25 Bold Predictions for College Football Bowl Season
The best part of the college football season is finally here! All of the lousy teams have been excluded from having fun, and the heavyweights are out to prove themselves against the best. It's bowl season, ladies and gentlemen! The only downside of this time of year is it signifies the college football season is one day closer to ending.
Hear that?
That's the entire college football world sighing together.
But now isn't the time to be depressed. We have to look at the bright side. It's bowl season, which opens up that door for craziness, wackiness and the improbable becoming likely. Any team can win, any player can have a big day and just about anything can become possible.
This bowl season will include upsets, overtime thrillers and individual accomplishments that leave your jaw touching the floor. Oh, and there's also a coach who may leave once his game is finished.
And as usual, all you folks who don't believe in miracles can go be the Grinch somewhere else. Last week, I predicted a Northern Illinois loss and Michigan State-Ohio State coming down to the final minute. We're due for a breakout week.
Note: These are bold predictions, meaning that very few are supposed to be taken seriously. Relax.
Boise State Rolls Oregon State
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We'll find out just how good Boise State can be without coach Chris Petersen when the Broncos battle Oregon State. A good percentage would be wise to believe his loss will have a negative impact on the program, but you can expect these players to play with a ton of emotion for one game.
That's bad news for the Beavers.
Guys are likely ticked off that Petersen finally left for the more popular program and are going to want to prove to the world that unlike its coach, Boise State isn't going anywhere. The Broncos haven't lost a bowl game since 2008, while that was the same year Oregon State won its last bowl.
Oregon State plays little defense and has lost its last five games. Expect the downward spiral to continue as Boise pulls off the upset in Hawaii.
Rutgers Upsets Notre Dame
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Could Notre Dame really lose a third straight bowl game under head coach Brian Kelly?
Absolutely.
Even if it's against a mediocre 6-6 Rutgers squad, the game is being played in Yankee Stadium. Yeah, a baseball stadium. It's going to be freezing, and it's going to be weird. Playing football on a baseball field doesn't scream exciting. Instead, it raises a caution sign that we really shouldn't even be here. These aren't the types of games kids come to South Bend to play.
Meanwhile, New York should be packed with Rutgers fans, who are hoping for their second bowl win in the last three years. Give me the home team that is thrilled just to be playing an extra game.
Fresno State Shocks USC
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Fresno State needs a bowl victory to make sure this season is remembered. The 11 wins and Mountain West Conference title are cool and all, but the Bulldogs haven't won a bowl game since 2007. These players have to put the cherry on top of the sundae with a win.
Here's the perfect opportunity to do just that against a USC program that will likely be playing with mixed emotions. Players are likely upset that Ed Orgeron wasn't given a fair chance to become head coach, while Clay Helton, USC's interim coach, is still learning and trying to figure out how not to crash the new Lamborghini he was just given the keys to.
The Bulldogs have an explosive offense and would love nothing more than to win this game. USC is more focused on the future and whether this head coaching change is really going to pan out.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Jordan Lynch Proves He's a Fraud
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Jordan Lynch folds against every quality defense he faces. It happened against Florida State in last year's BCS Orange Bowl. It happened last week against Bowling Green. Now, Northern Illinois will go head-to-head against Utah State, a school that is ranked 12th in the country in total defense.
Good luck with that.
The Aggies held an explosive Fresno State offense to only 24 points, San Jose State to 12 and USC to only 17. This team gets after the quarterback (32 sacks) and has forced 28 turnovers on the season. If Lynch and Co. couldn't move the ball against Bowling Green, they're certainly going to have their hands full against a battle-tested Utah State.
Minnesota Finally Wins a Bowl Game
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Minnesota hasn't won a bowl game since 2004.
Well, this is its lucky year.
The Golden Gophers were matched up against 6-6 Syracuse, a team that's ranked 100th in the country in scoring offense and lost 56-0 to Georgia Tech. Yikes. Minnesota is no world-beater, but wins over Nebraska and Penn State and close games against Wisconsin and Michigan State do prove that it's a team on rise.
Minnesota's defense should have no problem holding Syracuse to fewer than 14 points, and the offense will do just enough to finish the job. This is an inspired group that has rallied around head coach Jerry Kill. The hard work will finally pay off for the Golden Gophers.
Alabama Loses Another Game
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It's a battle between the head coach who almost never loses a big game and the coach who almost always folds under pressure. On paper, Nick Saban should have his way with Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners.
Not so fast.
Alabama hasn't lived up to its standards—even before the loss to Auburn. Yes, a win is a win, but you just don't feel the same way when watching this team play. The offense isn't firing on all cylinders like it usually does, and the defense can give up big plays at times. Oklahoma is a team that's finally hitting its stride, ending the season on a three-game winning streak that included two straight road wins.
The Sooners have the talent defensively to slow down AJ McCarron, while quarterback Trevor Knight and his running ability will give the Tide's defense fits. Alabama loses its first bowl game since 2008.
Michigan Beats Kansas State on a Last-Second Field Goal
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No, it won't surpass Brendan Gibbons' last-second kick to send the Northwestern game into overtime. But it will be good enough to give Michigan its second bowl win in four years.
The Wolverines and Wildcats have very similar styles. Both rely on their defenses to carry most of the load and create turnovers, while the one-dimensional offenses do just enough to get by most of the time. Michigan will win this game, but the constant turnovers and foolish mistakes from Devin Gardner will keep Kansas State in it until the very end.
That's when running back Derrick Green will break off a big run to put the Wolverines in field-goal range. Gibbons will make another clutch kick to keep the fans in Ann Arbor happy for the next few months.
Texas-Oregon Goes into Triple Overtime
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This is probably the most exciting non-BCS bowl game of the year. It's filled with endless storylines and is a battle of new- and old-school.
Who you got?
I'll probably be going back and forth right before kickoff, but I can predict it will be a game for the ages. Texas will look at this game as a chance to prove to the world that it hasn't fallen off the map. Similar to the game earlier this year against Oklahoma, the Longhorns will be ready for this game. Oregon is usually always ready for the bright lights, but its offense will struggle against the athleticism and size of the Longhorns defense.
Neither team will have the upper hand, which is fine by me. Send this bad boy into multiple overtimes!
Iowa Shuts Down LSU
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LSU has won 10 or more games in six of the last eight seasons due to being more physical and tougher than everybody else. A dominant defensive line and power running game usually wear down the opponent by the fourth quarter and give the Tigers the win.
Surprise! LSU has met its match.
Iowa may not be as big as LSU, but it's just as physical. The Hawkeyes have the third-best defense in the Big Ten, allowing just 303 yards per game. Anthony Hitchens, James Morris and Christian Kirksey may form the best linebacker corps in the country. This is the same group that held Michigan to only 158 total yards and Nebraska to only 89 rushing yards.
LSU is in trouble.
Duke Beats Texas A&M
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Did anybody have Texas A&M in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl?
Besides chowing down on endless chicken sandwiches, there is little benefit for the Aggies participating in this game. It's almost as bad as Notre Dame playing inside of a baseball stadium. What are we doing here?
Anyway, while Johnny Manziel and Co. will likely give another subpar effort, Duke couldn't be any happier. It's another matchup against a quality opponent and provides great exposure for an upcoming football program. It also provides another chance for Duke to win its first bowl game since 1960. Think these players aren't going to be jacked up?
Despite what the 45-7 score indicates, the Blue Devils hung around with Florida State for a while. You have to like their chances against an unmotivated Texas A&M team that plays zero defense.
Aaron Donald Has 4 Sacks vs. Bowling Green
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Bowling Green has strung together five straight wins and is searching for its first bowl win since 2004. The problem is that the offensive line has struggled and will now go up against one of the best defensive players in the country.
Aaron Donald has had a remarkable season, as he's racked up 26.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He often demands double-teams and still manages to get into the backfield with ease. Bowling Green has allowed 34 sacks in 13 games, which is simply pitiful.
Donald has to be licking his chops with this matchup, and don't be surprised if he ends his career with a game for the ages. Pittsburgh will win its first bowl game under head coach Paul Chryst.
Nebraska-Georgia Ends Up Being the Best Bowl Game of the Year
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What do you get when you add two of the most inconsistent teams together?
One heck of a ball game.
Georgia has been banged-up on both sides of the ball all season long and has still managed to keep things interesting over the last month. Nebraska has been up-and-down all year and ended the season losing two of its last three games.
Despite the hot-and-cold seasons from both programs, there's still plenty of talent on both squads to make the Gator Bowl entertaining. Both defenses will have a hard time stopping anybody, and it may be the last team to score that wins.
Regardless of what happens, you can expect a wild finish in this one.
BYU-Washington Is Won off a Defensive Touchdown
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The Fight Hunger Bowl is getting a defensive battle between BYU and Washington. Combined, these two teams have created 44 turnovers and 60 sacks. What's most impressive about these defenses is that a combined five interceptions have been returned for touchdowns, and Washington also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Needless to say, these teams have playmakers who know what to do with the ball after the turnover. Guys such as Washington's Shaq Thompson, Marcus Peters and Sean Parker are always looking for the big play. You'd also be foolish to count out BYU's Kyle Van Noy.
This game will be tight, and a key defensive play will be the deciding factor.
Stanford Rushes for 300-Plus Yards vs. Michigan State
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Speaking of defensive battles, Michigan State and Stanford will go at it in the Rose Bowl. Both defenses are ranked in the top 15 in the country and usually hold their opponents to under their season average in total yards.
The problem for the Spartans is that Stanford has an incredible offensive line as well, along with a talented running back who has yet to be stopped. Stanford is averaging close to 211 rushing yards per game and a lot of that production has come from Tyler Gaffney.
While Michigan State does have the best defense in college football, it can give up big plays in the running game. Nebraska had 182 rushing yards, Minnesota topped 100 and even Ohio State gashed this defense for 273 yards on the ground.
None of those teams are as physical up front as Stanford.
Logan Thomas Outplays Brett Hundley
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Logan Thomas and Brett Hundley have to be two of the most frustrating players for an NFL draft scout. They both have all of the potential in the world but continue to make poor decisions with the ball and play with an endless amount of inconsistency.
In the Sun Bowl, Thomas will have the upper hand due to it being his last chance. All of the pressure is on him to deliver in his last collegiate game. Against a solid UCLA defense, this is a statement game that could either make or break his draft stock. Hundley could always return for another season and doesn't really need this game as much as Thomas.
The Virginia Tech signal-caller has thrown only one interception in his last three games. He'll be dialed in for this matchup, as the Hokies look for their second straight bowl win.
James Franklin Leaves After Vanderbilt's Bowl Win
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After Vanderbilt knocks off Houston in the Compass Bowl, James Franklin will surprise everybody with an announcement that he's leaving for another gig. Hey, Chris Petersen left Boise State, so now the possibilities are endless.
Much like Petersen, Franklin has always been high on head coaching lists, as he's not expected to coach Vanderbilt forever. With another bowl win, Franklin would have won two straight bowls out of the three he's qualified for in the last three seasons. That's really all there's left to do, as Vanderbilt is still years away from competing for a conference title.
By the time this game is over, there should be plenty of open jobs on the market. Franklin will have first dibs at them all.
Wisconsin and South Carolina Combine for 700 Rushing Yards
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If you still cherish the power running game and dominance in the trenches, the Capital One Bowl is the game for you. Wisconsin and South Carolina have combined for nearly 500 rushing yards per game.
That's a lot of running, huh?
Mike Davis has carried South Carolina's offense all season long, and quarterback Connor Shaw continues to show that he's more of an athlete than a passer. The two have produced more than 1,600 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has two 1,000-yard rushers in running backs Melvin Gordon and James White.
This game will take you back to the old days when quarterbacks weren't asked to do much. With all the running and the constant ticking of the clock, this may also end up being the shortest bowl game of the season.
UCF Knocks off Baylor
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For once, a little guy is going to knock off a heavy favorite in a BCS bowl.
Meet UCF.
You have probably heard of the Knights but never took them seriously. Well, while they feasted on poor competition, they also beat Penn State in Happy Valley, handed Louisville its only loss of the season and lost to South Carolina by a field goal. This team has earned the right to play in a BCS bowl and will give Baylor all it can handle and more.
UCF may have one of the best defenses Baylor has faced all season, and a combination of quarterback Blake Bortles and running back Storm Johnson should be enough to match the Bears' offensive production.
Don't be surprised when the Knights earn their biggest win in program history.
Keenan Reynolds Scores 6 or More Touchdowns
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Keenan Reynolds is the perfect quarterback for Navy's triple-option. This season, he's rushed for 1,124 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. No, those aren't passing and rushing touchdowns combined; he's really run for 26 scores. In the upset win over San Jose State, Reynolds scored eight total touchdowns.
Navy will play Middle Tennessee State in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Blue Raiders have the eighth-worst defense in Conference USA. Uh, yeah, that's pretty bad. What makes matters worse is that Navy's offense is always difficult to stop regardless. Now it's going up against a defense that allowed 503 yards against Florida Atlantic.
Yikes.
Reynolds and the third-best rushing attack in the nation are going to put a hurting on Middle Tennessee.
Arizona State Holds Texas Tech to Fewer Than 3 Touchdowns
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Arizona State is going to be one upset team after getting embarrassed against Stanford in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Cardinal racked up 517 total yards and scored four first-half touchdowns to win the game 38-14.
But Texas Tech shouldn't get its hopes up in the Holiday Bowl.
Unlike Stanford, the Red Raiders have no running game. They also aren't physical at the line of scrimmage. The Sun Devils defensive front should have no problem generating pressure on freshman quarterback Baker Mayfield. And while you would expect the Red Raiders to still have success throwing the ball, Arizona State is third in the country with 21 interceptions.
It's going to be a long day for coach Kliff Kingsbury in his first bowl game.
Oklahoma State and Missouri Combine for 100-Plus Points
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It turns out Missouri's defense isn't that good after all. Auburn managed to drop 59 points and 677 total yards in the SEC Championship Game victory. Despite the players announcing to the world that it was another run, the Tigers had absolutely no answer for it at all. Oh, that's going to play well with Oklahoma State on deck.
Sike.
The Cowboys actually have a balanced offense and are capable of matching Auburn's scoring total at the drop of a hat. And while that may suggest an Oklahoma State victory, Missouri did make strides throwing the ball and is capable of scoring points in buckets as well.
Like offense?
The Cotton Bowl is the game for you.
Clemson Wins Another Big Game
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Clemson has been a big tease the last few seasons. It would rack up a boatload of yards and win a lot of games but then fall short against top-tier opponents. It's starting to pick up old habits this season, with blowout losses to Florida State and South Carolina.
But expect the Tigers to continue to turn the corner with an Orange Bowl win over Ohio State.
The Buckeyes had their bags packed for the national championship. While a trip to Florida is convenient for Urban Meyer and his recruiting plans, the players don't exactly want to be here. Sun Life Stadium isn't exactly glamorous, and sharing viewers with the Cotton Bowl isn't the same as having the stage to yourself.
It's going to be tough for Ohio State to wake up for this game. However, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney will inspire his players to pull off another big bowl win to keep his program moving in the right direction.
Teddy Bridgewater Decides to Return to School After Loss to Miami
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Whether you want to admit it or not, Teddy Bridgewater has still had a remarkable season. The problem is that he's been at the top of NFL draft boards for so long that people are looking for ways to pick his game apart.
Look, he threw an interception. Oh, he doesn't play any tough competition. Louisville lost to UCF, there's no way he's that good.
Things have gotten so out of hand that some are looking at other players to draft before Bridgewater, who was originally expected to be the first overall pick in next year's draft. As crazy as it may sound, even Alabama's AJ McCarron is on that list.
Louisville will fall short to Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl, and Bridgewater will announce he's returning to school. Maybe a season of ACC competition would finally silence those critics.
Ka'Deem Carey and Andre Williams Combine for 650 Total Yards
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This is by far the best offensive matchup of any bowl game.
We have two of the top running backs in the country going at it with Andre Williams of Boston College and Ka'Deem Carey of Arizona. The AdvoCare V100 Bowl sure made out like bandits.
Williams led the country with 2,102 rushing yards, while Carey had an impressive encore from a year ago with 1,716 rushing yards. It goes without saying that these two workhorses are the reason their schools are participating in a bowl game this season.
Forget throwing the ball—just let these two runners duke it out for 60 minutes. Whoever has the most rushing yards at the end of the day wins.
This should be fun!
Auburn Wins the National Championship
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Florida State may have opened up as an early favorite and probably for good reason. But you won't catch me picking against those miracle Tigers.
Regardless of the talent level, how one-dimensional Auburn's offense is and what Florida State should do in the big game, sometimes it's just your season. Auburn: It's your time to shine. A combination of Nick Marshall and Tre Mason cannot be stopped right now. And a youthful defense that includes speedsters Dee Ford and Carl Lawson coming off the edge is certain to give quarterback Jameis Winston problems.
It's also important to note that Auburn is a school in the SEC. Yeah, the same conference that has won the last seven national championships.
Sometimes it's just destiny.
Auburn will find a way to win its second national title in four years.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
