Welcome to Part 2 of Grantosaurus Rex's 2014-15 College Football Bowl Preview Extravaganza! Sorry for the delay, but it's not like you missed much (no offense to the Heart of Dallas Bowl, Quick Lane Bowl, and St. Petersburg Bowl). I hope you all had a great Christmas, and have a great New Year, when I'll be back for Part 3.
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl (Dallas, TX, Dec. 26, 1:00 PM, ESPN)
Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten, 5th Big Ten West) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-5, 7-1 Conference USA, C-USA Runner-Up)
Season Results:
Illinois Louisiana Tech vs. Top 25: 1-2 vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 3-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-3
Rankings:
Illinois Louisiana Tech
Passing: 51st (243.2 yards/game) Passing: 44th (252.6 yards/game)
Rushing: 106th (117.1 yards/game) Rushing: 79th (151.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 42nd (214.8 yards/game) Pass Defense: 77th (237.8 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 119th (249.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 16th (117.9 yards/game)
Summary: Illinois is back to the postseason for the first time in three years, led by true freshman receiver Mike Dudek (985 yards, 6 TD). Louisiana Tech almost won Conference USA (they lost to Marshall 26-23), with strong contributions from the defense (FBS-leading 40 turnovers) and star junior running back Kenneth Dixon (1,236 yards rushing, 21 touchdowns; 306 yards receiving, 5 TD).
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 32, Illinois 28
Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit, MI, Dec. 26, 4:30 PM, ESPN)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten, 4th Big Ten East) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6, 4-4 ACC, 3rd ACC Coastal)
Season Results:
Rutgers North Carolina vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 1-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-6
Rankings:
Rutgers North Carolina
Passing: 51st (243.2 yards/game) Passing: 24th (279.3 yards/game)
Rushing: 106th (117.1 yards/game) Rushing: 86th (146.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 42nd (214.8 yards/game) Pass Defense: 101st (263.5 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 119th (249.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 113th (232.2 yards/game)
Summary: Rutgers survived their first season in the Big Ten, doing it mostly through the air with senior quarterback Gary Nova (2,667 yards passing, 20 TD, 12 INT) and junior wide receiver Leonte Carroo (1,043 yards receiving, 10 TD). North Carolina were up-and-down this season, upsetting Georgia Tech but losing to East Carolina, among other disappointments. They did, however, find a quarterback in Junior Marquise Williams (2,870 yards passing, 20 TD, 9 INT; 737 yards rushing, 12 TD).
Prediction: North Carolina 38, Rutgers 35
Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl (Saint Peterburg, FL, Dec. 26, 8:00 PM, ESPN)
N.C. State Wolfpack (7-5, 3-5 ACC, 5th ACC Atlantic) vs. Central Florida Knights (9-3, 7-1 American, 3rd AAC)
Season Results:
N.C. State Central Florida vs. Top 25: 0-4 vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 3-2
Rankings:
N.C. State Central Florida
Passing: 93rd (196 yards/game) Passing: 63rd (130.7 yards/game)
Rushing: 38th (206 yards/game) Rushing: 97th (132.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 27th (197.5 yards/game) Pass Defense: 11th (185.4 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 76th (175.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 5th (97.4 yards/game)
Summary: The Wolfpack had a turnaround season after finishing 3-9 last year, in large part to junior quarterback and Florida transfer Jacoby Brissett (2,344 yards passing, 22 TD, 5 INT; 498 yards rushing, 3 TD). UCF had an exciting season, capped by a Hail Mary to beat East Carolina. They've been carried by their defense, led by senior linebacker Terrance Plummer (90 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT).
Prediction: N.C. State 27, Central Florida 24
Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman (Annapolis, MD, Dec. 27, 1:00 PM, ESPN)
Cincinnati Bearcats (9-3, 7-1 American, T-1st AAC) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6, 3-5 ACC, 6th ACC Coastal)
Season Results:
Cincinnati Virginia Tech vs. Top 25: 0-1 vs. Top 25: 1-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-5
Rankings:
Cincinnati Virginia Tech
Passing: 13th (300.2 yards/game) Passing: 68th (225.2 yards/game)
Rushing: 71st (157.6 yards/game) Rushing: 89th (142.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 103rd (266.3 yards/game) Pass Defense: 14th (186.8 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 80th (181.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 41st (144.8 yards/game)
Summary: The Bearcats had another successful season culminating in a share of the American, largely due to sophomore quarterback and Notre Dame transfer Gunner Kiel (3,010 yards passing, 30 TD, 11 INT), who had a wonderful season, including a six-touchdown performance in the season opener. Virginia Tech has struggled after a big road win over Ohio State in the second week of the season, especially on offense. They are led defensively by sophomore cornerback Kendall Fuller (50 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT), the younger brother of Bears corner Kyle and Lions receiver Corey.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Cincinnati 24
Hyundai Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX, Dec. 27, 2:00 PM, CBS)
#15 Arizona State Sun Devils (9-3, 6-3 PAC-12, 2nd PAC-12 South) vs. Duke Blue Devils (9-5, 5-3 ACC, 2nd ACC Coastal)
Season Results:
Arizona State Duke vs. Top 25: 2-2 vs. Top 25: 1-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-2 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-3
Rankings:
Arizona State Duke
Passing: 29th (276.3 yards/game) Passing: 77th (214.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 59th (170.2 yards/game) Rushing: 47th (183.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 98th (261.8 yards/game) Pass Defense: 34th (204 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 52nd (156.8 yards/game) Rush Defense: 94th (196.3 yards/game)
Summary: Arizona State almost got to the PAC-12 championship game, falling to rival Arizona 42-35 for the PAC-12 South title. The quarterback position has been a bit shaky for the Sun Devils, but junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong (1,062 yards receiving, 10 TD) and junior running back D.J. Foster (1,002 yards rushing, 9 TD; 646 yards receiving, 3 TD) have helped power the offense. Duke built off a 10-win season last year, making it to a bowl game in two straight seasons for the first time ever. Senior receiver Jamison Crowder (942 yards receiving, 6 TD) and senior linebacker David Helton (125 tackles, 2 sacks) are big reasons why.
Prediction: Arizona State 34, Duke 28
Duck Commander Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA, Dec. 27, 3:30 PM, ABC)
Miami Hurricanes (6-6, 3-5 ACC, 5th ACC Coastal) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6, 3-5 SEC, 4th SEC East)
Season Results:
Miami South Carolina vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 1-4
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-5
Rankings:
Miami South Carolina
Passing: 46th (251.1 yards/game) Passing: 21st (281.4 yards/game)
Rushing: 50th (179.9 yards/game) Rushing: 60th (169.4 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 9th (183.7 yards/game) Pass Defense: 50th (219.2 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 39th (143.9 yards/game) Rush Defense: 106th (214.4 yards/game)
Summary: Miami and South Carolina both came into the season with high expectations and didn't meet them. However, there are some positives. Miami true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya (2,962 yards passing, 25 TD, 11 INT) was a breakout star, junior running back Duke Johnson (1,520 yards rushing, 10 TD; 370 yards receiving, 3 TD) became Miami's all-time leading rusher, senior linebacker Denzel Perryman (102 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT) led a strong defense, and senior tight end Clive Walford (676 yards receiving, 7 TD) is one of the best in the country (and has a great name). South Carolina had one of the best all-purpose players in the country in sophomore receiver Pharoh Cooper (966 yards receiving, 8 TD; 198 yards rushing, 2 TD; 78 yards passing, 2 TD), who also has a great name.
Prediction: South Carolina 34, Miami 30
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (New York, NY, Dec. 27, 4:30 PM, ESPN)
Boston College Eagles (7-5, 4-4 ACC, 4th ACC Atlantic) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (6-6, 2-6 Big Ten, 6th Big Ten East)
Season Results:
Boston College Penn State vs. Top 25: 1-3 vs. Top 25: 0-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 3-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-4
Rankings:
Boston College Penn State
Passing: 119th (132 yards/game) Passing: 71st (221.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 15th (251.8 yards/game) Rushing: 112th (103.6 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 47th (218 yards/game) Pass Defense: 10th (185 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 4th (95.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 1st (84.8 yards/game)
Summary: This is sure to be a defensive battle, as both teams are among the best in the nation in rush defense and total defense. Penn State has the Big Ten's best linebacker in senior Mike Hull (132 tackles, 2 sacks). Boston College has some threats offensively, including dual-threat senior quarterback Tyler Murphy (1,526 yards passing, 11 TD, 10 INT; 1,079 yards rushing, 10 TD) and true freshman running back John Hilliman (712 yards rushing, 12 TD). Penn State has struggled offensively due to inconsistent sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg (2,606 yards passing, 8 TD, 15 INT).
Prediction: Boston College 27, Penn State 20
National University Holiday Bowl (San Diego, CA, Dec. 27, 8:00 PM, ESPN)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten, 2nd Big Ten West) vs. #24 USC Trojans (8-4, 6-3 PAC-12, 4th PAC-12 South)
Season Results:
Nebraska USC
vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 1-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-4 Rankings:
Nebraska USC
Passing: 89th (198 yards/game) Passing: 15th (294.6 yards/game)
Rushing: 17th (248.3 yards/game) Rushing: 70th (158.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 26th (196.3 yards/game) Pass Defense: 102nd (265.7 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 78th (176.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 27th (132.5 yards/game)
Summary: Nebraska will be led by interim coach Barney Cotton after the firing of Bo Pelini and hiring of Mike Riley. Nebraska has been pretty strong defensively and is powered offensively by senior running back Ameer Abdullah (1,523 yards rushing, 18 TD; 208 yards receiving, 3 TD). USC has one of the better passing offenses in the country thanks to junior quarterback Cody Kessler (3,505 yards passing, 36 TD, 4 INT) and junior wide receiver Nelson Agholor (1,223 yards receiving, 11 TD).
Prediction: USC 34, Nebraska 28
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN, Dec. 29, 2:00 PM, ESPN)
Texas A&M Aggies (7-5, 3-5 SEC, 6th SEC West) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers 7-5, 5-4 Big 12, 5th)
Season Results:
Texas A&M West Virginia
vs. Top 25: 1-4 vs. Top 25: 1-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 3-5 Rankings:
Texas A&M West Virginia
Passing: 12th (306.4 yards/game) Passing: 9th (314.6 yards/game)
Rushing: 89th (142.8 yards/game) Rushing: 44th (187.5 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 60th (225.5 yards/game) Pass Defense: 61st (226 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 111th (223.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 67th (162.6 yards/game)
Summary: This is sure to be a shootout as both of these teams have prolific passing offenses. Both teams, however, have gone through bumps in the road at quarterback. Texas A&M benched Kenny Hill, who looked really good the first few weeks, for freshman Kyle Allen (1,028 yards passing, 12 TD, 6 INT), and West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett retired due to concussions, meaning sophomore Skyler Howard (483 yards passing,5 TD) will start the bowl game. He'll have one of the best wide receivers in the nation in senior Kevin White (1,318 yards receiving, 9 TD).
Prediction: West Virginia 42, Texas A&M 38
Russell Athletic Bowl (Orlando, FL, Dec. 29, 5:30 PM, ESPN)
Oklahoma Sooners (8-4, 5-4 Big 12, 4th) vs. #17 Clemson Tigers (9-3, 6-2 ACC, 2nd in ACC Atlantic)
Season Results:
Oklahoma Clemson
vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 1-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-4 vs. Bowl Teams: 5-3 Rankings:
Oklahoma Clemson
Passing: 78th (211.9 yards/game) Passing: 42nd (257.1 yards/game)
Rushing: 9th (268.6 yards/game) Rushing: 78th (153 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 110th (272.7 yards/game) Pass Defense: 3rd (161.9 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 10th (109.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 7th (97.7 yards/game)
Summary: Both of these teams have some very talented young players. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson (1,466 yards passing, 14 TD, 2 INT; 200 yards rushing, 5 TD) will not play while recovering from knee surgery. That means senior Cole Stoudt (1,573 yards passing, 6 TD, 10 INT) will lead the Tigers against Oklahoma, who is led by freshman running back Samaje Perine (1,579 yards rushing, 21 TD), who broke the single game record for rushing yards against Kansas (427). Clemson has a suffocating defense, led by senior defensive end and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Vic Beasley (28 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks).
Prediction: Clemson 35, Oklahoma 28
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl (Houston, TX, Dec. 29, 9:00 PM, ESPN)
Arkansas Razorbacks (6-6, 2-6 SEC, 7th in SEC West) vs. Texas Longhorns (6-6, 5-4 Big 12, 6th)
Season Results:
Arkansas Texas
vs. Top 25: 1-5 vs. Top 25: 0-4
vs. Bowl Teams: 3-6 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-6 Rankings:
Arkansas Texas
Passing: 95th (190.3 yards/game) Passing: 79th (211.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 28th (220.3 yards/game) Rushing: 84th (148.7 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 54th (221.4 yards/game) Pass Defense: 12th (186.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 22nd (124 yards/game) Rush Defense: 66th (162.1 yards/game)
Summary: Arkansas and Texas will revive an old rivalry in the Texas Bowl. Charlie Strong's squad is quarterbacked by sophomore Tyrone Swoopes (2,352 yards passing, 13 TD, 10 INT; 294 yards rushing, 3 TD), who's favorite target is senior wide receiver John Harris (1,015 yards receiving, 7 TD). Arkansas finished 28th in the nation in rushing thanks to the one-two punch of junior Jonathan Williams (1,085 yards rushing, 11 TD) and sophomore Alex Collins (1,024 yards rushing, 12 TD). Texas has one of the best pass defenses in the country, while Arkansas is among the better rush defenses.
Prediction: Arkansas 34, Texas 31
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, TN, Dec. 30, 3:00 PM, ESPN)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-5) vs. #23 LSU (8-4, 4-4 SEC, 5th in SEC West)
Season Results:
Notre Dame LSU
vs. Top 25: 0-4 vs. Top 25: 2-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-4 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-4 Rankings:
Notre Dame LSU
Passing: 16th (293.8 yards/game) Passing: 112th (163.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 80th (150.8 yards/game) Rushing: 29th (219.5 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 80th (239.8 yards/game) Pass Defense: 4th (162.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 64th (161.7 yards/game) Rush Defense: 38th (143.5 yards/game)
Summary: These teams were each expected to contend for a playoff spot at the beginning of the season, but faded after hot starts. Notre Dame senior quarterback Everett Golson (3,355 yards passing, 29 TD, 14 INT; 277 yards rushing, 8 TD, 8 fumbles) was a Heisman candidate at midseason, but will now be splitting time with sophomore Malik Zaire (170 yards passing; 91 yards rushing, 1 TD). LSU's offense has also been a bit messy, although true freshman running back Leonard Fournette (891 yards rushing, 8 TD) led a strong committee of running backs. LSU's defense, however, has been a strength.
Prediction: LSU 28, Notre Dame 20
Belk Bowl (Charlotte, NC, Dec. 30, 6:30 PM, ESPN)
#13 Georgia Bulldogs (9-3, 6-2 SEC, 2nd in SEC East) vs. #21 Louisville Cardinals (9-3, 5-3 ACC, 3rd in ACC Atlantic)
Season Results:
Georgia Louisville
vs. Top 25: 3-1 vs. Top 25: 0-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-2 Rankings:
Georgia Louisville
Passing: 85th (199.9 yards/game) Passing: 50th (246.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 13th (255 yards/game) Rushing: 82nd (149.4 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 2nd (158.4 yards/game) Pass Defense: 30th (199.6 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 76th (175.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 3rd (93.7 yards/game)
Summary: The always-punny Belk Bowl features two very good teams. Georgia is led by a strong rushing attack (freshman running back Nick Chubb: 1,281 yards rushing, 12 TD) and one of the nation's best pass defenses. Louisville is led by a consensus first round pick in next year's NFL Draft (senior wide receiver DeVonte Parker: 735 yards receiving, 5 TD) and one of the best defenses in the nation (sophomore safety Gerod Holliman won the Jim Thorpe Award as the country's best defensive back and tied an NCAA record with 14 interceptions).
Prediction: Georgia 27, Louisville 21
Foster Farms Bowl (Santa Clara, CA, Dec. 30, 10:00 PM, ESPN)
Maryland Terrapins (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten, 3rd Big Ten East) vs. Stanford Cardinal (7-5, 5-4 PAC-12, 2nd PAC-12 North)
Season Results:
Maryland Stanford
vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 1-4
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5 Rankings:
Maryland Stanford
Passing: 72nd (221.5 yards/game) Passing: 59th (231.7 yards/game)
Rushing: 98th (130.6 yards/game) Rushing: 74th (154.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 75th (236.5 yards/game) Pass Defense: 7th (175.7 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 97th (201.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 11th (111.8 yards/game)
Summary: Stanford will basically be playing a home game, and playing against a mediocre Maryland team. The Terps are guided by senior quarterback C.J. Brown (2,083 yards passing, 13 TD, 9 INT; 569 yards rushing, 7 TD) and junior wide receiver Stefon Diggs (654 yards receiving, 5 TD), who returns from a lacerated spleen he suffered on November 1st. Stanford has a stout defense and an efficient quarterback in senior Kevin Hogan (2,603 yards passing, 17 TD, 8 INT; 245 yards rushing, 5 TD).
Prediction: Stanford 28, Maryland 13
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA, Dec. 31, 12:30 PM, ESPN)
#9 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3, 5-3 SEC, 3rd SEC West) vs. #6 TCU Horned Frogs (11-1, 8-1 Big 12, T-1st Big 12)
Season Results:
Ole Miss TCU
vs. Top 25: 3-2 vs. Top 25: 1-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 7-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 6-1 Rankings:
Ole Miss TCU
Passing: 30th (275.6 yards/game) Passing: 7th (332.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 61st (167.7 yards/game) Rushing: 37th (209.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 16th (187.6 yards/game) Pass Defense: 81st (242.4 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 29th (133.6 yards/game) Rush Defense: 13th (117.1 yards/game)
Summary: The Peach Bowl features two teams just left out of the playoff. It will be a good battle between Ole Miss's strong defense (senior cornerback Senquez Golson is a first-team All-American and has nine picks) and TCU junior quarterback Trevone Boykin (3,714 yards passing, 30 TD, 7 INT; 642 yards rushing, 8 TD). It will also be an entertaining quarterback matchup between Boykin and Ole Miss senior quarterback Bo Wallace (3,085 yards passing, 22 TD, 11 INT).
Prediction: TCU 42, Ole Miss 35
Vizio Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ, Dec. 31, 4:00 PM, ESPN)
#20 Boise State Broncos (11-2, 7-1 Mountain West, MWC Champion) vs. #10 Arizona Wildcats (10-3, 7-2 PAC-12, PAC-12 Runner-Up)
Season Results:
Boise State Arizona
vs. Top 25: 0-1 vs. Top 25: 3-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 8-2 vs. Bowl Teams: 5-3 Rankings:
Boise State Arizona
Passing: 26th (278.2 yards/game) Passing: 28th (277.7 yards/game)
Rushing: 31st (217.8 yards/game) Rushing: 48th (183.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 59th (225 yards/game) Pass Defense: 113th (279.1 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 36th (141.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 73rd (170.4 yards/game)
Summary: This game features the best team from the Group of 5 conferences, Boise State. The Broncos are powered by junior running back Jay Ajayi (1,689 yards rushing, 25 TD; 536 yards receiving, 4 TD). Arizona has many talented players, including freshman quarterback Anu Soloman (3,458 yards passing, 27 TD, 7 INT), freshman running back Nick Wilson (1,289 yards rushing, 15 TD), and sophomore defensive end Scooby Wright III (153 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 6 forced fumbles).
Prediction: Arizona 38, Boise State 28
Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami, FL, Dec. 31, 8:00 PM, ESPN)
#7 Mississippi State Bulldogs (10-2, 6-2 SEC, 2nd SEC West) vs. #12 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-3, 6-2 ACC, ACC Runner-Up)
Season Results:
Mississippi State Georgia Tech
vs. Top 25: 2-2 vs. Top 25: 2-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-2 vs. Bowl Teams: 6-3 Rankings:
Mississippi State Georgia Tech
Passing: 36th (266.3 yards/game) Passing: 118th (135.2 yards/game)
Rushing: 20th (239.8 yards/game) Rushing: 3rd (333.6 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 117th (285.2 yards/game) Pass Defense: 63rd (227.6 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 25th (126.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 70th (168.8 yards/game)
Summary: Both of these teams had great seasons after many years of relative obscurity. This will be a battle of top rushing offenses. The Bulldogs' rushing attack is led by junior quarterback Dak Prescott (2,996 yards passing, 24 TD, 10 INT; 939 yards rushing, 13 TD) and junior running back Josh Robinson (1,128 yards rushing, 11 TD), while the Yellow Jackets' triple-option is powered by sophomore quarterback Justin Thomas (1,594 yards passing, 17 TD, 5 INT; 965 yards rushing, 5 TD) and senior running back Zach Laskey (788 yards rushing, 9 TD).
Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, Mississippi State 28
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
G-Rex's 2014-15 College Football Bowl Preview Extravaganza: Part I
Welcome to G-Rex's first annual College Football Bowl Preview Extravaganza! Did I put the "Extravaganza" part in there just to get your attention? Maybe (plus it sounds cool). This bowl preview is so extravagant that I had to break it into parts, starting with the pre-Christmas bowl games. Did I break it into parts because I didn't get all of the bowls done in time? Maybe. This bowl preview will supply you with plenty of info about each team (which I gathered from ESPN.com and CBSSports.com), including record, performance against good teams, rankings, impact players, and of course, my "expert" prediction. I've also given a link to each bowl's web site embedded in the name of the bowl. And if you want to know what kinds of gifts the teams' players and staff get from each bowl game, Sports Business Daily has you covered. I hope you enjoy this bowl preview, and last but not least, Happy Holidays from Grantosaurus Rex!
R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans, LA, Dec. 20, 11:00 AM, ESPN)
Nevada Wolfpack (7-5, 4-4 Mountain West, 3rd MWC West) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (8-4, 7-1 Sun Belt, 2nd Sun Belt)
Season Results (the "vs. Top 25" is vs. teams currently in the Top 25 of the College Football Playoff rankings):
Nevada
vs. Top 25: 0-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5
Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. Top 25: 0-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-3
Rankings:
Nevada
Passing: 94th (197.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 32nd (215.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 115th (271 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 81st (179.1 yards/game)
Louisiana-Lafayette
Passing: 102nd (188.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 26th (228.4 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 120th (275.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 44th (146.7 yards/game)
Summary: The Ragin' Cajuns will be looking for their fourth straight victory in the New Orleans Bowl. UL-Lafayette has a strong run game powered by senior quarterback and 2012 New Orleans Bowl MVP Terrance Broadway (634 yards, 3 TD) and the running back combo of sophomore Elijah McGuire (1,165 yards, 14 TD) and senior Alonzo Harris (737 yards, 12 TD). The Wolfpack also run the ball well, led by senior quarterback Cody Fajardo (997 yards, 13 TD), as well as junior running back Don Jackson (932 yards rushing, 7 TD) and freshman running back James Butler (620 yards, 5 TD). Broadway (2,073 yards passing, 12 TD, 9 INT) and Fajardo (2,374 yards passing, 18 TD, 11 INT) are two of the best dual-threats in the country. Fajardo is one of only two quarterbacks in FBS history to throw for over 9,000 yards and run for over 3,00 yards in a career (the other is former Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick).
Prediction: Nevada 42, Louisiana-Lafayette 35
Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, NM, Dec. 20, 2:20 PM, ESPN)
Utah State Aggies (9-4, 6-2 Mountain West, Mountain West Runner-Up) vs. UTEP Miners (7-5, 5-3 C-USA, T-2nd C-USA West)
Season Results:
Utah State
vs. Top 25: 0-1 vs. Bowl Teams: 3-4
UTEP
vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 0-4
Rankings:
Utah State
Passing: 84th (208.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 56th (172.5 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 76th (233.1 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 26th (129.2 yards/game)
UTEP
Passing: 120th (144.3 yards/game)
Rushing: 34th (212.7 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 34th (202 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 70th (168.3 yards/game)
Summary: Utah State has overcome the loss of three quarterbacks to injury (and nine starters overall), partly thanks to a dominant defense led by senior linebacker and MWC Defensive Player of the Year Zack Vigil (145 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks). Vigil is one tackle for a loss away from breaking the MWC single-season record he set last year. UTEP's quarterback is the guy who lost the Texas A&M job to Johnny Manziel, Jameill Showers. He's played well for the Miners, throwing for 1,732 yards and 12 touchdowns with five interceptions (he's also run for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns. This is the Miners' first bowl appearance since 2010 and they will be looking for their first bowl win since 1967.
Prediction: Utah State 32, UTEP 13
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 20, 3:30 PM, ABC)
#22 Utah Utes (8-4, 5-4 PAC-12, 5th PAC-12 South) vs. Colorado State Rams (10-2, 6-2 Mountain West, 2nd MWC Mountain)
Results:
Utah vs. Top 25: 2-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-3
Colorado State
vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 3-2
Rankings:
Utah
Passing: 91st (198.4 yards/game)
Rushing: 54th (176.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 84th (245 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 56th (158.1 yards/game)
Colorado State
Passing: 8th (326.3 yards/game)
Rushing: 57th (171.6 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 62nd (227.2 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 86th (187.6 yards/game)
Summary: Colorado State had a great season under head coach Jim McElwain, who won't be coaching in this game after leaving for the head coaching job at Florida. The Rams do, however, still have senior quarterback Garrett Grayson (3,779 yards passing, 32 TD, 6 INT) and sophomore wide receiver and Biletnikoff Award (given to the nation's best receiver) finalist Rashard Higgins (1,640 yards receiving, 17 TD). They, along with McElwain, are major reasons CSU has the eighth-best passing offense in the country. Utah has had a few nail-biters in a season that saw them compete with some of the PAC-12's elites. The Utes have talented players all over the field, including junior running back Devontae Booker (1,350 yards rushing, 9 TD), senior defensive end Nate Orchard (80 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks; won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's best defensive end), and wide receiver/return man Kaelin Clay (460 yards receiving, 4 TD; 3 punt return TD, 1 kick return TD; should have another touchdown).
Prediction: Utah 37, Colorado State 35
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, ID, Dec. 20, 5:45 PM, ESPN)
Western Michigan Broncos (8-4, 6-2 MAC, 3rd MAC West) vs. Air Force Falcons (9-3, 5-3 Mountain West, 4th MWC Mountain)
Season Results:
Western Michigan vs. Top 25: 0-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-3
Air Force
vs. Top 25: 1-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-2
Rankings:
Western Michigan
Passing: 37th (264.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 53rd (178.5 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 65th (229.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 37th (142.7 yards/game)
Air Force
Passing: 114th (151.3 yards/game)
Rushing: 8th (272.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 94th (256 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 35th (140.3 yards/game)
Summary: Both of these teams had big turnaround seasons after disappointing seasons last year. The Broncos are 8-4 after finishing 1-11 last year, and the Falcons are 9-3 after finishing 2-10 last year. Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck has done a great job turning the team around, with help from sophomore quarterback Zach Terrell, who's thrown for 3,146 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 70 percent of his passes, and freshman running back and MAC Offensive Player of the Year Jarvion Franklin (1,525 yards rushing, 24 TD). Western Michigan has never won a bowl game. They are 0-5 all-time. Air Force, as always, is among the best running teams in the country with their triple-option offense, which has featured multiple players (nine players scored at least one rushing touchdown), including senior quarterback Kale Pearson (646 yards rushing, 6 TD; 1,513 yards passing, 14 TD, 3 INT).
Prediction: Air Force 34, Western Michigan 28
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, AL, Dec. 20, 9:15 PM, ESPN)
South Alabama Jaguars (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt, 4th Sun Belt) vs. Bowling Green Falcons (7-6, 5-3 MAC, MAC Runner-Up)
Season Results:
South Alabama vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 0-5
Bowling Green
vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 0-5
Rankings:
South Alabama
Passing: 96th (190.2 yards/game)
Rushing: 48th (182.6 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 31st (199.8 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 87th (190.7 yards/game)
Bowling Green
Passing: 45th (251.5 yards/game)
Rushing: 55th (176.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 119th (292.4 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 100th (207.2 yards/game)
Summary: The Jaguars of South Alabama are appearing in their first bowl game in their third year as an FBS program (and second year playoff-eligible). They are led by 6'6" Canadian senior quarterback Brandon Bridge (1,648 yards passing, 14 TD, 6 INT; 256 yards rushing, 3 TD), who has the size and athleticism, but needs to work on his accuracy (51.9 completion percentage). The Bowling Green Falcons and rookie coach Dino Babers have impressive freshman wide receiver Roger Lewis (956 yards receiving, 5 TD). Both of these teams barely got in at 6-6 and 7-6, respectively.
Predictions: South Alabama 28, Bowling Green 24
Miami Beach Bowl (Miami, FL, Dec. 22, 2:00 PM, ESPN)
BYU Cougars (8-4) vs. Memphis Tigers (9-3, 7-1 American, T-1st AAC)
Season Results:
BYU vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-4
Memphis
vs. Top 25: 0-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-3
Rankings:
BYU
Passing: 33rd (272.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 42nd (190.5 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 105th (266.7 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 14th (117.6 yards/game)
Memphis
Passing: 62nd (230.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 41st (191.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 46th (218 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 24th (125.3 yards/game)
Summary: BYU was a threat to go undefeated before losing star quarterback Taysom Hill in a loss to Utah State early in the season. They lost four in a row, but then rebounded to win four in a row to end the season. The Cougars have a good receiving corps, led by junior Mitch Matthews (840 yards receiving, 8 TD), that has helped out senior quarterback Christian Stewart (2,273 yards passing, 22 TD, 6 INT) in Hill's absence. Memphis was a surprise this year in winning a share of the American Athletic Conference title. The Tigers are led by sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch (2,725 yards passing, 18 TD, 6 INT; 283 yards rushing, 10 TD), who set an AAC for most total touchdowns in a season (28).
Prediction: Memphis 32, BYU 24
Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, FL, Dec. 23, 6 PM, ESPN)
Marshall Thundering Herd (12-1, 7-1 C-USA, C-USA Champion) vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (11-2, 7-1 MAC, MAC Champion)
Season Results:
Marshall vs. Top 25: 0-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-1
Northern Illinois
vs. Top 25: 0-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 3-2
Rankings:
Marshall
Passing: 7th (275.6 yards/game)
Rushing: 18th (287.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 23rd (194.7 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 53rd (157.2 yards/game)
Northern Illinois
Passing: 97th (189.5 yards/game)
Rushing: 14th (252.9 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 57th (224.5 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 58th (158.5 yards/game)
Summary: Marshall, who almost went unbeaten (they lost to Western Kentucky 67-66 in overtime), has one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Rakeem Cato (3,622 yards passing, 37 TD, 13 INT), who has thrown a touchdown pass in 45 straight games (an FBS record). Northern Illinois won another MAC championship with big seasons from many players, including senior wide receiver Da'Ron Brown (1,002 yards receiving, 6 TD). This is a matchup of the best teams in the Group of 5 conferences (conferences besides the AAC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12, and SEC).
Prediction: Marshall 42, Northern Illinois 27
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (San Diego, CA, Dec. 23, 9:30 PM, ESPN)
Navy Midshipmen (7-5) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (7-5, 5-3 Mountain West, T-1st MWC West)
Season Results:
Navy vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-5
San Diego State
vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-4
Rankings:
Navy
Passing: 123rd (87.6 yards/game)
Rushing: 2nd (357.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 61st (226.4 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 94th (199.8 yards/game)
San Diego State
Passing: 102nd (181.5 yards/game)
Rushing: 30th (218.6 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 19th (192 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 42nd (145.6 yards/game)
Summary: Navy's triple-option offense was as lethal as ever this season, led by junior quarterback Keenan Reynolds, the nation's leading rusher among quarterbacks (1,182 yards rushing, 21 TD). San Diego State also has a dangerous running game with sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey, who ranks third in the nation in rushing with 1,755 yards, along with 19 touchdowns. Both of these teams are very popular in San Diego (San Diego State is located there, and there is a large naval base in San Diego).
Prediction: Navy 32, San Diego State 27
Popeye's Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Dec. 24, 12:00 PM, ESPN)
Central Michigan Chippewas (7-5, 6-2 MAC, 3rd MAC West) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5, 4-4 C-USA, 3rd C-USA East)
Season Results:
Central Michigan vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-2
Western Kentucky
vs. Top 25: 0-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-1
Rankings:
Central Michigan
Passing: 70th (220 yards/game)
Rushing: 69th (158.7 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 40th (211.4 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 19th (119.8 yards/game)
Western Kentucky
Passing: 3rd (365 yards/game)
Rushing: 68th (160.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 110th (272.2 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 112th (229.7 yards/game)
Summary: Central Michigan is clearly happy to be here. Who wouldn't want to spend Christmas Eve in the Bahamas? The Chippewas face a familiar foe, one they beat in the 2012 Little Caeser's Bowl. The player to watch for Western Michigan is senior running back and Michigan transfer Thomas Rawls (1,103 yards rushing, 10 TD). Western Kentucky has one of the most prolific passing offenses in the country, led by the nation's leading passer, Brandon Doughty (4,344 yards passing, 44 TD, 10 INT).
Prediction: Western Kentucky 52, Central Michigan 32
Hawai'i Bowl (Honolulu, HI, Dec. 24, 8:00 PM, ESPN)
Fresno State Bulldogs (6-7, 5-3 Mountain West, MWC Runner-Up) vs. Rice Owls (7-5, 5-3 Conference USA, 2nd C-USA West)
Season Results:
Fresno State vs. Top 25: 0-4
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5
Rice Owls
vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-4
Rankings:
Fresno State
Passing: 57th (233.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 45th (183.9 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 88th (248.9 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 101st (207.3 yards/game)
Rice Owls
Passing: 69th (223.6 yards/game)
Rushing: 58th (170.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 85th (245.1 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 47th (151.8 yards/game)
Summary: Fresno State is the only bowl team with a losing record (they lost the Mountain West championship game to Boise State). The Bulldogs got another 1,000 yard season from senior wide receiver Josh Harper (1,072 yards receiving, 7 TD). Rice is led on offense by senior wide receiver Jordan Taylor (781 yards receiving, 6 TD) and on defense by junior defensive end Brian Nordstrom (44 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks).
Prediction: Rice 38, Fresno State 31
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)