2015 Bowl Preview

Bowl season is here. Unfortunately, that means football season is almost over. There are 41 FBS bowls including the National Championship. “Only” 77 teams made it to 6-6 this season so that means three 5-7 teams are playing in bowl games. I guess I shouldn’t complain about there being more football, but I think it is a little much. Also, how is it even possible that with 80 teams playing that Nevada and Colorado State, two Mountain West teams, have to play each other in a bowl. That is completely unfair.

*All times Eastern

December 19:
–Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona vs. New Mexico; This is an interesting game. Arizona played their last regular season game on November 21st. The Wildcats have not had that great of a defense this year, giving up at least 30 points in all but 3 games. The Lobos have played well down the stretch and I think they will be more motivated in this game. New Mexico was a surprise team in the MWC and ended the season with a big win over a very good Air Force team. This is a home game for New Mexico, so they should be well-rested and ready to play. I am picking New Mexico. 2 p.m. on ESPN

–Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: BYU vs. 22Utah; The Holy War’s next chapter will play out in Las Vegas (well, at Sam Boyd, which I guess is technically in Las Vegas even though it is far away from civilization). Utah started off the season 6-0 and made it all the way to being ranked 3rd. They finished the regular season 3-3. They lost their star RB Devontae Booker to injury late in the season and the offense hasn’t looked the same. BYU lost their QB Taysom Hill in the first game, but pulled off the stunner against Nebraska. Tanner Mangum played QB for the rest of the season and did a great job. BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall is leaving to coach Virginia, but he will coach the Cougars in the bowl. This was a hard one to pick because even though it isn’t the most prestigious bowl, it is a major rivalry game. It is also a hard one for me to pick because my brother goes to Utah (but doesn’t care about football) and two of my best friends are currently on their missions. I’m excited to watch this one play out. I am picking BYU. 3:30 p.m. on ABC

–Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio vs. Appalachian State; I know this is a bowl all of you can’t wait to watch. JD Sprague should be back for the Bobcats at QB in this game. Appalachian State lost two games this season: one to Clemson and one to Arkansas State (SBC Champs). The Mountaineers have looked great on offense this season and I expect them to come out strong in this game. This will be App State’s first bowl game (they had enough wins last season but because it was their first FBS season, they were not bowl eligible). I think App State will just be too much for the Bobcats to handle on offense. I am picking Appalachian State. 5:30 p.m. on ESPN

–AutoNation Cure Bowl: San Jose State vs. Georgia State; San Jose State is one of the three 5-7 teams who earned a bowl bid because of their APR. Georgia State had to win their last 4 games to get to 6-6 and their first bowl appearance. The Panthers won their final 4 games by an average margin of 18.25 points. This team is rolling right now and I don’t think SJSU will be able to stop them. I think both teams will be motivated for this game so I expect a hard fought game. I am picking Georgia State. 7 p.m. on CBSSN

–R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech; This should be a shootout. Arkansas State has been dominant all season and finished a perfect 8-0 in Sun Belt play. The Red Wolves are on an 8-game winning streak and have scored at least 48 points in all but two of those 8 games (they scored 37 and 40 in the other two). Louisiana Tech also has an explosive offense. Neither of these teams have the best defenses, so expect a lot of points in this game. I would also expect some turnovers. Arkansas State has picked off opponents 26 times this season and has returned 6 of them for TDs (both are best in the country). That being said, LA Tech’s Bryson Abraham has 3 pick sixes this year. This should be a fun one. I am picking Arkansas State. 9 p.m. on ESPN

December 21:
–Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. South Florida; This one has the potential to be another shootout. We all know WKU can score and score a lot, but USF finished the season with 3 big wins. WKU’s Brandon Doughty has thrown 45TDs to just 7INTs this season and is nearly unstoppable. The scoring will probably come in bunches in this game. Momentum should be a huge factor in this one. I doubt either team will have much of a problem when it comes to motivation. I am picking Western Kentucky. 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

December 22:
–Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron vs. Utah State; These teams have been trending in different directions. Akron started the season slow, but won their final 4 games. Utah State lost 4 of their last 6 to finish 6-6 on the season. I think Utah State will be more motivated in this game. This will be QB Chuckie Keeton’s last game for the Aggies and he is a great player. This probably won’t be one of the most exciting games of the bowl season, but it could be a competitive one. I am picking Utah State. 3:30 p.m. on ESPN

–Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: 24Temple vs. Toledo; This game has potential to be one of the better games of this bowl season. Both teams are coming off letdowns after very strong seasons. Temple lost to Houston in the American Conference championship game and Toledo lost to WMU in their last game, knocking them out of the MAC championship game. The Rockets started their season with a win over Arkansas, but NIU handed them their first loss. Temple’s first loss came in a very close game with Notre Dame, then two weeks later they lost a head scratcher to USF. This game should be very competitive and fun to watch. I am picking Toledo. 7 p.m. on ESPN

December 23:
–San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State vs. Northern Illinois; I had higher hopes for both of these teams this season. These two schools have been dominant in their conferences for the last few years. NIU still played for the MAC championship this year, but Bowling Green didn’t have too much trouble against their 3rd string QB. Ryan Graham is questionable for the Huskies, and if he doesn’t start, I don’t think NIU has much of a chance. I don’t think either team is very motivated for this game. Boise State lost some games they shouldn’t have this season, but I think they are the better team. This game might be competitive, but I think the Broncos will pull away in the second half. I am picking Boise State. 4:30 p.m. on ESPN

–GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green; This one might be a shootout. I know Bowling Green is going to score a lot of points, and GASO has the potential to score a lot of points. Georgia State only played one game that was decided by less than 7 points (OT loss to UGA). I don’t think the Eagles can match Bowling Green when it comes to scoring, so their defense will have to step up if they are going to have a chance. After watching Bowling Green play in the last few weeks, I don’t know if there are many teams that could stop Matt Johnson and Travis Greene. I am picking Bowling Green. 8 p.m. on ESPN

December 24:
–Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Western Michigan; This was a great bowl game last season. Central Michigan almost pulled of an amazing comeback against Western Kentucky. WMU lost to Bowling Green and NIU in back to back weeks late in the season, but beat Toledo in the final game to send NIU to the MAC championship. Middle Tennessee won their final 4 games to ensure a bowl big after being left out 2 of the last 3 seasons. Their 4-game win streak started with a huge 3OT win over Marshall. I expect this to be a very competitive and interesting game. I am picking Middle Tennessee. Noon on ESPN

–Hawai’i Bowl: San Diego State vs. Cincinnati; I had a really hard time decided who I thought would win this game. San Diego State had a great year and won the Mountain West with an 8-0 conference record. Cincinnati didn’t have the season they were hoping for, but the American Conference turned out to be very good this season. Gunner Kiel will not play in this game due to personal issues. His backup, Hayden Moore, has shown he can play well, but will have to have another great game like he had against Memphis (maybe not as great, though throwing for 557 yards and 4TDs wouldn’t hurt). SDSU started the season 1-4, but then won their final 9 games. The Aztecs had an easier conference schedule this year and didn’t have to play Boise State, Air Force, or New Mexico in the regular season. They did edge out Air Force to win the MWC, but big wins against UNLV, Wyoming, and Hawaii aren’t too impressive. SDSU is also without their starting QB who got knocked out of the Nevada game with a knee injury. This is a very interesting matchup. I am picking Cincinnati. 8 p.m. on ESPN

December 26:
–St. Petersburg Bowl: Connecticut vs. Marshall; This could be a big upset if Marshall isn’t motivated. The Thundering Herd were 9-0 when scoring at least 31 points and 0-3 when scoring less than 31 points. UConn’s defense has been good this season and held Houston to just 17 points. Marshall has been used to competing for CUSA titles, but lost to WKU for the second straight season. Marshall should win this game, but Connecticut might come in with more drive and will. This one will probably be closer than it should be. I am picking Marshall. 11 a.m. on ESPN

–Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami vs. Washington State; This could be one heck of a game. Miami had one of the weirdest seasons ever. I don’t even really know how to describe it. Washington State had a great season despite losing their first game to FCS Portland State. They did lose the Apple Cup in a blow out loss to Washington, but Luke Falk didn’t play in that game. The Cougars will be happy to have him back in this game to throw the ball about 60 times for 500+ yards. I think WSU is the better team in this game and will be better motivated despite not going to a more prestigious bowl. I am picking Washington State. 2 p.m. on CBS

–Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl: Washington vs. Southern Miss; Washington had to win their last two games to become bowl eligible and they did it in convincing fashion. The Huskies were all over the board this season, making it hard to predict how they will do in a bowl. Southern Miss had an amazing season but couldn’t beat high-scoring WKU in the CUSA Championship. QB Nick Mullens had a tough game against the Hilltoppers, throwing 3INTs. I think he will do better in this game. I expect both teams to be motivated for this game, so it should be a good one. I am picking Southern Miss. 2:20 p.m. on ESPN

–New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Indiana vs. Duke; Neither of these teams were very good this season. Duke started out strong, but the loss to Miami hurt and they lost 3 games after that before being Wake Forest in their finale. Indiana gave Michigan a tough game, but needed to beat Maryland and Purdue to get to 6-6. I am picking Duke because I think Thomas Sirk is a playmaker and Jordan Howard is questionable for the Hoosiers. This game will probably be pretty ugly, but it could be a very close one. I am picking Duke. 3:30 p.m. on ABC

–Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech; I feel a little bit bad for Tulsa. Everyone will be rooting for Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech to get the win. I think that motivation will be too much for Tulsa to overcome. Both teams had to win their final game to become bowl eligible. I would be extremely surprised if Virginia Tech lost this game. I am picking Virginia Tech. 5:45 p.m. on ESPN

–Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA vs. Nebraska; Motivation is a big question in this game for both teams. UCLA was one win away from playing in the Pac 12 Championship game but lost to rival USC. Nebraska is another 5-7 team that is bowling because of their high APR. The Huskers lost their 7 games by a combined 31 points. Maybe they will be able to come in and give UCLA more than they can handle. UCLA’s mindset worries me. They are the better team, but do they really want to be playing in the Foster Farms bowl? Probably not. This one is pretty much a toss up. I am picking UCLA. 9:15 p.m. on ESPN

December 28:
–Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: Pittsburgh vs. 21Navy; After Navy’s close call against Army, I would expect the Midshipmen to come out strong against Pittsburgh. Keenan Reynolds is one of the best players in the country and I’m not going to go against his running ability. I don’t think this one will be a blowout, but I think Navy will get a comfortable win. I am picking Navy. 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

–Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Minnesota; Minnesota is the final 5-7 team to go to a bowl game. The Golden Gophers had a tough year with Jerry Kill retiring. They also had an end loaded schedule that saw them go 1-5 in their final 6 games. Central Michigan, on the other hand, finished the season winning 5 of their last 6. Motivation will play a big role in this game. Minnesota has also been bitten by the injury bug recently, a lot of players are questionable for this game. This one should be pretty close. I am picking Central Michigan. 5 p.m. on ESPN2

December 29:
–Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California vs. Air Force; I went back and forth with this pick. Air Force finished with losses to New Mexico and then SDSU in the MWC Championship. California started out hot, but had a 4-game skid to start the second half of their season. To be fair to the Golden Bears, they did have to play Utah, UCLA, and USC in consecutive games. The Falcons were a little bit of a surprise team in the MWC, but they haven’t look great in the last few weeks. It will be interesting to see if these teams show up mentally. I am picking California. 2 p.m. on ESPN

–Russell Athletic Bowl: 10North Carolina vs. 17Baylor; Baylor has had a tough time at the QB position this season. They were down to their 4th string QB against Texas but expect Chris Johnson to start this game. Shock Linwood is also a little beat up, but should be healthy enough for this game. UNC and Marquise Williams should put on another exciting show. If Jarrett Stidham was playing, this game would be hard to pick, but I don’t think it will be all that close. I doubt Baylor will be up for this game after the way their season ended, but maybe they will play a little angry. There will be some scoring in this game. I am picking North Carolina. 5:30 p.m. on ESPN

–NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs. Colorado State; Like I said earlier, how two teams from one conference got put together when there are 80 bowl slots is beyond me. At least these two didn’t play in the regular season. Colorado State is coming into this game riding a 4-game win streak, while Nevada was up and down all season. I doubt either team is very excited for this game, so I don’t expect a great game. I don’t even know if I will be able to watch this game. I’ve never heard of the channel it is going to be on. I am picking Colorado State. 7:30 p.m. on Campus Insiders

–AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: 20LSU vs. Texas Tech; This one is interesting. LSU didn’t have the season they wanted but they ended strong and motivated, so this game shouldn’t be any different. Texas Tech started out pretty good but their lack of defense hurt them in conference play. I think Leonard Fournette will have a good game and so will the LSU receivers. Expect a relatively high scoring game. Also expect Texas Tech to turn the ball over. Patrick Mahomes has thrown 14INTs so far this season. I think both teams will show up in this game this could be one of the better games of the bowl season. I am picking LSU. 9 p.m. on ESPN

December 30:
–Birmingham Bowl: Auburn vs. Memphis; If you have been reading my blog since the beginning of the season, you know I predicted Auburn would win it all. I was slightly off. Memphis was one of the hottest teams early in the season and had a big win over Ole Miss. Memphis lost 3 straight before demolishing SMU in their final game. They will not have Justin Fuente in this game and that could hurt them. Auburn struggled all season and never really got in a groove on offense. Paxton Lynch is one of the best, if not the best, QBs that will be in the coming draft and I don’t think the Auburn defense will be able to stop him. This game depends on which Memphis team shows up. I am picking Memphis. Noon on ESPN

–Belk Bowl: NC State vs. Mississippi State; I expect some points to be scored in this game. Having seen Mississippi State live, I am a true believer in Dak Prescott. Despite the Bulldogs’ not-so-great Egg Bowl, I think they will bounce back and finish the season strong. NC State had an ok season and played very well against Clemson and North Carolina. Jacoby Brissett has been a great QB for the Wolf Pack and will look to finish his career off on a high note. I think this game will be back and forth but the Bulldogs will pull away late. I am picking Mississippi State. 3:30 p.m. on ESPN

–Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Louisville; There is just too much going on at A&M for them to be focused on this game. Neither team had a great season, and a bowl win is much needed for both of these teams. I think Louisville has the potential to blow the Aggies out of the water. The Cardinals mounted a huge comeback against Kentucky in their final game while A&M lost to LSU. I don’t really want Louisville to win. But I think they are the better team and will be more focused. I am picking Louisville. 7 p.m. on ESPN

–National University Holiday Bowl: 25USC vs. Wisconsin; USC had a strange season. After switching coaches, USC only lost to Notre Dame, Oregon, and Stanford. Wisconsin had a good season, but like Iowa, they didn’t have to play Ohio State, Michigan, or Michigan State. I think both teams will come into this game a little let down because it isn’t the Rose Bowl. I’ve been more impressed with USC than Wisconsin and I’ve also seen more USC games. The Trojans have so many offensive weapons and their defense isn’t too bad either. I am picking USC. 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

December 31:
–Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: 18Houston vs. 9Florida State; Houston had a great season and won the inaugural American Conference Championship game. Florida State didn’t have the year they wanted, but still ended up in a New Year’s 6 Bowl game. It will be interesting to see how motivated the ‘Noles are for this game. I think both teams will score a lot of points, but Dalvin Cook and the FSU offense will be too much for the Cougars. This should be a good game. I am picking Florida State. Noon on ESPN

–College Football Playoff Semifinal: Capital One Orange Bowl: 4Oklahoma vs. 1Clemson; This is the first of the two playoff games this season. Clemson had an amazing year and ended up as the only undefeated team in the FBS. Deshaun Watson was outstanding all season and earned a trip to NYC for the Heisman ceremony (he finished 3rd). All that is great, but Oklahoma has been one of the best teams in the country since their loss to Texas. The Sooners have steamrolled teams and look like no one can stop them. Baker Mayfield, Samaje Perine, and Sterling Shepard are tough to stop because it’s almost impossible to stop all 3 at once. Oklahoma will also be one of the better defenses that Clemson will face. This should be a very exciting game. The Sooners also got whipped by Clemson last season and will be ready for some revenge. I am picking Oklahoma. 4 p.m. on ESPN

–College Football Playoff Semifinal: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: 3Michigan State vs. 2Alabama; This game could be an instant classic. These two teams are known for their defenses and there is a lot of history between these two coaches. The reason I think Alabama will win is Derrick Henry. Unlike Urban Meyer, Nick Saban will feed Henry the whole game. It might not work early, but when you have someone that big coming at you play after play, you are going to get worn down. The Alabama receivers made some amazing plays against Florida, and with Henry doing his thing, expect them to be open from time to time in this game. Connor Cook should be healthy for this game and the Spartans will need him. I’m really excited to watch this game. I expect it to be a close one. I am picking Alabama. 8 p.m. on ESPN

January 1:
–Outback Bowl: 13Northwestern vs. 23Tennessee; I’m really not that excited about this one. I think Northwestern is overrated and their games are not the most exciting. Tennessee underachieved this season, but they are currently on a 5-game win streak. But, that is a little misleading. None of those 5 teams are playing in bowl games. Their 4 losses were by a combined 17 points, and two of the losses came to teams in the playoffs. It’ll be interesting to see how the Vols do against Northwestern’s defense. I think this will be a close one. It might be in Tennessee’s best interest to get behind early. I am picking Tennessee. Noon on ESPN2

–Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: 14Michigan vs. 19Florida; This could be a very interesting game. Both of these teams have first-year coaches. Florida’s offense hasn’t been the same since losing Will Grier. The Gators didn’t have much offense against Alabama and I don’t expect that to change against Michigan. The Wolverines ended the season on a bad loss to Ohio State, but they should have QB Jake Ruddock back for this game and I think he will be the difference maker. If both of these teams come ready to play, this could be a great game, but I’m not sure everyone will be motivated for this one. I am picking Michigan. 1 p.m. on ABC

–BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: 8Notre Dame vs. 7Ohio State; Both of these teams were one loss away from having a very good chance at the playoffs. Notre Dame overcame an insane number of injuries to starting players this season. They were also very close to beating Clemson. Ohio State was unable to get by Michigan State and only put up 132 yards of offense in the game. The players then lashed out against the coaches about that game, and that is a little bit of a red flag. I would be extremely surprised if Ezekiel Elliott had less than 20 carries in this game. If Ohio State plays to their ability, the will win this game. Notre Dame lost to Stanford in a heartbreaker to finish their season and could be down from that. This has the potential to be one of the best bowl games, but only if the two teams show up wanting to play. I am picking Ohio State. 1 p.m. on ESPN

–Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: 6Stanford vs. 5Iowa; I was hoping the Rose Bowl would be between Ohio State and Stanford, but this matchup should still be good. Stanford started off the season with a bad loss at Northwestern, but after that they have been nearly unstoppable. Christian McCaffrey was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and can do it all. Kevin Hogan showed that he can do a lot too in the win over USC. Iowa’s season was crushed by Michigan State in the Big 10 Championship game and I don’t think they really want to be in this game. Both of these defenses have been good this season, but I think Stanford’s versatility on offense will be tough on the Hawkeyes. I think Stanford will want it more and will overpower this Iowa team. I am picking Stanford. 5 p.m. on ESPN

–Allstate Sugar Bowl: 16Oklahoma State vs. 12Ole Miss; Oklahoma State started off the season 10-0 but lost their last two games at home to Baylor and Oklahoma. QB Mason Rudolph was injured in the Oklahoma game and is still questionable for this game. Ole Miss started strong with a win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but then lost to Florida and Memphis. They were still in the driver’s seat in the SEC West, but Arkansas ended those hopes with the Henry Heave (you’re welcome, Alabama and SEC in general). The Rebels finished strong in the Egg Bowl and I expect them to do well in this game too. Chad Kelly is a great QB and has a lot of receivers to throw to. I don’t think Oklahoma State has the firepower to stay in this game. I am picking Ole Miss. 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

January 2:
–TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs. Georgia; There is a chance that Georgia will come into this game wanting to prove themselves, but I think too much has happened for that to be the case. Georgia seemed to be doing well, but losing Nick Chubb on the first play from scrimmage against Tennessee really hurt them. Penn State ended the season with 3 straight losses, but they were competitive in all but the end of the Michigan State game. In fact, all 5 of PSU’s losses came to teams that are currently ranked in the top 25. I think James Franklin will have his team up for this game and they will get the win. I am picking Penn State. Noon on ESPN

–AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs. Arkansas; Kansas State had to win their last game to become bowl eligible. They were able to beat West Virginia 24-23 and will hope to carry that momentum into this game. Arkansas started the season 2-4 with home losses to Toledo (well, that one was in LR) and Texas Tech, but once again turned it around and went 5-1 in their final 6 games with road wins over LSU and Ole Miss. The Razorback’s secondary has been bad all season, and they will need to step up in this game. The Hogs have had injury after injury this season to their WRs and RBs, but the guys behind them keep stepping up. Brandon Allen has quietly thrown 29TDs to just 7INTs and should get at least #30 in this one. KSU QB Joe Hubener was beat up in their last game, but is expected to be fine for this game, but coach Snyder hasn’t decided if he or Kody Cook will start. Expect some points in this game, most of which should come from Arkansas. I am picking Arkansas. 3:20 p.m. on ESPN

–Valero Alamo Bowl: 15Oregon vs. 11TCU; This is a game almost everyone is excited for. This one has the makings of a shootout. I think both teams want to play in this game, even though they both had hopes of making the playoffs. Injured QBs really hurt these teams, but both are back. The current line for this game is even. I think the real winners of this game will be those watching it. The team who has the ball last will most likely have the chance to win the game. I think these teams will score in just about every way possible. You can bet I’ll be keeping track of this one on the way back to the hotel after the Liberty Bowl. I am picking TCU. 6:45 p.m. on ESPN

–Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: West Virginia vs. Arizona State; This was a hard one to pick. West Virginia lost by one to Kansas State in their last game of the season and ASU lost a back and forth game to Cal on a last second FG. West Virginia had a brutal stretch of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU to open Big 12 play. They lost all four of those games but followed with 4 straight wins. It is hard to predict if both teams are going to want to play in this game. This could be an extremely exciting game. Both of these offenses can score a lot of points and both of these defenses haven’t been great. If you can stay awake for this one, it’ll probably be a fun one. I am picking Arizona State. 10:45 p.m. on ESPN

*I’ll post my National Championship preview as soon as I know who’s playing*