Written by Brett Korpi
Well, it is upon us. All of the match-ups are set and Bowl season will kick-off Saturday, December 17th and end with the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 9th. Let’s break them down and make the picks.
December 17
Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
North Carolina Central (9-2) vs. Grambling State (10-1)
They day starts off with a clash of HBCU titans, featuring the champions of the MEAC in the North Carolina Central Eagles, and the SWAC champions, the Grambling State Tigers. The Tigers boast an offense that is averaging 41.45 points per game, while their defense has been holding opponents to just 15.6 points per game. Look for a lot of running back Martez Carter, who was electric while gaining 348 total yards in the SWAC Championship game.
The Pick: Grambling 42 - 27
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico (8-4) vs. Texas-San Antonio (6-6)
Hats off to UTSA who reach their first bowl game in just six short years of the program’s existence. However, New Mexico boasts the nation’s best running game and it will be too much for the Road Runners to handle.
The Pick: New Mexico 35-17
Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico
Houston (9-3) vs. San Diego State (10-3)
Aztec running back Donnel Pumphrey returns home to Sin City, ranking second nationally with 2,018 rushing yards. He will be looking to gain at least 108 yards on the ground to surpass former Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne for the FBS career rushing record. However, it will be a tough task as he faces a Houston defense that is third in the nation at stopping the run. It will also be Major Applewhite’s first game as head coach of the Cougars. This could be a breath of fresh air for a team that did not meet pre-season expectations.
The Pick: Houston 49-37
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Appalachian State (9-3) vs. Toledo (9-3)
The Appalachian State Mountaineers return to the Camellia Bowl for the second straight year and are looking to defend their title. The matchup to watch is Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside, against the Mountaineers’ secondary. Woodside leads the nation with 43 touchdowns through the air. But he faces a formidable unit that snagged 20 interceptions this season.
The Pick: Appalachian State 21-20
AutoNation Cure Bowl
UCF (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
The Golden Knights, who will be right at home in Orlando, bounced back from a winless 2015 season to gain bowl eligibility under first year head coach Scott Frost. While Arkansas State started the season winless in their first four games, before beginning their Sun Belt Conference schedule, in which they won seven of eight games. On paper, the most crucial part of the game is going to come when the Red Wolves have the ball on third down. This season, they were at the bottom nationally in moving the chains. While the UCF defense, led by junior linebacker Shaquem Griffin, held opponents to just a 30 percent conversion rate on third down this season.
The Pick: UCF 30-20
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Southern Mississippi (6-6) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6)
The Ragin’ Cajuns have never lost a New Orleans Bowl in their four trips. They will need to find a way to keep up with the Golden Eagles air show, led by quarterback Nick Mullins, in order to secure their fifth New Orleans Bowl victory.
The Pick: Southern Miss 38-20
December 19
Miami Beach Bowl
Central Michigan (6-6) vs. Tulsa (9-3)
The Golden Hurricanes can score as in all of their games except for their game against Ohio State, they put up at least 30 points. Look for Tulsa’s 3,000-yard passer in Dane Evans and his tandem of 1,000-yard running backs, D’Angelo Brewer and James Flanders, to produce big.
The Pick: Tulsa 48-17
December 20
Boca Raton Bowl
Memphis (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky (10-3)
This has the potential to be the highest scoring game of the bowl season. The Tigers are battled tested and have shown they can score with the best of them, with victories over Temple and Houston. While Western Kentucky has been producing pretty well offensively themselves, they are using dealing with the loss of head coach Jeff Brohm, who has moved on to Purdue.
The Pick: Memphis 52-42
December 21
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
BYU (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5)
We will have a good old fashion WAC conference throwback on our hands when the Cougars and Cowboys meet. Look for Wyoming quaterback Josh Allen to be able to sling it against a weak BYU secondary.
The Pick: Wyoming 24-17
December 22
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Idaho (8-4) vs. Colorado State (7-5)
Idaho won’t be playing in bowl games much longer as they’ll be dropping down to FCS soon. Look for the Vandals to go out with a bang in their home state, in another high scoring affair.
The Pick: Idaho 48-45
December 23
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (9-3)
Old Dominion is having a breakthrough year, reaching their first bowl game in just their fourth season in the FBS. While Eastern Michigan is a making their first bowl appearance in almost 30 years. The Monarchs and Eagles have met the last two years with the ODU coming out on top in each of the meetings. Look for ODU quarterback David Washington to continue to control the ball well for the Monarchs’ offense, as he had 28 touchdowns to just four interceptions this season.
The Pick: Old Dominion 30-17
December 17
Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
North Carolina Central (9-2) vs. Grambling State (10-1)
They day starts off with a clash of HBCU titans, featuring the champions of the MEAC in the North Carolina Central Eagles, and the SWAC champions, the Grambling State Tigers. The Tigers boast an offense that is averaging 41.45 points per game, while their defense has been holding opponents to just 15.6 points per game. Look for a lot of running back Martez Carter, who was electric while gaining 348 total yards in the SWAC Championship game.
The Pick: Grambling 42 - 27
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico (8-4) vs. Texas-San Antonio (6-6)
Hats off to UTSA who reach their first bowl game in just six short years of the program’s existence. However, New Mexico boasts the nation’s best running game and it will be too much for the Road Runners to handle.
The Pick: New Mexico 35-17
Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico
Houston (9-3) vs. San Diego State (10-3)
Aztec running back Donnel Pumphrey returns home to Sin City, ranking second nationally with 2,018 rushing yards. He will be looking to gain at least 108 yards on the ground to surpass former Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne for the FBS career rushing record. However, it will be a tough task as he faces a Houston defense that is third in the nation at stopping the run. It will also be Major Applewhite’s first game as head coach of the Cougars. This could be a breath of fresh air for a team that did not meet pre-season expectations.
The Pick: Houston 49-37
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Appalachian State (9-3) vs. Toledo (9-3)
The Appalachian State Mountaineers return to the Camellia Bowl for the second straight year and are looking to defend their title. The matchup to watch is Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside, against the Mountaineers’ secondary. Woodside leads the nation with 43 touchdowns through the air. But he faces a formidable unit that snagged 20 interceptions this season.
The Pick: Appalachian State 21-20
AutoNation Cure Bowl
UCF (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
The Golden Knights, who will be right at home in Orlando, bounced back from a winless 2015 season to gain bowl eligibility under first year head coach Scott Frost. While Arkansas State started the season winless in their first four games, before beginning their Sun Belt Conference schedule, in which they won seven of eight games. On paper, the most crucial part of the game is going to come when the Red Wolves have the ball on third down. This season, they were at the bottom nationally in moving the chains. While the UCF defense, led by junior linebacker Shaquem Griffin, held opponents to just a 30 percent conversion rate on third down this season.
The Pick: UCF 30-20
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Southern Mississippi (6-6) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6)
The Ragin’ Cajuns have never lost a New Orleans Bowl in their four trips. They will need to find a way to keep up with the Golden Eagles air show, led by quarterback Nick Mullins, in order to secure their fifth New Orleans Bowl victory.
The Pick: Southern Miss 38-20
December 19
Miami Beach Bowl
Central Michigan (6-6) vs. Tulsa (9-3)
The Golden Hurricanes can score as in all of their games except for their game against Ohio State, they put up at least 30 points. Look for Tulsa’s 3,000-yard passer in Dane Evans and his tandem of 1,000-yard running backs, D’Angelo Brewer and James Flanders, to produce big.
The Pick: Tulsa 48-17
December 20
Boca Raton Bowl
Memphis (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky (10-3)
This has the potential to be the highest scoring game of the bowl season. The Tigers are battled tested and have shown they can score with the best of them, with victories over Temple and Houston. While Western Kentucky has been producing pretty well offensively themselves, they are using dealing with the loss of head coach Jeff Brohm, who has moved on to Purdue.
The Pick: Memphis 52-42
December 21
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
BYU (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5)
We will have a good old fashion WAC conference throwback on our hands when the Cougars and Cowboys meet. Look for Wyoming quaterback Josh Allen to be able to sling it against a weak BYU secondary.
The Pick: Wyoming 24-17
December 22
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Idaho (8-4) vs. Colorado State (7-5)
Idaho won’t be playing in bowl games much longer as they’ll be dropping down to FCS soon. Look for the Vandals to go out with a bang in their home state, in another high scoring affair.
The Pick: Idaho 48-45
December 23
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (9-3)
Old Dominion is having a breakthrough year, reaching their first bowl game in just their fourth season in the FBS. While Eastern Michigan is a making their first bowl appearance in almost 30 years. The Monarchs and Eagles have met the last two years with the ODU coming out on top in each of the meetings. Look for ODU quarterback David Washington to continue to control the ball well for the Monarchs’ offense, as he had 28 touchdowns to just four interceptions this season.
The Pick: Old Dominion 30-17
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. Navy (9-4)
Navy had a shot a New Year’s Six bowl, but their loss against Temple in the AAC Championship game knocked them out. Instead, they’ll face the No.2 offense in the country in Louisiana Tech and could be without their starting quarterback Will Worth, which will mean their vaunted ground attack will need to keep pace.
The Pick: Navy 28-24
Dollar General Bowl
Ohio (8-5) vs. Troy (9-3)
Both teams have played in close games all year long and the Dollar General Bowl has a history of high scoring affairs. Look for Troy quarterback Brandon Silver to standout in this one.
The Pick: Troy 43-38
December 24
Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (6-7) vs. Middle Tennessee (8-4)
In MTSU’s last game, they put up 77 points. Look for points in bundles Honolulinu. Look for Blue Raiders wide receiver Richie James to have a Christmas Eve to remember in the tropical locale. The sophomore broke his own single season receiving record this year with 1,463 yards.
The Pick: MTSU 55-30
December 26
St. Petersburg Bowl
Miami-OH (6-6) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)
The Red Hawks are the first team ever to go from 0-6 to start the season and finish the season at 6-6 and are riding a huge wave of momentum. However, they face a Bulldogs team that has beaten the likes of Ole Miss and Texas A&M this season. Look for quarterbacks, Gus Ragland of Miami-OH and Nick Fitzgerald of Mississippi State, to duel it out in a back and forth game.
The Pick: Miss. State 34-30
Quick Lane Bowl
Boston College (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6)
The match-up between the former ACC rivals, will be a defensive slugfest. Look for the Eagles to try to open up the offense with versatile wide receiver Jeff Smith being used at multiple positions.
The Pick: BC 21-10
Camping World Independence Bowl
NC State (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
The Commodores’ offense has been rolling recently, putting up over 600 yards against instate rival Tennessee to become bowl eligible. However, should this game become a defensive battle, look for Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb to star in the game.
The Pick: NC State 19-15
December 27
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Army (7-5) vs. North Texas (5-7)
Army is enjoying their most successful season in years, including ending a 14 game losing streak against Navy. They will be looking to avenge their 17-point midseason loss to the Mean Green. Since that victory, North Texas has struggled defensively, letting up close to 40 points a game.
The Pick: Army 30-27
National Funding Holiday Bowl
Minnesota (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4)
The Cougars have just too much fire power through the air. Led by the arm of quarterback Luke Falk, look for them to light up the San Diego sky.
The Pick: WSU 45-21
Military Bowl Presented by Northrup Grumman
Temple (10-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)
Temple has enjoyed a resurgence this season in which it saw them capture the AAC title. While Wake Forest put some scares into good teams this season, they struggled down the stretch. The Owl’s offense, which has outscored their opponents 427-244 this season, will just be too much for the Demon Deacons to handle.
The Pick: Temple 31-14
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
Boise State (10-2) vs. Baylor (6-6)
Baylor is in disarray, while Boise State continues to be one of the most consistent programs in the country. The Broncos will be in Phoenix, which is the home of their landmark victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Look for them to continue their success over BIG 12 teams.
The Pick: Boise State 38-24
December 28
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Northwestern (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4)
Pitt owns two of the best wins in the country with victories over top five teams, Clemson and Penn State. While, the Northwestern offense is licking their lips right now going against the second worst secondary in the country. This should be a high scoring affair that will keep the New York crowd warm. Look for Pittsburgh running back James Conner to continue his incredible comeback season and the Panthers to pull away late in a shootout.
The Pick: Pitt 56-40
Russell Athletic Bowl
Miami (8-4) vs. West Virginia (10-2)
Two very talented teams on the upswing will meet in Orlando in what should be one of the most competitive games of bowl season. Look for the quarterbacks, Brad Kaaya for the Hurricanes and Skyler Howard of the Mountaineers, to take part in a back and forth battle.
The Pick: West Virginia 31-30
Foster Farms Bowl
Indiana (6-6) vs. Utah (8-4)
Heading into the game, new Indiana coach Tom Allen will need to get his team focused after the controversial firing of Kevin Wilson. Look, for the Utes star running back Joe Williams to continue his impressive short season. Since returning in October, Williams has put up over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns in just six games.
The Pick: Utah 35-27
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M (8-4) vs. Kansas State (8-4)
Once upon a time, Texas A&M were in the CFP top four and had their sights on a much larger prize. But, in dropping four of their last six games, the talented Aggies will be looking to end their season by beating a rival from their BIG 12 days.
The Pick: Texas A&M 33-30
December 29
Birmingham Bowl
South Carolina (6-6) vs. South Florida (10-2)
When USF quarterback Quinton Flowers looks at the game film from South Carolinas blowout loss to Clemson, he will surely be licking his chops. The Bulls have put up over 30 in every game this year, while the Gamecocks have a hard time scratching 20 points.
The Pick: USF 42-22
Belk Bowl
Arkansas (7-5) vs. Virginia Tech (9-4)
If you haven’t become acquainted with Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans, this will be the game you do. Look for this game to be his stepping stone to a Heisman run in 2017.
The Pick: Virginia Tech 35-24
Valero Alamo Bowl
Colorado (10-3) vs. Oklahoma State (9-3)
Look for Coach of the Year Mike MacIntyre to have his team prepared. Behind star running back Phillip Lindsay, the Buffaloes continue their return to legitimacy.
The Pick: Colorado 28-25
December 30
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Georgia (7-5) vs. TCU (6-6)
Bowl season is a great time for young teams to make progress through preparation. Look for first year Georgia coach Kirby Smart to have freshman quarterback Jacob Eason ready to shine.
The Pick: Georgia 20-18
Hyundai Sun Bowl
North Carolina (8-4) vs. Stanford (9-3)
This game will be a showcase of two juniors who will be at the top of most draft boards, should both UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky and Stanford running back Christian McCafferey declare for the draft. Look for these two to trade highlights in a wild one.
The Pick: Stanford 35-31
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Nebraska (9-3) vs. Tennessee (8-4)
It’s a matchup of two teams that had high hopes throughout the season. But each suffered indefensible losses and are looking to end the season on a high note. Look for the Tennessee offense to be too much for the Cornhuskers to handle.
The Pick: Tennessee 27-17
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl
South Alabama (6-6) vs. Air Force (9-3)
Look for the fourth ranked rushing attack of Air Force to run wild in this one.
The Pick: Air Force 45-21
Capital One Orange Bowl
Michigan (10-2) vs. Florida State (9-3)
It will be a strength vs. strength battle, pitting Michigan’s vaunted defense against Florida State’s potent offense. Look for Michigan linebacker Jabril Peppers to continue his domination leading a unit that will shut down Florida State running back Dalvin Cook.
The Pick: Michigan 24-14
December 31
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Louisville (9-3) vs. LSU (7-4)
LSU has been motivated ever since Ed Orgeron took the reins as head coach and now that it’s official, look for the Tigers to be in lock step. If they are able to shut down Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson and company, they will be sending a message to the rest of country heading into next year.
The Pick: LSU 30-24
TaxSlayer Bowl
Georgia Tech (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
It’s a tough draw for Kentucky, in their first bowl game since 2011, their 108th ranked rushing defense is matched up against the dreaded triple option attack of the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech has shown they are not scared of the SEC, beating both Vanderbilt and Georgia this season. Look for the WildcCats to be victim number three.
The Pick: Georgia Tech 21-13
College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
No. 4 Washington (12-1) vs. No. 1 Alabama (13-0)
This Alabama defense will be too much for Washington quarterback Jake Browning to handle. The Huskies have struggled against top competition and will continue to do so against a unit that features several future NFL draft picks.
The Pick: Alabama 35-14
College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 Ohio State (11-1) vs. No. 2 Clemson (12-1)
Both teams have NFL-caliber defenses and very talented quarterbacks leading their respective offenses. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has more weapons at his disposal, but this will come down to which signal caller can limit their miscues. Watson has been turnover prone and Buckeyes quarterback .J.T Barrett has been sacked a bunch throughout the season. Look for Watson and the Tigers to limit their mistakes and head back to the title game for a rematch with Alabama.
The Pick: Clemson 42-38
January 2
Outback Bowl
Florida (8-4) vs. Iowa (8-4)
Another tough draw for a SEC team. Florida has struggled on offense all year and faces an Iowa team that is built for defensive battles. Look for the Hawkeyes to shut down the Gators and do just enough on offense to win.
The Pick: Iowa 17-13
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Western Michigan (13-0) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
P.J. Fleck’s Western Michigan team has proved that they are not scared of the Big Ten, knocking off Illinois and Northwestern earlier in the season. That fearlessness coupled with Wisconsin’s mindset, after blowing a 28-point lead in the Big Ten Championship to Penn State, have the Badgers ripe for the picking.
The Pick: Western Michigan 28-25
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual
Penn State (11-2) vs. USC (9-3)
Two of the hottest teams in the country square off in the “granddaddy of them all.” Penn State has won nine straight, including victories over Ohio State and Wisconsin. While the Trojans have rolled off eight straight, including victories over Washington and Colorado. Look for the Trojans’ talent to be just too much for the Nittany Lions, even though Penn State sophomore quarterback Trace McSorely will shine in Hollywood.
The Pick: USC 37-27
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Auburn (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (10-2)
Look for, Oklahoma’s Heisman finalists in quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Dede Westbrook to be too much for Auburn’s defense to handle.
The Pick: Oklahoma 40-30
January 9
College Football Playoff National Championship
No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 1 Alabama
The Tigers have been building towards this rematch all season long. Though they had hiccups throughout the year, they kept finding ways to pull out wins. Look for this battle-tested Clemson team to win their first title in 35 years in a close game that will surely live up to the hype.
The Pick: Clemson 42-36
Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. Navy (9-4)
Navy had a shot a New Year’s Six bowl, but their loss against Temple in the AAC Championship game knocked them out. Instead, they’ll face the No.2 offense in the country in Louisiana Tech and could be without their starting quarterback Will Worth, which will mean their vaunted ground attack will need to keep pace.
The Pick: Navy 28-24
Dollar General Bowl
Ohio (8-5) vs. Troy (9-3)
Both teams have played in close games all year long and the Dollar General Bowl has a history of high scoring affairs. Look for Troy quarterback Brandon Silver to standout in this one.
The Pick: Troy 43-38
December 24
Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (6-7) vs. Middle Tennessee (8-4)
In MTSU’s last game, they put up 77 points. Look for points in bundles Honolulinu. Look for Blue Raiders wide receiver Richie James to have a Christmas Eve to remember in the tropical locale. The sophomore broke his own single season receiving record this year with 1,463 yards.
The Pick: MTSU 55-30
December 26
St. Petersburg Bowl
Miami-OH (6-6) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)
The Red Hawks are the first team ever to go from 0-6 to start the season and finish the season at 6-6 and are riding a huge wave of momentum. However, they face a Bulldogs team that has beaten the likes of Ole Miss and Texas A&M this season. Look for quarterbacks, Gus Ragland of Miami-OH and Nick Fitzgerald of Mississippi State, to duel it out in a back and forth game.
The Pick: Miss. State 34-30
Quick Lane Bowl
Boston College (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6)
The match-up between the former ACC rivals, will be a defensive slugfest. Look for the Eagles to try to open up the offense with versatile wide receiver Jeff Smith being used at multiple positions.
The Pick: BC 21-10
Camping World Independence Bowl
NC State (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
The Commodores’ offense has been rolling recently, putting up over 600 yards against instate rival Tennessee to become bowl eligible. However, should this game become a defensive battle, look for Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb to star in the game.
The Pick: NC State 19-15
December 27
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Army (7-5) vs. North Texas (5-7)
Army is enjoying their most successful season in years, including ending a 14 game losing streak against Navy. They will be looking to avenge their 17-point midseason loss to the Mean Green. Since that victory, North Texas has struggled defensively, letting up close to 40 points a game.
The Pick: Army 30-27
National Funding Holiday Bowl
Minnesota (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4)
The Cougars have just too much fire power through the air. Led by the arm of quarterback Luke Falk, look for them to light up the San Diego sky.
The Pick: WSU 45-21
Military Bowl Presented by Northrup Grumman
Temple (10-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)
Temple has enjoyed a resurgence this season in which it saw them capture the AAC title. While Wake Forest put some scares into good teams this season, they struggled down the stretch. The Owl’s offense, which has outscored their opponents 427-244 this season, will just be too much for the Demon Deacons to handle.
The Pick: Temple 31-14
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
Boise State (10-2) vs. Baylor (6-6)
Baylor is in disarray, while Boise State continues to be one of the most consistent programs in the country. The Broncos will be in Phoenix, which is the home of their landmark victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Look for them to continue their success over BIG 12 teams.
The Pick: Boise State 38-24
December 28
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Northwestern (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4)
Pitt owns two of the best wins in the country with victories over top five teams, Clemson and Penn State. While, the Northwestern offense is licking their lips right now going against the second worst secondary in the country. This should be a high scoring affair that will keep the New York crowd warm. Look for Pittsburgh running back James Conner to continue his incredible comeback season and the Panthers to pull away late in a shootout.
The Pick: Pitt 56-40
Russell Athletic Bowl
Miami (8-4) vs. West Virginia (10-2)
Two very talented teams on the upswing will meet in Orlando in what should be one of the most competitive games of bowl season. Look for the quarterbacks, Brad Kaaya for the Hurricanes and Skyler Howard of the Mountaineers, to take part in a back and forth battle.
The Pick: West Virginia 31-30
Foster Farms Bowl
Indiana (6-6) vs. Utah (8-4)
Heading into the game, new Indiana coach Tom Allen will need to get his team focused after the controversial firing of Kevin Wilson. Look, for the Utes star running back Joe Williams to continue his impressive short season. Since returning in October, Williams has put up over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns in just six games.
The Pick: Utah 35-27
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M (8-4) vs. Kansas State (8-4)
Once upon a time, Texas A&M were in the CFP top four and had their sights on a much larger prize. But, in dropping four of their last six games, the talented Aggies will be looking to end their season by beating a rival from their BIG 12 days.
The Pick: Texas A&M 33-30
December 29
Birmingham Bowl
South Carolina (6-6) vs. South Florida (10-2)
When USF quarterback Quinton Flowers looks at the game film from South Carolinas blowout loss to Clemson, he will surely be licking his chops. The Bulls have put up over 30 in every game this year, while the Gamecocks have a hard time scratching 20 points.
The Pick: USF 42-22
Belk Bowl
Arkansas (7-5) vs. Virginia Tech (9-4)
If you haven’t become acquainted with Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans, this will be the game you do. Look for this game to be his stepping stone to a Heisman run in 2017.
The Pick: Virginia Tech 35-24
Valero Alamo Bowl
Colorado (10-3) vs. Oklahoma State (9-3)
Look for Coach of the Year Mike MacIntyre to have his team prepared. Behind star running back Phillip Lindsay, the Buffaloes continue their return to legitimacy.
The Pick: Colorado 28-25
December 30
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Georgia (7-5) vs. TCU (6-6)
Bowl season is a great time for young teams to make progress through preparation. Look for first year Georgia coach Kirby Smart to have freshman quarterback Jacob Eason ready to shine.
The Pick: Georgia 20-18
Hyundai Sun Bowl
North Carolina (8-4) vs. Stanford (9-3)
This game will be a showcase of two juniors who will be at the top of most draft boards, should both UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky and Stanford running back Christian McCafferey declare for the draft. Look for these two to trade highlights in a wild one.
The Pick: Stanford 35-31
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Nebraska (9-3) vs. Tennessee (8-4)
It’s a matchup of two teams that had high hopes throughout the season. But each suffered indefensible losses and are looking to end the season on a high note. Look for the Tennessee offense to be too much for the Cornhuskers to handle.
The Pick: Tennessee 27-17
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl
South Alabama (6-6) vs. Air Force (9-3)
Look for the fourth ranked rushing attack of Air Force to run wild in this one.
The Pick: Air Force 45-21
Capital One Orange Bowl
Michigan (10-2) vs. Florida State (9-3)
It will be a strength vs. strength battle, pitting Michigan’s vaunted defense against Florida State’s potent offense. Look for Michigan linebacker Jabril Peppers to continue his domination leading a unit that will shut down Florida State running back Dalvin Cook.
The Pick: Michigan 24-14
December 31
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Louisville (9-3) vs. LSU (7-4)
LSU has been motivated ever since Ed Orgeron took the reins as head coach and now that it’s official, look for the Tigers to be in lock step. If they are able to shut down Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson and company, they will be sending a message to the rest of country heading into next year.
The Pick: LSU 30-24
TaxSlayer Bowl
Georgia Tech (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5)
It’s a tough draw for Kentucky, in their first bowl game since 2011, their 108th ranked rushing defense is matched up against the dreaded triple option attack of the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech has shown they are not scared of the SEC, beating both Vanderbilt and Georgia this season. Look for the WildcCats to be victim number three.
The Pick: Georgia Tech 21-13
College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
No. 4 Washington (12-1) vs. No. 1 Alabama (13-0)
This Alabama defense will be too much for Washington quarterback Jake Browning to handle. The Huskies have struggled against top competition and will continue to do so against a unit that features several future NFL draft picks.
The Pick: Alabama 35-14
College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 Ohio State (11-1) vs. No. 2 Clemson (12-1)
Both teams have NFL-caliber defenses and very talented quarterbacks leading their respective offenses. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has more weapons at his disposal, but this will come down to which signal caller can limit their miscues. Watson has been turnover prone and Buckeyes quarterback .J.T Barrett has been sacked a bunch throughout the season. Look for Watson and the Tigers to limit their mistakes and head back to the title game for a rematch with Alabama.
The Pick: Clemson 42-38
January 2
Outback Bowl
Florida (8-4) vs. Iowa (8-4)
Another tough draw for a SEC team. Florida has struggled on offense all year and faces an Iowa team that is built for defensive battles. Look for the Hawkeyes to shut down the Gators and do just enough on offense to win.
The Pick: Iowa 17-13
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Western Michigan (13-0) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
P.J. Fleck’s Western Michigan team has proved that they are not scared of the Big Ten, knocking off Illinois and Northwestern earlier in the season. That fearlessness coupled with Wisconsin’s mindset, after blowing a 28-point lead in the Big Ten Championship to Penn State, have the Badgers ripe for the picking.
The Pick: Western Michigan 28-25
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual
Penn State (11-2) vs. USC (9-3)
Two of the hottest teams in the country square off in the “granddaddy of them all.” Penn State has won nine straight, including victories over Ohio State and Wisconsin. While the Trojans have rolled off eight straight, including victories over Washington and Colorado. Look for the Trojans’ talent to be just too much for the Nittany Lions, even though Penn State sophomore quarterback Trace McSorely will shine in Hollywood.
The Pick: USC 37-27
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Auburn (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (10-2)
Look for, Oklahoma’s Heisman finalists in quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Dede Westbrook to be too much for Auburn’s defense to handle.
The Pick: Oklahoma 40-30
January 9
College Football Playoff National Championship
No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 1 Alabama
The Tigers have been building towards this rematch all season long. Though they had hiccups throughout the year, they kept finding ways to pull out wins. Look for this battle-tested Clemson team to win their first title in 35 years in a close game that will surely live up to the hype.
The Pick: Clemson 42-36