We've reached the final weekend of Bowl Games, all leading up to the New Year's Six! This past week has been full of great games, breakout performances and historic moments such as the edible Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot being devoured by the K-State football team following their victory. This post has my predictions of all the final bowl games this weekend along with my College Football Playoff Predictions, enjoy your football watching and Happy New Year celebration!
Bowl Record: 17 - 12
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
#22 Clemson vs Kentucky
The Tigers had a big resurgence at the end of the year, going undefeated in November and finishing the season 8-4. The Wildcats struggled late in the season, losing 3 of their last 5, but they did upset rival Louisville in the season finale. Both teams have some players in the portal, but most aren't any going to make a major impact in this game. Despite so many people being down on the Tigers, they finished with the 22nd ranked scoring defense, allowing just 19.9 points per game. The most they gave up in November was 23 to Notre Dame and they average 2.5 sacks per game as a team. The Wildcats have some dynamic playmakers on offense, primarily led through their Senior RB Ray Davis, who averages 5.7 yards per carry and has 13 TDs on the ground this season. Defensively, their challenge will be to get in the face of Tigers QB Cade Klubnik. Tigers defense makes the difference though and Clemson wins 28-17.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
#19 Oregon State vs #16 Notre Dame
The Beavers were a very fun team to watch this season, but a few close losses along with a season ending beat down to the rival Ducks ended up not being the worst part. This team loses QB DJ Uiagelelei to the Transfer Portal, and lost their alumni Head Coach to Michigan State. Notre Dame lost just 3 tough games to Ohio State, Louisville and Clemson, but their Transfer Portal/Opt-out woes are far greater than the Beavers. Essentially an entire new offense will be taking the field for Marcus Freeman and the Irish as they will be without their QB, RB, multiple wideouts, tight ends and linemen. This always gives a lot of younger players the opportunity to step up and make a name for themselves heading toward next season, but they'll be up against an Oregon State defense that finished with a +7 turnover margin on the season, so ball security will be very important. Sophomore RB, Damien Martinez will likely break loose a few gashes in the run game, but Notre Dame's defense should keep this game to a lower scoring affair. Irish win a tight one down in El Paso 23-17.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Memphis vs Iowa State
Iowa State started the season 1-2 with essentially no offense to rely on. They woke up once Big XII Conference play started and actually were in the mix for a bid to the conference championship until a few stumbles against KU and Texas. Regardless, their defense carried them for much of the season and then let the offense begin to fall into place. Memphis was able to win 9 games, primarily in shootouts. If this game becomes high scoring, they may have the firepower to pull away. I think the Cyclones built some big momentum with their snowy win in Farmaggedon, and they win this game to finish with 8 wins on the season 26-21.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
#9 Missouri vs #7 Ohio State
The Friday nightcap features a really interesting matchup between Missouri and Ohio State. On team has a lot of argument on their talent and abilities for the playoffs, while the other may be one of the biggest surprises from 2023. Ohio State's only blunder is the 6-point loss to Michigan, but they Buckeyes have lost a tremendous amount of talent to the Transfer Portal. A new man will be under center for Ohio State as McCord has left for Syracuse. They do still have Marvin Harrison Jr. to throw to, so Missouri's secondary will have to deal with him one way or another. Looking at the offense of Missouri, they have a gun-slinger and pass-catching duo of their own to attempt to lock down. Brady Cook and Luther Burden III have connected for nearly 1,200 yards this season along with 8 TDs. My X-factor is RB Cody Schrader though, because he rips defenses for an average of 6 yards per carry. The Buckeyes rank 20th in rush defense and held Michigan to just 156 rush yards in the season finale. Mizzou will certainly make this game interesting with a couple of big plays on offense, but I don't think their defense is quite ready for the offensive firepower of the Buckeyes. Ohio State wins the Cotton Bowl 33-24.
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
#11 Ole Miss vs #10 Penn State
High-flying SEC offense versus a rugged BIG 10 defense, what more could you ask for? The Rebels and Nittany Lions reflect each other in their respective conferences, dominating the lower-caliber opponents as expected, but unable to get over the hump and beat the top teams. Neither team has many players leaving in the Portal, which means they are building for a big season next year, and should be at full strength for this game. Both QBs have been sensational this season, combing for 43 passing TDs and just 6 interceptions (5 for Dart and just 1 for Allar). Penn State utilizes a two-headed rushing attack with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen averaging 4.3 and 5.3 yards per carry respectively. Quinshon Judkins leads the way for Ole Miss as he's racked up 1,052 yards on the ground with 15 rushing TDs. I would love to believe the BIG 10 defense can prevail here, but every time I put my faith in Penn State, I'm let down. Give me the Rebels in a fun Peach Bowl to win 31-28.
TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Auburn vs Maryland
Maryland will be looking for a new QB after (All-Time BIG 10 Passing Leader) Taulia Tagovailoa has opted-out in hopes of the NFL draft or a potential NCAA waiver for one more season of eligibility. Having watched this team play live in Memorial Stadium against my Huskers, they really didn't have much outside of him. He was sensational at QB and filling his void is more than just a "next man up" scenario. For the Tigers, you really have no idea what to expect. They could play like the team that fell to New Mexico State at home as 26-point favorites, or they could be the team that took Alabama to the wire the following week. I think their defense should be the focal point of this game though, and the Tigers hold the advantage there. Auburn 27, Maryland 14.
Capital One Orange Bowl
#6 Georgia vs #5 Florida State
The left-out bowl features the two-time reigning champion Bulldogs (who's only blemish is to Bama in the conference championship), and the 13-0, ACC Champion Florida State Seminoles who were left out of the College Football Playoffs despite winning every game on their schedule. To say both of these teams have a statement to make is an understatement. Unfortunately, there are quite a few players opting out of this game, but that doesn't mean the motivation will be missing. This is honestly one of my most anticipated bowl matchups due to the CFP drama. Florida State could easily make the Playoff Committee look like bigger fools if they go in an beat Georgia. Despite Jordan Travis being out with his injury, the Seminole defense was formidable this season, ranking 13th in total defense and 6th in scoring defense. Georgia has been the epitome of consistency apart from their duel with Alabama, and when this offense has been healthy, they easily drop 30+ on opponents. I think Florida State is here to make a statement, so this won't be a total blowout, but I like Georgia to win this game 27-17.
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl
Toledo vs Wyoming
The Rockets and Cowboys have been interesting teams to watch this season, causing upsets and playing opponents tough all year long. I like this bowl matchup a lot and after a loss in the Conference Championship, the Rockets have a lot of motivation and a tough defense to back it up. Wyoming fell short in their conference race, but dominated their last two opponents giving up just 15 points combined. Give me the Rockets in a close one behind their rushing attack with Peny Boone. Toledeo 28, Wyoming 21.
ReliaQuest Bowl
Wisconsin vs #13 LSU
The Badgers were up and down all season and now have to take on the the LSU Tigers with all their offensive firepower. However, with Jayden Daniels opting-out for the NFL Draft, there's a big void Brian Kelly needs to fill in that offense. I really don't know what to make of either of these teams, especially LSU without the Heisman winner at the helm. The Tigers have a lot of other talent on that team though and they should be able to handle Luke Fickell and the Badgers as they still build that new program. LSU wins 34-21.
VRBO Fiesta Bowl
#23 Liberty vs #8 Oregon
The Flames finish undefeated after the lowest strength of schedule in the nation, but they now take on a Ducks team that was one of the most dominant football programs of 2023 as long as they weren't playing Washington. There's not much to say about this game other than the Ducks are going to run wild and put up a lot of points. Dan Lanning has a lot of big plans fore Oregon and they are going to be on a war path next year. A fun farewell game for Bo Nix and Oregon races past Liberty 45-14.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
#17 Iowa vs #21 Tennessee
We come to yet another game Iowa should not win, but will. Partly because Tennessee has a number of opt-outs including QB Joe Milton, but also because Tennessee is a team that loves to make crucial mistakes on themselves that Iowa can capitalize on. Don't get me wrong, I wish the Huskers could win games like the Hawkeyes, but they are the worst offense in football and simply wait for others to make a boneheaded play and they do a wonderful job of capitalizing. It shouldn't work in modern day football, but they find a way to do it. Hawkeyes beat the Vols 16-10. As usual, bet the under.
Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
#4 Alabama vs #1 Michigan
The first of our CFP Semifinals features the Crimson Tide against Big Blue. Bama and Michigan square off for a defensive slug fest with everything on the line. You never want to play Alabama in the Playoffs and they're hot right now. But Michigan has been hear for a month about how scared they are and that's a big time motivator. Despite the Jim Harbaugh distractions, this Wolverine squad has always found a way to win. The key stat to watch is if they can get their ground game going. They've averaged 149.8 yards on the ground in their last 4 games, and Alabama gives up just 124.5 rush yards per game. They're not a team that gets bullied very often and Michigan has made a living the last couple seasons on that style of play. J.J. McCarthy has to win this one with his arm, but I think Alabama is too dangerous in this position. Roll Tide as they beat Michigan 31-27.
Allstate Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
#3 Texas vs #2 Washington
From a defensive rock fight to a guns-blazing shootout, we have the Sugar Bowl featuring Texas and Washington. While both teams have playmakers on the defensive side of the ball and can certainly bring the boom with some big hits, this game is all about the offense. Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies lead the nation in passing, while the Longhorns come in scoring 57 and 49 in their last two games. Turnovers are usually the deciding factor in a shootout scenario because it's a great way for opposing teams to steal points. Texas leads that category with +7 while the Huskies are just +1. Sacks are another big factor though, and the Huskies have given up just 11 all year. Michael Penix's ability to escape the pocket helps with that, but Quin Ewers has been hit plenty of times and as a team the Longhorns have given up 26 this season. Look for the Huskies to blitz early and often. The final factor to watch in this game is 3rd down conversions. Washington ranks 10th with a 48.3% conversion rate while the Longhorns rank 68th with 38.5%. Clutch throws and catches will make the difference on third down. If you haven't watched Michael Penix Jr., that's what he's all about. Give me the Huskies in a fantastic 38-33 victory!
Thanks for reading all my bowl predictions and be sure to watch for my post about the College Football Playoffs National Championship coming up. Enjoy the games!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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