Hello Football Friends! My apologies on missing the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in my picks yesterday, but I did have Wazzu winning that one. Regardless, this post will cover the next few days of Bowl Games and get us over to the weekend. Enjoy!
Bowl Record: 5 - 3
CFP Record: 3 - 1
Bowl Game Predictions:
Toledo vs Louisville - Bush's Boca Raton Bowl
The Rockets come into Bowl Season on a 4-game winning streak, looking to knock off a Power 4 opponent to end their season. Jeff Brohm and the Cardinals stumbled quite a bit to end the year, falling in 3-straight games to Cal, Clemson and SMU, knocking them out of ACC contention. Combining that with the rumors of Michigan going after Jeff Brohm as their new Head Coach, this game could be one to watch as an upset. The tricky piece for the Rockets is running their team without Head Coach Jason Candle who is off to UConn, and Defensive Coordinator Vince Kehres who was hired by Syracuse. Since Jeff Brohm is still with the Cards, I'll give them a nod. Look for Miller Moss to put up big numbers to end the season, Toledo ranked 7th against the pass this year, but we'll see how things go without their DC. Louisville gives Brohm some reasons to stay with a 33-21 win.
Western Kentucky vs Southern Miss - New Orleans Bowl
The Hilltoppers offensive production has not been what it used to be just a few seasons ago, but they've managed to reach a bowl game for the 7th consecutive year and now have 12 of the last 14 seasons. An impressive feat for WKU, and they get to take on the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss. The team that finished last in the Sun Belt a year ago was 1 win away from going to the Conference Championship. Former Marshall Head Coach Charles Huff can be thanked for that, but he's now the former Southern Miss Head Coach as he's accepted the job at Memphis. The Golden Eagles are lead by star QB Braylon Braxton, who played for Huff both at Marshall and this year at Southern Miss. He's thrown for more than 5,700 yards in his career including a career high 2,796 this season to go along with 23 TDs and 7 picks. He's looking to break 3,000 yards passing against the Hilltoppers 69th ranked pass defense. Western Kentucky suffered a number of injuries throughout the season, most notably to QB Maverick McIvor. We'll likely see Rodney Tisdale Jr. at QB, but there is a chance McIvor can come back, not having played since October 14th. Neither team has much of a run game to lean on, but the Golden Eagles are +12 in turnover margin while the Hiltoppers are -5. Give me Southern Miss to win 38-33.
UNLV vs Ohio - Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl
The stories with the Frisco Bowl start with the Ohio Bobcats firing head coach Brian Smith who was promoted to HC after being moved up from the OC position last year. The current OC, Kevin Johns will be running the show for the bowl game, and the University is expected to make a coaching hire afterwards. The Bobcats finished tied for 2nd in the MAC, but the tiebreaker gave Miami (OH) a bid to the conference title game despite the Bobcats having the head-to-head win. QB Parker Navaro is the player to watch in green as his dual-threat ability has given opposing defenses headaches all season. He's accounted for 22 total TDs with more than 3,000 total yards of offense. He's supported by Senior RB Sieh Bangura, who's averaging 5.6 yards per carry with more than 1,200 yards and 14 TDs. On the other sideline, UNLV has been living on the edge all season long with a 5-1 record in one-score games. Head Coach Dan Mullen has done well in his first season back on the sidelines, leading the Rebels to a 10-3 record with an appearance in the Conference Title game (via tiebreaker). Junior QB Anthony Colandrea leads the way with 3,275 yards and 23 TDs. He's thrown just 8 picks, but also has some dual-threat ability rushing for 9 TDs and 621 yards. This game should be one of the most entertaining of the week with these two QBs, so be sure to tune into this game. I like both programs a lot, but with a Head Coach being fired, there's a lot of distractions in Ohio right now. I'll take the Rebels 37-31.
Cal vs Hawaii - Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
It's a Island reunion for Christmas Eve as Cal Interim Head Coach Nick Rolovich (former Hawaii HC) and QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Hawaiian Native) return to the islands to take on the fighting Rainbow Warriors, who are led by Timmy Chang, coaching at his alma mater. This should be a very entertaining game, both teams looking to end the season on a high note. Cal fired Head Coach Justin Wilcox after a bad loss to Stanford, but bounced back to end the season by knocking SMU out of the ACC Championship. Hawaii was a bit up and down this season, falling short in some games toward the end of the year. However, they've posted their best season since 2019 with an 8-4 record. This game will feature two freshman QBs with a group of wide receivers that can rip secondaries to shreds. The Rainbow Warriors rank 10th in passing this season while Cal isn't far behind at 23rd. The big stat I'm watching in this game will be who can convert on 3rd down. Hawaii is holding opponents to around 35% conversions while Cal's defense is holding teams to 41%. If these QB's can keep the chains moving, the team that does that the best will win. I've enjoyed watching both of these teams over the season, and am looking forward to their jumps next year. Hard to go against the home team on Christmas Eve though, give me Hawaii with a 30-28 win over Cal.
Central Michigan vs Northwestern - GameAbove Sports Bowl
The Wildcats and Chippewas meet in Detroit for somewhat of a home bowl game for Central Michigan. Both teams ended the year on a sour note, losing to Toledo and Illinois, but a bowl win could certainly help end the season on a high. Preston Stone makes his final start of his college career, looking to add to his 2,174 yards and 14 TDs. He'll need to be careful with turnovers as he's thrown 12 picks already this season and the Chippewas are +8 in turnover margin on the season with 12 picks themselves. Central Michigan's offense doesn't have much to hang their hat on, and Northwestern's defense doesn't give up much, allowing just 20.9 points per game. I'll lean on a BIG 10 defense to win the game here, so give me the Wildcats 24-14.
New Mexico vs Minnesota - Rate Bowl
The Gophers head out to the desert to take on the Lobos coming from one state over. New Mexico has had an absolutely magical season under first year Head Coach Jason Eck. The Lobos were gutted after last season, losing their coach and all their best players. However, they responded by posting a 9-3 record and missing the Mountain West Championship because of a tiebreaker. Jason Eck has this team riding high, looking for their 10th win of the season. Minnesota comes in at 7-5, led by Freshman QB Drake Lindsey who's thrown for 2,235 yards with 16 TDs and just 6 picks. The Gopher defense has been spotty at times, and although I want to see the BIG 10 do well, it's hard to go against the Lobos this year. They're on a six-game win streak and I expect them to make it seven. Give me the Lobos to beat the Gophers 31-27.
Florida International vs UTSA - SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
The FIU Panthers have found themselves in a bowl game for the first time since 2019. Willie Simmons has done wonders in his first season, going 7-5 and finishing the year on a four game win streak. The Road Runners were great at home this year, knocking off Tulane, and East Carolina, but struggled at times on the road. This game will be in their home state, but don't discount FIU. Both squads have fantastic Senior Running Backs, so look for a heavy dose of the ground game early on. Robert Henry Jr. from USTA has 1,045 yards with 9 TDs and a 6.9 yard per carry average to his name, while his counterpart, Kejon Owens from FIU has 1,298 yards with 11 TDs and 6.3 yards per carry average. The difference maker in this game looks to be USTA QB Owen McCown. He's thrown for 2,700 yards with 27 TDs and just 7 picks on the season. I imagine this one will be a high-scoring affair, but I'll take the Road Runners to edge them out. Meep Meep for a 38-35 victory.
Pittsburgh vs East Carolina - Go Bowling Military Bowl
The Panthers and the Pirates both come in at 8-4 having pulled a few upsets throughout the season. Both teams have dynamic QBs with ECU's Katin Houser and Pitt's Mason Heintschel. Houser has 3,300 yards with 19 TDs and just 6 picks on the season. Heintschel took over the QB1 spot after a few games as the backup, but still put up 2,098 yards with 12 TDs and 7 picks. Both defenses will be tested throughout the game, and if you haven't watched ECU yet this year, don't sleep on the Pirates. They rank 28th in turnover margin with +6 and 12th in 3rd down conversion rate with 50%. I like Pitt a lot and this team will be dangerous in 2026, but ECU has been one of my sneaky teams to watch this year, give me the Pirates for a bowl upset 34-31.
Penn State vs Clemson - Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
If you told anyone we'd get a Penn State-Clemson matchup in the post-season, I think we'd all be pretty excited. However, the Nittany Lions and Tigers are meeting in the Pinstripe Bowl rather than the College Football playoff after very disappointing seasons. Penn State has made a coaching change while Clemson is looking to overturn their roster. Speaking of rosters, they will both be depleted in this game as many players are opting out for the portal, the NFL draft or injuries. It's hard to get a feel for how this game will play out, but I'll give the nod to Dabo. Clemson defeats Penn State 20-10.
UConn vs Army - Wasabi Fenway Bowl
The Huskies had a fantastic season with a 9-3 record. However, Jim Mora is off to Colorado State, QB Joe Fagnano and WR Skylar Bell are off to the NFL Draft and most of their other key players including star RB Cam Edwards (maybe *hopefully* a future Husker), are in the transfer portal. Even with a roster intact, this would be a tough matchup. The service academies play well in Bowl Games as teams don't know how best to prepare for them with the triple option. Army will grind this one out and beat UConn, but don't let that take away from what the Huskies did this year, this was a very special team. Army wins in Fenway 24-17.
Miami (OH) vs Fresno State - Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
The Redhawks and Bulldogs meet in Tucson as Snoop Dogg hosts a bowl game. Miami (OH) has a few opt outs, including QB Dequan Finn. Fresno State had a strong year, finishing 8-4 including a big win on the road at Boise back on November 1st. Their defense has been tough to move the ball on all season, ranking 14th in total yards allowed and 25th in points allowed. Without their main weapon on offense I don't see the Redhawks having much success in this game. Fresno State wins the Snoop Dogg Bowl to represent Cali 28-10.
#25 North Texas vs San Diego State - Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Two teams that were near the top of their respective conferences meet, but coaching hires and transfers will certainly limit the excitement of this game. Mean Green Head Coach Eric Morris is off the Oklahoma State and star QB Drew Mestemaker is in the portal, but it does sound like he will play in this game. San Diego State has a couple of defensive players in the portal, likely because my Huskers took Rob Aurich away from the Aztecs to fill their Defensive Coordinator position. The Aztecs strength was their defense all season, ranking 4th in points allowed with 12.6 per game. North Texas beat most of their opponents by racking up 50+ on them, something they did in 3 of their last 4 games. If Mestemaker plays, this team will put up points on anyone. SDSU is a tough team to beat, but they don't have the offense to keep pace in a track meet. Give me the Mean Green to win 38-28.
#19 Virginia vs Missouri - TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
The Cavaliers were just a few plays away from the College Football Playoffs, but their overtime loss in the ACC Championship held them out. Chandler Morris is set to play his last game of College Football, and he's been sensational all season. Throwing for more than 2,800 yards with 16 TDs and 9 picks, he led Virginia to their first ACC Championship game since 2019. Missouri will be without their QB, Beau Pribula, who is back in the transfer portal just one season after leaving Penn State mid-playoffs last year. They do still have Sophomore RB Ahmad Hardy though, and his 6.5 yards per carry will look to give Virginia headaches all game. The Cavs do rank 21st in rush defense though, and if they can bottle up Hardy early, Mizzou may not have many other options. I'll take the Cavs for a big win to end their season on a high note. Virginia 30, Missouri 23.
LSU vs #21 Houston - Kinder's Texas Bowl
Before the Lane Kiffin era can begin in Baton Rouge, the Tigers take one Houston in Houston. The Cougars have a short commute for this bowl game, just heading across town to NRG Stadium, but they have a lot left to prove for a team that let a Big XII Championship opportunity slip through their hands with a couple of questionable home losses to West Virginia and TCU late in the season. LSU comes in with a number of players prepping for the NFL draft, but talent still hangs on this team. The Tigers' defense hasn't let an opponent score more than 22 points since November started, and Houston's offense was up and down this season. Neither team runs the ball well, so strong performances from the QB position is crucial. Connor Weigman has done well with the Cougars since leaving A&M, and I think he'll have a big night. Anxious to see how motivated LSU is for this one, but I think Houston will be playing in their home city. Cougars beat the Tigers 26-21.
#22 Georgia Tech vs #12 BYU - Pop-Tarts Bowl (The People's National Championship)
The game we've all been waiting for during Bowl Season, The Pop-Tarts Bowl! Georgia Tech takes the place of Notre Dame as they opted out, and BYU awaits on the the other sprinkle-laced sideline. This is always an entertaining event with the Pop-Tarts show and eating a live mascot, but the on-field action shouldn't disappoint either. The Ramblin' Wreck had the wheels fall off late in the season, losing 3 of their last 4. BYU has as strong an argument as anyone to be upset with being left out of the Playoffs, losing twice to Texas Tech, a top 4 team, both in the state of Texas. Regardless, HC Kalani Sitake is here to stay for the Cougars, and just like Georgia Tech, they want to run through you, not past you. Both of these teams feature fantastic dual-threat QBs in Haynes King (GT - 3,600+ total yards, 27 total TDs) and Bear Bachmeier (BYU - 3,200+ total yards, 25 total TDs). They're complimented by equally fantastic RBs with Jamal Haynes (GT) and LJ Martin (BYU). This is set up to be a battle of hard-nosed, rugged football, and then we get to watch a mascot be eaten after going into a giant toaster. Show me there's a better sport in the world, I'll wait. I've loved both teams and sad they couldn't quite make it to the big show, but this is the People's National Championship. I'm going BYU as the Cougars once again make a post-season statement, they are a team you don't want to mess with in College Football. Cougars beat the Yellow Jackets 30-28.
Thanks for reading all my Bowl Game Predictions and enjoy a full weekend of College Football!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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