College Bowls 2011: Bold Predictions for Today's Bowl Action

Saturday marks the first day of the 2011 bowl season, and the day's slate of games boasts three solid matchups that are sure to satisfy fans' hunger for college football. 

Don't wait to find out the winner. Check out these bold predictions for every team in action on Saturday.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Temple vs. Wyoming (ESPN, 2:00 PM ET)

Both squads sport identical 8-4 records, but Temple is without a doubt the stronger team. The Owls have the nation's seventh-best rushing attack, which averages nearly 257 yards on the ground per contest.

Temple's D is also a nightmare, ranking third in the country in points allowed, with less than 14 per game.

The Cowboys are no slouches, however. They held their own in the Mountain West this season, winning five conference games and only dropping two, including a 22-point loss at Boise State.

Wyoming is a much more balanced team offensively than Temple, but its porous defense will struggle to contain the Owls' potent ground onslaught in Albuquerque.  

Prediction: Temple 35, Wyoming 17

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs. Utah State (ESPN, 5:30 PM ET)

The Idaho Potato Bowl features two scorching hot teams in Ohio and Utah State, making it a can't-miss MAC versus WAC matchup.

Utah State has won five straight ball games after beginning the season 2-5, and the Aggies were a late-game collapse away from stunning the defending NC Auburn Tigers on the road opening weekend.

The Aggies' sixth-ranked ground attack is what will propel them against MAC runner up Ohio on Saturday, though. 

The Bobcats had won five in a row before falling to Northern Illinois in the MAC Championship Game in early December. Ohio won the MAC East with a 6-2 conference mark and comes into the game with a solid 9-4 record. 

A well-balanced attack will keep Ohio close, but this game will be played in Boise, giving Utah State the slight home field advantage.

Prediction: Utah State 31, Ohio 27

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (ESPN, 9:00 PM ET)

Two very deserving 8-4 teams will cap off the opening day of bowl season with a night game in New Orleans. 

The Ragin' Cajuns haven't been to a bowl game in more than 40 years, and that's just one of the many reasons to sit back and watch Saturday night. 

The Aztecs will be lead by superb running back Ronnie Hillman, who has rushed for 1,656 yards and 19 TDs after rushing for 1,532 yards and 17 TDs his freshman season in 2010. Hillman has rushed for at least 109 yards in nine out 12 games this season, and he ran for 224 yards in an late-October loss to Wyoming. 

Louisiana-Lafayette will have the home-field advantage playing in its home state in the Superdome, but the Cajuns' Sun Belt schedule pales in comparison to what San Diego State will present Saturday night.

Bowl game experience and a more complete, well-rounded squad will benefit the Aztecs in Louisiana as they claim their second bowl win in as many seasons. 

Prediction: San Diego State 38, Louisiana-Lafayette 24