The Arrival of Bowl Season

Advocare V100 Bowl- Arizona vs. Boston College, 12:30pm ET, ESPN

Despite the overall records of Arizona and BC this game has some exciting story lines.  The biggest  matchup of the game is undoubtedly between the nations two best running backs, Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey (1,716 rushing yards and 17 TD’s) and Heisman finalist Andre Williams (2,102 rushing yards and 17 TD’s).  Chances are the game will go as the leading rusher goes. 

Both offense go through their running backs and perhaps no player is more important to his team than Williams is to BC.  The powerful runner sets the tone for Steve Addazio’s smash-mouth squad.  The Eagles finished the season 7-5 but their physicality kept them in some games they otherwise had no business in.  They’ll hope that same approach pays off against an Arizona team that’s seen its own ups and downs this season. 

Arizona beat the teams it was supposed to this season and lost to the teams it was supposed to as well- except for a slap-yourself-on-the-forehead destruction on Oregon on Nov. 23^rd.  The key for RichRod’s squad, Ka’Deem Carey.  It’s going to be critical for Carey to get rolling early and often against BC or I see the Eagles physical style of play beating down the ‘Cats. 

In the end, I like tough, physical football team in games like this.  Unless Arizona jumps out to an early lead, forcing BC to throw to stay in the game, BC should be able to get the win.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Boston College, 31-27

Nick- Boston College, 24-20

Hyundai Sun Bowl- Virginia Tech vs. #12 UCLA, 2pm ET, CBS

On the surface this looks like a major mismatch.  UCLA has shown at times this season that they can be one of the best teams in the nation and VaTech, one of the worst.  However, few teams are more, well coached and prepared than Frank Beamers Hokies and this is just the type of game they come out of nowhere and sneak out a shocking victory. 

The Hokies always reliable defense was in full effect most the season and when they had a letdown it was more a product of offensive failures than the defense breaking down.  This is a sharp, physical, nasty bunch and they’ll make life miserable on Brett Hundley if the UCLA pass protection isn’t on point.  The Bruins haven’t had much of a ground game all season so it will be important to Hundley to be on the move, either moving the pocket or just quarterback runs to slow the Hokies pass rush.  We’ve seen this offense get bogged down this season when Hundley’s under pressure.

The big ‘if’ in this game will be the Virginia Tech offense.  Unfortunately, they’ve held back a championship caliber defense.  Logan Thomas, when playing well is a dangerous, dual-threat option at quarterback, but those games are few and far between.  This is a very talented UCLA defense and Thomas will likely be under pressure most of the game and I just don’t see the Hokie offense moving the ball effectively against the Bruins.  I think it will be a hard fought game but outside of VaTech’s defense and special teams scoring multiple touchdowns the Bruins win this one.

Our picks-

Jeremy- UCLA, 27-17

Nick- VaTech, 21-14

AutoZone Liberty Bowl- Rice vs. Mississippi State, 4pm ET, ESPN

Ah, the classic matchup between the non-AQ conference champ against a middle-of-the-pack SEC school.  Can David beat Goliath?  The Rice Owls look to punctuate one of their best season’s in school history with an 11^th win and win over an SEC team.  Though Mississippi State isn’t exactly a SEC powerhouse a win over the Bulldogs would still be a feather in the cap of David Bailiff.

The Owls pose a significant challenge for the Bulldogs as they bring in the nations 16^th ranked rushing attack that averages 240.2 ypg.  Senior Charles Ross has led the way with 1,252 yards and will be the focus of Mississippi State’s 46^th ranked run defense (151.1 ypg allowed). 

The Bulldogs might have barely made a bowl, but this team got hot down the stretch but won their final two games (including a win over rival Ole Miss) to make it back to the Liberty Bowl.  The Bulldogs defense turned in to a solid unit down the stretch, giving up only 15.7 ppg in their final three games.  They’ll need that defense at its best if they hope to improve to 3-1 all time in the Liberty Bowl.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Miss St, 28-23

Nick- Rice, 31-17

Chick-Fil-A Bowl- #24 Duke vs. #21 Texas A&M, 8pm ET, ESPN

Finally a matchup of top 25’s!  It’s seems strange to see Duke here, I mean, it’s Duke.  But the Blue Devils have earned their trip and played admirably this season.  David Cutcliff’s squad has taken a major step forward this season and though they eventually got blow out, they showed their improvement and tenacity against Florida State in the ACC Championship game. 

The Blue Devils are a very sound, well-coached group that won’t give Manziel and Co. easy opportunities- they’ll earn every yard and score they get.  Duke learned a lot from their loss to FSU and perhaps the most important learning lesson- they can hang.  If they same disciplined, feisty squad that showed up in the first half of the ACC Championship game shows up for four quarters against A&M, they might be able to make Manziel press and eventually turn that into turnovers. 

On paper, A&M seems a no-brainer but this isn’t the same A&M team as last season.  The Aggies lack a variety of playmakers as the offense runs almost entirely through Manziel and All-American receiver Mike Evans.  This tandem makes for a formidable opponent to be sure but they’re far from unbeatable and the way the Aggie defense has played, Manziel and Evans have had little room for error.  That will likely be where Duke gets its edge.  The Blue Devils offense has shown that it can put up points and the Aggie defense seems happy to surrender scores in bunches. 

I really like the underdog Blue Devils in this matchup but with this likely being Johnny Football’s last college game, I don’t see any way the human-firework let’s this one get away.  I think it’s a nail-biter that will go the distance but Manziel and Co. will go out with a bang.

Our picks-

Jeremy- A&M, 45-42

Nick- Duke, 34-33  

Armed Forces Bowl-Middle Tennessee vs. Navy-11:45 ET, ESPN

Both Middle Tennessee and Navy have had solid seasons this year getting to eight wins. Navy seems to be on the right track winning nearly eight games every season for the past decade. Middle Tennessee is coming around and looks as if it is going to be able to compete in Conference USA.

Middle Tennessee was up and down to start the season before reeling off five in a row to end the season. It is led by the No. 24 rushing attack with the duo of Jordan Parker and Reggie Whatley who have rushed for 741 yards and 631 yards, respectively.  The Blue Raiders rush for 208 yards per game and are going to need to rely on the ground game to win this one.

Navy was 3-3 at the midpoint of the season before winning four of its next five to finish with eight wins. Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds has lead the Midshipmen to the No. 2 running game in the country averaging 322 yards per game. Reynolds has rushed for 1,260 yards and 29 touchdowns and is going to be key for Navy in this game.

If Reynolds can get the triple option going for Navy in this game they should have no problem controlling the ball and rushing for 300-plus yards. I think the Navy run game will be too much for Middle Tennessee and the Midshipmen will win this one.

Jeremy’s pick: Navy, 29-27

Nick’s pick: Navy 28-20

Russell Athletic Bowl-No. 18 Louisville vs. Miami, 6:45 ET, ESPN

Junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is looking to make his final statement before entering the NFL draft and he will have a chance against a solid Miami team. Louisville’s season ended up pretty disappointing even with one loss, but with its schedule it should have easily ended up 12-0, but 11-1 is never a bad season.  Bridgewater lit it up for the Cardinals this season tossing for 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns. Bridgewater has led the UL offense to the No. 18 passing attack in the country at 302 yards and scored 35 points per game. The Cardinals offense has also been really good this season allowing just 12 points per game, which is the No. 3 in the country.

Miami was top 10 and was 7-0 before running into the buzz saw that was Florida State. The Canes lost three in a row including that game to FSU, before winning its final two heading into the bowl game. Quarterback Stephen Morris has had a pretty good season with 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns. Running back Dallas Crawford has filled in for the injured Duke Johnson well, but can he get going against a tough Louisville defense? The Miami defense has been fairly unimpressive allowing 26 points per game.

I think Teddy Bridgewater will be ready to make a statement this game as he will be heading to the NFL after this game. Bridgewater should be able to throw all over the field as most good passing teams have carved up the Miami defense. Louisville wins this one by two scores.

Nick’s pick: Louisville, 42-27

Jeremy’s pick: Louisville, 37-34

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl-Michigan vs. Kansas State, 10:15 ET, ESPN

Kansas State has been pretty steady this season only to a seven-win season, while Michigan has been about as inconsistent as possible to its own seven-win season.

The Wildcats have been relatively unimpressive overall this season, but running backs John Hubert and Daniel Sams have combined for 20 touchdowns and 1,600-plus yards this season. Through all of that K-State has only rushed for 180 yards per game. Quarterback Jake Waters is going to need to make more plays than he did during the season to ensure the Wildcats are balanced in this one. The Wildcat defense has been pretty average this season allowing 23 points per game. All five of K-State’s losses this season were within 10 points, so this team was never out of games attest that to their running and defensive play.

Michigan has been about as wildly inconsistent as possible this season winning their first five before losing five of their last seven. It is going to be tough for Michigan to win this game without quarterback Devin Gardner. Michigan is going to have to rely on its running game led by Fitzgerald Toussaint who has rushed for 646 yards and 12 scores in 11 games. The Michigan offense has rushed for just 130 yards per game which is 101^st in the country. With Gardner the Wolverines were averaging nearly 34 points per game, but without him they may struggle. The Michigan defense has been just as inconsistent this season allowing 26 points per game.

I think Michigan is going to struggle in this game with the rushing attack of Kansas State and the Wildcat defense. I think Michigan will play inspired in this game and will keep it close, but in the end K-State will win a close one.

Nick’s pick: Kansas State, 27-21

Jeremy’s pick: Kansas State, 28-24

Belk Bowl- Cincinnati vs. North Carolina, 3:20pm ET, ESPN

Based on record you’d have to go with 9-3 Cincinnati over a 6-6 UNC team but when you take a closer look this one isn’t so easy to pick.  The Tar Heels had a rough start to the season opening up 1-5 but after quarterback Bren Renner went down and was replaced by Marquise Williams, the Heels took off winning five of their last six.  Williams threw for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns and added another 490 rushing and 6 rushing touchdowns.  He’s a dynamic threat that really makes this offense go.  He’ll look early and often for all-everything tight end Eric Ebron and receiver Quinshad Davis. 

Cincinnati enters today’s game with the 12^th ranked scoring defense allowing just 19.5 ppg.  They’ll need that defense at their best to slow down the surging Tar Heels.  Offensively, the Bearcats will lean on Brendon Kay and his talented receivers Anthony McClung and Shaq Washington.  The duo combined for 1,655 yards and 6 touchdowns. 

On paper, this looks like a gimmie for Cincinnati but I’m thinking UNC keeps trucking and wins a shootout.

Our picks-

Jeremy- North Carolina, 38-31
Nick- Cincinnati, 34-28

New Era Pinstripe Bowl- Rutgers vs. #25 Notre Dame, 12pm ET, ESPN

The New Era Pinstripe Bowl pits 6-6 Rutgers against 8-4 Notre Dame.  The Irish have to be heavy favorites against a Rutgers team that lost five of their last seven games.  The Irish struggled to close the season as well, losing two of their last three but overall they’re just a much better team that Rutgers.  Though injuries have sapped Notre Dame of some of their best players, there’s still a talented, experienced team here led by senior quarterback Tommy Rees.  Rees and Co. shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball against Rutgers pass defense that gave up a school record 3,596 yards this season. 

It is unlikely that quarterback Gary Nova will start for the Scarlett Knights, so the ball will again be in the hands of Chas Dodd.  Dodd is a senior and will look to cap his career with a big upset over Notre Dame and will lean on running backs Paul James and Justin Goodwin who combined for 1,351 and 14 touchdowns on the ground.  Rutgers may be able to move the ball on a banged up Irish defense but it’s going to be slowing the Irish offense down that will make or break it for the Knights. 

I expect Rutgers to come out swinging but end the end, I don’t think they have what it takes to win this one.  Irish will pull away in the second half. 

Our picks-

Jeremy- Notre Dame, 35-24
Nick- Notre Dame, 31-17

Fight Hunger Bowl- Washington vs. BYU, 9:30pm ET, ESPN

This should be an interesting game this evening with Washington playing under a interim head coach against a tough BYU defense. Washington started the season looking promising for a Pac 12 title run but lost three in a row to Stanford, Oregon and Arizona State. It rebounded by winning four of its next five to finish 8-4. The Huskies are lead by all-world running back Bishop Sankey who rushed an astonishing 306 times for 1775 yards and 18 scores. Quarterback Keith Price has also helped them to a top 30 offense ranking 14^th in rush yards and 18^th in points for at 38.5 per contest. Their defense has also played pretty well this season allowing just 23 points per game.

BYU has had a very solid defense this season allowing just 21 points per game. Kyle Van Noy has led the defense this season and continues to be impressive and looks like a first-round draft prospect. To my surprise the BYU offense has also looked solid on the ground to the tune of the No. 10 rushing attack averaging 274 yards per game. Quarterback Tasom Hill lead the offense tossing for 2,645 yards and rushed for 1,211 yards while combining for 27 touchdowns. Running back Jamaal Williams also rushed for 1,000-plus yards and is going to be a handful for the Washington defense.

This is another one of the matchups today that features two teams that can run the ball downhill with great ground games. Both teams will get their chances on the ground, but I expect the Washington defense to load the box and make Hill throw the ball which could cause problems for the BYU offense. The difference in this game will be the Washington passing game with Price and the downfield threat. Expect this one to be a hard fought game with both teams rushing the ball well, but Price and the Huskies will make the plays down the stretch to win.

Nick’s pick: Washington, 37-34

Jeremy’s pick: Washington, 38-27

Texas Bowl- Syracuse vs. Minnesota, 6pm ET, ESPN

Minnesota has been a solid team all season with some big wins in the B1G. The Gophers battled along to eight wins in a down Big 10 and looked really impressive with a win over Nebraska in Lincoln. Their season has consisted of two four game winning streaks, but has lost its last two against Wisconsin and Michigan State. They won eight games with a solid running game averaging 200 yards per game led by David Cobb who has rushed for 1000-plus yards. A good running game and defense (allowing just 27 points per) has been the key for Minnesota this season.

Syracuse has puttered along to a 6-6 season with four wins in the ACC. The Orange did pick up a couple good wins in conference play against a good Boston College team and a good Maryland team. The Orange have been fairly unimpressive on both sides of the ball with one good aspect coming from the running game. They have averaged nearly 200 yards on the ground but have struggled to get the ball I the endzone averaging just 22 points per game.

This matchup should be a battle of running teams, but Minnesota is clearly the better team. The Gopher defense will make the difference in this one and should be able to slow the Orange offense down. The Minnesota offense should have no problem moving the ball on a poor Syracuse defense.

Our picks- 

Jeremy’s pick-Minnesota, 35-17
Nick’s pick-Minnesota, 31-20

Military Bowl- Presented by Northrop Grumman- Marshall vs. Maryland, 2:30pm ET, ESPN

It was a tough year for Maryland.  After a promising start and a brief appearance in the AP top 25 after winning their first four games but after a trip to Tallahassee it all came unglued.  After their worst loss in school history at the hands of the Seminoles, Maryland would go on to lose four of their next five as well as their starting quarterback, both corners, both receivers and a host of other key players.  Most of those players will be back and they’ll need the all to be at full strength against what has been one of the best offenses in college football all season.

Marshall is looking for its first 10-win season since its Byron Leftwich days all the way back in 2002.  Led by Rakeem Cato and his 3,500 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, the Herd fielded the nations number seven scoring offense averaging 43 ppg and 502 total yards.  They’ll need a big offensive effort against a Maryland team that’s been up and down defensively this season.  The Terps have struggled slowing down some of the top rated offenses they’ve faced and they’ll have their hands full with Cato and the Herd.

Marshall’s had a great season to be sure but struggled against some of their better competition.  The Terps may only be 7-5 but they’ll give Marshall a tough test and I think, come away with a hard fought win.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Maryland, 34-33

Nick- Maryland, 27-24

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl- #23 Northern Illinois vs. Utah State, 9:30pm ET, ESPN

Heisman finalist and All-world MAC quarterback Jordan Lynch takes on one of the best defenses in the MWC.  Lynch made himself a mid-major legend carving up MAC defenses but this Utah State defense could be a different animal.  Lynch, as talented as he is was rendered a mere mortal against most of the top defenses he played (see Florida State in the 2013 Orange Bowl and Bowling Green in the MAC Championship this season).  This is Lynch’s last game and I think he’ll go out with a bang.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Northern Illinois, 38-24
Nick- NIU, 38-17

Little Caesars Bowl- Pitt vs. Bowling Green, 6pm ET, ESPN

Pitt had an up and down year in their first season in the ACC.  The defense was supposed to be the team’s greatest strength but the unit let them down against the conferences better offensive teams.  The Panthers are facing a top 30 unit in Bowling Green that has been relatively balanced throughout the season and coming off a solid effort against NIU in the MAC Championship.  The Panthers are going to have to flip the turnover battle in their favor, which will be a challenge against the Falcons +10 turnover margin.  The Panthers will also need a big game from quarterback Tom Savage and talented receivers Devin Street and Tyler Boyd.

Bowling Green was solid from start to finish this season.  Offensively, they’re very balanced averaging 265.1 through the air and 207.4 rushing.  The offense was good but it was the Falcon defense that was the key for BGU this year.  The unit ranked 5^th in scoring defense this season, giving up a mere 14.8 ppg and allowing opposing offenses 308 ypg, good for 8^th in the nation.  The Falcons will prove a tough test for the Pitt offense but with their head coach, Dave Clawson on his way to Wake Forrest we’ll see how focused and prepared BG is.

The Panthers are going to need to play their best game of the season to beat this very solid mid-major.  All-everything DT Aaron Donald will need to turn in a stellar performance, keep BG off balance and push the pocket.  Will that happen?  We’ll see.  On paper I like BG but my gut says Pitt.

Our picks-

Jeremy- Pitt, 34-31
Nick- Bowling Green, 35-21

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl- Oregon State vs. Boise State, 8pm ET, ESPN

Expectations were very high for both teams going into this season and both teams disappointed.  After a bad week one loss, Oregon State got on hot streak, winning six straight.  The Beavers and quarterback Sean Mannion looked unstoppable until they hit the upper echelon Pac-12 teams and OSU folded losing five straight to close the season.  Mannion, who was absolutely brilliant on their six game win streak- and was even in the Heisman conversation- derailed and really struggled against solid competition.  The Beavers will need a solid outing from Mannion and star receiver Brandin Cooks.  Boise State’s defense has struggled much of the season and OSU will look to push the ball down field a lot.

Boise entered the season with expectations of crashing the final BCS and have ended the season 8-4 and saw their head coach take off the Seattle and the Pac-12.  The Broncos are further hampered by the loss of senior, starting quarterback Joe Southwick (Southwick was suspended for conduct on Sunday).  The normal reliable Bronco defense never really meshed and gave up 30+ points five times this season including 38 to Washington, 41 to Fresno, 37 to BYU and 34 to SDSU.  The Bronco’s 91^st ranked pass defense will struggle with Mannion and his talented receivers. 

Everything looks to be in OSU’s favor.  Bad pass defense against an offense capable of blowing the doors off people, the loss of a long-time head coach and starting quarterback… which is exactly why they’ll likely win this game. 

Our picks-

Nick- Boise, 34-31
Jeremy- Oregon State, 41-31

Gildan New Mexico Bowl-Washington State vs. Colorado State, 2 ET, ESPN

Both teams were a pleasant surprise for their leagues this season. Neither is outstanding, but both can score some points. CSU had a solid season in MW play winning five games for the first time in nearly a decade. Washington State had some big wins in the Pac 12 and won two of its last three to be bowl eligible. I expect both teams will score some points in this game and expect it to be at 80 total points.

Nick’s pick: Colorado State, 48-41

Jeremy’s pick: Washington State, 34-30

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl-No. 20 Fresno State vs. No. 25 USC, 3:30 ET, ABC

Fresno State was one win away from a BCS game, but finally ran into a team that score more points than it. USC has had a good season after a tough start and the loss of Lane Kiffin. Coach O rallied the troops for the Trojans and got them to nine wins. I see this game going the way of Fresno though, it has way to many weapons on offense led by MW POY Derek Carr.

Nick’s pick: Fresno State, 42-30

Jeremy’s pick: USC, 31-27

Idaho Potato Bowl-Buffalo vs. San Diego State, 5:30 ET, ESPN

Buffalo has had a great season in the MAC winning eight games. San Diego State fell off a little bit after winning a share of the MW last season, but was able to pull out seven wins. Both teams are very evenly matched, but the skill level of SDSU will win this game for them. Expect a close one as Buffalo won lie down, but I see the Aztecs.

Nick’s pick: San Diego State, 27-24

Jeremy’s pick: Buffalo, 28-17

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl-Tulane vs. La-Lafayette, 9 ET, ESPN

On paper this looks like a pretty close game, but Lafayette has a prolific offense and it should be able to score some points. The Tulane defense is stout allowing just 21 per game, but the Cajun offense is very balanced and is a top 30 scoring offense. I see the Ragin’ Cajun offense scoring at least 30 points in this one and out scoring the Tulane offense that is only averaging 25 points per game.

Nick’s pick: La-Lafayette, 38-24

Jeremy’s pick: La-Lafayette, 37-31