2011 Bowl Matchups: Picks and Predictions for All Remaining Bowls
We're down to just 29 games in the 2010-11 college football season, but luckily they're all bowl games. We've done our best to decipher what to look for in each game and find an interesting trend/matchup to spice up some of the games you may have overlooked.
We've also paid a great deal of attention the BCS games, including the National Championship Game between Auburn and Oregon!
Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl: Hawai'i vs. Tulsa
1 of 29
If you like high scoring football games, don’t miss this one. After struggling for two seasons, Hawai'i took a share of the WAC title en route to a 10 win season. Hawai'i leads the nation in PPG behind the superb play of quarterback Bryant Moniz, running back Alex Green, and wideouts Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares. Tulsa has an air it out attack as well and is led by quarterback G.J. Kinne’s 28 touchdown passes.
The Verdict: Hawai'i’s offense hasn’t been stopped all season, and it’s not going to start at the hands of Tulsa. Hawai'i wins 49-35.
Little Caesars Bowl: Toledo vs. Florida International
2 of 29
At the beginning of the college season, few would have expected Toledo and especially Florida International to make a bowl game, but that’s why they play the games. Toledo hasn’t appeared in a bowl game since 2005 and FIU had gone 9-39 in the past four seasons. Toledo receiver Eric Page went over 100 yards in six of his last eight games and could play a key role in determining the outcome.
The Verdict: Toledo uses it’s spread offense to keep a shaky Flordia International defensive unit off balance and wins the game 30-23.
Advocare V100 Independence Bowl: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech
3 of 29
In contrast to many of the bowl games that will feature passing, passing, and more passing, this one should be a good old fashioned slugfest as both teams like to pound the rock. In fact, Georgia Tech and Air Force have the top two ranked rushing attacks in the nation, so if you like old time football, this one is for you.
Air Force has four players with 98+ carries, but Tim Jefferson’s 15 touchdowns stole the show this season. Georgia Tech’s offense is centered around Anthony Allen and his 1,225 rushing yards.
The Verdict: Air Force grinds out a tough 16-13 win.
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Champs Sports Bowl: West Virginia vs. NC State
4 of 29
Even though West Virginia closed out the season with a superior record to Uconn, the Mounties will miss out on a BCS game to their inferior conference record. NC State can be explosive, as they average 32.6 PPG. Each team features its' dynamic quarterback: West Virginia’s Geno Smith (23 TD’s, 2,567 yards) and NC State’s Russell Wilson (26 TD’s, 3,288 yards).
The Verdict: NC State wins a close one, 24-23.
Insight Bowl: Missouri vs. Iowa
5 of 29
As far as momentum is concerned, it’s all on Missouri’s side. Missouri has won three straight and Iowa has dropped three straight. Each team boasts a stingy defense. Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi leads the way with 25 touchdowns and will be opposed by Missouri signal caller Blaine Gabbert and his 15 scoring strikes.
The Verdict: All five of Iowa’s losses were by seven or fewer points and they’re due to pull out a tough win. Iowa wins 20-14.
Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Gumman: East Carolina vs. Maryland
6 of 29
After a two win season in 2009, Maryland is back in a bowl game with an eight win season. Quarterback Danny O’Brien leads the offense with 21 touchdowns. East Carolina quarterback Dominique Davis leads the nation’s seventh ranked passing attack with 36 touchdown passes.
The Verdict: Maryland dominates East Carolina’s weak defense and wins handily, 38-17.
Texas Bowl: Illinois vs. Baylor
7 of 29
Illinois is back in a bowl game after missing out for the past two seasons; small potatoes when compared to Baylor’s 18 season drought. Each team features an elusive QB: Illinois is led by Nathan Scheelhaase and his 21 all-purpose touchdowns and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III and his 29 all-purpose touchdowns.
The Verdict: Baylor makes the most of its first bowl game in 18 seasons with a 21-20 victory.
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
8 of 29
Oklahoma State’s offense has been uncontrollable and is led by superstar receiver Justin Blackmon, who’s hauled in 102 receptions for 1,665 yards and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Brandon Weeden has tossed 32 touchdowns. Arizona counters with their own dynamic tandem of quarterback Nick Foles (19 TDs) and wide receiver Juron Criner (10 TDs).
The Verdict: Though each team has an explosive offense, Oklahoma State’s is simply better and they win 34-24.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs. SMU
9 of 29
Army and SMU have both had revival seasons. Army uses the option attack on offense and SMU will essentially be playing a home game
The Verdict: Army breaks off a few big plays and wins 21-17.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas State vs. Syracuse
10 of 29
Each team boasts a 1,000+ yard rusher: Kansas State’s Daniel Thomas vs. Syracuse’s Delone Carter. It should be an old fashioned pound the rock style game.
The Verdict: Kansas State runs away with a 21-10 victory.
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. North Carolina
11 of 29
It just rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? Tennessee’s won its last four games to finish 6-6 and become bowl eligible. North Carolina is in a bowl game thanks in large part to a solid passing game led by 18 touchdown passes from T.J. Yates.
The Verdict: Tennessee stays hot and picks up a 28-24 win.
Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs. Washington
12 of 29
Nebraska dominated Washington in September to the tune of a 56-21 beat down. They’ll meet again in bowl play and Washington quarterback Jake Locker will have to do far better than his four for 20 performance in the first meeting. Nebraska is led by running back Roy Helu Jr. and dynamic quarterback Taylor Martinez.
The Verdict: Nebraska wins big again 49-20.
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Clemson vs. South Florida
13 of 29
Clemson took a step back from last season and barely qualified for a bowl game. South Florida is led by a tough defense and this should be a tightly contested game.
The Verdict: Clemson wins a hard hitting contest 17-16.
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Miami
14 of 29
Notre Dame makes its highly anticipated return to bowl game action by squaring off against Miami. Though both programs aren’t at the level they once were, this could be one of the more exciting games on the undercard. They’re comparable across the board, but Miami has suffered from erratic offensive play by quarterback Jacory Harris and ultimately underachieved. Notre Dame has a balanced offensive attack.
The Verdict: Notre Dame is thrilled to be playing in this game, while Miami has to be disappointed. The result is a 21-14 Notre Dame win.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. Central Florida
15 of 29
Georgia makes its 14th straight appearance in a bowl game against Central Florida, which is relatively new to bowl game appearances. Georgia’s Aaron Murray threw for 24 touchdowns.
The Verdict: Despite the inferior record, Georgia wins 31-23.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina vs. Florida State
16 of 29
South Carolina was the talk of college football after knocking off top ranked Alabama, but they failed to reach a BCS game after the emotional win. Each team lost its Conference Championship game and will be hungry for a bounce back game. Stephen Garcia and Christian Ponder each threw for 20 touchdowns. USC freshman running back Marcus Lattimore (17 TD’s, 1,198 yards) tips the scales in USC’s favor.
The Verdict: USC isn’t going to let an opportunity for a quality season slip away by losing this one. USC wins 31-20.
Ticketcity Bowl: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
17 of 29
Though each team sported a losing record in its respective conference, Northwestern and Texas Tech finished with identical 7-5 record—good enough to go bowling. Texas Tech’s explosive offense is led by quarterback Taylor Potts and his 31 scoring strikes. Northwester counters with mobile signal caller Dan Persa and his 24 all purpose touchdowns.
The Verdict: The Texas Tech offense proves to be too much. They win 35-21.
Outback Bowl: Florida at Penn State
18 of 29
Eighty four year old Joe Paterno has already stated that he intends to return for at least one more season, even after winning his 400th career game. Florida’s 46-year old head coach Urban Meyer is stepping down, citing his health. Go figure.
Penn State will look to establish a rushing attack behind its all-time leading rusher Evan Royster while Florida will try to used a balanced attack.
The Verdict: Penn State caps off an up and down season with a 20-17 win.
Capital One Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan State
19 of 29
Alabama fell well short in its quest for a repeat National title but can salvage its season with a win over an 11-win team. Alabama boasts a stout defense to compliment its own ground attack, led by Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Michigan State counters with a tough defense of its own and dynamic running back Edwin Baker.
The Verdict: Alabama wins a defensive struggle 20-17.
Progressive Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Michigan
20 of 29
Though each team missed out on a bowl game last season, Mississippi State and Michigan will be providing us with another Big Ten vs. SEC slugfest. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson threw 16 touchdowns and ran for 14 more to emerge as one of the more exciting players in the nation. Mississippi State is likely to feed the ball to running back Vick Ballard, who ran for 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 YPC.
The Verdict: Michigan scores one for the Big Ten with a 31-24 win.
Rose Bowl Presented by Vizio: Wisconsin vs. TCU
21 of 29
Despite its' undefeated season, TCU was denied a chance to play for the National Championship, finishing the season with the number three ranking. Instead, the 12-0 Mountain West Champion Frogs will tangle with the number five ranked and Big Ten Champion, Wisconsin Badgers.
TCU will have every opportunity to answer the critics who claim their unblemished record was a result of playing a soft schedule; Wisconsin’s schedule was anything but soft, as the Badgers lost just one game in the perennially tough Big Ten. TCU is led by the topped ranked defense in the nation. They boast a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Andy Dalton’s 26 touchdowns.
Wisconsin counters with a two-headed monster in the backfield, James White and John Clay, who have run for 1,029 and 936 yards respectively and have 27 rushing touchdowns combined.
The Verdict: Wisconsin’s stout defense makes the difference and TCU suffers its first loss of the season, 27-17.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: UConn vs. Oklahoma
22 of 29
A true David vs. Goliath match up. UConn is thrilled to be making its first BCS appearance fresh off of their first Big East title; Oklahoma has merely met its annual expectation of reaching a big bowl game. Running back Jordan Todman has emerged as the Huskies’ biggest offensive threat, rushing for 1,574 yards and 14 scores.
Oklahoma’s Landry Jones to Ryan Broyles connection has been a thing of beauty as the two have hooked up for 14 touchdowns. Jones has thrown 35 touchdowns overall while completing over 65.3 percent of his passes. Five Sooners have at least 26 receptions, making it difficult to key on any one player.
The Verdict: The Huskies are squaring off against their first ranked opponent all season and their chances for victory are marginal at best. Oklahoma holds victories over Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Florida State. Sooners win big 45-14.
Discover Orange Bowl: Stanford vs. Virigina Tech
23 of 29
Stanford has recently undergone one of the biggest and most rapid turnarounds in the history of college football after a 1-11 campaign in 2006. They come in red hot, having won their last seven games spurned on by Heisman Trophy runner up Andrew Luck. Luck has completed over 70 percent of his passes while throwing 28 touchdowns.
Virginia Tech is no stranger to big bowl games, as the Hokies will be appearing in their third Orange Bowl in four seasons. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor mixes a strong downfield arm (8.8 YPA) with an ability to create plays on the run. He’s thrown 23 touchdown strikes compared to just four picks.
The Verdict: Luck continues his deadly accurate passing and has a big game to lead Stanford to a 35-21 win.
All State Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Arkansas
24 of 29
It seems there’s one BCS game per season in which one team is battle tested and the other is new to the bright lights of such a marquee bowl game; this year, it’s the Sugar Bowl. Ohio State has been one of the more consistent programs in recent memory, appearing in six straight BCS games while Arkansas is making its first appearance.
Both teams have gotten this far thanks in large part to the play of their respective quarterbacks. Terrelle Pryor is now 22-3 as a starter and combines a strong arm with an ability to scramble and make plays on the run. Pryor has tossed 25 touchdowns while running for an additional four. Buckeye wideout Dane Sanzenbacher has hauled in 10 of those scores and can be quite difficult to contain.
Mallett is a more traditional pocket passer, throwing for 3,592 yards and 30 scores. Running back Knile Davis must also be accounted for, as the junior rushed for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.6 YPC. OSU’s defense ranks third in the nation, allowing just 13.3 PPG.
The Verdict: Ohio State finally gets over the hump and topples an SEC team by defeating Arkansas, 28-27.
Godaddy.com Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Miami (OH)
25 of 29
Miami, OH managed the biggest turnaround in the nation from its one win season in 2009 (that feat alone makes this an intriguing game). They’re led by an improved defensive unit and running back Thomas Merriweather, who scored 10 touchdowns. Middle Tennessee counters with its' own bruising running back Phillip Tanner and 11 touchdowns.
The Verdict: Miami (OH) caps off its amazing turnaround with a 17-13 win.
AT&T Cotton Bowl: LSU vs. Texas A&M
26 of 29
Expect another hard hitting, grind it out game between these two top 20 teams. Texas A&M’s Cyrus Gray went over 1,000 yards while scoring 10 touchdowns. LSU missed out on a BCS game because it plays in such a tough conference and routinely puts up big points
The Verdict: LSU takes out its frustration on Texas A&M, 31-13.
BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky
27 of 29
Kentucky makes it to a bowl game despite a 2-6 record in the SEC and 6-6 record overall. Pittsburgh had an easier schedule in the Big East, but made the most of it with a 7-5 overall record.
The Verdict: Kentucky continues its' out of conference success with a 27-21 win.
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada vs. BC
28 of 29
Nevada succeeded in dashing Boise State’s national title aspirations, but now they will look to put an exclamation mark on their season with a bowl win. Nevada has a powerful running attack behind backs Vai Taua and Colin Kaepernick. BC counters with the dynamic Montel Harris, who ran for over 1,200 yards.
The Verdict: Nevada wins its 13th game of the season with a 28-17 victory.
BCS National Championship Game: Auburn vs. Oregon
29 of 29
The skinny: For only the second time in the last five seasons, we’re guaranteed to have an undefeated National Champion. The general consensus is that this game is likely to be a shootout, and we’d have to agree. Indeed, the team that has the ball last may have a big advantage.
Despite Cam Newton’s off field issues, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has spearheaded Auburn’s charge to the BCS title game by throwing for 28 touchdown passes while running for 20 more. As if that wasn’t scary enough for opposing defenses, Auburn averages 6.2 YPC on the ground.
The Tigers have had their fair share of close calls against teams like Mississippi State, Clemson, and Kentucky, but they’ve ultimately answered the bell en route to their 13-0 record.
Behind the dynamic running style of LaMichael James, Oregon has averaged an astounding 49.3 points per game on the way to a 12-0 mark. At 1,682 yards, James is averaging 6.0 YPC and has scored a total of 22 touchdowns. The Ducks’ only speed bump was a tense 15-13 victory at California on Nov. 13.
The Verdict: Overall, Auburn has played the much tougher schedule and has gotten through SEC play with an unblemished record, an impressive feat by any measure. Oregon probably hasn’t faced a team half as good as Auburn all season. Auburn pulls away in the fourth quarter for a 45-31 victory.
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