{"id":11959,"date":"2017-12-24T16:00:04","date_gmt":"2017-12-24T21:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=11959"},"modified":"2018-01-21T12:10:19","modified_gmt":"2018-01-21T17:10:19","slug":"tailgate-pick-em-week-2-bowl-picks-including-lsu-notre-dame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2017\/12\/24\/tailgate-pick-em-week-2-bowl-picks-including-lsu-notre-dame\/","title":{"rendered":"Tailgate Pick ‘Em; Week 2 Bowl Picks Including LSU-Notre Dame"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’re into the heart of the bowl season now as our experts take a look at the rest of the year’s non Group of Six bowl games including some major power 5 clashes between ranked teams. Here is your full preview and predictions for bowl games through New Year’s day.<\/p>\n

Tailgate Pick ‘Em; Week 2 Bowl Picks Including LSU-Notre Dame<\/h1>\n

Marquee Bowls<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Camping World Bowl: #19 Oklahoma State vs. #22 Virginia Tech <\/strong>(12\/28)
\nLine: Oklahoma State by 4.5<\/h3>\n

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Steen: Oklahoma State’s 3 losses all came in games they scored more than 30 points, as defense was their fatal flaw this season. Virginia Tech suffered a bad loss to Georgia Tech but otherwise had a solid season. Oklahoma State should score too much though. Oklahoma State<\/strong> 45, Virginia Tech 35<\/p>\n

Mike: Justin Fuente<\/a>\u2019s Hokie team is still very young. And while they\u2019re talented, they aren\u2019t as talented as the team from Stillwater. The Cowboys have one of the best offensive trios in the nation. The Hokies have a good defense, and Bud Foster is one of the great Defensive Coordinators in the game, but the Pokes just have too many weapons. On the flip side, while the Cowboys\u2019 defense isn\u2019t very good, Virginia Tech won\u2019t be able to keep on the scoreboard. Oklahoma State<\/strong> 35, Virginia Tech 27<\/p>\n

John: This is just the third all-time meeting between the Cowboys and Hokies and the first since 1972. Both teams came into the season as dark horse conference title contenders before Oklahoma and Clemson reasserted their stranglehold on each league to make the CFP. Mike Gundy<\/a> has certainly established the Pokes as a perennial contender out of the Big 12. Meanwhile, Justin Fuente hasn’t suffered from the curse of the head coach replacing a legend in Blacksburg.<\/p>\n

This is a quintessential strength-against-strength matchup. Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph<\/a> leads the nation with 4,553 passing yards and is no worse than fifth in yards per pass, touchdown throws and pass efficiency rating. He faces a Virginia Tech defense that finished as one of 12 in FBS that averaged under 310 yards allowed per game. The unit includes defensive backs Greg Stroman<\/a> and Reggie Floyd<\/a> who’ve combined for seven interceptions and who have a pick six apiece this year. Still, the Hokies are going to have their hands full in Orlando. Oklahoma State<\/strong> 38, Virginia Tech 27<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Look for Mason Rudolph to do what he’s been doing all year long. He’ll have a big game to close out his storied collegiate career. Oklahoma State<\/strong> 34, Virginia Tech 28<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Both of these teams are probably very underrated. Oklahoma State has the security of Mike Gundy’s new contract. Fuente is bringing in top recruiting classes at Virginia Tech. Both of these teams had solid years and are on the rise. I think Oklahoma State has a bit more talent at this point, though. Oklahoma State<\/strong> 33, Virginia Tech 30<\/p>\n

Alamo Bowl: #15 TCU vs. #13 Stanford <\/strong>(12\/28)
\nLine: TCU by 3<\/h3>\n

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Steen: Only 9 points total separated Stanford from a 1 loss season, and almost certainly a College Football playoff berth. TCU won 10 games but losing to Oklahoma twice took the air out of their tires. Look for Stanford to demonstrate how good they actually are. Stanford<\/strong> 28, TCU 21<\/p>\n

Mike:\u00a0In a match-up of Conference runner-ups, TCU and Stanford make their seasons\u2019 last stand in the Alamo City. TCU has shown that they\u2019re the best defense in the Big 12. But they\u2019ve found success against smaller, faster, more pass-oriented Big 12 opponents. Stanford is not that. Stanford is tough, powerful, and will feature a healthy Bryce Love<\/a> \u2013 also a runner-up this year. The Cardinal, down to the wire.
\nStanford<\/strong> 31, TCU 30<\/p>\n

John: David Shaw<\/a> looks to win his fifth bowl game in seven tries as Stanford head coach while leading the Cardinal to 10 or more wins for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. The team nearly won its fourth Pac-12 crown under Shaw before narrowly falling to USC in the conference title game. Still, three league titles since 2012 is pretty impressive considering their previous three came in 1971, 1992, and 1999.<\/p>\n

Their success this season came in large part due to the exploits of Bryce Love. The Heisman Trophy finalist finished as one of just eight running backs in FBS to exceed eight yards per carry. But he faces a Horned Frogs defense that proved as stout against the run as any team in college football. Only TCU, Alabama, Wisconsin and Washington conceded fewer than 100 rushing yards per game in 2017. Kenny Hill<\/a> has the edge at quarterback over Stanford’s K.J. Costello<\/a> and might be able to make inroads against the Cardinal’s 71st ranked pass defense. TCU<\/strong> 24, Stanford 19<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0It’ll be fun to see Bryce Love go against Darius Anderson<\/a>. Kenny Hill’s experience should also help, I think TCU is able to contain Love just enough. TCU<\/strong> 37, Stanford 24<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0I’m not sure why TCU is favored in this game. Sure, Stanford always plays close, but the Cardinal impressed the entire second half of the season. TCU got absolutely blasted in both games against Oklahoma, and the Iowa State defense slowed the Horned Frogs down as well. I expect Stanford to come through this, probably without too much trouble. Stanford<\/strong> 31, TCU 17<\/p>\n

Holiday Bowl: #18 Washington State vs. #16 Michigan State <\/strong>(12\/28)
\nLine: Washington State by 1<\/h3>\n

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Steen: With Mike Leach staying, Washington State should be consistently good in the PAC-12. The Cougs were streaky this season, when they lost, they lost badly. Michigan State won 9 games, including a marquee win over Penn State, but they were never mistaken for genuine BIG 10 contenders. Sparty’s defense should edge it. Michigan State<\/strong> 28, Washington State 21<\/p>\n

Mike: Is there any team that\u2019s more up-and-down than Washington State? Their sinusoidal season culminates against Michigan State. The Spartans have struggled down the stretch. So to have the Cougars. This game features two teams that have fallen from previous highs in the polls. With the Mike Leach situation settled in Pullman, look for Luke Falk<\/a> to have one more big game.
\nWashington State<\/strong> 38, Michigan State 27<\/p>\n

John: Last season turned out to be a massive aberration for Michigan State football. That’s quite evident considering the six-win improvement in 2017 for Mark Dantonio<\/a>‘s team. The Spartans nabbed a signature win against Penn State and none of their three losses came against a team that finished with a worse record than them this season. On the other side of the field, Mike Leach’s sixth year in Pullman saw Wazzu ranked in the top 10 before faltering down the stretch. For their efforts, the Cougars get a second straight trip to San Diego.<\/p>\n

The Spartans own a 5-2 all-time record in this series. But the two teams haven’t met since 1977 and they’ve never played in a bowl before. Washington State’s vaunted pass attack with senior quarterback Luke Falk might be expected to run wild. But MSU boasts playmakers in the secondary, including David Dowell<\/a> whose five interceptions ranks second in the Big Ten. The Cougars are fairly stingy against the pass themselves, boasting the nation’s eighth best pass defense. Washington State<\/strong> 30, Michigan State 24<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0I think Mike Leach is going to open up the playbook fresh off his new extension. Washington State wins comfortably.
\nWashington State<\/strong> 37. Michigan State 23<\/p>\n

Yesh: This should be an amazing contrast of styles. Michigan State is smash-mouth consistent football. Washington State is air raid, though with a criminally underrated defense. This will come down to who makes fewer mistakes, and I think Luke Falk minimizes those in his final college game. Washington State<\/strong> 31, Michigan State 28<\/p>\n

Liberty Bowl: #20 Memphis vs. Iowa State <\/strong>(12\/30)
\n<\/strong>Line: Memphis by 4<\/h3>\n

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Steen: Great season for both teams end in Memphis. Iowa State beat eventual BIG 12 finalists Oklahoma and TCU, while Memphis beat everyone except UCF to finish 10-2. The Tigers are a really solid team and should show off their offense against a streaky Cyclone squad. Memphis<\/strong> 42, Iowa State 28<\/p>\n

Mike: Two upstarts going at it. Who\u2019d have thought that Memphis and Iowa State would be a featured bowl when the season started? Matt Campbell has the Cyclones with two of the biggest upsets of the season. Mike Norvell has Memphis\u2019 offense in perfect rhythm. With both of these coaches not involved in the December coaching carousel, look for Memphis to race pass a still developing Iowa State program. Memphis<\/strong> 42, Iowa State 34<\/p>\n

John: This year’s Liberty Bowl is a meeting between second-year head coaches who have their respective programs on positive trajectories. Iowa State’s Matt Campbell realized a four-win improvement from 2016 and has two signature wins this year. One of them included handing Oklahoma it’s only loss of the season. For Memphis, Mike Norvell helped lead the Tigers to its fourth straight bowl game, the first time in school history they’ve achieved that feat.<\/p>\n

In what’s essentially a home game for Memphis, Riley Ferguson<\/a> will be expected to shine. The senior quarterback is one of four in FBS to average over 330 yards per game and throw for at least 35 touchdowns. But the Tigers aren’t a one-trick pony on offense. They boast a talented running back in Darrell Henderson<\/a> who currently has 1,154 yards on the ground and is averaging 8.88 yards per carry, the third best mark in the nation. Simply put, the Cyclones are going to have issues containing the bevy of dynamic weapons Memphis possesses on offense. Memphis<\/strong> 34, Iowa State 20<\/p>\n

Brett: It should be interesting to see how Memphis responds after the heartbreaking loss to UCF in the AAC championship. Iowa State’s defense was one of the only teams to not get completely embarrassed by Heisman winner Baker Mayfield<\/a>. They should be able to slow down Memphis and get the win. Iowa State<\/strong> 37, Memphis 30<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Memphis has two losses on the year, both to UCF. If the Iowa State defense can slow the Tigers down, then the Cyclones should win, but I don’t see that happening. I think Mike Norvell gives Memphis a good year-end ranking and boost heading into 2018. Memphis<\/strong> 31, Iowa State 28<\/p>\n

Citrus Bowl: #17 LSU vs. #14 Notre Dame <\/strong>(1\/1)
\nLine: LSU by 3<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Steen: Losing to Miami and Stanford ruined Notre Dame’s New Year’s Six bowl slot but they will still play a blue blood program in LSU. The Tigers lost to Troy, but to their credit managed to recover and win 9 games overall. The Tigers are slightly better and should earn their 10th win in this one. LSU<\/strong> 34, Notre Dame 24<\/p>\n

Mike: Both of these teams had CFP aspirations at the start of the season. Neither of them got close to fulfilling those. In a rematch of the Music City Bowl from two seasons ago, the Irish put their read option rushing attack up against the power rushing attack of LSU. This game might come down to which QB can be more effective through the air. Say what you will, but Danny Etling<\/a> has quietly come along this season. And LSU\u2019s defense will have a month to prepare for the Irish. LSU<\/strong> 30, Notre Dame 28<\/p>\n

John: No other SEC team has faced Notre Dame more than LSU. This year’s bowl matchup on New Year’s Day 2018 in Orlando is the 12th all-time meeting. It’s the fourth time they’ve played in the postseason, the last of which occurred on December 30, 2014 when the Irish pulled off a 31-28 upset in the Music City Bowl. This time around, despite a higher spot in the final CFP rankings, ND is again an underdog.<\/p>\n

Both teams boast dynamic bell cow backs with Notre Dame’s Josh Adams<\/a> and LSU’s Derrius Guice<\/a> both averaging over 100 yards per game and combining for 20 touchdowns. Brandon Wimbush<\/a> adds a dual-threat element under center for the Irish, with his 14 scores on the ground tied for fifth among quarterbacks in the nation. That and their ability to convert on third down more efficiently than the Tigers may put them over the edge in what should be a physical battle. Notre Dame<\/strong> 27, LSU 23<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0If Darrius Guice plays i’d expect LSU to win. LSU has too much speed for the more physical Notre Dame team. Brandon Wimbush is just too unpredictable. LSU is coming in winning three straight, closing the season out nicely and turning around what looked like would be a bad season. The tigers only have one loss after the upset loss to Troy, I don’t think Notre Dame has enough to win. LSU<\/strong> 37, Notre Dame 17<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0This rematch of the 2014 Music City Bowl should be just as good a game. The Notre Dame offense against that staunch LSU defense is a compelling matchup. Both teams are incredibly talented, but were heading in opposite directions to end the year. I’ll go with LSU, who has momentum on their side. LSU<\/strong> 31, Notre Dame 30<\/p>\n

Other Bowls<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Hawai’i Bowl: Fresno State vs. Houston <\/strong>(12\/24)
\n<\/strong>Line: Houston by 3<\/h3>\n

Steen: Fresno State had a fantastic season that included a win over eventual conference champions Boise State, that said, Houston beat USF and I think they play in a tougher conference. Houston<\/strong> 28, Fresno State 24<\/p>\n

Mike: A sneaky good match-up in this game. Two of the best G5 teams in the nation. Houston<\/strong> 31, Fresno State 28<\/p>\n

John: Fresno State nearly won the Mountain West in Jeff Tedford<\/a>‘s first season as head coach and will look to erase a six-game bowl losing streak on the islands against Houston. Fresno State<\/strong> 31, Houston 24<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Houston might struggle on offense with OC Brian Johnson<\/a> already joining Dan Mullen<\/a>‘s staff at Florida. Jeff Tedford and Fresno State are having a sneaky good season, look for them to close it out with a win. Fresno State<\/strong> 27, Houston 21<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Fresno State was more consistent and ended the year better than Houston. That will be the difference. Fresno State<\/strong> 34, Houston 17<\/p>\n

Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah vs. West Virginia <\/strong>(12\/26)
\n<\/strong>Line: Utah by 6.5<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Steen: After starting 4-0 Utah really struggled in the back half of the season,West Virginia dropped their final 2 games but even without Justin Crawford<\/a> and Will Grier<\/a>, I have a feeling they are a tad bit stronger. West Virginia<\/strong> 35, Utah 28<\/p>\n

Mike: West Virginia is sneaky good with loads of talent and a good coaching staff. Don\u2019t underestimate this team. West Virginia<\/strong> 42, Utah 30<\/p>\n

John: Utah is 10-1 in bowl games under head coach Kyle Whittingham<\/a> and they should be able to add to that success against West Virginia who will be without regular starting quarterback Will Grier. Utah<\/strong> 31, West Virginia 20<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0I don’t see how WVU wins without quarterback Will Grier. Their offense has enough weapons to keep it close, but that’s about it.
\nUtah<\/strong> 31, West Virginia 27<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0This is a good matchup, but the line is way too high. West Virginia is good, even without Grier. West Virginia<\/strong> 28, Utah 27<\/p>\n

Quick Lane Bowl: Duke vs. Northern Illinois <\/strong>(12\/26)
\n<\/strong>Line: Duke by 5.5<\/h3>\n

Steen: Duke had to win their last 2 games to become bowl eligible, Northern Illinois beat Nebraska but they have had an otherwise forgettable season. Duke HC David Cutcliffe chose staying at Duke over taking over Tennessee, that decision should pay off. Duke<\/strong> 24, Northern Illinois 14<\/p>\n

Mike: David Cutcliffe with a healthy offense and time to scheme? Those are good odds. Duke<\/strong> 35, Northern Illinois 28<\/p>\n

John: Blue Devils head coach David Cutcliffe continues to spurn higher profile jobs to remain in Durham. It’s reaped dividends for the program with Duke making its fifth bowl in the past six seasons. Big plays on defense might define this game with the two teams having combined for seven pick sixes. Northern Illinois<\/strong> 24, Duke 20<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0After losing five straight in the middle of the year, Duke bounced back nicely winning their final two games. I like their chances to win their second bowl game in program history since 1989. Duke<\/strong> 27, Northern Illinois 17<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Neither team has really impressed me this year. I think David Cutcliffe is the better coach, so I’ll go with him. Duke<\/strong> 24, Northern Illinois 17<\/p>\n

Cactus Bowl: Kansas State vs. UCLA <\/strong>(12\/26)
\n<\/strong>Line: Kansas State by 3<\/p>\n

Steen: A massive comeback against Texas A&M got UCLA hyped up for their 2017 but PAC-12 play really did a number on the Bruins, who replaced with Jim Mora with Chip Kelly<\/a> and are dreaming of 2018 now. Josh Rosen<\/a> may not enter the draft, but regardless, Kansas State is as steady of a team in college football as any of their rivals. The Wildcats won four of their last five games including beating ranked Oklahoma State and won’t be afraid in this one. Kansas State<\/strong> 24, UCLA 17<\/p>\n

Mike:\u00a0With no Jesse Ertz<\/a>, the Wildcats might not have enough to keep up with the Bruins. Even if Josh Rosen doesn\u2019t play, UCLA can still clamp down the State offense.
\nUCLA<\/strong> 35, Kansas State 24<\/p>\n

John: Josh Rosen’s status for this game remains up in the air due to a concussion. If he’s unable to go, it certainly give the Wildcats an advantage in a rematch of the 2014 Alamo Bowl, a game won 40-35 by the Bruins. Kansas State<\/strong>\u00a042, UCLA 34<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Kansas State hasn’t been able to stop the other elite quarterbacks they faced this season giving up 42, and 40 to Baker Mayfield and Mason Rudolph. I wouldn’t be surprised if Josh Rosen put 40 on them as well.
\nUCLA<\/strong> 41, Kansas State 34<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0UCLA has the better quarterback and has talent, but Kansas State is more consistent. Kansas State<\/strong> 31, UCLA 27<\/p>\n

Independence Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Florida State <\/strong>(12\/27)
\n<\/strong>Line: Florida State by 16.5<\/h3>\n

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Steen: With Willie Taggart in and Jimbo Fisher out, energy and fun has been injected back into this Florida State program. Southern Miss had a great conference season in the C-USA but lost both P5 games they played. Florida State has had a horror year but should close it out with a winning record. Florida State<\/strong> 35, Southern Miss 21<\/p>\n

Mike: Things are in shambles in Tallahassee right now, and Southern Miss might have the motivational edge \u2013 they\u2019ve certainly had the preparation edge. FSU<\/strong> 24, Southern Miss 21<\/p>\n

John: Heading into this game, the Seminoles aren’t just dealing with the departure of Jimbo Fisher for Texas A&M. There are also questions about whether or not they’re actually bowl eligible since the NCAA might vacate a win over Delaware State. Nevertheless, they must focus on the task at hand to avoid their first losing season since 1976. Florida State<\/strong> 41, Southern Miss 27<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0I don’t think this will be as one sided as most expect. FSU is missing a lot on defense with Derwin James<\/a>, and Josh Sweat<\/a> sitting out. It’ll be good experience for true freshman quarterback James Blackman<\/a> as FSU wins a close one.
\nFlorida State<\/strong> 27, Southern Miss 21<\/p>\n

Yesh: There were questions raised about FSU’s bowl eligibility, but the Seminoles are much more talented in this game. Southern Miss deserved better. Florida State<\/strong> 41, Southern Miss 17<\/p>\n

Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa vs. Boston College <\/strong>(12\/27)
\n<\/strong>Line: Iowa by 2.5<\/h3>\n

Steen: Iowa knocked Ohio State out of the college football playoff and simply has more upside than BC. Credit to the Eagles for showing improvement, especially on offense, but Iowa should smother them. Iowa<\/strong> 21, Boston College 14<\/p>\n

Mike: Iowa is another team that shouldn’t be trusted in bowl season, but they\u2019re better than Boston College. Give it a whirl. Iowa<\/strong> 31, Boston College 21<\/p>\n

John: This year’s game at Yankee Stadium is BC’s fourth bowl appearance in five seasons under Steve Addazio. They face an Iowa team with the nation’s longest tenured coach in Kirk Ferentz and whose upset win over Ohio State kept the Buckeyes out of the CFP. Iowa<\/strong> 34, Boston College 27<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Both teams are pretty similar offensively. You won’t see too many explosive plays, even though Iowa closed out the season scoring 56 on Nebraska. They won’t quite get there, but they’ll get enough to win. Iowa<\/strong> 31, Boston College 23<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0The Hawkeyes have been a massive enigma all year, but if they play like they did against Penn State and Ohio State, this won’t be close. Iowa<\/strong> 37, Boston College 14<\/p>\n

Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona vs. Purdue <\/strong>(12\/27)
\n<\/strong>Line: Arizona by 3<\/h3>\n

Steen: Khalil Tate<\/a> had a special season for Arizona but Purdue is underrated and they were able to hang onto Jeff Brohm<\/a> this offseason. Things are looking up for Boiler Up. Purdue<\/strong> 31, Arizona 24<\/p>\n

Mike: Two words for you: Khalil. Tate. Arizona<\/strong> 45, Purdue 31<\/p>\n

John: First-year head coach Jeff Brohm has engineered one of the more surprising turnarounds in West Lafayette. And Purdue fans are thanking their lucky stars he didn’t bolt for Tennessee. But they might be overwhelmed against Arizona’s potent offense led by dual-threat sensation Khalil Tate. Arizona<\/strong> 45, Purdue 27<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0I don’t think Purdue will be able to contain Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate. Ever since taking over as QB for the wildcats he’s put up big numbers and should do so once again. Arizona<\/strong> 35, Purdue 30<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Everyone is high on Khalil Tate, but the Boilermakers very quietly contained Lamar Jackson<\/a> way back in Week 1. Purdue<\/strong> 28, Arizona 24<\/p>\n

Texas Bowl: Texas vs. Missouri <\/strong>(12\/27)
\n<\/strong>Line: Missouri by 2.5<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Steen: Missouri had a great turnaround this season while Texas is missing some key players. Look for the Missouri offense to score 40+ for the 7th straight game. Missouri<\/strong> 42, Texas 28<\/p>\n

Mike: Texas may have been a big winner on the recruiting trail this week, but they can\u2019t use that talent on the field. Missouri is one of the hottest teams in the nation. Missouri<\/strong> 38, Texas 27<\/p>\n

John: The Longhorns will bring a depleted roster to this game due to injuries and suspensions. That could be good news for a Mizzou team with one of the nation’s hottest quarterbacks in Drew Lock<\/a>. Missouri<\/strong> 34, Texas 21<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Heading in to bowl season this looked like one of the better games, but the suspensions on the Texas side are starting add up. Missouri should be able to move the ball on them comfortably. Missouri<\/strong> 40, Texas 24<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Missouri is the most improved team in the country over the course of this year. Missouri<\/strong> 45, Texas 21<\/p>\n

Military Bowl: Virginia vs. Navy <\/strong>(12\/28)
\n<\/strong>Line: Navy by 2<\/h3>\n

Steen: Virginia had a great season but they finished the year in a relative tailspin losing their last three, and five of their last six. Navy is likewise in poor form but their flexbone tends to wear teams out. Navy<\/strong> 21, Virginia 17<\/p>\n

Mike: Yes, Virginia has had a month to prepare for the triple option; that doesn\u2019t make any easier to defend. Navy<\/strong> 38, Virginia 34<\/p>\n

John: Virginia realized a four-win improvement this year in Bronco Mendenhall<\/a>‘s second season in charge, but their suspect run defense is in for a challenge against Navy’s vaunted triple option. Navy<\/strong> 34, Virginia 26<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Having extra time to prepare for Navy’s offense normally helps the opponent. Army was able to shut them down, but they should come out strong not wanting to drop four straight to close out the year. Navy wins a close game.
\nNavy<\/strong> 28, Virginia 27<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Navy limped to the finish, but this team is too good not to beat Virginia, who also didn’t end the season well. Navy<\/strong> 24, Virginia 21<\/p>\n

Belk Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M <\/strong>(12\/29)
\n<\/strong>Line: Wake Forest by 3<\/h3>\n

Steen: By Wake Forest standards they had a solid season, but Texas A&M (should) be a big step above the Deacs. Especially after splashing the cash on Jimbo Fisher. Look for the Aggies to step up in this one and work out their frustrations. Texas A&M<\/strong> 55, Wake Forest 17<\/p>\n

Mike: I usually tend to favor teams without coaching changes and drama, but I think Jimbo starts off his tenure well. Texas A&M<\/strong> 31, Wake Forest 27<\/p>\n

John: Kevin Sumlin<\/a>‘s time in College Station finally ran its course but Aggie fans certainly have reason to be excited with Jimbo Fisher succeeding him. Against Wake Forest, their suspect defense which is tied for 106th in passing touchdowns conceded might struggle against quarterback John Wolford<\/a> who’s thrown 25 along with just six interceptions. Wake Forest<\/strong> 23, Texas A&M 17<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0A lot has taken place since the last time the aggies took the field. It’ll be interesting to see how focused A&M is after hiring new head coach Jimbo Fisher. I think they have too much talent overall and should be enough in this game Texas A&M<\/strong> 34, Wake Forest 30<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Wake Forest is favored, and it doesn’t surprise me at all. The Demon Deacons very quietly had a very good season under Dave Clawson. Wake Forest<\/strong> 34, Texas A&M 21<\/p>\n

Sun Bowl: #24 NC State vs. Arizona State <\/strong>(12\/29)
\n<\/strong>Line: NC State by 6.5<\/h3>\n

Steen: Arizona State seems to be a bit of a mess right now, and their two wins to close the season out seem quite a long time ago. NC State was on the cusp of being a serious ACC contender this year and just missed the mark in big games. NC State<\/strong> 38, Arizona State 28<\/p>\n

Mike: Significant, but not total change over on the staff of Arizona State, but it\u2019s tough to trust the Wolfpack after several disappointments this season. N.C. State<\/strong> 28, Arizona State 27<\/p>\n

John: NC State can clinch just its second nine-win season since 2003 against an Arizona State team who parted ways with head coach Todd Graham at the conclusion of the regular season. NC State<\/strong> 24, Arizona State 20<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0It’s tough to see how NC State wins if Bradley Chubb<\/a> doesn’t play. His status is still up in the air, if he plays i’d expect them to win.
\nNC State<\/strong> 28. Arizona State 23<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0N.C. State didn’t end the year too well, and Arizona State was mediocre all season, aside from a few weeks where they absolutely balled out on defense. N.C. State<\/strong> 34, Arizona State 10<\/p>\n

Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. #23 Northwestern <\/strong>(12\/29)
\n<\/strong>Line: Northwestern by 8<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Steen: Overshadowed by Wisconsin all season, Northwestern can make it a 10 win season if they beat Kentucky, a team that didn’t show they were elite by any measure this season. Northwestern should win their 8th straight. Northwestern<\/strong> 42, Kentucky 21<\/p>\n

Mike: Always be cautious of Northwestern in bowl season, especially with teams looking to build on momentum.\u00a0Kentucky<\/strong> 31, Northwestern 20<\/p>\n

John: Pat Fitzgerald<\/a> continues to work wonders in Evanston as he has Northwestern on the cusp of the third ten-win season of his tenure. In this all-Wildcat affair, he faces a Kentucky team that stumbled down the stretch, dropping three of their last four. Northwestern<\/strong> 34, Kentucky 24<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Kentucky got embarrassed their last game against rival Louisville. They haven’t won a bowl game since 2009, I like the matchup for Kentucky. Their speed might throw Northwestern off as they haven’t seen too much in the Big 10.
\nKentucky<\/strong> 27, Northwestern 24<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Northwestern probably deserved a better bowl opponent, but a ten-win season will be well-earned. Northwestern<\/strong> 35, Kentucky 14<\/p>\n

Arizona Bowl: New Mexico State vs. Utah State <\/strong>(12\/29)
\n<\/strong>Line: New Mexico State by 4<\/h3>\n

Steen: This game is basically the national championship for bowl starved NMSU. Their seniors really helped build up the Aggie program and finally got them into a bowl game. Look for them to make another memory in this feel good contest. New Mexico State<\/strong> 37, Utah State 28<\/p>\n

Mike: Look for Tyler Rogers<\/a> and Larry Rose III<\/a> to exploit a very porous Utah State defense. New Mexico State<\/strong> 42, Utah State 35<\/p>\n

John:\u00a0In one of the feel good stories of this year’s bowls, New Mexico State takes part in its first bowl game since 1960 when it faces Utah State in Tucson. They boast one of the nation’s lesser known gun-slinging quarterbacks in Tyler Rogers whose 347.7 yards per game ranks second nationally. New Mexico State<\/strong> 35, Utah State 28<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0New Mexico State’s passing attack has created problems for opponents this year. They average about 350 yards per game in the air, look for that to continue.
\nNew Mexico State<\/strong> 37, Utah State 34<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0New Mexico State hasn’t been to a bowl in over half a century. Picking against them would be cruel. New Mexico State<\/strong> 35, Utah State 30<\/p>\n

Taxslayer Bowl: Louisville vs. #23 Mississippi State <\/strong>(12\/30)
\n<\/strong>Line: Louisville by 6.5<\/h3>\n

Steen: Mississippi State could slip from relevance without Dan Mullen, while Louisville is staring a future without Lamar Jackson right in the face. The Cardinal finished the year strong in a tougher conference, and should have an edge against a team missing one of their best players in QB Nick Fitzgerald<\/a>. Louisville<\/strong> 31, Mississippi State 28<\/p>\n

Mike: The Bulldogs without Nick Fitzgerald or Dan Mullen. Cardinals easy. Louisville<\/strong> 38, Mississippi State 20<\/p>\n

John: Louisville continued to get solid play from last year’s Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, who led FBS in total offense and finished second among quarterbacks in rushing yards. His Cardinals face a short-handed Mississippi State team who lost their star quarterback Nick Fitzgerald to an injury in their rivalry game against Ole Miss. Louisville<\/strong> 48, Mississippi State 27<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0Lamar Jackson is putting up similar numbers to last year’s Heisman season. He’ll close out his collegiate career with another huge game and a win. Louisville<\/strong> 45, Mississippi State 35<\/p>\n

Yesh:\u00a0Louisville laid an egg in the bowl last year. That won’t happen again, in what is likely Lamar Jackson’s final game with the Cardinals. Louisville<\/strong> 42, Mississippi State 24<\/p>\n

Outback Bowl: Michigan vs. South Carolina <\/strong>(1\/1)
\n<\/strong>Line: Michigan by 8<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Steen: Losses to rivals Georgia and Clemson in big games had to sting the Gamecocks, but Michigan gets too much credit, I’m not sure how they find the offense to win this game. South Carolina<\/strong>\u00a017, Michigan 13<\/p>\n

Mike: Maybe the toughest bowl game to call. Take the talent as things in Ann Arbor aren’t as bad as people think. Michigan<\/strong> 28, South Carolina 17<\/p>\n

John: The last time these two teams met in Tampa, Jadeveon Clowney<\/a> delivered one of the most memorable hits in college football history as the Gamecocks prevailed. This time around, the roles might be reversed with Michigan owning a 103-63 edge in tackles for loss this year. Michigan<\/strong> 30, South Carolina 17<\/p>\n

Brett:\u00a0South Carolina looked terrible against Clemson to close out the season. I think they should be able to bounce back and upset Michigan as the wolverines head in to the offseason unsure about Jim Harbough again. South Carolina<\/strong> 24, Michigan 20<\/p>\n

Yesh: This line is just too high. This should be a tight game either way, even if there is no Jadeveon Clowney on South Carolina this time. Michigan<\/strong> 28, South Carolina 27<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We’re into the heart of the bowl season now as our experts take a look at the rest of the year’s non Group of Six bowl games including some major power 5 clashes between ranked teams. Here is your full preview and predictions for bowl games through New Year’s day. Tailgate Pick ‘Em; Week 2 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1442,"featured_media":11971,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,2],"tags":[1298,1140,1145,2795,1322,79,334,1317,1184,2898,1324,1323,1302,1139,1300],"class_list":["post-11959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fbs","category-featured","tag-alamo-bowl","tag-belk-bowl","tag-bowl-games","tag-cactus-bowl","tag-citrus-bowl","tag-college-football","tag-college-football-predictions","tag-heart-of-dallas-bowl","tag-holiday-bowl","tag-independence-bowl","tag-liberty-bowl","tag-outback-bowl","tag-pinstripe-bowl","tag-taxslayer-bowl","tag-texas-bowl"],"modified_by":"Mike Loveall","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11959","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1442"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11959"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11959\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11959"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11959"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11959"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}