Happy New Year, and welcome to the third and final part of G-Rex's 2014-15 College Football Preview Extravaganza, which includes the inaugural College Football Playoff. Before we begin, just a quick disclaimer. My predictions are not who i want to win (as you will see with the Sugar Bowl), but rather who I am guessing will win. Remember, I am not a prophet, and most of these are just somewhat-educated guesses. As with Parts I and II of the Bowl Preview Extravaganza, I've provided links to the web sites of each of the bowl games embedded in the name of the bowl, so you can find out all you want to know about the bowls. Thanks again to ESPN.com for stats and information, and thank you, loyal readers, for taking the time to check this out. I hope you enjoyed it. One last thing: Go Bucks!
Outback Bowl (Tampa, FL, Jan. 1, 12:00 PM, ESPN2)
#19 Auburn Tigers (8-4, 4-4 SEC, 4th SEC West) vs. #18 Wisconsin Badgers (10-3, 7-1 Big Ten, Big Ten Runner-Up)
Season Results:
Auburn Wisconsin
vs. Top 25: 3-3 vs. Top 25: 1-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 6-4 vs. Bowl Teams: 7-2 Rankings:
Auburn Wisconsin
Passing: 63rd (230.7 yards/game) Passing: 115th (150.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 12th (258.5 yards/game) Rushing: 4th (314 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 79th (239.2 yards/game) Pass Defense: 5th (164.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 46th (149.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 17th (118.9 yards/game)
Summary: This will be a battle on the ground between two of the country's best rushing teams. Wisconsin has junior running back Melvin Gordon (2,336 yards rushing, 26 TD), who is the nation's leading rusher (he's 292 yards away from Barry Sander's all-time NCAA single-season rushing record) and a projected 1st round pick in this year's draft. On the other sideline are senior quarterback Nick Marshall (2,315 yards passing, 18 TD, 7 INT; 780 yards rushing, 11 TD) and senior running back Cameron Artis-Payne (1,482 yards rushing, 11 TD). Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez will be coaching this game after Gary Anderson left for Oregon State (Wisconsin hired Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst)
Prediction: Auburn 32, Wisconsin 28
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Arlington, TX, Jan. 1, 12:30 PM, ESPN)
#8 Michigan State Spartans (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten, 2nd Big Ten East) vs. #5 Baylor Bears (11-1, 8-1 Big 12, T-1st Big 12)
Season Results:
Michigan State Baylor
vs. Top 25: 0-2 vs. Top 25: 2-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 4-2 vs. Bowl Teams: 5-1 Rankings:
Michigan State Baylor
Passing: 39th (261.6 yards/game) Passing: 5th (346.2 yards/game)
Rushing: 24th (234.9 yards/game) Rushing: 23rd (235.2 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 25th (196 yards/game) Pass Defense: 96th (260 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 6th (97.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 9th (107.7 yards/game)
Summary: Both of these teams were oh-so-close to getting in to the inaugural College Football Playoff. MSU's only losses were to two teams in the playoff (Oregon and Ohio State) and Baylor's lone blemish was against West Virginia. It will be a matchup to watch between Baylor's lethal offensive attack, led by senior quarterback Bryce Petty (3,305 yards passing, 26 TD, 6 INT), and Michigan State's suffocating defense, led by defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi for the last time (he took the head coaching job at Pittsburgh).
Prediction: Baylor 42, Michigan State 38
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl (Orlando, FL, Jan. 1, 1:00 PM, ABC)
#16 Missouri Tigers (10-3, 7-1 SEC, SEC Runner-Up) vs. #25 Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-4, 5-3 Big Ten, 3rd Big Ten West)
Season Results:
Missouri Minnesota
vs. Top 25: 0-2 vs. Top 25: 0-3
vs. Bowl Teams: 7-2 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-4 Rankings:
Missouri Minnesota
Passing: 92nd (196.2 yards/game) Passing: 120th (131.4 yards/game)
Rushing: 62nd (165.6 yards/game) Rushing: 27th (224.6 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 37th (208.5 yards/game) Pass Defense: 32nd (201.5 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 30th (135.8 yards/game) Rush Defense: 63rd (161.2 yards/game)
Summary: Missouri is coming off a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship, while Minnesota is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Big Ten West. Mizzou is paced on offense by sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk (2,551 yards passing, 23 TD, 11 INT) and on defense by All-American junior defensive end Shane Ray (61 tackles, 14 sacks). Minnesota gets most of their points on the ground with senior running back David Cobb (1,545 yards rushing, 13 TD).
Prediction: Missouri 35, Minnesota 21
Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual (Pasadena, CA, Jan. 1, 5:00 PM, ESPN)-Semifinal
#2 Oregon Ducks (12-1, 8-1 PAC-12, PAC-12 Champion) vs. #3 Florida State Seminoles (13-0, 8-0 ACC, ACC Champion)
Season Results:
Oregon Florida State
vs. Top 25: 4-1 vs. Top 25: 2-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 6-1 vs. Bowl Teams: 9-0 Rankings:
Oregon Florida State
Passing: 11th (308.9 yards/game) Passing: 14th (299.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 22nd (237.3 yards/game) Rushing: 96th (134.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 95th (259.5 yards/game) Pass Defense: 48th (218.2 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 50th (153.9 yards/game) Rush Defense: 60th (160.1 yards/game)
Summary: Finally, here we are. The inaugural College Football Playoff. This semifinal is a battle of the past two Heisman Trophy winners-Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota (3,783 yards passing, 38 TD, 2 INT; 669 yards rushing, 14 TD) and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (3,559 yards passing, 24 TD, 17 INT). Winston has a dangerous weapon in senior wide receiver Rashad Greene (1,306 yards receiving, 7 TD), but the Ducks also need to look out for senior tight end Nick O'Leary (614 yards receiving, 6 TD). The Noles are unbeaten, but just barely escaped in many of their games (7 wins by seven points or fewer), while Oregon has mostly breezed in their wins (their lone loss was in the fifth game the season to Arizona, 31-24).
Prediction: Oregon 35, Florida State 28
Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA, Jan. 1, 8:30 PM, ESPN)-Semifinal
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 7-1 SEC, SEC Champion) vs. #4 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1, 8-0 Big Ten, Big Ten Champion)
Season Results:
Alabama Ohio State
vs. Top 25: 4-1 vs. Top 25: 3-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 9-1 vs. Bowl Teams: 9-1 Rankings:
Alabama Ohio State
Passing: 22nd (281 yards/game) Passing: 50th (246.8 yards/game)
Rushing: 36th (209.5 yards/game) Rushing: 11th (160.8 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 56th (223.7 yards/game) Pass Defense: 17th (188.2 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 2nd (88.7 yards/game) Rush Defense: 33rd (139.8 yards/game)
Summary: Both of these teams are rolling into this semifinal off convincing conference championships (Alabama beat Missouri 42-13; Ohio State beat Wisconsin 59-0). The Buckeyes have endured an ugly early season loss to Virginia Tech (35-21) at home and the loss of two Heisman Trophy contenders at quarterback (Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett), but redshirt sophomore Cardale Jones (375 yards passing, 5 TD; 215 yards rushing) stepped up in the Big Ten Championship, throwing three long touchdowns to senior deep threat Devin Smith (799 yads receiving, 11 TD). On the other side of the ball, Alabama will have to face a strong defense led by sophomore defensive end Joey Bosa (51 tackles, 12.5 sacks), but they have plenty of playmakers, including senior quarterback Blake Sims (3,250 yards passing, 26 TD, 7 INT; 321 yards rushing, 6 TD) and junior wide receiver/Heisman Trophy finalist Amari Cooper (1,656 yards receiving, 16 TD). Alabama's only loss was at Ole Miss 23-17.
Prediction: Alabama 38, Ohio State 35
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, TX, Jan. 2, 12:00 PM, ESPN)
Houston Cougars (7-5, 5-3 American, 5th AAC) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (6-6, 4-4 ACC, 4th ACC Coastal)
Season Results:
Houston Pittsburgh
vs. Top 25: 0-0 vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-4 Rankings:
Houston Pittsburgh
Passing: 66th (226.6 yards/game) Passing: 101st (182.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 49th (181.6 yards/game) Rushing: 16th (251.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 29th (198.3 yards/game) Pass Defense: 20th (192.7 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 31st (136.3 yards/game) Rush Defense: 51st (156 yards/game)
Summary: We go from the College Football Playoff to a game between two teams who will have new coaches next year (Houston hired Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman; Pittsburgh hired Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi). Pitt likes to run the ball, headed by sophomore running back and ACC Player of the Year James Connor (1,675 yards rushing, 24 TD). Houston is guided by sophomore quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1,736 yards passing, 9 TD, 7 INT; 481 yards rushing, 6 TD), a converted receiver who took over midseason. Both teams also have pretty good defenses.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Houston 21
TaxSlayer Bowl (Jacksonville, FL, Jan. 2, 3:20 PM, ESPN)
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten, 4th Big Ten West) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (6-6, 3-5 SEC, 5th SEC West)
Season Results:
Iowa Tennessee
vs. Top 25: 0-0 vs. Top 25: 0-1
vs. Bowl Teams: 1-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 4-4 Rankings:
Iowa Tennessee
Passing: 66th (226.6 yards/game) Passing: 101st (182.9 yards/game)
Rushing: 49th (181.6 yards/game) Rushing: 16th (251.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 29th (198.3 yards/game) Pass Defense: 20th (192.7 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 31st (136.3 yards/game) Rush Defense: 51st (156 yards/game)
Summary: The Hawkeyes probably fell short of expectations this season, while the Volunteers probably exceeded expectations. Quarterbacking each side are junior Jake Rudock (2,404 yards passing, 16 TD, 5 INT) and sophomore Josh Dobbs (1,077 yards passing, 8 TD, 5 INT; 393 yards rushing, 6 TD), respectively. Both teams are stout defensively, although Iowa has struggled a bit recently.
Prediction: Iowa 29, Tennessee 24
Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, TX, Jan. 2, 6:45 PM, ESPN)
#11 Kansas State Wildcats (9-3, 7-2 Big 12, 3rd Big 12) vs. #14 UCLA Bruins (9-3, 6-3 PAC-12, 3rd PAC-12 South)
Season Results:
Kansas State UCLA
vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 3-2
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 6-3 Rankings:
Kansas State UCLA
Passing: 20th (283.2 yards/game) Passing: 35th (268.5 yards/game)
Rushing: 89th (142.8 yards/game) Rushing: 39th (199.4 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 76th (236.8 yards/game) Pass Defense: 82nd (243.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 23rd (124.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 54th (157.7 yards/game)
Summary: These two teams had visions of playing on New Year's Day, but instead they'll be playing the day after. In what will likely be the last game of each of their college careers, UCLA junior quarterback Brett Hundley (3,019 yards passing, 21 TD, 5 INT; 548 yards rushing, 8 TD) will go up against Kansas State senior quarterback Jake Waters (3,163 yards passing, 20 TD, 6 INT; 471 yards rushing, 8 TD). The Wildcats also have dangerous senior wide receiver Tyler Lockett (1,351 yards receiving, 9 TD), and the Bruins are led defensively by senior linebacker and Butkus Award (nation's best linebacker) winner Eric Kendricks (136 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 INT).
Prediction: Kansas State 32, UCLA 28
TicketCity Cactus Bowl (Tempe, AZ, Jan. 2, 10:15 PM, ESPN)
Washington Huskies (8-5, 4-5 PAC-12, 3rd PAC-12 North) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-6, 4-5 Big 12, 7th Big 12)
Season Results:
Washington Oklahoma State
vs. Top 25: 0-3 vs. Top 25: 0-4
vs. Bowl Teams: 5-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 1-6 Rankings:
Washington Oklahoma State
Passing: 94th (194.8 yards/game) Passing: 56th (235.7 yards/game)
Rushing: 40th (195.3 yards/game) Rushing: 94th (135.3 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 116th (283.9 yards/game) Pass Defense: 105th (269.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 21st (121.9 yards/game) Rush Defense: 68th (168 yards/game)
Summary: The Huskies and Cowboys each had their moments this season. Washington is coming off coach Chris Peterson's 100th win, and Oklahoma State started off the season by almost beating Florida State and then winning the next five games. Washington hounds defensively, led by junior linebacker/running back Shaq Thompson (456 yards rushing, 2 TD; 71 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 1 TD). Washington is led offensively by sophomore quarterback Cyler Miles (2,129 yards passing, 16 TD, 3 INT; 280 yards rushing, 4 TD), while OK State is led offensively by freshman quarterback Mason Rudolph (554 yards passing, 4 TD, 3 INT).
Prediction: Oklahoma State 34, Washington 32
Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, AL, Jan. 3, 12:00 PM, ESPN)
East Carolina Pirates (8-4, 5-3 American, 4th AAC) vs. Florida Gators (6-5, 4-4 SEC, 3rd SEC East)
Season Results:
East Carolina Florida
vs. Top 25: 0-0 vs. Top 25: 1-4
vs. Bowl Teams: 2-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-5 Rankings:
East Carolina Florida
Passing: 2nd (367.3 yards/game) Passing: 103rd (180.7 yards/game)
Rushing: 63rd (165.4 yards/game) Rushing: 43rd (189.5 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 99th (262.6 yards/game) Pass Defense: 22nd (194.2 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 8th (107.1 yards/game) Rush Defense: 12th (116.8 yards/game)
Summary: This is clearly not where the Gators want to be, and the Pirates expected better after starting off the season well. Florida will be coached by defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin after firing Will Muschamp and hiring Colorado State coach Jim McElwain. East Carolina has a high-octane offense, led by senior quarterback Shane Carden (4,309 yards passing, 28 TD, 8 INT) and senior wide receiver Justin Hardy (1,334 yards receiving, 9 TD). They will face a talented defense that is allowing only 21.2 points per game.
Prediction: East Carolina 38, Florida 32
GoDaddy Bowl (Mobile, AL, Jan. 4, 9:00 PM, ESPN)
Toledo Rockets (8-4, 7-1 MAC, 2nd MAC West) vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-5, 5-3 Sun Belt, 4th Sun Belt)
Season Results:
Toledo Arkansas State
vs. Top 25: 0-1 vs. Top 25: 0-0
vs. Bowl Teams: 3-3 vs. Bowl Teams: 2-3 Rankings:
Toledo Arkansas State
Passing: 54th (239 yards/game) Passing: 49th (248.2 yards/game)
Rushing: 18th (247.3 yards/game) Rushing: 26th (229 yards/game)
Pass Defense: 114th (282.4 yards/game) Pass Defense: 51st (219.3 yards/game)
Rush Defense: 19th (120.5 yards/game) Rush Defense: 91st (191.9 yards/game)
Summary: Last but not least (excluding the National Championship) is the prestigious GoDaddy Bowl, between representatives from the MAC and Sun Belt. This is Arkansas State's fourth consecutive GoDaddy Bowl, and they are looking for their third straight win. Watch out for coach Blake Anderson in the future, as the last three people to coach the Red Wolves were Hugh Freeze (went to Mississippi State), Gus Malzahn (went to Auburn), and Bryan Harsin (went to Boise State). Junior quarterback Fredi Knighten (2,874 yards passing, 19 TD, 7 INT; 775 yards rushing, 11 TD) and junior running back Michael Gordon (1,064 yards rushing, 13 TD) lead a potent rushing attack for the Red Wolves. The Rockets also have a potent rushing attack with sophomore running back Kareem Hunt (1,360 yards rushing, 11 TD).
Prediction: Toledo 28, Arkansas State 27
CFP National Championship Game Presented By AT&T (Arlington, TX, Jan. 12, 8:30 PM, ESPN)
#2 Oregon Ducks vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Prediction: Oregon 38, Alabama 32
