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CFB Bowl Games: Preview and Predictions for Games on Dec. 27

By Jake Mastroianni

Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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We go over four more college football bowl games on the slate for December 27 including a prime time matchup between Minnesota and Washington State.

After going 2-1 in yesterday’s college football bowl games, we’ll try and preview and predict the bowl games for December 27 as we get closer to Auburn’s Sugar Bowl matchup with Oklahoma.

We had two SEC teams play on the 26th with Mississippi State escaping with a win and Vanderbilt getting blown out. There aren’t any SEC teams playing today, but there are still some entertaining matchups to watch.

Army vs. North Texas – 11 a.m. CT – ESPN – Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl

The 5-7 Mean Green of North Texas somehow snuck into a bowl game and will get to play in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas where they’ll face 7-5 Army who is coming off a huge win over their rival Navy.

I’ll be honest and tell you I don’t know much about either team. I watched Army once and that was in the Navy game, and I didn’t watch North Texas all season.

However, these two teams have already played this year and North Texas blew out Army 35-18. The Mean Green won just four of their next five games though and finished the regular season with a 52-24 loss to UTEP who Army beat earlier in the season 66-14.

Prediction: Army – 27 North Texas – 24

Temple vs. Wake Forest – 2:30 CT – Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman

Play at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md., the 24th ranked Owls at 10-3 will take on a 6-6 Wake Forest team out of the ACC.

The story lines in this game won’t have much to do with the actual game. Temple’s former head coach Matt Rhule has moved on to Baylor and been replaced by former Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins.

Meanwhile, Wake Forest has been dealing with Wakeyleaks where a former player, coach and now radio announcer shared Wake Forest game plans with opposing teams. It’s been the biggest story post the regular season and I’m sure will be talked about to death during this game.

As for the game, Temple is clearly the better team as long as they stay focused after losing their head coach. Quarterback Phillip Walker has thrown for almost 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this year.

Prediction: Temple – 31 Wake Forest – 17

More from Fly War Eagle

Minnesota vs. Washington State – 6 CT – ESPN – National Funding Holiday Bowl

At Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego the a couple of 8-4 teams will meet up in Minnesota from the Big 10 and Washington State from the Pac-12.

The Cougars season started out shaky after losses to Eastern Washington and Boise State, but then they won eight games in a row. Luke Falk passed for 4,204 yards and 37 touchdowns and should get a lot of interest in the NFL Draft in 2018 since he decided to return for his senior year.

Minnesota is a little more balanced on offense with a 2,000 yard passer and a 1,000 yard rusher. Rodney Smith has gain 1,084 yards on the ground and racked up 15 touchdowns.

However, quarterback Mitch Leidner has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (7).

This will be a coming out party for Washington State as they prove why they should be in conentention to win the Pac 12 next year with Luke Falk back.

Prediction: Washington State – 45 Minnesota – 31

Boise State vs. Baylor – 9:15 CT – ESPN – Motel 6 Cactus Bowl

Another bowl game in a ballpark as this one will be played at Chase Field in Phoenix. Baylor comes in at 6-6 out of the Big 12, while Boise State was 10-2 playing in the Mountain West.

The Bears started the year 6-0 before losing their last six games once the competition picked up. The Broncos stared 7-0 and were in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl, but were upended by Wyoming 30-28. They won their next three games but ended the regular season with a seven point loss to Air Force and missed out on the Mountain West Championship game.

I watched Baylor a couple of times this year and was not impressed. Plus, they’re dealing with a new coach coming in so who knows how focused they are.

We know how great Boise State is in bowl games, and you know they’re hungry to that bad taste out of their mouths from missing out on the Mountain West championship.

Next: How Joe Mixon Situation Could Affect the Sugar Bowl

Bronco quarterback Brett Ryplen threw for 3,341 yards and 23 touchdowns, running back Jeremy McNichols rushed for 1,663 yards and 23 touchdowns, and wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck had 1,193 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.

That three-headed monster will be on full display late tonight.

Prediction: Boise State – 45 Baylor – 27

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