Comprehensive Bowl Game Predictions

It's time for bowl games! Unlike in the regular season we will be predicting outright winners and I'll be using CFN's All Conference and All American lists because they are good. No need for a long intro because this is going to be long let's begin

Hometown Lenders Bahamas Bowl - UAB vs Miami (OH):

UAB Blazers:

- 6-6 (4-4 conference)

- 31st Total Offense (442.2 YPG)/56th Total Defense (368.2 YPG)/53rd Scoring Offense (30.6 PPG)/41st Scoring Defense (23.4 PPG)

-Best Win: 41-21 vs North Texas (7-5)

-Worst Loss: 28-24 vs Rice (5-7)

-Key Player: DeWayne McBride, RB (1,713 Rushing Yards, 19 Rushing TDs, C-USA Player and Offensive Player of the year, First team All C-USA, First team All American)

Miami (Oh) Redhawks:

- 6-6 (4-4 Conference)

- 122nd Total Offense (308.4 YPG)/62nd Total Defense (371.8 YPG)/113th Scoring Offense (20.2 PPG)/34th Scoring Defense (22.5 PPG)

-Best Win: 18-17 vs Ball State (5-7)

-Worst Loss: 16-10 vs Western Michigan (5-7)

-Key Player: John Saunders Jr, CB (2 INTs, 10 Pass Deflections, 52 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 2nd Team All-MAC)

Prediction: Bowl Mania starts off with a bit of a snooze fest on paper as a very poor Miami (OH) side that didn't beat a single bowl eligible team plays a UAB side that had moments of looking like an OK C-USA team. Miami (OH) had a bad offense all season, largely due to Brett Gabbert missing all but 4 of their games but the aforementioned Gabbert is entering the transfer portal and will not be available for this game. That is a huge concern against a UAB squad who didn't always score the most points but can move the ball with ruthless efficiency through DeWayne McBride. The Junior RB will finally get to ply his craft in front of a national audience and I expect him to shine against a Miami (OH). The Redhawks run defense was sound against weaker opposition but in their last game of the season against First team All-MAC RB Carson Steele, they gave up 180 yards and 2 TDs, a bad omen for this game. Ultimately UAB will just have a little too much juice in this one and will take a 7-6 record and a Bahamas Bowl win to end the season PICK: UAB

Duluth Trading Cure Bowl - Troy vs UTSA:

Troy Trojans:

- 11-2 (7-1 conference)

- 80th Total Offense (375.2 YPG)/19th Total Defense (325.3 YPG)/80th Scoring Offense (26.2 PPG)/8th Scoring Defense (17.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-26 vs Costal Carolina (9-3) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 32-28 vs App State (6-6)

- Key Player: Carlton Martial, LB (121 Total Tackles, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 INT, 1 Forced Fumble, First Team All-Sun Belt, First team All American)

UTSA Roadrunners:

- 11-2 (8-0 conference)

- 9th Total Offense (486.1 YPG)/90th Total Defense (404.7 YPG)/12th Scoring Offense (38.7 PPG)/64th Scoring Defense (26.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 48-27 vs North Texas (7-5) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 37-35 (OT) vs Houston (7-5)

- Key Player: Frank Harris, QB (305/429, 3,865 Passing Yards, 588 Rushing Yards, 40 Total TDs, First Team All-C-USA, C-USA QB of the year)

Prediction: This may be my favorite game in the whole of the bowl season. 2 group of 5 champions who have had great seasons go head to head with a chance for a 12 win season. Troy has gotten here on the back of a fantastic defense under first year head coach Jon Sumrall. That defense will be challenged by the high flying UTSA offense led by Frank Harris. The 9th ranked offense in the nation is known for it's aerial prowess boasting the 12th ranked passing attack in the nation but make no mistake they have 3 rushers (QB Harris and RBs Brenden Brady and Kevorian Barnes) who had over 550 yards rushing on the season and do more than enough to keep teams honest when playing the pass. That will be important as the Trojans have 5 defensive players who made all conference teams this season and were tied with Alabama at 14th in the nation for Team Sacks. The Roadrunners will need Barnes and Brady to keep this stout pass rush honest and keep Frank Harris upright. Troy's offense has lagged behind it's defense all season however seems to have come to life in the last 3 games scoring 34, 45, and 48 points in those games. They have been mostly led by RB Kimani Vidal who had 1,059 yards and 9 TDs this year but in the Sun Belt Championship against Coastal Carolina, Vidal was held to just 53 yards on 20 carries and instead the offense relied on QB Gunnar Watson to carry them through. Watson going into the game had 10 TDs and 10 INTs with just a little under 2,500 yards on the year but in the Conference Championship exploded for 318 yards and 3 TDs on 12/17 passing. UTSA's defense rely a lot more on the big play, especially through S Clifford Chattman and CB Corey Mayfield Jr who accounted for 7 INTs on the season between the two. Ultimately I believe that we will see a mistake or 2 out of Watson that will give Frank Harris and this dangerous Roadrunner offense some chances. This game will be close and will be a great game but expect UTSA to be able to find a few more points than the Trojans in this one PICK: UTSA

Wasabi Fenway Bowl - Cincinnati vs Louisville:

Cincinnati Bearcats:

- 9-3 (6-2 conference)

- 64th Total Offense (392.8 YPG)/23rd Total Defense (328.5 YPG)/46th Scoring Offense (31.1 PPG)/23rd Scoring Defense (20.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 27-25 vs East Carolina (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 25-21 vs UCF (9-4)

- Key Player: Ivan Pace Jr, LB (119 Total Tackles, 8 Sacks, 4 Pass Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble, AAC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC, First Team All-American)

Louisville Cardinals:

- 7-5 (4-4 conference)

- 54th Total Offense (405.1 YPG)/34th Total Defense (347.1 YPG)/76th Scoring Offense (27.2 PPG)/19th Scoring Defense (20.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 25-10 vs NC State (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 34-33 vs Boston College (3-9)

- Key Player: Yasir Abdullah, EDGE (57 Total Tackles, 8 Sacks, 4 Pass Deflections, 2 INTs, 4 Forced Fumbles, First Team All-ACC)

Prediction: This game started out as kind of a "meh" bowl game but then Louisville coach Scott Satterfield left the team to take a new job ... at Cincinnati, well this got interesting. Satterfield will not be coaching either team so there will be no competitive advantage either way. This is a fascinating game because both teams will (likely) be without their desired starting QB. Cincinnati QB Ben Bryant is out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury and Malik Cunningham has been in and out of the lineup with a shoulder injury and it's hard to know if he will play or how effective he will be if he does. Because of this, this will come down to a defensive battle most likely and both teams have very good ones. Both teams get to the QB very well, Louisville was 2nd in the nation in team sacks and with 43 on the season, Cincinnati was 21st with 34. Given this is the case, running game is going to be massive in this game and probably where the advantage becomes clear. On Paper, Louisville's 34th ranked Rushing Offense outshines Cincinnati's 88th ranked one that Louisville's 2nd leading yards getter on the ground (and best rushing option) is QB Malik Cunningham who will at the very least be limited in what he will be allowed to run. Because of Cunningham's game status the best rusher in the game will be Cincinnati SR RB Charles McClelland. McClelland ran for 834 yards and 7 TDs this season and in their most recent games, Ryan Montgomery and QB Evan Prater have both also ran the ball very effectively. Given the trajectory of this game based on injuries and coaching confusion, the team who can run the ball more effectively against these strong pass rushes will win the game and without a healthy Cunningham, I'd bank on that team being the Bearcats PICK: Cincinnati

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl - Florida vs Oregon State:

Florida Gators:

- 6-6 (3-5 conference)

- 32nd Total Offense (441.2 YPG)/103rd Total Defense (415.8 YPG)/43rd Scoring Offense (31.8 PPG)/T-90th Scoring Defense (28.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 38-6 vs South Carolina (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 31-24 vs Vanderbilt (5-7)

- Key Player: Jack Miller, QB (Did not play)

Oregon State Beavers:

- 9-3 (6-3 conference)

- 59th Total Offense (399.6 YPG)/31st Total Defense (342.2 YPG)/37th Scoring Offense (32.4 PPG)/31st Scoring Defense (21.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 38-34 vs Oregon (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 42-16 vs Utah (10-3)

- Key Player: Ryan Cooper Jr, CB (40 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 9 Pass Deflections, 3 INTs, Second Team All Pac-12)

Prediction: This would have been a lot harder if Anthony Richardson was playing or Jalen Kitna wasn't a piece of shit (allegedly I suppose but read the story if you're curious) instead RS/FR QB Jack Miller III will be starting his first career game against a stout Oregon State defense, that is likely bad news. Good news for the Gators is with RBs Montrell Johnson Jr and Trevor Etienne (brother of Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne) they do have the 15th ranked Rushing Offense in the nation. That run game was very complimented by Anthony Richardson however, and Jack Miller plays much more of a pro-style so it will be on the running backs to carry the load. Oregon State however also boasts the 20th ranked defense and a strong CB core that they will trust to play man coverage and shut down the inexperienced QB (even without Rejzohn Wright this team is full of playmakers). Oregon State's offense doesn't move the ball with ruthless efficiency but they score at a decent clip and it should be enough to win this game PICK: Oregon State

Jimmy Kimmel L.A Bowl presented by Stifel - Washington State vs Fresno State:

Washington State Cougars:

- 7-5 (4-5 conference)

- 79th Total Offense (375.5 YPG)/80th Total Defense (394.1 YPG)/72nd Scoring Offense (27.8 PPG)/33rd Scoring Defense (22.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 17-14 vs Wisconsin (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 51-33 vs Washington (10-2)

- Key Player: Cameron Ward, QB (298/465, 3,094 yards, 23 TDs, 8 INTs, 5 Rushing TDs)

Fresno State Bulldogs:

- 9-4 (7-1 conference)

- 62nd Total Offense (395.2 YPG)/39th Total Defense (350.9 YPG)/50th Scoring Offense (30.7 PPG)/T-25th Scoring Defense (20.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 28-16 vs Boise State (9-4) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 19-14 vs Connecticut (6-6)

- Key Player: Jordan Mims, RB (1,161 Rushing Yards, 16 Rushing TDs, 99 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, First Team All Mountain West)

Prediction: A lot of this game comes down to if QB Jake Haener plays. Fresno State started the season 1-4 with Jake Haener down hurt, and won their last 8 after he came back. Haener may choose to sit this game out and if he does they will need a big game out of first team all conference RB Jordan Mims if they want any chance to win. Backup QB Logan Fife was fairly poor in his starts during Haener's injury going 84/120 for 892 yards throwing 2 TDs as compared to 6 INTs so the game plan for the Bulldogs if Fife starts needs to be to pound the rock on the ground and try to attack a Washington State rushing defense that is actually pretty good (35th in the nation). If Haener plays, Fresno will have a real shot to make some noise against the 112th ranked passing defense in the nation. Fresno has been a strong passing defense all season and Washington State QB Cameron Ward will have to pick his passes really smartly, especially if he is throwing in the vicinity of CB Cam Lockridge, who had 5 INTs and 9 Pass Deflections on the season. Washington State had the 113th ranked rushing offense in the nation and although Nakia Watson had an OK season (736 rushing yards, 8 TDs) I wouldn't expect Washington State to change their game plan coming into this one. This is such a hard choice because it all comes down to if one player plays, if Haener plays, Fresno State likely has the advantage but if he doesn't Washington State should be able to win this contest. I like to be optimistic over pessimistic so I think Jake Haener is convinced to play this game and delivers one final great moment for Fresno State PICK: Fresno State

LendingTree Bowl - Southern Miss vs Rice:

Southern Miss Golden Eagles:

- 6-6 (4-4 conference)

- 109th Total Offense (332.5 YPG)/55th Total Defense (367.8 YPG)/94th Scoring Offense (24.2 PPG)/45th Scoring Defense (23.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 27-24 vs Tulane (11-2)

- Worst Loss: 42-14 vs Georgia State (4-8)

- Key Player: Frank Gore Jr, RB (1,053 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TDs, 219 Receiving Yards, Second Team All Sun Belt)

Rice Owls:

- 5-7 (3-5 conference)

- 84th Total Offense (370.2 YPG)/67th Total Defense (377.4 YPG)/T-85th Scoring Offense (25.3 PPG)/T-119th Scoring Defense (33.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 28-24 vs UAB (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 56-23 vs Charlotte (3-9)

- Key Player: Gabe Taylor, S/CB (55 Total Tackles, 5 Pass Deflections, 2 INTs, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 TD)

Prediction: If you are going to skip a game on the first Saturday of bowl mania ... consider this one. Rice are the only 5 win team to reach the post season this year and Southern Miss lost 3 of their last 4 to stumble into the post season. I'm not going to spend many words on this one, it's a bad game but Southern Miss has Frank Gore Jr who is probably the best player in the game so PICK: Southern Miss

New Mexico Bowl - BYU vs SMU

BYU Cougars:

- 7-5 (Independant)

- 33rd Total Offense (440.5 YPG)/93rd Total Defense (409.7 YPG)/T-41st Scoring Offense (31.9 PPG)/100th Scoring Defense (30.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 31-28 vs Boise State (9-4)

- Worst Loss: 41-14 vs Liberty (8-4)

- Key Player: Puka Nacua, WR (48 Receptions, 625 Receiving Yards, 209 Rushing Yards, 10 Total TDs)

SMU Mustangs:

- 7-5 (5-3 conference)

- 12th Total Offense (479.8 YPG)/118th Total Defense (445.8 YPG)/13th Scoring Offense (38.4 PPG)/123rd Scoring Defense (34.7 PPG)

- Best Win: 48-10 vs North Texas (7-6)

- Worst Loss: 41-19 vs UCF (9-4)

- Key Player: Jordan Kerley, WR (31 Receptions, 538 Receiving Yards, 5 TDs)

Prediction: 2 teams with very strong offenses and quite porous defenses leads to a potential offensive fire fight in Albuquerque. Both teams will be missing big name WRs in this one with BYU (likely) missing Keanu Hill (36 catches for 572 yards and 7 TDs) and more distressingly SMU missing 2nd team All American WR Rashee Rice (96 catches for 1,355 yards and 10 TDs). SMU QB Tanner Mordecai has already announced he will be going to the NFL after this season and will be looking to leave SMU with a Bowl win. If Jaren Hall plays for BYU, there will be very few punts in this game and a lot of points put up. Bet the over and enjoy a game that will be a shootout but I think the loss of Rashee Rice will be too much for the Mustangs to compensate for and BYU will leave New Mexico with a victory PICK: BYU

Frisco Bowl - Boise State vs North Texas:

Boise State Broncos:

- 9-4 (8-0 conference)

- 74th Total Offense (381.7 YPG)/6th Total Defense (281.5 YPG)/61st Scoring Offense (29.1 PPG)/11th Scoring Defense (18.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 40-20 vs Fresno State (9-4)

- Worst Loss: 27-10 vs UTEP (5-7) (You could argue the conference championship loss to Fresno State but at least they were a good team)

- Key Player: George Holani, RB (1,133 Rushing Yards, 22 catches, 153 Receiving Yards, 13 Total TDs, First Team All Mountain West)

North Texas Mean Green:

- 7-6 (6-2 conference)

- 20th Total Offense (463.8 YPG)/124th Total Defense (460.1 YPG)/29th Scoring Offense (33.9 PPG)/110th Scoring Defense (31.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 40-13 vs Western Kentucky (8-5)

- Worst Loss: 58-27 vs UNLV (5-7) (Again, could argue a conference championship loss vs UTSA but at least UTSA were good)

- Key Player: Austin Aune, QB (124/227, 3,309 Passing Yards, 32 TDs, 13 INTs)

Prediction: Before I pick the winner I want to talk about one of my favorite players in FBS football right now, Austin Aune. Here's a list of NFL QBs who are younger than Aune: Tua, Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Drew Lock, Josh Allen, Deshawn Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Mitch Trubisky, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariotta, Dak Prescott. That is right Aune is 29 years old and will likely end up jumping into the NFL draft and I bet will find his way onto an NFL roster for his rookie season at 30! Brandon Weeden eat your heart out. Also Aune was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2012 MLB draft, so that's cool. Now about this game and it is a bad matchup for North Texas. The team closest to Boise State that North Texas played this season is UAB, who has a great rushing attack and a good pass defense. UAB thumped North Texas 41-21 and The Mean Green gave up almost 300 yards of rushing offense. North Texas is also coming off of firing head coach Sean Littrell and all this combines for a game that will likely be dominated by the Boise State Broncos PICK: Boise State

Myrtle Beach Bowl - UConn vs Marshall:

UConn Huskies:

- 6-6 (independent)

- 124th Total Offense (302.2 YPG)/76th Total Defense (386.9 YPG)/115th Scoring Offense (19.8 PPG)/61st Scoring Defense (26.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 36-33 vs Liberty (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 35-21 vs Ball State (5-7)

- Key Player: Jackson Mitchell, LB (133 Total Tackles, 4.5 Sacks, 3 Pass Deflections, 1 INT, 2 Forced Fumbles, 5 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Defensive TD)

Marshall Thundering Herd:

- 8-4 (5-3 conference)

- 52nd Total Offense (405.8 YPG)/10th Total Defense (292.8 YPG)/95th Scoring Offense (24.2 PPG)/7th Scoring Defense (16.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 26-12 vs James Madison (8-3) (Notre Dame win is the more memorable one but playing against a Tyler Buchner led Notre Dame means it's not as impressive to me as beating the best team in your conference, should have put JMU in the Sun Belt Championship and Bowl Season NCAA you cowards!)

- Worst Loss: 34-31 (OT) vs Bowling Green (6-6)

- Key Player: Khalan Laborn, RB (1,423 Rushing Yards, 16 Rushing TDs, 107 Receiving Yards, First Team All Sun Belt)

Prediction: Jim Mora isn't getting enough love for the job he has done with the Huskies. UConn went 4-31 in their last 4 seasons and in Jim Mora's first season as their coach he took them to a bowl game. That being said this is a bad matchup for the Huskies. This Marshall team was really good this year, going 8-4 and having one of the strongest defenses in the nation. Combine that with the running ability of Khalan Laborn and Rasheen Ali (who missed the first 10 games to focus on his mental health) and this game could get out of control quickly. If the Huskies can cause turnovers and create havoc they may be able to keep it close but even still, their offense doesn't move the ball at all. More work needed for UConn but this bowl appearance is a great start PICK: Marshall

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - San Jose State vs Eastern Michigan:

San Jose State Spartans:

- 7-4 (5-3 conference)

- 96th Total Offense (356.5 YPG)/26th Total Defense (333.0 YPG)/74th Scoring Offense (27.5 PPG)/22nd Scoring Defense (20.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 33-16 vs Wyoming (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 35-31 vs Utah State (6-6)

- Key Player: Elijah Cooks, WR (63 Receptions, 983 Receiving Yards, 10 TDs, First Team All Mountain West)

Eastern Michigan Eagles:

- 8-4 (5-3 Conference)

- 95th Total Offense (360.2 YPG)/54th Total Defense (366.9 YPG)/64th Scoring Offense (28.8 PPG)/89th Scoring Defense (28.6 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-23 vs Western Michigan (5-7)

- Worst Loss: 39-10 vs Northern Illinois (3-9)

- Key Player: Jose Ramirez, EDGE (62 Total Tackles, 12 Sacks, 2 Pass Deflections, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, First Team All MAC, Second Team All American)

Prediction: Eastern Michigan has only ever won 1 bowl game, it was in the 1987 California bowl where they beat San Jose State 30-27, since then they have made 4 bowl games (2016,2018,2019,2021) and lost all 4. Is the story written here for Eastern Michigan to win their 2nd ever bowl game? I'm not so sure. Eastern Michigan's 8-4 record is very deceiving, it is a good record yes but they did not beat a single bowl eligible team this season. Combine that with losses to teams like Northern Illinois (who was bad) and Buffalo (who needed to beat a 2-10 Akron team on the last day to become bowl eligible) it tells you the story of an 8-4 team that is their based on the MAC West being bad and getting lucky with MAC East opponents on the schedule. That being said Eastern Michigan does have a true superstar difference maker on defense in Jose Ramirez. Ramirez is the MAC defensive player of the year and has seen his draft stock rise to the point where many think he will be a day 3 draft pick now and he has incentive to go out in this game and make scouts believe in his season with a big bowl game. San Jose State is a team that doesn't have a ton of offensive oomph but has been defensively stout all season. 5th in the nation in Team Sacks, led by the trio of Viliami Fehoko, Cade Hall and Alii Matau, they get to the QB to the tune of 3.27 times per game. With that phenomenal defense the offense only needs to be ok to win them games and they have done that thanks to QB Chevan Cordeiro being secure with the ball (only 4 INTs this season) and the playmaking ability of Elijah Cooks. Eastern Michigan would need a lot of things to go right to win this game and I just can't see it happening here for them PICK: San Jose State

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl - Toledo vs Liberty:

Toledo Rockets:

- 8-5 (5-3 Conference)

- 53rd Total Offense (405.8 YPG)/25th Total Defense (331.8 YPG)/39th Scoring Offense (32.1 PPG)/59th Scoring Defense (25.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 17-7 vs Ohio (9-4) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 20-14 vs Western Michigan (5-7)

- Key Player: Dequan Finn, QB (172/291, 2,127 Passing Yards, 608 Rushing Yards, 30 Total TDs, 12 INTs, Second Team All MAC)

Liberty Flames:

- 8-4 (Independant)

- 58th Total Offense (400.8 YPG)/34th Total Defense (345.3 YPG)/T-68th Scoring Offense (28.2 PPG)/56th Scoring Defense (24.9 PPG)

- Best Win: 21-19 vs Arkansas (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 49-14 vs New Mexico State (6-6)

- Key Player: Durrell Johnson, EDGE (49 Total Tackles, 8 Sacks, 4 Pass Deflections, 1 INT, 1 Forced Fumble, 3 Fumble Recoveries)

Prediction: Liberty has been a different team since the Hugh Freeze to Auburn move became more well known and looked like a team that had given up against New Mexico State to end the season. At their best they have a strong defense and an offense that does enough to win games but it's hard to believe that Liberty will be at their best for this one. Toledo is coming off of a win against Ohio that would have looked like a very different game had Kurtis Rourke been healthy enough to play but they got Dequan Finn back and continued to play strong defense in that win. With a few weeks to rest and recover, there is little doubt that Finn will be 100% and ready to go and given the fact that 3 key players for Liberty have left via the transfer portal and the general malaise around the team recently, a 100% healthy Finn will be enough to win this one PICK: Toledo

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - Western Kentucky vs South Alabama:

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers:

- 8-5 (6-2 Conference)

- 10th Total Offense (483.5 YPG)/70th Total Defense (380.8 YPG)/18th Scoring Offense (35.8 PPG)/44th Scoring Defense (23.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-10 vs Rice (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 40-13 vs North Texas (7-6)

- Key Player: Darius Ocean, QB (7/12, 135 Passing Yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)

South Alabama Jaguars:

- 10-2 (7-1 Conference)

- 40th Total Offense (423.9 YPG)/11th Total Defense (302.8 YPG)/T-41st Scoring Offense (31.9 PPG)/T-14th Scoring Defense (19.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 38-31 vs Georgia Southern (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 10-6 vs Troy (11-2)

- Key Player: Yam Banks, CB (45 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 10 Pass Deflections, 5 INTs, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Defensive TD, First Team All Sun Belt, Third Team All American)

Prediction: Man this game was going to be really fun for a while, then Western Kentucky lost 4 key guys to the transfer portal, including Starting QB Austin Reed (353/547, 4,247 Yards, 36 TDs, 10 INTs) and it feels like this game has quickly become a bit one sided. This is a strong South Alabama team who, if it wasn't for playing in the Sun Belt West, would have been in the conference championship. This South Alabama team is defined as much by its two losses as its 10 wins. Losing by 4 to the conference champions in Troy and going on the road to Los Angeles and losing by only 1 point to a very good UCLA team tells you all you need to know about how good the Jaguars are. Sophomore Safety/Corner/Linebacker/Whatever you need him to do Yam Banks leads a Jaguars defense that doesn't allow yards or points. The South Alabama offense is not necessarily among the nations best but they are good and more than good enough to take advantage of their defense. This is the Jags first bowl game since 2016 and it will be their first ever bowl win against a very under-maned Hilltoppers side PICK: South Alabama

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl - Air Force vs Baylor:

Air Force Falcons:

- 9-3 (5-3 Conference)

- 61st Total Offense (398.7 YPG)/1st Total Defense (256.4 YPG)/73rd Scoring Offense (27.7 PPG)/3rd Scoring Defense (13.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 13-3 vs San Diego State (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 34-27 vs Utah State (6-6)

- Key Player: Brad Roberts, RB (1,612 Rushing Yards, 15 TDs, First Team All Mountain West, Third Team All American)

Baylor Bears:

- 6-6 (4-5 Conference)

- 37th Total Offense (429.2 YPG)/60th Total Defense (370.3 YPG)/T-31st Scoring Offense (33.7 PPG)/T-65th Scoring Defense (26.6 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-17 vs Texas Tech (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 43-40 vs West Virginia (5-7)

- Key Player: Richard Reese, RB (962 Rushing Yards, 14 TDs, Second Team All Big 12)

Prediction: Baylor seem to be everyone's favorite for this game and I understand that they are the team with more talent but this feels like a bad matchup for them. Baylor were T-44th in the nation in Rush Defense and although that is an ok number, I don't think it tells the whole story. They were 99th in the nation in success against the run and gave up some really lopsided numbers when teams were able to stick with the run against them. Against a triple option team like Air Force. The Falcons were the #1 rushing offense in the nation and Army was the closest team to them and they had over 40 yards per game less. Brad Roberts is a great running back and with John Lee Eldridge III and QB Haaziq Daniels complimenting they have a lot of attack options. Baylor were tied 57th in the nation with 17 turnovers lost and giving Air Force good field position will doom this team. They need to be smart offensively and control the run and those haven't always been things that the Bears have done this year. Big upset potential in this one and especially in the Armed Forces bowl look for the military academy to show up big in this one PICK: Air Force

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl - Louisiana vs Houston:

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns:

- 6-6 (4-4 Conference)

- 85th Total Offense (367.9 YPG)/48th Total Defense (361.6 YPG)/77th Scoring Offense (27.0 PPG)/T-37th Scoring Defense (22.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 23-13 vs Marshall (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 21-17 vs Louisiana-Monroe (4-8)

- Key Player: Michael Jefferson, WR (51 Receptions, 810 Receiving Yards, 7 TDs)

Houston Cougars:

- 7-5 (5-3 Conference)

- 21st Total Offense (463.6 YPG)/110th Total Defense (430.0 YPG)/14th Scoring Offense (37.2 PPG)/T-117th Scoring Defense (33.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 37-35 vs UTSA (11-2)

- Worst Loss: 37-30 vs Tulsa (5-7)

- Key Player: Nathaniel "Tank" Dell, WR (103 Receptions, 1,354 Receiving Yards, 15 TDs, First Team All AAC, First Team All American)

Prediction: The Ragin Cajuns (still the best name in College Football) are very good in post season play, going 5-2 all time and winning their last 3 in a row. That being said this is a very good Houston team who had some good games but for the most part under performed over the season as a whole. The question in this game is can the Louisiana offense attack a Houston defense that has been weak all season. Tank Dell has declared for the NFL draft but has also stated he will play in this game, that leads me to believe that Clayton Tune is also playing. If Tune and Dell are playing this game should be a big send off win for the Cougars as they have way too much talent to be stopped by a Louisiana defense that is good but not world beating good PICK: Houston

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl - Missouri vs Wake Forest:

Missouri Tigers:

- 6-6 (3-5 Conference)

- 82nd Total Offense (371.0 YPG)/28th Total Defense (337.1 YPG)/83rd Scoring Offense (25.5 PPG)/T-57 Scoring Defense (25.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 23-10 vs South Carolina (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 17-14 (OT) vs Auburn (5-7)

- Key Player: Brady Cook, QB (218/334, 2,509 Passing Yards, 13 Passing TDs, 7 INTs 547 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons:

- 7-5 (3-5 Conference)

- 29th Total Offense (447.1 YPG)/95th Total Defense (410.6 YPG)/16th Scoring Offense (36.8 PPG)/T-93rd Scoring Defense (29.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 31-21 vs Florida State (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 48-21 vs Louisville (7-5)

- Key Player: Sam Hartman, QB (247/392, 3,421 Passing Yards, 35 TDs, 11 INTs, 114 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD)

Prediction: Missouri will be happy to back in bowl season, beating New Mexico State and Arkansas in back-to-back weeks to end the year and become bowl eligible, the Tigers are looking to win their first bowl game since 2014. For the Demon Deacons, their season started with a lot of promise but losing 4 of their last 5 makes this a disappointing spot to end. A strength of this Mizzou defense has been getting to the QB (T-28th in Team Sacks) and Wake Forest struggled at the end of the year to protect QB Sam Hartman (who as an aside had to have a rib removed at the beginning of the season because of a blood clotting issue, was back for week 2 and has the rib in his freezer and plans to make it into a necklace so he is either the coolest person on Earth or a serial killer and I'm not sure which it is yet). The issue for Missouri is how many major players they will be missing. Isaiah McGuire, D.J Coleman and Martez Manuel are the teams top 3 sack getters with 16.5 between them will all be sitting this game out and top WR Dominic Lovett is transferring out of the program. These misses are way too much for a team that was likely going to struggle to control Wake Forest's scoring ability to begin with PICK: Wake Forest

EasyPost Hawaii Bowl - Middle Tennessee State vs San Diego State:

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders:

- 7-5 (4-4 Conference)

- 67th Total Offense (390.2 YPG)/98th Total Defense (413.2 YPG)/T-58th Scoring Offense (29.2 PPG)/82nd Scoring Defense (28.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-31 vs Miami (5-7)

- Worst Loss: 40-24 vs Louisiana Tech (3-9)

- Key Player: Jordan Ferguson, EDGE (61 Total Tackles, 8.5 Sacks, 5 Pass Deflections, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, First Team All C-USA)

San Diego State Aztecs:

- 7-5 (5-3 Conference)

- 117th Total Offense (321.7 YPG)/27th Total Defense (335.4 YPG)/T-109th Scoring Offense (21.3 PPG)/T-19th Scoring Defense (20.2 PPG)

- Best Win: 17-14 vs Toledo (8-5)

- Worst Loss: 13-3 vs Air Force (9-3)

- Key Player: Jalen Mayden, QB (122/194, 1,721 Passing Yards, 10 Passing TDs, 7 INTs, 205 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing TDs)

Prediction: This game all comes down to who's weakest part of their team plays better. If MTSU's defense can stand up tall a few times their offense should be able to outscore a poor SDSU offense. If however, SDSU's offense can move the ball on a MTSU defense that hasn't always shown up, San Diego State's great defense will win this game comfortably. Hence the key players in this match up being players on their team's weaker side of the ball. It is an interesting chess match where strength plays strength and weakness lines up against weakness and who ever can accent their strength and minimize their weakness will win this match. San Diego State's season has been a bit of a step back but they have had moments of good offense against teams with average and below average defenses (and one particularly impressive performance against a strong San Jose State defense) and I think their defense holds strong enough to give the Aztecs an 8 win season PICK: San Diego State

Quick Lane Bowl - New Mexico State vs Bowling Green:

New Mexico State Aggies:

- 6-6 (Independent)

- 115th Total Offense (324.2 YPG)/31st Total Defense (339.5 YPG)/82nd Scoring Offense (25.6 PPG)/T-52nd Scoring Defense (24.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 49-14 vs Liberty (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 21-7 vs FIU (4-8)

- Key Player: Chris Ojoh, LB (101 Total Tackles, 5 Sacks, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble)

Bowling Green Falcons:

- 6-6 (5-3 Conference)

- T-106th Total Offense (336.3 YPG)/105th Total Defense (420.7 YPG)/97th Scoring Offense (23.8 PPG)/116th Scoring Defense (33.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-31 vs Marshall (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 59-57 (OT) vs Eastern Kentucky (FCS)

- Key Player: Matt McDonald, QB (230/375, 2,639 Passing Yards, 22 Passing TDs, 8 INTs, 1 Rushing TD, 2 Total Tackles)

Prediction: Maybe the 2 worst teams in the bowl season playing each other in the Quick Lane Bowl, fun times. In all honesty, both these teams will be very happy to be here given that this is New Mexico State's first bowl game since 2017 and Bowling Green's first since 2015. The strength of this New Mexico State defense has actually been playing against the pass (13th in the nation in passing yards allowed) and Bowling Green's rushing offense ranks them 121st in the nation. The Aggies are going to run the ball all game and QB Diego Pavia and RB Star Thomas will do the heavy lifting for the offense in their last couple of wins however NMSU was able to find some big plays through the air and this Bowling Green defense gives up a lot of big plays. Ultimately this is just a poor matchup for the Falcons, look for the Aggies to win this one going away PICK: New Mexico State

Camellia Bowl - Buffalo vs Georgia Southern:

Buffalo Bulls:

- 6-6 (5-3 Conference)

- 77th Total Offense (376.4 YPG)/77th Total Defense (390.8 YPG)/T-62nd Scoring Offense (29.0 PPG)/74th Scoring Defense (27.2 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-27 vs Toledo (8-5)

- Worst Loss: 31-27 vs Central Michigan (4-8)

- Key Player: Marcus Fuqua, S (59 Total Tackles, 5 Pass Deflections, 7 INTs, 2 Fumble Recoveries, MAC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All MAC, First Team All American)

Georgia Southern Eagles:

- 6-6 (3-5 Conference)

- 19th Total Offense (467.8 YPG)/129th Total Defense (496.2 YPG)/30th Scoring Offense (33.7 PPG)/112th Scoring Defense (32.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-42 vs Nebraska (4-8)

- Worst Loss: 41-33 vs Georgia State (4-8)

- Key Player: Kyle Vantrease, QB (343/559, 3,901 Passing Yards, 25 Passing TDs, 15 INTs, 3 Rushing TDs, Sun Belt QB of the Year, Second Team All Sun Belt)

Prediction: Potential for a really high scoring game here as Georgia Southern have a penchant for scoring a lot of points and conceding a lot of points. Kyle Vantrease has been great under center for the Eagles this year and has been complimented by a strong rushing attack headed by JR RB Jalen White. The concern for Buffalo is their running back by committee may be down both Ron Cook Jr and Al-Jay Henderson meaning that the majority of carries will fall on the shoulders of Freshman Mike Washington who has been the lead RB this season but he hasn't had to do it all alone as he might have to in this one. The good news is QB Cole Snyder has had a strong season (2,765 yards, 17 TDs and 8 INTs) and will be able to throw the ball a little more than usual if needed. If Buffalo's alright defense can hold up (maybe get a couple of INTs from the nations leader in interceptions Marcus Fuqua) they will have a good shot to win this one but I feel like the Sun Belt was stronger than the MAC this year and Georgia Southern's close contests with the likes of Coastal Carolina and South Alabama lead me to believe they are just a better team than Buffalo and leave this game with a win PICK: Georgia Southern

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl - Utah State vs Memphis:

Utah State Aggies:

- 6-6 (5-3 Conference)

- 92nd Total Offense (362.1 YPG)/84th Total Defense (396.6 YPG)/T-100th Scoring Offense (23.2 PPG)/103rd Scoring Defense (30.6 PPG)

- Best Win: 35-31 vs San Jose St (7-4)

- Worst Loss: 34-24 vs UNLV (5-7)

- Key Player: Terrell Vaughn, WR (52 Receptions, 590 Receiving Yards, 5 Receiving TDs, 66 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD, Second Team All Mountain West)

Memphis Tigers:

- 6-6 (3-5 Conference)

- 42nd Total Offense (420.7 YPG)/63rd Total Defense (371.9 YPG)/22nd Scoring Offense (35.1 PPG)/75th Scoring Defense (27.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 44-34 vs North Texas (7-6)

- Worst Loss: 34-31 vs SMU (7-5)

- Key Player: Xavier Cullens, LB (104 Total Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 Pass Deflections, 3 INTs, 1 Forced Fumble, 4 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Defensive TDs, Second Team All AAC)

Prediction: This game would have been a lot more interesting if Calvin Tyler Jr hadn't opted out of this one to declare for the NFL draft. So Utah State is down their 1,000 yard rusher, their backup running back and their starting QB who can also move the ball on the ground quite well. The other issue for the Aggies is that they don't really have much of a passing attack to talk about, as such I'd look for them to use do it all WR Terrell Vaughn in a Deebo Samuel like role. Even if they can get Vaughn moving the ball well for them and find a little something offensively, their is no way they find enough to match a Memphis offense that scores at a strong clip. Utah State will pull out all the stops but they don't have enough talent on the field to match the Tigers in this one PICK: Memphis

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl - East Carolina vs Coastal Carolina:

East Carolina Pirates:

- 7-5 (4-4 Conference)

- 24th Total Offense (459.0 YPG)/94th Total Defense (409.9 YPG)/T-47th Scoring Offense (30.8 PPG)/T-72nd Scoring Defense (27.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-13 vs UCF (9-4)

- Worst Loss: 42-3 vs Houston (7-5)

- Key Player: Horton Ahlers, QB (289/431, 3,408 Passing Yards, 23 TDs, 5 INTs, 134 Rushing Yards, 5 Rushing TDs)

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers:

- 9-3 (6-2 Conference)

- 49th Total Offense (411.2 YPG)/97th Total Defense (412.3 YPG)/60th Scoring Offense (29.1 PPG)/101st Scoring Defense (30.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 24-13 vs Marshall (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 49-21 vs Old Dominion (3-9)

- Key Player: CJ Beasley, RB (704 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing TDs, 18 Receptions, 187 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD)

Prediction: Grayson McCall entering the transfer portal has taken a lot of the luster out of this one as without McCall this Chanticleers offense has really not looked great and has been particularly awful against the pass (T-124th in the nation). Being without TE Ryan Jones will hurt ECU a little but their top 2 pass catching options, WRs Isaiah Winstead and C.J. Johnson (1,946 receiving yards between them and 12 TDs), will be available and that will be more than enough against a CCU team that will be missing it's best player on offense and has a non-existent defense PICK: ECU

Guaranteed Rate Bowl - Oklahoma State vs Wisconsin:

Oklahoma State Cowboys:

- 7-5 (4-5 Conference)

- 46th Total Offense (415.4 YPG)/116th Total Defense (440.8 YPG)/T-43rd Scoring Offense (31.8 PPG)/95th Scoring Defense (29.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 41-34 vs Texas (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 37-16 vs Kansas (6-6)

- Key Player: Jason Taylor II, S (87 Total Tackles, 7 Pass Deflections, 6 INTs, 1 Fumble Recovery, Big-12 Safety of the Year, National Safety of the Year, First Team All Big-12, First Team All American)

Wisconsin Badgers:

- 6-6 (4-5 Conference)

- 91st Total Offense (362.8 YPG)/13th Total Defense (305.4 YPG)/78th Scoring Offense (26.5 PPG)/27th Scoring Defense (20.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 35-24 vs Purdue (8-5)

- Worst Loss: 34-28 vs Michigan State (5-7)

- Key Player: John Torchio, S (50 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 5 Pass Deflections, 5 INTs, 2 Defensive TDs, Second Team All B10)

Prediction: This one is hard because not many player who played on either offense this year are actually playing in this one. Oklahoma State are down their starting QB, top RB, and 2nd leading WR whereas Wisconsin is down their; Starting QB, 3rd choice RB, 2 depth WRs, top 3 TEs, and 4 offensive lineman. Wisconsin's defense is also in taters while Oklahoma State is down 3 defensive starters and 2 depth pieces. This game could be ugly between two teams playing players very unfamiliar with each other and with next to no game experience at this level. Oklahoma State is ultimately losing less players going into this one so I'm taking them ... I guess PICK: Oklahoma State

Military Bowl presented by Peraton - Duke vs UCF:

Duke Blue Devils:

- 8-4 (5-3 Conference)

- 41st Total Offense (421.2 YPG)/73rd Total Defense (383.3 YPG)/34th Total Offense (33.1 PPG)/37th Scoring Defense (22.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-31 vs Wake Forest (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 23-20 (OT) vs Georgia Tech (5-7)

- Key Player: Riley Leonard, QB (231/363, 2,794 Passing Yards, 20 Passing TDs, 6 INTs, 636 Rushing Yards, 11 Rushing TDs)

UCF Knights:

- 9-4 (6-2 Conference)

- 11th Total Offense (480.6 YPG)/71st Total Defense (382.3 YPG)/26th Scoring Offense (34.4 PPG)/39th Scoring Defense (23.2 PPG)

- Best Win: 38-31 vs Tulane (11-2)

- Worst Loss: 17-14 vs Navy (4-8)

- Key Player: RJ Harvey, RB (767 Rushing Yards, 5 Rushing TDs, 19 Receptions, 190 Receiving Yards, Second Team All AAC)

Prediction: UCF could be relying on true Freshman QB Thomas Castellanos as starter John Rhys Plumlee is still dealing with an injury and 2nd stringer Mikey Keene has entered the transfer portal. If that is the case they will need big games from their 1-2 punch at RB of RJ Harvey and Isaiah Bowser. Harvey is the open field big play back and Bowser more of the pound it up the middle and get the ugly yards guy. If those two can really carry the offense this game is closer than it may look on paper but they will still need to find a way to contain Sophomore QB Riley Leonard. Leonard has had a strong year after entering the season with some major question marks and his 31 total TDs show how much of a focal point he has been to the offense. UCF are not dead in the water in this one but they seem to be missing a few too many key pieces (also down starting CB Davonte Brown and Starting LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste) PICK: Duke

AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Kansas vs Arkansas:

Kansas Jayhawks:

- 6-6 (3-6 Conference)

- 38th Total Offense (424.9 YPG)/121st Total Defense (451.6 YPG)/T-27th Scoring Offense (34.2 PPG)/T-119th Scoring Defense (33.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 37-16 vs Oklahoma State (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 52-42 vs Oklahoma (6-6)

- Key Player: Jalon Daniels, QB (115/175, 1,470 Passing Yards, 13 Passing TDs, 2 INTs, 398 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs)

Arkansas Razorbacks:

- 6-6 (3-5 Conference)

- 26th Total Offense (453.8 YPG)/123rd Total Defense (453.7 YPG)/T-51st Scoring Offense (30.7 PPG)/T-90th Scoring Defense (28.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 44-30 vs South Carolina (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 23-21 vs Texas A&M (5-7)

- Key Player: KJ Jeffereson, QB (185/271, 2,361 Passing Yards, 22 Passing TDs, 4 INTs, 510 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TDs)

Prediction: Jalon Daniels being back for Kansas makes this matchup very interesting indeed because before Daniels injury the Jayhawks were 5-0 and one of the most fun teams in the nation. The Jayhawks went 1-5 down the stretch after Daniels injury but now that he is back and will presumably be 100% for this game, expect fireworks. Arkansas is going to be missing some big players for this one. All-SEC C Ricky Stromberg and All-SEC LB Drew Sanders have opted out of this one as well as second leading tackler Bumper Bool and leading receiver Jadon Haselwood. With these absences it will come down to QB KJ Jefferson and RB Raheim Sanders to drive this offense down the field and keep pace with the Jayhawks offense. This could be a last possession wins kind of game and I'm banking on Kansas to find some of that early season magic and leave the season with a positive note PICK: Kansas

San Diego Credit Union Holiday Bowl - Oregon vs North Carolina:

Oregon Ducks:

- 9-3 (7-2 Conference)

- 4th Total Offense (507.8 YPG)/75th Total Defense (386.1 YPG)/9th Scoring Offense (39.7 PPG)/T-76th Scoring Defense (27.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 20-17 vs Utah (10-3)

- Worst Loss: 38-34 vs Oregon State (9-3)

- Key Player: Bo Nix, QB (271/379, 3,389 Passing Yards, 27 Passing TDs, 6 INTs, 504 Rushing Yards, 14 Rushing TDs, 2 Receptions, 36 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD)

North Carolina Tar Heels:

- 9-4 (6-2 Conference)

- 15th Total Offense (473.6 YPG)/115th Total Defense (438.2 YPG)/23rd Scoring Offense (35.0 PPG)/105th Scoring Defense (31.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 42-24 vs Pitt (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 21-17 vs Georgia Tech (5-7)

- Key Player: Drake Maye, QB (324/482, 4,115 Passing Yards, 35 Passing TDs, 7 INTs, 653 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TDs, ACC Player of the Year, ACC QB of the Year, First Team All ACC)

Prediction: 60-57 anyone? This game will be an absolute shootout with 2 great QBs. Drake Maye and Bo Nix have the ability to light up great defenses and they will not be playing one of those in this game. All Pac-12 CB Christian Gonzalez has opted out of this game whereas UNC have 3 starters in their secondary going into the transfer portal. UNC losing 1,000 yard receiver Josh Downs to the draft is going to hurt a lot. Ultimately Oregon has a little too much talent to drop this one but man it will be a good time PICK: Oregon

TaxAct Texas Bowl - Texas Tech vs Ole Miss:

Texas Tech Red Raiders:

- 7-5 (5-4 Conference)

- 23rd Total Offense (459.5 YPG)/101st Total Defense (414.5 YPG)/T-31st Scoring Offense (33.6 PPG)/T-96th Scoring Defense (29.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 37-34 (OT) vs Texas (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 45-17 vs Baylor (6-6)

- Key Player: Tyler Shough, QB (82/138, 1,062 Passing Yards, 6 Passing TDs, 3 INTs, 158 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing TDs)

Ole Miss Rebels:

- 8-4 (4-4 Conference)

- 8th Total Offense (491.2 YPG)/69th Total Defense (379.8 YPG)/T-27th Scoring Offense (34.2 PPG)/T-50th Total Defense (24.2 PPG)

- Best Win: 22-19 vs Kentucky (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 42-27 vs Arkansas (6-6)

- Key Player: Quinshon Judkins, RB (1,476 Rushing Yards, 16 Rushing TDs, 13 Receptions, 116 Receiving Yards, 1 TD, SEC Running Back of the Year, First Team All SEC)

Prediction: Ole Miss struggled down the stretch losing 4 of their last 5 as the competition they played got stiffer however, outside of Arkansas they dispatched the teams they were better than this season. Texas Tech has looked markedly better since switching to Tyler Shough at QB but I don't think they are quite on Ole Miss level. Look for a big day running the ball from Judkins and a bowl win to cap of a good if not a little bit disappointing season from the Rebels PICK: Ole Miss

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl - Syracuse vs Minnesota:

Syracuse Orange:

- 7-5 (4-4 Conference)

- 89th Total Offense (365.8 YPG)/29th Total Defense (338.1 YPG)/67th Scoring Offense (28.3 PPG)/36th Scoring Defense (22.7 PPG)

- Best Win: 24-9 vs NC State (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 45-35 vs Wake Forest (7-5)

- Key Player: Oronde Gadsden II, TE (54 Receptions, 891 Receiving Yards, 6 TDs, First Team All ACC, Second Team All American)

Minnesota Golden Gophers:

- 8-4 (5-4 Conference)

- 56th Total Offense (404.1 YPG)/5th Total Defense (279.5 YPG)/T-68th Scoring Offense (28.2 PPG)/4th Scoring Defense (13.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 23-16 vs Wisconsin (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 13-10 vs Iowa (7-5)

- Key Player: Mohammed Ibrahim, RB (1,594 Rushing Yards, 19 Rushing TDs, First Team All B10, Second Team All American)

Prediction: Can Syracuse either A.) Break down the great defense of Minnesota or B.) Contain Mo Ibrahim? Well Minnesota's defense doesn't break very easily, only Penn State scored more than 30 on them this season and only Illinois on top of that breaks 20, as for stopping Mo Ibrahim? Syracuse run defense was only ok at best this season and have given up 150+ yards rushing 5 times this year. Probably not a good sign. Losing LB Braelen Oliver and S Michael Dixon will hurt the Gophers defense but not enough to turn this game around PICK: Minnesota

Cheez-It Bowl - Oklahoma vs Florida State:

Oklahoma Sooners:

- 6-6 (3-6 Conference)

- 18th Total Offense (472.2 YPG)/120th Total Defense (450.5 YPG)/35th Scoring Offense (32.9 PPG)/98th Scoring Defense (29.6 PPG)

- Best Win: 28-13 vs Oklahoma State (7-5)

- Worst Loss: 49-0 vs Texas (8-4)

- Key Player: Marvin Mims Jr, WR (52 Receptions, 1,006 Receiving Yards, 6 TDs, First Team All Big-12)

Florida State Seminoles:

- 9-3 (5-3 Conference)

- 13th Total Offense (475.7 YPG)/14th Total Defense (307.2 YPG)/17th Scoring Offense (36.2 PPG)/16th Scoring Defense (19.7 PPG)

- Best Win: 24-23 vs LSU (9-4)

- Worst Loss: 31-21 vs Wake Forest (7-5)

- Key Player: Trey Benson, RB (965 Rushing Yards, 9 Rushing TDs, 12 Receptions, 111 Receiving Yards, First Team All ACC)

Prediction: This really feels like punching down for Florida State who had a great start, got a tough 3 week period against tough opposition and recovered pretty well to end the year. Oklahoma on the other hand crumbled anytime they played strong opposition. Combine this with the fact that starting RB Eric Gray (1,366 Rushing Yards, 11 TDs) and BOTH starting tackles are opting out of this game and it feels like it may get ugly. Oklahoma will have to use quick passes and get a big game out of FR RB Jovantae Barnes and even then it feels like all that will do is keep this game respectable. Florida State is more talented on both sides of the ball in this matchup and as long as they are up for this game should win it easily to get to 10 wins on the season PICK: Florida State

Valero Alamo Bowl - Texas vs Washington:

Texas Longhorns:

- 8-4 (6-3 Conference)

- 36th Total Offense (430.3 YPG)/50th Total Defense (362.0 YPG)/20th Scoring Offense (35.7 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-27 vs Kansas State (10-3)

- Worst Loss: 41-34 vs Oklahoma State (7-5)

- Key Player: Quinn Ewers, QB (141/249, 1,808 Passing Yards, 14 Passing TDs, 6 INTs, 1 Rushing TDs)

Washington Huskies:

- 10-2 (7-2 Conference)

- 2nd Total Offense (521.7 YPG)/57th Total Defense (368.8 YPG)/T-4th Scoring Offense (40.8 PPG)/T-62nd Scoring Defense (26.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 37-34 vs Oregon (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 45-38 vs Arizona State (3-9)

- Key Player: Michael Penix Jr, QB (330/500, 4,354 Passing Yards, 29 Passing TDs, 7 INTs, 86 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing TDs, Second Team All Pac-12, Third Team All American)

Prediction: If Texas had a full squad this game would be a bit more interesting but they are hurting with players sitting this one out. Bijan Robinson sitting out was a forgone conclusion but spell back Roschon Johnson also sitting out has obliterated their RB room. LB DeMarvion Overshown has also opted out of this one and their is 4 more starters still on the fence for the Longhorns. By comparison, the Huskies will be missing no starters (at the time of writing) and with Michael Penix leading the 2nd ranked offense in the nation against a less than full Texas squad, it should be a comfortable win for the Huskies PICK: Washington

Duke's Mayo Bowl - NC State vs Maryland

North Carolina State Wolfpack:

- 8-4 (4-4 Conference)

- 103rd Total Offense (343.5 YPG)/21st Total Defense (325.7 YPG)/T-85th Scoring Offense (25.3 PPG)/T-14th Scoring Defense (19.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 19-17 vs Florida State (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 25-10 vs Louisville (7-5)

- Key Player: Ayden White, CB (41 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 8 Pass Deflections, 4 INTs, First Team All ACC)

Maryland Terrapins:

- 7-5 (4-5 Conference)

- 51st Total Offense (406.5 YPG)/51st Total Defense (362.2 YPG)/58th Scoring Offense (29.2 PPG)/48th Scoring Defense (24.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 23-10 vs Wisconsin (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 31-29 vs Purdue (8-5)

- Key Player: Taulia Tagovailoa, QB (243/354, 2,787 Passing Yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs, 61 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing TDs)

Prediction: Maryland has struggled to beat notable teams this season with Purdue being their only decent scalp on their mantle but they did play in the much tougher Big 10 East so they are definitely much more battle tested than NC State who played in a very disappointing ACC this season. NC State's defense was 11th against the run this season so it is going to be on Taulia Tagovailoa to find holes where possible but this NC State secondary does have some ballhawks so smart throws and accurate throws will be a must. Mayland will be missing Deonte Banks and that will hurt their secondary a lot but a lot of this game will depend on who actually plays QB for the Wolfpack. Devin Leary entered the transfer portal but he was injured and not playing anyway, MJ Morris is touch and go for game time but if he's healthy he will be the guy (648 Passing Yards, 7 TDs and 1 INT), Ben Finley seems like the next guy up of Morris is unavailable but with every name I mention the position gets less enviable. Maryland feels like the team to beat in this one as it just feels like they have a few more ways to win this one, even if NC State's defense keeps it close, it's hard to see where the points are coming from PICK: Maryland

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl - UCLA vs Pitt:

UCLA Bruins:

- 9-3 (6-3 Conference)

- 3rd Total Offense (507.8 YPG)/88th Total Defense (399.8 YPG)/10th Scoring Offense (39.6 PPG)/T-84th Scoring Defense (28.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 42-32 vs Utah (10-3)

- Worst Loss: 34-28 vs Arizona (5-7)

- Key Players: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB (250/358, 2,883 Passing Yards, 25 Passing TDs, 7 INTs, 631 Rushing Yards, 11 Rushing TDs)

Pittsburgh Panthers:

- 8-4 (5-3 Conference)

- 57th Total Offense (402.5 YPG)/17th Total Defense (319.7 YPG)/T-47th Scoring Offense (30.8 PPG)/T-41 Scoring Defense (23.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 28-26 vs Duke (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 26-21 vs Georgia Tech (5-7)

- Key Player: Israel Abanikanda, RB (1,431 Rushing Yards, 20 Rushing TDs, 12 Receptions, 146 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, ACC RB of the Year, First Team All ACC, Second Team All American)

Prediction: Even with Kedon Slovis this game was going to be a bit of a task, without him? Pitt is going to struggle in this one. Even if the Pitt defense can find a way to slow do DTR, Zach Charbonnet can run the ball pace for pace with Israel Abanikanda. UCLA just feels a little too strong in this one, it could be a high scoring fun game but the Bruins have a little too much about them PICK: UCLA

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl - Notre Dame vs South Carolina:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

- 8-4 (Independent)

- 73rd Total Offense (382.7 YPG)/22nd Total Defense (327.4 YPG)/T-51st Scoring Offense (30.7 PPG)/32nd Scoing Defense (21.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 35-14 vs Clemson (11-2)

- Worst Loss: 16-14 vs Stanford (3-9)

- Key Player: Benjamin Morrison, CB (30 Total Tackles, 4 Pass Deflection, 5 INTs, 1 Defensive TD)

South Carolina Gamecocks:

- 8-4 (4-4 Conference)

- 75th Total Offense (381.1 YPG)/79th Total Defense (391.9 YPG)/45th Scoring Offense (31.7 PPG)/78th Scoring Defense (27.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 63-38 vs Tennessee (10-2)

- Worst Loss: 38-6 vs Florida (6-6)

- Key Player: Spencer Rattler, QB (235/353, 2,780 Passing Yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs)

Prediction: With both teams missing a lot of players due to transfers and opt outs, this game really comes down to who can make the most of what they have. South Carolina losing Marshawn Lloyd and Cam Smith are massive losses but for the Irish, the loss of Drew Pyne may be a bridge to far. It was when Pyne took over for Buchner early in the season that the Irish offense finally was able to help their defense win some games. Without Pyne, I think this game will be a little too far out of reach for the Irish PICK: South Carolina

Barstool Arizona Bowl - Ohio vs Wyoming:

Ohio Bobcats:

- 9-4 (7-1 Conference)

- 39th Total Offense (424.0 YPG)/113th Total Defense (437.4 YPG)/40th Scoring Offense (31.9 PPG)/86th Scoring Defense (28.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-24 vs Buffalo (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 31-24 vs Kent State (5-7)

- Key Player: Sieh Bangura, RB (940 Rushing Yards, 12 Rushing TDs, 23 Receptions, 208 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TDs, First Team All MAC)

Wyoming Cowboys:

- 7-5 (5-3 Conference)

- 118th Total Offense (315.5 YPG)/58th Total Defense (369.2 YPG)/112th Scoring Offense (20.8 PPG)/T-41st Scoring Defense (23.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 17-14 vs Air Force (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 30-0 vs Fresno State (9-4)

- Key Player: DeVonnne Harris, EDGE (51 Total Tackles, 8.5 Sacks, 1 Pass Deflection, 1 Fumble Recovery)

Prediction: Boy are Wyoming in trouble in this one. They are down their top 4 RBs and most of the season top RB Titus Swan was their whole offense. Top receiver Josh Cobbs has transferred as has #1 CB Cam Stone and 3rd leading sack getter Oluwaseyi Omotosho. Ohio will still be missing starting QB Kurtis Rourke but they have more than enough to beat this depleted Wyoming squad PICK: Ohio

TransPerfect Music City Bowl - Iowa vs Kentucky:

Iowa Hawkeyes:

- 7-5 (5-4 Conference)

- 130th Total Offense (255.4 YPG)/4th Total Defense (277.9 YPG)/122nd Scoring Offense (17.9 PPG)/6th Scoring Defense (14.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 24-3 vs Purdue (8-5)

- Worst Loss: 10-7 vs Iowa State (4-8)

- Key Player: Jack Campbell, LB (115 Total Tackles, 1 Pass Deflection, 2 INTs, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, First Team All Big 10, Third Team All American)

Kentucky Wildcats:

- 7-5 (3-5 Conference)

- T-106th Total Offense (336.3 YPG)/18th Total Defense (320.2 YPG)/105th Scoring Offense (22.1 PPG)/12th Scoring Defense (19.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 27-17 vs Miss State (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 24-21 vs Vanderbilt (5-7)

- Key Player: JuTahn McClain, RB (238 Rushing Yards, 15 Receptions, 93 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD)

Prediction: God has punished humanity for it's greed! "More bowl games" they cry and God delivered this game. Perhaps we were the fools all along PICK: Iowa wins the game, we all lose for watching

ReliaQuest Bowl - Illinois vs Miss State:

Illinois Fighting Illini:

- 8-4 (5-4 Conference)

- 70th Total Offense (386.7 YPG)/2nd Total Defense (263.8 YPG)/84th Scoring Offense (25.4 PPG)/1st Scoring Defense (12.3 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-10 vs Wisconsin (6-6)

- Worst Loss: 23-20 vs Indiana (4-8)

- Key Player: Sydney Brown, S (59 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 7 Pass Deflections, 6 INTs, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 2 Defensive TDs, First Team All Big 10, First Team All American)

Mississippi State Bulldogs:

- 8-4 (4-4 Conference)

- 63rd Total Offense (393.2 YPG)/39th Total Defense (350.3 YPG)/36th Scoring Defense (32.7 PPG)/T-50th Scoring Defense (24.2 PPG)

- Best Win: 24-22 vs Ole Miss (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 27-17 vs Kentucky (7-5)

- Key Player: Will Rogers, QB (386/566, 3,713 Passing Yards, 34 Passing TDs, 6 INTs, Second Team All SEC)

Prediction: Can the Illini convince their draft eligible players to play this game? If they can they are more than capable of winning this game behind that nearly unbreakable defense and their strong RB Chase Brown. If they can't? Will Rogers probably has enough to beat a team that likely won't be able to put up enough points. Bret Bielema is a hell of a coach and I think he rallies the troops to one last win this year PICK: Illinois

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl - LSU vs Purdue:

LSU Tigers:

- 9-4 (6-2 Conference)

- 30th Total Offense (442.7 YPG)/49th Total Defense (361.6 YPG)/38th Scoring Offense (32.3 PPG)/40th Scoring Defense (23.2 PPG)

- Best Win: 32-31 vs Alabama (10-2)

- Worst Loss: 38-23 vs Texas A&M (5-7)

- Key Player: Jayden Daniels, QB (254/371, 2,774 Passing Yards, 16 Passing TDs, 3 INTs, 818 Rushing Yards, 11 TDs)

Purdue Boilermakers:

- 8-5 (6-3 Conference)

- 50th Total Offense (410.3 YPG)/38th Total Defense (349.8 YPG)/70th Scoring Offense (28.1 PPG)/54th Scoring Defense (24.6 PPG)

- Best Win: 20-10 vs Minnesota (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 35-24 vs Wisconsin (6-6)

- Key Player: Charlie Jones, WR (110 Receptions, 1,361 Receiving Yards, 12 Receiving TDs, First Team All Big 10, Second Team All American)

Prediction: Given Brian Kelly's 10 day estimation for Jayden Daniels, I'm going to assume he plays in this one and gives the Boilermakers defense fits. Purdue's offense is sneaky good and Charlie Jones in particular could cause fits and they could turn this into a bit of a shootout. Even still LSU should still be the team with more talent and a 10 win season at the end of this one PICK: LSU

Capital One Orange Bowl - Clemson vs Tennessee:

Clemson Tigers:

- 11-2 (8-0 Conference)

- 55th Total Offense (405.1 YPG)/24th Total Defense (331.3 YPG)/25th Scoring Offense (34.7 PPG)/T-17th Scoring Defense (20.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 34-28 vs Florida State (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 35-14 vs Notre Dame (8-4)

- Key Player: Cade Klubnik, QB (31/46, 377 Passing Yards, 2 Passing TDs, 1 INT, 88 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD)

Tennessee Volenteers:

- 10-2 (6-2 Conference)

- 1st Total Offense (538.1 YPG)/86th Total Defense (398.8 YPG)/1st Scoring Offense (47.3 PPG)/T-45th Scoring Defense (23.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 52-49 vs Alabama (10-2)

- Worst Loss: 63-38 vs South Carolina (8-4)

- Key Player: Joe Milton III, QB (34/54, 720 Passing Yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs, 72 Rushing Yards)

Prediction: This match up gets weirdly interesting again in the battle at QB because without Hendon Hooker for the Vols, there is no clear favorite. Joe Milton was a huge prospect at Michigan before flaming out landing in Tennessee and then losing that job to Hooker, this is his chance to prove he can play for a big university. Klubnik is the big Freshman name for Clemson who everyone always knew was going to be the guy sooner than later and with DJ struggling this season and leaving in the transfer portal, sooner is now. Both teams will be missing a bevy of talent due to opt outs for the draft but I think Tennessee will still have enough firepower about them to win this one PICK: Tennessee

Allstate Sugar Bowl - Kansas State vs Alabama:

Kansas State Wildcats:

- 10-3 (7-2 Conference)

- 43rd Total Offense (420.2 YPG)/53rd Total Defense (365.8 YPG)/33rd Scoring Offense (33.2 PPG)/T-17th Scoring Defense (20.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 31-28 vs TCU (12-1) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 17-10 vs Tulane (11-2)

- Key Player: Deuce Vaughn, RB (1,425 Rushing Yards, 8 Rushing TDs, 42 Receptions, 378 Receiving Yards, 3 Receiving TDs, First Team All Big 12)

Alabama Crimson Tide:

- 10-2 (6-2 Conference)

- 14th Total Offense (475.7 YPG)/15th Total Defense (311.3 YPG)/4th Scoring Offense (40.8 PPG)/T-9th Scoring Defense (18.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 30-6 vs Miss State (8-4)

- Worst Loss: 32-31 (OT) vs LSU (9-4)

- Key Player: Jase McClellan, RB (613 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs, 13 Receptions, 164 Receiving Yards, 3 Receiving TDs)

Prediction: Assuming Alabama is going to be incredibly short handed in this one K-State will never have a better chance to get a New Year's 6 bowl win vs the College Football boogieman than they do right now. Deuce Vaughn will make a big difference in this one and Will Rogers moves the ball enough through the air that the Wildcats end the season with a memorable win simply because they want it more PICK: Kansas State

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - USC vs Tulane:

USC Trojans:

- 11-2 (8-1 Conference)

- 5th Total Offense (499.8 YPG)/102nd Total Defense (415.1 YPG)/3rd Scoring Offense (41.1 PPG)/81st Scoring Defense (27.9 PPG)

- Best Win: 48-45 vs UCLA (9-3)

- Worst Loss: 47-24 vs Utah (10-3) (Conference Championship)

- Key Player: Jordan Addison, WR (59 Receptions, 875 Receiving Yards, 8 Receiving TDs, Second Team All Pac-12)

Tulane Green Wave:

- 11-2 (7-1 Conference)

- 34th Total Offense (433.8 YPG)/33rd Total Defense (342.4 YPG)/21st Scoring Offense (35.2 PPG)/T-25th Scoring Defense (20.5 PPG)

- Best Win: 45-28 vs UCF (9-4) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 27-24 vs Southern Miss (6-6)

- Key Player: Tyjae Spears, RB (1,376 Rushing Yards, 15 Rushing TDs, 21 Receptions, 242 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TDs, AAC RB of the Year, First Team All AAC, Third Team All AAC)

Prediction: Caleb Williams is touch and go with a hamstring injury, if he's out can USC outscore their pretty terrible defense? Can they contain Tyjae Spears? If it looks like an upset and smells like an upset ... PICK: Tulane

Rose Bowl - Utah vs Penn State:

Utah Utes:

- 10-3 (7-2 Conference)

- 17th Total Offense (472.7 YPG)/T-19th Total Defense (325.3 YPG)/8th Scoring Offense (40.0 PPG)/24th Scoring Defense (20.4 PPG)

- Best Win: 47-24 vs USC (11-2) (Conference Championship)

- Worst Loss: 29-26 vs Florida (6-6)

- Key Player: Cameron Rising, QB (241/364, 2,939 Passing Yards, 25 Passing TDs, 7 INTs, 409 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs)

Penn State Nittany Lions:

- 10-2 (7-2 Conference)

- 35th Total Offense (432.4 YPG)/16th Total Defense (317.8 YPG)/19th Scoring Offense (35.8 PPG)/T-9th Scoring Defense (18.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 35-31 vs Purdue (8-5)

- Worst Loss: 41-17 vs Michigan (13-0)

- Key Player: Nicolas Singleton, RB (941 Rushing Yards, 10 Rushing TDs, 85 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD)

Prediction: Penn State this year always felt like they were out classed by the bigger teams they played. Utah is much closer talent wise to Michigan and Ohio State then they are Purdue. Tavion Thomas will be opting out of this game for Utah but they had 3 other RB run for over 400 yards this year so it won't ruin the Utes in this one and Cam Rising will be able to do enough to get Utah to a Rose Bowl victory PICK: Utah

College Football Playoff:

Georgia Bulldogs:

- 13-0 (8-0 Conference)

- 7th Total Offense (491.9 YPG)/9th Total Defense (292.1 YPG)/11th Scoring Offense (39.2 PPG)/2nd Scoring Defense (12.8 PPG)

- Best Win: 27-13 vs Tennessee (10-2)

- Closest Loss: 16-6 vs Kentucky

- Key Player: Brock Bowers, TE (52 Receptions, 726 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving TDs, First Team All SEC, Third Team All American)

Michigan Wolverines:

- 13-0 (9-0 Conference)

- 27th Total Offense (453.5 YPG)/3rd Total Defense (277.1 YPG)/7th Scoring Offense (40.1 PPG)/5th Scoring Defense

- Best Win: 45-24 vs Ohio State (11-1)

- Closest Loss: 19-17 vs Illinois (8-4)

- Key Player: Donovan Edwards, RB (872 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TDs, 17 Receptions, 192 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TDs)

TCU Bulldogs:

- 12-1 (9-0 Conference)

- 16th Total Offense (473.0 YPG)/74th Total Defense (385.1 YPG)/6th Scoring Offense (40.3 PPG)/T-57th Scoring Defense (25.0 PPG)

- Best Win: 38-28 vs Kansas State (10-3)

- Worst Loss: 31-28 (OT) vs Kansas State (10-3)

- Key Player: Max Duggan, QB (239/368, 3,321 Passing Yards, 30 Passing TDs, 4 INTs, 404 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs, First Team All Big-12)

Ohio State Buckeyes:

- 11-1 (8-1 Conference)

- 6th Total Offense (492.7 YPG)/12th Total Defense (303.9 YPG)/2nd Scoring Offense (44.5 PPG)/13th Scoring Defense (19.1 PPG)

- Best Win: 44-31 vs Penn State (10-2)

- Worst Loss: 45-23 vs Michigan (13-0)

- Key Player: CJ Shroud, QB (235/355, 3,340 Passing Yards, 37 Passing TDs, 6 INTs, Big 10 QB of the Year, First Team All Big 10)

Prediction: 4 great teams, 3 games, 1 winner. Michigan and TCU should come down to if Donovan Edwards can fill the Blake Corum role to the max because if he can Michigan is just a little better than TCU but this TCU team has stepped up to every challenge this year. Michigan ultimately will go to the final and should play Georgia as Ohio State is strong but showed their flaws in the Michigan game and Georgia will take full advantage of that. Georgia vs Michigan for the national championship will be a game of a couple of big moments and missing Blake Corum will be the back breaker here. Edwards is a good RB no doubt but Blake Corum was the difference maker for this team and unfortunately without him Georgia will be the team able to pull out the national championship for the second year in a row PICK: Georgia