Bowl Picks (Music City to Gator)

Music City Bowl: NC State vs. Vanderbilt
The Commodores surprised a lot of people winning 8 games, 5 in the SEC and nearly upsetting South Carolina to begin the season. Now, they hope to end the season with a victory over the disappointing Wolfpack of NC State. The Wolfpack have accurate quarterback Mike Glennon and one of the best defensive backs in the nation in David Amerson. The matchup to watch? Vandy wide receiver Jordan Matthews (1,262 receiving yards) vs. the game-changing Amerson. Matthews wins the matchup leading Vanderbilt to a 9-4 season.
Vanderbilt, 28 NC State, 21

Robert Woods and Marqise Lee

Sun Bowl: USC vs. Georgia Tech
Number One Ranking, a front-runner for Heisman, two All-American receivers and the best transfer of the season. But, with all that, all USC could accomplish was a berth in the Sun Bowl against Georgia Tech, a 6-7 team. Matt Barkley won't play but Max Wittek played pretty good against Notre Dame so that might be a plus. The question mark for the Trojans is whether they can stop Paul Johnson's option attack. The Trojans rush defense has been wildly inconsistent which means good for back Orwin Smith and Tevin Washington. Even if the Yellow Jackets run all over USC, Wittek uses Marqise Lee and Robert Woods to have a big play.
USC, 34 Georgia Tech, 24

Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs. Tulsa
Tulsa has built a dynasty in the Conference USA as they close in on an eleven win season, and their eighth bowl appearance in 10 seasons. Though, they have Iowa State in this one, one of the three teams that beat them this season. The Cyclones use a smart offense and shutdown defense to win games. They aren't very exciting but they did win six games this year, 3 of them in the Big 12. Tulsa's quarterback, Cody Green, is familiar with Iowa State as he started his career at Nebraska. The Hurricane will use the ground game, though, to attack the Cyclones. They have Trey Watts (959 rushing yards) and Ja'Terian Douglas, who helped Tulsa build their 240.2 yards per game on the ground. The Cyclones will be without linebacker Jake Knott, meaning it will be even tougher to stop the Hurricane's backs.
Tulsa, 31 Iowa State, 23

Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU vs. Clemson
Two opposites collide in Atlanta as the 10-win LSU squad take on Clemson. LSU prides themselves on dominant defense with Bennie Logan, Sam Montgomery and Eric Reid. They also use a run-oriented attack with Kenny Hilliard and Jeremy Hill. Meanwhile, the other Tigers spread it out with Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins and electric DeAndre Hopkins. This should be a good game but I'll take SEC over ACC anyday.
LSU, 27 Clemson, 24

Gator Bowl: Northwestern vs. Mississippi State
Halfway through the season, both were on fire looking they were going to fight for their conference's championships. Northwestern won 9 games thanks to dual-threat quarterback Kain Colter and electric back Venric Mark (11 rush TD). The Bulldogs, started the season 7-0 before losing four of their games, their only win coming against a hopeless Arkansas team. They might be without star quarterback Tyler Russell and Ladarius Perkins has struggled at times this season. The one good thing for the Bulldogs is the good health of star defensive back Johnathan Banks. That shouldn't help them beat Pat Fitzgerald's team.
Northwestern, 27 Mississippi State, 17

Bowl Picks (Pinstripe to Buffalo Wild Wings)

Pinstripe Bowl: Syracuse vs. West Virginia

Tavon Austin

Old Big East opponents square off once more in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. At one point it seemed West Virginia could end up in a BCS bowl and Geno Smith would win the Heisman. Then, the loss to Kansas State hit and everything went downhill from there. Smith still had an incredible year passing for 40 touchdowns with just 6 picks and over 4,000 yards. He has two of the best receivers in the nation in Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin. The Orange don't quite have the explosiveness on offense but are balanced with quarterback Ryan Nassib and receiver Alec Lemon. If Syracuse plays at their pace they win. But, their secondary still has issues stopping Smith as the Mountaineers escape.
West Virginia, 38 Syracuse, 31

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Navy vs. Arizona State
Navy finds themselves in a bowl something they might not have thought would have happened after opening their year losing 50-10 to Notre Dame in Ireland. Meanwhile Arizona State used a solid passing game and an underrated ground game to gain 7 wins. Quarterback Taylor Kelly struggled in Pac 12 play and has been inconsistent but should have a strong game. The Sun Devils should rely heavily on back Marion Grice (17 total TD) to get points past a pedestrian Navy defense. The Midshipmen will use their triple-option attack led by quarterback Keenan Reynolds and Gee Gee Greene. They could have serious success on the ground as Arizona State's run defense has been terrible this year. Though, they still win over the Midshipmen, handily.
Arizona State, 34 Navy, 21

Alamo Bowl: Texas vs. Oregon State
For Texas, an Alamo Bowl is a huge disappointment. For the Beavers, who won just 3 games a year ago and lost to Sacremento State, it's a pretty nice thought. The Beavers will use Cody Vaz at quarterback over inconsistent and injury prone Sean Mannion. Vaz has a strong arm and has the smarts. Mack Brown also uses a different quarterback in David Ash who started the season for the Longhorns at the position. Texas has a veteran secondary but they could have some serious issues against receivers Markus Wheaton and sophomore Brandin Cooks.
Oregon State, 28 Texas, 27

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: TCU vs. Michigan State
Two of the year's biggest disappointments square off in Tempe. TCU has gone through adversity losing star quarterback Casey Pachall midway through the season forcing Gary Patterson to rely on freshman Trevon Boykin. Boykin has done pretty good considering the circumstances but he hasn't had to face a defense like the Spartans. Defensive backs Johnny Adams and Darqueze Dennard had huge seasons for Mark Dantonio and the whole defense only allowed five rushing touchdowns the whole season. Meanwhile, the Horned Frogs will try to handle back Le'Veon Bell who was embarassed defenses much of the season.
Michigan State, 20 TCU, 17

Bowl Picks (Independence to Armed Forces)

Independence Bowl: Ohio vs. ULM
Louisiana-Monroe and star quarterback Kolton Browning are playing in their first bowl game in school history, as they meet up against an old vet in Ohio. Browning (34 total TD) can give coordinators headaches because his ability to run and throw it deep. Tyler Tettleton, of Ohio, can do the same thing. Though, he has a better back behind him in 1,500 yard Beau Blankenship who runs hard for his small size. The Warhawks will use momentum and a gritty defense to defeat the Bobcats.
ULM, 28 Ohio, 24

Logan Thomas

Russell Athletic Bowl: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech
If you want a shootout, don't watch this one. Both of these teams offenses score rarely as Rutgers is 98th in points scored, while Virginia Tech is 83rd. The Hokies' usually run-oriented offense struggled this year because they didn't have a go to back. Logan Thomas was had to force throws which resulted in 14 interceptions. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights pound it on the ground which 1,000 yard rusher Jawan Jamison and Savon Huggins. Expect Khaseem Greene (125 tackles) and the rest of Rutgers' defense to shut down the Hokies.
Rutgers, 20 Virginia Tech, 14

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Minnesota
The surprising Gophers sqaure off against a Texas Tech team previewing their new head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who takes over for Tommy Tuberville. The Gophers are headed by freshman Phillip Nelson who performed well after taking over for Max Shortell late in the season. They also have a bruising back in Donnell Kirkwood who has done a great job taking pressure off of Nelson. The Red Raiders offense could pass all over Minnesota's weak pass defense with quarterback Seth Doege (38 passing TD) unless Michael Carter or Troy Stoudemire step up.
Texas Tech, 42 Minnesota, 28

Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force vs. Rice
These two teams come into this game going in different directions. Rice ended the season on a four game winning streak to end up at 6-6 while Air Force looked terrible the last few weeks of the regular season. The Falcons will use their second-ranked rush offense led by small and elusive back Cody Getz. On the other side, the Owls will use a balanced offense that includes Taylor McHargue and senior back Charles Ross. The Owls shouldn't have much trouble with their smart defense shutting down the triple-option attack of Air Force.
Rice, 27 Air Force, 18

Bowl Picks (Little Caesars to Holiday Bowl)

Little Caeasars Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
This bowl might look like a snooze if not for the move Western Kentucky made a few days ago. The Hilltoppers, after Willie Taggart left for South Florida, hired offensive mastermind Bobby Petrino in the most controversial hire in this year's coaching carousel. He has a lot to work with including quarterback Kawaun Jakes who has a strong arm. The Chippewas also feature a great under the radar quarterback in Ryan Radcliff (2,905 passing yards). Whoever has a better game probably gives his team a win.
Western Kentucky, 27 Central Michigan, 20

Military Bowl: San Jose State vs. Bowling Green
Somehow the Spartans won 10 games this year and is ranked entering a matchup with Bowling Green. Oh, yes I remember why, they play in the WAC. The Spartans are still a quality team with a number of great receivers for David Fales. These include Noel Grigsby (9 receiving TD) and tight end Ryan Otten. Bowling Green isn't a flashy team but can win because of a steady approach to each game and consistent quarterback play from Matt Schilz. Though the Falcons rarely had to stop a player like San Jose State's end Travis Johnson who finished with 12 sacks this season. It could turn out a defensive struggle or maybe a shootout, but whatever it is it will be a good game.
San Jose State, 31 Bowling Green, 28

Belk Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Duke

Anthony Barr

Cincy welcomes in a new era with new coach Tommy Tuberville after years of success with Brian Kelly and Butch Jones at the helm. He has a great team led by back George Winn who has good size and speed. The big question for the Bearcats is their quarterback position where Brendon Kay took over for the inconsistent Munchie Leagaux. Kay can execute against weak defenses and that is exactly what he is looking at against Duke. The Blue Devils were 6-2 at a point during this season before losing four straight. They have a strong offense with receivers Jamison Crowder and Conner Vernon. The history is in the Bearcats favor: Duke hasn't won a bowl since 1961.
Cincinnati, 34 Duke, 21

Holiday Bowl: Baylor vs. UCLA
When you see this score you might think these two teams just finsished a basketball game. Both can score in bunches as Baylor has quarterback Nick Florence (4,121 passing yards) and Lache Seastrunk while the Bruins possess Brett Hundley, Johnathan Franklin and Shaq Evans. Hundley is a dual threat QB who Jim Mora has done a great job with. Baylor will get headaches trying to figure out whether he'll throw, run or hand off to the dominant Franklin. The Bears must protect Florence from Anthony Barr who led the nation in sacks.
UCLA, 38 Baylor, 34

Bowl Picks (New Orleans to Hawaii)

New Orleans Bowl: East Carolina vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Both of these teams handled adversity well this season as both started the season with different quarterbacks then are starting in this one. Lafayette have a playmaker in quarterback Terrance Broadway (24 total TD) who is an effective passer but also does serious damage as a runner recording 661 yards this season, second best on the roster. Junior Darryl Surgent hasn't been as good as expected but could still have a breakout game against an inconsistent Pirates defense. Expect both to play hard and score some points but the Ragin' Cajuns win thanks to a big day from Broadway.
ULL, 28 East Carolina, 17

Las Vegas Bowl: Washington vs. Boise State

D.J. Harper

Boise finds themselves in a bad bowl once more but that was to be expected considering they lost nearly everyone from last year's team. They have some dangerous players like Matt Miller and back D.J. Harper (15 rushing TD) but overall the team's offense is basically average. Washington's offense has also struggled mightily but they also possess Bishop Sankey (1,234 rushing yards) who can change the game the moment he touches the ball. This could turn into a defensive showcase as the Broncos defenders like J.C. Percy and Demarcus Lawrence hope to shut down Sankey.
Boise State, 24 Washington, 20

Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State vs. SMU
Two sneaky teams collide in Honolulu. The Bulldogs won nine games in their first year in the Mountain West, much of that thanks to Robbie Rouse (1,468 rushing yards) who has an interesting mix of speed and power. The Mustangs also have one great back in huge Zach Line who is tough to tackle. SMU will be hesitant to pass the ball not only because Garrett Gilbert has been wildly inconsistent but because Fresno has interception machine Phillip Thomas (8 interceptions). If he can manage some big plays it could be the difference.
Fresno State, 35 SMU, 24

Bowl Picks (New Mexico to Poinsettia)

Kadeem Carey, Arizona

New Mexico Bowl: Nevada vs. Arizona
Expect a high-scoring offensive showdown when these two meet in Albuquerque. Both use dual threat quarterbacks as Nevada has Cody Fajardo (981 rushing yards, 24 total TD) who can break open games. The Wildcats had tons of success under Rich Rodriguez because of quarterback Matt Scott's ability to extend plays and Kadeem Carey's rushing ability. Both can easily score 50 which means whoever plays better defense wins this game.
Arizona, 42 Nevada, 37

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State vs. Toledo
The Idaho Potato Bowl might not be a flashy name but this might end up being a great game. The Aggies are underrated winning 10 games even one against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs who spent time in the Top 25. They have a great passer in Chuckie Keeton and know how to win in bowl games. Toledo meanwhile has a bunch of players that can change games including back David Fluellen and dangerous receiver Bernard Reedy (82 receptions, 6 TD). Don't expect either to destroy the other as this game could come down to the last minute.
Utah State, 34 Toledo, 31

St. Petersburg Bowl: UCF vs. Ball State
Expect a ground game battle in this one as both teams feature a thousand yard backs. UCF brings speedy Latavius Murray to the table who can score every time he touches the ball. Ball State, meanwhile brings sophomore Jahwan Edwards who averaged over six yards a carry. Though the Golden Knights powerful pass rushers could push them over Ball State.
UCF, 28 Ball State, 20

Poinsettia Bowl: San Diego State vs. BYU
Two old Mountain West rivals square off once more in the Poinsettia. The Cougars quarterback Riley Nelson has had his fair share of troubles throwing almost as many interceptions as touchdowns so far this season. He has quite a receiver to throw to in Cody Hoffman who hopes to beat Leon McFadden and these great Aztec's defensive backs. Sophomore Adam Muena could have a huge game against a sometimes pedestrian rush defense of BYU. This game is basically a home game for San Diego State which could end up being the difference.
San Diego State, 27 BYU, 21