Nov 29, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) battles Auburn Tigers defensive lineman LaDarius Owens (10) in the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Another exciting regular season of college football has come and gone.
More from Auburn Football
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’
Bragging rights have been claimed, conference championships have been won, prestigious awards have been gathered and new coaches have been hired (unless you’re Michigan).
This season’s bowl slate is bigger than ever, including the long-awaited arrival of the first College Football Playoff.
This postseason’s got everything: SEC-Big Ten clashes, terrifying bowl mascots, former national title contenders that are wondering how things could have gone so wrong (looking at you, unranked Oklahoma)… all it lacks, as usual, is an SEC-Pac-12 bowl game. How hard is it to create at least one of those, y’all?
Anyways, it should be another thrilling postseason. Here are my predictions for every bowl game, from the New Orleans Bowl to Auburn’s game against Wisconsin all the way to the National Championship Game.
Next: December 20
Dec 21, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth talks to his players during their game against the Tulane Green Wave in the second half of the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Louisiana-Lafayette defeated Tulane, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
December 20
New Orleans Bowl: UL-Lafayette vs. Nevada. The Ragin’ Cajuns are making their 4th-consecutive appearance in the New Orleans Bowl, but don’t expect ULL’s players to be tiring of the experience. The Louisiana Superdome has become a second home for ULL, who will surely have home-field advantage. The Cajuns have won 7 of their last 8 games after a 1-3 start. However, Nevada is from the Mountain West, a far superior conference to the Sun Belt. The 7-5 Wolfpack’s losses to Arizona, Boise State, Colorado State and Air Force (combined record of 40-10) were by a combined 26 points (all of them by 7 points or fewer). I like the Wolfpack t snap ULL’s bowl-winning streak. Nevada 34, UL-Lafayette 31
Betsided
New Mexico Bowl: Utah State vs. UTEP. Matt Wells did one of the best coaching jobs of 2014 with Utah State this year. The Aggies lost starting QB Chuckie Keeton to injury, then went on to lose their next two quarterbacks as well. In the end, USU rode their stifling defense to a 9-4 record despite their terrible injury luck. The Aggies went 7-1 from October 3 to November 21. UTEP, meanwhile, is making their first bowl appearance since 2010. The Miners are led by one of the nation’s most underrated backs, Aaron Jones (1,233 yards and 11 TDs). However, UTEP is too one-dimensional to find consistent success against Utah State’s powerful defense. Utah State 37, UTEP 21
Las Vegas Bowl: #22 Utah vs. Colorado State. Utah was one of the most surprising teams in the Pac-12 this year, starting 6-1. However, the Utes struggled in November, losing 3 of their last 5 games. In their final two home games against Oregon and Arizona, they were outscored 93-37. Their wins came by a combined 7 points on the road against Stanford and Colorado. Colorado State, meanwhile, is trying to recover from losing Jim McElwain to Florida. The Rams have plenty of offensive talent, but the Utes are a more talented team. RB Devontae Booker will be the difference. #22 Utah 29, Colorado State 26
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Air Force. This game is the most unlikely bowl matchup of the entire year, honestly. Air Force and Western Michigan were awful in 2013, combining to go 3-21. This season, they’ve completely reversed their fortunes, as the Broncos are 8-4 and the Falcons are 9-3. As usual, Air Force is a run-first team (8th in the FBS in rushing). However, Western Michigan is more dynamic offensively, as they can run and pass efficiently. WMU RB Jarvion Franklin has rushed for 1,525 yards and 24 (!!!) touchdowns this year. I like the Broncos to pick up their 9th win after winning one measly game a year ago. Western Michigan 27, Air Force 20
Camelia Bowl: South Alabama vs. Bowling Green. The Jaguars are making their first-ever bowl appearance, while the postseason has become commonplace for the BGSU Falcons. These teams have their strengths and weaknesses. USA has a weak offense and a strong defense (the Jags scored a combined 40 points in 5 of their 6 losses this season), while Bowling Green has a strong offense and a weak defense (the Falcons allowed 45.3 PPG this year in their 6 losses). In a battle of good defense vs. good offense, it’s easier to side with the defense. South Alabama 23, Bowling Green 17
Next: December 22-24
Oct 25, 2014; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Rakeem Cato (12) celebrates with fans following the victory against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Marshall defeated Florida Atlantic 35-16. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
December 22-December 24
Miami Beach Bowl: BYU vs. Memphis. The Cougars of Brigham Young were once seen as a team that could run the table and make noise in a New Year’s Six bowl. However, things changed when star QB Taysom Hill was lost for the season with an injury. BYU had a winless October and just like that, 2014 was a disaster. However, Bronco Mendenhall’s group rebounded in November, going 4-0, outscoring opponents 175-65 and beating California in Berkeley in the season finale. Now, they face Memphis, a sneaky-good team. Justin Fuente has done a remarkable job with the Tigers, winning the AAC this season, going 9-3 (losses to UCLA, Ole Miss and Houston) and shutting teams down with a tough defense. Memphis won their final six games, holding opponents to 13.3 PPG. I like Memphis to ride their great defense to their 10th win of 2014. Memphis 21, BYU 13
More from Auburn Football
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’
Boca Raton Bowl: Marshall vs. Northern Illinois. This is the lone non-playoff bowl that pits two conference champions against each other. Marshall lost their shot at a New Year’s Six bowl with a stunning 67-66 loss to Western Kentucky, but they still have future NFL draft pick Rakeem Cato at QB, and a 12-1 season with a C-USA title is a great accomplishment. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois has continued to be a force in the MAC. The Huskies won their 3rd MAC title in 4 years and their record over the past four seasons is 46-9. This year, their only losses are to Arkansas and Central Michigan. Both teams have a lot going for them, but in the end, I think Rakeem Cato will make enough plays to help the Herd pull it out. Marshall 38, Northern Illinois 33
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. San Diego State. Another year, another winning record and bowl berth for Navy. Ken Niumatalolo’s team is 7-5 and once again among the nation’s best when it comes to running the football. However, this is basically a home game for the San Diego State Aztecs, who are led by RB Donnel Pumphrey (1,755 yards and 19 touchdowns). San Diego State 24, Navy 16
Bahamas Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky. If you’re one of those people who think there are too many bowl games and that nobody cares about these games, try telling that to the players of these schools. Central Michigan announced this bowl game to their players in a very creative way that sent the team into a frenzy. Both of these teams have a great win on their resume (CMU beat Northern Illinois and WKU beat Marshall), and you can be sure both teams will be motivated to put on a show in paradise. Western Kentucky 31, Central Michigan 27
Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State vs. Rice. Speaking of football in paradise, there’s the annual “Good excuse to separate yourself from your family and glue yourself to the TV” bowl. However, viewer be warned, this might be the worst bowl game of the year. The Bulldogs won their weak division despite starting 0-3 and finishing 6-6 in the regular season. They lost 28-14 to Boise State in the conference championship game, so they enter this game with a 6-7 record. Rice also started 0-3 before winning 7 of their next 8 (lone loss to Marshall, 41-14). However, the regular season ended on a sour note for the Owls, as they lost 76-31 to Louisiana Tech. This game won’t exactly be a very good one, regardless of how close it is. Fresno State 38, Rice 28
Next: December 26
Nov 15, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) reacts after the game. The Tar Heels defeated the Panthers 40-35 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
December 26
Heart of Dallas Bowl: Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech. Tim Beckman has earned another year at Illinois, as the Fighting Illini somehow squeaked out 6 wins despite not being very good on offense or defense. In their final game of the year (a 47-33 win against Northwestern), Illinois jumped out to their largest lead in any game this season… 23. That was the only game all year that Illinois led by 20+ points at any point of the game. Yet here we are, talking about this team in a bowl game. Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, was one of the most-improved teams in America this year. They started 2-3, with blowout losses to Oklahoma and Auburn and a stunning loss to FCS team Northwestern State. Since then, the Bulldogs have gone 6-2, scored 76 points in their regular season finale against Rice and had their chances to beat Marshall for the C-USA title. LTU has explosive weapons on offense (QB Cody Sokol and RB Kenneth Dixon have combined for 50 touchdowns this season). I think the Bulldogs take down Illinois in a big way. Louisiana Tech 35, Illinois 17
Betsided
Quick Lane Bowl: North Carolina vs. Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights had a solid first year in the Big Ten, going 7-5. However, when Rutgers fell, they fell hard. From late October to early November, against Big Ten powers Ohio State, Nebraska and Wisconsin, Rutgers lost by a combined score of 136-41. North Carolina, meanwhile, started the season ranked. However, the Tar Heels’ season unraveled, thanks to a porous defense. In their six losses, UNC allowed 47.6 PPG (70 vs. ECU, 50 vs. Clemson and Notre Dame, 47 vs. Miami). UNC QB Marquise Williams however, is a dynamic weapon (20 passing touchdowns, 12 rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown) who will torch the Scarlet Knights. North Carolina 49, Rutgers 21
St. Petersburg Bowl: UCF vs. NC State. Dave Doeren’s second season in Raleigh was much better than the first, which saw the Pack go 3-9 (0-8 ACC). This year, the Wolfpack went 7-5 and ended the season without blowout wins against in-state rivals Wake Forest (42-13) and North Carolina (35-7). Florida transfer QB Jacoby Brissett has been lights-out this year, accounting for 25 touchdowns. Now, he faces a stiff UCF defense that’s 9th in the FBS in points allowed (17.9). The Knights are 9-1 in their last 10 games after season-opening losses to Penn State and Missouri. The Hail Mary win at ECU gave UCF a share of the AAC title. This should be an entertaining battle, but the Knights’ defense will be the difference. UCF 27, NC State 24
Next: December 27
Nov 22, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs during the game against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian -USA TODAY Sports
December 27
Military Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati. Ironically, the last time a Tommy Tuberville team won its conference, it faced Virginia Tech in a bowl game (Auburn, 2004). The Bearcats were one of several teams to win a share of the AAC crown. Gunner Kiel has thrown for 3,010 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, but the Bearcats’ defense has been a liability, and to call it that is generous. Virginia Tech’s defense, meanwhile, has been strong again this season, but the Scot Loeffler-led offense has been horrible. Usually, in battles between bad offenses and bad defenses, it’s smart to go with the offense, but I have no faith in Virginia Tech’s offense. This is a offense that was shut out for 60 minutes against Wake Forest, one of the nation’s worst football teams. Give me Tuberville for the win. Cincinnati 27, Virginia Tech 14
Sun Bowl: #15 Arizona State vs. Duke. Both of these teams entered November with conference title hopes, and for the Sun Devils, a national championship didn’t seem like an impossibility. November took its toll on both teams, however, and now they both are 9-3 heading to El Paso. Arizona State has one of the country’s most explosive offenses, and this program will continue to rise under Todd Graham. Duke also has a good offense, but it is a more inconsistent unit than Arizona State’s. Also, El Paso, Texas, is far closer to Tempe than it is Durham, NC, so the crowd will be decidedly in favor of ASU. It’s hard to go against the Devils here. #15 Arizona State 49, Duke 31
More from Auburn Football
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’
Independence Bowl: South Carolina vs. Miami (FL). South Carolina was supposed to contend for a national title in 2014, but those dreams were dashed quickly when they allowed 52 points against Kenny Was Trill But Then Chilled Until He Didn’t Even See The Field. Their defense never got any better, and the Gamecocks slid to 6-6 and lost to Clemson in the season finale. Miami, meanwhile, has a bright young star in QB Brad Kaaya, but a 6-6 season wasn’t exactly what they had hoped for, either. Neither of these teams really want to be here, but since they’re still going to play regardless, I don’t think the Gamecocks will be able to stop Kaaya, Duke Johnson and the ‘Canes. Miami 38, South Carolina 24
Pinstripe Bowl: Penn State vs. Boston College. If you like low-scoring games, this one’s for you. Penn State has the nation’s 2nd-best defense (270 YPG), while Boston College has the nation’s 11th-ranked unit (313 YPG). The Nittany Lions, who are in the postseason thanks to a sudden change of “heart” by the NCAA, have struggled offensively in James Franklin’s first season, but their defense is top-notch. Boston College, meanwhile, has continued to be strong on the ground, rushing for 251.8 YPG. Florida transfer Tyler Murphy has had a great season for the Eagles, passing for 1,526 yards and 11 TDs and rushing for 1,079 yards and 10 TDs (the only QB this year with over 1,000 yards on the ground). I think Murphy’s playmaking ability makes the difference in a hard-hitting, low-scoring game. Boston College 17, Penn State 13
Holiday Bowl: #24 USC vs. Nebraska. USC had an underwhelming year in Steve Sarkisian’s debut season, losing 4 games, but QB Cody Kessler quietly was one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Kessler threw for 292 YPG with 36 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Nebraska fired Bo Pelini after another good-but-not-great season, so now the Huskers are led by interim coach Barney Cotten, as Mike Riley won’t take over until after the bowl game. The Trojans will be playing very close to home in San Diego, and with the coaching turnover affecting Nebraska, I think USC will pull it out late. #24 USC 34, Nebraska 28
Next: December 29-30
Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Ronald Martin (26) is congratulated by safety Jalen Mills (28) after Martin intercept the ball in front of Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) with seconds left in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
December 29-December 30
Liberty Bowl: Texas A&M vs. West Virginia. “I heard you like points. So do we. We like them a lot.” I imagine that’s the pitch by the Liberty Bowl to the viewing public, and that is an effective pitch. Texas A&M averaged 449.2 yards and 34.4 points this season. The Mountaineers averaged 502.1 yards and 33.2 yards this season. However, both teams went 7-5 thanks to poor defensive play. Texas A&M’s defense was so bad that it cost DC Mark Snyder his job. Both teams struggled down the stretch. A&M started 5-0 and finished 2-5. West Virginia started 6-2 and finished 1-3. These teams are pretty much mirror images of each other. I’ll give the edge to the young talent of the Aggies. Texas A&M 45, West Virginia 42
Russell Athletic Bowl: #17 Clemson vs. Oklahoma. For Clemson, 2014 was an up-and-down season. Their losses to Georgia, Florida State and Georgia Tech were disappointing, but Deshaun Watson is a star in the making and the losing streak to South Carolina was finally snapped. For Oklahoma… oh boy. The Sooners were universally seen as the Big 12 favorite, but instead, they lost four games (three at home). They reached a new low in a 48-14 home loss to Baylor. The difference in this game will be Deshaun Watson… as he will not be playing as he recovers from surgery. The Tigers’ offense depends entirely on Watson, and without him, they won’t have enough offense to win this game. Oklahoma 30, #17 Clemson 13
Betsided
Texas Bowl: Arkansas vs. Texas. These are two very good defensive teams. Arkansas allowed just 11 PPG in their final five games, including shutouts against LSU and Ole Miss. Texas’ first season with Charlie Strong was frustrating, but rebuilding struggles were expected, especially since Strong is trying to completely change the program’s culture. The difference in this one will be the Arkansas running game. While both teams are good defensively, Arkansas has a superior rushing attack and a similar-caliber passing attack when compared to Texas. The Razorbacks win a close, low-scoring game. Arkansas 24, Texas 19
Music City Bowl: #23 LSU vs. Notre Dame. On the outside looking in, “LSU vs. Notre Dame” looks amazing. As far as name brands go, it is. But there’s a reason these teams are meeting in the Music City Bowl. LSU did have to slug their way through the SEC West, so it’s hard to knock an 8-4 record, but their offense has been ineffective this season. Notre Dame has fallen apart down the stretch since their loss to Florida State, as they can’t get any defensive stops or stop turning the ball over offensively. The Tigers have the SEC’s top defense, which is terrible news for Everett Golson. #23 LSU 20, Notre Dame 14
Belk Bowl: #13 Georgia vs. #21 Louisville. 2014 is another year of what could have been for Georgia. Despite dominating wins against the likes of Missouri and Auburn, the Bulldogs still finished 9-3 and didn’t win a weak SEC East. If the Bulldogs could have won their winnable games against South Carolina and Georgia Tech, they would have been in the national title picture. Now, the Bulldogs turn their attention towards Bobby Petrinos’ (and former UGA DC Todd Grantham’s) Louisville Cardinals, who also went 9-3 with close losses against Virginia, Clemson and Florida State. If Georgia doesn’t show up motivated, they could lose. The Bulldogs have more talent, though, and Nick Chubb might run wild on a weak Louisville defense. #13 Georgia 33, #21 Louisville 30 (OVERTIME)
Foster Farms Bowl: Stanford vs. Maryland. The Terrapins’ first season in the Big Ten was solid, as they went 7-5 (4-4 in-conference), but they struggled against the conference’s elite teams. Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State combined to beat them 141-46. Now, they face Stanford, who fell woefully short of expectations this year. The Cardinal, considered a national title contender before the season, slugged their way to a 7-5 record. However, this game is a huge mismatch in favor of Stanford. The Cardinal have the nation’s 2nd-best scoring defense (16 PPG) and Maryland’s offense, especially the rushing offense, has been inconsistent all season. Three of the Cardinal’s losses (USC, Notre Dame and Utah) were all by 3 points. I like Stanford to win this game in a huge way. Stanford 34, Maryland 3
Next: New Year's Eve
Dec 6, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) and safety Sam Carter (17) and defensive tackle Chucky Hunter (96) lift the Big 12 championship trophy up after the victory against the Iowa State Cyclones at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
New Year’s Eve
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: #6 TCU vs. #9 Ole Miss. TCU’s playoff hopes were crushed Sunday afternoon, when the playoff committee moved the Horned Frogs from #3 to #6, despite the fact they won a share of the Big 12 and beat Iowa State 55-3. Now, Gary Patterson’s crew has to pick themselves up and prepare for one of the nation’s best defenses, the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels have one of the best defenses in college football, while TCU has one of the best offenses, so this match-up is very appealing. The difference in this game is TCU’s defense. They’re not among the best units in the country, but they’re a solid unit, and Ole Miss’ offense has been inconsistent all year, whether it be the Good Bo Wallace/Bad Bo Wallace narrative or the ground game that only works in spurts. #6 TCU 30, #9 Ole Miss 24
More from Auburn Football
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’
Fiesta Bowl: #10 Arizona vs. #20 Boise State. Well, the Pac-12 Championship Game didn’t go the way the Wildcats wanted it to. RichRod’s offense gained 25 yards in the first half and a last-play touchdown cut the Oregon Ducks’ lead to 51-13. Now, the Wildcats face the highest-ranked “Group of Five” program, 11-2 Boise State, in a glorified home game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The crowd will be almost entirely in support of Arizona. This bowl game has been home to some surprising upsets in the past, like Boise State over Oklahoma in 2007, West Virginia over Oklahoma in 2008 and UCF over Baylor last season. I think this is another upset opportunity, as the Broncos have caught fire over the past few months and I’m not sure how Arizona will respond to the beating Oregon gave them. #20 Boise State 41, #10 Arizona 30
Orange Bowl: #7 Mississippi State vs. #12 Georgia Tech. Dan Mullen’s program reached new heights this season, producing a star in QB Dak Prescott and climbing to the #1 ranking in the polls for the first time in school history, then holding onto that spot for a month. On the other side is Georgia Tech, whose triple-option offense cut up ACC defenses in route to 10 wins and a berth in the ACC Championship. Mississippi State statistically actually had one of the SEC’s worst defenses this year, allowing 412 yards per game. On the outside, that would look like a good thing for Georgia Tech. However, the Bulldogs actually boast a great run defense because the front seven is among the best in all of college football. Mississippi State also has a month to prepare for the Yellow Jackets’ attack, and recent history has shown that Georgia Tech’s offense has struggled in bowl games. I see this trend continuing as Mississippi State picks up its 11th win. #7 Mississippi State 35, #12 Georgia Tech 21
Next: New Year's Day
Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) gets past LSU Tigers safety Rickey Jefferson (29) at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
New Year’s Day
Outback Bowl: #18 Wisconsin vs. #19 Auburn. To be honest, neither team probably wants to be here. Wisconsin is fresh off a 59-0 stomping by Ohio State, Gary Andersen is gone (so in comes Barry Alvarez, again) and Melvin Gordon’s already making his NFL Draft plans. Auburn struggled down the stretch, firing defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. Will Muschamp is in at Auburn now, but he won’t coach the bowl game. Charlie Harbison will serve as Auburn’s interim defensive coordinator against the Badgers. Both teams love to run the ball. The Tigers lead the SEC in rushing (258.5 YPG) while Wisconsin has the nation’s 4th-best rushing attack (314 YPG), led by Heisman finalist Melvin Gordon (2,336 yards and 26 TDs). This will be a close, high-scoring affair, but Nick Marshall, Cameron Artis-Payne, Sammie Coates and others on their way out will refuse to finish their careers with a loss. #19 Auburn 37, #18 Wisconsin 34
Betsided
Cotton Bowl: #5 Baylor vs. #8 Michigan State. Oh, yes. The classic offense vs. defense game. Baylor has been lighting up the scoreboard all year, scoring almost 49 points per game. Michigan State’s defense has been strong this year (12th in scoring defense, allowing 19.9 PPG). A concerning stat for Michigan State, though, is that in their two games against elite offenses, they allowed Oregon to score 46 points and Ohio State to score 49 points. The game’s in Arlington, too, so it will be a home-field advantage for Art Briles and company. However, Mark Dantonio is a great motivator and he and DC Pat Narduzzi have a month to prepare for Baylor’s scoring machine. The Spartans’ offense has flown under the radar all year, averaging 43.1 points (7th in the FBS) and 496.5 yards (14th in the FBS) per game. Michigan State has the ability to slow down Baylor’s offense. I’m not sure Baylor has the defense to slow down Michigan State’s powerful offense. #8 Michigan State 42, #5 Baylor 35
Citrus Bowl: #16 Missouri vs. #25 Minnesota. If I had to summarize Missouri’s 2014 season in a word, that word would be, “Wut?” The Tigers went 10-2, won the SEC East and Gary Pinkel was named SEC Coach of the Year. The defense was dominant. Yet, there was something off about the Tigers. When they won, it was close. When they lost, it was in a big way (i.e. losing at home to Indiana or being shut out 34-0 by Georgia). The gap between the SEC West and the SEC East showed itself (yet again) as Mizzou was crushed 42-13 in the SEC Championship Game by Alabama. Now, the Tigers face 8-4 Minnesota, which almost won its division and has a solid defense along with one of the nation’s best running backs, David Cobb. Jerry Kill has done a fantastic job in Minneapolis. This game’s almost too close to call, so I’ll go with the more reliable offense. #25 Minnesota 23, #16 Missouri 20
Next: January 2-4
November 22, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins players taunt the Southern California Trojans bench before the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2-January 4
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston vs. Pittsburgh. Want a rarity in college football? This game might be between two teams that no longer have the head coach they had in the regular season. Houston fired Tony Levine after a 7-5 regular season. Paul Chryst, meanwhile, appears to be destined to become Wisconsin’s next head coach. No decision has been made, which makes his status for this game questionable. Boy, Pitt’s bowl practices must be extremely awkward right now. Anyways, Pitt wins because they have RB James Connor and WR Tyler Boyd (which makes you wonder how they’re 6-6). Pittsburgh 34, Houston 17
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Tennessee vs. Iowa. Here are two programs heading in opposite directions. Tennessee’s happy to be 6-6 and play in their first bowl since 2010. Butch Jones is doing well on the recruiting trail and he seems to be poised to have Tennessee contending for the SEC East in the very near future. Iowa, meanwhile, had yet another forgettable season, going just 7-5 and losing several games they should have won. Tennessee is close to becoming relevant in the SEC, and they very well could win the SEC East in 2015, but that’ll be after another offseason and recruiting class. The Hawkeyes take this one. Iowa 28, Tennessee 24
More from Auburn Football
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’
Alamo Bowl: #11 Kansas State vs. #14 UCLA. Jim Mora’s Bruins were once considered a prime national title contender, but problems on the offensive line and on defense prevented UCLA from reaching their potential in 2014. A second-consecutive 10-win season is still achievable for UCLA and star QB Brett Hundley, who has to make a decision about his NFL future. Kansas State clocked in another solid season under Bill Snyder, also going 9-3 with losses against Auburn, TCU and Baylor. The Wildcats have weapons to work with, including one of America’s best wide receivers, Tyler Lockett. This is the pick I might be least confident in, as these two teams are very evenly-matched. I’ll call for this one to come down to a last-minute score. #11 Kansas State 29, #14 UCLA 24
Cactus Bowl: Washington vs. Oklahoma State. After spurning big job after big job, Chris Petersen shocked everyone by leaving Boise State for Washington, a school without a 10-win season since 2000. His first season was a roller coaster, as the Huskies started 4-0, then went 2-5 in their next 7 games before blowing out Oregon State and Washington State to end the season. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, almost suffered a complete collapse down the stretch, though 2014 was considered to be a rebuilding year from the beginning. The Pokes lost five straight games against TCU, West Virginia, Kansas State, Texas and Baylor by a combined score of 201-68, before rallying to beat Oklahoma in Norman in overtime. That win gave the program a lot of momentum, but the Huskies are the better team. Washington 31, Oklahoma State 23
Birmingham Bowl: Florida vs. East Carolina. This should be a very close game, mainly because there’s about a 0.1% chance any of Florida’s players care about this game. Will Muschamp is out, obviously, and it’s just the Birmingham Bowl. Back in the day, a trip to Legion Field was a big deal, but now, it’s almost better to just not make a bowl at all. Yes, Legion Field is that bad. I’m not joking. It’s the worst stadium in college football. It’s so bad that it helped trap UAB and kill it. Anyways, Florida has more talent than ECU, so they’ll sleepwalk to an unimpressive win against a solid Pirates team. Florida 24, East Carolina 20
GoDaddy Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Toledo. Man, Arkansas State must be sick of Mobile at this point. This marks the Red Wolves’ FOURTH-consecutive season playing in the GoDaddy Bowl. The senior class of this team has made a bowl game every season, but have only played said bowls in one stadium. Toledo is also in their fourth-consecutive bowl, but this is their first trip to Mobile. The difference in this game will be Toledo’s strong run game against the Wolves’ weak run defense. Toledo 30, Arkansas State 20
Next: Rose Bowl
Image created by Nathan Deal
Rose Bowl:
#2 Oregon Ducks vs. #3 Florida State Seminoles
The big, bad Seminoles have become the new villain of college football, thanks to off-field controversies surrounding Jameis Winston, several reports regarding the Tallahassee Police Department’s bias toward football players and countless comments from Jimbo Fisher.
Another reason the Seminoles are so hated, though, is that they continue to win. They’re 29-0 in their last 29 games, dating back to the 2012 ACC Championship Game. FSU has captured three straight ACC titles, the final BCS National Championship and a Heisman. They’ve won games in dominating fashion, and they’ve won games by the skin of their teeth.
America wonders, “Is any team going to step up and prevent a Seminole repeat?” Oregon seems like as good a fit as any for the role.
Betsided
After an early-season loss to Arizona, the Ducks have been unstoppable. Marcus Mariota has had one of the greatest seasons in college football history, accounting for 53 touchdowns and only five turnovers. Oregon averages 546.2 yards and 46.3 points per game.
Since Arizona held Oregon to 24, no team has held the Ducks under 42 points, including Arizona, who allowed 51 in the neutral-site rematch.
It isn’t just Marcus Mariota doing things for Oregon, either. True freshman Royce Freeman has run for 1,299 yards and 16 TDs.
Oregon presents match-up problems for an FSU defense that has struggled at times this year.
However, on the other side, FSU presents some match-up nightmares for Oregon’s defense. RB Dalvin Cook, another true freshman, has almost 1,000 yards this year, along with 8 scores. WR Rashad Greene and TE Nick O’Leary are two of the best at their positions in college football. And, of course, Jameis Winston will be chucking the ball around.
I excpect this to be a high-scoring affair, but in the end, the ‘Noles won’t have answers for Marcus Mariota and company. The Ducks pull away late and win an exciting shoot-out to advance to their 2nd national championship game in five years.
#2 Oregon Ducks 48, #3 Florida State Seminoles 38
Next: Sugar Bowl
Image created by Nathan Deal
Sugar Bowl
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #4 Ohio State Buckeyes
Remember back when Alabama lost to Ole Miss, then struggled against Arkansas, and the narrative was that the “dynasty was over”?
Yeah, that was funny.
Alabama has adjusted their style to the point-heavy juggernaut of college football, and have, in the process, become an offensive juggernaut themselves. The Crimson Tide set a school record this year by gaining 490 yards per game and lighting up the scoreboard, scoring 59 vs. Texas A&M, 55 vs. Auburn and 42 vs. Missouri in the SEC Championship Game.
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Alabama’s defense, while not the unit it has been in recent years, is still among the best in the nation. The Tide are immune to big pass plays, but that’s the lone true weakness of this Alabama defense.
Alabama has an embarrassment of riches offensively, with the likes of Blake Sims, T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry, Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, Christion Jones and O.J. Howard.
On the other sideline in the Superdome will be the Ohio State Buckeyes, who haven’t let their terrible luck with QB injuries stop them from crushing their competition.
“Oh, Braxton Miller is out for the season? We’ll just put in J.T. Barrett, who will lead us to an 11-1 record and finish 5th in the Heisman voting. Oh, he got hurt? We’ll put in Cardale Jones, who will lead us to a 59-0 win in Indianapolis against a good Wisconsin team.”
The Big Ten’s worst fears are being realized, as Urban Meyer is starting to roll in Columbus. The recruiting isn’t going to slow down, so unless some drastic changes occur, this is only the beginning of the Buckeyes completely laying waste to the conference.
However, this is a different beast they’ll be facing here. Alabama is #1 for a reason.
Cardale Jones will hit some deep plays, and Ezekiel Elliot is a solid running back, but with a national title game appearance on the line, I expect Alabama’s offense to move on the Buckeyes’ defense and for Alabama’s defense to get more comfortable as the game goes on.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide 42, #4 Ohio State Buckeyes 24
Next: CFP National Championship Game
Image created by Nathan Deal.
College Football Playoff National Championship Game
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #2 Oregon Ducks
After all the dust has settled, I think the two teams that appeared the best all year long will make their way to the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
How can you not love this match-up?
It’s old school vs. new school. One uniform vs. hundreds of uniforms. One of the most prestigious programs of all time vs. an upstart looking to capture its first crown. SEC vs. Pac-12. East Coast vs. West Coast.
I’m torn on which team I think truly is better.
Betsided
Alabama has a strong defense, but it is susceptible against high-flying offenses, and no offense in America is better than the Mariota-led Ducks’ is. Alabama has also struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks under Nick Saban, and Mariota is certainly a dual-threat.
On the other hand, could Oregon’s defense stop Alabama? The Tide rolled through most of the defenses it came across, and the Ducks’ defense is still smaller compared to Alabama’s offense. Oregon’s defense is ranked 81st in college football, allowing 413 YPG. However, many of those yards come once the Ducks’ back-ups are in the game.
It’s also worth noting that Oregon held a very good Arizona offense to 25 first-half yards in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
This game would provide the two best teams in college football. So who would win this national championship game?
If there was a month for each team to prepare for this game, I would choose Alabama, likely by double-digits. Giving Nick Saban a month to prepare for a game is basically a death sentence if you’re his opponent. It doesn’t matter how good you are.
But there isn’t a month. In this hypothetical situation, the Crimson Tide would only have a week to prepare for Oregon. Would they find a way to shut down Mariota in a week’s time? My gut feeling is, in an instant classic that comes down to the final seconds…. no.
#2 Oregon Ducks 35, #1 Alabama Crimson Tide 34
Oregon wins its first national championship!
Next: Jeremy Johnson, 2015 Heisman Trophy Candidate?
More from Fly War Eagle
- Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
- Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
- Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
- Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
- Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’