We are eight days into this bowl season, and the Sun Belt continues their annual tradition of early bowl success. They have the best record of all conferences that have played at least two bowl games. Of course, that only includes the Gang of Five conferences at this point, but it's still an impressive achievement.
I let off with games on Friday. Let's finish up the bowl predictions...
Sat Dec 28
Fenway Bowl : UConn Huskies (9-4) v North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6) : UConn may have the better record, but they rarely make a bowl game. The Tar Heels are more used to this environment. UConn is more used to this PHYSICAL environment, though, as its likely to be cold and windy in Boston. That might give them a chance, but I'll still pick the more experienced squad. NORTH CAROLINA by eight
Pinstripe Bowl : Boston College Eagles (7-5) v Nebraska Conrhuskers (6-6) : Another game where the team with the better record is more used to the conditions, but again I have to pick the underdog. Nebraska played very well against the tough teams of the Big Ten, and I think the ACC lack of success in the playoffs demonstrate that that conference wasn't nearly as competitive this season. NEBRASKA by 13
New Mexico Bowl : Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (10-3) v TCU Horned Forgs (8-4) : Another win for the Sun Belt. LOUISIANA by 14
Camping World Bowl : #24 Iowa State Cyclones (10-3) v #11 Miami Hurricanes (10-2) : Yes, I know the bowl is no longer called that, but I'm being a traditionalist this postseason (haven't you noticed in my earlier posts?). This is an interesting match-up. If Iowa State plays up to their potential, they will win. However, they have made some mistakes when they face pressure, and few teams pressure better than the Canes. MIAMI by eight
Arizona Bowl : Miami Ohio Redhawks (8-5) v Colorado State Rams (8-4) : I'd love to see Miami Ohio win, but the MAC does not have a good reacord in bowl games. The Rams will have lots of their fans there, too. COLORADO STATE by 16
Military Bowl : East Carolina Pirates (7-5) v NC State Wolf Pack (6-6) : The Pirates started the season tough, but had a great run at the end. They carry that momentum into this bowl game. Their defense will give NC State some fits, but I'm not sure the Pirates have a good enough offense to close this one out once the Wolf Pack come up with a scheme to get past their defense. NC STATE by ten
Alamo Bowl : #18 BYU Cougars (10-2) v #20 Colorado Buffaloes (9-3) : What is a bowl game doing playing conference opponents? The bowls are supposed to be a chance to play teams you rarely face. Colorado may have had a chance against that doesn't know them. BYU won't let them get away with their trick plays. BYU by 16
Independence Bowl : Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (5-7) v #16 Army Black Knights : Marshall bowed out of their bowl game, allowing a team with a losing record to play. This is unfair to Army, who deserves a chance to show off their team against a Power Four opponent. ARMY by lots
Mon Dec 30
Music City Bowl : #23 Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) v Missouri Tigers (9-3) : This will likely be a close game. Missouri certainly has a better offense, as Iowa had some issues on that side of the ball. Iowa has the much tougher defense. Defense usually wins close games, which gives Iowa an edge. IOWA by six
Tues Dec 31
Outback Bowl : #12 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) v Michigan Wolverines (7-5) : Everyone is thinking about Michigan's defeat of Ohio State in "The Game", and believe that the Wolverines have momentum coming into the bowls. You have to understand the intensity of that rivalry. I don't think "The Game" truly represents Michigan's skill level. That said, they might still have a chance to win, as Alabama will have some players skip the bowl game. I'll still favor the Tide. ALABAMA by eight
Sun Bowl : #22 Louisville Cardinals (8-4) v Washington Huskies (6-6) : Both teams had difficulties this year, but Washington did not travel well. LOUISVILLE by 12
Citrus Bowl : #17 South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) v Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) : Both teams have strong defenses, so it won't be an explosive game. That means a single mistake can cost you, and I'm afraid Illinois might make that mistake. If they play error-free ball, the Illini can win, but I fear that won't be. SOUTH CAROLINA by three
Texas Bowl : Baylor Bears (8-4) v LSU Tigers (8-4) : Baylor had a great run at the end of the season, but the Tigers just have more talent. LSU by 17
Thurs Jan 2
Gator Bowl : Duke Blue Devils (9-3) v #10 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3) : Duke had a great season, but they just won't be able to compete against the powerful Rebels team. OLE MISS by 23
Fri Jan 3
First Responder Bowl : North Texas Mean Green (6-6) v Texas State Bobcats (7-5) : The Bobcats can play well, especially against teams with only a marginal defense. Another Sun Belt win here. TEXAS STATE by 17
Mayo Bowl : Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5) v Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) : The Gophers have a good offense. The Hokies defense can probably hold them back for a while, but they will get tired. So long as Minnesota doesn't shoot themselves, they should win. MINNESOTA by nine
Sat Jan 4
Bahamas Bowl : Buffalo Bulls (8-4) v Liberty Flames (8-3) : I'd love to see Buffalo win, but the MAC frequently stumbles in bowl games. LIBERTY by eight
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