College Football: Bowl Prediction Special Part 1

Hello all. Bowl season is upon is, and rather then talk about every game, I will only write about the games that are at least somewhat interesting to me, and since the big games are still two weeks away, I'm am only previewing games from this afternoon-December 29th. It's pretty self explanitory, so let's get into it.

By: Joe Smeltzer
Las Vegas Bowl 

Houston (9-3) at San Diego State (10-3)
By far the most intriguing pre-chirstmas day bowl matchup, this contest features two of the most exciting players in college football in Houston's Greg Ward Jr. and San Diego State's Donnel Pumphrey, as well as two solid mid-major teams. This game will feature a lot of scoring, but I think Houston has too many weapons on offense for San Diego State to handle. As usual, Ward will steal the show.

Houston 48, San Diego State 38

Wednesday, December 21st 
Boca Raton Bowl 

M

Byu (8-4) at Wyoming (8-5) 
Yes, the Cougars are favored by 9.5 points. But I have a feeling the Cowboys will be high on there saddles. If you haven't seen Wyoming's Brian Hill play, you'll be in for a treat on Wednesday. The kid is one of the more underatted players in college football, and he will torch the Couars defense for 150 yards and 3 TD's on the way to an upset.

Wyoming 38, BYU 31

Friday December 23rd
Armed Forces Bowl 

Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. #25 Navy (9-4) 
Yes, the Midshippmen lost to Army for the first time since 2001, which makes their season an unsastifying one no matter what. Nonetheless, I fully expect Navy to bounce back, led by their duel-threat QB, Will Worth. Navy is just a better football team on both sides of the ball, and Anchors Aweigh will be playing loud and proud on Friday.

Navy 35, Louisiana Tech 23

Independence Bowl

Monday December 26th 
NC State (6-6) at Vanderbilt (6-6) 
A great matchup? Harldy. But out of respect for my cousins, I will include their beloved Commodores. Unfourtanly, I expect the Wolfpack to ruin Vandy's hope for their first winning season under Derrick Mason. NC State is a team that is slightly better than their .500 mark would indicate, as aside from getting waxed by Lamar Jackson, they have been tight in every game, and I think they will carry over the momentum they have from their 28-21 win at rivals UNC. By the way, hows the former Vanderbilt coach doing these days?

NC State 35, Vandy 21
Heart of Dallas Bowl
Tuesday December 27th 
Army (7-5) vs. North Texas (5-7) 
Army, you've done good. You beat Navy, and you are in a bowl game, and you deserve better than to be playing a 5-7 scrub squad.

Army 27, North Texas 13

Millitary Bowl 
#24 Temple (10-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6) 
Wake Forest is in shambles. Temple is a very good football team. Jahad Thomas, you are the man.

Temple 30, Wake Forest 14

Holliday Bowl 

Minnesota (8-4) at Washington State (8-4) 
Saldy, Minnesota is also in shambles. Otherwise, this would be one of the better games of the whole bowl season. Nonetheless, Luke Falk is a beast, and he will do his thing against the Gopher defense. Love the Big 10, but I have to call it like I see it.

Washington State 38, Minnesota 24

Cactus Bowl 

Get it?

Bosie State (10-2) vs. Baylor (6-6)
Remember when Baylor was a top 10 quality football team? Ha. Now, Jermery McNicholes and Brett Rypin will put a fitting end to a crappy season in Waco. Now its up to Matt Ruhle to get Baylor back on it's feat. Since he is not from the south, good luck, Mr Ruhle.

Pinstripe Bowl

Wednesday, December 28th 
#23 Pitt (8-4) vs. Northwestern (6-6) 
Hate to say it, as I hate Pitt and love the Big 10, but the Panthers should have no problem taking out Northwestern. James Conner will end his career in style, and year 2 of Pat Narduzzi will come to a successful end. Oh, and expect Quadree Henderson to have a long touchdown run or two.

Pitt 42, Northwestern 27
Russel Athletic Bowl 
#16 West Virginia (10-2) vs. Miami (8-4) 

Yes, this game is in Florida, and that gives The U an advantage. However, I genuinally believe that West Virgina is a solid football team. This has been the best season for the Mountianeers since Dana Holgerson took over as coach, and it deserves a nice !. Expect the Hopewell kid, Rushel Shell, to shine in his final colligite game.

WVU 36, Miami 26

Foster Farmes Bowl 
Indiana (6-6) vs. #19 Utah (8-4) 
An underwhelming top 25 team vs. An underwhelming mediocre team. Yuck. Utah does have Joe Williams, and Joe Williams is a beast who is one of 2016 greatest success stories. Williams will run wild, and Indiana's gonna Indiana.

Utah 35, Indiana 20

Texas Bowl 
Texas A&M (8-4) vs. Kansas State (8-4) 
Remember when A&M was in the playoff hunt? Ha. Yes, this game is in Texas, and I do believe that the Aggies have a better football team that Kansas State does. However, this Aggies season deserves to end with a choke, so a choke we shall have.

Kansas State 24, A&M 21

Birmingham Bowl

South Florida (10-2) vs South Carolina (6-6) 
South Florida is one of the most underlooked teams in college football. Sure, they've played crap competition, but Quinten Flowers and Marlon Mack make up a fantastic rushing duo, and Flowers is also a damn good quarterback. Personally, I hope South Florida romps, just to show how far the SEC has fallen. Charlie Strong, you're program is giving you a solid cabinent to work with.

Belk Bowl
Arkansas (7-5) vs. #22 Virginia Tech (8-4) 
Arkansas is what most of the SEC is; mediocre. While Virginia Tech isn't exaclty a team for the ages, they do have Jerod Evans, who is a fine duel threat quarterback, as well as Isiah Ford, who is one of the top receivers in the ACC. The Hokies offense is loaded, and Arkansas defense is fragile. Virginia Tech will score somepoints, and give up some points as well, but because of the Evans to Ford connection, I see the Hokies walking away with a win.

Tech 42, Arkansas 31