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

[Greenbacks]

Belk Bowl: Arkansas vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech
(5:30 p.m., ESPN, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina)

Despite an ACC championship game loss, Virginia Tech is trending in the right direction under Justin Fuente. Arkansas is simply too inconsistent and surprisingly shaky along both lines. Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans accounts for four scores as Virginia Tech finishes with 10 wins in Fuente's first season. Virginia Tech 38, Arkansas 27.

 

[Greenbacks]

Valero Alamo Bowl: No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Colorado
(9 p.m., ESPN, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)

San Antonio will host another entertaining and competitive game between two league runners-up, but Colorado's experience and balance will make the difference. Mason Rudolph and James Washington strike early, but Colorado rallies behind running back Phillip Lindsay to cap an improbable season under coach Mike MacIntyre. Colorado 38, Oklahoma State 35.

 

[Greenbacks]

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. TCU
(noon, ESPN, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee)

TCU's Gary Patterson is great in the postseason, winning eight of his past 10 bowl appearances. But Georgia is the team with greater urgency after a disappointing debut season for Kirby Smart. Freshman quarterback Jacob Eason and the Bulldogs make the necessary progress during bowl preparation and hand TCU another close loss in a season filled with inconsistency. Georgia 28, TCU 25.

 

[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.

 

[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]

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.

 

[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]

Outback Bowl: No. 17 Florida vs. Iowa
(1 p.m., ABC, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida)

The Gators' season will end the same way as last year -- SEC East division title, lopsided losses to Florida State and to Alabama in the SEC title game, and a bowl loss -- although their bowl performance will be better this time. Points will be scarce, but the current Big Ten quarterback (Iowa's C.J. Beathard) outplays the former Big Ten quarterback (Florida's Austin Appleby) as the Hawkeyes prevail. Iowa 17, Florida 14.

 

[Greenbacks]

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 15 Western Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin
(1 p.m., ESPN, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)

P.J. Fleck's Boat Rowers are 2-0 against Big Ten teams this season, and star wide receiver Corey Davis will challenge a Wisconsin secondary that showed cracks against Penn State. But Wisconsin's run game and defensive front seven make the difference in the second half as Corey Clement eclipses 200 rush yards against WMU. Wisconsin 36, Western Michigan 24.

 

[Greenbacks]

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 9 USC vs. No. 5 Penn State
(5 p.m., ESPN, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California)

No two coaches led better in-season turnarounds than USC's Clay Helton and PSU's James Franklin thanks in large part to quarterbacks Sam Darnold (USC) and Trace McSorley (PSU). Both teams and both quarterbacks are hot, and both have dynamic running backs (Saquon Barkley at Penn State and Justin Davis at USC) and receivers (USC's JuJu Smith-Schuster and Penn State's DaeSean Hamilton). Expect a shootout, but USC mounts a late drive for the win. USC 38, Penn State 36.

 

[Greenbacks]

Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 14 Auburn vs. No. 7 Oklahoma
(8:30 p.m., ESPN, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans)

Auburn's defense gives the Tigers a real chance here, but Oklahoma simply has too much firepower, and its own defense made strides down the stretch. Both teams can run the ball effectively, but the Sooners have a massive edge at quarterback with Baker Mayfield, who channels predecessor Trevor Knight in outclassing an SEC team from Alabama in New Orleans. Oklahoma 34, Auburn 29.

 

[Greenbacks]

College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
No. 4 Washington vs. No. 1 Alabama
(3 p.m., ESPN, Georgia Dome, Atlanta)

Washington actually has the type of defense and kicking game to keep pace with Alabama, but quarterback Jake Browning's struggles against top competition -- he completed just 38 of 80 passes against Utah, USC and Colorado -- don't bode well against a smothering Tide defense, which records another takeaway for points in the win. Alabama 31, Washington 20.

 

[Greenbacks]

College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson
(7 p.m., ESPN, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona)

Clemson has the right talent mix to beat Alabama, but the Tigers have been too inconsistent. Urban Meyer has only two bowl losses -- one to Clemson three years ago -- but he elevates his young team, especially the passing game, in this one. Ohio State builds a lead and holds on against Deshaun Watson in an instant classic, winning on a field goal. Ohio State 31, Clemson 29.

 

[Greenbacks]

College Football Playoff National Championship
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Ohio State
(8 p.m., ESPN, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida)

College football's pre-eminent coaches -- Alabama's Nick Saban and Ohio State's Urban Meyer -- finally meet to decide a national title, and the game lives up to expectations. Both defenses record touchdowns, and Ohio State, despite its youth, pushes Alabama to the brink. But the Tide defense proves too much against a mostly youthful Buckeyes offense in the second half, and Alabama repeats at a perfect 15-0. Alabama 30, Ohio State 24.

 

[Greenbacks]

Sources: NIU would 'likely play' Holiday Bowl if Minnesota boycotts.

If Minnesota boycotts the National Funding Holiday Bowl, Northern Illinois would be the replacement team based on the Huskies' APR (Academic Progress Rate) ranking, sources tell ESPN.
NIU had the next highest APR of the 5-7 teams, but the NCAA's Football Oversight Committee would have to officially approve the Huskies replacing Minnesota, if the Gophers decided not to play, sources said.
The Gophers are slated to play Washington State on Dec. 27 in San Diego.
The Huskies would "likely play" in the game if a decision could be reached in the next 48 hours, a source told ESPN. Among the challenges for NIU, a source said, would be getting its student-athletes to the San Diego bowl since NIU's commencement was last weekend and some student-athletes have already left campus. Other challenges would be having enough practices and preparation time to prepare for Washington State.
Sources said moving the Holiday Bowl back a few days to allow NIU more preparation time is not an option for several reasons, including existing travel plans by Washington State, local accommodation and television commitments, and other factors.

 

[Greenbacks]

Saturday, Dec. 17
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico vs Texas-San Antonio


ATS Trends

New Mexico

Lobos are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Lobos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Lobos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Lobos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Lobos are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Lobos are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. CUSA.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Texas-San Antonio

Roadrunners are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Roadrunners are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. Roadrunners are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Roadrunners are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Roadrunners are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Roadrunners are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Roadrunners are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.

<tbody>
</tbody>

OU Trends

New Mexico

Over is 6-0 in Lobos last 6 non-conference games. Over is 7-0 in Lobos last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Lobos last 4 neutral site games. Over is 4-0 in Lobos last 4 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 12-2 in Lobos last 14 games overall. Over is 12-2 in Lobos last 14 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 10-2 in Lobos last 12 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Lobos last 6 games following a ATS win. Under is 8-2 in Lobos last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Over is 4-1 in Lobos last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 25-8 in Lobos last 33 games on grass. Over is 6-2 in Lobos last 8 games following a straight up win. Under is 7-3 in Lobos last 10 vs. CUSA.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Texas-San Antonio

Under is 5-1 in Roadrunners last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Roadrunners last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Roadrunners last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 11-5 in Roadrunners last 16 games following a ATS win.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Greenbacks]

Saturday, Dec. 17
Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico
Houston vs San Diego State


ATS Trends

Houston

Cougars are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games. Cougars are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Cougars are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 non-conference games. Cougars are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Cougars are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games on fieldturf. Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Cougars are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cougars are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

<tbody>
</tbody>

San Diego State

Aztecs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Aztecs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Aztecs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win. Aztecs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Aztecs are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games on fieldturf. Aztecs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Aztecs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in December. Aztecs are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games. Aztecs are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

<tbody>
</tbody>

OU Trends

Houston

Under is 4-0 in Cougars last 4 games following a ATS loss. Over is 5-0 in Cougars last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Cougars last 6 games in December. Under is 5-1 in Cougars last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Cougars last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Cougars last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games overall. Over is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 Bowl games. Over is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 bowl games.

<tbody>
</tbody>

San Diego State

Over is 4-0 in Aztecs last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Aztecs last 4 games following a straight up win. Over is 4-0 in Aztecs last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Aztecs last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Aztecs last 6 games overall. Over is 4-1 in Aztecs last 5 games on fieldturf. Over is 5-2 in Aztecs last 7 non-conference games. Under is 5-2 in Aztecs last 7 games following a ATS loss.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Head to Head

No trends available.

 

[Greenbacks]

Saturday, Dec. 17
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Appalachian State vs Toledo


ATS Trends

Appalachian State

Mountaineers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Mountaineers are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Mountaineers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. Mountaineers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Mountaineers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win. Mountaineers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Toledo

Rockets are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games. Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games. Rockets are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. S-Belt. Rockets are 11-2-1 ATS in their last 14 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rockets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Rockets are 19-7-2 ATS in their last 28 games overall. Rockets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf. Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.

<tbody>
</tbody>

OU Trends

Appalachian State

Under is 4-1 in Mountaineers last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Mountaineers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2 in Mountaineers last 7 games following a straight up win. Over is 5-2 in Mountaineers last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Mountaineers last 10 non-conference games. Over is 9-4 in Mountaineers last 13 games on fieldturf.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Toledo

Under is 5-0 in Rockets last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 6-1-1 in Rockets last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Rockets last 6 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 neutral site games. Under is 16-5 in Rockets last 21 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 19-6-1 in Rockets last 26 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 3-1-1 in Rockets last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 games following a ATS loss. Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 games in December. Under is 20-8 in Rockets last 28 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

<tbody>
</tbody>

Head to Head

No trends available.