Intro
A full slate of bowl games are finally back after the 2020 season saw several bowls erased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Championship Week certainly didn’t disappoint. Here are some of the headlines from an epic weekend of football that helped college football determine who will play for the National Championship in a few weeks.
Complete DOMINATION. Utah showed that they are the class of the Pac-12, demolishing the Ducks for the second time this season and sending the Utes to their first Rose Bowl in school history. Meanwhile, Alabama needed a win to avoid being eliminated from CFP contention. Against the #1 team in the nation, they left it all out on the field. Despite losing receiver John Metchie to a season-ending injury, the Crimson Tide reminded the nation that the defending champs are still very well in the mix by handling Georgia. The ACC title game was accustomed to seeing blowouts, but not by a team not named Clemson. Pitt’s defense picked off Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman four times, including a pick-six, to win their first-ever ACC championship. In a gotta-have-it season for Jim Harbaugh, he delivered by capping off a 42-3 defensive clinic in the Big Ten title game over the Hawkeyes.
An ALL-TIME goal-line stand. Baylor redshirt freshman Blake Shapen wasn’t given much of a chance against the best defense in the Big 12. Combined with the tenacious Baylor defense forcing four interceptions, Shapen put on a masterclass in just his second career start. The Bears weren’t without miscues of their own. Two missed field goals and two fumbles kept the game in reach for the Cowboys. However, defense wins championships...Big 12 championships that is. Oklahoma State had four opportunities with a minute left to punch the ball in the end-zone and perhaps seal a trip to the College Football Playoff. The Bears had other plans as sixth-year senior Jairon McVea, a former walk-on, made the key stop and won the game.
HISTORY for the Group of Five. It had been said, “If you aren’t a Power Five school, forget about it.” #4 Cincinnati put that myth to bed by taking care of #20 Houston in the AAC title game. The Bearcats are now America’s Team for at least one game. Let’s see if they can go and shock the world once again...this time in the CFP.
The Georgia Bulldogs were heavily-favored to win the National Championship until Champ Week. Now, it seems to be wide-open. Who’s taking home the hardware? Let’s find out...
Analysts
This is the third year I've done this huge bowl article and now I have some friends to join me :)
Christian Clark- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Class of 2022
John Riker- Northwestern University, Class of 2023
Grant Northcutt- NC State University, Class of 2022
Bowl Predictions
“I’ll watch it because it’s on…”
Bahamas Bowl [Dec. 17th]- Middle Tennessee (6-6) vs. Toledo (7-5)
Toledo almost had a highlight of the decade by taking Notre Dame wire-to-wire in South Bend, but they’ll have the opportunity to end their season in style in the Bahamas Bowl. Middle Tennessee is tasked with stopping Rockets’ running back Bryant Koback, who boasts 1,274 yards and 15 touchdowns on the year and has topped 120 yards in his last four games.
John’s Prediction: Toledo; Christian’s Prediction: Toledo; Grant’s Prediction: Toledo
Celebration Bowl [Dec. 18th]- South Carolina State (6-5) vs. Jackson State (11-1)
Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders is no stranger to celebrations, and he’ll have an opportunity to get the Tigers to a second straight bowl win in Atlanta (where Sanders is also no stranger).
John’s Prediction: Jackson State Christian’s Prediction: Jackson State Grant’s Prediction: Jackson State
New Mexico Bowl [Dec. 18th]- UTEP (7-5) vs. Fresno State (9-3)
Receiver Jalen Cropper and his Fresno State teammates will set up shop in the Land of Enchantment as major favorites, with wins against ranked UCLA and San Diego State squads on their resume.
John’s Prediction: Fresno State; Christian’s Prediction: Fresno State; Grant’s Prediction: Fresno State
Myrtle Beach Bowl [Dec. 20th]- Tulsa (6-6) vs. Old Dominion (6-6)
It’s remarkable how both these teams were able to turn their season around. Tulsa started 0-3 before finishing the season strong, winning their final three including an upset on the road against SMU. For the Monarchs, they were in dire straits at 1-6. With their season on the brink, ODU closed the season with five straight wins to capture bowl eligibility. Which team will continue their unexpected hot streak?
Christian’s Prediction: Old Dominion; John’s Prediction: Tulsa; Grant’s Prediction: Tulsa
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl [Dec. 21th]- Wyoming (6-6) vs. Kent State (7-6)
Getting to go to Idaho for your bowl game? Count me in! Well, I’m not really serious, but this game could potentially be a good matchup. Kent State made it to the MAC Champ and lost, but had a pretty decent season, while Wyoming had a 6-6 (same record as Kent) season finishing 4th in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West. Wyoming is predicted here, but I’m taking Kent State here bouncing back after the NIU loss in the MAC Championship.
Grant’s Prediction: Kent State; Christian’s Prediction: Wyoming; John’s Prediction: Wyoming
Frisco Football Classic (NEW Bowl) [Dec. 23rd] - North Texas (6-6) vs. Miami (OH) (6-6)
Did you know that a bowl game could be added in December? Neither did I. Since there are 83 bowl eligible teams and 82 spots available, a team was slated to be left out in the cold. North Texas is rewarded with essentially a home bowl game, just half an hour from Frisco.
Christian’s Prediction: North Texas; Grant’s Prediction: North Texas; John’s Prediction: North Texas
Hawai’i Bowl [Dec. 24th]- Hawaii (6-6) vs. Memphis (6-6)
The beneficiary of the Frisco Football Classic bowl edition are the Rainbow Warriors. In what is essentially a home game for Hawaii, they’ll need to get past Memphis senior linebacker J.J. Russell who has an outstanding 123 tackles in 12 games.
Christian’s Prediction: Hawaii; John’s Prediction: Memphis; Grant’s Prediction: Memphis
Camellia Bowl [Dec 25th]- Ball State (6-6) vs. Georgia State (7-5)
The Panthers and Cardinals head to Alabama to play in the Camellia Bowl after finishing 2nd in the Sun Belt East with a 7-5 record and 4th in the MAC East with a 7-5 record, respectively. Both teams had a year of little consistency as far as wins, but looking at each team’s overall resume, the Panthers of Georgia State had some more impressive wins and well-fought games this year.
Grant’s Prediction: Georgia State; Christian’s Prediction: Georgia State; John’s Prediction: Georgia State
Military Bowl [Dec 27th]- Boston College (6-6) vs. East Carolina (7-5)
I really like this matchup in the Military Bowl with a mid-tier to lower-tier ACC squad versus an ECU team that had a really underrated year finishing it off playing Cincinnati somewhat close, until the end. BC seemed to get bullied by every ACC team this year, except Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, and while ECU is in the American Athletic Conference, they proved to be a competitive team year-round against respectable teams like Houston, USC, and Memphis and head coach Mike Houston looks to have their first eight win season since 2014.
Grant’s Prediction: East Carolina; Christian’s Prediction: Boston College; John’s Prediction: Boston College
Mid-Major Danger
Cure Bowl [Dec. 17th]- Northern Illinois (9-4) vs. Coastal Carolina (10-2)
Coastal head coach Jamey Chadwell has done a remarkable job at Coastal Carolina, turning the Chanticleers into a top notch Group of Five school. This season, they’ve done an outstanding job rushing the football, ranking sixth in the nation (231 YPG). However, the Huskies are slightly better than the Chanticleers, ranking fifth. It’s likely that Northern Illinois will struggle to contain their rushing attack as they are in the bottom ten against the run. Undoubtedly, this will help open up the passing game for Coastal’s Grayson McCall.
Christian’s Prediction: Coastal Carolina; John’s Prediction: Coastal Carolina; Grant’s Prediction: Coastal Carolina
Boca Raton Bowl [Dec. 18th]- Western Kentucky (8-5) vs. App State (10-3)
Can’t complain about landing a bowl game in Florida in December…compared to the Pinstripe Bowl in chilly NYC. These two southern teams have proved to be top Group of Five squads with WKU finishing off their season with a near upset over a 1-loss UTSA in the C-USA Championship, and the Mountaineers losing a close game also in their Sun Belt Champ to #23 Louisiana. I could really see this game going either way, but I think WKU quarterback Bailey Zappe (577 yard, 4 TD performance against UTSA) will be too much in what I think will be a shootout of a game.
Grant’s Prediction: Western Kentucky; Christian’s Prediction: Appalachian State; John’s Prediction: Western Kentucky
Independence Bowl [Dec. 18th]- UAB (8-4) vs. #13 BYU (10-2)
Brigham Young has remained an offensive juggernaut even after graduating current Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, and they’ll be heavy favorites against a UAB team that went 0-2 against ranked competition. The Cougars average over 450 total yards per game and boast one of the nation’s best halfbacks in Tyler Allgeier, who finished the season with 20 touchdowns. The Independence Bowl will be an excellent opportunity to put an exclamation point on a stellar offensive season.
John’s Prediction: BYU; Christian’s Prediction: BYU; Grant’s Prediction: BYU
LendingTree Bowl [Dec. 18th]- E. Michigan (7-5) vs. Liberty (7-5)
Liberty quarterback Malik Willis got a lot of preseason buzz about being a top ten draft pick. However, his season didn’t go as expected as the team flamed out with three straight losses to end the season, two against ranked foes. The key for Liberty is to continue to make Eastern Michigan one dimensional as they rank in the bottom 20 in rushing yards. That being said, the Eagles don’t beat themselves, committing the least amount of penalties in the nation (41 in 12 games). If they stay fundamentally sound as they have all season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see an upset here.
Christian’s Prediction: Liberty; John’s Prediction: Liberty; Grant’s Prediction: Liberty
New Orleans Bowl [Dec. 18th]- #23 Louisiana (12-1) vs. Marshall (7-5)
This bowl game in the Superdome should be a one-sided affair with the Ragin Cajuns taking the cake. Their head coach this year, Billy Napier, left for the Florida job after winning the Sun Belt Championship and took this team to great heights this year going 12-1 with their only loss being the first game to Texas. I predict that interim head coach Michael Desormeaux will lead this team, in their home state, to a big victory to finish off their 2021 season.
Grant’s Prediction: Louisiana; Christian’s Prediction: Louisiana; John’s Prediction: Louisiana
Quick Lane Bowl [Dec. 27th]- Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4)
Nevada is traveling to the Broncos’ home state of Michigan, where they look to continue the losing record of teams playing at Ford Field, aka the Lions. The Mountain West this year, for being a Group of Five conference, was fairly competitive with teams like Utah State, SDSU, and Fresno State leading the conference, while the Broncos started the season with a big win over the ACC champion Pitt. However, they didn’t have much to show after that. Nevada played competitive year-round and lost some close games to SDSU and Air Force, but overall they have the more complete team bolstering the 4th ranked passing attack, they should overwhelm Western Michigan.
Grant’s Prediction: Nevada; Christian’s Prediction: Nevada; John’s Prediction: Nevada
Arizona Bowl [Dec. 31st]- Boise State (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (8-4)
Boise State is no stranger to bowl game glory, but this time around they’ll be the favorites in taking on Central Michigan. The Chippewas will aim their attack behind the nation’s leading rusher, running back Lew Nichols III (1,710 yards), while the Broncos will try to pound a Central Michigan defense that allowed nearly 400 yards per game.
John’s Prediction: Boise State; Christian’s Prediction: Boise State; Grant’s Prediction: Boise State
Quality Bowl Matchups
LA Bowl [Dec. 18th]- Utah State (10-3) vs. Oregon State (7-5)
The tale of the tape couldn’t be any closer for first-ever LA Bowl: Utah State and Oregon State are within nearly a half-point of each other in points scored and points allowed per game, and a mere four yards allowed per game. Utah State comes in with plenty of momentum after a resounding 46-13 victory over ranked San Diego State for the Mountain West crown and have Luke Bonner, who ranks sixth in the nation in touchdown passes, under center. Oregon State is hoping their Power Five advantage will be enough in SoFi.
John’s Prediction: Oregon State; Christian’s Prediction: Utah State; Grant’s Prediction: Utah State
Frisco Bowl [Dec. 21st]- UTSA (12-1) vs. #24 San Diego State (11-2)
Meep meep. What a season for the Roadrunners, finishing just one game away from perfection. Is the third time the charm for UTSA to win their first bowl game? The Aztecs will have something to say about that. I’ve never watched a punter highlight reel until watching Ray Guy award winner Matt Araiza obliterate kicks but I guarantee this guy will be a future star for the Lions or Jets no doubt (ok enough Lions jokes). But seriously, field position could be important in this one and San Diego State has a huge advantage. It’ll be up to UTSA’s running back Sincere McCormick, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns this year, to grind out long drives and continue to keep the high-octane Roadrunner offense going.
Christian’s Prediction: UTSA; John’s Prediction: San Diego State; Grant’s Prediction: UTSA
Armed Forces Bowl [Dec. 22nd]- Missouri (6-6) vs. Army (8-4)
Army really put together a great season finishing 8-4 after being upset by Navy this past weekend. Their unorthodox offense always proves to be troublesome to teams as Wake Forest needed to score 70 points to beat them. On the other side, we have a Missouri team who got their six wins to be bowl eligible, but did finish off their season by beating a mediocre Florida team and much improved South Carolina squad to earn this bowl. The Navy vs. Army game always proves to be a fun one as there is a great rivalry beyond the field, so disregarding that loss, Army is a team that should control the field and clock against this “SEC” school that ranks in the bottom defensively allowing 445 yds/game. If they can’t stop Missouri’s rushing attack, I could see this going the other way.
Grant’s Prediction: Army; Christian’s Prediction: Missouri; John’s Prediction: Missouri
Gasparilla Bowl [Dec. 23rd]- UCF (8-4) vs. Florida (6-6)
The Battle for Florida part two, this time in Tampa. After the Gators barely escaped the Seminoles in the final game of the season to grab bowl eligibility, they’ll get a chance to finish a disappointing season on a high note against the 2017 National Champions. What stands out to me is the UCF defense. In seven out of their eight wins, they held the opponent to 20 points or less. Since the Gators bye week (mid-October), their offense has not been clicking on all cylinders. They’ve been held to under 24 points against power five opponents which could play into the hands of the Knights under the first-sold out crowd in Gasparilla Bowl history.
Christian’s Prediction: UCF; John’s Prediction: UCF; Grant’s Prediction: UCF
First Responder Bowl [Dec. 28th]- Air Force (9-3) vs. Louisville (6-6)
Do you like teams that can run the football? This is the game for you. It’s no secret that the service academies like to keep it on the ground as ironically, the Air Force is the best in the nation in rushing the football and top ten in stopping the run. Louisville has struggled in recent weeks, giving up nine rushing touchdowns in their last two games. Expect more of the same in this one.
Christian’s Prediction: Air Force; John’s Prediction: Louisville; Grant’s Prediction: Air Force
Liberty Bowl [Dec. 28th]- Texas Tech (6-6) vs. Mississippi St (7-5)
Welcome to the Liberty Bowl where we have the Red Raiders who fit the Big 12 stereotype of a high-powered pass offense and mediocre defense and a Miss St team that has beaten respectable teams (NC State, UK, Texas A&M) and losses to LSU and Memphis that hurt their ranking. Texas Tech has the ability to win this if they get a few stops on defense and continue the pressure with their passing attack, but the Bulldogs have proven to be a tough team to beat this year, especially when playing ranked opponents; although, if they choose to play down to their opponent, like against LSU or Memphis, the Red Raiders could upset and walk away Liberty Bowl Champs.
Grant’s Prediction: Mississippi State; Christian’s Prediction: Mississippi State; John’s Prediction: Mississippi State
Guaranteed Rate Bowl [Dec. 28th]- West Virginia (6-6) vs. Minnesota (8-4)
Minnesota has endured an injury-plagued campaign that has seen them survive the losses of their top two running backs. Still, the Golden Gophers knocked Wisconsin out of the Big Ten title game and still boast almost 200 rushing yards a game. West Virginia had success in stopping Iowa State’s Breece Hall back in October — will their defense hold strong in Phoenix?
John’s Prediction: Minnesota; Christian’s Prediction: West Virginia; Grant’s Prediction: West Virginia
Fenway Bowl [Dec. 29th]- Virginia (6-6) vs. SMU (8-4)
With both teams ranked in the top 15 in total offense, expect a boatload of points. Both teams aren’t in their best form with the Cavaliers losing four straight as well as the Mustangs losing four out of five. However, UVA should have some extra motivation following head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s sudden resignation from the team following the bowl game. Expect Brennan Armstrong and Co. to pull out the win for their coach in his final game before Tony Elliott takes the reins.
Christian’s Prediction: Virginia; John’s Prediction: SMU; Grant’s Prediction: Virginia
Pinstripe Bowl [Dec. 29th]- Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6)
This battle of former ACC rivals will pit a Virginia Tech team fresh off a head coaching change against a Maryland squad looking for its first bowl game dub since 2010. Look beyond the teams’ identical 6-6 record and you’ll find a matchup with talented playmakers like Maryland receiver Rakim Jarrett and Virginia Tech running back Raheem Blackshear, along with plenty of bragging rights implications.
John’s Prediction: Virginia Tech; Christian’s Prediction: Maryland; Grant’s Prediction: Maryland
Mayo Bowl [Dec. 30th]- North Carolina (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6)
It’s quite poetic that Sam Howell’s first and last game at UNC will be against the same opponent at the same stadium. Will the game end up with the same result? Once a AP Preseason top 10 team, North Carolina may have been the most disappointing team of the college football season. On the other hand, the Gamecocks are thrilled to be bowl eligible for the first time since 2018. Led by Shane Beamer, South Carolina could be primed for the upset if the Heels continue to play down to their competition in Charlotte.
Christian’s Prediction: North Carolina; John’s Prediction: North Carolina; Grant’s Prediction: South Carolina
Music City Bowl [Dec. 30th]- Tennessee (7-5) vs. Purdue (8-4)
Purdue enters this game with its best record since 2007 and two wins over top five opponents, while SEC opponent Tennessee is building things back up under first-year coach Josh Heupel. Keep an eye out for Purdue receiver David Bell, who ranks third among Power Five receivers in receiving yards with 1,286, and this Boilermaker deep passing game.
John’s Prediction: Tennessee; Christian’s Prediction: Purdue; Grant’s Prediction: Purdue
Las Vegas Bowl [Dec. 30th]- Wisconsin (8-4) vs. Arizona State (8-4)
Wisconsin’s regular season ended with a thud — an invitation to the Big Ten Championship surrendered in a puzzling loss to Minnesota. The Badgers’ stingy defense will have one last chance to plunder an opposing offense on the West Coast against the Pac 12’s Arizona State Sun Devils and coach Herm Edwards. The Sun Devils will attempt to counter with quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is in the midst of a subpar campaign but is a must-watch talent.
John’s Prediction: Wisconsin; Christian’s Prediction: Wisconsin; Grant’s Prediction: Wisconsin
Sun Bowl [Dec. 31st]- Miami (FL) (7-5) vs. Washington State (7-5)
Losing D’Eriq King early in the year for Miami seems like it would be a dagger in their season, but nope…freshman Tyler Van Dyke has stepped up and helped bring this 7-5 team to a bowl game against Washington State, who holds losses to some solid teams in BYU, Oregon, Utah (Pac-12 Champs), and Utah State (MW Champs) and one bad loss to USC. This means they are a good team that has only lost to opponents they should have, right? I can’t agree as Miami has lost to Bama and Michigan State (two teams they should lose to), but also lost to UNC and UVA who they had a very good shot at beating. Both teams should look to open the field passing, but who wins this game is the team that gets the most stops on defense, as they both have struggled against pass attacks during the regular season.
Sidenote: Miami recently hired Oregon HC, Mario Cristobal, and the Clemson AD, so finishing this season off on a win, would be a great finish to an up and down year as they head into 2022 with the future looking bright under new command and leadership.
Grant’s Prediction: Miami (FL); Christian’s Prediction: Miami (FL); John’s Prediction: Miami (FL)
Texas Bowl [Jan 4th]- LSU (6-6) vs. Kansas State (7-5)
The Texas Bowl for LSU has been the least exciting development as 2019 National Champ head coach Ed Orgeron has mutually parted ways with the team. For the foreseeable future, “New Orleans native” Brian Kelly will take the position. For the Tigers, they must put all this outside noise to the side for one game, and look to finish what seemed to be at first a lost season, into a bowl win. They’ll face a Wildcat squad that ranks fifth in the Big 12 where they have beaten WVU, Texas Tech, and a good Nevada team. Kansas State recently lost their OC but still will remain a threat on offense with their quarterback Skylar Thompson and running back Deuce Vaughn, as well as a really solid rush defense. LSU’s passing threat will be more of the issue, shown recently when Max Johnson threw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns in the upset win over Texas A&M in the final game of the regular season.
Grant’s Prediction: Kansas State; Christian’s Prediction: LSU; John’s Prediction: LSU
Must-see Matchups
Birmingham Bowl [Dec. 28th]- Auburn (6-6) vs. #20 Houston (11-2)
Houston won 11 straight games, but its regular season will be relegated to a footnote in the journey of AAC rival Cincinnati’s road to the College Football Playoff. But a win against an SEC foe would be pretty sweet for the Cougars, and a game against Auburn in the heart of SEC territory gives them every opportunity for a statement win. The Tigers are coming off a near-upset of Alabama in the Iron Bowl and will look to stop the 14th ranked offense in the nation (37.3 PPG).
John’s Prediction: Houston; Christian’s Prediction: Auburn; Grant’s Prediction: Houston
Holiday Bowl [Dec. 28th]- UCLA (8-4) vs. #18 NC State (9-3)
Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack had a stellar year with a 2nd place finish in the ACC Atlantic and 6-2 intraconference record, barely missing the ACC Championship. They will face off against a UCLA team that boasts a 8-4 record, but I wouldn’t be too quick to say that record reflects how good they are. Those losses are against the best of the west coast/Pac-12: Oregon, Fresno State, Utah, and Arizona State. This shows they can beat teams they are capable of beating but are unable to handle ranked or better opponents. NC State needs to establish a ground game on this defense that allows 126 YPG, which will allow quarterback Devin Leary let the ball fly some on a Bruins defense that allows 260 pass YPG. If UCLA plays good defense and gets some stops, this could be a high scoring game with tons of passing and yardage.
Grant’s Prediction: NC State; Christian’s Prediction: UCLA; John’s Prediction: NC State
Cheez-It Bowl [Dec. 29th]- Iowa State (7-5) vs. #19 Clemson (9-3)
Is this Clemson’s last stand in the ACC? After a disappointing season, both their offensive and defensive coordinators have jettisoned away for well-deserved head coaching opportunities. The Cyclones had preseason hopes for a potential berth in the CFP but the dream quickly crumbled in Week 2, losing to the rival Hawkeyes in Week 2 at home. They still have a lot going for them on the offensive side of the ball, sporting arguably the best tight end and running back talents in Breece Hall and Charlie Kolar. The big question is can they get past Clemson’s top ten defense? The Tigers haven’t been world beaters on offense this season with Uiagalelei so this one should get interesting.
Christian’s Prediction: Clemson; John’s Prediction: Clemson; Grant’s Prediction: Iowa State
This battle of the “O” states should play out to be a good one. Off the field, there have been HC changes on both sides (Cistobal leaving for Miami and Riley leaving for USC) so interim/former coach Bob Stoops and Bryan McClendon will take over for Oklahoma and Oregon, respectively. We have big opt-outs on the D-Line for Oregon and Oklahoma in top draft pick Kayvon Thibodeaux for the Ducks and defensive end Nik Bonitto for the Sooners.
Both teams are very similar in total yards/game (Oklahoma: 441; Oregon: 418) and total yards allowed per game (Oklahoma: 382; Oregon: 370), so this has the potential to be a close dogfight where a defense will need to step up and get some takeaways, or the offenses will run wild for 500 or 600 yards on offense. Key players like Caleb Williams and Marvin Mims for Oklahoma and Anthony Brown and Travis Dye will need to make their presence known to help their team secure a Alamo Bowl win.
Grant’s Prediction: Oklahoma; Christian’s Prediction: Oklahoma; John’s Prediction: Oklahoma
You’d be hard-pressed to find a preseason prediction with Wake Forest in the ACC title game. Clemson had run the show for quite some time in the Atlantic Division until Dave Clawson’s crew started off 8-0. A&M will need to slow down the high-scoring Demon Deacon offense. With two 1,000 yard receivers in Jaquarii Roberson and A.T. Perry, it will be a real challenge. The Aggies should be able to force Sam Hartman into some turnovers though. He has thrown an interception in five straight games, three of which were multi-interception games. The Aggies offense certainly isn’t as dynamic as Wake, struggling to move the ball at times. That being said, they have a talented pair of running backs (Isaiah Spiller, Devon Achane) that should be able to have their way against a porous Deacon run defense, allowing an average of 202 YPG on the ground.
Christian’s Prediction: Texas A&M; John’s Prediction: Texas A&M; Grant’s Prediction: Texas A&M
Outback Bowl [Jan. 1st]- Penn State (7-5) vs. #21 Arkansas (8-4)
Hopefully this game doesn’t go into nine overtimes, because after this marathon of a season I don’t know if Penn State can handle it. The Nittany Lions went from national contention to out of the Top 25 by bowl time, but they should have their hands full in the Citrus Bowl against Arkansas. Penn State has three losses in its last five games, but against the three top teams in the Big Ten, while Arkansas held its own against Alabama. Look for receivers Jahan Dotson and Treylon Burks to make noise on the perimeter in this one.
John’s Prediction: Penn State; Christian’s Prediction: Arkansas; Grant’s Prediction: Penn State
Iowa somehow won the Big Ten West title, but its celebration was short-lived after the Hawkeyes lost 42-3 to the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Championship. Now, it’s on to Orlando for a Citrus Bowl date against the Kentucky Wildcats, who have the offensive fireworks to test the tough Iowa defense. The Wildcats average over 200 yards on the ground per game and have Chris Rodriguez leading the charge and have more stability at the quarterback position.
John’s Prediction: Iowa; Christian’s Prediction: Kentucky; Grant’s Prediction: Kentucky
New Year's Six (NY6) Games
This is a dream matchup for quarterback Kenny Pickett and the Panthers. The Spartans have the worst pass defense in college football, surrendering a horrific 338 yards per game average through the air. There is no one who has caught more touchdowns this season than Pitt receiver Jordan Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner. With 17 trips to pay-dirt, Addison helped keep Pickett in the Heisman Race all season long. For the Spartans, they’ll have to keep it in the hands of running back Kenneth Walker III, the Doak Walker award winner. Something will have to give with Michigan State rushing for an average of 186 yards and Pitt ranking sixth in the nation, holding opponents to just under 92 rushing yards.
Christian’s Prediction: Pitt 45, Michigan State 35
John’s Prediction: Pitt 33, Michigan State 22
Grant’s Prediction: Pitt 38, Michigan State 24
Cotton Bowl Classic [College Football Playoff Semifinal] (Dec. 31st)- #1. Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) vs. #4. Cincinnati Bearcats (13-0)
Group of Five stand up! Luke Fickell and the Bearcats have done the unthinkable and busted through as a non-Power Five school to make the CFP. Can they stun the nation and knock off the defending champs? While unlikely, they have the formula to make things interesting. The Bearcats defense is no joke, ranking second in the country giving up just shy of 170 passing yards per game. They’ll need it against quarterback Bryce Young, the Heisman Trophy winner. Alabama has played down to the level of their competition this year, being within one score of LSU, Florida, Auburn, and losing to Texas A&M. When the doubters were in full force, Bama showed they are still the class of college football by trashing Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Expect the game to be closer than expected but with a familiar result: the Tide on top.
Christian’s Prediction: Alabama 34, Cincinnati 19
John’s Prediction: Cincinnati 24, Alabama 21
Grant’s Prediction: Alabama 31, Cincinnati 14
Orange Bowl [College Football Playoff Semifinal] (Dec. 31st)- #2. Michigan Wolverines (12-1) vs. #3. Georgia Bulldogs (12-1)
This is the CFP semifinal all sports fans should circle in red Sharpie on their calendar. Michigan finally broke through in the Big Ten with massive wins over Iowa and Ohio State the past two weekends, and their reward is a matchup against a Georgia squad that held top billing in the AP Poll for most of the year. While both offenses have big play potential, the defenses should be under the microscope. Georgia is the only team in the nation to allow under 10 points per game (9.5), while Michigan has perhaps the nation’s best defender in Heisman finalist and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
John’s Prediction: Michigan 24, Georgia 14
Christian’s Prediction: Georgia 31, Michigan 26
Grant’s Prediction: Michigan 21, Georgia 17
Bienvenido a la Fiesta Bowl! Notre Dame enters this game without head coach Brian Kelly, but has hired Marcus Freeman from DC on their staff. ND will go against a tough defense in the Cowboys that have been lockdown all year long allowing an incredible 184 pass yds/game and 89 rush yards/game. They lost to Baylor in the Big 12 title game (was inches short on a goal line run) and said goodbye to their first chance to be in the CFP. Incurring this loss hurts for sure, and I would definitely factor in this as motivation to finish this great season off with a win against a Notre Dame team who ranks fifth by what seems to be circumstance. They are a great squad headlined by quarterback Jack Coan, an 1,000 yd rusher in Kyren Williams, and a defense that doesn’t boast any insane numbers but has gotten the job done week in and week. In addition, they only have one loss to fourth ranked Cincy. At the end of the day, this game will be decided by who controls the line of scrimmage and which team’s run game is effective, as they both rely on the ground to open up other opportunities.
Grant’s Prediction: Oklahoma State 31, Notre Dame 27
Christian’s Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Oklahoma State 23
John’s Prediction: Oklahoma State 24, Notre Dame 17
Losses to Michigan and Oregon doomed Ohio State’s chances of returning to the CFP Championship Game. Instead, they’ll represent the Big Ten against the Utah Utes, who are in their first Rose Bowl game since joining the Pac-12 in 2011. Ohio State boasts the best offense in the nation in terms of both scoring (45.5 PPG) and yardage (551.1 YPG). Utah’s best reason for optimism may be the transitive property — they have two wins over Oregon, the same team that handed the Buckeyes an early season loss. This game has the potential to get lopsided quickly, but the Pasadena views should make it worth the watch.
John’s Prediction: Ohio State 49, Utah 21
Christian’s Prediction: Ohio State 38, Utah 27
Grant’s Prediction: Ohio State 41, Utah 31
The Big 12 champion Baylor Bears face off against the eighth ranked Rebels, who didn’t make the SEC Championship due to a loss to now #1 Alabama and an Auburn team that has been so sporadic the entire season, nearly winning the Iron Bowl. Lane Kiffin lost their OC Lebby to Oklahoma, but with quarterback Matt Corral and a fiery Ole Miss offense averaging 506 yds/game, it will be no easy task to stop them.
On the other hand though, the Bears defense has been the reason for their wins, especially against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, so head coach Dave Aranda needs to establish control at the line and contain Corral to get some stops on defense and give Blake Shapen and the offense opportunities to score, as they are much less dominant with 430 yds/game. Ole Miss needs their offense to continue clicking, using weapons like receiver Dontario Drummond. More importantly, they need defensive stands from a defense that has allowed 182 rush yds and 245 pass yds per game. Will Corral put the team on his back and boost his draft stock by getting past the Bears’ shutdown defense? Or will Baylor achieve 3 wins against top-10 opponents (Oklahoma was 8 when they beat them) this regular season?
Grant’s Prediction: Baylor 24, Ole Miss 20
Christian’s Prediction: Baylor 20, Ole Miss 19
John’s Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Baylor 23
National Championship Prediction
Christian- I’m thrilled to watch the playoffs this year for the simple fact that we get some fresh blood fighting for a national championship. All four teams have a realistic chance to make the National Championship game for maybe the first time in CFP history. However, I believe the season will conclude with a familiar champion. I was fully on-board with the Bulldogs coasting to an undefeated season but after the shellacking they suffered, I’d be dumb not to think the Crimson Tide will pull it out again.
My Prediction: Alabama 38, Georgia 34
John- Cincinnati shows its worth by upsetting Alabama, continuing its spotless season and finally capturing a New Year Six bowl dub against an SEC team behind quarterback Desmond Ridder and coach Luke Fickell. On the other side of the bracket, Michigan continues its late season romp with a statement win over Georgia, setting up a national championship between the Wolverines and a team from Ohio. The matchup alone will change the perception of college football as a game of opportunity, and it will live up to the hype. Ultimately, I’ll take Cincinnati’s offense over Michigan’s defense by a razor-sharp margin, and with it an incredible Group of Five national championship. Aside from an Alabama, Georgia or Michigan supporter (or an SEC apologist), I think any college football fan could get behind that result.
My Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Michigan 28
Grant - The 2021 college football season was one for the books. It will no doubt go down as one of the most entertaining years in college football history. After this unpredictable season, four teams remain at the top: Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, and Cincinnati. The first ever Group of Five team, Cincinnati, has made the CFP, but their undefeated season will most likely end in the Cotton Bowl against the beast that is Alabama. The Orange Bowl is another story. Michigan versus Georgia should play out to be the better game, and with the momentum Michigan is carrying, I see the Wolverines going to their first ever CFP Championship game. In Indianapolis, it should be a great matchup of the Big 10 Champions with their first CFP berth against the SEC Champs and Saban dynasty trying to complete their first back-to-back national championship. Two historic programs. Saban vs. Harbaugh. The Crimson Tide vs. The Wolverines. Who wins?
My Prediction: Michigan 31, Alabama 27
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