Bowl Matchups 2010-11: Picks and Predictions for All Remaining Bowls
Bowl season has just begun and there's going to be plenty of college football excitement coming our way.
To be exact, we've got four bowl games down and 32 left to go. Up ahead this coming week, there are plenty of games heading our way.
How can the nation's best football teams defeat their respective opponents? We've broken it all down for you.
Here are the picks and predictions for all remaining bowls. Enjoy!
Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Louisville
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How Southern Miss Wins: Southern Miss is responsible for defeating Top 25 team UCF back in November. This team has a balanced offensive attack and is capable of putting up plenty of points on the board. They'll need to continue to rely on that balance passing and running game in order to give
Charlie Strong's team problems.
How Louisville Wins: The Big East's Cardinals are back in a bowl game in Charlie Strong's first year. Of course, the reason for their success this year has been their improved defense. Louisville has allowed an impressive 18.7 ppg to opponents this year.
If they want to win, they need to play D against this high-scoring Golden Eagles team.
Prediction: Louisville 28, Southern Miss 21
MAACO Bowl: Utah vs. Boise State
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How Utah Wins: The Utes haven't looked as good of a football team since losing back-to-back games against TCU and Notre Dame this season. If they want a shot at beating the rough-and-tough Broncos, they need to learn to play better defense and regain their confidence.
How Boise State Wins: It's sad to consider that these Broncos were only a field goal away on two different occasions from possibly earning a Rose Bowl bid. But they fell to the WAC's upstart Nevada Wolf Pack. They just need to keep up their high-powered offensive attack with Kellen Moore leading the show.
Prediction: Boise State 41, Utah 20
Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. SDSU
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How Navy Wins: This a bowl game which the Navy are usually pegged to appear in. But a matchup with the Aztecs is even more appealing for the local crowd. It will be a tough match to defeat the hometown Aztecs. Ricky Dobbs' mobility at the quarterback position will be their biggest asset.
How SDSU Wins: The Aztecs football program is on the way up with a young head coach Brady Hoke. This team has not had difficulties hanging with the big boys this season; they know how to score the football. If they want to beat the Midshipmen, they need to rely on their defense and slow down the Navy's runners.
Prediction: SDSU 35, Navy 27
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Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Tulsa
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How Hawaii Wins: The Warriors rank No. 1 in the country in terms of passing yards with 403.8 per game. If they just stay on their game and use the motivation from playing at their own territory, they should be in an excellent position.
How Tulsa Wins: Someone needs to play defense in this game and Tulsa may have to rely on their secondary to slow down the Warriors' top-ranked passing game. That and successful running from Damaris Johnson could notch them a win.
Prediction: Hawaii 41, Tulsa 37
Little Caesars Bowl: Florida International vs. Toledo
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How Florida International Wins: This is the first bowl appearance in program history after claiming a share of the Sun Belt Conference title. The Golden Panthers are a high-scoring team and will need that balanced offensive attack to play at a high level against the Rockets.
How Toledo Wins: They're back in the postseason after a five-year drought. Their defense should be the key for them in this matchup. If they can figure out to lock down the Panthers offense and force them to make mistakes, this game should be theirs to win.
Prediction: Toledo 31, FIU 27
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech
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How Air Force Wins: Air Force ranked No. 2 in the nation when it comes to rushing yards; we know there will be plenty of running in this game. They'll need to rely on some timely pass plays from quarterback Tim Jefferson to help open up rushing lanes for the team.
How Georgia Tech Wins: Georgia Tech interestingly ranks No. 1 in the country with the Air Force right behind them in rushing yards. We know there's going to be plenty of running in this game.
Without quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, this team will have one less offensive weapon to deploy, which makes it an even harder task. However, run defense will need to come up big for them to have a shot.
Prediction: Air Force 33, Georgia Tech 27
Champs Sports Bowl: West Virginia vs. NC State
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How West Virginia Wins: The Mountaineers were oh so close to making a BCS bowl appearance this year and for that reason they should be playing in this game with a chip on their shoulder. Defense is their best asset and that's what they should rely on in this matchup.
How NC State Wins: With a high-scoring team, the Wolfpack rely on a passing game led by Russell Wilson to do damage. If they can avoid a meltdown like their most recent loss against Maryland and just keep scoring the football, they have a chance to upset the Mountaineers.
Prediction: WVU 24, NC State 21
Insight Bowl: Missouri vs. Iowa
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How Missouri Wins: This is a going to be a defensive battle. Luckily for the Tigers, the Hawkeyes are a team dealing with a lot of distraction. If they use that to their advantage and utilize their offense that has averaged over 400 total yards per game, they'll be in a good position to win.
How Iowa Wins: The last time the Hawkeyes played in Arizona, they were dealt an unsuspected loss by the Wildcats of the Pac-10. There are no Wildcats this time around and the weather should be a little bit colder and more to be their liking.
This is a reeling football team, however, and their only chance of salvaging a win is if their defense finds it in themselves to show up and play their best football of the season.
Prediction: Missouri 28, Iowa 16
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Maryland
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How Maryland Wins: Exploit East Carolina's weak defense. They'll be going up against a defense that has allowed on average 43.4 points per game. That and their school's close proximity to RFK Stadium should garner them a lot of support from fans.
How East Carolina Wins: Keep scoring and never look back. Their offense has earned them another bowl appearance and could earn them a bowl win. They have a pair of receivers on their offense with over 10 touchdowns this year. They'll need to go to them early and often.
Prediction: Maryland 35, East Carolina 31
Texas Bowl: Illinois vs. Baylor
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How Illinois Wins: Do what they've been doing all year long: Run the football. On the ground, the Fighting Illini have averaged a whopping 242.3 rushing yards per game. With a Baylor team that's prone to allowing plenty of points, it just may happen.
How Baylor Wins: The Bears rank No. 12 in the nation in total offensive yards with a 478.5 per game average. They have shown an inability to defeat Top 25 teams this season but that should be a problem against Illinois. Baylor should employ a balanced offensive attack to do damage.
Prediction: Baylor 34, Illinois 31
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma St. vs. Arizona
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How Oklahoma State Wins: Play their game, score a lot of points. This is the team that leads the nation in total offensive yards per game with 537.6 on average. The Wildcats have lost their last four football games and haven't looked the same since earlier this year. If the Cowboys start rolling, look out.
How Arizona Wins: They started the season with a such great promise and also notched a big win against Big Ten powerhouse Iowa. But that was early this year. Since then, the Wildcats have fallen out of the Top 25. They'll need lots of big plays from Nick Foles and Juron Criner to keep up with the Cowboys.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 41, Arizona 35
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs. SMU
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How Army Wins: This will be the Black Knights' first bowl appearance in well over a decade. But it's going to be a tough contest with them playing at SMU's own home field. Their rushing game is their biggest asset and they will also need timely plays from their defense to stand a chance.
How SMU Wins: They're at home and hosting a team that has lost three of their last four football games. Certainly, they should be at an advantage. Moreover, they have a much more balanced offensive attack that can take advantage of Army's defense.
Prediction: SMU 35, Army 24
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas State vs. Syracuse
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How Kansas State Wins: The Wildcats had such a promising start to their season, winning their first four games. With an average of 206 rushing yards per game, the 'Cats rely heavily on their rushing game.
The ball will likely be in the hands of Daniel Thomas a majority of the time. They'll need their senior rusher to help carry them to a win.
How Syracuse Wins: How sweet is it for the Orange to be playing so close to home with the first-ever bowl game in the new Yankee Stadium.
That kind of inspiration could be enough for them to notch a win against the Wildcats in this bowl game. Ryan Nassib will hope to provide balance from the quarterback position to help win this matchup.
Prediction: Kansas State 24, Syracuse 17
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: UNC vs. Tennessee
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How North Carolina Wins: Too bad the Tar Heels can't redo this season. They started the year ranked in the Top 25 in the coaches' polls but that changed right away after losing their first two football games.
Now they've managed to earn themselves a bowl game appearance. They'll need to rely heavily on quarterback T.J. Yates as well as other seniors to bring maturity and experience into this game.
How Tennessee Wins: With the game being played in Nashville, the Vols clearly have the home-field advantage. Wins against Vandy, Ole Miss and Kentucky have put them into a bit of streak to end the year.
Their confidence should be at a high, and a win here is not out of the question. Balanced offense and timely defense should secure the win.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, North Carolina 27
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs. Washington
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How Nebraska Wins: The Cornhuskers were oh so close to winning the Big 12 title and earning themselves a BCS bowl appearance. But that didn't happen. With their always-strong defense and solid running game, the Huskers should be the clear favorites to win this game.
How Washington Wins: Don't forget they've got a highly touted NFL prospect in Jake Locker playing in this matchup. Locker still needs to impress scouts in order to improve his draft stock, and there's no better lasting impression than pulling off an upset against Nebraska.
Prediction: Nebraska 31, Washington 24
Meineke Car Care Bowl: South Florida vs. Clemson
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How South Florida Wins: If you're looking to see offense, this game isn't for you. If there's a blatant weakness for the Bulls, it's their inability to score the football on the offensive end. However, their defense has helped carry them to a 7-5 overall record this year and will be the key to winning this game.
How Clemson Wins: With this game being played in Charlotte, the Tigers should be the team with the home-field advantage. Just like the Bulls, this team has a solid defense.
Unlike them, however, their offense is more balance and slightly better on paper. It will be that balanced attack that should help them to this win.
Prediction: Clemson 24, South Florida 17
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Miami
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How Notre Dame Wins: They're on a bit of a roll, winning their last three football games. After a disappointing start to the season, they Irish have managed to salvage a bowl game appearance. They'll need to utilize more speed and space in order to successfully see results in Brian Kelly's spread offense.
How Miami Wins: Goodbye, Randy Shannon—a 7-5 season was not up to expectations. Now the Hurricanes will need to salvage a postseason win to end their year on a good note. Jacory Harris will need to show more promise in this game and his success could lead to a Hurricanes win.
Prediction: Miami 27, Notre Dame 24
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. Central Florida
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How Georgia Wins: There's a freshman quarterback here in Aaron Murray that needs to show poise in helping his Bulldogs squad to a winning season. Their pass defense has been solid this year but it's their run defense that needs to be at its best in this game.
How UCF Wins: Hey, look at that—there's also another freshman quarterback involved on the other team. This youngster, Jeffrey Godfrey, will carry the responsibility of helping his football team earn their first-ever bowl win.
Although he's as strong of a passer as Murray, Godfrey's mobility will be key in keeping the Georgia defense on their toes.
Prediction: Georgia 34, UCF 27
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Florida State Seminoles
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How South Carolina Wins: South Carolina has just been dismantled by Auburn during the SEC title game and will look to regroup against Florida State.
They've been somewhat inconsistent this year, looking great at times during their takedown of defending national champs Alabama, and have also looked horrible in their loss against unranked Kentucky and in their most recent game against Auburn.
But this game—a bowl game against a top ACC opponent—is just as important, and they'll come out to play.
How Florida State Wins: Christian Ponder's health is still up in the air; with him, they're definitely a much stronger football team. However, Florida State also needs much better running out of their backfield in this matchup for them to find any kind of success.
Prediction: South Carolina 24, Florida State 17
TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
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How Northwestern Wins: Without Dan Persa at quarterback, the Wildcats will be short on one of their most effective offensive weapons. They'll need to see a lot of maturity out of starting quarterback Evan Watkins to stand a chance in this game.
How Texas Tech Wins: Their defense will need to take advantage of a freshman, Watkins, starting in this bowl game. If their defense forces him to make errors early in the game, then Texas Tech's high-powered offense will have plenty of opportunities.
Prediction: Texas Tech 35, Northwestern 21
Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Penn State
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How Florida Wins: It's time to win one for Urban Meyer's last game as head coach. It's widely considered a rebuilding year for the Gators, but his youngsters need to band together and win one for Urban and utilize his famed spread offense to a earn a big win.
How Penn State Wins: In an ideal scenario, Joe Paterno will head down to Florida for the Outback Bowl and call it a career—but that's never going to happen. JoePa will probably keep coaching into his 90s. So much for the draw of seeing Paterno's last game as a head coach.
Instead, we'll see the retirement of a much younger head coach. If JoePa's defense can force Florida's youngsters to make costly turnovers, we just may see them win the game.
Prediction: Florida 27, Penn State 21
Capital One Bowl: Michigan State vs. Alabama
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How Michigan State Wins: Sadly, the Spartans will be left out of the top BCS bowl games, even though they own a share of the Big Ten title and have only one loss this season. But Kirk Cousins is a solid quarterback with a good runner in Edwin Baker to balance the workload. With those two at their best, Alabama may have a tough time.
How Alabama Wins: It's really hard to repeat a perfect season like the Tide went through last season when they won the national title. This year, the only task they're left with is proving to the nation that the SEC is the toughest conference around.
Greg McElroy is as solid as they come when it comes to pass efficiency. But it's their defense they will need to rely on to stop the Spartans. They'll need their run defense to be at its best and also get solid gains from Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson to pull off the win.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Michigan State 24
Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Michigan
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How Mississippi State Wins: They are capable of being threats running and throwing the football. But the biggest task will fall upon their defense. Michigan is one of the most explosive teams in the country and holding them down is definitely a key to winning the game.
How Michigan Wins: Rich Rodriguez is desperately trying to cling onto his coaching position; he'll need to pull of some magic in this bowl game to save himself from the chopping block. With Denard Robinson in tow, this offense is capable of making a lot of plays.
Prediction: Mississippi State 31, Michigan 28
Rose Bowl Game: Wisconsin vs. TCU
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How Wisconsin Wins: Wisconsin has a very good offense led by running back John Clay, capable of scoring with the best of them, including TCU. But their defense has come along during key games this season including against Ohio State.
The Badgers will need to employ a balanced effort in order to show that a non-BCS team has no right crashing into the Rose Bowl.
How TCU Wins: TCU has a defensive-minded head coach in Gary Patterson and will be one win away from going through their season undefeated.
Therefore, their defense will be their most important weapon in this game. They'll need to head into this game ready to prove that they truly belong among college football's best.
Prediction: Wisconsin 35, TCU 31
Fiesta Bowl: UConn vs. Oklahoma
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How Oklahoma Wins: The No. 7 team in the BCS standings goes head-to-head with an unranked Big East squad. The Sooners just need to keep trusting in Landry Jones' arm and letting him beat the Huskies with plenty of touchdown passes.
How UConn Wins: The Huskies are expected to be heavy underdogs in this matchup. After being unranked all season long, they've somehow found themselves in a BCS bowl game.
Passing isn't exactly their strength—running the football is, but that may not be enough. They'll need to find some magic in order to figure out a way for their defense to slow down Landry Jones and Co.
Prediction: Oklahama 31, UConn 17
Orange Bowl: Stanford vs. Virginia Tech
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How Stanford Wins: They've got a stud quarterback in Andrew Luck running a very potent offense. Stepfan Taylor at the running back position should give them plenty of balance and open up opportunities for Luck. But in order to slow down the Hokies, they'll also need big plays from their defense.
How Virginia Tech Wins: This team is rolling and is on the verge of earning its 12th straight win if they take down the Cardinal. Tyrod Taylor will be just as big of a key to this win for the Hokies as Andrew Luck is for Stanford. It will be Taylor's mobility that could give Stanford's defense fits.
Prediction: Stanford 34, Virginia Tech 31
Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Arkansas
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How Ohio State Wins: Terrelle Pryor holds the key to a big Sugar Bowl win, just as he was the reason the Buckeyes defeated the Ducks in the Rose Bowl a season ago.
How Arkansas Wins: The Arkansas Razorbacks played their way into this BCS bowl bid after defeating LSU in their last game of the regular season. Unlike the Buckeyes this year, the Razorbacks have been tested playing through a rigorous SEC schedule, and that experience could benefit them in this matchup.
Prediction: Arkansas 24, Ohio State 17
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Miami (Ohio)
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How Middle Tennessee Wins: Luckily for Tennessee, departing Miami (Ohio) coach Mike Haywood will be absent from the sidelines in this game.
But he's not the only man that keeps the Redhawks rolling. Middle Tennessee will need their run defense to step up big against the Miami (Ohio) running attack led by Thomas Merriweather.
How Miami (Ohio) Wins: Under Haywood, the Redhawks have been revitalized. He's been so successful that he just got hired to coach Pittsburgh next season.
The Redhawks will need to force Middle Tennessee quarterback Dwight Dasher to make mistakes in the pocket and capitalize on his tendency to throw for interceptions.
Prediction: Miami (Ohio) 24, Middle Tennessee 31
AT&T Cotton Bowl: LSU vs. Texas A&M
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How LSU Wins: When it comes to teams coached by Les Miles, sometimes luck plays a key factor in some of his wins. With Lucky Les on the team, it's always going to be an interesting game to watch.
But on a serious note, the Tigers will need continued success running the football and need their defense to slow down the Aggies in this contest.
How Texas A&M Wins: The Aggies are streaking, having won their last six football games. In fact, they've also taken down two Big 12 powerhouses: Nebraska and Oklahoma. They can beat the big boys and have done so with solid defense.
Prediction: LSU 24, Texas A&M 20
BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky
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How Pitt Wins: Despite earning a share of the Big East title, a BCS appearance was not to be had by the Panthers. Jabaal Sheard will be a key name for the Pitt defense that needs to find a way to slow down a very decent offensive Kentucky team.
How Kentucky Wins: Mike Hartline is a quarterback that threw for over 3,000 passing yards and over 20 touchdowns this season. Just let him throw the football.
With another senior, Derrick Locke, in the backfield, there's plenty of experience for this Kentucky football team to rely on to come up big in this bowl game.
Prediction: Kentucky 28, Pitt 17
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada vs. Boston College
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How Nevada Wins: Here are the Boise State-crushers, who ended the BCS-bowl hopes of their WAC rival Broncos. Their strong running game, headlined by the mobility of quarterback Colin Kaepernick, drives this team, and that's what they'll need to rely on in this bowl game.
How Boston College Wins: The Eagles' top-ranked run defense has helped them salvage what many thought would be a bowl-less season. They will need to count on it in order to earn a win.
Prediction: Nevada 28, Boston College 24
BCS National Championship Game: Oregon vs. Auburn
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How Oregon Wins: Hand the ball to LaMichael James and hope Auburn can't find a way to stop him. If that doesn't work they can rely on the mobility of Darron Thomas and hope he can step up as a playmaker.
Chip Kelly's offense is as potent as they come, but that's not the problem. Defense will also need to be a factor for Oregon to win and slow down Heisman winner Cam Newton.
How Auburn Wins: Cam Newton is the biggest reason for all of their success this season and he'll certainly be the guy they'll look to in order for them to win the national title.
If Oregon stacks the box against Cam and the rest of Auburn's runners, Newton's got a very underrated throwing arm that can also do plenty of damage.
Prediction: Auburn 34, Oregon 31
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