Outback Bowl
13 Northwestern (10-2) vs. 23 Tennessee (8-4)
Early in the year, both teams looked very strong and were primed to win their division in their respective conferences. The Wildcats have one of the nations top defenses as they only give up an average of 16.4 points per game. Their offense tends to have problems moving the ball, but their defense keeps them in games and has helped them to a very impressive 10-win season. Northwestern relies heavily on their ground game as they average close to 200 yards per game. Tennessee's defense has been strong this year as well. They give up an average of 21.2 points per game, and all 4 of their losses were one score, very close games. The Vol's main strength is on the offensive side of the ball however. The QB-RB duo of Josh Dobbs and Jalen Hurd is difficult to stop for any defense. I think that this one will start off low scoring, but Tennessee should find some more rhythm in the second half. Two tough ground games against two tough defenses. I'm rooting for the BIG 10 in this game, and I think that the Wildcats will sneak out a victory in this game. Turnovers will be key in this match-up, and I think Northwestern will get a couple of takeaways to decide this one. Wildcats 23, Vols 17.
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
14 Michigan (9-3) vs. 19 Florida (10-3)
This is a fun match-up because I doubt that anyone will be able to predict how either of these teams will play. Both teams have played very well under their respective new coaches, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Michigan gives up an average of 17.1 points per game while the Gators average 16.5 points per game. Both teams looked like they could compete for a spot in the top four at times this year, but they have also looked like a team that has no idea they're playing football. Both teams lost big in their rivalry games against Ohio State and Florida State. In those match-ups, neither Michigan nor Florida could move the ball, or stop the opposing RBs (Elliot & Cook). I'm interested to see which teams come out, because I think both teams want to prove that they are not as bad as their past few games may have indicated. Even with the tough defenses, I think that there will be a good amount of points scored in this one. Between the two, I think that Michigan is a bit more complete as Jake Ruddock leads an offense that averages close to 400 yards per game. The Gators just won't be able to score enough in this game, so I have Michigan winning another one for the BIG 10 34-21.
Battle Frog Fiesta Bowl
8 Notre Dame (10-2) vs. 7 Ohio State (11-1)
This will be a fun match-up since two duel threat QBs will be looking to torch the opposing defenses. Both teams have very strong defenses, but often give up a lot of yards. When you have two very good offenses opposing them, yards can easily turn into points. The Irish look to avenge their two close losses that kept them out of the Playoffs this year by beating down on the defending champs. The Buckeyes are out to prove that they probably should be in the Final Four and that their MSU loss was a fluke. JT Barrett vs. Deshone Kaiser, I'm excited to see how this one plays out. Ezekiel Elliot will be another player to watch in this game, but Notre Dame's defense should shut him down fairly well. I expect him to have a few big runs, but if the Irish can limit that, they can stay in the game. I think that it will be close, but I'm going to have to give the edge to the Buckeyes in this game. I think that JT Barrett will be able to make a few more plays than Kaiser and be able to win the game. Look for a higher scoring game in this one. Ohio State 42, Notre Dame 38.
Rose Bowl
6 Stanford (11-2) vs. 5 Iowa (12-1)
Low scoring, grind-it-out and a tough defensive battle is how I would describe this game. Iowa has one of the toughest defenses in the nation, and very rarely gives up points. Stanford's defense isn't quite as strong as it has been in previous years, but they often get key stops on 3rd downs to get the ball back to their offense. Speaking of offense, that's where this game will be decided. Both offenses are very efficient and love to run the ball. Iowa isn't very flashy, the line up and grind it down your throat. They are often in 3rd and short situations, so they manage those fairly well. On the other side, Stanford has a heavy focus on the run game, but has a deadly downfield passing attack as well. The toughest part of stopping the Trees is Christian McCaffrey. The AP Player of the Year has broken Barry Sanders' record for all-purpose yards in a season and can hurt you in a number of different ways. McCaffrey returns kicks, runs the ball, catches passes out of the backfield and even throws the ball! This will be a fun game to watch, and a close one on the scoreboard. Iowa has played well all season, but they often find themselves in close games. Their offense has trouble finishing drives, especially against tougher defenses. I don't think that they'll be able to keep up with Kevin Hogan & Christian McCaffrey. I think that McCaffrey will run all over the field in this game and prove why he should have won the Heisman this year. Stanford wins the Rose Bowl 31-27.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
16 Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. 12 Ole Miss (9-3)
This one will be a shootout. Two high-scoring offenses with big time passing attacks. Chad Kelly squares off against the Cowboys' duo of Mason Rudolph & J.W. Walsh. Both offenses are going against two defenses that struggle quite a bit. Ole Miss's defense is definitely stronger than the Cowboys', but after Nkemdiche's suspension from the bowl game, I think OSU will be able to torch them fairly easily. Both defenses give up a lot of yards, and this is another match-up where these offenses can easily turn yards into points. The QB battle will be the focus in this game and whichever team causes the most pressure will likely win the game. QB pressure will cause mistakes in this game because although these defenses give up yards, they are very opportunistic and very good at forcing turnovers. Tough pick, but I'm going to give the edge to Chad Kelly and the Rebels. Ole Miss wins this game 55-49.
No comments:
Post a Comment