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R+L Carriers New Orleans BowlTV: Dec. 20, 11 a.m. on ESPN |
Nevada Wolf Pack (7-5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (8-4)
These two teams have met once before in 1995 when both were in the Big West Conference. Louisiana-Lafayette is going for its fourth straight win in the New Orleans Bowl, which would also give it four consecutive seasons with nine wins. Nevada is back in the postseason for the ninth time in ten years after missing a bowl game last season. The Wolf Pack haven’t won a bowl game since 2010. Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo joined Colin Kaepernick this season as the only players in NCAA history with 9,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in their career. The Ragin’ Cajuns should win this game if they establish the run game with the Sun Belt’s backfield featuring Alonzo Harris and Elijah McGuire (1,165 yards, 14 touchdowns, 7.8 yards per carry). Nevada is undersized in the middle of the defensive line but if ULL quarterback Terrance Broadway is forced to throw, he could see some pressure from Nevada’s Ian Seau and Brock Hekking, who combined for 12 sacks this season. Louisiana’s passing game hasn’t had a go-to target without injured Jamal Robinson so McGuire leads the team in catches but James Butler and Al Riles are two receivers to watch to make plays in this game. Nevada’s defense will have to win by forcing turnovers. The Wolf Pack lead the nation in points off turnovers per game.
Seniors to watch:
Nevada QB Cody Fajardo, DE Brock Hekking, CB Charles Garrett.
ULL QB Terrance Broadway, RB Alonzo Harris, WR James Butler, RG Daniel Quave, DT Justin Hamilton, DT Christian RIngo, CB Corey Trim
My Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette 34, Nevada 21
Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Dec. 20, 2:20 p.m. on ESPN
Utah State Aggies (9-4) vs. UTEP Miners (7-5)
UTEP has had quite the turnaround in year two under Sean Kugler going from 2-10 to 7-5 this season. Much of that is thanks to the strong running game with Aaron Jones (1,233 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Nathan Jeffery (513 yards, five touchdowns). Utah State’s defense is always one of the best in the Mountain West and led the league against the run this year and is 26th nationally at stopping the opponents’ run game. The Aggies defense is led by a strong front seven that features defensive end B.J. Larsen and the Vigil brothers, Nick and Zach (261 combined tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks), at linebacker. The defense hopes to rebound after giving up 50 points to Boise State in the season finale and also has two ball hawking safeties, Brian Suite and Frankie Sutera. UTEP also had a huge improvement on defense going from 107th in total defense to 45th this season. Utah State’s offense took a hit when not only leading receiver Brandon Swindall went down but quarterbacks Chuckie Keeton, Darell Garretson and Craig Harrison all were lost to injury for the second straight year. In came true freshman Kent Myers, who began the season as the fourth quarterback, and he’s looked like the second coming of Keeton making plays with his legs. It’s also helped Utah State that true freshman LaJuan Hunt emerged at running back and junior college-transfer Hunter Sharp stepped up at receiver to go along with the electric JoJo Natson, who also has two punt return touchdowns this year. I expect Myers to take another step forward but ultimately it will be the Aggies defense, which gives up just 4.8 yards per play, that wins this game.
Seniors to watch:
-Utah State WR Ronald Butler, LT Kevin Whimpey, DE B.J. Larsen, LB Zach Vigil, S Brian Suite, S Frankie Sutera
-UTEP QB Jameill Showers, WR Ian Hamilton, CB Damian Payne
My Pick: Utah State 38, UTEP 17
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Utah Utes (8-4) vs. Colorado State Rams (10-2)
Offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin takes over as the interim head coach for Colorado State while former coach Jim McElwain said in his introductory press conference at Florida that the Rams are going to win this game. To do that, it’s going to need to establish balance on offense against a stout and physical Utah defense. Colorado State can certainly do that behind the running of Alabama-transfer Dee Hart, who’s scored 16 touchdowns and averaged 6.7 yards per carry, and the passing game led by Senior Bowl quarterback Garrett Grayson, who is No. 2 in the nation in yards per attempt (9.8). Grayson has an array of big play receivers from the nation’s leading receiver Rashard Higgins to Joe Hansley and Charles Lovett. Those receivers are going to test Utah’s secondary that features Dominique Hatfield and Eric Rowe at cornerback. To help Grayson in the passing game, he will need good protection against Utah’s pass rush. The Utes lead the nation with 52 sacks and ar led by Senior Bowl defensive end Nate Orchard and sophomore Hunter Dimick. On defense, the Rams need to key in on slowing down Devontae Booker and the Utes run game. If that happens, I can’t see Utah winning with the passing game but if this game is close, the Utes have one of the nation’s best kickers, punters and return men.
Seniors to watch:
-Utah WR Kaelin Clay, DE Nate Orchard, CB Eric Rowe, S Brian Blechen
-Colorado State QB Garrett Grayson, WR Charles Lovett, LT Ty Sambrailo, LB Max Morgan, LB Aaron Davis, CB Bernard Blake
My Pick: Colorado State 27, Utah 24
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Dec. 20, 5:45 p.m. on ESPN
Western Michigan Broncos (8-4) vs. Air Force Falcons (9-3)
Both teams in this game made huge turnarounds from last season. Western Michigan went from 1-11 to 8-4 and Air Force 2-10 to 9-3. P.J. Fleck in his second season in Kalamazzoo has taught his team how to win in a hurry and has a very young and talented roster. They’ll go against a veteran-laden Air Force team that has the most balanced option-based attack out of the three military academies. Air Force quarterback Kale Pearson has thrown 14 touchdowns passes while rushing for 646 yards and has a top target in Jalen Robinette, who has 40 catches and 17.9 yards per catch. This Air Force team won the Commander-in-Chief Trophy and beat both Boise State and Colorado State this season. The Falcons held Boise State’s Jay Ajayi to 3.7 yards per carry. Western Michigan is going to run the ball with true freshman star Jarvion Franklin, who has 1,525 yards and 24 touchdowns (second in the nation). In the passing game, the Broncos have two stud receivers, too, with Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman but quarterback Zach Terrell has to be aware of where safeties Christian Spears and Weston Steelhammer (6 interceptions) are. Western Michigan has improved from 118th in the nation in rush defense last season to 37th this season and had extra time to prepare for the Air Force option attack.
Seniors to watch:
-Western Michigan CB Donald Celiscar
-Air Force S Christian Spears, LB Jordan Pierce, K/P Will Conant
My Pick: Western Michigan 30, Air Force 24
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Dec. 20, 9:15 p.m. on ESPN
South Alabama Jaguars (6-6) vs. Bowling Green Falcons (7-6)
Bowling Green finished the season on a three-game losing streak but has a lot of offensive firepower from the three-headed backfield led by Travis Greene to the five receivers led by true freshman Roger Lewis (69 receptions, 956 yards) and junior Ryan Burbrink. Lewis could become Bowling Green’s first ever freshman with 1,000 yards. Another true freshman has made big contributions on defense in cornerback Nick Johnson, who has five interceptions this season but Bowling Green’s defense has had a huge dropoff from the top-15 unit last year to being 119th in total defense in 2014 giving up 500 yards per game. South Alabama is in a bowl game for the first time in just the third season in the FBS but lost four of its last five games. Quarterback Brandon Bridge played the best football of his career in the fourth quarter of the last game but can he carry that over to the bowl? He will also have a new playcaller now with former UAB offensive coordinator Brian Vincent returning and calling the plays in the bowl. Bridge’s athleticism and ability to make plays with his feet will keep the Bowling Green front seven honest but he needs to stay away from defensive end Bryan Thomas, who has six sacks and five forced fumbles this season. The Jaguars will want to be balanced on offense too and have run the ball on nearly 60 percent of its snaps this season. I think ultimately the Jags will be able to move the ball and limit Bowling Green’s possession. The Falcons are one of the nation’s fastest moving offenses so South Alabama has to keep its defense fresh. The biggest question for Bowling Green’s offense is if quarterback James Knapke plays well. He was benched in favor of true freshman Cody Callaway in each of the last two games. South Alabama cornerback Qudarius Ford also gets a chance to play in his final game after missing the end of the regular season.
Seniors to watch:
-South Alabama QB Brandon Bridge, RB Kendall Houston, WR Shavarez Smith, TE Wes Saxton, DE Theo Rich, LB Maleki Harris
-Bowling Green DE Bryan Thomas, LB D.J. Lynch, LB Gabe Martin, S Brian Sutton, S Ryland Ward
My Pick: South Alabama 34, Bowling Green 30
Miami Beach Bowl, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. on ESPN
BYU Cougars (8-4) vs. Memphis Tigers (9-3)
Only Florida State has more bowl wins in the last nine years than BYU does. Bronco Mendenhall always has his team ready to play in the postseason and will now face Memphis for the first time. Memphis in a bowl game for the first time since 2008 and went 9-3 after going 3-9 last year. The Tigers have won the last six games and quarterback Paxton Lynch ha thrown nine touchdowns to no interceptions during that stretch. BYU’s defense generates a lot of turnovers and will try to get Lynch, who set the school-record for most total touchdowns in a single season, to make mistakes but Memphis is sixth in the nation in turnover margin while BYU has had some big turnovers. The Memphis defense likes to take the ball away too as cornerbacks Bobby McCain and Andrew Gaines have seven combined interceptions. Christian Stewart filled in valiantly for Taysom Hill at quarterback for BYU and has playmakers at receiver around him with Jordan Leslie and Mitch Matthews, who’s a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-6. BYU’s defense withstood injuries too with Craig Bills, Alani Fua, Jordan Johnson and Bronson Kaufusi all missing time. The defense fell apart during the four-game losing streak but the Cougars bounced back to win four straight to finish the season. I think both defenses are going to play well in this game and neither team will run the ball well. Ultimately, I think Stewart takes the shots down the field and connects in some chunk plays in the passing game to win while the BYU front seven bottles up Memphis.
Seniors to watch
-BYU QB Christian Stewart, WR Jordan Leslie, TE Devin Mahina, LB Alani Fua, LB Zac Stout, CB Robertson Daniel, DB Skye PoVey
-Memphis RB Brandon Hayes, WR Keiwone Malone, DE Martin Ifedi, DT Terry Redden, LB Tank Jakes, CB Bobby McCain, CB Andrew Gaines, S Fritz Etienne
My Pick: BYU 17, Memphis 14
Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. on ESPN
Marshall Thundering Herd (12-1) vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (11-2)
This is a great matchup between two of the teams that had an argument to be the best in the Group of Five. The most common thoughts on both teams are that Marshall has an explosive offense while Northern Illinois doesn’t have Jordan Lynch anymore. In reality, I think these two teams are pretty similar in both having mobile quarterbacks, good running games with big backs and a go-to receiver. The biggest difference between the teams is that Northern Illinois is the least penalized team in the MAC while Marshall is one of the most penalized teams in the country. The matchup to watch here is in the trenches. Northern Illinois has given up just 11 sacks this season while Marshall has recorded 35. The Thundering Herd have disruptive forces on the defensive line led by James Rouse but the Huskies offensive line has 166 combined starts. Drew Hare (2,097 yards, 17 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country and moves the chains with his legs while both teams have a big running back: Cameron Stingily (Northern Illinois) and Devon Johnson (Marshall. 1,602 yards, 16 touchdowns). Marshall’s offense puts up 45.2 points per game behind the leadership of Rakeem Cato (3,622 yards, 37 touchdowns) but if the Huskies can get pressure on Cato, he won’t be as effective. Rod Carey is 0-2 as a head coach in bowl games while Doc Holliday is 2-0. I think Northern Illinois can run the ball effectively and disrupt the timing of Marshall’s offense.
Seniors to watch:
-Marshall QB Rakeem Cato, WR Tommy Shuler, OC Chris Jasperse, DT James Rouse, LB Neville Hewitt, CB Darryl Roberts
-Northern Illinois RB Cameron Stingily, WR Da’Ron Brown, OT Tyler Loos, DE Jason Meehan, S Dechane Durante
My Pick: Northern Illinois 41, Marshall 28
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 23, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
Navy Midshipmen (7-5) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (7-5)
San Diego State has won eight straight games over service academies and eight straight games at home, which is where this bowl game is played. The Aztecs keep losing running backs early to the NFL but still having the next running back step up. Sophomore Donnel Pumphrey is third in the nation with 1,761 yards and is 82 yards away from the single-season school record. He also has 19 rushing touchdowns. When San Diego State has won, it’s won by double digits in every game and is plus-7 in turnover margin in wins and minus-4 in losses. Quarterback Quinn Kaehler didn’t have a great senior season with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions with one coming in the end zone against North Carolina when the Aztecs almost beat the Tar Heels. Navy will have a tough time covering Ezell Ruffin though and offensive coordinator Bob Toledo is retiring after this game so the Aztecs will be motivated to send him out with a win. Navy’s attack goes as quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who’s battled injury, goes. Reynolds has rushed for 1,182 yards and 21 touchdowns while captaining the option offense. Reynolds can also throw the ball better than any quarterback that Ken Niumatalolo has had and sophomore Jamir Tillman has turned into a big-play receiver. Navy lost close games to Rutgers, Western Kentucky, Air Force and Notre Dame. It was close to having a much different year than 7-5 but the Midshipmen haven’t won back-to-back bowl games in a decade. It’s hard to win when the other team has so much time to prepare.
Seniors to watch:
-Navy FB Noah Copeland, RB Ryan Williams-Jenkins, DE Paul Quessenberry, LB Chris Johnson, S Parrish Gaines
-San Diego State WR Ezell Ruffin, LT Terry Poole, DE Sam Meredith, CB J.J. Whittaker
My Pick: San Diego State 35, Navy 21
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, Dec. 24, Noon on ESPN
Central Michigan Chippewas (7-5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5)
It’s hard to forget that Central Michigan was blown out by Syracuse and Kansas early in the season but running back Thomas Rawls did not play in those games. The Michigan-transfer gave the Chippewas a downhill running game and finished with 1,103 yards. The offense is going to need a lot more than the 25.2 points per game it’s averaging though to keep up with Western Kentucky’s high-octane offense led by the nation’s leading passer, Brandon Doughty (4,344 yards, 44 touchdowns, 10 interceptions), who just received a sixth year of eligibility. The Hilltoppers are balanced too with a strong running game with Leon Allen (1,490 yards, 12 touchdowns) and there is just too much firepower at the skill positions with Jared Dangerfield, Taywan Taylor, Willie McNeal and tight end Mitchell Henry. I don’t think Central Michigan can match up across the board as long as the Hilltoppers aren’t on vacation in the Bahamas. The Western Kentucky defense gives up a ton of yards through the air though but the passing game is not a strength for Central Michigan despite having Titus Davis at receiver.
Seniors to watch:
-Central Michigan RB Thomas Rawls, WR Titus Davis, LG Andy Phillips, DT Leterrius Walton, LB Justin Cherocci
-Western Kentucky TE Mitchell Henry, WR Willie McNeal, CB Cam Thomas
My Pick: Western Kentucky 42, Central Michigan 34
Hawai’I Bowl, Dec. 24, 8 p.m. on ESPN
Fresno State Bulldogs (6-7) vs. Rice Owls (7-5)
Both of these teams started the season 0-3 and rebounded to make a bowl game. The last time Rice was on the field, the Owls gave up 41 unanswered points and lost 76-31 to Louisiana Tech. The Owls are 90th in the nation in passing yards allowed and now face prolific Fresno State receiver Josh Harper, who has 86 catches for 1,072 yards this season and will play in the Senior Bowl. The question is can inconsistent quarterback Brian Burrell (22 touchdowns, 16 interceptions) get him the ball. Harper versus Rice cornerback Bryce Callahan should be a good matchup. The Bulldogs defense led by Tyeler Davison, Donavon Lewis, Derron Smith and Charles Washington have to worry about Rice’s balanced attack. The Owls have 6-foot-5 receiver Jordan Taylor and Mario Hull and a two-headed backfield with Jowan Davis and Darik Dillard to go along with quarterback Driphus Jackson’s dual threat ability. The Fresno State defense gave up 40 points or more four times this season and are 102nd in rush defense while the Owls like to run. Rice can also pressure the quarterback with defensive ends Zach Patt and Brian Nordstrom, who stepped up after the loss of Christian Covington and combined for 16 sacks. Nordstrom leads the league with 18.5 tackles for loss as well. Fresno State is going to need balance of its own on offense and run the ball effectively with Marteze Waller.
Seniors to watch:
-Fresno State WR Josh Harper, WR Greg Watson, NT Tyeler Davison, LB Donavon Lewis, S Derron Smith
-Rice WR Jordan Taylor, WR Mario Hull, DE Zach Patt, LB James Radcliffe, CB Bryce Callahan
My Pick: Fresno State 34, Rice 24
Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl, Dec. 26, 1 p.m. on ESPN
Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-5)
The Illini have not stopped very many running games this year and rank 120nd in rush defense and now get Louisiana Tech’s power run game with Kenneth Dixon (1,236 yards, 21 touchdowns). This season, Illinois gave up 458 rushing yards to Nebraska, 349 to Purdue, 401 to Wisconsin and 304 to Iowa just to name a few. Then there’s the case of Louisiana Tech that improved to 8-5 this year from 4-8 a year ago but lost to Northwestern State and Old Dominion. Turnovers were a big factor in those games but the Bulldogs also lead the nation with 40 takeaways. Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (three interceptions) has done a good job taking care of the ball but will feel some heat in this game when Manny Diaz’s defense shuts down the run and gets after Lunt. The only consistent target for Illinois has been true freshman receiver Mike Dudek (65 catches, 965 yards, 6 touchdowns). This game should be decided by Dixon, who has 478 yards and 10 touchdowns in his last four games and this could be his final outing if he enters the NFL Draft. Louisiana Tech defensive Houston Bates leads the team in sacks and played at Illinois last year.
Seniors to watch:
-Illinois TE Jon Davis, DT Austin Teitsma, LB Earnest Thomas III, P Justin DuVernois
-Louisiana Tech WR Sterling Young, DE Houston Bates, LB Tony Johnson, LB Terrell Pinson, CB Le’Vander Liggins
My Pick: Louisiana Tech 28, Illinois 24
Quick Lane Bowl, Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m. on ESPN
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6)
It was a disappointing year for the Tar Heels, who had ACC title aspirations coming into the season but the defense fell apart at times and defensive coordinator Vic Koenning was dismissed. North Carolina then lost to in-state rival NC State 35-7 to close out the year while Rutgers finished with the largest comeback in school history in Gary Nova’s best performance in the 41-38 win over Maryland.
Rutgers had a lot of injuries in the backfield and the offense mainly relies on Nova and receiver Leonte Carroo (1,043 yards, 10 touchdowns). Nova (2,667 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) has thrown for more than 200 yards in all seven wins and less than 200 yards in all five losses. The key for North Carolina has to be to hold Rutgers under 34 points; the Tar Heels have given up 34 or more in every loss and allow 38.9 points per game and are 115th in total defense giving up 495.7 yards per game. East Carolina put up 70 points on the Tar Heels earlier this season. North Carolina is going to need another big performance from quarterback Marquise Williams (2,870 passing yards, 737 rushing yards). Williams has carried this offense down the stretch and has an array of weapons at receiver. Two of the country’s most dangerous return men, Rutgers’ Janarion Grant and North Carolina’s Ryan Switzer are also in this game.
Seniors to watch:
-Rutgers QB Gary Nova, LG Kaleb Johnson, LB Kevin Snyder, S Lorenzo Waters
-North Carolina DT Ethan Farmer, LB Norkeithus Otis, S Tim Scott, P Tommy Hibbard
My Pick: North Carolina 37, Rutgers 31
Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl, Dec. 26, 8 p.m. on ESPN
NC State Wolfpack (7-5) vs. UCF Knights (9-3)
I still think that if Blake Bortles would’ve returned, UCF would be a top-12 team. The Knights are very experienced and talented while Dave Doeren has gotten his NC State team bowl eligible with a lot of new faces led by Florida-transfer quarterback Jacoby Brissett (59.9%, 22 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 498 rushing yards), freshman receiver Bo Hines and freshman defensive lineman B.J. Hill. This is a really stingy UCF defense led by Terrance Plummer and a lockdown secondary with Jacoby Glenn and Senior Bowl safety Clayton Geathers. Glenn is third in the nation with seven interceptions. Brissett doesn’t have much help around him when the running game with Matt Dayes and Shadrach Thornton isn’t effective and I don’t expect it to be against UCF’s defense.
Seniors to watch:
-NC State OT Tyson Chandler, DE Art Norman, P Wil Bauman
-UCF LT Torrian Wilson, WR Rannell Hall, WR Josh Reese, LB Terrance Plummer, CB Jordan Ozerities, S Clayton Geathers, S Brandon Alexander, K Shawn Moffitt
My Pick: UCF 42, NC State 20
Military Bowl pres. by Northrop Grumman, Dec. 27, 1 p.m. on ESPN
Cincinnati Bearcats (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6)
The link between these two schools is Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock, who hired Tommy Tuberville at Cincinnati. The Hokies are in a bowl game for the nation-leading 22nd straight year and are trying to avoid the first losing season since 1992. Cincinnati is looking for ten wins for the third time in four years. Something has to give in this one as the Hokies are No. 2 in tackles for loss (105) while Cincinnati is No. 2 in tackles for loss allowed. This will be the best defense that Notre Dame-transfer quarterback Gunner Kiel (3,070 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) has faced this season and Cincinnati needs to give him time against the Hokies pass rush from Dadi Nicolas and company. The matchup of Virginia Tech cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Donovan Riley against Cincinnati’s big target Mekale McKay (Arkansas transfer) will be one to watch and then Shaq Washington and Chris Moore are big-play threats and the Hokies have given up some big plays this season. The Bearcats running game has improved ever since burning the redshirt on freshman Mike Boone. Virginia Tech has to find a way to score and it starts by protecting Michael Brewer (17 touchdowns, 14 interceptions), which has been a struggle at times. Cincinnati’s Terrell Hartsfield leads the AAC in sacks and linebacker Jeff Luc is third with 6.5 sacks. Virginia Tech has some guys like Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges in the passing game but Brewer hasn’t been that effective and he hasn’t been helped by a running game. This is the worst running game Virginia Tech has had as Marshawn Williams is the team’s leading rusher but averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. Virginia Tech’s defense will keep the Hokies in the game but where will the offensive production come from?
Seniors to watch:
-Cincinnati LT Eric Lefeld, DE Terrell Hartsfield, LB Jeff Luc, LB Nick Temple, CB Howard Wilder
-Virginia Tech S Kyshoen Jarrett, S Detrick Bonner
My Pick: Cincinnati 28, Virginia Tech 20
Hyundai Sun Bowl, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. on CBS
Arizona State Sun Devils (9-3) vs. Duke Blue Devils (9-3)
Duke has won nine games in back-to-back seasons for the first time but still haven’t won a bowl game since 1961. Senior Bowl receiver Jamison Crowder is seven catches away from the all-time ACC career record and is 210 yards away from the receiving mark. Against an Arizona State’s that 103rd in passing yards allowed, he could come close to it while going against Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi Brown. His quarterback Anthony Boone has been efficient with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. 6-foot-6 receiver Issac Blakeney could also be a matchup problem for Arizona State. The Blue Devils found a better running game too with the emrgence of true freshman Shaun Wilson, who’s averaging 8.0 yards per carry. The Sun Devils defense gave up more than 30 points in each of the last four games. Duke’s defense is giving up 20.4 poitns per game but hasn’t faced an offense like the Sun Devils but Arizona State had to bench Taylor Kelly in the regular season finale for Mike Bercovici. This Duke secondary is talented but every team has trouble with Jaelen Strong. Duke will have to focus on not letting the running backs D.J. Foster and true freshman Damario Richard get chunk plays.
Seniors to watch
-Arizona State QB Taylor Kelly, LT Jamil Douglas, DE Marcus Hardison, S Damarious Randall
-Duke QB Anthony Boone, WR Jamison Crowder, RG Laken Tomlinson, LT Takoby Cofield, DE Dezmond Johnson, DT Jamal Bruce, LB David Helton, LB C.J. France
My Pick: Duke 42, Arizona State 31
Duck Commander Independence Bowl, Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
Miami Hurricanes (6-6) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6)
This could be the final game for a trio of running backs as Miami’s Duke Johnson and South Carolina’s Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds could all declare for the NFL Draft. Miami has been gashed for 421 rushing yards in the last two games but South Carolina’s front seven hasn’t stopped the run all year and gives up 214.4 yards per game on the ground. Containing Johnson, Miami’s all-time leading rusher, will be a tough task. How good are the Canes though? They slumped to a 6-6 record and beat just one power five team with a winning record (Duke). Miami has also lost four straight bowl games. Whichever quarterback plays better will win this game between Miami true freshman Brad Kaaya (led the ACC with 25 touchdown passes) and South Carolina senior Dylan Thompson. Watch out for two other explosive players in this game with Miami’s Phillip Dorsett and South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper. Steve Spurrier hasn’t had a losing season since going 5-6 at Duke in 1987. The injury to Miami tight end Clive Walford takes away a big red zone target for Kaaya but the true freshman has shown a lot of poise and likely won’t face much pressure from South Carolina while Johnson should have another 100-yard game.
Seniors to watch:
-Miami WR Phillip Dorsett, LG Jon Feliciano, OC Shane McDermott, DE Anthony Chickillo, DT Olsen Pierre, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Ladarius Gunter
-South Carolina QB Dylan Thompson, LG A.J. Cann, LT Corey Robinson, DT J.T. Surratt, DB Brison Williams
My Pick: Miami 34, South Carolina 31
New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. on ESPN
Boston College Eagles (7-5) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (6-6)
The Nittany Lions are playing the first post-sanction bowl game in the hometown of Joe Paterno but don’t sleep on the Boston College Eagles, who beat USC and took Clemson and Florida State to the wire. With that said, Boston College is one dimensional on offense with quarterback Tyler Murphy running the show. He set a new ACC record for rushing yards by a quarterback but doesn’t have the weapons in the passing game to be balanced. Penn State has the nation’s No. 1 rush defense and that’s not a fluke with that stout defensive line with Anthony Zettel and Austin Johnson in the middle and Senior Bowler Mike Hull (134 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss) at middle linebacker and Bob Shoop calling the shots with enough time to get ready for the Boston College option plays. The Eagles have a stingy front seven, too, and Penn State’s offensive line has been one of the worst in the nation. The Nittany Lions haven’t been able to run or protect Christian Hackenberg, who was sacked a school-record 40 times this year. Keeping Hackenberg upright and his receivers gaining more separation is going to be a key for Penn State to win. The X-Factor could be tight end Jesse James, who creates a big matchup problem for Boston College.
Seniors to watch:
-Boston College QB Tyler Murphy, OT Ian Silberman, OC Andy Gallik, DE Brian Mihalik, DT Connor Wujciak, LB Josh Keyes, CB Manny Asprilla, S Dominique Williams
-Penn State RB Bill Belton, DE C.J. Olaniyan, LB Mike Hull, S Adrian Amos, K Sam Ficken
My Pick: Penn State 27, Boston College 17
National University Holiday Bowl, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. on ESPN
Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3) vs. USC Trojans (8-4)
USC was a Hail Mary by Arizona State away from winning the south division but took its frustrations out on Notre Dame in the season finale. If the Trojans are ready for this one, it could be a long game for the Cornhuskers after the Bo Pelini drama. The players should want to send the staff out on a winning note but it’s going to be hard against this USC defense. Even with an MCL injury, Ameer Abdullah ran for 1,523 yards and 18 touchdowns but had just 1.3 yards per carry against Michigan State. Going against this front seven with Leonard Williams and Hayes Pullard is going to be a tough task. USC is 107th in passing yards allowed but can the Huskers generate enough of a passing game with Kenny Bell and Jordan Westerkamp? Nebraska is going to have to win the special teams and field position battles. Nebraska No. 3 in the nation in pass efficiency defense while USC’s Cody Kessler (36 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) is one of the most efficient passers in the country. Buck Allen and USC’s receivers are going to challenge Nebraska’s defense and there’s no more Pelini.
Seniors to watch:
-Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Kenny Bell, CB Josh Mitchell, S Corey Cooper
-USC TE Randall Telfer, LB J.R. Tavai, LB Hayes Pullard
My Pick: USC 35, Nebraska 17
AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Dec. 29, 2 p.m. on ESPN
Texas A&M Aggies (7-5) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (7-5)
The connections in this game are plenty with Kevin Sumlin, Jake Spavital and Dana Holgorsen. West Virginia might be the best five-loss team in the country while Texas A&M could state its case for that as well. Both of these offenses are going to score but only one of these teams really plays defense: West Virginia. One thing to monitor is the status of WVU quarterback Clint Trickett. Skyler Howard will start in his place if Trickett can’t go. A&M made the move to true freshman quarterback Kyle Allen and he should progress with the extra bowl practices. West Virginia has the personnel to match up with all of Texas A&M’s options in the spread offense while Texas A&M can’t guard against Kevin White (102 catches, 1,318 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Mario Alford (62 catches, 888 yards, 10 touchdowns). Texas A&M freshman defensive Myles Garrett did set an SEC freshman sack record with 11 but West Virginia will be ready for him. The Mountaineers have three capable runners in the backfield too led by Rushel Shell and the Aggies have been gashed on the ground. Texas A&M is going to get its point but West Virginia has also forced turnovers on defense and the Aggies aren’t going to stop the Mountaineers offense.
Seniors to watch:
-Texas A&M WR Malcome Kennedy, OT Cedric Ogbuehi,
-West Virginia WR Kevin White, WR Mario Alford, RB Dreamius Smith, LG Quinton Spain, RG Mark Glowinski, DE Shaq Riddick, LB Wes Tonkery
My Pick: West Virginia 52, Texas A&M 42
Russell Athletic Bowl, Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
Oklahoma Sooners (8-4) vs. Clemson Tigers (9-3)
Clemson is averaging 49.8 points per game when Deshaun Watson plays at quarterback and 20.3 points per game when Cole Stoudt is the quarterback. Watson played the season finale against South Carolina with a torn ACL but now had surgery and will miss the bowl game so Stoudt will start. Clemson’s defense has kept it in a lot of games but I can’t see the offense scoring enough against Oklahoma’s defense when Stoudt is feeling the pressure. On the other side, Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight is cleared to play and should return with Cody Thomas waiting in the wings. The battle in the trenches should be a good one between Oklahoma’s offensive line and Clemson’s defensive front. The Tigers are the nation’s No. 1 team in total defense and give up less than 100 yards per game. Something has to give with Oklahoma’s running game led by Samaje Perine and complemented by Keith Ford, Alex Ross and Knight’s running. If Clemson can bottle up Oklahoma’s offense, this could be a low-scoring game. Stoudt is going to make mistakes with Eric Striker and Geneo Grissom coming after him. Stoudt has thrown eight interceptions in his last five games. The Tigers are going to need to get the ball into the hands of freshman sensation Artavis Scott and use Mike Williams’ big frame as a matchup problem.
Seniors to watch:
-Oklahoma OT Tyrus Thompson, OT Daryl Williams, TE Blake Bell, DE Chuka Ndulue, LB Geneo Grissom, DB Quentin Hayes, DB Julian Wilson, K Michael Hunnicutt, P Jed Barnett
-Clemson DE Vic Beasley, DE Corey Crawford, DT Grady Jarrett, LB Stephone Anthony, S Robert Smith
My Pick: Oklahoma 28, Clemson 17
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, Dec. 29, 9 p.m. on ESPN
Arkansas Razorbacks (6-6) vs. Texas Longhorns (6-6)
It’s not Texas-Texas A&M but it’s still a great matchup of old Southwest Conference foes. After snapping its 17-game SEC losing streak, Arkansas beat LSU and Ole Miss by a combined 47-0 while Texas bounced back from a 2-4 start to become bowl eligible. This game is huge for both programs to continuing moving in the right direction. When speaking of Arkansas, the first thing that comes up is always the running game and for good reason as Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams combine for 2,109 yards and 23 touchdowns but the defensive improvement under first year coordinator Robb Smith is a big key. In the last four SEC games, the Razorbacks gave up 9.5 points per game while Senior Bowler Martrell Spaight led the SEC in tackles (123). This Arkansas defensive line is really active and Darius Philon, Taiwan Johnson and Senior Bowler Trey Flowers could give Texas lots of problems up front. Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes might be playing for his job and had extra time to prepare but without help from a running game might not be able toa void the mistakes he’s made all year, especially with five turnovers in the regular season finale. Texas is the best defense in the Big 12 and Malcom Brown is a potential first round draft pick while Jordan Hicks and Quandre Diggs will play in the Senior Bowl but holding upf or four quarters and also matching up with the tight ends Hunter Henry and A.J. Derby might be too much to handle.
Seniors to watch:
-Arkansas TE A.J. Derby, OT Brey Cook, DE Trey Flowers, LB Martrell Spaight, LB Braylon Mitchell, S Alan Turner
-Texas WR John Harris, WR Jaxon Shipley, RB Malcolm Brown, DE Cedric Reed, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Steve Edmond, CB Quandre Diggs
My Pick: Arkansas 21, Texas 17
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Dec. 30, 3 p.m. on ESPN
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-5) vs. LSU Tigers (8-4)
Quarterback play is going to be a huge factor in this game as LSU’s Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris have only completed 50 percent of their passes and Notre Dame says that both Everett Golson and Malik Zaire will play. Golson has 22 turnovers in his last nine games. Notre Dame has fallen off a cliff since losing to Florida State and gave up more than 30 points in the final seven games. Now to go against LSU’s running game with Leonard Fournette and company, the Irish are without Jarron Jones, Sheldon Day and Joe Schmidt. The last time LSU took the field, Fournette had a career night with 146 rushing yards and trucked a defender a Texas A&M defender on his way to the end zone. Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith is going to have a few collisions with Fournette while the secondary tries to contain he speed of Travin Dural. It’ll like be Cole Luke that sees the most time on Dural. This LSU defense can make life really hard for Golson and Zaire. Will Fuller is second nationally with 14 touchdowns but might have a tough time against the LSU defensive backs. I don’t see how LSU doesn’t win this game but this would mark the fisrt time ever that Brian Kelly wins less than eight games as a head coach.
Seniors to watch:
-Notre Dame TE Ben Koyack, CB Cody Riggs, K Kyle Brindza
-LSU LT La’el Collins, DE Jermauria Rasco, S Ronald Martin
My Pick: LSU 27, Notre Dame 17
Belk Bowl, Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN
Georgia Bulldogs (9-3) vs. Louisville Cardinals (9-3)
The Belk Bowl is always fun with at least 55 points being scored in each of the last four games but these two teams’ strengths lie on defense. Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will be facing his old squad in Georgia. Georgia’s defense is up 23 spots in scoring defense with Grantham gone but now Grantham has the nation’s sixth best total defense at Louisville. The Cardinals give up just 93.7 rushing yards per game and that’s going to be put to the ultimate test with Georgia’s ground with Nick Chubb (1,281 yards, 12 touchdowns). If Louisville can limit Georgia’s gains on the ground, the Cardinals should win. Hutson Mason hasn’t won a game with his arm and has thrown for 200 yards just once and if he does get forced into throwing situations, the Cardinals have safety Gerod Holliman leading the nation with 14 picks. Louisville quarterback Reggie Bonnafon should be good to go for the bowl game and his dual threat ability will keep Georgia’s pass rush with Leonard Floyd, Jordan Jenkins and Lorenzo Carter in check. The Georgia might not have a matchup for DeVante Parker, who has 735 yards receiving in just five games this season. The Bulldogs do have the nation’s No. 2 pass defense though but have to worry about Eli Rogers, James Quick and tight end Gerald Christian as well as the running game for Louisville. Watch out for Georgia tight end Jeb Blazevich, as the Bulldogs may find a way to work him into the offense more.
Seniors to watch:
-Georgia WR Chris Conley, WR Michael Bennett, OC David Andrews, LB Ramik Wilson, LB Amarlo Herrera, CB Damian Swann
-Louisville WR DeVante Parker, WR Eli Rogers, TE Gerald Christian, RB Michael Dyer, DE B.J. Dubose, LB Lorenzo Mauldin, CB Terell Floyd
My Pick: Louisville 31, Georgia 27
Foster Farms Bowl, Dec. 30, 10 p.m. on ESPN
Maryland Terrapins (7-5) vs. Stanford Cardinal (7-5)
After four straight 11-win seasons and BCS Bowls, Stanford fell to 7-5 – it’s worst record since 2008 – and lands in the Foster Farms Bowl for the first ever meeting against Maryland. With that said, Stanford closed out the season with two 21-point wins including over UCLA. Maryland has had a good inaugural year in the Big Ten with wins at Penn State and at Michigan but now the Terps are practically playing at Stanford against what might be the best defense in the country. Maryland was physically beat up by Ohio State and Michigan State and now Stanford is another strong physical defense. The Terps are also 116th in third down conversions and converting against Stanford will be very difficult. This front seven with Henry Anderson, David Parry, James Vaughters, Peter Kalambayi and others is scary. Maryland should get Stefon Diggs back and will need his big-play ability but Stanford’s secondary is solid too with Alex Carter and Wayne Lyons at corner. Stanford’s offense is another story though as it’s the lowest scoring offense in the Pac-12 but tight end Austin Hooper and freshman Chrsitian McCaffrey have emerged down the stretch and Ty Montgomery should return for this game. Kevin Hogan could make a jump to the NFL, especially if he plays well in this game after the best performance of his career against UCLA but he’ll have to be aware of Terps cornerback Will Likey, who wanted to go to Stanford. Likely has two pick-sixes and a punt return touchdown this season.
Seniors to watch:
-Maryland QB C.J. Brown, WR Deon Long, NT Darius Kilgo, LB Matt Robinson, LB Yannick Cudjoe-Virgil, LB Cole Farrand, CB Jeremiah Johnson
-Stanford WR Ty Montgomery, WR Devon Cajuste, DE Henry Anderson, NT David Parry, LB Kevin Anderson, LB A.J. Tarpley, LB James Vaughters, CB Wayne Lyons, S Jordan Richards
My Pick: Stanford 20, Maryland 7
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m. on ESPN
Ole Miss Rebels (9-3) vs. Horned Frogs (11-1)
Bo Wallace could become the first Ole Miss quarterback to win three bowl games. He threw for 3,085 yards this year and his 8.6 yards per attempt are a career-high but it’s been harder ever since Laquon Treadwell went down. Ole Miss hasn’t been able to run the ball all season until the Egg Bowl when Jaylen Walton and Jordan Wilkins sparked the offense. Ole Miss has to find a way to generate rushing yards again against TCU because while so much has been made of Ole Miss’ great secondary, TCU’s is just as good and if Wallace has to throw to win the game, the Horned Frogs are going to make plays. Senior Bowler Kevin White might be the best cover corner in the Big 12 and safety Chris Hackett leads the league with six interceptions. TCU linebacker Paul Dawson is also the only player in the country with 100 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions and the first Big 12 player to put up those numbers since 2000 and he’ll have his test of covering Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram at times. Ole Miss lost left guard Aaron Morris to a torn ACL in practice and that bodes well for the TCU defensive line with Chucky Hunter and Davion Pierson inside. The Horned Frogs have 35 sacks and 23 interceptions. A one dimensional Ole Miss offense is going to have much success so the Rebels defense is going to make game changing plays. The Rebels have given up 30 points just twice this season while TCU’s Trevone Boykin finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting and the Horned Frogs will get running back B.J. Catalon back. Receiver Josh Doctson has had success against smaller cornerbacks and despite nine interceptions this year, Senquez Golson is just 5-foot-9. Look for Cody Prewitt and Tony Conner to make some plays. The last time Ole Miss played in the Georgia Dome, Wallace threw three interceptions.
Seniors to watch:
-Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace, WR Vince Sanders, LB D.T. Shackelford, S Cody Prewitt, CB Senquez Golson
-TCU LT Tayo Fabuluje, DT Chucky Hunter, LB Paul Dawson, LB Marcus Mallett, S Sam Carter, CB Kevin White
My Pick: TCU 34, Ole Miss 20
VIZIO Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. on ESPN
Boise State Broncos (11-2) vs. Arizona Wildcats (10-3)
Arizona is in its first Fiesta Bowl since 1993 while this has become a familiar destination for Boise State. Boise State is 2-0 in the Fiesta Bowl but hasn’t beaten a Power Five opponent since Washington in the 2012 Las Vegas Bowl. There are plenty of games within the game as both teams are going to have five defensive backs in the base defense and Boise State running back Jay Ajayi (2,225 all-purpose yards, 25 touchdowns) goes against Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III (153 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, six forced fumbles). Boise State quarterback Grant Hedrick has been turnover prone at times with two four-interception games and could feel a lot of pressure if Arizona slows down the running game and forces Hedrick into third-and-long. Arizona has recorded 37 sacks this year and the four safeties the Wildcats will play – Jourdon Grandon, William Parks, Tra’Mayne Bondurant and Jared Tevis – combine for nine interceptions and one of them always makes a big play. The Wildcats will have to contain the explosive Shane Williams-Rhodes in the passing game too. Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon should be healthy with the time off and the Wildcats bigger receivers, Cayleb Jones and Austin Hill, are matchup problems for Boise State’s smaller but talented corners. Arizona true freshman running back Nick Wilson finished the year with 1,289 yards and 15 touchdowns. Arizona should win this game but Boise State should have some tricks ready, too.
Seniors to watch:
-Boise State DE Beau Martin, S Jeremy Ioane, CB Cleshawn Page
-Arizona WR Austin Hill, LT Mickey Baucus, S Jared Tevis, S Tra’Mayne Bondurant, S Jourdon Grandon
My Pick: Arizona 33, Boise State 30
Capital One Orange Bowl, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. on ESPN
Mississippi State Bulldogs (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-3)
Paul Johnson is 1-5 in bowl games at Georgia Tech and it has a lot to do with the opposing team having so much time to prepare for his option offense. This year’s group is different though with quarterback Justin Thomas being such a capable passer and throwing 17 touchdowns and five interceptions while leading the team in rushing with 965 yards. The Bulldogs have a top-25 rushing defense while Georgia Tech racks up more than 333 yards per game on the ground and Mississippi State lost defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to Florida. The Bulldogs are still strong across the board up front led by Senior Bowlers Preston Smith and Kaleb Eulls and linebackers Benardrick McKinney and Matt Wells, who will be making tackles sideline-to-sideline. This senior-laden defense just needs to be focused on Georgia Tech’s offense and their assignments and not the NFL because Georgia Tech’s blocks are going to come low at these defenders trying to protect their legs heading to the next level. In the passing game, Georgia Tech lost top receiver DeAndre Smelter but Darren Waller is another huge target at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds. Mississippi State receiver De’Runnya Wilson is a tough matchup for the Yellow Jackets secondary but D.J. White, Jamal Golden and this ball-hawking defense will be ready for the challenge. Georgia Tech needs to stop the run game though or that’s how Mississippi State is going to beat this defense with the strong running of Dak Prescott and Josh Robinson as the Bulldogs go for the first 11-win season in school history.
Seniors to watch:
-Mississippi State WR Jameon Lewis, LT Blaine Clausell, DE Preston Smith, DT Kaleb Eulls, DT P.J. Jones, LB Matt Wells
-Georgia Tech RB Synjyn Days, RB Zach Laskey, WR Darren Waller, LB Quayshawn Nealy, S Isaiah Johnson
My Pick: Mississippi State 35, Georgia Tech 17
Outback Bowl, Jan. 1, Noon on ESPN2
Auburn Tigers (8-4) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (10-3)
One thing was noticeable in the Badgers 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game: Ohio State was much faster and more explosive. The Badgers have Melvin Gordon (2,336 yards, 26 touchdowns) but not much else on offense with the quarterback inconsistency between Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy and not having a big-play receiver. Dave Aranda is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country but Wisconsin’s defensive stats were inflated by being in the Big Ten. The Badgers top-ranked defense gave up 300 rushing yards to Ohio State and that bodes well for Auburn’s offense. The Tigers are going to need to score because the defense has given up 31 or more points in the last six games and it cost defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson his job. Wisconsin had just 1.9 yards per carry against Ohio State and Auburn should focus on slowing down Gordon because Wisconsin won’t win with the passing game but the Badgers are 4th nationally with 314 rushing yards per game while Auburn gains 258.5 yards rushing. Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne is the SEC’s leading rusher. Some matchups to watcha re Wisconsin’s offensive line against MOntravious Adams and Gabe Wright in the middle of the defensive line and linebacker Cassanova McKinzy for Auburn. This might be the final game for Auburn receivers Sammie Caotes and Duke Williams as well and the only comparable receiver Wisconsin’s fifth-ranked pass defense has faced is Ohio State’s Devin Smith, who had 137 yards receiving, or LSU’s Travin Dural, who had 151 yards against the Badgers.
Seniors to watch:
-Auburn RB Cameron Artis-Payne, OC Reese Dismukes, DT Gabe Wright, DT Angelo Blackson, S Robenson Therezie
-Wisconsin RT Rob Havenstein, DE Warren Herring, LB Marcus Trotter, LB Derek Landisch
My Pick: Auburn 45, Wisconsin 30
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Jan. 1, 12:30 p.m. on ESPN
Michigan State Spartans (10-2) vs. Baylor Bears (11-1)
Motivation is always something to monitor in bowl games and Baylor is going to have some Texas-sized motivation after losing to UCF in last year’s Fiesta Bowl and being left out of the Playoff this year because of a 14-point loss to West Virginia. This is a great matchup of offense against Pat Narduzzi’s defense. Michigan State has to control the line-of-scrimmage and get pressure on Bryce Petty because it’s not going to matchup with all of Baylor’s weapons in the passing from K.D. Cannon to Antwan Goodley but it can at least disrupt the timing of the routes. Baylor snaps the ball about every 17 seconds but Michigan State faced this tempo earlier against Oregon. West Virginia limited Baylor to 318 total yards by blitzing Bryce Petty on almost every snap. Narduzzi will have something in store for Petty. Baylor is going to have to win this game with good defense. The Bears, though, are 101st in the nation in passing yards allowed and gave up 609 to Texas Tech and also gave Kansas State’s Jake Waters his first ever 300-yard passing game. Now Baylor goes against the Big Ten’s receiver of the year, Tony Lippett (1,124 yards, 12 touchdowns), who’s also now starting at cornerback. There’s some pass rushing talent in this game too with Baylor’s Shawn Oakman (10 sacks) and Michigan State’s Shilique Calhoun (6.5 sacks) and Marcus Rush (7 sacks).
Seniors to watch:
-Michigan State RB Jeremy Langford, WR/CB Tony Lippett, DE Marcus Rush, LB Taiwan Jones, S Kurtis Drummond
-Baylor QB Bryce Petty, WR Antwan Goodley, WR Levi Norwood, LB Bryce Hager, P Spencer Roth
My Pick: Michigan State 35, Baylor 30
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. on ABC
Missouri Tigers (10-3) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-4)
It’s the Big Ten Coach of the Year Jerry Kill against the SEC Coach of the Year Gary Pinkel. Kill has never won a bowl game (0-4) and Minnesota has lost six straight bowls. To win this game, Minnesota has to dominate the game on the ground with David Cobb (1,545 yards, 13 touchdowns) to setup the play-action pass. Missouri has a good defensive line but has struggled at times to stop the run. If the Tigers can set Minnesota up in passing situations, Shane Ray and Markus Golden, who have 22 sacks combined, can pin back their ears and pressure Mitch Leidner. Leidner’s only consistent weapon in the passing game is tight end Maxx Williams, who might be the nation’s best receiving tight end. Missouri has to avoid turning the ball over, which Maty Mauk the gunslinger has had a habit of doing at times as he led the SEC with 11 interceptions. The Tigers are also boom or bust on offense, going three-and-out 33.3 percent of the team, one of the worst marks in the nation. Mauk needs to be aware of Minnesota safety Cedric Thompson, who has two interceptions and two forced fumbles this year, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun who burst onto the scene this year with four interceptions.
Seniors to watch:
-Missouri RB Marcus Murphy, WR Bud Sasser, WR Darius White, LT Mitch Morse, DE Markus Golden, DT Matt Hoch, DT Lucas Vincent, S Braylon Webb
-Minnesota LB Damien Wilson, S Cedric Thompson, CB Derrick Wells
My Pick: Missouri 24, Minnesota 20
Rose Bowl Game pres. by Northwestern Mutual, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. on ESPN
Oregon Ducks (12-1) vs. Florida State Seminoles (13-0)
Even though Florida State has been dropped in the rankings, it still might be the best team in the country and will have a chance to prove it in the Playoff. After dominating last season, the Seminoles have won seven games by one score this season and can’t fall behind a team like Oregon. Jameis Winston has thrown 17 interceptions and Oregon safety Erick Dargan will be waiting for a chance to add to that as he leads the team in tackles (81) and leads the Pac-12 with six interceptions. The rest of the Oregon secondary has to step up after the injury to Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Chris Seisay will likely start in Ekpre-Olomu’s place but Troy Hill will have his chance on the ACC’s all-time leading receiver Rashad Greene, too. Florida State could get Nile Lawrence-Stample back and Eddie Goldman should one hundred percent by this game to help stop Royce Freeman and the Ducks running game. Florida State’s speed in the secondary should matchup with Oregon’s speedster Byron Marshall and Devon Allen and outside of those two, the Ducks don’t have a receiver that scare sopposing teams although Darren Carrington or Dwayne Stanford could have an impact in this game. Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota will have to do a lot more with his legs to beat Florida State. The Seminoles should try to establish Dalvin Cook early in this game and open up Nick O’Leary with play-action and help Winston settle down before it’s too late.
Seniors to watch:
-Oregon LT Jake Fisher, LB Tony Washington, S Erick Dargan, CB Troy Hill
-Florida State WR Rashad Greene, TE Nick O’Leary, RB Karlos Williams, OC Cameron Erving, LG Josue Matias, RG Tre’ Jackson
My Pick: Florida State 34, Oregon 24
Allstate Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN
Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1)
It’s Nick Saban versus Urban Meyer again as Saban goes for his third national championship in four years. Before the Buckeyes held Wiscnosin’s Melvin Gordon to 2.9 yards per carry, they gave up 228 rushing yards to Indiana’s Tevin Coleman, 145 to Minnesota’s David Cobb and 137 to Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford. Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon (932 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Derrick Henry (895 yards, 10 touchdowns) pose another big challenge to Ohio State’s defensive line of Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, Senior Bowler Michael Bennett and Steve Miller. Alabama’s big offensive line could wear down this Buckeyes defense like it did to Missouri. In the fourth quarter against the Tigers, Alabama averaged 9.5 yards per play. This Alabama offense has been different under Lane Kiffin though where the Tide throw more to set up the run rather than vice versa. Ohio State has to do something to re-route Amari Cooper, the SEC’s new single-season record holder with 113 catches. This is the highest scoring offense ever under Nick Saban as Blake Sims led the SEC with 26 touchdown passes. Ohio State scored 49 against Michiagn State and 59 agains Wisconsin but they’re not Alabama, who sets the edge better than any other defense in the country and will try to contain Ezekiel Elliott. Cardale Jones isn’t the runner that Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett are and will see some pressure from Alabama. Even though he had a big game in the Big Ten championship, some of his throws were still off and his receivers adjusted to make the catch. Devin Smith, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall must all consistently get the ball to beat Alabama. The Tide have given up more than 23 points just once this season – to Auburn – while Ohio State has scored more than 30 in 11 straight games.
Seniors to watch:
-Alabama QB Blake Sims, WR DeAndrew White, WR Christion Jones, LB Xzavier Dickson, LB Trey DePriest, S Nick Perry
-Ohio State TE Jeff Heuerman, WR Devin Smith, DT Michael Bennett, DE Steve Miller, CB Doran Grant
My Pick: Alabama 35, Ohio State 21
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Jan. 2, Noon on ESPN
Houston Cougars (7-5) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (6-6)
This game is a battle of two interim head coaches: Houston’s David Gibbs and Pittsburgh’s Joe Rudolph. Both of these teams have run based offenses after Houston reverted to the run game more when Greg Ward, Jr. took over at quarterback for John O’Korn. Ward began the year as a wide receiver and the punt returner and is a big running threat at quarterback now. Pittsburgh’s defense has been solid for the most part but has reverted to true freshman Avonte Maddox at one corner spot. Houston’s Deontay Greenberry and Markeith Ambles are going to be a challenge for the young corner. On the flip side, Pittsburgh’s Tyler Boyd is one of the best receivers in the nation. Houston’s “Third Ward Defense” gives up 19.5 points per game and holds opponents to 334.6 total yards and 4.79 yards per play. Houston’s defensive line by Senior Bowler Joey Mbu will be tasked with slowing down Pittsburgh running back James Conner, who broke the ACC single-season touchdown mark held by Tony Dorsett, with 24 touchdowns and ran for 1,675 yards with three games of 200 yards or more.
Seniors to watch:
-Houston WR Markeith Ambles, DT Joey Mbu, LB Efrem Oliphant
-Pittsburgh RT T.J. Clemmings, LB Anthony Gonzalez, LB Todd Thomas, S Ray Vinopal
My Pick: Pittsburgh 31, Houston 24
TaxSlayer Bowl, Jan. 2, 3:20 p.m. on ESPN
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) vs. Tennessee Vols (6-6)
It’s the first bowl game for Tennessee since 2010 and the Vols had to win three of the last four games to get here. Iowa had a disappointing 7-5 season after a 5-1 start. Tennessee is led by young stars all over the field from sophomore quarterback Josh Dobbs to true freshman defensive end Derek Barnett and true freshman running back Jalen Hurd. Barnett had 10 sacks this season and led the SEC in tackles for loss with 20.5 and will be matched up with projected first round NFL pick Brandon Scherff. Hurd has run for 777 yards this season but now this Tennessee offensive line that’s had its issues at times this season goes against Iowa’s stout defensive front led by Senior Bowl defensive tackles Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. The team that has more success running the ball will win this game but Iowa also has to key in on Dobbs because of his athletic ability. What’s hurting Tennessee is that receivers Jason Croom, Josh Smith and Marquez North are all out for this game, helping Iowa cornerbacks Desmond King and Greg Mabin.
Seniors to watch:
-Iowa LT Brandon Scherff, RT Andrew Donnal, WR Kevonte Martin-Manley, RB Mark Weisman, DT Carl Davis, DT Louis Trinca-Pasat
-Tennessee CB Justin Coleman
My Pick: Iowa 23, Tennessee 21
Valero Alamo Bowl, Jan. 2, 6:45 p.m. on ESPN
Kansas State Wildcats (9-3) vs. UCLA Bruins (9-3)
The winner of this matchup gets to ten wins for the second straight years. This bowl game is big for UCLA in terms of player development with just six scholarship seniors on the roster. It’ll also be the last game for quarterback Brett Hundley before he bolts for the NFL after setting school records for career touchdown passes and total offense. If the Bruins are motivated to be here after so its Playoff hopes burned out, UCLA should win the game. Paul Perkins has stepped up as a featured running back and Jordan Payton has become a go-to receiver. Kansas State has talent in the secondary with Randall Evans, Morgan Burns and Danzel McDaniel but UCLA has an array of receivers that has stepped upa t differnet times for an offense averaging 32.9 points per game. Kansas State’s offense has become one-dimensional and that led to Jake Waters having his first career 300-yard passing game in the regular season finale against Baylor. The Wildcats haven’t run the ball effectively this year so UCLA’s Owa Odigihizuwa, Myles Jack, Eric Kendricks and company can focus on pressuring Waters and covering Tyler Lockett but watch out for Kansas State’s Curry Sexton and Zach Trujillo to benefit from UCLA’s attention on Lockett.
Seniors to watch:
-Kansas State QB Jake Waters, WR Tyler Lockett, WR Curry Sexton, TE Zach Trujillo, OC B.J. Finney, DE Ryan Mueller, LB Jonathan Truman, CB Randall Evans
-UCLA DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, LB Eric Kendricks, S Anthony Jefferson
My Pick: UCLA 38, Kansas State 24
TicketCity Cactus Bowl, Jan. 2, 10:15 p.m. on ESPN
Washington Huskies (8-5) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-6)
Oklahoma State upset Oklahoma in Bedlam to become bowl eligible but things get a little tougher now without Bedlam hero Tyreek Hill, who was dismissed from the team. Washington’s 8-5 might seem below expectations but all five losses were to ranked teams. This Washington front seven should make life miserable for Oklahoma State true freshman quarterback Mason Rudolph. The Cowboys are 112th in the nation in sacks allowed while Washingt