Alex Bowl Predictions: 19-8
Nate Bowl Predictions: 19-8
Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Alex
The Bearcats and the Hokies meet up in Annapolis, MD to close out their 2018 campaigns. After an opening week thrashing of Florida State, VA Tech looked like a possible contender in the ACC against Clemson, those dreams were quickly smashed two weeks later when they lost to Old Dominion. The wheels basically fell off the cart at that point in the season and the Hokies have struggled to their 6-6 record. They will need some serious "Beamer-Ball" plays to upset Cincy in this game. The Bearcats come in as the 16th ranked rushing offense in the country, averaging nearly 240 yards per game on the ground. Sophomore RB, Michael Warren II has racked up 1,163 yards and 17 TDs on the ground this year, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Since the Hokies are ranked 105th in rush defense, I think the Bearcats shouldn't have to many issues in this game. Never count out Justin Fuente and VA Tech, but Cincy pulls away with some tough defense (they're ranked 8th in total defense). Cincinnati 30, Virginia Tech 17.
Nate
Cincinnati was very very good at beating mediocre teams this year. Will that continue against the Gobblers? Virginia Tech limped into bowl eligibility, beating Virginia and Marshall in the final weeks to make it in. Cincy dominates the time of possession per game, holding onto the ball for nearly 35 minutes per game. They do that by converting a lot of third downs, around half of them. I think that the Bearcats will have enough to beat a struggling Tech team.
Cincinnati: 30, Virginia Tech: 20
Hyndai Sun Bowl
Stanford vs. Pittsburgh
Alex
This is one of those toss up games where you have no idea which version of each team will show up. Both Pitt and Stanford have shown potential to be solid teams, but have also struggled when the spotlight was on them. An early win for the Panthers is that star RB Bryce Love is sitting out of the Bowl Game to prepare for the draft. However, he honestly hasn't done much for the Cardinal this season, battling numerous injuries along the way. This is where the table turns to K.J. Costello and the Stanford receiving corps. JJ Arcega-Whiteside is the name to know, and he's likely to give Pitt more than they can handle with his 6'3, 225 lbs. frame. He has nearly 1,000 yards receiving on the year and 14 touchdowns. After all this though, I think Pitt is going to show up for this one. They're looking to avenge their late season blowouts and end on a high note, so why not do it here? Running back Qadree Ollison is averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and I think he carries them to victory. The Panthers have two 1,000+ yard rushers for the first time in school history, as Darrin Hall and Ollison make for a nasty 1-2 punch. Pitt surprises Stanford with a 28-24 win.
Nate
Even with Bryce Love, Stanford couldn’t move the ball at
all, only averaging 130 yards per game. Now Love is gone, and maybe the chances
for Stanford to win this game. But the chance for Stanford? KJ Costello is
actually pretty good, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. Pitt has been so
inconsistent, and I think the bad Pitt will show up. (Sleeper thing for Pitt
though, kickoff return, Stanford has the statistically worst Kickoff coverage
in the nation, strange stat)
Stanford: 24, Pitt: 14
Redbox Bowl
Michigan State vs. Oregon
Alex
Buzz-saw, meet brick wall, brick wall, meet buzz-saw. Michigan State's stout defense against Oregon's dynamic offense should be fun to watch in this BIG 10/Pac-12 match-up. Michigan State's defense is one of the best in the country, giving up just 18 points and about 315 yards on average per game. The Ducks aren't quite as high-powered as they were under Chip Kelly, but Justin Herbert still has them humming to the tune of 37.2 points per game. Michigan State could have a difficult time shutting down the Oregon wideouts, as the Spartans give up an average of 230 yards passing per game. That's good enough to rank 64th in the nation, something I expect the Ducks to take advantage of. Herbert is coming back for his senior year, and this bowl game is going to be a good example of what we can all look forward to watching next season. Oregon wins 30-20.
Nate
So, this one should be interesting. Michigan State has the
adjusted S&P number 2 ranked defense in the nation. But their offense has
been putrid all season, and the Oregon defense is no slouch. Justin Herbert is
gonna be back next year, and should be a ready to go despite a bum shoulder the
last few weeks. An iffy match-up for two teams that didn’t really succeed as much
as they wanted, but I think Oregon has enough to squeak by this one.
Oregon: 17, Michigan State: 10
Autozone Liberty Bowl
#23 Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
Alex
Old Big XII foes square off in Memphis as the Tigers take on the Pokes. I would expect a lot of points in this game, as both offenses average nearly 40 points per game. Missouri is riding a four game winning streak, including a big road win against #11 Florida. Drew Lock has thrown for 3,125 yards, 25 TDs and just 8 picks for the Tigers, so Oklahoma State's secondary better be ready for an air raid. The Pokes have been in their fair share of barn burners this season, often being on the wrong end of those tight games. Taylor Cornelius is a stellar QB for sure, but he'll be without one of his top offensive weapons in Justice Hill, as he sits out to prepare for the NFL draft. I think that could be the deciding factor in this game, and I'm giving the edge to Missouri. Tigers 39, Cowboys 33.
Nate
From a fan, Oklahoma State has been a nightmare. Against
teams like Oklahoma and West Virginia, this team has looked amazing, scoring
over 40 points. Against teams like Baylor and Kansas State, not so much. It
will be a case of whatever teams will show up against a solid, but not amazing
Missouri Team. They did impress when they rolled over Florida, but their other
wins aren’t amazing. Its always a toss up when you think its gonna be a
shootout, and call me a homer, but OK state will show up. Oklahoma State: 45, Missouri: 39
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
#22 Northwestern vs. #17 Utah
Alex
One of my more anticipated match-ups of bowl season, this BIG 10/Pac-12 match-up features the Wildcats and the Utes. Northwestern and Utah are very similar teams, winning their divisions in the weaker side of their respective conferences, both have tough, passionate head coaches, and both schools seem to love playing in close games. Utah has been plagued by injuries this year, claiming their starting QB and RB. Their defense remains one of the best in the nation however, so this should be a tight one. Northwestern has just found a way to win in almost every game, and Senior QB Clayton Thorson is a big reason for that. His stats are not flattering at all this year, but his experience is second to none, and the 4-year starter is always on point during clutch time. Combine that with Freshman stud Isaiah Bowser at Running Back and I say the Wildcats pull off a big win for the BIG 10. It will be tough, as the Utes are 11-1 in bowl games under Kyle Whittingham, but I like what Pat Fitzgerald does with his teams. Wildcats 26, Utes 24.
Nate
If I had to describe this Holiday Bowl, Utah vs
Northwestern would be the sitting on your couch for 4 days watching Netflix
type of holiday. All joking aside, It’s a very similar match-up. Grind 'em out,
ball control, running. Both teams have very good run defense, allowing teams to
run for over 200 yards against them just once or twice. I think Utah is gonna get
the upper hand based on their defensive line against Northwestern’ O line. It
should be an interesting game.
Utah: 28, Northwestern: 25
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
NC State vs. #19 Texas A&M
Alex
I was fortunate enough to attend this bowl game last year, watching Lamar Jackson in person against Mississippi State. This year features the Wolfpack of NC State against Jimbo Fisher, Kellen Mond, Trayveon Williams and all of the Aggies from A&M. A lot of people are saying this game is going to be somewhat tight, but I just don't see it. NC State will be without their top receiver, Kevin Harmon (1,186 yards and 7 TDs), and their top tackler, Germaine Pratt (55 solo tackles), as they prepare for the NFL draft. Texas A&M has some of the best offensive weapons in the nation, and I think they'll be rolling all over the Wolfpack. Ryan Finley will do some damage, but will likely be running for his life in the backfield against A&M's ferocious pass rush. The Aggies have 35 sacks on the season, and their offense should have no issues moving the ball. Texas A&M wins big 43-24.
Nate
A bizarre year for NC State, as they finished a very very
quiet 9-3. Mostly its Ryan Finley, who is leading the team to a great 51% third
down conversion. Texas A&M has had a less quiet season, almost beating 2
playoff teams. Its gonna be interesting. State is missing its top receiver and
its best defender, and I think that’s gonna mean something. Texas A&M: 32, NC State: 24
Outback Bowl
#18 Mississippi State vs. Iowa
Alex
This one is fairly easy to pick for me 😉. Iowa is a solid team, loves to control the clock, and has one of the best defenses in the nation. Unfortunately for them, their opponent is much of the same, and Iowa typically loses to teams similar to them. The Hawkeyes are also going to be without star TE, Noah Fant as he preps for the NFL draft. The Bulldogs will be full force, and Nick Fitzgerald will look to end his stellar collegiate career with a win. He's likely to cause issues for the Hawkeyes, just as the Bulldogs defense will cause issues too. Mississippi State gives up just 12 points per game on average, and average 3 sacks per game. Montez Sweat will be giving Nate Stanley a warm SEC welcome and the Bulldogs win 28-14.
Nate
Iowa is gonna be a hard team to beat. They have a stellar
secondary, grabbing 16 interceptions in their last 8 games. They’ve allowed 28
points or more only 3 times all season, and they have a very solid front.
Mississippi State also has a solid defense, as opponents are converting only 28%
on third down. Whoever I pick I know is gonna let me down. I’ll pick Iowa, the
team I have personal experience watching. But to be honest, I don’t mind if I
lose this pick.
Iowa: 21, Mississippi State: 17
VRBO Citrus Bowl
#14 Kentucky vs. #12 Penn State
Alex
Trace McSorley vs. Josh Allen. One of the best QBs in the nation vs. one of the best pass rushers in the nation. Neither team lived up to the hype they brought on in the first half of the season, but this could be an interesting game to watch. Penn State's defense hasn't been the best year, so Benny Snell and the Wildcat offense has potential to step up. The Nittany lions have stepped it up in recent weeks, though, so look for James Franklin's crew to blitz early and often. On the flip side, Josh Allen will be doing his best to reek havoc on a Penn State offense that has been underwhelming this year. Losing Saquon Barkley proved to be a bit much when it came to competing in the BIG 10, but there's no way McSorley loses his last game in a Penn State uniform. Nittany Lions 31, Wildcats 21.
Nate
Kentucky is a strange team. They play bad, drag their
opponents down to their level, and try to beat them there. It will be
interesting to see if that will work on Penn State. Personally, I think Penn
State will get there. Their D line leads the nation with 43 sacks, and with
Josh Allen gone for Kentucky, I think that their offense should be able to get
ahead, and stay ahead.
Penn State: 28, Kentucky: 13
Playstation Fiesta Bowl
#11 LSU vs. #8 UCF
Alex
UCF gets another crack at an SEC West team, and an opportunity to be the first team since my '94-95 Huskers to finish undefeated in back to back seasons. LSU has an opportunity to not get made fun of like Auburn by beating UCF, so there's a lot at stake in this game. Star QB McKenzie Milton won't be active for this game after suffering a nasty leg injury late in the season, but redshirt freshman Darriel Mack Jr. accounted for 6 TDs against Memphis in the AAC Championship game, so they didn't miss too much of a step. LSU will be without their top corner, Greedy Williams, and I just can't go against the Knights in this one. This is another statement game for them, just asking yet again for a shot at the Playoffs. They'll need to play perfect to make it happen, but UCF with another stunner 27-21 over the other Tigers of the SEC West.
Nate
So Mackenzie Milton isn’t playing, but neither is like half
of LSU’s defense. I predict a very grind it out game plan, put the ball in the
trenches, grind it out against a UCF defense that gives up 180 yards on the
ground per game. LSU doesn’t turn it over, +12 on the year, and I think the
loss of Milton is just too much. Sorry Knights, you guys deserve better.
LSU: 31, UCF: 17
Rose Bowl Presented by Northwestern Mutual
#9 Washington vs. #6 Ohio State
Alex
Two teams that started the year with big playoff dreams fell short and ended up in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State and Washington square off with a top notch offense against a top notch defense. The Huskies give up just 15.5 points per game and rank 11th in total defense. The Buckeyes average just under 45 points and 550 yards per game on offense. Dwayne Haskins has nearly 4,600 yards passing to go along with his 47 TDs and 8 picks, so Washington's rugged secondary will be heavily tested in this one. On the other side, the Huskies need to lean on RB Myles Gaskin. The Buckeyes defense gives up 400 yards per game on average and the Huskies will want to keep the ball away from Haskins if they're going to win. Paper looks like a good game, but the Rose Bowl has a way of getting out of hand quickly. Ohio State is going to make another statement for the Playoff committee, and there's no way Urban Meyer is losing his last game as head coach. Buckeyes win 41-24.
Nate
Urban Meyer is gonna teach an ethics class at Ohio State.
That’s some darkest timeline signifier if I’ve ever seen one. Regardless of his
humanity status, Meyer knows how to bring it in bowl games, he always shows up.
Haskins should be able to light up a rather so so Washington secondary. The
Huskies gave up 270+ to both Justin Herbert and Jarrett Stidham, and as a pure
college passer, Haskins should surpass them. The buckeyes don’t have a stellar
group on D, but it should be solid enough to frustrate a rather average Jake
Browning and a Washington O that hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboards. Ohio State: 38, Washington; 27
Allstate Sugar Bowl
#15 Texas vs. #5 Georgia
Alex
I'm going to drop the coldest of all cold takes: GEORGIA IS ONE OF THE 4 BEST TEAMS IN THE NATION. But, here we sit, with them at #5, wondering what could've been had they had the chance to play Bama again, or even replace a dismal Notre Dame to face off against Clemson. Oh well, they'll prove it to everyone as they throttle Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Sam Ehlinger is a good QB, but Texas is not ready for the DAWGS quite yet. Star wideouts Collin Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey will do some damage, but Georgia will get too much pressure on Ehlinger to make it last. On offense, Holyfield and Swift should run wild and Jake Fromm will prove yet again why he is one of the best QBs in the nation... and he's just a Sophomore. Georgia wins 34-14.
Nate
I told Alex when the selection committee chose its four
teams that it was a cowards move leaving Georgia at 5 as a tacit “yeah we know
Georgia is one of the four best teams in the nation, but you know, conference
politics.” And after the manhandling of Oklahoma, that seems to have been
proven right. Jake Fromm is legit one of the best quarterbacks in the nation,
and we will see yet another SEC team throttles a top Big 12. Georgia is just
that good. Georgia: 35, Texas: 20
Thank you for reading all of our predictions and enjoy the last of the College Football Bowls of the 2018 season! The next post will have our predictions on the National Championship game, Round 4 between Clemson and Alabama! Happy New Year and GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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