College Bowl Games Central...Talk,Match-Ups,Scores,Highlights,Etc.

[Greenbacks]

Hyundai Sun Bowl: No. 18 Stanford vs. North Carolina
(2 p.m., CBS Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas)

There's no way Stanford's Christian McCaffrey replicates the 2016 Rose Bowl performance in El Paso ... or does he? McCaffrey quietly has been very productive for the Cardinal and North Carolina allows 235.5 rush yards per game. WildCaff runs wild in possibly his final college game as Stanford finishes with another 10-win season. Stanford 45, North Carolina 34.

No McCaffrey
​

 

[Greenbacks]

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Nebraska vs. No. 21 Tennessee
(3:30 p.m., ESPN, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee)

Both teams faded down the stretch, and it's difficult to trust a Tennessee team that so rarely plays to its talent level. But the Vols will be playing a virtual home game, and Nebraska looked dreadful its last time out against Iowa. Tennessee ends a disappointing season on a feel-good note, but it's fleeting, as Butch Jones will be on the hot seat in 2017. Tennessee 36, Nebraska 28.​

 

[Greenbacks]

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: South Alabama vs. Air Force
(5:30 p.m., Campus Insiders, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona)

South Alabama had one of the stranger seasons in the FBS, beating an SEC team (Mississippi State) and a league champion (San Diego State) but struggling in most of its road games. Air Force endured an October slide but boasts wins against Boise State and Navy. Troy Calhoun's coaching future is a subplot here, but Air Force's defense subdues South Alabama. Air Force 31, South Alabama 21.​

 

[Greenbacks]

Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State
(8 p.m., ESPN, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida)

Michigan recorded 44 sacks under first-year defensive coordinator Don Brown aka "Dr. Blitz." Florida State freshman Deondre Francois spent most of his freshman season absorbing hits. This is an awful matchup for FSU's offensive line, and despite great talent on the Noles' roster, Michigan wins fairly easily. Michigan 34, Florida State 24.​

 

[Greenbacks]

Friday, Dec 30, 2016 - NCAA Football Game
12:00 PM	TCU			-3½	-102			-162			Ov	48½	-110
	Georgia			+3½	-118			+142			Un	48½	-110
02:00 PM	North Carolina			+2½	-110			+120			Ov	54	-110
	Stanford			-2½	-110			-140			Un	54	-110
03:30 PM	Nebraska			+7	-105			+245			Ov	57½	-110
	Tennessee			-7	-115			-290			Un	57½	-110
05:30 PM	South Alabama			+14	-110			+445			Ov	57½	-105
	Air Force			-14	-110			-550			Un	57½	-115
08:00 PM	Florida State			+7	-110			+230			Ov	51	-110
	Michigan			-7	-110			-275			Un	51	-110

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[Greenbacks]

AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL.....Georgia Covers +3.5.....The Total Goes Over 48.5

Final

	1	2	3	4	T
[h=2] Georgia [/h] (8-5)	7	7	7	10	31
[h=2] TCU [/h] (6-7)	9	7	7	0	23

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[Greenbacks]

HYUNDAI SUN BOWL.....North Carolina Covers +2.5.....The Total Stays Under 54

Final

	1	2	3	4	T
[h=2]18 Stanford [/h] (10-3)	7	6	3	9	25
[h=2] North Carolina [/h] (8-5)	7	0	10	6	23

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[Greenbacks]

FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL.....Tennessee Covers -7.....The Total Goes Over 57.5

Final

	1	2	3	4	T
[h=2] Nebraska [/h] (9-4)	0	7	7	10	24
[h=2]21 Tennessee [/h] (9-4)	0	21	3	14	38

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[Greenbacks]

NOVA HOME LOANS ARIZONA BOWL.....Air Force Covers -14.....The Total Goes Over 57.5

Final

	1	2	3	4	T
[h=2] South Alabama [/h] (6-7)	14	7	0	0	21
[h=2] Air Force [/h] (10-3)	3	18	17	7	45

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[Greenbacks]

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL.....Florida St. Covers +7.....The Total Goes Over 51

Final

	1	2	3	4	T
[h=2]6 Michigan [/h] (10-3)	3	3	9	17	32
[h=2]11 Florida State [/h] (10-3)	17	3	0	13	33

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[Greenbacks]

TaxSlayer Bowl

When: 11:00 AM ET, Saturday, December 31, 2016
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida


TAXSLAYER BOWL STORYLINES

1. Two of the top rushing offenses in the country collide when Georgia Tech and Kentucky meet in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Dec. 31 in Jacksonville. The Yellow Jackets, whose string of 18 consecutive bowl appearances was snapped last season, led the ACC and sit 10th nationally at 257.4 yards per game on the ground. The Wildcats, who are making their first bowl appearance since 2010, rank third in the SEC and 16th in the nation in rushing yards per game (241.3).

2. Georgia Tech started its season 3-3 before getting on track, winning five of its final six games while averaging 285.7 rushing yards per game during that stretch. “We got fortunate and got hot a little bit, and started playing a little bit better and really finished up the season on a positive note,” Yellow Jackets head coach Paul Johnson told reporters. While the rushing offense is critical to Georgia Tech’s chances, quarterback Justin Thomas (1,454 yards passing, 562 yards rushing) is a two-way threat who engineered late game-winning drives through the air against Boston College and Georgia.

3. Kentucky features a two-pronged rushing attack led by a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Stanley Williams (1,135 yards) and SEC All-Freshman team honoree Benny Snell (1,079 yards) with Snell setting freshman school marks for rushing yards, 100-yard games and touchdowns. “I think it’s impressive to have a true freshman do that,” Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops told reporters. “He’s been steady.” The Wildcats are 230 yards and two touchdowns away from setting school single-season records in both categories.

TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Georgia Tech -3.5 O/U 62.5

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (8-4, 4-4 ACC): Johnson credits the offensive line with solidifying the team after an up-and-down opening half of the season, but the Yellow Jackets will be without leader rusher Marcus Marshall (624 yards) after the sophomore announced his transfer to James Madison. Freshman Dedrick Mills has rushed for 602 yards and 11 touchdowns in only eight games, while Thomas accounted for 459 yards of total offense in an October victory over Duke and passed for 164 yards against Georgia. The Yellow Jackets surrendered only 21.3 points per game in winning their last three contests, including an upset victory at Virginia Tech and a rally from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to knock off Georgia.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (7-5 4-4 SEC): Williams finished the regular season fifth in the SEC in rushing and Snell placed eighth, providing the power for a Wildcats’ offense that saw quarterback Stephen Johnson battle inconsistency and injury. Kentucky punctuated its breakout season with an upset of in-state rival Louisville, winning five of its last seven games. Sophomore linebacker Jordan Jones, who earned second-team All-SEC honors, recorded 100 tackles (14 for loss) in anchoring a defense that ranked in the bottom third nationally in allowing 31.2 points per game.

ATS Trends

Georgia Tech

Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December. Yellow Jackets are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games. Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. SEC. Yellow Jackets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games. Yellow Jackets are 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Yellow Jackets are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS win. Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. Yellow Jackets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 bowl games. Yellow Jackets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Yellow Jackets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Bowl games.

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Kentucky

Wildcats are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Wildcats are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win. Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Wildcats are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall. Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. Wildcats are 9-20 ATS in their last 29 games following a ATS win. Wildcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Wildcats are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. Wildcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.

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OU Trends

Georgia Tech

Over is 6-1 in Yellow Jackets last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Yellow Jackets last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1-1 in Yellow Jackets last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Yellow Jackets last 8 games overall. Over is 12-4-1 in Yellow Jackets last 17 non-conference games. Over is 6-2 in Yellow Jackets last 8 games on grass. Under is 5-2 in Yellow Jackets last 7 Bowl games. Under is 5-2 in Yellow Jackets last 7 bowl games.

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Kentucky

Under is 8-1-1 in Wildcats last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 vs. ACC. Under is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 neutral site games. Over is 7-2 in Wildcats last 9 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 15-5-1 in Wildcats last 21 non-conference games. Over is 6-2 in Wildcats last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 12-5 in Wildcats last 17 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

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Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

BUFFALO WILD WINGS CITRUS BOWL

When: 11:00 AM ET, Saturday, December 31, 2016
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

BUFFALO WILD WINGS CITRUS BOWL STORYLINES

1. Lamar Jackson toyed with defenses for most of 2016 en route to becoming Louisville's first Heisman Trophy winner, but he'll likely face his toughest test of the season on Dec. 31 at the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla against LSU. The sophomore quarterback is the only player in FBS history to throw for 30-plus touchdowns and rush for 20-plus TDs in the regular season. The Tigers rank sixth in FBS in scoring defense (16.4 points) and 13th in total defense (323 yards per game).

2. LSU running back Leonard Fournette will not play after declaring for the NFL Draft earlier in the month. One year after rushing for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns - both school records - as a sophomore, the 2015 All-American was dogged by an August left ankle injury that forced him to miss four regular-season games as a junior. Despite missing nearly half the season, he'll leave as the Tigers' single-season leader in rushing yards per game (162.8), career rushing yards per game (119.7) and 200-yard games (five).

3. The Cardinals ended the regular season with a thud - allowing 11 sacks and committing 15 penalties in a 36-10 setback at Houston before losing 41-38 to Kentucky to snap a five-game winning streak in the series - and things have only gotten worse since. Linebackers James Hearns and Henry Famurewa were among three students shot near the school's campus hours after Jackson won the Heisman on Dec. 10. Less than a week later, the school suspended offensive coordinator Lonnie Galloway for his role in the Wake Forest play-sharing scandal.

TV: 11 a.m. ET, ABC. LINE: LSU -3 O/U 58.5

ABOUT LSU (7-4, 5-3 SEC): Darrius Guice emerged as one of the most explosive running backs in the country, averaging a league-high 7.9 yards per carry and running for a SEC-best 14 touchdowns while finishing second in the conference in rushing (1,249), even breaking Fournette's single-game school rushing record 33 days after he set it with 285 yards against Texas A&M. Danny Etling threw for 324 yards versus the Aggies as well, giving the Tigers a 300-yard passer and 200-yard rusher in the same game for the first time in school history. The defense is led by a pair of All-Americans in junior safety Jamal Adams (70 tackles) and senior linebacker Kendell Beckwith (9.1 tackles per game, second in the SEC).

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (9-3, 7-1 ACC): Despite committing five of the Cardinals' seven turnovers during their season-ending losing streak, Jackson totaled five touchdowns to set the ACC record for touchdowns responsible for in a single season (51) while breaking the single-season school marks for rushing yards (1,538) and 100-yard rushing performances (eight). Tight end Cole Hikutini (eight touchdowns), who is one of four Cardinals with at least 593 receiving yards, joins wideouts James Quick (six), Jaylen Smith (six) and Reggie Bonnafon (five) with at least five receiving touchdowns. Hearns, who is tied for the ACC lead with five forced fumbles and leads the team with eight sacks, is expected to make a full recovery, as is Famurewa and the cheerleader involved in the shootings.

ATS Trends

Louisiana State

Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Tigers are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games in December. Tigers are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 bowl games. Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf. Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Bowl games.

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Louisville

Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games. Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 bowl games. Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Bowl games. Cardinals are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Cardinals are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. SEC. Cardinals are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games following a straight up loss. Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

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OU Trends

Louisiana State

Under is 4-0-2 in Tigers last 6 games following a straight up win. Under is 2-0-2 in Tigers last 4 games following a ATS win. Under is 2-0-2 in Tigers last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 11-3-2 in Tigers last 16 games overall. Under is 11-3-2 in Tigers last 16 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 6-2-1 in Tigers last 9 non-conference games. Under is 7-3-1 in Tigers last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.

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Louisville

Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 3-0-1 in Cardinals last 4 neutral site games. Over is 9-2 in Cardinals last 11 games on fieldturf. Under is 4-1-1 in Cardinals last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Cardinals last 8 games following a ATS loss. Over is 11-4 in Cardinals last 15 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 12-5 in Cardinals last 17 games overall. Over is 9-4 in Cardinals last 13 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 20-9-2 in Cardinals last 31 games following a straight up loss.

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Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

When: 3:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 31, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL STORYLINES

1. Top-ranked Alabama begins its pursuit of its fifth national championship in 10 seasons under coach Nick Saban in the Peach Bowl when it takes on No. 4 Washington on Dec. 31 in the College Football Playoff semifinal contest. The Crimson Tide defeated Clemson in last season's title game and have won their last 25 overall games. The Huskies have ascended quickly under third-year coach Chris Petersen and are enjoying their best season since the 1991 Don James-coached unbeaten squad shared the national championship with Miami.

2. The quarterbacks are highly productive but pack different skill sets as Washington's Jake Browning is an efficient pro-style signal caller while Alabama's Jalen Hurts is a multi-faceted player who runs nearly as well as he throws. Browning, a sophomore, passed for 3,280 yards and a school-record 42 touchdowns, while Hurts accounted for 34 scores (22 passing, 12 rushing) and is striving to join Oklahoma's Jamelle Holieway (1985) as the only true freshmen quarterbacks to lead a team to a national title. "I'm a firm believer in age being nothing but a number," the 18-year-old Hurts told reporters. "And I feel like if you step up to any situation and you're able to play your game, be confident, have the poise you need to have, you'll be alright."

3. Both teams excel at scoring points while not on offense, particularly a Crimson Tide squad that totaled 14 non-offensive touchdowns, matching Southern Mississippi (2011) for the most in FBS since 1996. Alabama's non-offensive touchdowns break down this way: five interception returns, five fumble returns, three punt returns and one blocked field goal. The Huskies have two superb returners in juniors Josh Ross (one kickoff return score this season, four in his career) and Dante Pettis (two punt return TDs this season, five in his career).

TV: 3 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Alabama -14 O/U 52

ABOUT WASHINGTON (12-1, 8-1 Pac-12): Browning completed 63.2 percent of his passes and Ross totaled 76 receptions for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Huskies, who average 44.5 points per game. Sophomore running back Myles Gaskin rushed for 1,339 yards and 10 scores and junior backup Lavon Coleman owns a glitzy 7.8 average while rushing for 836 yards and seven touchdowns. The defense allows 17.2 points per game and features standout junior free safety Budda Baker (65 tackles, two interceptions) and senior outside linebacker Psalm Wooching (team-high six sacks) but remains without two of its top players in senior outside linebacker Joe Mathis (foot) and junior middle linebacker Azeem Victor (leg).

ABOUT ALABAMA (13-0, 8-0 SEC): Senior defensive end Jonathan Allen won the Nagurski Trophy as the national defensive player of the year and his standout campaign includes 8 1/2 sacks and two fumble-return touchdowns for a unit that leads the nation in scoring defense (11.8) and total defense (247.8). The defense didn't miss a beat when it lost star senior safety Eddie Jackson to a season-ending broken leg and the list of standouts include senior outside linebackers Ryan Anderson (team-high 17 tackles for losses) and Tim Williams (15 1/2 tackles for losses) and sophomore safety Mikah Fitzpatrick (team-best five interceptions). Hurts passed for 2,592 yards and rushed for 841 and possesses two solid targets in sophomore wideout Calvin Ridley (66 receptions for 727 yards and seven touchdowns) and junior receiver ArDarius Stewart (52 for 852 and eight scores).

ATS Trends

Washington

Huskies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in December. Huskies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games. Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Huskies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Huskies are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

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Alabama

Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Crimson Tide are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf. Crimson Tide are 13-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Crimson Tide are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win. Crimson Tide are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games. Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 neutral site games.

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OU Trends

Washington

Under is 3-0-1 in Huskies last 4 games overall. Over is 6-0 in Huskies last 6 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 3-0-1 in Huskies last 4 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Over is 10-1-1 in Huskies last 12 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Huskies last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Huskies last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Huskies last 5 non-conference games. Under is 4-1 in Huskies last 5 neutral site games. Over is 11-3-1 in Huskies last 15 games on fieldturf. Over is 7-2-1 in Huskies last 10 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Over is 7-2-1 in Huskies last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 10-3-1 in Huskies last 14 games following a straight up win. Over is 10-3-1 in Huskies last 14 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 9-3-1 in Huskies last 13 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

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Alabama

Over is 5-1 in Crimson Tide last 6 games in December. Under is 5-1 in Crimson Tide last 6 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 9-2 in Crimson Tide last 11 bowl games. Under is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 19-6-1 in Crimson Tide last 26 neutral site games. Over is 15-5-1 in Crimson Tide last 21 games on fieldturf. Under is 7-3 in Crimson Tide last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

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Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Greenbacks]

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[Greenbacks]

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 31, 2016
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

PLAYSTATION FIESTA BOWL STORYLINES

1. Clemson and Ohio State will meet in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff when they square off Dec. 31 in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. Both teams have been selected for the four-team playoff for the second time in the three-year history. The Tigers reached the national championship game before suffering a 45-40 loss to Alabama last season, while the Buckeyes defeated the Crimson Tide and Oregon en route to the 2014 title.

2. Ohio State is the first team to be selected for the College Football Playoff without winning its conference championship. The Buckeyes missed out on the Big Ten title game thanks to a 24-21 midseason loss at Penn State, but they won their last five games of the regular season, including a double-overtime win over sixth-ranked Michigan. The Nittany Lions defeated Wisconsin 38-31 in the Big Ten championship game but finished at No. 5 in the playoff rankings.

3. For all the big-name offensive stars on both sides, the defenses could end up telling the story. Ohio State ranks in the top six nationally in passing defense, total defense and scoring defense, and the Buckeyes have piled up 19 interceptions – the fourth-most in the country – which bodes well against star Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has thrown 15 interceptions, though only two in the past three games. The Tigers boast a well-balanced unit that ranks ninth in total defense, a necessity against the Buckeyes’ powerful ground game.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Ohio State -2 O/U 58.5

ABOUT OHIO STATE (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten): The Buckeyes lean on one of the nation’s top running games, averaging 258.3 yards per game on the ground behind the trio of Mike Weber (1,072 yards, 9 TDs), Curtis Samuel (704 yards, 8 TDs) and quarterback J.T. Barrett (847 yards, 9 TDs). Barrett has done a solid imitation of his counterpart Watson, as he has passed for 2,428 yards with 24 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The Buckeyes do a good job of pressuring the quarterback – Tyquan Lewis leads the way with 7 1/2 sacks and 10 tackles for loss – and they will need to make Watson uncomfortable to have success slowing down the Tigers.

ABOUT CLEMSON (12-1, 7-1 ACC): The Tigers are tough up front on both sides of the ball, which they hope will help them slow Ohio State’s ground game and force Barrett to try to beat them with his arm. Despite a strong offensive line, Clemson has been inconsistent in its ability to run the ball, though Wayne Gallman (1,002 yards, 15 TDs) has gotten on track late in the season and Watson could look to run more after staying in the pocket more often during the regular season. Watson has a number of capable targets, but the Buckeyes likely will try to lock down star Mike Williams (84 receptions, 1,171 yards, 10 TDs) and make the lesser-known receivers beat them.


ATS Trends

Ohio State

Buckeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games. Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games. Buckeyes are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 bowl games. Buckeyes are 37-15 ATS in their last 52 games on grass. Buckeyes are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Buckeyes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Buckeyes are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Buckeyes are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.

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Clemson

Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 bowl games. Tigers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games. Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in December. Tigers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Tigers are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

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OU Trends

Ohio State

Over is 5-1 in Buckeyes last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Buckeyes last 5 vs. ACC. Over is 4-1 in Buckeyes last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 7-2 in Buckeyes last 9 games on grass. Over is 5-2 in Buckeyes last 7 neutral site games. Under is 15-7 in Buckeyes last 22 games following a straight up win.

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Clemson

Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 games overall. Over is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a straight up win. Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Tigers last 11 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Tigers last 10 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Tigers last 13 non-conference games. Under is 9-4 in Tigers last 13 bowl games.

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Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

TaxSlayer Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky
(11 a.m., ESPN, EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida)

Both of these teams seemed to have several seasons packed into one, but Georgia Tech's strong finish, propelled by quarterback Justin Thomas, makes the difference in a shootout against a Kentucky defense allowing 225 rush yards per game. Georgia Tech 42, Kentucky 36.​

 

[Greenbacks]

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: No. 20 LSU vs. No. 13 Louisville
(11 a.m., ABC, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida)

Ed Orgeron draws Lamar Jackson, the likely Heisman Trophy winner, in his first game as LSU's permanent head coach. Motivation could be key here as Louisville looked like a lock for the New Year's Six three weeks ago, while LSU is energized by Coach O's hiring. Dave Aranda's defense limits Jackson, and LSU's run game steps up in crunch time. LSU 31, Louisville 27.​