back). But now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing.

ALAMO BOWL: NEBRASKA VS. MICHIGAN

This is a great game for the Alamo to have. Two huge names in the same year. Nebraska comes off destroying Colorado and Michigan is coming off a loss to rival Ohio State.

I hate Michigan, but I’m not sold on Nebraska or Zac Taylor. I think Michael Hart carries the Wolverines to an ugly win, 19-13.

THE PICK: MICHIGAN

To think I did all that, and may I say, not in a shy way (“and my picks, well they sucked” 11/4) Oh no. Oh no, not me. I did it my way.

HOLIDAY BOWL: OKLAHOMA VS. OREGON

I’m going to come right out and say it, Duck fans: I don’t believe in Oregon. I think they squeaked through a weak Pac-10 conference – check their scores – got blown away by USC and didn’t play UCLA.

That equals O-VER-RATED. Much like Cal before them, a letdown awaits in the Holiday Bowl.

THE PICK: OKLAHOMA

COTTON BOWL: TEXAS TECH VS. ALABAMA

Texas Tech hasn’t really been its high-powered self this year in conference play, especially when playing teams with a halfway decent offense. I know Alabama has lost two straight, but I like the Tide’s defense in this one.

Look for the Red Raiders to struggle mightily in the first half and make a charge that will come up short in the second half – much like their game against Oklahoma State.

THE PICK: ALABAMA

ROSE BOWL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: TEXAS VS. USC

Greatest football match ever. Game of the century. Game of the millennium. The game to end all games. The over/under on amount of times you’ll hear those phrases within the next month is set at 3,478. I’m taking the over.

I’m still undecided on this game, but here it goes:

The teams tried to one-up each other on the last Saturday of the season last weekend, but all they did was set the bar for the hype machine that will be in such full gear the game will never have a chance to live up to it unless the final score is 64-58.

I know USC shut down UCLA, but I still think their defense is suspect (see Fresno State), and I have to say the offenses are a wash. Don’t make me pick between Reggie Bush and Vince Young – I can’t do it.

I think the Texas defense is better and will come up with one more stop than USC’s and Texas wins the big one 41-34.

THE PICK: TEXAS

For what is a man? What has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels (“Nebraska will win the North,” “Texas Tech edges Texas for the South” – preseason picks column), and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows (18 total misses) and did it my way.