Bleacher Report Expert Picks for Every 2014-15 College Football Bowl Game – Bleacher Report Bowl season is the most wonderful time of year, and this year’s slate of bowl games will bring you a compelling matchup nearly every day for three straight weeks. From the national semifinals between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Ohio State, and No. 2 Oregon and No. 3 Florida State, to the seemingly annual Gildan New Mexico Bowl shenanigans, if you miss a minute of bowl action this holiday season, you could miss the play people talk about for the next eight months. B/R’s experts picked against the spread all season long. Unfortunately, Ben Kercheval, Adam Kramer and Barrett Sallee played to a three-way tie at the end of the regular season. The good news is that “co-champions” don’t exist in the world of picking against the spread. To keep the fun going, let’s determine “one true champion” with the bowl games. Standings Ben Kercheval: 41-35 Adam Kramer: 41-35 Barrett Sallee: 41-35 Michael Felder: 35-41 Matchup: Nevada (7-5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4) Date: Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. ET Location: Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans Spread: Louisiana-Lafayette (-1) Picks Kercheval: Nevada Kramer: Louisiana-Lafayette Sallee: Nevada Felder: Nevada Why You Should Watch Louisiana-Lafayette will be playing in New Orleans for its bowl game for the fourth straight season, while Nevada will travel to the Big Easy and battle not only the Ragin’ Cajuns but a crowd that will undoubtedly be against them. Wolf Pack’s Cody Fajardo threw 18 touchdowns and rushed for 13 and will provide quite a challenge to head coach Mark Hudspeth’s crew. Tune in for Fajardo, but stay for Nevada linebacker Brock Hekking’s “Brian Bosworth-esque” approach to football. Matchup: Utah State (9-4) vs. UTEP (7-5) Date: Dec. 20 at 2:20 p.m. ET Location: University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico Spread: Utah State (-10.5) Picks Kercheval: Utah State Kramer: Utah State Sallee: Utah State Felder: Utah State Why You Should Watch Unfortunately, Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton will miss this after suffering a season-ending knee injury in late September. That’s OK, though, because Kent Meyers completed 69.2 percent of his passes down the stretch to get the Aggies into a bowl game. Down to a third-string quarterback, Utah State head coach Matt Wells did a tremendous job this season with a team that navigated through personnel issues on offense with a defense that finished third in the Mountain West in total defense (362.3 yards per game). “Matt Wells is doing a really good job and will likely end up with a better job soon,” said B/R national college football analyst Michael Felder. Matchup: Colorado State (10-2) vs. Utah (8-4) Date: Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET Location: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas Spread: Utah (-3.5) Picks Kercheval: Colorado State Kramer: Utah Sallee: Colorado State Felder: Utah Why You Should Watch Kyle Whittingham has quietly put together a solid season in Salt Lake City, posting an 8-4 record and boasting the fourth-best defense in the Pac-12. Defensive end Nate Orchard earned second-team All-American honors from The Associated Press this year, after posting 17.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. “Utah, very quietly, put together a tremendous year against quality opponents,” said B/R national college football writer Adam Kramer. “I think the Utes close out strong.” Colorado State lost their head coach Jim McElwain to Florida but still boast a trio at the offensive skill positions who are as good as it gets in college football. Quarterback Garrett Grayson, AP first-team wide receiver Rashard Higgins and former Alabama running back Dee Hart will test that Utes defense. “Give me Colorado State in this one,” said B/R SEC lead writer Barrett Sallee. “The loss of McElwain stings, but the program is on solid footing, and a win over a Pac-12 team in the bowl is the logical next step.” Matchup: Air Force (9-3) vs. Western Michigan (8-4) Date: Dec. 20 at 5:45 p.m. ET Location: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho Spread: Air Force (-1) Picks Kercheval:Air Force Kramer: Air Force Sallee: Air Force Felder: Western Michigan Why You Should Watch Air Force capped off its season with a home win over Colorado State, spoiling what ended up being Jim McElwain’s final game as the Rams’ head coach. It finished the season with the second-best rush defense in the Mountain West (140.33 yards per game) and runs that option offense as good as any team in the country. Meanwhile, Western Michigan has a coach on the rise in P.J. Fleck and a running back in Jarvion Franklin who broke the 1,500-yard mark and scored 24 touchdowns. “The Falcons run the ball an average of, wait for it, 61 times a game,” wrote B/R national college football writer Ben Kercheval. “The Broncos probably won’t stop it all, but limiting Air Force on the ground is their only chance.” That sounds like a recipe for some fun during the first day of bowl season. Matchup: South Alabama (6-6) vs. Bowling Green (7-6) Date: Dec. 20 at 9:15 p.m. ET Location: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama Spread: South Alabama (-3) Picks Kercheval: Bowling Green Kramer: South Alabama Sallee: South Alabama Felder: Bowling Green Why You Should Watch The inaugural Camellia Bowl will feature a local flavor, as South Alabama will make the trek up I-65 to Montgomery to take on Bowling Green out of the MAC. Led by quarterback Brandon Bridge, the Jaguars finished the season 6-6 and will be pumped to play in the first bowl game in program history. For Bowling Green head coach Dino Babers, three straight losses to close the season including the 51-17 MAC Championship Game loss to Northern Illinois haven’t made this a joyous holiday season. The program could certainly use a win to go out on a high note. Matchup: Memphis (9-3) vs. BYU (8-4) Date: Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. ET Location: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida Spread: Memphis (-1) Picks Kercheval: Memphis Kramer: Memphis Sallee: Memphis Felder: BYU Why You Should Watch If you’re looking for the next star on the coaching circuit, look no further than Memphis’ Justin Fuente. All Fuente has done since taking over the Memphis program is transform the Tigers from a team that won three games over the two seasons prior to his arrival into a 9-3 AAC power that’s no longer one of the laughing stocks of college football. “It’s Justin Fuente’s world right now, we’re just living in it,” said Kramer. Meanwhile, BYU has overcome the loss of quarterback Taysom Hill and managed to average 463.4 yards per game. Get ready for some fun in Marlins Park for what might be the first time in the stadium’s history. Matchup: Marshall (12-1) vs. Northern Illinois (11-2) Date: Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. ET Location: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida Spread: Marshall (-9.5) Picks Kercheval: NIU Kramer: NIU Sallee: Marshall Felder: Marshall Why You Should Watch If Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato isn’t enough to draw your attention, Northern Illinois’ consistency within the wild MAC should do the trick. Both teams boast top-40 offenses and defenses that leave a little bit to be desired. Cato—one of the most electric players in the country—plus a Northern Illinois team that won’t be intimidated in front of a national television audience should provide a nice appetizer to your Christmas Day feast. “Rakeem Cato goes out with a bang,” said Felder. It should be a fun one in South Florida. Matchup: Navy (7-5) vs. San Diego State (7-5) Date: Dec. 23 at 9:30 p.m. ET Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego Spread: San Diego State (-2.5) Picks Kercheval: San Diego State Kramer: San Diego State Sallee: San Diego State Felder: Navy Why You Should Watch Navy, which runs the true triple-option as well as anybody in college football, will head to Southern California to take on a San Diego State team that finished the season with the nation’s 21st-ranked defense (337.6 yards per game). The quarterback battle is no joke either, as Navy’s Keenan Reynolds will square off against San Diego State’s Quinn Kaehler in a game that features contrasting styles that produce similar results. “This is one of the more underrated games of this slate,” said Kramer. “I’ll take San Diego State by a field goal. Seriously, watch this game.” Matchup: Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (7-5) Date: Dec. 24 at noon ET Location: Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas Spread: Western Kentucky (-4) Picks Kercheval: Western Kentucky Kramer: Central Michigan Sallee: Western Kentucky Felder: Western Kentucky Why You Should Watch If that warm weather and beautiful bump shots of the sand and surf aren’t enough to warm up your Christmas Eve, seeing a coach on the rise will certainly do the trick. Western Kentucky made waves last year when it hired Bobby Petrino for his one-year reclamation project. His successor, Jeff Brohm, has taken Hilltopper football to the next level. Brohm’s crew is averaging 44 points per game and won four straight to close the season, including the 67-66 overtime win over previously unbeaten Marshall. “Brohm is one of the bright young stars on the coaching circuit and has worked wonders with quarterback Brandon Doughty this season,” said Barrett Sallee. Central Michigan has been up and down this season but does have a win over MAC powerhouse Northern Illinois in its back pocket. Matchup: Fresno State (6-7) vs. Rice (7-5) Date: Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET Location: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu Spread: Rice (-2.5) Picks Kercheval: Fresno State Kramer: Rice Sallee: Fresno State Felder: Fresno State Why You Should Watch It’s Hawai’i, so why wouldn’t you watch and dream of sipping fruity drinks in the sand? A late three-game winning streak got Fresno State into the Mountain West Championship Game, which it lost to Boise State. Over that stretch, quarterback Brian Burrell tossed eight touchdowns and four picks and kickstarted an offense that had struggled with consistency in the passing game. Meanwhile, Rice has slowly developed into a consistent Conference USA contender, and while it missed out on the title this year, a trip to Honolulu isn’t a bad consolation. Matchup: Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-5) Date: Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. ET Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas Spread: Louisiana Tech (-6) Picks Kercheval: Louisiana Tech Kramer: Illinois Sallee: Louisiana Tech Felder: Louisiana Tech Why You Should Watch Seeing Illinois in a bowl game might seem like spotting Sasquatch in the mountains or a unicorn in a field. This is the fifth bowl game for the Illini this century, and head coach Tim Beckman’s crew had to win games over Penn State and Northwestern to close out the season just to get to bowl eligibility. “Illinois in a bowl is interesting enough, but how about Illinois winning a bowl? I’m buying in,” said Kramer. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz—yes, the same Manny Diaz who was fired by Texas in the middle of last season—have led the Bulldogs back to a bowl game for the first time since 2011 on the heels of a defense that’s giving up just 355.7 yards per game. Matchup: North Carolina (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5) Date: Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET Location: Ford Field, Detroit Spread: North Carolina (-3) Picks Kercheval: North Carolina Kramer: North Carolina Sallee: North Carolina Felder: North Carolina Why You Should Watch Prior to its loss to N.C. State in the regular-season finale, North Carolina got hot with wins in four of five games, which culminated with a huge win at Duke—ruining its rival’s dreams of back-to-back ACC Coastal Division titles. The Tar Heels topped the 500-yard mark four times over the final two months of the season, and quarterback Marquise Williams provided much-needed stability throwing 20 touchdowns and nine picks on the year. Meanwhile, Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova has tossed 20 touchdowns of his own and is facing a Tar Heels pass defense that’s only slightly better than air (263.5 yards per game). “The number of passing yards between these two teams in this game could be set at about 800 or 900, especially with it taking place in a dome setting,” wrote Kercheval. Matchup: UCF (9-3) vs. N.C. State (7-5) Date: Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. ET Location: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida Spread: UCF (-2) Picks Kercheval: UCF Kramer: N.C. State Sallee: N.C. State Felder: N.C. State Why You Should Watch UCF has established itself as one of the AAC’s power brokers and will face off against an N.C. State squad that quietly won three of four to close the season. Former Florida quarterback Jacoby Brissett put together a solid season, tossing 22 touchdowns and only five picks during his junior season in Raleigh. For Knights head coach George O’Leary, this has been a stressful season, as his crew reeled off nine wins in its final 10 games, which included nail-biters over Houston and BYU and a Hail Mary win at East Carolina to claim a share of the conference title. “UCF is a program that has slowly but surely become consistent, while N.C. State is undoubtedly on the rise in the ACC,” said Sallee. Matchup: Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6) Date: Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. ET Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland Spread: Cincinnati (-3) Picks Kercheval: Cincinnati Kramer: Cincinnati Sallee: Cincinnati Felder: Cincinnati Why You Should Watch Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel started living up to some of the recruiting hype this year, breaking the 3,000-yard mark and throwing for 30 touchdowns for the Bearcats and head coach Tommy Tuberville. He’ll get quite the challenge in the Military Bowl against a Virginia Tech pass defense that ranks 14th in the nation (186.8 yards per game). Not a bad matchup to say the least. If Cincinnati has some success, it will be up to the Hokies and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler to keep up. “The Hokies might need their best game of the year from quarterback Michael Brewer,” wrote Kercheval. Matchup: Arizona State (9-3) vs. Duke (9-3) Date: Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. ET Location: Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas Spread: Arizona State (-7.5) Picks Kercheval: Arizona State Kramer: Arizona State Sallee: Arizona State Felder: Arizona State Why You Should Watch November losses to Virginia Tech and North Carolina prevented Duke from repeating as ACC Coastal champs, but they got back to their winning ways in the regular-season finale against Wake Forest to post a very respectable 9-3 record. The reward for head coach David Cutcliffe’s crew is a trip to El Paso to take on an Arizona State team that was on the periphery of the College Football Playoff discussion into November. Duke’s pass defense is giving up just 200.4 yards per game through the air but hasn’t seen many receivers like the Sun Devils’ Jaelen Strong. Add in running back D.J. Foster, and the Blue Devils have their work cut out for them. “As good as Duke is, I believe Arizona State will be on another level,” said Kramer. “Too much Strong and Foster.” Matchup: Miami (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6) Date: Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana Spread: Miami (-3) Picks Kercheval: Miami Kramer: Miami Sallee: South Carolina Felder: Miami Why You Should Watch The combination of quarterback Brad Kaaya and running back Duke Johnson brought Miami back to respectability this season, but a three-game losing streak to close out the campaign has left a sour taste in the mouths of the Hurricanes. Defensively, it’s a veteran group that has improved tremendously from a year ago and would love nothing more than to go out on a high note. Meanwhile, South Carolina sputtered to a 6-6 season on the heels of a defense that was more punchline than power. “Miami wins thanks to a big day from Brad Kaaya and weapons that will tax South Carolina’s defense,” said Felder. Matchup: Boston College (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6) Date: Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y. Spread: Boston College (-2.5) Picks Kercheval: Boston College Kramer: Boston College Sallee: Boston College Felder: Boston College Why You Should Watch It’s college football in Yankee Stadium. What’s not to like? If that’s not enough, the matchup between the run-first Boston College offense led by quarterback Tyler Murphy against a Penn State defense that’s giving up a Big Ten-best 269.8 yards per game is quite appetizing. The Nittany Lions will surely be pumped up to be in a bowl game since the NCAA lifted the sanctions midseason, but a few hits from the physical Eagle offense will bring them back down to Earth in a hurry. “Boston College wins because Tyler Murphy proves to be the better, safer quarterback option in this slugfest,” said Felder. Matchup: USC (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-3) Date: Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. ET Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego Spread: USC (-6.5) Picks Kercheval: USC Kramer: USC Sallee: Nebraska Felder: USC Why You Should Watch USC quarterback Cody Kessler will be near the top of many Heisman lists in a few months, and a strong performance in the Holiday Bowl in what could be wide receiver Nelson Agholor’s final game would be a good way to kick off the campaign. Meanwhile, Nebraska is a team in transition, as Mike Riley observes his new team against an opponent that he’s familiar with from his time in the Pac-12 at Oregon State. “There’s no logical reason for me to pick Nebraska to win, because USC is, by far, the better team,” said Sallee. “I think Nebraska finds a way to keep up for a while and gets a garbage touchdown late for a backdoor cover.” For that to happen, the Cornhuskers will need another solid performance in star running back Ameer Abdullah’s final game. Matchup: West Virginia (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (7-5) Date: Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. ET Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee Spread: West Virginia (-3.5) Picks Kercheval: Texas A&M Kramer: West Virginia Sallee: West Virginia Felder: West Virginia Why You Should Watch If you want points and very little defense, the Liberty Bowl is here for you. Texas A&M and West Virginia have become synonymous with new-school football, which puts an emphasis on tempo offensively and forcing turnovers on defense. Unfortunately for both, consistency has been a problem this season. Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White is one of the best in the nation, and the Aggies boast a small village of potential superstars outside including Josh Reynolds and Speedy Noil. This should be an entertaining matchup between teams that have been up and down during the 2014 season. Matchup: Clemson (9-3) vs. Oklahoma (8-4) Date: Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida Spread: Oklahoma (-3) Picks Kercheval: Clemson Kramer: Oklahoma Sallee: Oklahoma Felder: Oklahoma Why You Should Watch Clemson boasted the nation’s best defense in 2014 led by star defensive end Vic Beasley. As a reward, that stout defense led by defensive coordinator Brent Venables will go up against his former employer. This isn’t where Oklahoma wanted to play after jumping into the national championship picture with its win over Oklahoma in last season’s Sugar Bowl, but injuries to quarterback Trevor Knight and wide receiver Sterling Shepard coupled with defensive inconsistencies prevented the Sooners from taking the next step. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss this game with a torn ACL, while Oklahoma will get Knight back after he missed the final three games of the season. That might make the difference. “Knight is in; Watson is out,” said Felder. “While I love the Clemson defense, not sure the Tigers will score enough.” Matchup: Arkansas (6-6) vs. Texas (6-6) Date: Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. ET Location: NRG Stadium, Houston Spread: Arkansas (-6) Picks Kercheval: Arkansas Kramer: Texas Sallee: Arkansas Felder: Texas Why You Should Watch The reason to watch this one is simple: It’s old-school, smashmouth football with two teams, who, while in different conferences now, once had a major rivalry in the old Southwest Conference. Arkansas got hot down the stretch, shutting out back-to-back SEC opponents and notching its first two SEC wins since 2012. The running back tandem of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins comprises one of the toughest one-two punches in college football, and quarterback Brandon Allen will have a month to recover from injuries suffered in the Missouri game. Meanwhile Texas’ first season under head coach Charlie Strong hasn’t gone as smoothly as planned, but the defense is solid, and quarterback Tyrone Swoopes has a good one-two punch behind him in running backs Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray. “Whichever team dominates the line of scrimmage has the upper hand,” wrote Kercheval. Matchup: Notre Dame (7-5) vs. LSU (8-4) Date: Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. ET Location: LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee Spread: LSU (-7) Picks Kercheval: Notre Dame Kramer: Notre Dame Sallee: LSU Felder: Notre Dame Why You Should Watch Quarterback intrigue, plain and simple. Everett Golson and Malik Zaire will both see time under center for Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly, while sophomore Anthony Jennings and freshman Brandon Harris could split snaps for head coach Les Miles‘ LSU Tigers squad. Simply put, this game will serve as the opening act to what could be two incredibly high-profile quarterback battles heading into the 2015 season. That creates quite an intriguing matchup in Nashville but could also lead to some disjointed drives and overall sloppiness. “I’ll somewhat reluctantly take the dog here,” Kramer said. “If the Irish avoid turnovers, they should keep it within the spread.” Matchup: Georgia (9-3) vs. Louisville (9-3) Date: Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. Spread: Georgia (-6.5) Picks Kercheval: Louisville Kramer: Georgia Sallee: Louisville Felder: Louisville Why You Should Watch Former Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will bring Louisville—the nation’s sixth-best defense—into Charlotte to take on a Georgia team that he coordinated for four seasons. If that weren’t enough, current Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino isn’t exactly the most well-liked character in the Peach State after the way he left the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. That potent Cardinals defense will have quite the challenge on its hands slowing down running back Nick Chubb, wide receivers Chris Conley and Michael Bennett and quarterback Hutson Mason. “Welcome to the Nick Chubb Show,” Kramer said. “Please pay for your tickets here.” Matchup: Stanford (7-5) vs. Maryland (7-5) Date: Dec. 30 at 10 p.m. ET Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California Spread: Stanford (-14) Picks Kercheval: Stanford Kramer: Maryland Sallee: Maryland Felder: Maryland Why You Should Watch What else are you going to do at 10 p.m. the night before New Year’s Eve? Stanford’s defense is legit, and Maryland’s offense has struggled mightily since wide receiver Stefon Diggs went out on Nov. 1 with a kidney injury. He could be back in time for the bowl game, which would give the Terrapins a boost and a puncher’s chance against head coach David Shaw’s Cardinal. “Close games haven’t exactly favored the Cardinal, but the defense has carried them this far,” Kercheval wrote. “It should be able to carry them one more game.” Matchup: TCU (11-1) vs. Ole Miss (9-3) Date: Dec. 31 at 12:30 p.m. ET Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta Spread: TCU (-3) Picks Kercheval: TCU Kramer: Ole Miss Sallee: Ole Miss Felder: TCU Why You Should Watch Simple—it’s TCU’s potent offense led by quarterback Trevone Boykin going up against an Ole Miss defense that’s fast and physical and forces mistakes. Get your popcorn ready. “This is the best bowl matchup of the bowl season—national semifinals included,” said Sallee. “Boykin will team up with wide receivers Kolby Listenbee and Josh Doctson to test that Landshark defense, but Cody Prewitt, Senquez Golson and the rest of that secondary will come up big in the fourth quarter with a couple of game-changing turnovers.” Matchup: Boise State (11-2) vs. Arizona (10-3) Date: Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. ET Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona Spread: Arizona (-4) Picks Kercheval: Arizona Kramer: Boise State Sallee: Arizona Felder: Arizona Why You Should Watch Well, aside from the obvious—it’s Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, and weird things happen—you may also get a look at a young Arizona team that could be setting the stage for a Pac-12 and College Football Playoff run in 2015. Quarterback Anu Solomon nursed an injured foot down the stretch and left the Pac-12 Championship Game with a walking boot. With time to heal and a full camp session to continue the development, Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez should have a creative game plan for the Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on New Year’s Eve. It’s Boise State, and it’s the Fiesta Bowl, so anything’s possible. “I think we rekindle some Boise State magic,” said Kramer. “The Broncos are live here.” Matchup: Georgia Tech (10-3) vs. Mississippi State (10-2) Date: Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. ET Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida Spread: Mississippi State (-7) Picks Kercheval: Georgia Tech Kramer: Mississippi State Sallee: Mississippi State Felder: Mississippi State Why You Should Watch It will be strength versus strength when the dynamic Georgia Tech triple-option attack squares off with a fast and physical Mississippi State front seven that buckles down in the red zone. Will Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas have success in South Beach? Or will the Bulldogs come together following the departure of defensive coordinator Geoff Collins and prove that, while inconsistent down the stretch, it is still well-coached and ready to move on to the next challenge? “There’s a great underlying matchup here,” wrote Kercheval. “Georgia Tech leads the nation in third-down conversions, while Mississippi State is the best team in the country in opponents’ red-zone conversions.” Converting those third downs in the red zone and scoring seven instead of three will be what decides whether Georgia Tech wins or loses. Matchup: Auburn (8-4) vs. Wisconsin (10-3) Date: Jan. 1 at noon ET Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida Spread: Auburn (-6.5) Picks Kercheval: Auburn Kramer: Wisconsin Sallee: Auburn Felder: Auburn Why You Should Watch If you like top-tier running back matchups, this game is for you. Heisman finalist Melvin Gordon rushed for 2,336 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior, while Auburn senior Cameron Artis-Payne led the SEC with 1,482 yards and 11 touchdowns while splitting carries with quarterback Nick Marshall. The last time we saw Wisconsin’s defense, Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot hung 222 on it in the Big Ten Championship Game. Can Auburn do the same? “Auburn doesn’t run the most plays per game of any team in the country—it actually averages about 73 a game—but it knows how to use tempo effectively,” wrote Kercheval. “If Wisconsin starts giving up big plays on defense, Gordon may not even be able to come to the rescue.” Matchup: Michigan State (10-2) vs. Baylor (11-1) Date: Jan. 1 at 12:30 p.m. ET Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas Spread: Baylor (-3) Picks Kercheval: Baylor Kramer: Michigan State Sallee: Baylor Felder: Michigan State Why You Should Watch Well, for starters, there’s a quarterback battle for the ages in Baylor’s Bryce Petty versus Michigan State’s Connor Cook and a battle of two tremendous running backs in the Bears’ Shock Linwood versus Jeremy Langford. Where the difference could come, though, is on defense. Michigan State boasts one of the nation’s top defenses (293.5 yards per game), while Baylor’s defense (367.7 yards per game) is giving up 74.2 more than the Spartans. “Give me Michigan State,” said Felder. “The Spartans can score with just about anyone, and their defense will be the difference.” Matchup: Missouri (10-3) vs. Minnesota (8-4) Date: Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida Spread: Missouri (-5.5) Picks Kercheval: Missouri Kramer: Missouri Sallee: Missouri Felder: Missouri Why You Should Watch Minnesota running back David Cobb will have his work cut out for him running against a very underrated Missouri front seven. Missouri will want to get the Badgers in passing downs so that defensive ends Shane Ray and Markus Golden can pin their ears back and get after quarterback Mitch Leidner. “If Minnesota can win first down consistently, it’s going to be a long day for head coach Gary Pinkel’s crew,” said Sallee. “It won’t, though, and Ray and Golden will shine in sunny central Florida.” Matchup: Oregon (12-1) vs. Florida State (13-0) Date: Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California Spread: Oregon (-9.5) Picks Kercheval: Florida State Kramer: Oregon Sallee: Oregon Felder: Florida State Why You Should Watch Well, let’s see—it’s the Rose Bowl and a national semifinal, and it features the last two Heisman Trophy winners, the defending national champ, which hasn’t looked as polished this season as it did during its title run, and a high-octane offense that thrives with tempo. What’s not to like? For the first time in his college career, 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston won’t be the best quarterback on the field. That honor belongs to 2014 winner Marcus Mariota of Oregon. Will Mariota and the Ducks end Florida State’s 29-game winning streak that has spanned three seasons? “I like the Ducks here,” said Kramer. “I originally planned on taking those 9.5 points, but I am laying them instead. The Oregon offense will just be too much.” Matchup: Ohio State (12-1) vs. Alabama (12-1) Date: Jan. 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET Location: Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans Spread: Alabama (-9.5) Picks Kercheval: Ohio State Kramer: Ohio State Sallee: Alabama Felder: Ohio State Why You Should Watch Coaching legends in Ohio State’s Urban Meyer and Alabama’s Nick Saban will head to the Big Easy to rekindle a rivalry that started in the late 2000s when the two were duking it out for SEC titles while Meyer was at Florida. The stakes have been raised. In addition to two traditional powers meeting in the second semifinal, Buckeye quarterback Cardale Jones threw a curveball when he lit up Wisconsin with three touchdown passes in his first career start in the Big Ten Championship Game. Now Saban—who’s 21-7 at Alabama with more than a week to prepare for an opponent—has nearly a month to prepare for Jones with game tape in hand, which will add a little spice to this showdown. “Saban with tape and time is a frighting thought, especially for a team with a quarterback who’s making his second career start,” said Sallee. Matchup: Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5) Date: Jan. 2 at noon ET Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas Spread: Pittsburgh (-3) Picks Kercheval: Pittsburgh Kramer: Pittsburgh Sallee: Pittsburgh Felder: Pittsburgh Why You Should Watch You’ll get to watch the Houston team that Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman is taking over, but more importantly, you’ll get to watch Pitt running back James Conner. Conner rushed for 1,675 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, en route to second-team All-American honors from The Associated Press. “James Conner is going to carry it 50 times for 400 yards in a win,” said Kramer. “I’m kidding. Maybe.” Coaching changes for both programs will be a nice little subplot for this showdown in the Lone Star State. Matchup: Iowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6) Date: Jan. 2 at 3:20 p.m. ET Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida Spread: Tennessee (-3.5) Picks Kercheval: Iowa Kramer: Iowa Sallee: Iowa Felder: Iowa Why You Should Watch The Tennessee roster is loaded with youth, and the matchup between freshman defensive end Derek Barnett and first-team Associated Press All-American tackle Brandon Scherff will be well worth the price of admission. On the other side of the ball, the physical Hawkeyes front seven will be chomping at the bit to get after Vols quarterback Joshua Dobbs and the inconsistent offensive line. It likely will be a slugfest, but if things get weird, Iowa can handle it. “Iowa actually is more efficient in the passing game than the running game, if you can believe that,” wrote Kercheval. “So the idea that the Hawkeyes would be in trouble if the game turned into a shootout doesn’t entirely hold up.” Matchup: UCLA (9-3) vs. Kansas State (9-3) Date: Jan. 2 at 6:45 p.m. ET Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas Spread: Kansas State (-1) Picks Kercheval: UCLA Kramer: Kansas State Sallee: Kansas State Felder: Kansas State Why You Should Watch Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder’s crew is always well-prepared, and a month between games will only add to its discipline. On the other side, UCLA hoped to be playing in Texas in January but was probably thinking more about the National Championship Game in Arlington rather than the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. Will Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley go out with a bang, or will Snyder’s crew finish off the season on a high note? “Bill Snyder, resident wizard, will take advantage of this extra time to prepare,” said Kramer. “Kansas State in a close one.” Matchup: Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Washington (8-5) Date: Jan. 2 at 10:15 p.m. ET Location: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona Spread: Washington (-5.5) Picks Kercheval: Washington Kramer: Washington Sallee: Oklahoma State Felder: Washington Why You Should Watch Because on the day after New Year’s Day, you still will need football at 10:15 p.m. Oklahoma State finished the season off strong with a dramatic overtime win in Bedlam over Oklahoma, while Chris Petersen‘s first season at Washington was up and down. Linebacker/running back Shaq Thompson is worth staying up late for, as is the Husky defense that includes first-team Associated Press All-American tackle Danny Shelton and linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha. “The Washington defense is going to put on a show for NFL scouts,” said Kramer. “I’ll take the Huskies and lay the 5.5.” Matchup: Florida (6-5) vs. East Carolina (8-4) Date: Jan. 3 at noon ET Location: Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama Spread: Florida (-7) Picks Kercheval: ECU Kramer: Florida Sallee: Florida Felder: ECU Why You Should Watch Even though new Florida head coach Jim McElwain won’t be coaching in this game, quarterback Treon Harris will be auditioning for the starting quarterback role with a small taste of what McElwain’s offense will look like in 2015. The real intrigue in this one is when East Carolina has the ball, though. Third-team Associated Press All-American Justin Hardy will be going up against second-team Associated Press All-American cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III in a matchup for the ages. “Hargreaves will get the better of Hardy, give the Florida offense good field position and lead the Gators to a big win,” said Sallee. Matchup: Toledo (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (7-5) Date: Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. ET Location: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama Spread: Toledo (-3) Picks Kercheval: Arkansas State Kramer: Toledo Sallee: Arkansas State Felder: Toledo Why You Should Watch Two Group of Five teams will meet in Mobile in a matchup that will feature enough offense to fill Mobile Bay. Arkansas State ranks 21st in the country with 477.2 yards per game, while Toledo is two spots better at 486.3 yards per game. “This is one of those games that is just waiting to get weird, and weird football is the best kind of football—especially during bowl season,” said Sallee. This game is going to take place at 9 p.m. on a Sunday night in January. What else would you do? All lines are courtesy of OddsShark.com. All picks are against the spread.
Nevada LB Brock Hekking
Utah State LB Zach Vigil
Colorado State RB Dee Hart
Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun
Memphis head coach Justin Fuente
Marshall QB Rakeem Cato
Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo
Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty
Fresno State QB Brian Burrell
Louisiana Tech QB Cody Sokol
UCF RB William Stanback
Cincinnati QB Gunner Kiel
Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong
Miami QB Brad Kaaya
Penn State head coach James Franklin
USC QB Cody Kessler
West Virginia WR Kevin White
Clemson DL Vic Beasley
Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema
Notre Dame QB Everett Golson
Georgia RB Nick Chubb
Stanford head coach David Shaw
Missouri QB Maty Mauk
Pitt RB James Conner
Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs
UCLA QB Brett Hundley
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy
Florida RB Kelvin Taylor
Arkansas State RB Michael Gordon
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