Here are my picks for the rest of the bowl games this week! Saturday's bowls will have there own post and I'll have a big analysis on the Husker game afterwards! Let me know if you want my analysis on any other bowl games! Thank you & Go Big Red!
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Akron (7-5) vs. Utah State (6-6)
I honestly have not watched these teams very much this season, so I'm a little in the dark on this pick. On paper, both teams look fairly even according to the stats, but my big key to victory in this game will be Utah State's defense. The Zips like to run a lot of misdirection plays to fool the defense and often come out in a number of formations, including the wildcat. This could cause potential headaches for the Aggies, but I think that they will rise to the challenge. I have Utah State winning 24-13.
Marmot Boca Raton Bowl
24 Temple (10-3) vs. Toledo (9-3)
This is an interesting match-up because it pits one of the nations more dominant defenses against one of the nations better rushing attacks. Temple's LB Tyler Matakevich won the Nagurski Award and Bednarik Award for best defensive player of the year, and he leads the stellar Owl defense with 126 tackles and 5 interceptions. They will face a fast-paced Rocket offense that averages around 450 yards per game. RB Kareem Hunt will be the player to watch for Toledo. He missed a few games due to injury this year, but he still has 5 100+ yard rushing games including 4 straight. With Hunt gaining speed over the last few weeks of the season, that poses a big challenge for the Owls. Hunt has 7 TDs in his last 4 games, so that will be the key to shutting down the Rockets. I think the Owls defense will make a few key stops to help them to victory. Temple 27, Toledo 21.
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois (8-5)
The Broncos walk into this one with one of the premiere passing attacks in the nation in an offense that scores nearly 40 points per game. They're matched up against the Huskies of NIU who have won the West Division of the MAC for the past 6 seasons. The QB battle is key in this game. Boise's stud Freshman Brett Rypien has thrown for nearly 3000 yards this season and 17 touchdowns. Second year starter Drew Hare leads the Huskies with nearly 2000 yards passing and 14 touchdowns. NIU doesn't have the dynamic offense that Boise possesses, but they are very consistent. Look for NIU to keep this one close. I have the Broncos winning 38-35.
GoDaddy Bowl
Georgia Southern (8-4) vs. Bowling Green (10-3)
The Eagles versus the Falcons. The nation's best rushing attack versus the 3rd best passing attack. Both teams score a lot of points despite being so one dimensional. Probably because they are both so good at what they do. Georgia Southern is lead by RB Matt Breida who has rushed for over 1500 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Falcons dynamic air attack is lead by Senior QB Matt Johnson who has thrown for 4700 yards and 43 touchdowns this season. I expect this one to have a lot of points scored in this one, but the Falcons will emerge victorious. BGSU 56, Georgia Southern 41.
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. Western Michigan (7-5)
I honestly would love to be a part of either of these football programs right now if it meant that I got a trip to the Bahamas! That's a pretty luxurious bowl destination for a bunch of college kids if you ask me. If these players can get their heads out of the clouds down in paradise, this could shape up to be a good game to watch. Western Michigan has a very balanced attack on offense that averages 35.4 points per game. The Mustangs rely more on their run game at times, and can be very effective when they get in a grove. The Blue Raiders focus more on the passing game and are lead by Freshman QB Brent Stockstill who has thrown for 3678 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. I think the Mustangs will have the edge in this fight because they will be able to control the clock with their rushing attack. WMU 35, MT 27.
Hawaii Bowl
San Diego State (10-3) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)
This match-up looks to be a fun game to watch. Donnel Pumphrey leads the Aztecs rushing attack with 1554 yards and 16 touchdowns so far this season. The big question in this game however is if Cincy's dynamic passing attack can break through the rugged Aztec defense. San Diego State is only giving up an average of 17.2 points per game which ranks 10th in the country. Cincy's QB Gunner Kiel leads the Bearcats offense with 19 TDs even with missing 3 games with an injury. This will be a tough game to score points in, but I think that Pumphrey will lead the Aztecs to victory. San Diego State 28, Cincy 24.
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