Friday, December 30, 2016

College Football Playoff 2016-2017: Previewing the Fiesta Bowl

Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Every single year, the NFL Draft takes a bunch of young college players looking ahead to the bright lights of the pros, as was the case in a big way for Ohio State and Clemson last spring. The Buckeyes and Tigers watched as their offenses and defenses were gutted by NFL defections. For the Tigers, they watched as star defensive linemen Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd ditched, while Ohio State lost their top rusher (Ezekiel Elliott) and tons of talent at receiver. Yet, just months later, the two teams collide for a spot in the National Championship, able to absorb those losses and have others step up. Can Clemson return back to the game they lost in a close one last season? Or will it be Urban Meyer and Ohio State, eager to defend that 2014 title? This game has all the makings of a thriller, and should only remind us how great college football can be.

Clemson entered the year as my National Title pick for many of the same reasons they are 12-1 and sit here today in the Playoff. Junior quarterback Deshaun Watson has had turnover issues this season, but is still one of the best in the sport. Watson has thrown for 3,914 yards and 37 touchdowns, and is still likely to be a first-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Watson not only brings valuable dual threat ability, his experience should be huge for Clemson. He is joined by a wide cast of offensive weapons, including backfield mate Wayne Gallman. Because of Watson's stardom, Gallman doesn't get much attention, but he ran for over 1,000 yards and 15 scores on the year. At receiver, the Tigers possess blazing fast speed with reliable Artavis Scott, and lengthy, jump ball weapons like Mike Williams, who also has caught the eye of a few NFL scouts. Along with dangerous red zone target Jordan Leggett, Clemson has a ton of firepower, but the key will be unleashing it the right way. The group has had moments where they have been unstoppable but other times when they can't seem to find any rhythm. Having the offensive line play well against a great group of Buckeye pass rushers would be huge but Watson must also be on point. He doesn't just have to not throw picks, he has to read the defense and attack the mismatches. If he does that, the Tigers should put up plenty of points in this one.

Despite those heavy losses to the NFL, Clemson's defense was still top-notch in 2016. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has proven he can reload this defense countless times, and he has found other playmakers to replace Lawson, Dodd and a number of defensive backs. Sophomore defensive end Christian Wilkins flashed potential all of last year but cashed out on it this year, with 44 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Senior defensive tackle Carlos Watkins is far from flashy but causes chaos in the middle and is a great pass rusher for his size, with 8.5 sacks on the year. And then there is true freshman Dexter Lawrence, who may have been Clemson's best overall defender despite his inexperience. Lawrence had 58 tackles and 6.5 sacks and showed excellent athleticism and a nose for the ball. That aggressive defensive line will be fired up and could cause plenty of issues, especially when considering Ohio State's inconsistent O-Line play. Linebacker Ben Boulware is a gritty, physical football player that sets the mantra for this defense. He will be tasked with not only leading the unit but stopping Ohio State's versatile backs. The Tigers are not quite as good at stopping the pass as the run, and its understandable why. The defensive backfield lost a ton this past offseason, and is still recovering. Safety Van Smith had 87 tackles on the year but doesn't do a whole lot in coverage, while veteran Jadar Johnson will be leaned on heavily to stop the Buckeyes' receivers. Venables doesn't get a whole lot of national attention, but he has another great group here.

For all of Clemson's strengths, Ohio State has plenty of their own, many of them similar. They also have an experienced quarterback under center in junior J.T. Barrett. This is going to be a huge game for Barrett and his legacy in Columbus. He has wonderful coming in and replacing Braxton Miller in 2014 but hasn't been the same the last few years. He has had plenty of big games on the year, but the Buckeyes' passing attack just hasn't been great over the past couple weeks. They are facing a defense susceptible to the long pass, so they will try and get Barrett going that way. Joining Barrett are two fantastic running backs, in H-back Curtis Samuel and tailback Mike Weber. Samuel has been compared to another former Meyer star player, Percy Harvin, because of his versatility and speed. The junior is a threat to go deep every time he touches the ball, and Ohio State will be creative with how they get him the ball in this one. Weber is more of a bulldozing back, putting his head down and running people over. He is particular dangerous in short-yardage situations, which Clemson will have to be prepared for. A major key for the Buckeyes will be getting more players involved in that inconsistent aerial attack. Noah Brown has been okay as a No. 1 receiver, but outside of Samuel and Dontre Wilson, nobody really scares you at receiver. The Tigers will be able to key in on that and take advantage, likely stacking the box to force Barrett to beat you with his arm.

While the Buckeyes have had some moments offensively, their defense is their strength. It starts with their defensive line, which like Clemson, has some insane talent. Lengthy Sam Hubbard is not only a help in run support, he can get after the QB, while end Tyquan Lewis has emerged as the top pass rusher, with 7.5 sacks. Joining those two is former OSU star Joey Bosa's younger brother, Nick, who is just a freshman. Much like Dexter Lawrence on the other side, Bosa was wonderful despite his immense youth, and his ferocity should disrupt the Tigers quite a bit. Ohio State is also great on the backend, where they lean heavily on wonderful linebacker Raekwon McMillan and a great defensive backfield. Experienced cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley should be able to hang with Williams and Scott, and safety Malik Hooker has become the superstar of the group. Hooker has broken out thanks to his impressive instincts and closing speed, helping him record six interceptions, with three of them being brought back for touchdowns. He should look to jump some of Watson's throws, which Clemson needs to be prepared for. If Hooker can pick off a pass and get a huge return, it could change the momentum of the game right there.

Ohio State has brought many elements of the "Tressel-Ball" era to the forefront this season. That means more conservative offensive plays, playing the field position and letting the defense take care of things, and it is hard to dispute the results. The Buckeyes might not have as many big plays as Clemson in this game, but they are perfectly fine finding other ways to stick in the game. However, they need Barrett to have a big day. If he looks like his old, 2014 self this team has enough balance and weapons to overpower the Tigers. The same can be said for Watson on the other side; this game could very well come down to which of these quarterbacks has the better day. Other factors, like the pass rush and line play should be key but the QB battle could decide this semifinal.

Clemson has not looked like the unstoppable force they were in 2015 throughout much of '16. Yet, they are in prime position to return to the title game because of their explosive offense, stout defense and experience. Those things will have to be out in full force in this one, and turnovers must be limited. This two teams are so evenly matched, and I expect things to be exciting. But, Ohio State will not have an answer for Watson if he is playing well, and there is enough on the Tigers' offense to overpower the Buckeyes.
Clemson, 34 Ohio State, 30

College Football Playoff 2016-2017: Previewing the Peach Bowl

Ronnie Harrison and Marlon Humphrey
So here we are, the College Football Playoff. After waiting months for the season to begin, and then even longer for the Playoff to figure itself out, we finally have reached the games that will help decide who plays in the National Championship. The first matchup in the Peach Bowl pits the dominating Alabama Crimson Tide against the rising Washington Huskies. While Alabama's domination this year pits them as the early favorite against the Pac-12 Champs, thinking this will be a blowout would be foolish.

Alabama has needed no rally in the season's second half to reach the Playoff like they did in 2015. This team has throughly dominated their competition, with the lone exception being down in the first half against Ole Miss before obliterating the Rebels. Much of their success can be attributed to a shutdown defense, that has depth and talent everywhere. In the front seven, defensive end Jonathan Allen has evolved into perhaps the nation's best all-around pass rusher after having a marvelous Playoff last season. He is joined by aggressive outside linebacker Tim Williams (15.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks), tackling machine Rueben Foster (94 tackles) and a host of underappreciated but important defenders like Ryan Anderson and Shaun Dion Hamilton. That front seven has caused chaos all year long and will look to attack a Washington offensive line that has played well for much of the year, but hasn't faced a defense with this many weapons. Alabama is as good as anyone at forcing turnovers and then converting off of them, and the defensive backfield plays a huge role in that. Versatile defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick has five interceptions on the year and has returned two to the house. Corner Marlon Humphrey is not an insane athlete, but is a big, physical defender that will be tasked with stopping Washington's plethora of options at receiver. Also sure to play a big role is lengthy safety Ronnie Harrison (67 tackles, two interceptions) and Tony Brown, who has replaced the injured Eddie Jackson in the back. Those playmakers will have an interesting battle against the Huskies here. They will have to contain the impressive speed on the outside, while also containing the big play. With what they have done all year long, it isn't crazy to think they can do it.

The Tide offense doesn't quite get the attention the defense does, but it obviously plays a key role on the team. True freshman Jalen Hurts overtook others in the quarterback competition and has impressed ever since. Despite his youth, Hurts has shown amazing composure and confidence, and won't be intimidated at all by Washington's impressive pass defense. At running back, the Tide have been led by hard running Damien Harris (983 yards), but also have important change-of-pace options in Bo Scarbrough and Joshua Jacobs. That trio has been strong all of 2016 and should look to take advantage of a UW rush defense missing one of its key members, veteran linebacker Azeem Victor. At receiver, Alabama has a superstar in junior Calvin Ridley, a quality No. 2 in ArDarius Stewart and senior tight end O.J. Howard, who seems to play his best in the big games. Operating behind an offensive line, this new-look Tide offense should not only be able to play physical and overpower the Huskies at times but also open up mismatches on the perimeter with their speed.

While the Tide have blown away competition en route to a flawless 13-0 mark, Washington has done much the same, with one blemish. The Huskies used their explosive offense to win 12 games, but were unable to get past the flaming hot USC Trojans, who is the only common opponent between the two. While their performance in that loss was not reassuring, it helped Washington poured it on over the past few weeks to secure a spot in the four-team field. Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning has had a tremendous year, keeping himself in the Heisman conversation for much of it. He will definitely be in store for a team matchup against the ball-hawking Tide secondary, but this signal-caller has also played with impressive confidence and charisma, he should be fine. Biletnikoff Award finalist John Ross III and Dante Pettis give Browning two dangerous speedsters to work with at wide out, and sophomore tailback Myles Gaskin has been dominant at times. This offense has been great all year (with the exception of their 13 points against 'SC), so it should be able to light up the scoreboard as well.

It will be interesting to see how Washington's defense performs in this game. Overall, the Huskies defense has played well this season, but it hasn't really faced an offense quite like the Tide's. Not helping out the Huskies is the absence of Victor (broken leg) or top pass rusher Joe Mathis. Mathis had 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks before sustaining a foot injury. The absence of those two have put more pressure on the rest of the front seven, and they have done an admirable job. Veteran leader Psalm Wooching plays with a ton of energy and passion and is the type of physical tackler required to stop Harris and the rest of the Alabama running backs. The secondary is clearly the strength of the unit, with cornerback Sidney Jones and safety Budda Baker leading the charge. Baker is a rangy, athletic defender that will have to play all over the field, while Jones will most likely be tasked with containing Ridley, which is not an easy assignment by any means. Also sure to play a large role is underrated corner Kevin King, who had 13 pass deflections this season and will have to step up with the abundance of options Alabama possesses at receiver.

How each team passes the ball will be key in this game. Both of these secondaries pride themselves on being shutdown and have backed it up, being some of the best statistical groups in the land. For the Huskies, Browning can't turn the ball over, which is easier said than done. The young QB has racked up a ton of yardage off of big plays in '16, but that isn't going to happen against this disciplined Tide group. Can he show smarts and the ability to adapt by having more success on short and intermediate throws? Washington must also get a major contribution from Gaskin, who has been inconsistent. In the Huskies' worst showings on the season (against USC and Utah) Gaskin has played his two worst games. Alabama is great at shooting gaps and tackling in space, which is worrying for UW. If Gaskin can't get going this offense becomes way too one-dimensional to have any success against 'Bama. For the Tide, they will need Hurts to make some big throws. He has been able to get by without necessarily making huge throws, but this may be their toughest and most balanced opponent yet. He will need to stretch UW vertically to open things up for this ground game. Once that ground game gets going, if its the second half, they are so strong and physical they overpower tired defenses.

Washington is one heck of a team and they have had a magical season in head coach Chris Petersen's third year at the helm. They went 12-1, won the conference and reached the Playoff, and they have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to perhaps do some serious damage. Even so, I find it insanely difficult to pick against Alabama. They are undefeated and have looked the part, beating down anybody that stands in the way of their goal of a fifth national title under Nick Saban. The ony way I see this going Washington's way is if the Tide aren't focused (like they weren't in the Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State in 2014-2015) or if Browning has the game of his life. If that doesn't happen, it won't be a blowout, but the Tide should roll pretty comfortably.
Alabama, 31 Washington, 21

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Bowl Picks 2016-2017: Liberty Bowl to TaxSlayer Bowl

Stephen Johnson, Kentucky
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (December 30th)
Georgia Bulldogs (7-5) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (6-6)

Kirby Smart's first season away from being Alabama defensive coordinator didn't exactly go according to plan. The Bulldogs won their opener over a tough North Carolina team before a tough stretch in the middle of the season. A 7-5 regular season record was not terrible, but it wasn't quite what many Georgia fans were hoping for after plenty of success under former head coach Mark Richt. Smart can end the year on a high note, however, against a TCU team that struggled as they moved away from the Trevone Boykin era. Georgia leans heavily on their ground attack, which has a two-headed monster in powerful Nick Chubb and underrated Sony Michel. Despite the fact he suffered a horrific knee injury midway through 2015, Chubb has returned and played very well, with 988 yards and seven scores. True freshman Jacob Eason had some growing pains at quarterback, and turnovers continue to be an issue. Even so, the youthful talent could look to have a big day against a TCU secondary that struggled to stop anyone in the pass-happy Big 12. Defense is still Smart's bread and butter, and the 'Dawgs are talented on that side. They will be in store for a tough battle against the explosive Horned Frogs. Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill has played well in his first season with TCU, passing for 3,062 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, mistakes are still an issue, and he struggles to fit the ball into tight windows. If Georgia's secondary is well-prepared and plays smart, they should be able to have a good day. Running back Kyle Hicks (12 touchdowns) and receiver Taj Williams give the Horned Frogs plenty of options, but the offense has really missed the versatile KaVontae Turpin, who has an injured knee. The explosive Turpin did it all for this offense, and without him, TCU has been terribly inconsistent. Neither of these teams were extremely happy with how 2016 went and while a bowl victory won't completely erase that, it would at least end the year on a high note. TCU should be able to put up a fight, but the Bulldogs are my pick in this one. They are more physical in the trenches and have enough versatility offensively to get the job done.
Georgia, 27 TCU, 21

Hyundai Sun Bowl (December 30th)
UNC Tar Heels (8-4) vs. Stanford Cardinal (9-3)

After a remarkable 11-3 mark last season, UNC has followed it up with a quality showing in 2016, proving this program has staying power as contenders in the ACC. Beating a strong program like Stanford in a bowl game (after struggling mightily in a loss to Baylor last season), would help prove the Tar Heels are rising. UNC QB Mitch Trubisky has gotten plenty of love from NFL scouts (many now view the junior as a first-round pick this next spring), but will get quite the test from the Cardinal defense. The group isn't quite as stingy as in 2015, but Stanford still prides themselves on defense and the back seven has plenty of experience and range. Trubisky will not have his usual backfield mate, Elijah Hood, to help take some pressure off him. Hood has had a great junior season but is out for this one (although he has confirmed he will be back in 2017). That will likely push veteran T.J. Logan into the starting role. He could be in store for a tough game, as Stanford's bulk and power up front makes running against them very difficult. While Stanford's defense is still very good, it is not unbeatable, as Washington proved when they dropped 44 points against them. The key for Stanford in this one will be putting up enough points. The offense still has do-it-all running back Christian McCaffrey, but McCaffrey announced he will not play in this one and instead prepare for the NFL Draft. That will likely leave David Shaw to turn to Bryce Love to carry the load at running back. Love has played well in a reserve role and will be pumped up to show what he can do. He will also have the advantage of facing a weak Tar Heels' rush defense. While Gene Chizik has received plenty of credit for helping improve UNC defensively, the rush defense is still pretty poor. The Cardinal passing attack has been inconsistent. Senior Ryan Burns started the year off as the starter, but soon gave way to junior Keller Chryst. Chryst has had some moments, but still struggles, and UNC has some quality cornerbacks. This should be a very good game, with each team having different strengths and weaknesses. If McCaffrey were going to play my pick would be Stanford, but I actually like UNC to win this one. Trubisky should still be able to do plenty of damage, and dangerous receiver Ryan Switzer could do some serious damage in special teams.
North Carolina, 34 Stanford, 30

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (December 30th)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (8-4)

What a difference a few weeks make. Halfway through the year, Nebraska was undefeated and a dark horse Playoff contender, while Tennessee was riding the magic of some magical wins over Georgia and Florida. Now, the two collide in the Music City Bowl eager to rid themselves of the poor showings they have had in the season's second half. Nebraska has had injuries, but still doesn't feel good about falling to 9-3, while the Volunteers have nearly fallen apart as they have faltered to 8-4, which included the transfer of star back Jalen Hurd. Talent-wise Tennessee has all the tools to be dominant, but it hasn't all come together for them this season. Senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs has had his moments and is a proven runner, but has struggled to make the big gains as a passer this team needs. Hurd was great as a runner but struggled with injuries, opening the door for Alvin Kamara and John Kelly to take over as running back. Also, the offensive line has plenty of talent and experience, but has been wildly inconsistent and will face an aggressive Nebraska pass rush. Even with some of the issues the offense has had, Tennessee does have some reason for confidence, as they have put up 34 points or more in their last four games. With that in mind, the defense has to show their stuff against the 'Huskers. The unit has struggled mightily at times, despite also being loaded with potential. The group should be in store for an interesting battle against Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have been able to also light up the scoreboard at times, but have also faced injuries. Senior QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. has dealt with injuries over the past few weeks, including a scary concussive hit against Ohio State. Armstrong is a dual threat that works well with these receivers, but if he can't go Nebraska will turn to backup Ryker Fyfe, who has been okay taking over. Powerful running back Terrell Newby and sure-handed veteran wide out Jordan Westerkamp will hope to help Fyfe out. Westerkamp has also dealt with injuries, but is one of the Big Ten's premier receivers when healthy. Going up against star Volunteer cornerback Cam Sutton will be an interesting battle, and should have a large impact on who wins this one. Overall, the game should be intriguing, and will not be meaningless at all. Both Butch Jones and Mike Riley could be considered on the hot seat, and a loss would only warm it up. Tennessee is coming off a bad loss to in-state rival Vanderbilt, but seems to be playing better football. If they can come together and the defense plays well, they should lock this one down.
Tennessee, 35 Nebraska, 23

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl (December 30th)
Air Force Falcons (9-3) vs. South Alabama Jaguars (6-6)

They don't quite get the credit they deserve, but Air Force has developed into one of the most consistent programs not just in the Mountain West, but the Non-Power Five in general. They went 9-3 on the year, but should have done even better if not for a tough mid-season stretch where all those losses occurred. They could further impress by taking down a sneaky South Alabama team, who barely qualified for a bowl bid. Like all the other service academies, Air Force will run the triple-option, and they have plenty of speed and playmakers to do it well. QB Nate Romine is versatile and brings great awareness and the Falcons' wide array of backs will open up the game (Jacobi Owens, Timothy McVey and D.J. Johnson). Air Force doesn't pass a ton, but when they do, receiver Jalen Robinette has proven he is their go-to guy, with 835 yards. He will hope to shred a pretty weak Jaguars' back seven. Romine's status for this game is relatively worrying, however. He has missed the last two games due to injury, and his status is murky entering this game. South Alabama will look to do some damage against a pretty good Falcons' defense. The Jaguars are led by solid signal-caller Dallas Davis and some quality weapons at receiver. Receiver Josh Magee has proven he can make plenty of big plays, and there are a number of others eager to step up. South Alabama has had a good run of tight ends over the years, and Gerald Everett definitely fits that mold. Everett has recorded 49 receptions for 717 yards and four touchdowns. His big, athletic frame has led to a great 2016 and also garnered some attention from NFL scouts. He will have to have a huge day, because South Alabamas ground game is not exactly dominant, and Air Force has zeroed in on stopping it. Thinking the Jaguars will just roll over in this one is foolish, they have proven they can contend with and beat quality opponents (Mississippi State), but they will have tough sledding in this game. Unless the defense defends the triple-option beautifully and also manages to force some turnovers, Air Force should reach double-digit victories.
Air Force, 38 South Alabama, 24

Capital One Orange Bowl (December 30th)
Michigan Wolverines (10-2) vs. Florida State Seminoles (9-3)

Two popular preseason Playoff picks collide in the Orange Bowl here, with still plenty left to play for. Michigan is trying to show they belonged in the Playoff despite their two losses, while Florida State wants to end the year on a high note and gain some momentum for what could be a special 2017. The Seminoles will be in for a tough game against the Wolverines, who are skilled, balanced and deep on both sides of the ball. On offense, Michigan will lean on junior QB Wilton Speight, who should be 100 percent. Speight suffered a collarbone injury in a loss to Iowa but came back for the Ohio State game and played well. He faces a Florida State secondary that has been beat up all season long but has still been respectable. Speight will be helped by a plethora of playmakers at running back and receiver, namely tight end Jake Butt, receiver Amara Darboh and tailback De'Veon Smith. He will also operate behind an O-Line that has gotten better as the season has pushed on, and should be ready for the 'Noles' aggressive blitz packages. For FSU, their offense has been plagued with inconsistency, but still has plenty of star talent as well. Redshirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois has been hit a ton this year, as the Florida State offensive line has struggled. Even so, the young quarterback has shown immense toughness and grit, and will look to end the season on a high note. Unfortunately, he will have to make some tough throws against a terrific Wolverines' secondary, which includes All-American corner Jourdan Lewis and the hard-hitting Delano Hill. The Wolverines will also bring some astounding talent to the equation on other places defensively, namely linebacker Jabrill Peppers and D-Linemen Taco Charlton and Rashan Gary. Peppers will play a huge role on defense but should also help on offense and special teams, and Charlton and Gary are sure to wreak havoc and get in Francois' face. They will also be tasked with stopping the powerful Dalvin Cook, who could be playing his final game in a Florida State uniform. Another important aspect to this game will be special teams, particularly the kicking game. True freshman Ricky Aguayo has a huge leg but still hasn't played in a lot of big games. Meanwhile, Michigan's Kenny Allen has struggled mightily at times. If the game is close, it is unclear who would gain the advantage there. This game is sure to be physical and tough, and will kick off the New Year's Six bowls in interesting fashion. I like Michigan to come out on top; they are more balanced on both sides of the ball and could be playing very hungry after the controversial loss to archrival Ohio State.
Michigan, 33 Florida State, 24

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl (December 31st)
Louisville Cardinals (9-3) vs. LSU Tigers (7-4)

After back-ending into the Heisman Trophy, Lamar Jackson is eager to show he is still the nation's best player against the hungry LSU Tigers. Jackson has put together a marvelous season, but recent struggles dropped Louisville out of the Playoff mix and left some doubt about whether he should win college football's most prestigious award. Jackson's athleticism and playmaking ability are off the charts and he hasn't just beat up on terrible teams; he was terrific against both Clemson and Florida State, so LSU won't scare him. Joining Jackson is a solid running back in Brandon Radcliff (877 yards) and plenty of help at receiver. LSU is very stout on defense, with talent at every level, especially the back, where future NFL stars Jamal Adams and Tre'Davious White roam. Their battle against Jackson should be very much back-and-forth. The Tigers have struggled to put up points all season long, but did just dominate Texas A&M. Purdue transfer Danny Etling isn't great but he makes the right reads and does his job. With the talent LSU has at receiver and throughout the offense, that does the trick. LSU will be without star running back Leonard Fournette, who will be sitting this one as he prepares for the NFL Draft. While the Tigers will miss the bulldozing back, it is understandable that Fournette, who will most likely be drafted very high, doesn't want to risk any injury. His backup, Derrius Guice, has been wonderful taking over when Fournette has been injured. Guice is also an incredibly hard-runner and very difficult to bring down. With him still running away, Louisville will still have a tough time. The Cardinals' defense has been pretty good for much of the season, but struggled mightily against Kentucky in the season finale. Jaire Alexander and the rest of the hungry unit should be amped and ready for to redeem themselves. Jackson is sure to bring plenty of fireworks and highlights, but right now Louisville is not playing well. Unless they have figured things out over the past few weeks, LSU has enough to take them down.
LSU, 28 Louisville, 21

TaxSlayer Bowl (December 31st)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-4) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (7-5)

It may be basketball season in Lexington, but that doesn't mean Kentucky fans will completely forgot about this team's bowl battle with Georgia Tech. The Wildcats ended the year playing very well, including a big victory over Louisville. Stanley "Boom" Williams has been their go-to playmaker, recording 1,135 yards, and shredding some impressive defenses. Williams is always a threat to break out a big run, and Georgia Tech was susceptible to big plays all 2016. Quarterback Stephen Johnson started the year off deep on UK's depth chart, but rose due to injuries and poor play. He finished the year playing as well as anybody, and should play a big role in this game. The Yellow Jackets improved from a disappointing 3-9 to go 8-4 this year. Much of that has been because they have been able to win close games and played better defense. Veteran QB Justin Thomas is an electric playmaker that runs the GT triple-option to near perfection. He is aided by a deep group of running backs, which includes Marcus Marshall and Clinton Lynch. The Wildcats are a solid defensive team, using an experienced and powerful D-Line to win plenty of games this year. That group will have to be prepared and ready to go against the Yellow Jackets, as they probably haven't faced an offense quite like GT's this year. It has been a very successful year for Kentucky, and they will be ready to keep the momentum going. Those four weeks have given them a chance to prepare for the Yellow Jackets, and it should guide them to a win here, particularly if Williams and Johnson help put up plenty of points.
Kentucky, 27 Georgia Tech, 20

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Bowl Picks 2016-2017: Foster Farms Bowl to Alamo Bowl

Sefo Liufau, Colorado
Foster Farms Bowl (December 28th)
Indiana Hoosiers (6-6) vs. Utah Utes (8-4)

A new era begins for Indiana football, as the Hoosiers will play their first game under new head coach Tom Allen, who took over for the recently fired Kevin Wilson. Allen had a very successful stint as Indiana's defensive coordinator, and the adjustment should be quick. However, the Hoosiers will not have an easy opponent, as the disciplined and methodical Utah Utes will be on the opposing sideline. Indiana had a high-flying offense under Wilson, and they should continue with that spread, up-tempo attack. Quarterback Richard Lagow put together an impressive 2016, finishing with over 3,000 yards passing and showing decent running ability. He will be joined by 1,000-yard rusher Devine Redding and plenty of weapons at receiver. The Hoosiers will have to play smart and not turn the ball over, as the Utes capitalize off turnovers as well as anybody in the country. Defensive back Marcus Williams is a ball hawk in the back, and physical D-Linemen Lowell Lotulelei should apply plenty of pressure on Lagow. Utah doesn't quite have the explosive offense that Indiana possesses, but they have proven they can move the ball, thanks in large part to back Joe Williams. Williams announced retirement late in the summer due to injury issues, then returned after a few weeks and has been terrific since. Williams has run for 1,185 yards on the year, eclipsing 100 yards five of the last six weeks, with the highpoint being a 332-yard showing in a win over UCLA. Indiana has proven to have a solid rush defense, but Williams has proven he can dominate even against legit defenses (ran for 170-plus against Washington). Quarterback Troy Williams leads a pass offense that doesn't rely on big plays, but gets the job done. Athletic receiver Tim Patrick and the rest of the Utes' weapons should be enough to challenge Indiana's back seven. Overall, the game features two solid teams looking to end successful years on a high note. Indiana should be fired up in this one, but Utah is the more fundamentally sound team and has more weapons defensively. If the Utes can get enough from both Williams, they should be able to roll to a ninth win on the year.
Utah, 30 Indiana, 24

Advocare V100 Texas Bowl (December 28th)
Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (8-4)

While most teams tend to improve as the season goes on, with more experience and comfortability, it has been the opposite for Texas A&M over the past few seasons. For the third straight season, the Aggies started off the year hot, rising as high as No. 4 in the first CFB Playoff Rankings of 2016 before falling flat late, ending up 8-4. They enter bowl season against a K-State squad that quietly went 8-4 and will be a tough team to beat. The Aggies do not know who will be their starting quarterback for this one. Former Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight has put together a strong final season of college football, but suffered a knee injury in late November and his status for this one is up in doubt. If he can't go, quality backup Jake Hubenak (884 yards, six touchdowns) should be ready to go. Hubenak will face a Wildcats' defense that doesn't have any big name stars, but has plenty of experience, namely in the secondary. Long known as a pass offense, Texas A&M showed more balance this year, with a big season from young tailback Trayveon Williams. He will also be joined by explosive playmakers at wide out, such as Josh Reynolds and Christian Kirk, who will look to blow the top off the K-State defense. No matter who takes over at quarterback, those weapons should be enough to put points on the board. The key will be stopping opponents, which has never been a real strength for A&M under Kevin Sumlin. The defense was wonderful for much of the season but has struggled mightily over the past few weeks, most notably when they allowed 54 points to a struggling LSU offense. The unit has tons of talent, led by defensive end Myles Garrett (who should be playing his final game in an Aggies' uniform), but it lets up too many big plays and still struggles with play recognition. The key for A&M will be containing dual threat quarterback Jesse Ertz, who plays such a huge role for Kansas State. Ertz threw for 1,560 yards while rushing for 945 yards along with 10 scores. Along with quality veteran Charles Jones and big play threat Alex Barnes (7.9 yards per attempt), Kansas State's rushing attack can be pretty lethal. If they can make some big throws early it could soften up the Aggies' defense enough to get some consistent yardage. Another key component to the Wildcats' offense is fullback Winston Dimel, the son of offensive coordinator Dana. Dimel has only gotten 30 rush attempts on the year but has made the most of them, with 12 touchdowns. His contributions in short yardage situations should play a big role in this one. Talent-wise Texas A&M is still probably the better team, but that has not made a huge difference for this team a lot of times. With them trending down, I actually like K-State in this one, which qualifies as an upset. If the passing game can do enough and the defense holds its own, the Wildcats could the quietest nine-win team in a long time.
Kansas State, 34 Texas A&M, 31

Birmingham Bowl (December 29th)
South Florida Bulls (10-2) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6)

The American Athletic Conference has established itself as the cream of the crop of the Non-Power Five conferences, and a victory by one of their elite teams (USF) over South Carolina would only further cement that fact. The Bulls have been very dangerous on offense all year long, as do-it-all QB Quinton Flowers has led the team in passing and rushing. Flowers' mechanics still aren't great and he can't always beat you solely with his arm, but his versatility is enough to give defenses big problems. Star back Marlon Mack is no slouch either, running for 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 7.1 yards per rush. South Carolina's defense did see some great rushing offenses in the SEC, but even so, they could be in store for a rude awakening against such a dynamic offense. The Gamecocks have been a great story, improving from a disastrous 2015 to win six games under first year head coach Will Muschamp, despite extreme youth. A lot of that can be credited to some excellent speed and explosiveness on this offense, which kept them afloat in a number of games. Backs Rico Dowdle and agile A.J. Turner will hope to have a huge day against an inconsistent Bulls' rush defense, and receiver Deebo Samuel is dangerous. USF's pass defense is not fantastic either, and South Carolina will work hard to exploit that. However, the Gamecocks quarterback situation has been a revolving door. Senior Perry Orth began the year but has struggled, while true freshman Brandon McIlwain has also had some issues, but is still considered the quarterback of the future in Columbia. Freshman Jake Bentley has become South Carolina's leading passer, and should start this one. If he makes smart decisions, it would go a long way in helping the Gamecocks take home a victory. Head coach Willie Taggart left for Oregon, but new head man Charlie Strong will hope to keep the momentum going in Tampa. He will face a South Carolina team that should have plenty of fight, but the Bulls are the better team. If the defense can do just enough and Flowers and Mack have a big day, USF should have no issues winning this one.
South Florida, 38 South Carolina, 27

Belk Bowl (December 29th)
Arkansas Razorbacks (7-5) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (9-4)

After such a long tenure of Frank Beamer, there was no indication what was to be expected of Virginia Tech in Year One under Justin Fuente. Yet, things have gone even better than perhaps expected, as the Hokies have won nine games and won the ACC Coastal, pushing Clemson to the brink in the ACC Championship Game. They want to end the year on a high note, but Arkansas is no pushover. A big reason for the improvement in Blacksburg for VT has been a much more dynamic offense. Signal-caller Jerod Evans is still learning, but he finished with 3,309 yards through the air and can also open things up with his legs. He is helped by one of the ACC's top receivers, Isaiah Ford, who can open up games with his home run ability. The Razorbacks' pass defense has been successful for much of the season, but Evans, Ford and even physical tight end Bucky Hodges present new challenges. For Arkansas, the key for them will be not turning the ball over. Veteran QB Austin Allen has done a great job filling in for his graduated older brother Brandon, but has also cost Arkansas many times with poor decisions. Virginia Tech has plenty of ball-hawking defenders, and it doesn't help that VT defensive coordinator Bud Foster is known for bringing pressure on opposing defenses with exotic blitzes. Depending on what happens with the passing attack, the Razorbacks could lean heavily on their ground game. That ground game is helped by a deep stable of backs, namely Rawleigh Williams III (1,326 yards) and Devwah Whaley. Yet, that rushing attack will not have any success if the offensive line struggles. Arkansas has plenty of bulk and experience in that group, but inconsistency has been an issue. If the group can't stop Virginia Tech's aggressive attacks, the Razorbacks are going to struggle. This should be another competitive bowl that could either be high-scoring or a close, physical, low-scoring affair. My bet is on the Hokies and Evans to lead the charge, particularly if the defense helps out quite a bit.
Virginia Tech, 28 Arkansas, 23

Valero Alamo Bowl (December 29th)
Colorado Buffaloes (10-3) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-3)

What a year it has been in Boulder, Colorado. After years of struggling in the Big 12 and Pac-12, Colorado is back playing in the postseason for the first time since 2007. They are hoping to end their resurgent campaign by taking down a tough Oklahoma State team. The Buffaloes' major improvement has hinged heavily on a dangerous offense. Senior QB Sefo Liufau has not been 100 percent for much of the year, but has still played extremely well. The dual threat can make all the reads, and extends plays in a variety of ways. He will be aided by underrated running back Phillip Lindsay, who is deadly in the open field. Playing in the Big 12, Oklahoma State fits the stereotype of teams from that conference that can light up the scoreboard, but struggle to stop anyone. Not having pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, who left for the NFL last year, has only hurt the Cowboys' defense. The group must put pressure on Liufau and make tackles in open space, which has not been a strength for them this season. If this game does turn into a shootout, Ok. State should be in pretty good hands. Junior Mason Rudolph has proven he can burn defenses with his huge arm, and wide frame. Rudolph and his favorite receiver James Washington Jr. (both have announced they are returning in 2017), will look to have success against a Colorado secondary that has been great all season long. The Cowboys rushing attack has lagged behind over the years, but the group does have explosive Justice Hill, who ran for over 1,000 yards. Hill is small, but runs extremely hard, so Colorado tacklers must be prepared to fight against his tenacity. The Buffaloes don't have a ton of big name stars on their defense, but their front seven has plenty of size and experience, so this should be a great battle between the two. Also important is the motivation factor: Oklahoma State is angry, as they are coming off a loss to bitter rival Oklahoma and could have been in the Playoff mix if not for a fluke loss to Central Michigan, while Colorado is trying to rinse the bad taste out of their mouth following a bad loss to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship Game. This game should have plenty of points, and could also be a toss-up. However, I like the Buffaloes to win this one and end their big year in a big way. They have more experience and proven playmakers on defense, which should be enough to help them secure this one.
Colorado, 44 Oklahoma State, 37

Monday, December 26, 2016

Bowl Picks 2016-2017: Holiday Bowl to Russell Athletic Bowl

Luke Falk, Washington State
National Funding Holiday Bowl (December 27th)
Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-4) vs. Washington State Cougars (8-4)

It has been a long and crazy last month in Minneapolis for the Gophers, who enter the Holiday Bowl in a weird place. First, there was the two agonizing losses to rivals Nebraska and Wisconsin that knocked the Gophers out of Big Ten West title contention, and then there was the controversial boycott of this game that was later ended. The Gophers will hope to put it aside and take home a victory over a quality Washington State team that also ended their year with two straight losses. The Cougars are led by their usual air-raid attack, with junior quarterback Luke Falk leading the way. Falk obliterated his fair share of defenses throughout 2016, finishing with 4,204 passing yards and showing deceptive running ability when needed. Falk has a ton of weapons to work with on the perimeter, namely Gabe Marks and Tavares Martin Jr., which should be enough to give the Minnesota secondary plenty of issues. Minnesota's defense has been good for much of the year, but this secondary has not faced a passing attack quite like Washington State's. If they aren't properly prepared, they could be in store for a rude awakening. For the Gopher offense, they lean more on their rushing attack, which is led by two superb backs, sophomores Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. Many thought it was Brooks time to shine after ending 2015 on fire but it has been Smith who has been better, running for 1,084 yards on the year and breaking open a number of games. However, the passing game continues to lag behind, despite having experienced Mitch Leidner at quarterback. Leidner has had some great moments, but turnover issues have been troubling, and the Cougars have an aggressive defensive backfield. Washington State's defense was once the serious Achilles Heel of the team but it has improved enough that it shouldn't cost this team this bowl. Unless the Gophers shut down Falk completely and Leidner has a huge day, the Cougs should have enough to get their ninth win of the season.
Washington State, 31 Minnesota, 21

Motel 6 Cactus Bowl (December 27th)
Boise State Broncos (10-2) vs. Baylor Bears (6-6)

Remember way back when Baylor was undefeated and a dark horse Playoff contender? Six losses later the Bears are just trying to end a frustrating 2016 on a high note against the tough Boise State Broncos. After that 6-0 start, the Bears seemed to lose their focus, and losing starting quarterback Seth Russell to injury did not help. A big-armed gunslinger, Russell suffered a scary leg injury that cost him the season, forcing Baylor to turn to freshman Zach Smith. Smith has done okay as a replacement, but has not had a whole lot of help from a porous offensive line. Also hurting BU's offense in this one is the fact star running back Shock Linwood will not play, instead deciding to rest and prepare for the 2017 NFL Draft. That will put more pressure on back Terence Williams and others to step up and make some plays against a talented Broncos' defense. Meanwhile, the Baylor defense will also hope to figure some things out after a rough second half. Their major losses in their front seven became clear and the pass rush disappeared. They will need to find some ways to get pressure on Boise QB Brett Rypien, who had a great sophomore season. Rypien threw for 3,341 yards and 23 touchdowns, and looked extremely calm and poised despite being young. He is joined by one of the nation's most underrated running backs, explosive Jeremy McNichols. McNichols ran for 1,663 yards and 23 touchdowns on the season but didn't get the attention he deserved playing in the Mountain West. Baylor struggled to defend the run at times this season and although they will prepare for McNichols, the elusive running back could also have a field day. Further helping out the offense will be veteran receiver Thomas Sperbeck, whose big play ability will open up things underneath. Young Baylor players will be playing hard to impress new head coach Matt Rhule, who arrives from Temple. Even so, this is a young that has completely fallen apart in the season's second half. Rypien and McNichols could be in store for a huge day, and the disciplined Broncos defense will lead the way to another strong postseason showing for Boise.
Boise State, 38 Baylor, 24

New Era Pinstripe Bowl (December 28th)
Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (6-6)

Despite having four losses, Pittsburgh had quite the year under second year head coach Pat Narduzzi in '16, and it isn't unreasonable to think this program has a bright future ahead of them. The Panthers beat Penn State and Clemson in thrillers, and get this: of their four losses, three were decided by a touchdown or less. One of the greatest stories out of Pittsburgh was the play of back James Conner, who came back from Hodgkins Lymhoma to rush for 1,060 yards and lead the balanced Panthers' attack. Conner has already decided he is leaving for the NFL after this season, but he should be bale to give Pitt some more big plays in his finale. Quarterback Nathan Peterman had a solid year, making all the right plays en route to 2,602 yards and 26 touchdowns. Peterman does not have a huge arm but he proved he could handle and beat some great defenses this year. That will be important against a talented Northwestern defense with plenty of playmakers in their secondary. That defense also includes linebacker Anthony Walker, one of the most talented defenders in the Big Ten, who had 98 tackles on the season. He will be tasked with stopping Conner and the rest of the Pitt ground game. The Panthers' defense has been inconsistent throughout much of the year, but they will be pumped up and energized in this one. Defensive end Elijuan Price is one of the nation's top pass rushers, and will look to wreak havoc on the Wildcats' offense. Northwestern is led by a variety of playmakers, namely Justin Jackson at running back and Biletnikoff finalist Austin Carr. Carr caught 84 passes for 1,196 yards and 12 touchdowns, and will look to have success against an undersized Pittsburgh secondary. Overall though, it is very hard to know what you are getting week in week out from the Northwestern offense. This is the same unit that put up just seven points against FCS foe Illinois State, but has also looked fantastic at times. That makes picking this game very hard, as the Wildcats could come out in a big way or look extremely flat. Pitt has been the more consistent team and looks like they should be able to lock down a win here.
Pittsburgh, 28 Northwestern, 23

Russell Athletic Bowl (December 28th) 
Miami Hurricanes (8-4) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (10-2)

Entering the season, it wasn't crazy to think Dana Holgorsen was on the hot seat at West Virginia. The Mountaineers were consistently good under him, but the team hadn't been able to record many big wins since moving to the Big 12, and it didn't appear as though 2016 was going to be much different. However, a resurgent year for the Mountaineers has seemingly pulled Holgorsen off the hot seat, as WVU was in the Big 12 title mix for much of the year. They hope to cap off the year in style, against a Miami that started off hot, struggled mightily, then regained their footing to finish off 8-4. For many Hurricanes fans, it wasn't the magical start to the Mark Richt era they were hoping for, but they looked much better under the former Georgia head coach. Junior quarterback Brad Kaaya played very well, recording 3,250 yards and 23 touchdowns and continuing to show improvement. When paired with backs Mark Walton (1,065 yards, 14 touchdowns) and Joe Yearby (592 yards), the 'Canes bring a balanced and effective offense to the table. But, contrary to what they once were under Holgorsen, WVU plays defense. Despite overcoming plenty of injuries, the group has been wonderful, with big contributions from cornerback Rasul Douglas and physical defensive linemen Noble Nwachukwu. Those two, along with plenty others, helped West Virginia hold opponents to just 23 points per game, their lowest mark in years. On the other side of the ball, Holgorsen's aggressive passing attack is still being utilized. Quarterback Skyler Howard has put together a tremendous senior season, chucking the ball all over the place, en route to 3,174 yards. He is joined by a plethora of options on the perimeter, along with two talented running backs in Justin Crawford and Pitt transfer Rushel Shell. Crawford in particular, was a revelation. The young back quietly ran for 1,168 yards on the season, while averaging 7.4 yards per carry. The Hurricanes have a rock-solid defense, but stopping the Mountaineers' various playmakers could prove to be challenging. I think this has the makings of what should be a very good bowl game. No matter who wins this one, both should feel good about what they accomplished in 2016, and both appear to be very good football teams. I feel slightly more confident in West Virginia's defense at this point, which should put them over the top.
West Virginia, 27 Miami, 24

Friday, December 23, 2016

Bowl Picks 2016-2017: Quick Lane Bowl to Military Bowl

P.J. Walker, Temple
Quick Lane Bowl (December 26th)
Maryland Terrapins (6-6) vs. Boston College Eagles (6-6)

Old ACC rivals collide once more, as Maryland and first year head coach D.J. Durkin square off against a Boston College team still trying to find their offense. The Terrapins opened up the 2016 campaign 4-0 before Big Ten play hit and their flaws became clear. The Terps also struggle to score the ball, although the offense had its moments at times this past season. Quarterback Perry Hills had a rocky senior season, but has a quality 10-3 touchdown to interception ratio. Sophomore Ty Johnson also put together a quality year, quietly rushing for 845 yards and four scores. Running behind a talented offensive line, Maryland should be able to move the ball. However, BC is not an easy team to move the ball against. Despite the fact defensive coordinator Don Brown left to take the same gig at Michigan, the Eagles have not missed a beat on defense. The group has the eighth-ranked total defense in the nation, and allows just 5.8 plays per game. Defensive end Harold Landry will play  a huge role in this one; the pass rusher is hoping to become the nation's leader in sacks, having 15 on the season so far. The key for the Eagles will be scoring themselves. Kentucky transfer Patrick Towles beat out others to win the starting quarterback job, but wasn't exactly wonderful. Towles has had statlines of: 3-11 for 29 yards in a loss, 10-23 for 74 yards in a win, and 9 for 28 for 80 yards in a blowout loss. At times, the passing game has been so bad, the Eagles have simply had to abandon that part of that offense altogether. Maryland is not a wonderful defensive team, but the secondary may be the strength of this team, with corner Will Likely making plays. Unless Towles can suddenly turn his season around in his final game, Boston College will be extremely limited. Back Jon Hilliman was okay at times this past season, but the rushing attack lacked any type of explosiveness and hasn't shown it can carry BC. While a number of the early bowl games have been highlighted by plenty of big plays and scoring, this one could be the polar opposite. Neither team has an offense that scares anybody, and BC could shutdown Maryland. Even with that in mind, the Terrapins are the smarter pick. They are slightly more balanced and physical than Boston College and may have slightly more momentum.
Maryland, 20 Boston College, 14

Camping World Independence Bowl (December 26th)
NC State Wolfpack (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6)

It hasn't got the attention it deserves, but Derek Mason has had a great year in Nashville. In Year 3 with the Commodores, Mason has elevated them back to a bowl game, after two rough seasons inside the SEC. Now, they'll look to continue what may be a breakthrough season by taking down the confusing NC State Wolfpack. NC State has had two big wins this season, beating Notre Dame and toppling UNC in Chapel Hill, but have also had some putrid performances. A beatdown at the hands of Lamar Jackson at Louisville comes to mind first. The key for them has been their rushing attack, which has been centered around veteran Matt Dayes. Dayes doesn't get a whole lot of love from the media, but he ran for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns so far in '16, and can break open games. Boise State transfer Ryan Finley has also quietly put together a strong season, passing for 2,820 yards with 15 touchdowns. That should be enough to test a Vanderbilt team built on their defense. The former D-coordinator at Stanford, Mason has always prided himself on defense, and has brought that mantra to Vandy. Zach Cunningham may be the best defensive player you've never heard of. The linebacker had 119 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss en route to All-America honors. He will lead a disciplined and aggressive Commodores' defense. The Wolfpack defense will also be out in full force in this one, as they ended the year playing well. Defensive end Bradley Chubb is among the ACC's best, and should look to wreak havoc against an inconsistent Vanderbilt O-Line. Offensively, Vanderbilt also has a solid crop of weapons that haven't got the recognition they deserve. Workhorse running back Ralph Webb has rushed for 1,172 yards on the year and becomes especially lethal in the second half, when his stamina helps him run all over tired opposing defenses. QB Kyle Shurmur had some ups-and-downs but seemed to get very comfortable towards the end of the regular season. The son of former Browns head coach and current Vikings' OC Pat, Shurmur makes the right decisions and has a great feel, but the offense still doesn't make many big plays. If he can find something over the top, that would open things up for Webb, something that hasn't happened enough this season. Motivation factors should be high in this one. Vanderbilt is trying to prove they are once more a serious contender in the SEC East, while NC State is hoping to prove they can win under hot seat head coach Dave Doeren. I actually like Vanderbilt to win this one; they are the better defensive team and Webb should do enough to secure a close win.
Vanderbilt, 24 NC State, 21

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl (December 27th)
Army Black Knights (7-5) vs. North Texas Mean Green (5-7)

Feel like you've seen this one before? Thats because you maybe have. Earlier in the season, North Texas beat Army 35-18, and now the two will meet once more in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Mean Green finished with just five wins on the year, but earned a bowl berth due to high APR scores. They have some talent on the offensive side of the ball, but the group struggled in the season's second half. Back Jeffrey Wilson ran for 13 touchdowns and pounded opposing C-USA defenses at times, but also runs behind a poor offensive line. Meanwhile, signal-caller Mason Fine will look to add on to a relatively poor statline. Fine enters the game with just 1,572 yards and six touchdowns. Army is a strong defensive team, led by linebacker Andrew King who has 88 tackles. Yet, UNT did hang 35 on them earlier on, so it will be interesting to see how much offensive success the Mean Green have. Meanwhile, Army has had a breakthrough season, winning seven games and beating Navy for the first time in years. They also beat eventual American Athletic Champ Temple, so this is a team that has proven they are legit. They will led as usual, by their triple-option offense. Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw has more rushing yards (646) than passing yards (622) but can break open games with his impressive speed. He will be helped by an abundance of weapons in the backfield, namely Andy Davidson, who had 905 yards and 11 touchdowns. Army also has underrated receiver Edgar Poe, who recorded 321 yards and made some acrobatic catches along the way. Armys impressive rushing game should strike fear into North Texas. The Mean Green's defense has not been very good, particularly against the run, confirmed by them allowing 301 yards to UTEP back Aaron Jones. Unless the group suddenly figured things out in the few weeks leading up to this one, they could really struggle. Army should be pumped up and ready to go, considering it is their first bowl appearance in 20-something years. While UNT did beat them earlier, this is a different Black Knights' team and one more more motivated. They should be able to get the job done.
Army, 28 North Texas, 17

Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman (December 27th)
Temple Owls (10-3) vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-6)

Both Temple and Wake Forest enter this Military Bowl in weird, interesting places. Temple started off slow before finishing the year off on fire before earning a conference title. Then, they watched as popular head coach Matt Rhule decided to jump to Baylor, before replacing him with Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins. Meanwhile, Wake Forest opened up the year 4-0 before their tough schedule caught up with them. Then, reports of a former radio announcer for the school giving out information about the team to opponents broke, and the fallout is still happening. Even with those distractions, this should be a pretty good game. Temple is immensely talented, led by perhaps the best quarterback in school history in P.J. Walker, a dual threat. Walker is helped by explosive back Jahad Thomas (918 yards, 13 touchdowns) and receiver Ventrell Bryant. That should be enough to score plenty of points, but Wake's defense is not the pushover it once was under Clawson. The group played well this season, holding Florida State to just 17 and Louisville to just two scores before the Cardinals got it going in the second half. The key for the Demon Deacons (much like Boston College) will be how much they do themselves offensively. Clawson, who was formerly at Bowling Green, was well known for his offensive expertise but it has not really translated to Wake. Running backs Matt Coburn and Cade Carney both have had solid seasons, but aren't exactly game-changers. Quarterback John Wolford continues to work on his consistency. Wolford can run the ball very well, rushing for over 500 yards on the year. However, he leaves a lot to be desired passing the ball, with just seven touchdowns and nine interceptions this year. The Owls did lose a lot from their defense this past season, namely Chuck Bednarik Award winner Tyler Matakevich. The group struggled to replace him early, but has figured it out. With that in mind, I still like Temple to win, even if Rhule is gone. The Temple program has become one that can withstand their head coaches moving on (only got better after Al Golden left to Miami and Steve Addazio left to Boston College), so don't expect a big drop-off. Behind Walker and Thomas, the Owls should get it done.
Temple, 34 Wake Forest, 24

Monday, December 19, 2016

Bowl Picks 2016-2017: Bahamas Bowl to St. Petersburg Bowl

Fred Ross, Mississippi State
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl (December 23rd)
Old Dominion Monarchs (9-3) vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-5)

Due to the fact they play in the MAC, Eastern Michigan didn't get the attention it deserved throughout much of 2016. The Eagles improved from a lowly one-win 2015 to win seven this season and finish off .500 in the conference. They will hope to keep the magical season going against an Old Dominion team looking to record their first double-digit season at the FBS level. The key for Eastern Michigan will be containing senior quarterback David Washington, a dangerous dual threat. Washington threw for 2,648 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also rushing for 205 more. Washington's arm is not quite as strong as others but the veteran makes the right reads and had just four interceptions all of '16. Junior running back Ray Lawry is also rock-solid, rushing for over 1,000 yards himself. Those two, paired with a defense hungry to prove itself after a relatively poor showing in the season's second half, should be enough to put the Monarchs in very good position. Old Dominion will have to contain the Eagles' cast of offensive weapons, namely sophomore back Ian Eriksen, who has run for 741 yards. If they do that, the EMU offense could struggle to move the ball, as quarterback Brogan Roback has not proven he can lead the Eagles to victories all alone just yet. No bowl games are locks, particularly in the crazy sport that is college football. However, this one may be as close to a lock as possible. The Monarchs were one of the best teams in the C-USA, and have won eight of nine, while EMU still has some serious flaws and is inexperienced in the postseason.
Old Dominion, 38 Eastern Michigan, 24

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (December 23rd)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-5) vs. Navy Midshipmen (9-4)

Big-time offenses should be a common theme in the Armed Forces Bowl this season, as both Navy and Louisiana Tech have proven they can light up the scoreboard. However, these two squads light up the scoreboard in much different ways. The Bulldogs have a wonderful passing offense, behind the huge arm of quarterback Ryan Higgins, who tossed for 4,208 yards and 37 scores on the year, en route to C-USA MVP honors. Paired with underrated receiver Trent Taylor (1,570 yards, 124 receptions) La. Tech should put up points as usual, even against a Navy defense that has plenty of experience. On the other side, the Midshipmen are led by their triple-option offense, which was scorching hot near the end of the regular season, most namely a 75-point showing against SMU. That offense was terrifying to opposing defenses mainly because of the play of senior Will Worth, who leads Navy in both passing (1,397 yards) and rushing (1,198 yards). Unfortunately, Worth's career is most likely over after breaking his foot late in the year. Zach Abey, who began the year No. 3 on Navy's depth chart, appears to be the starter for the game, although that is still unclear. No matter who takes over the quarterback reigns, Navy will still lean on their orchestrated ground attack. Louisiana Tech is spotty throughout their defense, and they haven't faced a triple-option offense like Navy's this year. They may have time to prepare for the unique offense the Midshipmen run, but Navy should still find a way to put up points. It should be an intriguing battle of different football philosophies and should be competitive. I like Navy a lot this year, but it may be hard to imagine them overcoming the loss of so much at quarterback against a scorching hot Bulldogs team.
Louisiana Tech, 40 Navy, 28


Dollar General Bowl (December 23rd)
Ohio Bobcats (8-5) vs. Troy Trojans (9-3)

This has been a season of massive success in Troy, but one filled with potential for even more. At the end of the day, the Trojans went 9-3 on the year, finished off in the top half of a sneaky tough Sun Belt, and were the first Sun Belt team to ever be ranked in the AP Top 25. However, two losses in their final three doomed slim New Year's Six Bowl chances, and lost any chance of a conference title. The Trojans also went toe to toe with Clemson for nearly four quarters, before the Tigers pulled out late. If Troy had managed to pull that one off, it would have possibly been the biggest upset of the year. The Trojans will hope for a positive way to finish off a wacky year against a tough Ohio squad who won the MAC East. Back Jordan Chunn and quarterback Brandon Silvers give Troy a dangerous 1-2 punch to work with, which is particularly dangerous against a solid, physical O-Line. Chunn can break off huge runs every time he touches the ball, while Silvers is an interesting dual threat. For the Bobcats, defense has been important, with veterans everywhere stepping up. Since their season opener when they allowed 56 in a loss to Texas State, Ohio has been great defensively. If they can stay disciplined and smart, they should be able to give Troy a tough time. The key will be on the other side, where Ohio has struggled to score themselves at times. QB Greg Windham has had his moments but the quarterback situation has been murky, although they do have a lethal perimeter option in Sebastian Smith (54 catches, 877 yards). Ohio is a rock-solid program that can compete every day with their defense, but this will be a tough one. Troy is a balanced and experienced football team, and the game is being played in their own backyard, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. With that in mind, the Trojans should rise to the occasion and complete a ten-win campaign,
Troy, 27 Ohio, 20

Hawai'i Bowl (December 24th)
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (8-4) vs. Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (6-7)

It has taken some painful years, but Hawai'i has finally returned to a bowl game. Once a fun and interesting program to watch, Hawai'i suffered for years under former head coach Norm Chow, while undergoing a shift from their pass-happy air raid scheme to a pro-style attack (while the university struggled to even fund the team). They have returned to the postseason behind energetic first year head coach Nick Rolovich, who will hope to lead the Rainbow Warriors past a good Middle Tennessee team. The Blue Raiders have grown into a very respectable program, and were one of the best in the C-USA this season. Much of that success from Middle Tennessee can be attributed to immense talent at the skill positions. Ole Miss transfer I'Tavius Mathers has dominated at running back, rushing for 1,504 yards and 16 scores. Quarterback Brent Stockstill, the coach's son, is extremely efficient and doesn't turn the ball over. And then there is sophomore Richie James, one of the nation's most reliable receivers, hauling in 97 receptions for 1,463 yards. Those three should look to capitalize against a Hawai'i defense that has improved since letting up big yardage to Davis Webb and Cal in Week One, but still has issues. Something watch is the status of Stockstill, who is not 100 percent and is questionable. For the Rainbow Warriors, the key will be playing smart and controlling field position. They have a number of solid weapons to work with, but Middle Tennessee's defense is well-prepared; they have seen some explosive offenses in the Conference USA. Even to get Hawai'i to a bowl in Year One was a big success for Rolovich, and the home folks should go out and support in their home state. Even so, the Rainbow Warriors will need some magic and to force some turnovers in order to stop the Blue Raiders.
Middle Tennessee, 35 Hawai'i, 21

St. Petersburg Bowl (December 26th)
Miami (Ohio) Redhawks (6-6) vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-7)

Often times in college football, we often do see teams start off 6-0 or 7-0 and fall flat in the season's second half, usually as depth issues and/or a tough schedule catch up to them. We usually don't see it quite the other way, when a team starts off 0-6, and then ends up running the table. Yet, that happened to Miami (Ohio) this year. The Redhawks started off the year lethargically, going 0-6 with a loss to FCS foe Eastern Illinois. Then, things just changed and they caught fire, winning their last six to become bowl eligible. The offense still has some issues, but the group improved in a big way defensively, and played with much more confidence in the second half of the year. They won't have an easy bowl test, though, as Mississippi State hopes to prove they deserve in a bowl. The Bulldogs had some moments, namely beating then-No. 4 Texas A&M, but overall had some issues adjusting to life without QB Dak Prescott. The Bulldogs even suffered a loss to South Alabama, a Sun Belt school that had never defeated anybody from the mighty SEC. Despite that, Miss. State looked much better as the year wore on, thanks in large part to the emergence of signal-caller Nick Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald threw for 2,287 yards but was even better as a runner, rushing for 1,243 yards. He should be in store for a big day, even against a motivated Miami defense. Mississippi State can't allow him to do it all on his own. Receiver Fred Ross should be able to beat smaller defenders with his impressive size, and the youthful but athletic defense will be eager to play. Miami has had a truly incredible year, but it is tough to imagine them taking down an SEC team, particularly with the Bulldogs playing their best football of the year right now.
Mississippi State, 33 Miami (Ohio), 17

Thursday, December 15, 2016

College Football Bowl Picks 2016-2017: Miami Beach Bowl to Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Brian Hill, Wyoming
Miami Beach Bowl (December 19th)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (9-3) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (6-6)

Since his days as offensive coordinator at Baylor, Tulsa head coach Phillip Montgomery has known how to run octane offenses, and that has not changed for the Golden Hurricane. Tulsa averages 41 points and nearly 261 rushing yards per game. Much of that impressive rushing yardage comes from tailback James Flanders. Flanders has quietly been dominant, rushing for 1,529 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season. Helped by quarterback Dane Evans and dangerous receiver Keevan Lucas, points should not be a huge issue for the Golden Hurricane in this one. Meanwhile, on the other side, Central Michigan has had an up-and-down, chaotic 2016. They opened up the year with an epic hail mary over Oklahoma State in a controversial call, and then improved to 3-0. However, they tailed off during the backend of the year, and lost four of five. They will need a huge day from veteran quarterback Cooper Rush to keep pace with Tulsa. Rush finished up the campaign with 3,299 yards and 23 touchdowns, and had some big days against solid defenses. Tulsa has an aggressive defense that can force turnovers, but has also been inconsistent. Rush doesn't turn the ball over much, so he could find some success. The Chippewas have had some moments defensively as well, but the group will have to be prepared for the versatility and diversity of the Tulsa offense. They will also have to play well on third downs, as Tulsa converts on third down 44.6 percent of the time, good enough for 13th in the land. CMU has a heavy dose of experience and plenty of talent, but they may be overmatched in this one. Unless something crazy happens, the Golden Hurricane could record a 10-win season.
Tulsa, 42 Central Michigan, 28

Boca Raton Bowl (December 20th)
Memphis Tigers (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (10-3)

A new era begins for Western Kentucky football, as they begin their first game without head coach Jeff Brohm, who left to take the job at Purdue. The Hilltoppers will be led by former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, who will hope to keep the hot Hilltoppers going, as they are fresh off a Conference USA crown. WKU won't have an easy win, as Memphis looks to continue what has been a strong first showing in their first post-Justin Fuente season. The Tigers sit at 8-4, behind the big arm of Tennessee transfer Riley Ferguson, who has thrown for 3,326 yards. Because of their own explosive offense, Western Kentucky has been able to deal with a relatively weak defense. That may not fly against Memphis, who is very balanced and knows how to exploit opponents' weaknesses. That should put more pressure on a lethal WKU offense that thrives in creating big plays. Underrated signal-caller Mike White has thrown for over 4,000 yards on the season, and Taywan Taylor is one of the best wide outs in the entire nation, with 1,586 yards in '16. Memphis will also have to be up and ready to stop the rushing attack, as back Anthony Wales (1,376 yards and 24 touchdowns) can dominate himself. Those three, along with a solid offensive line, have helped the Hilltoppers averaged 44.9 points per game this season. Not helping Memphis is the fact this whole Western Kentucky team is scary hot. WKU has now won seven straight, and has looked like one of the best non-Power Five teams in the country. Even though the Tigers' defense isn't terrible, they should still be in store for a tough one. Much like Tulsa-CMU, a shootout could be in order, with the hotter team (Western Kentucky) likely to prevail.
Western Kentucky, 45 Memphis, 35

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (December 21st)
BYU Cougars (8-4) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (8-5)

While much was made of Mike MacIntrye and Colorado's turnaround, along with many others, not enough credit was given to Craig Bohl and Wyoming's wild improvement. Under the first two seasons of Bohl, the former NDSU head coach, the Cowboys went 4-8 in 2014 and a lowly 2-10 last season. Behind a fabulous offense and wonderful running back, Wyoming has quickly improved to 8-5 and played in the Mountain West Championship Game, where they lost to San Diego State. The next step would be a bowl victory, where they have a great chance against 8-4 BYU. Longtime Cougar quarterback Taysom Hill suffered yet another season-ending injury, but youthful QB Tanner Mangum has been wonderful. Paired with terrific Jamaal Williams (who has spent plenty of time in Provo himself), BYU's offense is plenty of dangerous themselves. Defensively, BYU has long been very tough to score against, and that has not changed in 2016. The group always plays hard and ferocious, and they will have to be up for the task in this one. Back Brian Hill is among the nation's leading rushers, recording 1,767 yards on the season. Blessed with great elusiveness, Hill is also deadly when he gets into the open field. The Cougars will not win this game if they let Hill get any type of space. The Cowboys' passing game is not quite as dangerous, but it should not be overlooked either. Steady quarterback Josh Allen has nearly 3,000 yards on the season, and is wonderful in the play action, so BYU must stay disciplined. Reliable receiver Tanner Gentry and explosive Jacob Hollister give Allen other options to work with to stretch the Cougs' D. Even though we are nearly done with the season, I'm still not completely sure how good Wyoming truly is. They have had moments where they have looked like a Top 25 team (beating Boise State) but they also have a tendency to come out flat. BYU has loads of experience, and Hill and Williams will be eager to end their BYU career in a big way.
BYU, 34 Wyoming, 31

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (December 22nd)
Colorado State Rams (7-5) vs. Idaho Vandals (8-4)

Despite the fact they are beginning a transition to the FCS level, Idaho has shown some signs of vitality in one of their final opportunities to at the FBS level. Head coach Paul Petrino has led the Vandals to an 8-4 record, which has included winning five of six. Idaho is not extremely talented, but they are disciplined and fight every game. They will be in for an interesting battle against Colorado State, who started off slow (lost 44-7 to rival Colorado), before a strong finish. Junior Nick Stevens didn't start the year, but has been Colorado State's guy since the midpoint of the year. Stevens has been great, most importantly throwing for 374 yards in a slim loss to Air Force. He will be helped by dangerous receiver Michael Gallup, who caught 70 passes and had 11 touchdowns. Statistically, Idaho's defense is pretty good, but they played some poor Sun Belt offenses. They will be in store for a tough showing against an efficient and confident Rams' offense. On the other side, Colorado State's defense has also had bouts of inconsistency, and they have allowed 27.8 points per game on the season. However, the group does let up big plays, but they know how to get stops when needed. They are near the top end of the country in third and fourth down stops, which should make things even more difficult for an Idaho team that could be overmatched talent-wise in this one.
Colorado State, 28 Idaho, 20

Sunday, December 11, 2016

College Football Bowl Picks 2016-2017: New Mexico Bowl to New Orleans Bowl

Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego St.
Gildan New Mexico Bowl (December 17th)
UTSA Roadrunners (6-6) vs. New Mexico Lobos (8-4)

The 2016-2017 bowl season will kick off with a battle of two pretty big surprises. New Mexico has been solid over the last few years but they have had a better 2016 than many imagined, and are now just one victory away from just their fifth nine-win season in program history. Meanwhile, UTSA will be playing in their first bowl game ever after winning six games in the crowded Conference USA. The Roadrunners know what they need to stop to have a shot at beating UNM: the ground attack. With nearly 361 yards a game on the ground, the Lobos have the No. 1 rushing offense in the entire land, topping offenses that usually find themselves up there, like option-orientated Georgia Tech or Navy. Backs Teriyon Gipson and Tyrone Owens give New Mexico a dangerous two-headed attack, particularly Gipson, who is coming off a 217-yard day in the team's season finale over Wyoming. UTSA's rush defense is inconsistent and while it has faced many high-octane offenses in the C-USA, adjusting to this ground game could prove to be challenging. The Lobos don't do much through the air, but Washington State transfer Austin Apodaca has a big enough arm that the Roadrunners have to be prepared for the long pass. UTSA has a solid running back themselves in Jarveon Williams (775 yards in '16) and don't turn the ball over. However, the aerial attack is not very diversified and New Mexico has an athletic defense. Unless the Roadrunners can find some magic or completely shut down New Mexico on the ground, they are going to be in for a challenge. UTSA is a great story (the fastest program to go from a startup to bowl-eligible) but they could be overmatched against the skilled Lobos.
New Mexico, 35 UTSA, 21

Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico (December 17th)
Houston Cougars (9-3) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (10-3)

Two of the nation's best non-Power Five teams are set to collide in Las Vegas, as the 9-3 Cougars hope to overtake the underrated Aztecs. Life after Tom Herman begins for the Cougars, who went 22-4 under the head coach, before he left to take the job at Texas. New head man Major Applewhite still has enough talent to lead UH to a victory. Senior signal-caller Greg Ward Jr. is still one of the nation's best, and his dual threat ability should give the SDSU defense issues. On defense, Houston not only has a ball-hawking secondary but one of the nation's top freshman in defensive linemen Ed Oliver. Oliver will hope to create enough chaos to disrupt the extremely efficient and methodical Aztec offense. That offense is headed by Donnel Pumphrey, who finished the year with 2,018 yards and 16 touchdowns. Pumphrey is a dynamic ball-carrier that can break the game open at any moment. The Cougars' defense has played well on the year, but is still prone to big plays, which could be extremely worrying. That defense will also be tasked with stopping quarterback Christian Chapman. Chapman does not exactly stuff the stat sheet full (1,866 yards and 19 passing touchdowns on the year) but he does the little things well and has proven he can overcome tough defenses. An important factor in this one could be the motivation level. The Aztecs are fresh off a Mountain West Conference Title and eager to prove they are a Top 25 team, while Houston's younger guys will hope to have a big day to insure their future under Applewhite. It should be a fun game, but the Aztecs are the more balanced team. They should be able to pull off this one in a thriller.
San Diego State, 27 Houston, 24

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (December 17th)
Appalachian State Moutaineers (9-3) vs. Toledo Rockets (9-3)

If you like offense, Toledo may just be the team for you. The Rockets went 9-3 this season, thanks in large part to their explosive O, which averaged nearly 530 yards per game, along with 38.8 points per game. They are hopeful that offense can lead them to a victory against a sound Appalachian State team, who finished off the season 9-3 and remains incredibly consistent. The Rockets will turn to their stars at the skill positions, namely gunslinger Logan Woodside, who finished off the season with 43 passing touchdowns. Woodside will be supported by fabulous back Kareem Hunt (1,355 yards, eight scores) and a number of weapons on the perimeter. That should be enough to give App. State enough issues on the defensive side of the ball, even though the Mountaineers have shown they can handle talented offenses (see the season opener against Tennessee). While Toledo is explosive and up-tempo, Appalachian State thrives because of a smart, controlled offense. Senior QB Taylor Lamb has a great mind for the game, and can hurt you with his legs just as much as his arm. Paired with sophomore Jalin Moore, the Mountaineers have enough to keep pace in the scoring battle. Turnovers could play a huge role in this one, as they often do. Toledo scores often, but they have struggled with turnovers on offense, as while as forcing them. Meanwhile, App. State doesn't turn the ball over very much, and the defense is much more consistent. With that in mind, they should be able to overcome Toledo's explosiveness. No matter what, expect plenty of points in another bowl that should be down to the wire.
Appalachian State, 37 Toledo, 33

AutoNation Cure Bowl (December 17th)
UCF Knights (6-6) vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-5)

Last season at this point, Central Florida was coming off a disastrous 0-12 season and preparing for what appeared to be a long rebuild. Instead, they have made quick strides under former Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost, who already has them in a bowl. The Knight are a defense-orientated team that has plenty of experience on that side of the ball. Offensively, they are fairly balanced, but don't have many perimeter playmakers. They will get a tough test from one of the most consistent Group of Five programs in the country, Arkansas State. The Red Wolves started off the year slowly once more, but caught fire inside the Sun Belt. Arkansas State is extremely balanced offensively, with big-armed quarterback Justice Hansen joined by solid back Warren Wand. However, the real strength on this team is what can be a stifling defense. The group allows just around 22 points per game (tied for 24th nationally) and has had some dominant moments, like when they held 9-3 Troy to just three points, in a resounding 32-point victory. That group should be hyped up and ready for the Knights, and it could be very physical. While many of the early bowl matchups I could envision being shootouts, I could see this being more of a defensive struggle. This bowl will be played in Orlando, so it is basically at home for UCF. However, I think Arkansas State is very hot right now, and has a more experienced team ready to bring this one home.
Arkansas State, 26 UCF, 20

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (December 17th)
Southern Miss Golden Eagles (6-6) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (6-6)

Talk about different ways to start your season. Southern Miss opened up 2016 with a victory over an SEC program in Kentucky (who ended up 7-5, by the way) and started off 4-1 with their only loss being to Troy. Meanwhile, the Ragin' Cajuns opened up 2-4, including three straight losses towards the midpoint of the season. While Southern Miss has lost live of seven, Lafayette has trended the other way, and here they meet. The Golden Eagles have tons of talent, namely veteran quarterback Nick Mullens (2,926 yards, 26 touchdowns) and underrated back Ito Smith (1,321 yards), but they made too many mistakes last year. Defensively, they were putrid at times, surrendering 55 points to UTSA, and 45 to a pedestrian LSU offense. Controlling Elijah McGuire, the Cajuns' elusive back could be a trouble. LSU transfer Anthony Jennings has fit right in with the Cajuns, and should look to throw all over a weak Golden Eagles' secondary. However, that offense has had some poor moments all year, namely laying a zero against Appalachian State. With that in mind, the edge has to go to Southern Miss, even if they are trending in the wrong direction. If the defense can play hard and make a few stops, they should be in prime position to push to a victory.
Southern Miss, 34 Louisiana-Lafayette, 24

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

My Favorite Moments from the 2016 College Football Regular Season

Now that bowls have been announced and the four team Playoff teams are known, the college football season has nearly reached its inevitable end. While there are still some memorable moments left to come, I took some time to reminisce on some of my favorite moments from the 2016 college football campaign.

"Texas is back folks!"
The college football got off to a start on September 3rd but it was the day after that produced the most thrilling memory of the first week. Texas and Notre Dame dueled in a Sunday night clash, where scoring came very easily. They went deep into double overtime, with Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes carrying Notre Dame defenders on his way to the game-winning scores. The victory prompted ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore to exclaim "Texas is back, folks!" The week after the Longhorns rose all the way to 11th in the nation, and it seemed the downtrodden power was truly once again "back". Now just a few months later, the Longhorns are coming off a 5-7 season that culminated in a loss to Big 12 cellar dweller Kansas (their only FBS win). That left Texas to move from Charlie Strong after three seasons, leading the way to former Houston coach Tom Herman. Things were even worse for Notre Dame, who went 4-8 on the year, which included losses to NC State and Duke. While this game ended up not really mattering on the national landscape, it was still an entertaining game that ushered in the season in a grand way.


Lamar Jackson's Hurdle
Although he had a huge day in their opener against Charlotte, Lamar Jackson's big day against Syracuse really began to shape his Heisman. An epic, athletic hurdle over a poor Syracuse defender was the highlight of the day, and helped Jackson finish with a statline of 610 total yards and five total touchdowns. A week later, Jackson helped the Cardinals dominate No. 2 Florida State, which pushed him to the forefront of the Heisman chase. Now months later, Jackson still tops the race, with 51 total touchdowns, including 21 running the football.

Deshaun-Lamar's Duel

Just a few weeks after that Syracuse hurdle, Lamar Jackson was back at it once again, this time against the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers and Cardinals were ranked third and fifth respectively, and Clemson had their own star quarterback, Deshaun Watson, another Heisman finalist. The pair both started off slow before having huge days, with Clemson pulling out late. The ending nearly saw Lamar lead the Cards on one last drive before receiver James Quick was shoved out of bounds a yard short of the first down. Despite the loss, Jackson impressed with great numbers against an elite defense, keeping him in prime position for the Heisman, while the victory helped cement Clemson's ACC Atlantic crown.

Navy Stuns Houston
Through the first few weeks of the season, Houston looked terrific, picking up a huge win over Oklahoma and facing a favorable schedule the rest of the way. Immediately, questions arose about what would happen if the Cougars won out and they had to beat  out a one-loss Power Five team for the final Playoff spot? The Cougars were confident heading into a battle against Navy, who was still figuring out the quarterback position. Needless to say they found one, as senior Will Worth guided the Midshipmen to a wonderful upset over the sixth-ranked Cougs. Worth threw for two huge touchdowns (on just three passes) and had 115 rushing yards. The loss not only ended Houston's Playoff chances, but it opened things for other Group of Five teams attempting to make a New Year's Six Bowl bid.

The Hail Mary

Despite being tested by Appalachian State and Virginia Tech non-conference, Tennessee entered a big SEC East battle with Georgia undefeated on October 1st. The two teams went back and forth before a long touchdown pass by Georgia with just ten seconds left seemed to cap it off. Instead, the Vols got one last play to make something work and they did just that, as veteran QB Joshua Dobbs threw a wonderful Hail Mary between numerous Georgia defenders to steal a Tennessee win. The win was so crazy and emotional, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones needed to take a breather as he kneeled on the field.

Upsets Galore
Week 11 of the season appeared to be something college football season rarely is: boring. The only big matchup seemed to be Washington-USC, but the Huskies were playing well enough to roll over the hot Trojans. In typical crazy fashion, the week was as far from boring as it could have been. A field goal by Pitt's kicker Chris Blewitt (with extra points for his last name) stunned No. 2 Clemson. Michigan was given quite a challenge on the road by Iowa, but appeared to have the game sealed after a late interception. Instead, the Hawkeyes made a terrific comeback before a late field goal also sealed a wonderful win. And, USC ended up not just beating Washington, but really dominating the game. That led to the No. 2, 3 and 4 teams toppling, and five losing inside the Top 10. The week once gain reminded us how awesome and unpredictable college football season is.

Other Great Moments
Ballage eight TDs over Texas Tech

Nick Weiler seals the deal for UNC over Florida State