Bowl Projections 2014: Projecting Every College Football Bowl Game Post-Week 7
We have reached the midway point of the 2014 college football season, and from here on out, it is a downhill slide to the postseason. Six teams (Florida State, Baylor, Notre Dame, Marshall, Mississippi State and Ole Miss) have clinched bowl eligibility, and many more five-win teams are poised to do so this weekend.
For those teams, a six-win season would be a huge disappointment. For others, six wins would be cause for celebration given that they will have clinched bowl berths.
Now seems like the perfect time to examine the postseason picture, which is bigger than ever this season with 38 bowl games and the inaugural College Football Playoff. Here is CBS Sports' take on the bowl picture.
Conference tie-ins, the six-win minimum and bowl, team and league preferences make the postseason picture difficult to project, but we’re going to take a crack at it anyway, from the New Orleans Bowl to the national title game.
New Orleans Bowl
1 of 39
Dec. 20, New Orleans, Louisiana
Predicted Matchup: Fresno State (No. 5 Mountain West) vs. Louisiana-Monroe (No. 2 Sun Belt)
The bowl season kicks off at 10 a.m. local time in the Superdome, the perfect time for locals to grab a Bloody Mary and start their holiday season with some quality postseason football. The Bulldogs have struggled in the post-Derek Carr era, but they should be able to scratch out three more wins against their remaining schedule.
Louisiana-Monroe faces a tough slate, with four of its last six games on the road. But the Warhawks should take advantage of home games against Sun Belt contenders Texas State and Louisiana-Lafayette and become bowl-eligible for a home-state postseason destination.
Predicted Winner: Fresno State
New Mexico Bowl
2 of 39
Dec. 20, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Predicted Matchup: Rice (Conference USA) vs. Wyoming (Mountain West No. 4)
Rice, the defending C-USA champions, struggled to an 0-3 start with a schedule that included Notre Dame and Texas A&M. But the Owls have won three consecutive games and now are back on track for postseason eligibility. Wyoming is one of the better stories in the West. Under first-year coach Craig Bohl, who guided North Dakota State to three consecutive FCS national championships, the Cowboys have been competitive.
Wyoming should scratch enough wins out to become bowl-eligible, but the Owls will soar while the rest of America makes terrible Breaking Bad jokes.
Predicted Winner: Rice
Las Vegas Bowl
3 of 39
Dec. 20, Las Vegas, Nevada
Predicted Matchup: Colorado State (Mountain West No. 1) vs. Stanford (Pac-12 No. 5)
On paper, this would be a classic matchup of a motivated team against a team that doesn’t want to be here. Under Jim McElwain, the Rams are enjoying a solid season and in this projection are the Mountain West favorites. Meanwhile, Stanford has slipped from its perch as two-time defending Pac-12 champions into a pre-Christmas bowl game in Las Vegas.
Expect this matchup to be dominated by the run game and defense, but David Shaw’s Cardinal should find enough left in the tank to take care of business.
Predicted Winner: Stanford
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Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
4 of 39
Dec. 20, Boise, Idaho
Predicted Matchup: Nevada (Mountain West No. 7) vs. Bowling Green (MAC)
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl spawns thousands of Twitter jokes every December, but traditionally, it's a pretty competitive game. This year should be no different. Led by dual-threat quarterback Cody Fajardo, Nevada is a dangerous team, and Bowling Green hasn’t missed a beat under first-year coach Dino Babers with a fast-paced offense.
The Falcons will be flying high in Boise’s high-altitude atmosphere for a postseason win.
Predicted Winner: Bowling Green
Camellia Bowl
5 of 39
Dec. 20, Montgomery, Alabama
Predicted Matchup: Akron (MAC) vs. South Alabama (Sun Belt No.3)
For those of a certain age, Montgomery was known for the Blue-Gray game, a Christmas Day showcase for players from teams who didn’t make postseason play. The Blue-Gray is gone, but this game will be a spotlight for two programs that are very hungry for the postseason. Akron has made only one bowl game in its history, losing the 2005 Music City Bowl. In-state team South Alabama has never made a bowl.
Look for head coach Terry Bowden and the Zips to author the next chapter of their redemption story in the Cramton Bowl.
Predicted Winner: Akron
Miami Beach Bowl
6 of 39
Dec. 22, Miami, Florida
Predicted Matchup: Temple (American Athletic Conference) vs. BYU
One year removed from a 2-10 season, Temple has been one of the biggest surprises of the American Athletic Conference thanks to a defense that ranks in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense. BYU was a dark-horse College Football Playoff contender until quarterback Taysom Hill suffered a season-ending broken leg.
The Cougars are locked into the Miami Beach Bowl this season as an independent, but there are far worse places to spend the holidays than South Beach, for certain. Even without Hill, they should find enough offense to clip the Owls’ wings.
Predicted Winner: BYU
Boca Raton Bowl
7 of 39
Dec. 23, Boca Raton, Florida
Predicted Matchup: Marshall (Conference USA) vs. Northern Illinois (MAC)
Someone in South Florida has a sense of humor. The inaugural Boca Raton Bowl will be played on Dec. 23, also known as the annual quasi-holiday Festivus. The 6 p.m. kickoff should give Morty Seinfeld, Frank Costanza and Jack Klompus enough time to wolf down an early-bird special and head lock, stock and barrel from Del Boca Vista to FAU Stadium for an intriguing matchup between the Thundering Herd and the Huskies.
South Florida native Rakeem Cato should finish his career with a bang and an undefeated season for the Herd.
Predicted Winner: Marshall
Poinsettia Bowl
8 of 39
Dec. 23, San Diego, California
Predicted Matchup: Boise State (Mountain West No. 2) vs. Navy
The Broncos have taken a slight step back following Chris Petersen’s departure to Washington, but they still have one of the Mountain West’s best passing offenses at 301.2 yards per game. San Diego is a nice destination, but facing Navy’s flexbone offense is no treat.
Expect the Broncos to score enough points and produce enough stops to make this a far happier ending than last season’s disappointing Hawaii Bowl defeat.
Predicted Winner: Boise State
Bahamas Bowl
9 of 39
Dec. 24, Nassau, Bahamas
Predicted Matchup: UAB (Conference USA) vs. Toledo (MAC)
This first-year bowl is one of the most appealing locales in the postseason. Who wouldn’t want to go to the Bahamas for the holidays, even if you do have to play on Christmas Eve? UAB made one of the offseason’s best hires in Bill Clark, who has brought new life to the south side of Birmingham. The Blazers are on pace for their second bowl in program history. Toledo is happy to be in the postseason and going somewhere more tropical than Detroit.
Predicted Winner: Toledo
Hawaii Bowl
10 of 39
Dec. 24, Honolulu, Hawaii
Predicted Matchup: Middle Tennessee (Conference USA) vs. Air Force (Mountain West No. 3)
This bowl is a favorite of those who like offense and seek a distraction from their relatives or wrapping presents on Christmas Eve. This game should be somewhat grounded. The Blue Raiders average 216.7 rushing yards per game, No. 28 nationally, while Air Force features its traditional flexbone offense, with 274.2 rushing yards per game, ranking No. 13 nationally. MTSU’s offense is more potent, however, and that should make the difference in this one.
Predicted Winner: Middle Tennessee
Heart of Dallas Bowl
11 of 39
Dec. 26, Dallas, Texas
Predicted Matchup: Rutgers (Big Ten No. 10) vs. Louisiana Tech (Conference USA)
The Heart of Dallas Bowl actually began its life as a New Year’s Day bowl, but the rearrangement of the schedule surrounding the College Football Playoff has put it in a more appropriate tier of the postseason hierarchy.
Rutgers ended last season in New York, so the Scarlet Knights will welcome a trip south to end their first season in the Big Ten. They should be able to handle the Bulldogs, who will have something of a home-field edge being a few hours from Ruston.
Predicted Winner: Rutgers
Quick Lane Bowl
12 of 39
Dec. 26, Detroit, Michigan
Predicted Matchup: Boston College (ACC) vs. Maryland (Big Ten No. 9)
The former Little Caesars Bowl took a step up in the postseason world, swapping a MAC-Big Ten matchup for an ACC-Big Ten matchup. Which, here, turns out to be an old ACC matchup. A rejuvenated Boston College team and quarterback Tyler Murphy take on new Big Ten team Maryland and Randy Edsall’s spread system. Look for the current ACC team to take down its old ACC foe at Ford Field.
Predicted Winner: Boston College
St. Petersburg Bowl
13 of 39
Dec. 26, St. Petersburg, Florida
Predicted Matchup: Cincinnati (AAC) vs. N.C. State (ACC)
Nothing says the postseason like a bowl played in a Major League Baseball stadium sponsored by online currency (Bitcoin). This actually looks like a pretty entertaining matchup, however, with an N.C. State team led by standout mobile quarterback Jacoby Brissett against Cincinnati and Gunner Kiel.
Expect a high-scoring game, but the Bearcats have a bit more defense, which should make the difference in this one.
Predicted Winner: Cincinnati
Military Bowl
14 of 39
Dec. 27, Annapolis, Maryland
Predicted Matchup: Memphis (AAC) vs. Miami (ACC)
Talk about a contrast in fortunes. The Hurricanes entered the ACC a decade ago with hopes of challenging for league titles and BCS championships on a regular basis. However, they’ve become mired in mediocrity, and Annapolis in December is surely not where they hope to end up.
Meanwhile, head coach Justin Fuente has energized Memphis and is vaulting himself onto lists of athletic directors seeking to fill vacancies across the FBS. The Tigers hung with UCLA in September and should give Miami a challenge, but tailback Duke Johnson is just too talented to count out.
Predicted Winner: Miami
Sun Bowl
15 of 39
Dec. 27, El Paso, Texas
Predicted Matchup: Duke vs. Arizona State
The Sun Bowl moves from its traditional New Year’s Eve slot but still has a very attractive matchup with a pair of high-powered offenses. Duke has been revitalized under coach David Cutcliffe and pushed Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M to the limit in last season’s Chick-fil-A Bowl. Arizona State and Todd Graham also boast a fast-paced, prolific offense led by senior quarterback Taylor Kelly (currently nursing a foot injury).
Expect the Sun Devils to score plenty of points in a West Texas showdown.
Predicted Winner: Arizona State
Independence Bowl
16 of 39
Dec. 27, Shreveport, La.
Predicted Matchup: Pitt (ACC) vs. Florida (SEC)
Whether in the Big East or ACC, Pitt has earned a reputation for heading to less-than-sexy bowl locales. This year is no different. The Panthers have one of the ACC’s top tailbacks in James Conner, but they figure to be an also-ran in the ACC Coastal Division, which will consign them to Shreveport.
Meanwhile, Florida might scrap to get to six wins, which means the Gators would likely arrive here under the watch of an interim coach. Give the Panthers the edge of motivation, which matters most in situations like this.
Predicted Winner: Pitt
Pinstripe Bowl
17 of 39
Dec. 27, Bronx, New York
Predicted Matchup: Georgia Tech (ACC) vs. Penn State (Big Ten No. 7)
Following a down year in 2014, Georgia Tech and coach Paul Johnson have been resurgent this fall with first-year starting quarterback Justin Thomas leading the way and are once again competitive in the wide-open ACC Coastal Division.
Penn State is again bowl-eligible, and while the Nittany Lions’ leaky offensive line has struggled to protect sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg, a trip to New York would be a worthy reward for the Lions in coach James Franklin’s first season. The flexbone offense has always been easier for defenses to solve with a month of preparation, and that will be no different here.
Predicted Winner: Penn State
Holiday Bowl
18 of 39
Dec. 27, San Diego, California
Predicted Matchup: Arizona (Pac-12 No. 3) vs. Iowa (Big Ten No. 4)
Talk about a clash in styles. Rich Rodriguez’s fast-paced Arizona offense, led by talented freshman quarterback Anu Solomon, against Iowa’s plodding, defense-first system. The Hawkeyes and Kirk Ferentz enjoyed success against RichRod while he was at Michigan, and they know his style. Iowa’s rugged defense and run game make all the difference here.
Predicted Winner: Iowa
Russell Athletic Bowl
19 of 39
Dec. 29, Orlando, Florida
Predicted Matchup: Louisville (ACC No. 2) vs. Kansas State (Big 12 No. 3)
The Cardinals spent last season in Orlando, but they’re more than happy to return as one of the top teams in the ACC, moving up a rung in the league’s bowl pecking order after Florida State goes to the College Football Playoff.
Bobby Petrino’s team is offensively challenged but features a nasty, attacking defense. Meanwhile, Kansas State is led by senior quarterback Jake Waters, who’ll challenge the Cardinals with his mobility. Expect the veteran to make his final game special in the shadow of Disney World.
Predicted Winner: Kansas State
Liberty Bowl
20 of 39
Dec. 29, Memphis, Tennessee
Predicted Matchup: West Virginia (Big 12 No. 4) vs. Kentucky (SEC)
This is a matchup of two teams who are very happy to be in Memphis. West Virginia has enjoyed a resurgent year with prolific senior quarterback Clint Trickett at the helm of Dana Holgorsen’s Air Raid offense, while Kentucky is perhaps the SEC’s most improved team. The Wildcats had struggles stopping Florida’s offense, however, so it stands to reason that they’ll really have their hands full with the Mountaineers’ system.
Expect plenty of points and a happy Holgo on the banks of the muddy Mississippi.
Predicted Winner: West Virginia
Texas Bowl
21 of 39
Dec. 29, Houston, Texas
Predicted Matchup: Oklahoma State (Big 12 No.5) vs. Texas A&M (SEC)
This could be one of the more fun games in the bowl season. Texas A&M had high expectations following a season-opening rout of South Carolina that saw Kenny Hill set a single-game passing yardage record, but defensive issues and Hill’s youth have caught up with the Aggies recently.
However, they can still score points aplenty, and they’ll have opportunities to do so against the Cowboys defense. Oklahoma State and Mike Gundy like to score, too, but expect A&M to make a few stops and end the season on a high.
Predicted Winner: Texas A&M
Music City Bowl
22 of 39
Dec. 30, Nashville, Tennessee
Predicted Matchup: Missouri (SEC) vs. Minnesota (Big Ten No. 6)
Missouri has been up and down with sophomore starting quarterback Maty Mauk at the helm. Mauk led a road win at South Carolina, but he has also lost to Indiana and threw four interceptions in a shutout loss at Georgia.
Meanwhile, Jerry Kill is building a solid program at Minnesota, as the Gophers have a strong running game and are poised to go bowling for the second consecutive season. This should be a great clash of Midwestern styles in the Mid-South.
Predicted Winner: Missouri
Belk Bowl
23 of 39
Dec. 30, Charlotte, North Carolina
Predicted Matchup: South Carolina (SEC) vs. Virginia Tech (ACC)
This is a matchup of two programs that entered the season with much bigger things in mind. South Carolina had lost only six games over the last three seasons and hoped to make a College Football Playoff run but has struggled mightily, including a pair of home losses.
The Gamecocks can still make a bowl, but going just across the border to Charlotte would not be much of an accomplishment. Virginia Tech hoped to get here for the ACC title game, but quarterback Michael Brewer simply isn’t consistent enough to contend in the ACC Coastal Division. Expect Dylan Thompson and bruising back Mike Davis to end South Carolina’s season on a solid note.
Predicted Winner: South Carolina
San Francisco Bowl
24 of 39
Dec. 30, Santa Clara, California
Predicted Matchup: Southern California (Pac-12 No. 4) vs. Northwestern (Big Ten No. 7)
Southern California surely had much higher hopes for this season than a Northern California bowl, but Steve Sarkisian and Co. are forced to settle for a season-ender in the sparkling new Levi’s Stadium.
Meanwhile, Pat Fitzgerald and Northwestern are just happy to be here following a 5-7 2013 and an ugly 0-3 start to 2014. However, they’ll leave unfulfilled after quarterback Cody Kessler leads a strong Trojan offense and a tough USC defense led by All-America defensive tackle Leonard Williams ends USC’s 2014 season in style.
Predicted Winner: Southern California
Peach Bowl
25 of 39
Dec. 31, Atlanta, Georgia
Predicted Matchup: Oklahoma (Big 12 No. 2 ) vs. East Carolina (AAC No. 1)
East Carolina is one of the best stories of the college football season. Ruffin McNeill and the Pirates upset a pair of ACC teams and have one of the game’s most potent passing offenses, led by standout senior quarterback Shane Carden. They qualify for this game using the Group of Five bowl berth. Oklahoma had hopes of a College Football Playoff run, but it got inconsistent play from sophomore quarterback Trevor Knight.
The Sooners defense against Carden and Co. will be the story of this game, and Oklahoma’s D will come up with enough big plays to make the difference in a close game.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
Fiesta Bowl
26 of 39
Dec. 31, Glendale, Ariz.
Predicted Matchup: Ohio State (Big Ten No.1) vs. Oregon (Pac-12 No. 1)
This could be one of the most fun matchups of the bowl season. Oregon and an offense led by Marcus Mariota can score with anyone, and Ohio State has steadily improved following a few season-opening hiccups while freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett found his legs as the Buckeyes starter. The question will be who can make a few stops on defense.
Expect the Ducks to make the key stops necessary to come away with a high-scoring, hard-fought victory.
Predicted Winner: Oregon
Orange Bowl
27 of 39
Dec. 31, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Predicted Matchup: Clemson (ACC No. 2) vs. Notre Dame
Clemson and Notre Dame are scheduled to meet in 2015 as part of the Fighting Irish’s scheduling arrangement with the ACC, but the Irish are allowed to take a non-ACC spot in bowl games, which leads to this fascinating matchup.
If Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson is ready to go following a broken finger, the Tigers will have one of the nation’s most potent vertical attacks across the field from South Carolina native Everett Golson, who has led the Irish’s resurgence into national prominence. Clemson’s defense has been impressive, so expect the Tigers to stop Golson and Co. enough times to win a second consecutive Orange Bowl.
Predicted Winner: Clemson
Outback Bowl
28 of 39
Jan. 1, Tampa, Florida
Predicted Matchup: Georgia (SEC) vs. Wisconsin (Big Ten No.5)
This matchup could be one of the most interesting (and ground-based) matchups on the bowl slate. Georgia boasts one of the nation's top rushing attacks with Heisman Trophy candidate Todd Gurley (currently suspended pending an investigation into whether he received payments for autographing memorabilia), and Wisconsin has the nation's No. 2 rusher in junior Melvin Gordon.
Both teams have varying issues at quarterback, but the showdown between Gurley (if he is cleared) and Gordon would be one to behold.
Give Georgia the slight edge here, given its steadier play at quarterback with senior Hutson Mason.
Predicted Winner: Georgia
Cotton Bowl
29 of 39
Jan. 1, Dallas, Texas
Predicted Matchup: Auburn (SEC) vs. Michigan State (Big Ten No.1)
AT&T Stadium will host the National Championship Game, but this is another big-time contest. The Tigers play in Jerry World after narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff, and their offense (with dual-threat quarterback Nick Marshall and a powerful running game) will be a challenge for a maturing Michigan State defense.
Meanwhile, quarterback Connor Cook and the Spartans offense will test the Tigers defense as well. Expect Auburn to make a few more big plays on the big stage and pick up an important bowl victory.
Predicted Winner: Auburn
Citrus Bowl
30 of 39
Jan. 1, Orlando, Florida
Predicted Matchup: Alabama (SEC No. 2) vs. Nebraska (Big Ten No. 2)
Like the Outback Bowl, this is another tasty matchup of teams with potent ground attacks. Nebraska senior tailback Ameer Abdullah (a native of Homewood, Alabama, a Birmingham suburb) is one of college football's most productive backs, while T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry lead Alabama's balanced pro-style system on the ground. Alabama has shown that it can stop talented tailbacks, but can Nebraska slow down prolific wideout Amari Cooper? The guess here is no.
Predicted Winner: Alabama
Rose Bowl
31 of 39
Jan. 1, Pasadena, California
Predicted Matchup: Florida State (No. 1 ACC) vs. Ole Miss (SEC)
The first College Football Playoff semifinal features unbeaten Florida State against Ole Miss, which, like the Seminoles a year ago, made a stunning run into national prominence earlier than anyone expected. The Rebels boast a strong defense and an experienced quarterback in senior Bo Wallace, while FSU has the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in sophomore Jameis Winston and a defense that is improving.
It's a tough call, but give the edge to the Seminoles, who have the unflappable Winston and the experience of winning a big game right here on this field a year ago.
Predicted Winner: Florida State
Sugar Bowl
32 of 39
Jan. 1, New Orleans, Louisiana
Predicted Matchup: Baylor (Big 12 No.1) vs. Mississippi State (SEC No. 1)
This is all kinds of fun. Two relative newcomers to college football’s elite class facing off in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Mississippi State, led by breakout quarterback Dak Prescott, made the leap from SEC West also-ran to national title contender thanks to Prescott’s play and a nasty defense.
Baylor took the jump from BCS bowl qualifier to the national playoff with a potent offense keyed by dynamic quarterback Bryce Petty. Both teams can score in bunches, that much is clear.
But the Bulldogs have a better defense, which should make the difference here.
Predicted Winner: Mississippi State
Armed Forces Bowl
33 of 39
Jan. 2, Fort Worth, Texas
Predicted Matchup: Houston (AAC) vs. UCLA (Pac-12)
UCLA hoped its 2014 season would wind up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but not for this. The Bruins hoped to be across town at AT&T Stadium for the College Football Playoff, not relegated to the Armed Forces Bowl against Houston. But a leaky offensive line and average defense has put the Bruins here.
Houston rebounded following a slow start, but the Cougars won't be able to finish strong against impressive dual-threat quarterback Brett Hundley and the Bruins offense.
Predicted Winner: UCLA
TaxSlayer Bowl
34 of 39
Jan. 2, Jacksonville, Florida
Predicted Matchup: LSU (SEC) vs. Virginia (ACC)
LSU finishes its season in Florida for the second consecutive season, but in this case, its opponent will have much more motivation.
Following a dismal 2-10 season, Virginia authored a turnaround under embattled coach Mike London. The Tigers, with talented tailback Leonard Fournette and deep-threat receiver Travin Dural, are far more talented across the board, but will they care about this game? The Cavaliers should be fired up, but ultimately, talent will make a difference here.
Predicted Winner: LSU
Alamo Bowl
35 of 39
Jan. 2, San Antonio, Texas
Predicted Matchup: TCU (Big 12 No.2) vs. Utah (Pac-12)
This is an interesting matchup of teams that surged back into the spotlight this season. TCU used a spread offense led by senior quarterback Trevone Boykin to rebound from a 4-8 record in 2013, while the Utes battled through inconsistent quarterback play to make postseason play after missing out last fall. The Horned Frogs have some defensive issues, but they have shown they can score with anyone.
The Alamo has been known for shootouts in the past, so expect TCU to put up some points here.
Predicted Winner: TCU
Cactus Bowl
36 of 39
Jan. 2, Tempe, Arizona
Predicted Matchup: Michigan (Big Ten) vs. Washington (Pac-12 No. 7)
Michigan returns to the desert for the second consecutive year after squeaking into postseason play. And while the former Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl has a new name, the Wolverines could have a new coach here, too, given Brady Hoke's struggles in the position.
Washington will be looking to end Chris Petersen's first year in Seattle on a high note, and given Michigan's tumultuous season and an improving UW defense, expect just that to happen.
Predicted Winner: Washington
Birmingham Bowl
37 of 39
Jan. 3, Birmingham, Alabama
Matchup: Central Florida (AAC) vs. Tennessee (SEC)
There was a time when Tennessee would have looked down its collective nose at a bowl in Birmingham. This is not that time. The Volunteers, an improving young group, will be happy to squeeze back into the postseason for the first time since 2010, a sign that Butch Jones' rebuilding program is on the right track.
Meanwhile, George O'Leary's team took a step back following the departure of star quarterback Blake Bortles to the NFL, but replacement Justin Holman is showing steady improvement. Expect him to finish his first year as a starter with a marquee win over an SEC team.
Predicted Winner: Central Florida
GoDaddy Bowl
38 of 39
Jan. 4, Mobile, Alabama
Predicted Matchup: Central Michigan (MAC) vs. Arkansas State (Sun Belt)
This has traditionally become the warm-up for the national title game. And it still is, kind of. While the BCS National Championship was played the night after this game, the new College Football Playoff means this will be the last college football game for eight days before the national championship on Jan. 12.
This will be Arkansas State's fourth consecutive GoDaddy Bowl appearance, but the Red Wolves hope one thing changes. Each year, they've played with an interim coach after their first-year coach left for greener pastures. Expect that to change, with Blake Anderson winning the game and sticking around for at least one more season in Jonesboro.
Predicted Winner: Arkansas State
College Football Playoff National Championship Game
39 of 39
Jan. 12, Arlington, Texas
Predicted Matchup: Florida State (ACC) vs. Mississippi State (SEC)
The first College Football Playoff National Championship Game should be a doozy. Florida State carries a winning streak dating back to 2012 into this game, while the Bulldogs enter as college football's hottest new story, fresh off a semifinal win over Baylor.
How will Dak Prescott handle an improving FSU defense? Can Jameis Winston strafe MSU's secondary with his big arm and Rashad Greene running routes? Expect a close, tightly played game with a good amount of offense, but ultimately, Florida State and Winston's experience on the big stage of college football will prove too much, and FSU will claim a second consecutive national title.
Predicted Winner: Florida State
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