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Bleacher Report Expert Picks for Every 2014-15 College Football Bowl Game
December 17, 2014Bleacher Report Expert Picks for Every 2014-15 College Football Bowl Game
Bowl season is the most wonderful time of year, and this year's slate of games will bring you a compelling matchup nearly every day for three straight weeks.
From the national semifinals between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Ohio State, and No. 2 Oregon and No. 3 Florida State, to the seemingly annual Gildan New Mexico Bowl shenanigans, if you miss a minute of bowl action this holiday season, you could miss the play people talk about for the next eight months.
B/R's experts picked against the spread all season long. Unfortunately, Ben Kercheval, Adam Kramer and Barrett Sallee played to a three-way tie at the end of the regular season. The good news is that "co-champions" don't exist in the world of picking against the spread.
To keep the fun going, let's determine "one true champion" with the bowl games.
Standings (as of Jan. 5, 2015):
Adam Kramer: 59-55
Ben Kercheval: 56-58
Barrett Sallee: 54-60
Michael Felder: 48-66
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Matchup: Nevada (7-5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4)
Date: Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. ET
Location: Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans
Spread: Louisiana-Lafayette (-1)
Picks
Kercheval: Nevada
Kramer: Louisiana-Lafayette
Sallee: Nevada
Felder: Nevada
Why You Should Watch
Louisiana-Lafayette will be playing in New Orleans for its bowl game for the fourth straight season, while Nevada will travel to the Big Easy and battle the Ragin' Cajuns and their crowd, which will undoubtedly be against it. Wolf Pack's Cody Fajardo threw 18 touchdowns and rushed for 13 and will provide quite a challenge to head coach Mark Hudspeth's crew.
Tune in for Fajardo, but stay for Nevada linebacker Brock Hekking's "Brian Bosworth-esque" approach to football.
Final: Louisiana-Lafayette 16, Nevada 3
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Matchup: Utah State (9-4) vs. UTEP (7-5)
Date: Dec. 20 at 2:20 p.m. ET
Location: University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Spread: Utah State (-10.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Utah State
Kramer: Utah State
Sallee: Utah State
Felder: Utah State
Why You Should Watch
Unfortunately, Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton will miss this after suffering a season-ending knee injury in late September. That's OK, though, because Kent Myers completed 69.2 percent of his passes down the stretch to get the Aggies into a bowl game.
Down to a third-string quarterback, Utah State head coach Matt Wells did a tremendous job this season with a team that navigated through personnel issues on offense with a defense that finished third in the Mountain West in yards allowed per game (362.3).
"Matt Wells is doing a really good job and will likely end up with a better job soon," said B/R national college football analyst Michael Felder.
Final: Utah State 21, UTEP 6
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
Matchup: Colorado State (10-2) vs. Utah (8-4)
Date: Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas
Spread: Utah (-3.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Colorado State
Kramer: Utah
Sallee: Colorado State
Felder: Utah
Why You Should Watch
Kyle Whittingham has quietly put together a solid season in Salt Lake City, posting an 8-4 record and boasting the fourth-best defense in the Pac-12. Defensive end Nate Orchard earned second-team All-American honors from The Associated Press this year, after posting 17.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
"Utah, very quietly, put together a tremendous year against quality opponents," said B/R national college football writer Adam Kramer. "I think the Utes close out strong."
Colorado State lost its head coach, Jim McElwain, to Florida but still boasts a trio at the offensive skill positions who are as good as it gets in college football. Quarterback Garrett Grayson, AP first-team wide receiver Rashard Higgins and former Alabama running back Dee Hart will test that Utes defense.
"Give me Colorado State in this one," said B/R SEC lead writer Barrett Sallee. "The loss of McElwain stings, but the program is on solid footing, and a win over a Pac-12 team in the bowl is the logical next step."
Final: Utah 45, Colorado State 10
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Matchup: Air Force (9-3) vs. Western Michigan (8-4)
Date: Dec. 20 at 5:45 p.m. ET
Location: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Spread: Air Force (-1)
Picks
Kercheval:Air Force
Kramer: Air Force
Sallee: Air Force
Felder: Western Michigan
Why You Should Watch
Air Force capped off its season with a home win over Colorado State, spoiling what ended up being Jim McElwain's final game as the Rams' head coach. It finished the season with the second-best rush defense in the Mountain West (140.33 yards per game) and runs that option offense as well as any team in the country.
Meanwhile, Western Michigan has a coach on the rise in P.J. Fleck and a running back in Jarvion Franklin who broke the 1,500-yard mark and scored 24 touchdowns.
"The Falcons run the ball an average of, wait for it, 61 times a game," wrote B/R national college football writer Ben Kercheval. "The Broncos probably won't stop it all, but limiting Air Force on the ground is their only chance."
That sounds like a recipe for some fun during the first day of bowl season.
Final: Air Force 38, Western Michigan 24
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Matchup: South Alabama (6-6) vs. Bowling Green (7-6)
Date: Dec. 20 at 9:15 p.m. ET
Location: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama
Spread: South Alabama (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: Bowling Green
Kramer: South Alabama
Sallee: South Alabama
Felder: Bowling Green
Why You Should Watch
The inaugural Camellia Bowl will feature a local flavor, as South Alabama will make the trek up I-65 to Montgomery to take on Bowling Green out of the MAC.
Led by quarterback Brandon Bridge, the Jaguars finished the season 6-6 and will be pumped to play in their first bowl game in program history.
For Bowling Green head coach Dino Babers, three straight losses to close the season including the 51-17 MAC Championship Game loss to Northern Illinois haven't made this a joyous holiday season. The program could use a win to go out on a high note.
Final: Bowling Green 33, South Alabama 28
Miami Beach Bowl
Matchup: Memphis (9-3) vs. BYU (8-4)
Date: Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. ET
Location: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
Spread: Memphis (-1)
Picks
Kercheval: Memphis
Kramer: Memphis
Sallee: Memphis
Felder: BYU
Why You Should Watch
If you're looking for the next star on the coaching circuit, look no further than Memphis' Justin Fuente. All Fuente has done since taking over the Memphis program is transform the Tigers from a team that won three games over the two seasons prior to his arrival into a 9-3 AAC power that's no longer one of the laughingstocks of college football.
"It's Justin Fuente's world right now, we're just living in it," said Kramer.
Meanwhile, BYU has overcome the loss of quarterback Taysom Hill and managed to average 463.4 yards per game.
Get ready for some fun in Marlins Park.
Final: Memphis 55, BYU 48
Boca Raton Bowl
Matchup: Marshall (12-1) vs. Northern Illinois (11-2)
Date: Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. ET
Location: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida
Spread: Marshall (-9.5)
Picks
Kercheval: NIU
Kramer: NIU
Sallee: Marshall
Felder: Marshall
Why You Should Watch
If Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato isn't enough to draw your attention, Northern Illinois' consistency within the wild MAC should do the trick.
Both teams boast top-40 offenses and defenses that leave a little bit to be desired. Cato—one of the most electric players in the country—plus a Northern Illinois team that won't be intimidated in front of a national television audience should provide a nice appetizer to your Christmas Day feast.
"Rakeem Cato goes out with a bang," said Felder.
It should be a fun one in South Florida.
Final: Marshall 52, Northern Illinois 23
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Matchup: Navy (7-5) vs. San Diego State (7-5)
Date: Dec. 23 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Spread: San Diego State (-2.5)
Picks
Kercheval: San Diego State
Kramer: San Diego State
Sallee: San Diego State
Felder: Navy
Why You Should Watch
Navy, which runs the true triple-option as well as anybody in college football, will head to Southern California to take on a San Diego State team that finished the season with the nation's 21st-ranked defense (337.6 yards per game).
The quarterback battle is no joke either, as Navy's Keenan Reynolds will square off against San Diego State's Quinn Kaehler in a game that features contrasting styles that produce similar results.
"This is one of the more underrated games of this slate," said Kramer. "I'll take San Diego State by a field goal. Seriously, watch this game."
Final: Navy 17, San Diego State 16
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Matchup: Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (7-5)
Date: Dec. 24 at noon ET
Location: Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas
Spread: Western Kentucky (-4)
Picks
Kercheval: Western Kentucky
Kramer: Central Michigan
Sallee: Western Kentucky
Felder: Western Kentucky
Why You Should Watch
If warm weather and beautiful bump shots of the sand and surf aren't enough to warm up your Christmas Eve, seeing a coach on the rise will certainly do the trick.
Western Kentucky made waves last year when it hired Bobby Petrino for his one-year reclamation project. His successor, Jeff Brohm, has taken Hilltopper football to the next level. Brohm's crew is averaging 44 points per game and won four straight to close the season, including the 67-66 overtime win over previously unbeaten Marshall.
"Brohm is one of the bright young stars on the coaching circuit and has worked wonders with quarterback Brandon Doughty this season," said Barrett Sallee.
Central Michigan has been up and down this season but does have a win over MAC powerhouse Northern Illinois in its back pocket.
Final: Western Kentucky 49, Central Michigan 48
Hawai'i Bowl
Matchup: Fresno State (6-7) vs. Rice (7-5)
Date: Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET
Location: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu
Spread: Rice (-2.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Fresno State
Kramer: Rice
Sallee: Fresno State
Felder: Fresno State
Why You Should Watch
It's Hawai'i, so why wouldn't you watch and dream of sipping fruity drinks in the sand?
A late three-game winning streak got Fresno State into the Mountain West Championship Game, which it lost to Boise State. Over that stretch, quarterback Brian Burrell tossed eight touchdowns and four picks and kick-started an offense that had struggled with consistency in the passing game.
Meanwhile, Rice has slowly developed into a consistent Conference USA contender, and while it missed out on the title this year, a trip to Honolulu isn't a bad consolation.
Final: Rice 30, Fresno State 6
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Matchup: Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-5)
Date: Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. ET
Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas
Spread: Louisiana Tech (-6)
Picks
Kercheval: Louisiana Tech
Kramer: Illinois
Sallee: Louisiana Tech
Felder: Louisiana Tech
Why You Should Watch
Seeing Illinois in a bowl game might seem like spotting Sasquatch in the mountains or a unicorn in a field. This is the fifth bowl game for the Illini this century, and head coach Tim Beckman's crew had to win games over Penn State and Northwestern to close out the season just to get to bowl eligibility.
"Illinois in a bowl is interesting enough, but how about Illinois winning a bowl? I'm buying in," said Kramer.
Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz—yes, the same Manny Diaz who was fired by Texas in the middle of last season—have led the Bulldogs back to a bowl game for the first time since 2011 on the heels of a defense that's giving up just 355.7 yards per game.
Final: Louisiana Tech 35, Illinois 18
Quick Lane Bowl
Matchup: North Carolina (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5)
Date: Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit
Spread: North Carolina (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: North Carolina
Kramer: North Carolina
Sallee: North Carolina
Felder: North Carolina
Why You Should Watch
Prior to its loss to N.C. State in the regular-season finale, North Carolina got hot with wins in four of five games, which culminated with a huge win at Duke—ruining its rival's dreams of back-to-back ACC Coastal Division titles. The Tar Heels topped the 500-yard mark four times over the final two months of the season, and quarterback Marquise Williams provided much-needed stability with 20 touchdowns and just nine picks on the year.
Meanwhile, Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova has tossed 20 touchdowns of his own and is facing a Tar Heels pass defense that's only slightly better than air (263.5 yards per game).
"The number of passing yards between these two teams in this game could be set at about 800 or 900, especially with it taking place in a dome setting," wrote Kercheval.
Final: Rutgers 40, North Carolina 21
Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl
Matchup: UCF (9-3) vs. N.C. State (7-5)
Date: Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. ET
Location: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
Spread: UCF (-2)
Picks
Kercheval: UCF
Kramer: N.C. State
Sallee: N.C. State
Felder: N.C. State
Why You Should Watch
UCF has established itself as one of the AAC's power brokers and will face off against an N.C. State squad that quietly won three of four to close the season. Former Florida quarterback Jacoby Brissett put together a solid campaign, tossing 22 touchdowns and only five picks during his junior season in Raleigh.
For Knights head coach George O'Leary, this has been a stressful season, as his crew reeled off nine wins in its final 10 games, which included nail-biters over Houston and BYU and a Hail Mary win at East Carolina to claim a share of the conference title.
"UCF is a program that has slowly but surely become consistent, while N.C. State is undoubtedly on the rise in the ACC," said Sallee.
Final: N.C. State 34, UCF 27
Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman
Matchup: Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6)
Date: Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. ET
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland
Spread: Cincinnati (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: Cincinnati
Kramer: Cincinnati
Sallee: Cincinnati
Felder: Cincinnati
Why You Should Watch
Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel started living up to some of the recruiting hype this year, breaking the 3,000-yard mark and throwing for 30 touchdowns for the Bearcats and head coach Tommy Tuberville. He'll get quite the challenge in the Military Bowl against a Virginia Tech pass defense that ranks 14th in the nation (186.8 yards per game).
Not a bad matchup to say the least. If Cincinnati has some success, it will be up to the Hokies and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler to keep up.
"The Hokies might need their best game of the year from quarterback Michael Brewer," wrote Kercheval.
Final: Virginia Tech 33, Cincinnati 17
Hyundai Sun Bowl
Matchup: Arizona State (9-3) vs. Duke (9-3)
Date: Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. ET
Location: Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas
Spread: Arizona State (-7.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Arizona State
Kramer: Arizona State
Sallee: Arizona State
Felder: Arizona State
Why You Should Watch
November losses to Virginia Tech and North Carolina prevented the Blue Devils from repeating as ACC Coastal champs, but they got back to their winning ways in the regular-season finale against Wake Forest to post a very respectable 9-3 record.
The reward for head coach David Cutcliffe's crew is a trip to El Paso to take on an Arizona State team that was on the periphery of the College Football Playoff discussion into November.
Duke's pass defense is giving up just 204 yards per game but hasn't seen many receivers like the Sun Devils' Jaelen Strong. Add in running back D.J. Foster, and the Blue Devils have their work cut out for them.
"As good as Duke is, I believe Arizona State will be on another level," said Kramer. "Too much Strong and Foster."
Final: Arizona State 36, Duke 31
Duck Commander Independence Bowl
Matchup: Miami (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6)
Date: Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana
Spread: Miami (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: Miami
Kramer: Miami
Sallee: South Carolina
Felder: Miami
Why You Should Watch
The combination of quarterback Brad Kaaya and running back Duke Johnson brought Miami back to respectability this season, but a three-game losing streak to close out the campaign has left a sour taste in the mouths of the Hurricanes. Their defense is a veteran group that has improved tremendously from a year ago and would love nothing more than to go out on a high note.
Meanwhile, South Carolina sputtered to a 6-6 season on the heels of a defense that was more punchline than power.
"Miami wins thanks to a big day from Brad Kaaya and weapons that will tax South Carolina's defense," said Felder.
Final: South Carolina 24, Miami 21
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Matchup: Boston College (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6)
Date: Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.
Spread: Boston College (-2.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Boston College
Kramer: Boston College
Sallee: Boston College
Felder: Boston College
Why You Should Watch
It's college football in Yankee Stadium. What's not to like?
If that's not enough, the matchup between the run-first Boston College offense led by quarterback Tyler Murphy against a Penn State defense that's giving up a Big Ten-best 269.8 yards per game is quite appetizing.
The Nittany Lions will surely be pumped up to be in a bowl game since the NCAA lifted the sanctions midseason, but a few hits from the physical Eagle offense will bring them back down to Earth in a hurry.
"Boston College wins because Tyler Murphy proves to be the better, safer quarterback option in this slugfest," said Felder.
Final: Penn State 31, Boston College 30 (OT)
National University Holiday Bowl
Matchup: USC (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-3)
Date: Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. ET
Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Spread: USC (-6.5)
Picks
Kercheval: USC
Kramer: USC
Sallee: Nebraska
Felder: USC
Why You Should Watch
USC quarterback Cody Kessler will be near the top of many Heisman lists in a few months, and a strong performance in the Holiday Bowl in what could be wide receiver Nelson Agholor's final game would be a good way to kick off the campaign.
Meanwhile, Nebraska is a team in transition, as Mike Riley observes his new team against an opponent that he's familiar with from his time in the Pac-12 at Oregon State.
"There's no logical reason for me to pick Nebraska to win, because USC is, by far, the better team," said Sallee. "I think Nebraska finds a way to keep up for a while and gets a garbage touchdown late for a backdoor cover."
For that to happen, the Cornhuskers will need another solid performance from star running back Ameer Abdullah in his final game.
Final: USC 45, Nebraska 42
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Matchup: West Virginia (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (7-5)
Date: Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. ET
Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee
Spread: West Virginia (-3.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Texas A&M
Kramer: West Virginia
Sallee: West Virginia
Felder: West Virginia
Why You Should Watch
If you want points and very little defense, the Liberty Bowl is here for you.
Texas A&M and West Virginia have become synonymous with new-school football, which puts an emphasis on tempo offensively and forcing turnovers on defense.
Unfortunately for both, consistency has been a problem this season.
Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White is one of the best in the nation, and the Aggies boast a small village of potential superstars outside including Josh Reynolds and Speedy Noil. This should be an entertaining matchup between teams that have been up and down during the 2014 season.
Final: Texas A&M 45, West Virginia 37
Russell Athletic Bowl
Matchup: Clemson (9-3) vs. Oklahoma (8-4)
Date: Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET
Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
Spread: Oklahoma (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: Clemson
Kramer: Oklahoma
Sallee: Oklahoma
Felder: Oklahoma
Why You Should Watch
Clemson boasted the nation's best defense in 2014 led by star defensive end Vic Beasley. As a reward, that stout defense led by defensive coordinator Brent Venables will go up against his former employer.
This isn't where Oklahoma wanted to play after jumping into the national championship picture with its win over Alabama in last season's Sugar Bowl, but injuries to quarterback Trevor Knight and wide receiver Sterling Shepard coupled with defensive inconsistencies prevented the Sooners from taking the next step.
Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss this game with a torn ACL, while Oklahoma will get Knight back after he missed the final three games of the regular season. That might make the difference.
"Knight is in; Watson is out," said Felder. "While I love the Clemson defense, not sure the Tigers will score enough."
Final: Clemson 40, Oklahoma 6
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Matchup: Arkansas (6-6) vs. Texas (6-6)
Date: Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston
Spread: Arkansas (-6)
Picks
Kercheval: Arkansas
Kramer: Texas
Sallee: Arkansas
Felder: Texas
Why You Should Watch
The reason to watch this one is simple: It's old-school, smashmouth football with two teams, who, while in different conferences now, once had a major rivalry in the old Southwest Conference.
Arkansas got hot down the stretch, shutting out back-to-back SEC opponents and notching its first two SEC wins since 2012. The running back tandem of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins comprises one of the toughest one-two punches in college football, and quarterback Brandon Allen will have a month to recover from injuries suffered in the Missouri game.
Meanwhile Texas' first season under head coach Charlie Strong hasn't gone as smoothly as planned, but the defense is solid, and quarterback Tyrone Swoopes has a good one-two punch behind him in running backs Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray.
"Whichever team dominates the line of scrimmage has the upper hand," wrote Kercheval.
Final: Arkansas 31, Texas 7
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Matchup: Notre Dame (7-5) vs. LSU (8-4)
Date: Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. ET
Location: LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
Spread: LSU (-7)
Picks
Kercheval: Notre Dame
Kramer: Notre Dame
Sallee: LSU
Felder: Notre Dame
Why You Should Watch
Quarterback intrigue, plain and simple.
Everett Golson and Malik Zaire will both see time under center for Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly, while sophomore Anthony Jennings and freshman Brandon Harris could split snaps for head coach Les Miles' LSU Tigers squad.
Simply put, this game will serve as the opening act to what could be two high-profile quarterback battles heading into the 2015 season. That's what makes this matchup in Nashville intriguing, but it could also lead to some disjointed drives and overall sloppiness.
"I'll somewhat reluctantly take the dog here," Kramer said. "If the Irish avoid turnovers, they should keep it within the spread."
Final: Notre Dame 31, LSU 28
Belk Bowl
Matchup: Georgia (9-3) vs. Louisville (9-3)
Date: Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Spread: Georgia (-6.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Louisville
Kramer: Georgia
Sallee: Louisville
Felder: Louisville
Why You Should Watch
Former Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will bring Louisville—the nation's sixth-best defense—into Charlotte to take on a Georgia team that he coordinated for four seasons.
If that weren't enough, current Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino isn't exactly the most well-liked character in the Peach State after the way he left the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.
That potent Cardinals defense will have quite the challenge on its hands slowing down running back Nick Chubb, wide receivers Chris Conley and Michael Bennett and quarterback Hutson Mason.
"Welcome to the Nick Chubb Show," Kramer said. "Please pay for your tickets here."
Final: Georgia 37, Louisville 14
Foster Farms Bowl
Matchup: Stanford (7-5) vs. Maryland (7-5)
Date: Dec. 30 at 10 p.m. ET
Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Spread: Stanford (-14)
Picks
Kercheval: Stanford
Kramer: Maryland
Sallee: Maryland
Felder: Maryland
Why You Should Watch
What else are you going to do at 10 p.m. the night before New Year's Eve?
Stanford's defense is legit, and Maryland's offense has struggled mightily since wide receiver Stefon Diggs went out on Nov. 1 with a kidney injury. He could be back in time for the bowl game, which would give the Terrapins a boost and a puncher's chance against head coach David Shaw's Cardinal.
"Close games haven't exactly favored the Cardinal, but the defense has carried them this far," Kercheval wrote. "It should be able to carry them one more game."
Final: Stanford 45, Maryland 21
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Matchup: Missouri (10-3) vs. Minnesota (8-4)
Date: Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET
Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
Spread: Missouri (-5.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Missouri
Kramer: Missouri
Sallee: Missouri
Felder: Missouri
Why You Should Watch
Minnesota running back David Cobb will have his work cut out for him running against a very underrated Missouri front seven. Missouri will want to get the Gophers in passing downs so that defensive ends Shane Ray and Markus Golden can pin their ears back and get after quarterback Mitch Leidner.
"If Minnesota can win first down consistently, it's going to be a long day for head coach Gary Pinkel's crew," said Sallee. "It won't, though, and Ray and Golden will shine in sunny central Florida."
Final: Missouri 33, Minnesota 17
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Matchup: Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5)
Date: Jan. 2 at noon ET
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
Spread: Pittsburgh (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: Pittsburgh
Kramer: Pittsburgh
Sallee: Pittsburgh
Felder: Pittsburgh
Why You Should Watch
You'll get to watch the Houston team that Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman is taking over, but more importantly, you'll get to watch Pitt running back James Conner. Conner rushed for 1,675 yards and 24 touchdowns this season en route to second-team All-American honors from The Associated Press.
"James Conner is going to carry it 50 times for 400 yards in a win," said Kramer. "I'm kidding. Maybe."
Coaching changes for both programs will be a nice little subplot for this showdown in the Lone Star State.
Final: Houston 35, Pittsburgh 34
TaxSlayer Bowl
Matchup: Iowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6)
Date: Jan. 2 at 3:20 p.m. ET
Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Spread: Tennessee (-3.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Iowa
Kramer: Iowa
Sallee: Iowa
Felder: Iowa
Why You Should Watch
The Tennessee roster is loaded with youth, and the matchup between freshman defensive end Derek Barnett and first-team Associated Press All-American tackle Brandon Scherff will be well worth the price of admission.
On the other side of the ball, the physical Hawkeyes front seven will be chomping at the bit to get after Vols quarterback Joshua Dobbs and Tennessee's inconsistent offensive line. It likely will be a slugfest, but if things get weird, Iowa can handle it.
"Iowa actually is more efficient in the passing game than the running game, if you can believe that," wrote Kercheval. "So the idea that the Hawkeyes would be in trouble if the game turned into a shootout doesn't entirely hold up."
Final: Tennessee 45, Iowa 28
Valero Alamo Bowl
Matchup: UCLA (9-3) vs. Kansas State (9-3)
Date: Jan. 2 at 6:45 p.m. ET
Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Spread: Kansas State (-1)
Picks
Kercheval: UCLA
Kramer: Kansas State
Sallee: Kansas State
Felder: Kansas State
Why You Should Watch
Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder's crew is always well-prepared, and a month between games will only add to its discipline. On the other side, UCLA hoped to be playing in Texas in January but was probably thinking more about the National Championship Game in Arlington rather than the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
Will Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley go out with a bang, or will Snyder's crew finish off the season on a high note?
"Bill Snyder, resident wizard, will take advantage of this extra time to prepare," said Kramer. "Kansas State in a close one."
Final: UCLA 40, Kansas State 35
TicketCity Cactus Bowl
Matchup: Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Washington (8-5)
Date: Jan. 2 at 10:15 p.m. ET
Location: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
Spread: Washington (-5.5)
Picks
Kercheval: Washington
Kramer: Washington
Sallee: Oklahoma State
Felder: Washington
Why You Should Watch
Because on the day after New Year's Day, you still will need football at 10:15 p.m.
Oklahoma State finished the season off strong with a dramatic overtime win in Bedlam over Oklahoma, while Chris Petersen's first season at Washington was up and down.
Linebacker/running back Shaq Thompson is worth staying up late for, as is the Husky defense that includes first-team Associated Press All-American tackle Danny Shelton and linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha.
"The Washington defense is going to put on a show for NFL scouts," said Kramer. "I'll take the Huskies and lay the 5.5."
Final: Oklahoma State 30, Washington 22
Birmingham Bowl
Matchup: Florida (6-5) vs. East Carolina (8-4)
Date: Jan. 3 at noon ET
Location: Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
Spread: Florida (-7)
Picks
Kercheval: ECU
Kramer: Florida
Sallee: Florida
Felder: ECU
Why You Should Watch
Even though new Florida head coach Jim McElwain won't be coaching in this game, quarterback Treon Harris will be auditioning for the starting quarterback role with a small taste of what McElwain's offense will look like in 2015.
The real intrigue in this one is when East Carolina has the ball, though. Third-team Associated Press All-American Justin Hardy will be going up against second-team Associated Press All-American cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III in a matchup for the ages.
"Hargreaves will get the better of Hardy, give the Florida offense good field position and lead the Gators to a big win," said Sallee.
Final: Florida 28, East Carolina 20
GoDaddy Bowl
Matchup: Toledo (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
Date: Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. ET
Location: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama
Spread: Toledo (-3)
Picks
Kercheval: Arkansas State
Kramer: Toledo
Sallee: Arkansas State
Felder: Toledo
Why You Should Watch
Two Group of Five teams will meet in Mobile in a matchup that will feature enough offense to fill Mobile Bay.
Arkansas State ranks 21st in the country with 477.2 yards per game, while Toledo is two spots better at 486.3 yards per game.
"This is one of those games that is just waiting to get weird, and weird football is the best kind of football—especially during bowl season," said Sallee.
This game is going to take place at 9 p.m. on a Sunday night in January. What else would you do?
Final: Toledo 63, Arkansas State 44
All lines are courtesy of OddsShark.com. All picks are against the spread.