Alex Prediction Results: 12-4
Nate Prediction Results: 10-6
Walk-on's Independence Bowl
Temple vs. Duke
Alex
The Owls and the Blue Devils square off in Shreveport, Louisiana. Both teams are pretty even when it comes to statistics, but Duke is looking to get back on track after losing 3 of their last 5 games. Temple finished the year strong, with just 1 loss in their last 7 games, and that was on the road at undefeated UCF. The Owls have played solid defense this year, giving up just 24.7 points and 356 yards per game on average. Duke Quarterback, Daniel Jones, has cooled off after his hot start to the season, as he's not completed more than 60% of his passes in a game since October. The Owls rank 7th in the nation in pass defense, so I expect his struggles to continue in this game. The other major factor to watch is the ground attack for Temple. Duke gives up an average of 222 rush yards per game and have given up at least 35 points in 4 of their last 5 games. Once the Owls get the rushing attack going with Ryquell Armstead, Duke will be in a world of hurt. All Temple in this game, and the Owls win 31-17.
Nate
Hey look, its another test of “Do I pick the G5 team whose
coach left? Or do I pick a very very mediocre P5 team?” Duke lost by 50 to
another mediocre team, Wake Forest, to close out the season. But you know what,
I picked a much better temple team 2 years ago when Matt Rhule left, and they
got skunked. This is much worse opponent than they faced then, but its still
tough. Plus their quarterback may be injured. Yeah, I’m going with Duke. Duke: 35, Temple: 28
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Miami
Alex
Badgers and Hurricanes round #2 has a lot less luster to it than last year's match-up. Wisconsin won last year's game 34-24, primarily behind the arm of Alex Hornibrook, who completed 67.6% of his passes for 258 yards and 4 TDs! I highly doubt anything like that will happen this year, as Hornibrook has been very unimpressive. Miami as a whole has been unimpressive as well, but their defense is still highly touted. They give up just 18 points and less than 270 yards per game on average. Their defense has kept them in games, but their offense usually takes them out of it. The Hurricanes have scored more than 30 just once in their last 5 games, and with how much Wisconsin dominates time of possession, I doubt they'll have many changes to score in this one. Johnathan Taylor will do Badger RB-like things and Wisconsin should take this one. On Wisconsin as they beat the Hurricanes 23-20.
Nate
It’s the “hey, last year was pretty cool wasn’t it?”
Bowl. Wisconsin Dominated Miami in an
NY6, Orange Bowl, that was a consolation prize for teams that just missed the
playoffs. Now both teams are not nearly
as good. Both teams have major question marks at QB, with Miami going through a
mediocre rotation, and Wisconsin’s Hornibrook being himself. Wisconsin
still does have Jonathan Taylor, all Big Ten running back, so I’m gonna take
them.
Wisconsin: 24, Miami: 17
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl
Baylor vs. Vanderbilt
Alex
Both the Bears and the Commodores had to fight for late season victories in order to make it down to Houston for this game. Matt Ruhle and Derek Mason have really energized these teams and make them headaches for any opponent to play. Baylor's offense is lead by Sophomore Quarterback, Charlie Brewer, who's thrown for over 2,600 yards with 17 TDs and 8 picks. He'll be up against a stingy Vandy defense that held Notre Dame to 22 points early in the season. On the other side, the main player to watch in this game is the Commodores star QB, Kyle Shurmur. He's just 118 yards away from taking the top spot on Vandy's career passer list, and already has the career record in Touchdown passes 63. Shurmur has thrown for nearly 2,900 yards already this year with an impressive 23:6 TD to INT ratio. I think he'll have a big game in his final one as a Commodore and Vandy will light up the scoreboard on Baylor. Commodores win 40-21.
Nate
So which team wants to be a little less mediocre in the
Texas Bowl? Baylor is scoring 28 points per game, which isn’t an offensive
juggernaut. They will be missing their best weapon Jalen Hurd out at
receiver, so it will be tough to see if they can overcome their troubles and
outscore a rather solid Vandy defense. Baylor is fairly turnover prone however,
so I’ll take the Commodores.
Vandy: 28, Baylor: 22
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Purdue vs. Auburn
Alex
The Boilermakers and the Tigers have been up and down all season, but this is one of my favorite match-ups of Bowl Season. Auburn's rugged defense up against Jeff Brohm's dynamic offense and a juicy BIG 10 vs. SEC showdown to earn some conference bragging rights. Auburn's offense has been somewhat dismal this year, averaging less than 375 yards of total offense per game and just 28 points per contest. Their defense is still top notch though, giving up less than 20 points per game and ranking 44th in total defense overall. They will be tested by Purdue's offense because of a young man named Rondale Moore. The Freshman standout has more than 1,100 receiving yards and 12 TD catches on the year, and is one of the best return men in the nation. Senior QB David Blough has been very stellar this season, throwing for more than 3,500 yards with 25 TDs and 8 picks. Purdue Superfan, Tyler Trent, is an honorary captain for the bowl game down in Memphis, and there's no way they lose with him in town. Boiler Up! Purdue 36, Auburn 31.
Nate
Now this is one of those unranked match-ups that is just a
treat to watch. I hate to say it, but while we know this was a disappointing
season for the tigers, for pursue, it has to be a disappointing season as well
right? They’ve vacillated between stunning dominance and bizarre heartbreak. I
think Auburn will take this one. They’ve played a better schedule, are more
consistent, and I expect their solid defensive line will give Purdue a hard
time. Auburn: 33, Purdue: 25
Camping World Bowl
#20 Syracuse vs. #16 West Virginia
Alex
I'm going to keep this one short and sweet, Syracuse is winning this game. West Virginia will be without Star QB Will Grier, and back-up transfer from Miami, Jack Allison has attempted 10 passes this year. Greg Jennings and David Sills IV will help as much as they can, but Syracuse will take advantage of the Mountaineers pathetic defense and Eric Dungey will have a big afternoon in his final game for the Orange. Syracuse 45, West Virginia 28.
Nate
My favorite video game I’ve played this year is the Legend
of Zelda, Breath of the Wild, a truly stunning open world of exploration,
peace, and beauty. If you have a Nintendo Switch, I very much recommend this
game, its not to be missed. What was that? There is a game to be previewing?
Will Grier isn’t playing, that’s all that needs to be said.
Syracuse: 45, West Virginia: 34
Valero Alamo Bowl
#24 Iowa State vs. #13 Washington State
Alex
The Big XII and the Pac-12 face off as Wazzu and ISU meet up in San Antonio. I always enjoy this game and they find some really good match-ups every year in my opinion. This one should be no different as Iowa State has star players at key positions and Wazzu is lead by one of the nation's top QBs. Gardner Minshew and his mustache have thrown for 4,480 yards so far this season, and is completing 70.6% of his passes. He's thrown 36 TDs compared to just 9 picks and with Iowa State's pass defense giving up nearly 230 yards per game on average, he could have a big night. For the Cyclones, their offensive weapons are star RB David Montgomery and WR Hakeem Butler. Montgomery averages 4.7 yards per carry and has 12 TDs on the year while Butler has over 1,100 yards and 9 TDs receiving. Wazzu gave up 170 and 3 TDs on the ground to Miles Gaskin in their regular season finale against Washington, so look for ISU to feed Montgomery. Tight, tough game, but I like the Cougars to win this one. Washington State 37, Iowa State 30.
Nate
So here's the rub, to bet on the Coogs or not to bet on the
Coogs. Two years ago I thought their solid team would kick the tar out of a
mediocre foe, but they didn’t, I picked against them last year and they did end
up kicking the crap out of that foe. I think I’m going to take the Stash this
year. The Coogs have been remarkably consistent, and Iowa state, well, hasn’t.
I love David Montgomery, but I think Washington State is too much. Washington State: 38, Iowa State: 20
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
#10 Florida vs. #7 Michigan
Alex
The first of our top 10 bowl match-ups comes with the Gators and the Wolverines. Florida is looking to win 10 games under Dan Mullen in his first season while Michigan is trying to erase the beat down brought on by the Buckeyes over Thanksgiving weekend. A big issue for Harbaugh and company is that star Running Back Karan Higdon is sitting out. Higdon has nearly 1,200 yards and 10 TDs on the year, so that's a big part of their offense missing. Michigan will also be without defensive stars Devin Bush and Rashan Gary, so they won't be at full strength either. Florida and Michigan are very similar with tough defenses, so this should be a tight game. Florida DE, Jachai Polite is anything but, and is a 2nd-team All-American with 5 forced fumbles, 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. I like the Gators in this one though, I think the Wolverines make one too many mistakes and Dan Mullen edges out Harbaugh. Florida wins 20-17.
Nate
Its always a tough one to pick bowls when good players are
sitting out. This isn’t a “Will Grier is sitting so I’m just auto-dismissing
WV” situation, when it comes to other players it always gets more complicated.
But damn. Devin Bush, Rashan Gary, Karon Higdon. That’s 3 real good players.
Chase Winovich and Shae Patterson are playing, but who knows how that will
shake out. I’ll take Florida, but barely. Florida: 30, Michigan: 22
Belk Bowl
Virginia vs. South Carolina
Alex
Faux Pelini's favorite bowl game features the Cavaliers and the Gamecocks. South Carolina ranks 24th in passing offense, averaging just under 280 yards through the air per game while the Cavaliers rank 15th in pass defense, giving up just 180 through the air. The big factor is that the Gamecocks will be without star wideout Deebo Samuel, as he prepares for the upcoming draft instead. Jake Bentley still has plenty of weapons, but playing without Samuel definitely gives the Virginia defense an edge. Offensively, the Cavs haven't been overly impressive, but Junior QB Bryce Perkins has put up some impressive numbers. He's completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,472 yards with 22 TDs and just 9 picks. I think he'll have a big game and Virginia will avenge their two overtime losses that ended their regular season. Cavaliers 34, Gamecocks 30.
Nate
Jake Bently is a quarterback that I really really love. He
threw for 5 touchdowns and 500 yards against Clemson in the final game of the
season. Virginia has had trouble scoring against teams that have a pulse in
air, and even without Deebo Samuel, I think the Gamecocks will get it done.
South Carolina: 33, Virginia: 20
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Nevada vs. Arkansas State
Alex
The "random G5 game mixed in right before the CFP Semi-finals" bowl game takes place down in Tuscon, AZ as the Red Wolves take on the Wolfpack. Nevada has improved by 4 wins in Jay Norvell's second season, and are looking for their first bowl win in 3 years. The Red Wolves are in familiar territory, as they've had 8 consecutive winnings seasons, but have only won once in their last 4 post season games. The key player to watch is Arkansas State QB, Justice Hansen. He's experienced, takes care of the football, and has nearly 10,000 career passing yards and 83 career passing TDs to his name. Most importantly, he's on a major hot streak, throwing for more than 1,100 yards and 12 TDs with no picks in his last 4 games. Nevada owns the 85th ranked pass defense in the nation, giving up an average of 243 yards per game through the air. I expect Hansen to take full advantage of that and the Red Wolves win this one with style. Arkansas State 36, Nevada 26.
Nate
The Wolfpack live behind the line of scrimmage, grabbing 32
sacks and 90 tackles. That will be a tough challenge for an Ark State O-Line
that is solid, but nothing special. I think that the defense will be enough to
pull it out for Nevada. Nevada: 32, Arkansas State: 28
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- CFP Semifinal
#3 Notre Dame vs. #2 Clemson
Alex
The first of the CFP Semifinal matches takes place down in Jerry-World as the Tigers take on the Fightin' Irish. Lots of people have already picked Clemson as the winner, but Notre Dame has proven time and time again to be a team you don't want to mess with this year. Ian Book took over at QB part way through the season and has really lifted this offense, helping them score an average of 33.8 points per game. Book and the passing attack average 265 yards per game, and will look to light up a Clemson secondary that isn't always as good as advertised. The Tigers gave up 510 yards and 5 TDs through the air to South Carolina in their regular season finale, and with Book's quick trigger and plethora of targets, he should have a good night. The big story we're all watching is if star DT Dexter Lawrence will be cleared to play for Clemson after testing positive for traces of a banned growth hormone. Secondary tests should come in today, determining his status, but it's unlikely he'll be available for this game. That's a big hole on arguably the best defensive line in college football, giving Notre Dame's offense a lot of wiggle room. On the flip side, the Clemson Offense has run into very few snags this season. Stud Freshman, Trevor Lawrence took over the starting job from Kelly Bryant and has thrown for over 2,600 yards with 24 TDs and just 4 picks. Notre Dame's stingy secondary will give the Freshman more than just headaches in this game. The Tigers' offense is loaded with weapons, but the deadliest of them all is Running back Travis Etienne. I still cannot fathom how this man cannot event get a sniff at the Heisman, but whatever, he's one of the best players in the nation and one of my personal favorites to watch. Etienne has racked up nearly 1,500 yards on the ground this year and has a staggering 21 TDs. He averages 8.3 yards per carry and against the Irish's 32nd ranked rush defense he could have a big night. One sneaky fact about the Irish is that they've given up only 4 rushes of 25+ this season, and Etienne has 17 of those. Travis Etienne is the key factor in this game, and I just hate picking against him. I'm going to disappoint my uncle once again, but Etienne and Clemson will edge out Notre Dame in this one. Don't be surprised if they have to come back or even go to Overtime though, this will be a great game to watch!
Tigers 27, Irish 24.
Nate
Its playoff time! We have a showdown between the Clemson Tigers, in its 4th straight playoff appearance vs Notre Dame, a team in its first appearance. This should be a more traditional showdown on this side of a playoff bracket. I think Notre Dame plays it too traditional though, and getting through a Clemson defensive line that has only given up 150 rushing yards twice this season will be a tough ask of even a top tier team. Notre Dame has a stellar secondary, and do have a stout defense, but stopping a Clemson team that has ran for over 280 yards in over 8 of the games this year. I think it will be interesting, but I think Clemson has too much talent to lose this one.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- CFP Semifinal
#3 Notre Dame vs. #2 Clemson
Alex
The first of the CFP Semifinal matches takes place down in Jerry-World as the Tigers take on the Fightin' Irish. Lots of people have already picked Clemson as the winner, but Notre Dame has proven time and time again to be a team you don't want to mess with this year. Ian Book took over at QB part way through the season and has really lifted this offense, helping them score an average of 33.8 points per game. Book and the passing attack average 265 yards per game, and will look to light up a Clemson secondary that isn't always as good as advertised. The Tigers gave up 510 yards and 5 TDs through the air to South Carolina in their regular season finale, and with Book's quick trigger and plethora of targets, he should have a good night. The big story we're all watching is if star DT Dexter Lawrence will be cleared to play for Clemson after testing positive for traces of a banned growth hormone. Secondary tests should come in today, determining his status, but it's unlikely he'll be available for this game. That's a big hole on arguably the best defensive line in college football, giving Notre Dame's offense a lot of wiggle room. On the flip side, the Clemson Offense has run into very few snags this season. Stud Freshman, Trevor Lawrence took over the starting job from Kelly Bryant and has thrown for over 2,600 yards with 24 TDs and just 4 picks. Notre Dame's stingy secondary will give the Freshman more than just headaches in this game. The Tigers' offense is loaded with weapons, but the deadliest of them all is Running back Travis Etienne. I still cannot fathom how this man cannot event get a sniff at the Heisman, but whatever, he's one of the best players in the nation and one of my personal favorites to watch. Etienne has racked up nearly 1,500 yards on the ground this year and has a staggering 21 TDs. He averages 8.3 yards per carry and against the Irish's 32nd ranked rush defense he could have a big night. One sneaky fact about the Irish is that they've given up only 4 rushes of 25+ this season, and Etienne has 17 of those. Travis Etienne is the key factor in this game, and I just hate picking against him. I'm going to disappoint my uncle once again, but Etienne and Clemson will edge out Notre Dame in this one. Don't be surprised if they have to come back or even go to Overtime though, this will be a great game to watch!
Tigers 27, Irish 24.
Nate
Its playoff time! We have a showdown between the Clemson Tigers, in its 4th straight playoff appearance vs Notre Dame, a team in its first appearance. This should be a more traditional showdown on this side of a playoff bracket. I think Notre Dame plays it too traditional though, and getting through a Clemson defensive line that has only given up 150 rushing yards twice this season will be a tough ask of even a top tier team. Notre Dame has a stellar secondary, and do have a stout defense, but stopping a Clemson team that has ran for over 280 yards in over 8 of the games this year. I think it will be interesting, but I think Clemson has too much talent to lose this one.
Clemson: 34, Notre Dame: 20
Capital One Orange Bowl- CFP Semifinal
#1 Alabama vs. #4 Oklahoma
Alex
The other semifinal match-up is likely to be a completely different game in 1 of 2 ways. Either Bama Rolls as they've done with just about everyone, or there's an insane shootout because Kyler Murray is so good that even the Tide can't stop him. I'm hoping for the latter, but wouldn't be surprised in the slightest by the former. This game could also be called the "Heisman Game" as Tua was the favored winner all season until Murray swooped in at the last second to rightfully claim the trophy. Lincoln Riley and crew will be looking to avenge last year's Rose Bowl loss to Georgia in double OT after blowing a 17 point lead. Their only hope is to outscore Bama (not as easy of a task as it once was), because the Sooners "defense" ranks dead last in pass defense and 108th in total defense. Tua struggled against Georgia (who I think should still be in the Playoffs), but is likely to have a big night against the Sooners. The game will ultimately be decided on if Bama's defense can actually contain Mr. Murray, who's accounted for 4,945 yards BY HIMSELF and 51 total TDs. This kid is absolutely amazing and I'm really sad this is potentially his last football game ever. The future MLB star will look to torch Bama's defense in every which way, and if there's anyone that can do it, it'd be him. He's hoping to have star wideout Marquise "Hollywood" Brown back from injury, but that won't be known for sure until Saturday. Bama will be without starting offensive lineman Deonte Brown, and two reserve players as they've been suspended for this game for a violation of team rules and did not make the trip to Miami. This could be a fun one to watch, but when your defense is as bad as Oklahoma's, you probably can't win a semifinal game. My mom would be disgusted having to pick either of these teams, and this may be one of the only times she would root for the Sooners. I'm sure Kyler Murray will do his thing, but Bama wins and moves closer toward another championship. Roll Tide, 48-35.
Nate
If anyone in this field can beat Alabama, I’m guessing its
this team. Oklahoma can outscore the Crimson Tide, or at least, they can try. Bama
should be able to slice through a Sooner defense that can charitably be called
terrible, as they’ve surrendered almost 4 thousand yards in the air. The Ground
game defense for the Sooners isn’t much better, allowing 300-ish yards to teams
like Army. It will be tough for Oklahoma to stop Bama, but Kyler Murray might
outscore them. However, its tough to pick against Saban. Alabama: 48 Oklahoma: 41
Thank you for reading our Bowl Predictions and keep watching as more are on the way! GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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