My bowl predictions did not start so well as I went 1-2 in the first three games. BYU, Northern Illinois, and Troy and demolished their opponents. Northern Illinois showed that they didn’t need ex-head coach Jerry Kill, and Corey Robinson played masterfully for Troy throwing for four touchdown and had no interceptions. Hopefully, I do better in the next few games.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Louisville Cardinals
This here is a classic case of offense vs. defense. Southern Miss has an explosive offense lead by quarterback Austin Davis. He can spread the field with the help of receivers Kelvin Bolden and Johdrick Morris or hand it off to running backs Hardy and Johnson. Louisville touts one of the nation’s top defenses thanks to first-year head coach Charlie Strong. They’ll have their hand’s full with the Southern Miss defense but should be able handle it. I think Louisville will pull this one out thanks to Southern Miss’ weak defense. QB Adam Froman, coming back from an injury, will play in the game, but Justin Burke will start. Strong will probably switch back and forth between the two, but running back Bilal Powell will make all the difference as he leads the Cardinals to a 31-23 victory.
MAACO Bowl Las Vegas
Utah Utes vs. Boise State Broncos
This is probably the game I am most excited for this week. It features two teams that were once ranked in the top five of the country and is the first bowl to have ranked teams. It will be interesting to see if Boise State comes out flat due to the disappointment of not playing in a BCS bowl game or if they will look to let out their frustration. I think Chris Peterson will have his team ready and Kellen Moore will lead his team to one last win. It will be interesting to see how Kyle Brotzman does after missing the two huge field goals in the Nevada game and one against Utah State. Utah should still be able to keep it relatively close (for a Boise State game), but I see Boise State winning 38-24.
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Navy Midshipman vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Is it possible to come up with an even wordier bowl game title? I really like the Aztec in this game. They have the home field advantage in addition to more time to prepare for this game because Navy just played Army on December 11th. Navy has a great running game with their triple-option offense, but the Aztec have shown they can stop a triple-option offense when they played Air Force. Aztec running back Ronnie Hillman has been dealing with injuries, but the extra rest will serve him well. A healthy Hillman will really help quarterback Ryan Lindley because the defense will have to divert some attention to the run, which should open up passing lanes. They win this one 31-21.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii Warriors vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
This will be quite an entertaining game to watch, especially if you like offense. Hawaii and Tulsa rank in the top ten in offense and both average nearly 40 points per game. Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne is their most dangerous weapon because he can beat defense through the air or run on them. He is the team’s leading rusher. Hawaii is lead by their own quarterback Bryant Moniz, who leads college football with the most passing yards. He should have a fun day going against Tulsa’s passing defense, which rank 119th in college football. I see the Warriors winning this one 42-31.
Little Caesars Bowl
Florida International Golden Panthers vs. Toledo Rockets
So this is the second match-up between a MAC and Sun Belt team. In the first one I went with the MAC team, picking Ohio over Troy, and it didn’t work out so well. I’m going to go with the MAC team again in hopes that the conference redeems itself. Rockets quarterback Austin Dantin, who had separated his shoulder, is supposed to be back for this game. He will look to get the ball to wide receiver Eric Page, who should provide the team with a nice boost in special teams as well. Running back Adonis Thomas will balance the offense by finding holes in the line to help his team to a 30-24 victory.
