Once again I split my bowl predictions across three columns. With 39 bowl games this year, it would seem to perfectly split three ways. However, since I don't like to split days across columns, this column will predict 12 games, the next one 13, and the final column finishes with 14 games.
Dec 20
Bahamas Bowl : Buffalo Bulls (7-5) v Charlotte 49ers (7-5) - Let's give Charlotte it's due. In only their 7th year with a football program, they make it to their first ever bowl game. Unfortunately, bowl novices have a lousy record, and they face a strong Buffalo program. Hey, Charlotte fans, look at the bright side -- you get a nice Bahamas vacation! BUFFALO
Frisco Bowl : Utah State Aggies (7-5) v Kent State Golden Flashes (6-6) - Sometimes the MAC just gets a bad break in the bowl matchups, and here's one of those. Utah State has faced down some tough competition this year. They haven't always won, but they've often held their own. Kent State has shown flashes of talent, but they haven't lasted. Any won't last against the Aggies, either. UTAH STATE
Dec 21
New Mexico Bowl : Central Michigan Chippewas (8-5) v San Diego State Aztecs (9-3) - The Chippewas made it to the MAC Championship, so this might look like a nice matchup. On paper. Unfortunately the game isn't played on paper. The Aztecs have quietly proven to have one of the best defenses outside the Big Ten all season, and that defense will make life too difficult for the Chippewas offense. SAN DIEGO STATE
Cure Bowl : Liberty Flames (7-5) v Georgia Southern Eagles (7-5) - Liberty had a great year, only their second in FBS. Unfortunately they didn't fare well against tough competition. Perhaps their best victory was against Buffalo. Georgia Southern, on the other hand, hung in with Minnesota and beat Appalachian State. Add to that the fact that Sun Belt teams do remarkably well in bowl games and the Eagles should soar. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
Boca Raton Bowl : #23 SMU Mustangs (10-2) v #25 Florida Atlantic Owls (10-3) - We get our first game pitting Top 25 teams, my first toss-up game, and my first upset pick. SMU has been impressive all season long, and competed well in the American Athletic, who generated five Top 25 teams during the season. However, momentum can be a powerful force, and the Owls were one of the hottest teams in the last month of the season. If they long delay for a bowl game doesn't cool that momentum, they could surprise the Mustangs. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Camellia Bowl : Florida International Golden Panthers (6-6) v Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-5) - I just stated that Sun Belt teams do well in bowl games, and here I am picking an upset against them. Arkansas State sputtered to the end of the season, and they just weren't performing at the level we've come to expect them. While they might win this game, I certainly don't think they SHOULD, and so I'm rooting for the Panthers to wake up the Red Wolves. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Las Vegas Bowl : #15 Boise State Broncos (12-1) v Washington Huskies (7-5) - Washington is the first Power 5 team to play a bowl, and they will face an enraged Boise State team. Do you think the Mountain West champions, and first Group of 5 team to beat a Power 5 team in a bowl game, expected a better bowl than this one? You bet. You think they want to take that frustration out on whomever they play. You betcha. BOISE STATE in what could be the most one-sided game of the bowls
New Orleans Bowl : #17 Appalachian State Mountaineers (12-1) v UAB Blazers (9-4) : The Mountaineers are another team who fell slighted, and expected a better bowl. UAB, a Top 25 team earlier in the season, didn't end well, and that will extend into this game. APPALACHIAN STATE
Dec 23
Gasparilla Bowl : #24 UCF Golden Knights (9-3) v Marshall Thundering Herd (8-4) - This matchup is also a bit of a slap in the face, but UCF has been facing that ever since their second loss this season. Despite being a hugely dominant team the past two seasons, they faced cries of "Fluke" and "Fake" when they doubled their regular season losses over the past two seasons combined. Never one to get discouraged, the team still amassed one of the best offensive squads of the FBS, and that offense will overrun Marshall. UCF
Dec 24
Hawaii Bowl : Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (9-5) v BYU Cougars (7-5) - Despite the billing, this is a home game for the Rainbow Warriors. They play very tough at home. BYU has been here (especially back when they played Hawaii each year when BYU was in the Mountain West), but this year's Cougars squad isn't as strong as what BYU typically puts out. HAWAII
Dec 26
Independence Bowl : Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (9-3) v Miami Hurricanes (6-6) - In case you have forgotten, this game is played in Shreveport, Louisiana, so it's practically a home game for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs defense has played like the Hurricanes did over the previous two seasons -- chaos bringers who love to cause turnovers. The turnover chain didn't see much life this season in Miami, but this game will be won Miami-style -- by the other team. LOUISIANA TECH
Quick Lane Detroit Bowl : Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) v Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-6) - The Power 5 is finally able to notch their first win as the Panthers, a quality yet inconsistent team, face the Eagles, a lucky and inconsistent team. The Eagles could impress early, but the Panthers will come back in the second half. PITT
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