Saturday, December 20
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, New
Orleans, LA, Dec. 20, 11am ET, ESPN
Nevada (7-5) vs. LA-Lafayette (8-4)Line: Nevada -1.5, O/U: 63
This matchup
pits two very solid rushing teams against each other. Nevada comes in averaging 215.2 rushing yards
per game, led by duel-threat quarterback, Cody Fajardo. Fajardo has 997 rushing yards on the season
and 13 touchdowns and his two running backs, Don Jackson (932yds, 7TD’s) and
James Butler (620yds, 5TD’s) have combined for 1,552 and 12 touchdowns. This trio will look to take advantage of a
very average LA-Lafayette run defense that’s giving up 4.12 yards per attempt
and surrendered 21 rushing touchdowns.
On the flip
side, ULL will look to do the same to the Nevada defense. The Wolfpack are 96th in the
nation in yards per attempt, allowing 4.83 yards per rush. The Ragin’ Cajuns, like Nevada are a run
heavy team and coach Mark Hudspeth will look to get his own trio of runners
going early and often. Similar to
Fajardo, Terrance Broadway is a bigger run threat than passing threat and he’ll
pair with two solid backs, Elijah McGuire (1165yds, 14 TD’s) and Alonzo Harris
(737yds and 12 TD’s).
This should
be an exciting game, as both teams have such similar strengths and
weaknesses. ULL does have the advantage
of playing in and winning this bowl game in each of the last three seasons and
the Superdome is essentially a home game.
I like the Ragin’ Cajuns here in another close New Orleans Bowl.
Jeremy- LA-Lafayette 31, Nevada 30
Nick- LA-Lafayette 28, Nevada 27Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque, NM, Dec. 20, 2:20pm ET, ESPN
Utah State (9-4) vs. UTEP (7-5)
Line: USU -10, O/U: 45
Utah State is
making its fourth-consecutive bowl appearance and looking to win its third
straight bowl game and complete another 10-win season. Standing in the Aggies
way is a UTEP team that is completing a turn around and looking for its first
bowl in nearly 50 years.
Here is a
matchup of two teams that play a similar style. Both teams like to run the ball
and play defense. UTEP gets the edge on the ground finishing the season in the
top 35 in the country averaging more than 210 rushing yards per game. The
Miners rushing attack is lead by Aaron Jones who rushed for 1,200 yards and 11
scores during the regular season. UTEP will need to get Jones going to have a
chance against a typically strong Utah State defense. The Aggies were allowing
just 116 rushing yards on the season before allowing 275-plus to Boise State in
the regular season finale.
Even
struggling against Boise in the finale the Aggies are allowing less than 130
yards on the ground per game and have the Mountain West Defensive Player of the
Year in Zach Vigil who will be looking to avenge the tough loss to Boise. The
Aggies are going to need their defense to step up as that is what has won them
games this season. The USU offense has been average at best failing to rank in
the top 50 in any major category, but has the ability to run the ball rushing
for more than 170 yards per game this season led by LaJuan Hung and JoJo Natson
who combined for nearly 1,000 yards.
With both
teams having solid rushing attacks and pretty tough defenses this could be a
low scoring game. I give the edge to Utah State as its defense is nationally
ranked and has better players top to bottom than UTEP. I don’t expect this to
be an exciting game, but if you like defense pay attention to the USU defense
there are some great players. This one is close and low scoring for three
quarters, but the Aggies will pull away in the fourth quarter.
Nick- USU 35, UTEP 24
Jeremy- USU
28, UTEP 20No. 22 Utah (8-4) vs. Colorado State (10-2)
Line: Utah -2.5, O/U: 57.5
This has to
be the best game of the day with strength against strength. Utah has a great
defense and Colorado State has a great offense. The Rams had a heck of a
turnaround winning 10 games this season, but lost their head coach to bigger
and better and Florida. Utah had tough stretch to end the season, but is still
a solid team.
Colorado
State has the offense to play with just about anyone in the country ranking
eighth in the country in passing yards at 326 per game. Quarterback Garrett
Grayson has had one of the best turnarounds in the country at the position tossing
for 3,779 yards and 32 scores against just six picks. Grayson’s season was
helped along by receiver Rahsard Higgins who traded places all season with
Bama’s Amari Cooper for the nation’s leader in receiving yards, but finished
with 1,600 yards and 17 scores. Running back Dee Hart has also helped carry the
load for the Rams rushing for 1,250 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Rams finished
the season No. 12 in the country in total offense and Grayson was behind only
Heisman winner Marcus Mariota in passing efficiency at 171.1. The Ram defense
has not been world beaters allowing a lot of yards to team that can rush the
ball ranking 89th in the country allowing nearly 190 yards per game. The
defense hasn’t had to win it any games because of the offensive fire power so
watch out if the Ram offense gets rolling in this game.
Utah has the
defense to slow down the high-powered Ram offense leading the nation in sacks
with 52 and allowed just 245 yards through the air this season. Senior
defensive lineman Nate Orchard leads the nation in sacks with 17.5 total sacks
averaging 1.46 per game. Sophomore Hunter Dimick isn’t far behind at No. 12 in
the country with 10 total sacks averaging nearly one per game. If the Ute
defense can get pressure on Grayson and slow down Hart the Rams are going to
have a lot of trouble moving the ball. Orchard and Dimick are going to need to
play in the backfield and make Grayson think and react quickly, while not
allowing Higgins to get down field to make the big plays he has all season. Offensively,
Utah is going to need to lean on Devontae Booker who rushed for 1,350 yards
this season and nine scores. If Booker can get going and keep the Ute offense
on the field and the Ram offense off the field they are going to have a chance
to win this one.
This is a
great match up with a great Colorado State offense and a solid Utah defense. I
think Colorado State is going to rally around interim head coach Dave Baldwin
and make the plays to win this game in a close one. The Utah defense will slow
down the Rams to start this game but I think CSU will eventually get going and
win this in a close one.
Nick-Colorado State 41, Utah 35
Jeremy- Utah 24, Colorado State 20
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Boise, ID,
Dec. 20, 5:45pm ET, ESPN
Western Michigan (8-4) vs. Air Force (9-3)Line: WMU -2, O/U: 58.5
On the
surface this might not look like such an interesting game. However, with a combined three victory’s last
season, Air Force and Western Michigan are coming off the best single-season
turnarounds in the history of their respective programs. On top of that, Air Force is one of only two
teams (Ole Miss being the other) to record two wins over 10-win teams. Both teams come in with pretty solid momentum
as WMU rattled off six straight wins before losing the season finale to NIU and
Air Force beat Colorado State to close out a stretch where they won five of
their last six.
The run
defenses will be tested early and often in this game, as both teams come in with
solid ground games. The Falcons have the
advantage being that their offense is a so run heavy- they’re 8th in
the nation averaging 272.2 rushing yards per game. Western Michigan is more balanced but they
boast an underrated runner in Jarvion Franklin (1525 yards and 24 TD’s).
The big
question for me in this game will be the Air Force pass defense against the
Broncos passing attack. Quarterback,
Zach Terrell threw for 3,146 yards and 23 TD’s this season and you can be sure
coach P.J. Fleck will look to the air early and often against the Falcons 101st
ranked pass defense.
In the end,
I like Western Michigan’s 37th ranked run defense to at least slow
the Falcons down and the Bronco passing game should find open lanes against Air
Force.
Jeremy- WMU 30, AFA 27
Nick- Air Force 38, Western Michigan 34Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Montgomery, AL, Dec. 20, 9:15pm ET, ESPN
South Alabama (6-6) vs. Bowling Green (7-6)
Line: USA -2.5, O/U: 53
The barely bowl! South Alabama is everyone’s favorite 6-6 team going up against a Bowling Green team that at least went 7-5 in the regular season.
The Jaguars
come in with one of the nation’s worst offenses, 107th in scoring
and 90th in total offense. This
matchup does give them opportunities to score against Bowling Green’s 109th
ranked defense. The big question here
for Bowling Green will be stopping a South Alabama running game, led by Kendall
Houston and Xavier Johnson.
I like
Bowling Green here but confidence points are low.
Jeremy- USA 27, Bowling Green 22
Nick- Bowling Green 31, South Alabama 28
Monday, December 22
Miami Beach Bowl
Miami, FL,
Dec. 22, 2pm ET, ESPNBYU (8-4) vs. Memphis (9-3)
This isn’t the sexiest matchup but Memphis has a shot a 10-win season and this could catapult coach Justin Fuente into a high-profile gig.
Tuesday, December 23
Boca Raton, FL, Dec. 23, 6pm ET, ESPN
Marshall (12-1) vs. Northern Illinois (11-2)
It’s been a tough season for Marshall. They spent all year trying to make a case for a New Year’s Six bowl or even a spot in the top 25. A late season lost to Western Kentucky ended those dreams but they get a prime time spot here against a very solid NIU team. Marshall and Rakeem Cato can make a statement here.
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
Bowl
San Diego,
CA, Dec. 23, 9:30pm ET, ESPNNavy (7-5) vs. San Diego State (7-5)
I always enjoy watching Navy and they’re getting a SDSU team that won three of their last four coming in. Both teams run the ball well, so we’ll see some good ol’ smash-mouth football.
Wednesday, December 24
Nassau, Dec. 24, 12pm ET, ESPN
Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Western Kentucky (7-5)
Do you really want to miss the “Directional Bowl?” Is central better than Western? Plus, it’s in the Bahamas… how cool is that!
Honolulu, HI, Dec. 24, 8pm ET, ESPN
Fresno State (6-7) vs. Rice (7-5)
It’s in Hawai’i and it will be cool when they cut away from the game.
Friday, December 26
Dallas, TX, Dec. 26, 1pm ET, ESPN
Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-5)
Illinois comes in with solid momentum winning back-to-back games over Penn State and Northwestern to close out the season to get here. LaTech narrowly lost to Marshall in the C-USA Championship.
Detroit, MI, Dec. 26, 4:30pm ET, ESPN
Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina (6-6)
Rutgers put together a pretty solid first season in the Big Ten and the potential of an eight-win season gives them a lot to build on. North Carolina, despite some talent has disappointed the past two seasons but, they are capable of putting up an exciting performance.
Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl
Saint
Petersburg, FL, Dec. 26, 8pm ET, ESPNNC State (7-5) vs. UCF (9-3)
NC State had a strong season after missing the post-season last year. UCF quietly put together a solid season as co-champs of the AAC.
Saturday, December 27
Military Bowl Pres. by Northrop Grumman
Annapolis,
MD, Dec. 27, 1pm ET, ESPNCincinnati (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6)
Cincy comes in with one of the nation’s best passing offenses. VaTech, despite their struggles is always solid on defense. The Hokies barely made a bowl game and need a win here to salvage the season and perhaps the program.
El Paso, TX, Dec. 27, 2pm ET, CBS
No. 15 Arizona State (9-3) vs. Duke (9-3)
Duke comes in looking for back-to-back 10 win seasons. They’re a solid team, well-coaching and have an above average offense. ASU had hopes beyond the Sun Bowl just a few weeks ago but late season losses to Oregon State and Arizona dropped them out of the playoff and Pac-12 race. Their young, attacking defense will be fun to watch against Jamison Crowder and Co.
Shreveport, LA, Dec. 27, 3:30pm ET, ABC
Miami (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6)
This game has the potential to be one of the best games of bowl season. However, based on each team’s level of motivation, it could also be the ugliest game of bowl season. Miami’s Duke Johnson is likely playing in his last games as is linebacker Denzel Perryman. You’ll know in the first few possessions if these teams have motivated. If they are, take a seat and enjoy. If not, take a breath between bowl games and regroup for BC-Penn State and Nebraska-USC later in the afternoon.
New York, NY, Dec. 27, 4:30pm ET, ESPN
Boston College (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6)
A couple interesting things to watch here. Two solid defenses (Penn State’s might be the best in the country) and Penn State’s first bowl appearance since 2011. Given the state of the o-line, could this be Christian Hackenberg’s last game as a Nittany Lion?
San Diego, CA, Dec. 27 8pm ET, ESPN
Nebraska (9-3) vs. No. 24 USC (8-4)
This game, like UM-S. Carolina will come down to interest and motivation. Nebraska fired Bo Pelini after the season and the fallout could certainly be a distraction for the Huskers. USC, although talented always seems to have motivation issues. Regardless, there’s a bunch of NFL talent on display- Ameer Abdullah and Randy Gregory for the Huskers and Leonard Williams, Hayes Pullard, Nelson Agholor, Cody Kessler and a host of future prospects lining up for SC.
Memphis, TN, Dec. 29, 2pm ET, ESPN
Texas A&M (7-5) vs. West Virginia (7-5)
Football purists will shudder at this one. Look for 100+ points and 1000+ yards. If nothing else, it will be entertaining.
Orlando, FL, Dec. 29, 5:30pm ET, ESPN
Oklahoma (8-4) vs. No. 17 Clemson (9-3)
Both teams come in with injuries at the quarterback position. Clemson is coming off a huge win over rival South Carolina and looking to win their fourth straight ten win season. Oklahoma limped to the finish line, dropping the Bedlam Game to Ok State in overtime. I’m looking forward to a rested Deshaun Watson against an attacking Sooner defense and OU’s Samaje Perine against Clemson’s top ranked defense.
Houston, TX, Dec. 29th, 9pm ET, ESPN
Arkansas (6-6) vs. Texas (6-6)
I love this matchup. Both teams gained momentum down the stretch and both teams are physical, ground and pound offenses. For Texas, a win here caps a strong finish (they won four of six to finish the regular season) for Charlie Strong and Co. and gives them a lot to build on in the offseason. For Arkansas, who got their first SEC win in two seasons this year, a win here is another major step forward and a seventh win for a program that had only won seven total games over the past two years.
Tuesday, December 30
Nashville, TN, Dec. 30, 3pm ET, ESPN
Notre Dame (7-5) vs. No. 23 LSU (8-4)
Notre Dame face-planted after their mid-season loss to FSU and win over and SEC opponent would help make this season not seem like a total loss. For LSU, this year was disappointing but with what Les Miles has coming back in ’15, this could be the jumping off point to a championship run.
Charlotte, NC, Dec. 30, 6:30pm ET, ESPN
No. 13 Georgia (9-3) vs. No. 21 Louisville (9-3)
This is a high-risk, high-reward game to me. Georgia is fully capable of showing up and looking like one of the most dominant teams in the country and they’re also capable of dropping a bomb and losing by 20. I like the matchup with UGA’s rushing attack against former UGA DC, Todd Grantham’s defense. Like Miss St-Georgia Tech, this will be a great SEC-ACC matchup.
Foster Farms Bowl
Santa Clara,
CA, Dec. 30, 10pm ET, ESPNMaryland (7-5) vs. Stanford (7-5)
It’s sad to see Stanford here but it will be worth watching if Kevin Hogan and the offense pick up where they left off against UCLA
New Year’s Eve Bowls
Atlanta, GA, Dec. 31, 12:30pm ET, ESPN
No. 9 Ole Miss (9-3) vs. No. 6 TCU (11-1)
Of all the non-playoff games, I’m looking forward to this one the most. Trevone Boykin and the TCU offense against an Ole Miss defense that should be mostly healthy will be a fun matchup. Another great story line here is TCU being snubbed from the playoff and Big 12 versus SEC West. This game has it all.
Glendale, AZ, Dec. 31, 4pm ET, ESPN
No. 20 Boise State (11-2) vs. No. 10 Arizona (10-3)
The Bronco’s get the nod from the Group of Five and they’ll be tested against Pac-12 runner up Arizona. The Wildcats should have time to heal up and they’ll need Anu Solomon at full strength against an underrated BSU squad.
Miami, FL, Dec. 31, 8pm ET, ESPN
No. 7 Mississippi State (10-2) vs. No. 12 Georgia Tech (10-3)
Mississippi faltered down the stretch and finished the season with a tough loss to rival Ole Miss- the loss ended any hope MSU had of making the playoff. Georgia Tech took FSU to the brink in the ACC Championship game and will be ready to give the Bulldogs all they can handle in Miami.
New Year’s Day Bowls
Outback Bowl
Tampa, FL,
Jan. 1, 12pm ET, ESPN2No. 19 Auburn (8-4) vs. No. 18 Wisconsin (10-3)
One of college football’s most dynamic rushing offenses against college football’s best running back. This game is going to have about 90 rushing attempts and 500+ rushing yards. Plus, it’s our last opportunity to see Melvin Gordon in college.
Arlington, TX, Jan. 1, 12:30pm ET, ESPN
No. 8 Michigan State (10-2) vs. No. 5 Baylor (11-1)
The high-powered Baylor offense against Pat Narduzzi’s defense. Will Baylor come out looking to make a statement after being jumped by Ohio State for the playoff?
Orlando, FL, Jan. 1, 1pm ET, ABC
No. 25 Minnesota (8-4) vs. No. 16 Missouri (10-3)
Neither team is especially flashy but they’re both solid and it will be interesting to watch two teams that were in the mix for their conference late.
Playoffs- Round 1
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual- SEMIFINAL
Pasadena, CA. January 1, 5pm ET, ESPN
No. 2 Oregon (12-1) vs. No. 3 Florida State (13-0)
AllState Sugar Bowl- SEMIFINAL
New Orleans,
LA. January 1, 8:30pm ET, ESPNNo. 1 Alabama (12-1) vs. No. 4 Ohio State (12-1)
Friday, January 2
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Fort Worth,
TX, Jan. 2, 12pm ET, ESPNPittsburgh (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5)
Houston was really solid at times this season and played the top teams in the AAC tough. They’ve got a solid defense and will have their hands full with Pitt’s James Conner.
Jacksonville, FL, Jan. 2, 3:20pm ET, ESPN
Iowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6)
Hey, Tennessee is bowl eligible and that’s worth watching. With Josh Dobbs as their starting quarterback down the stretch, this was a much better Vols team.
San Antonio, TX, Jan. 2, 6:45pm ET, ESPN
No. 11 Kansas State (9-3) vs. No. 14 UCLA (9-3)
UCLA, despite their talent and potential was one of the most disappointing and underachieving teams in the country. They face a K-State team that’s sort of the opposite- a bit of an overachiever, that has some talent but not at the level of UCLA. With Brett Hundley almost certainly off to the NFL, how will he close out his career as a Bruin?
TicketCity Cactus Bowl
Tempe, AZ,
Jan. 2, 10:15pm ET, ESPNWashington (8-5) vs. Oklahoma State (6-6)
Both teams will look to finish on a high note after disappointing seasons. Washington had a defense that was Pac-12 worthy but the offense struggled all season. Oklahoma State looked like a Big 12 contender in September until JW Walsh went down and the season went in the tank.
Birmingham Bowl
Birmingham,
AL, Jan. 3, 12pm ET, ESPNEast Carolina (8-4) vs. Florida (6-5)
ECU comes in with a dynamic offense and they’ll go up against a Florida team that is capable of playing shutdown defense. The big question here for me is how motivated are the Gators here? If UF isn’t interested here, ECU could blow this one away.
Sunday, January 4
GoDaddy Bowl
Mobil, AL,
Jan. 4, 9pm ET, ESPNToledo (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
Well, both teams are pretty solid on offense and neither teams plays much defense so we should see a bunch of points.
College Football Playoff National Championship Game,
Presented by AT&T
Arlington,
TX, Jan. 12, 8:30pm ET