Outback Bowl
Michigan vs. South Carolina
Alex
My uncle mentioned to me that this is a win-win game for us as Husker fans. If Michigan wins, the BIG 10 would be undefeated in bowl season and arguably the strongest conference in football. If Michigan loses, we have yet another opportunity to make fun of Jim Harbaugh! Looking at this game, I still don't know what to expect from Michigan. Offensively, they've been a mess all season, especially when John O'Korn is at the helm. Lucky for them, redshirt Freshman QB Brandon Peters should get the start after recovering from a concussion suffered in the Wisconsin game. Their offense is much better off with Peters in the mix, but still not very dynamic overall. With the Gamecocks ranking 25th in scoring defense, giving up just 20.8 points per game, it'll be interesting to see how well the Wolverines are able to move the ball. On the other side, South Carolina will look to air it out with Sophomore Quarterback Jake Bentley. Bentley fizzled out a bit after a hot start to the season, but still finished with over 2,500 yards and 16 TDs through the air. His 11 interceptions are a concerning stat, and he's been sacked 26 times on the season. Michigan ranks 3rd in total defense and 1st against the passing game, so I would expect very tough sledding for South Carolina in this one. Tough defense will lead to a tight game in my opinion, but I think the Wolverines will edge them out. Michigan 23, South Carolina 14.
Nate
This game is the appetizer for the main courses this day. For Michigan, Brandon Peters should be back. That should be a huge boost for the Wolverines, as even though he hasn’t been lighting it up, John O’Korn might have been one of the worst quarterbacks I’ve seen this season. For South Carolina, I like Jake Bentley, but not much else on that side of the ball. South Carolina’s offense was bad enough to get their coach fired, and against a Michigan Defense that stands 3rd in total defense and 13th in Scoring defense, expect them to get a lead and strangle out the Gamecocks.
Michigan: 20 South Carolina: 10
Citrus Bowl Presented by Overton's
#14 Notre Dame vs. #17 LSU
Alex
The re-surging LSU Tigers square off against the Fighting Irish down in dreary Orlando, Florida. It's not been the warmest vacation to Florida for my family and I, but I'll take this over the -30 crap going on at home. Anyways, looking at this game, it's going to be a grind. Two power rushing attacks collide as the Irish rank 7th in rush offense and the Tigers rank 28th. Both teams are lead by their star Running Backs, Josh Adams for Notre Dame and Derrius Guice for LSU. Adams has nearly 1,400 yards with 9 TDs and a an incredible 7.3 yard per carry average. Guice has rushed for 1,153 with 11 TDs and a 5.3 yard per carry average. Both defenses will have a very difficult time shutting down these two backs. With the run game being the primary focus, I like to look at the QB battle, and how well they take care of the ball. Brandon Wimbush has been very solid for the Irish, throwing just 6 picks on the year. LSU QB Danny Etling has done much better this season, throwing just 2 picks in 2017. Momentum wise, Notre Dame has lost 2 of their past three, while LSU has won 3 straight. The competition level was a bit different, but that could play a factor. I like the Irish in this one, mostly for the sake of my uncle since he's driving me to Orlando to meet a friend while he goes to the game, but I think they'll take this one. Notre Dame wins it 27-21.
Nate
The Citrus Bowl looks to be a ground and pound slug-fest. LSU
will come into the game trying to exploit a Notre Dame run defense that looked
pretty bad at multiple times during the year. Derrius Guice is playing, somehow
(seriously top running backs, stop doing this) and should provide a spark.
Notre Dame should have Josh Adams healthier and better to run with, so that
should be nice. I think this is a fairly even game, but I give the edge to LSU,
I think some of their pieces are just a bit better rounded. LSU: 27 Notre Dame:
20
Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl
#12 UCF vs. #7 Auburn
Alex
Okay, I know I picked Auburn on our radio show, but I'm switching to UCF for multiple reasons. The first reason being is the complete SEC bias for this game, with nearly everyone on ESPN asking how Auburn is supposed to prepare themselves to face a lesser team. Yes, UCF is a Group of 5 team. Yes, they have a very different schedule compared to Auburn. NO, they are not a completely incompetent, wash-over team. Scott Frost has built an incredible program down in Orlando, and this will be a very tough team to beat. First off, they are the top scoring offense in the nation, averaging 49.4 points per game. Secondly, their turnover margin is +15, while Auburn sits at +1. Again, I do realize the competition level is different, but nonetheless, expect UCF to put up a fight in this one. Auburn will likely have star RB Kerryon Johnson back from injury, so that will be a big boost. The odds are against them, but I like the fight in UCF this season. Besides, how can I pick against Nebraska's new coach?! I'm with Frost and the Golden Knights all the way! UCF wins in a shootout, 36-31.
Nate
Is this a better game than the Peach Bowl? A lot of national media seem to think that
this is the matchup to watch today (before the playoffs I mean) I’m not sure I
totally agree, but I do think this will be a tricky game to call. Apparently there is going to be like 15
thousand Nebraska fans at this game, and that fills me with a level of shame
that I don’t know where to place. I hope we can give UCF fans a chance to enjoy
their bowl and the end of their season. That being said, as a Nebraska fan, I
can’t deny that I am rooting for our new coach to get things done, as I believe
a win here will do some good things for our program as well. But enough about
us, lets talk about UCF. What can be said that hasn’t already? They are the number
one offense in the nation, Mackenzie Milton is one of the most efficient
passers in the nation, and they have a blistering +15 turnover ratio.
UCF: 34, Auburn 30
CFP Semifinal: The Rose Bowl
#2 Oklahoma vs. #3 Georgia
Alex
This game is tough to pick because Georgia's defense is insane, but Baker Mayfield DOES NOT LOSE! That's basically the two arguments to listen to in this game. The Bulldogs give up just 13.2 points per game on average and allow just 270 yards. Mayfield basically averages 28 points all on his own along with roughly 300 yards. He'll be tough to contain for the Georgia defense, especially because they have not played against a dual-threat QB like him. For the Sooner defense, the key is to force Jake Fromm to beat you with his arm. Georgia will look to keep the ball away from Mayfield and control the clock. If they can force a few 3rd and longs, they should be able to get the ball back in Mayfield's hands. We'll see how this one turns out, but I have a really difficult time picking against Baker Mayfield. Sooners win this 38-31.
Nate
Playoffs, we are talking about playoffs. I think this one is
going to be easy. One team has a Heisman winner and one of the best offenses in
the nation, Baker Mayfield is throwing for 71%, a ludicrous number. For
Georgia, they will have to put it on the ground. Oklahoma has given up 200
yards 4 times this year, and will be the key to snagging this victory. They
have to get out early, though, as falling behind will probably spell the end
for them, as Georgia ranks dead last in passing offense in the SEC, a stat that
confused the hell out of me when I first saw it. I do think Georgia will fall
behind, and I expect Oklahoma to roll, not easily, but with confidence.
Oklahoma: 38 Georgia: 24
CFP Semifinal: The Sugar Bowl
#1 Clemson vs. #4 Alabama
Alex
Tide & the Tigers... PART 3! We've seen some great games between these two teams over the past couple seasons, and it looks like we're in for another one! The Tide have rolled through their schedule (apart from Auburn) this season, and not many teams have bothered them. They did not have a very difficult schedule overall, but still, they demolished teams. Their defense has been stellar yet again, giving up just 11.5 points per game on average and just 257 yards. Clemson looks nearly as dominant as last year, even with losing Deshaun Watson. Kelly Bryan has taken the reigns as QB, and he's lead this dynamic offense to a 35.4 point average and nearly 450 yards per game. He has some of the best weapons at his disposal with Wideouts such as Dion Cain, Hunter Renfro and Ray-Ray McCloud. Plus, Bryant is part of the Tigers' 3-headed rushing monster with Travis Etienne (744 yards) and Tavien Feaster (659). Their defense has been incredible this season, and I think Jalen Hurts and crew will have a tough time moving the ball. Clemson has been the most dominant team on both sides of the ball this season, and I like the Tigers in this one. Clemson 33, Bama 27 in another thriller!
Nate
Third time is the charm right? Well, maybe not,
seeing as how the first two games of this CFB playoff grudge match were instant
classics, this one should be no different. Clemson features one of the angriest
defensive lines I’ve seen in a while. Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, they
hold opposing rushing attacks to 112 yards per game. That will be key against
an Alabama team that runs for 250 yards per game. I think this game, like most
big Alabama games will come down to Jalen Hurts and how much he has improved.
Has he? I can’t see him getting it done.
Clemson: 28 Alabama: 24
I was lucky enough to take in the TaxSlayer Bowl in person on Saturday. It was a great game, with Mississippi State winning 31-27 in the end. Even in the loss, Lamar Jackson was incredible to watch. Not a very good day passing the ball, throwing 4 picks, but his rushing ability is out of this world. There were numerous plays where he turned what would've been a 10 yard loss into a 5 yard gain. His quickness was unreal and the way he squirted through tackles was unmatched. If he returns for his senior season and improves on his passing like he did this year, I think he can be a high draft pick. Definitely worthy of his Heisman and a very fun player to watch! Keytaon Thompson for Mississippi State was quite fun as well! The freshman QB made his first start and led the Bulldogs to a victory! He'll be a great QB for State as they move forward with Jim Morehead at Head Coach. Lots of talent to work with!
Thanks for reading our predictions and enjoy the games!
#CollgeFootballKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
Special Guest: Nate Muhlbach
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