- Russell Athletic Bowl: West Virgina (+2.5) vs Miami: An old Big East rivalry will be renewed on Dec. 28 in the Russell Athletic Bowl, as West Virginia meets Miami for the first time since 2003 The only reason the Hurricanes are a favorite in this game is because the bowl game is being played in Orlando. Over the last few years, the Miami athletics department has had trouble selling out their own stadium. Miami is one of the more laid back sports towns in all of America. West Virginia is enjoying their best season since 2011. The matchup to watch in this game is the West Virginia running game vs the Miami Hurricanes defensive front. West Virginia head coach Dana Dana Holgorsen is a disciple of the Air Raid offense, but he has adjusted his system to showcase the strength of his offensive. Once again, West Virginia is known for playing smash football, and their offense is anchored by one of the best offensive line units in the country. The Mountaineers have rushed for 243 yards per game, and their offensive line has surrendered just 21 sacks. Miami starts three freshmen on their defensive front. Miami’s young defense has performed well this season: ranking 33rd in the nation against the rush, and they have collected the 6th most “TFLS” in the country. Quarterbacks Skyler Howard and Brad Kaaya are going to be fun to watch, but the men in the trenches are going to decide the game. West Virginia is more of a complete team on both sides of the ball. That is why they should win this game.
Prediction: West Virginia Wins 28-24.
2. Taxslayer Bowl: Georgia Tech (-3.5) vs Kentucky: This bowl game will feature two of college football’s best rushing attacks. The Georgia Tech triple-option attack led by QB Justin Thomas is always difficult to stop. On the other side, Kentucky running backs Stanley Williams and Benny Snell Jr are two of the most underrated players in the country. Williams and Snell, Jr. have combined for nearly 2,300 yards rushing this season and scored 20 touchdowns. Even when down two scores, Kentucky will lean on these two backs to keep the chains moving. Both of this offenses will be running up and down the field. However, the Yellow Jackets will have an easier time doing it. Kentucky defense has been abysmal all season, and the Wildcats rank 103rd in the country against the run surrendering 223 yards per game on the ground. Poor tackling has plagued Kentucky all season, and the Wildcats cannot afford to miss tackles when defending a triple option attack. However, one factor to be wary of is the extended preparation time for the bowl game. Johnson has a 4-7 bowl record, and the extended length between games has given opposing coaches opportunities to develop an efficient game plan to stop his attack. On paper, the Yellow Jackets should be able to take care of the Wildcats handily.
3: Sun Bowl: (North Carolina +2.5) vs Stanford: The main headline for this game is the voluntary absence of Stanford’s record-breaking running back Christian McCaffrey. Stanford has shown support for McCaffrey, but they are focusing on giving their love to new running back Bryce Love. Love has been impressive in his limited action this season averaging 7 yards per carry. McCaffrey’s absence provides relief to the North Carolina’s 113th ranked rush defense. In order for Stanford to win, Love will need to be able to provide mass amount of production in the run game. North Carolina has an explosive offense led by projected first-round pick Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky ranked 5th in the nation in total QBR due to his insane 28:4 touchdown to interception ratio. North Carolina offense can move the ball on anyone due to their ability to execute plays during the biggest moments. This can be seen by UNC’s seasonal 46% third down conversion percentage. The Tar Heels will stack the box to limit the explosive plays in the run game, and Stanford QB Keller Chryst will not be able to make enough plays to keep up with Trubisky led offense.Prediction: North Carolina wins in a nail bitter 31-28.
4: Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma (-3.5) vs Auburn: Beating teams from the SEC is one of Bob Stoop’s favorite past time. Oklahoma is the third hottest team in college football besides USC and Penn St. During this game a majority of the media will focus on Joe Mixon due to the controversy surrounding the contents of his video. Despite the uproar, Joe Mixon will suit up and play in the Sugar Bowl. I think the guy doesn’t deserve to play high-level football. The reality is, the Oklahoma’s dynamic tandem will be in full force. Although Auburn looked like one of the nation’s most dominant defenses for much of the season, the Tigers struggled against the SEC elite offenses in Texas A&M, Alabama, and LSU. The rest of the SEC offenses Auburn has played do not come close to the dynamic unit they will face in the Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma has the motivation and talent on their side. Look for the Sooners to put on a show.