It's the most wonderful time of the year! I can only imagine that Andy Williams would have been singing about bowl season if more than nine bowl games were played when he released the song in 1963. Fun fact, Texas defeated a Navy team led by Roger Staubach for the National Championship in the Cotton Bowl that season.
This year there are 41 FBS bowl games and 1 FCS game to fill our holiday football needs. Unfortunately, many of the game's brightest stars and prospects will be forgoing their appearance in a December 27 bowl game. I'll do my best to note where those absences will be, but they are ever-growing each day.
I've also enlisted the help of the Pool household's second-most expert, Max, to make predictions as well. So, here are this year's bowl matchups.
Saturday, December 16
Georgia Southern Eagles (6-6, 69) vs Ohio Bobcats (9-3, 27)
Who's Out: Kurtis Rourke (QB, OH), Sieh Bangura (RB, OH), Miles Cross (WR, OH), O'Shaan Allison (RB, OH)
What's the Outlook: The Bobcats will be without their starting QB, backup QB (injury), their top two running backs, and leading receiver. Georgia Southern's biggest loss to the transfer portal was their long snapper, so look for that on special teams. Parker Navarro will take the reins of the offense for OU, but without some key weapons, the offense could falter. Despite the records, the hand is starting to tip in favor of the Eagles so I would recommend taking them. However, we're a bunch of homers, and since both adults in this house have taken courses from OU, it's Go Ohio!
Kevin Prediction: Ohio
Max Prediction: Ohio
Florida A&M Rattlers (11-1) vs Howard Bison (6-5)
What's the Outlook: The lone FCS match-up this bowl season, FAMU represents the best of SWAC now that Coach Prime left Jackson State, while Howard represents the best in the MEAC. These two conferences are home to the premiere HBCU schools. The Rattlers should roll easily as they've only had two games that they didn't win by 10 points or more, and one of those was a 38-24 loss to an FBS team (USF).
KP: FAMU
MP: FAMU
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4, 43) vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (6-6, 77)
What's the outlook: Both teams escape without any major losses to the transfer portal. This was a down year for the Ragin' Cajuns who needed a last-week victory over rival ULM to sneak in. The Gamecocks have been a surprise this season under head coach Rich Rodriguez. They almost didn't get to showcase their offensive firepower because the NCAA wouldn't grant a waiver to let them play in a bowl because it is their first year of FBS-level football. Luckily, they were able to make it in because not enough teams qualified for the 82 spots. Look for the Gamecocks to roll.
KP: JVST
MP: JVST
Appalachian State (8-5, 45) vs Miami, OH (11-2, 14)
Who's Out: Aveon Smith (QB, MOH), Nate Noel (RB, App St), and Dashaun Davis (WR, App St)
What's the Outlook: After losing quarterback Brett Gabbert to a leg injury, Aveon Smith did just enough to help Miami capture the MAC title. However, with the news that Gabbert was returning in 2023, Smith took the opportunity to hop into the transfer portal leaving the Redhawks with their third-string QB. The Mountaineers meanwhile, lose their leading rusher in Noel and fourth receiver in Davis. The Redhawks' defense is strong, but it'll be tough to win against the runner-up in the Sun Belt Championship. This may not be the game for points.
KP: App State
MP: App State
New Mexico State Aggies (10-4, 28) vs Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4, 38)
Who's Out: Trent Hudson (WR, NMST) and Jeff Tedford (HC, Fresno State)
What's the Outlook: The surprise Aggies head upstate for essentially a home contest with the downtrodden Bulldogs. New Mexico State not only dismantled an SEC on the road (Auburn) but finished as the runner-up in the CUSA Championship. Fresno State had their spot in the Mountain West Championship all but locked up until they lost three straight to end the season and eliminate them from contention. They were dealt an even bigger blow when head coach Jeff Tedford announced he was stepping aside to deal with health issues. Tedford had done that in his previous stint with the team before handing the reins over to Kalen DeBoer, and then resuming the head coaching role when DeBoer left for Washington. Can the Bulldogs win one for the Gipper or will the Aggies be the ones riding off into the sunset with a victory?
KP: NMST
MP: NMST
Boise State Broncos (8-5, 46) vs UCLA (7-5, 48)
Who's Out: Taylen Green (QB, Boise St), Laiatu Latu (Edge, UCLA), Dante Moore (QB, UCLA)
What's the Outlook: The Broncos fired their head coach because they were at risk of a losing season for the first time this century, but they rallied and ended up winning the Mountain West over UNLV. The Bruins stumbled their way into bowl season losing three of their last four. Both teams will be without their starting QBs as they have both entered the transfer portal. The Bruins' other big loss came when Latu announced that he was opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, where he is expected to be drafted in the first or second round. Which team will answer the call? Well, this one has the experts split.
KP: Boise State
MP: UCLA
Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6, 63) vs Cal Bears (6-6, 72)
Who's Out: Jerand Bradley (WR, TT) and Myles Price (WR, TT)
What's the Outlook: The Red Raiders lost two of their top receivers to the transfer portal but luckily their top running back is still in the locker room. Saturday's final contest will feature two of the nation's top running backs Tahj Brooks (4th, TT) and Jadyn Ott (13th, Cal), who both ran for over 1,200 yards this season. The depth will be tested as both teams will have a combined 24 players entering the transfer portal.
KP: Cal
MP: TT
Monday, December 18
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5, 60) vs Old Dominion Monarchs (6-6, 70)
Who's Out(Transfer Portal): 16 WKU Players, 14 ODU Players
What's the Outlook: Look I would transfer out to if I was supposed to be playing in the Bahamas and instead found myself in Charlotte. That's because the stadium in Nassau is under renovation forcing the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl to become the Famous Toastery Bowl. The Hilltoppers are guided through the air by Austin Reed, who threw for over 3,300 yards this season and 31 TDs. As for the Monarchs, their offense has sputtered but the defense has kept them in enough close ball games for them to become bowl eligible. They needed a two-point conversion in overtime against Georgia State in the final game to earn this spot, so look for the Hilltoppers to set the tone early and win big. I've jinxed this to be a 13-9 game.
KP: WKU
MP: WKU
Tuesday, December 19
UTSA Roadrunners (8-4, 42) vs Marshall Thundering Herd (6-6, 65)
Who's Out: UTSA (4 players), Marshall (18 players)
What's the Outlook: It was a disappointing finish for UTSA but they'll have plenty of experience thanks to sixth-year senior Frank Harris taking the snaps. Meanwhile, the Thundering Herd will be looking for their play caller as Cam Fancher was one of 18 players to enter the transfer portal, as well as backup Chase Harrison. A lot of shuffling for the Herd and a virtual home game for the Roadrunners makes this a pretty good lock for UTSA.
KP: UTSA
MP: Marshall
Thursday, December 21
Syracuse Orange (6-6, 73) vs USF Bulls (6-6, 79)
Who's Out: Head Coach Dino Babers (Fired, Syracuse), 15 Syracuse Players, and 8 USF Bulls
What's the Outlook: The question here is will the Orange have any motivation to play in this game. With a bevy of players looking elsewhere as the Fran Brown era gets ready to replace the middling Dino Babers era, Syracuse might go through the motions as they head to South Florida. The Bulls hop from one side of the state to the other. Both teams won their last game to get in and Syracuse has a lot of Power 5 talent, but I'm calling upset for the Bulls.
KP: USF
MP: USF
Friday, December 22
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-6, 61) vs UCF Golden Knights (6-6, 66)
Who's Out: Georgia Tech (11 Players), UCF (10 Players)
What's the Outlook: Both teams return their top offensive performers so the playing field should be pretty even. They each have a big win on their resume against top conference opponents (UCF over OKST and G.T. over UNC), but they also have bad losses (G.T. to BGSU and UCF to Baylor). In games like this, it comes down to coaching and because of that, I give Gus Malzahn and the Knights the edge.
KP: UCF
MP: GT
Saturday, December 23
Arkansas State Red Wolves (6-6, 74) vs Northern Illinois Huskies (6-6, 71)
Who's Out: Arkansas St (6 Players), NIU (10 players)
What's the Outlook: Both of these teams are pretty evenly matched as former MAC head coach Butch Jones (CMU) takes on the steady presence that is Northern Illinois, a team he was all too familiar with as they dominated the MAC West during his time there. The one area the Huskies hold the edge is in the run game. Antario Brown ran for over 1,100 yards while Jaquez Cross was just under 700 yards on 120 carries. This game seems MACtion adjacent, so anything can happen in this one.
MP: NIU
Duke Blue Devils (7-5, 53) vs Troy Trojans (11-2, 11)
Who's Out: Mike Elko (Duke, Hired away), 10 Duke Players, 7 Trojans
What's the Outlook: The transfer portal floodgates were going to open as soon as Mike Elko took the Texas A&M job, the only question was how many and who would Duke lose. The biggest loss for the Blue Devils was when QB Riley Leonard announced that he was going to be the new QB for Notre Dame. The team's leading rusher, Jordan Waters, also announced he was leaving, giving the Blue Devils two big holes on offense to fill. To make matters worse for Duke, they'll also have to plan for the nation's second-leading rusher Kimani Vidal. Vidal is fresh off a 233-yard, 5-touchdown performance against Appalachian State en route to a Sun Belt title. Troy seems to be too much and should be motivated to claim another Power 5 win on their growing resume.
KP: Troy
MP: Troy
James Madison Dukes (11-1, 9) vs Air Force Falcons (8-4, 41)
Who's Out: Curt Cignetti (JMU, Hired away), 14 Dukes, 8 Falcons
What's the Outlook: Four weeks ago this bowl game would've been one to watch, but a lot of things changed. First off, the Dukes' magical undefeated season came to an end, while the Falcons went from 8-0 to four straight losses. The departure of head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana caused a lot of players to follow him out the door. The biggest departure was starting QB, Jordan McCloud, who threw for 3,400 yards and 32 touchdowns. The Falcons know a thing or two about QB troubles as their season unraveled after the injury to Zac Larrier. John Busha took over for Jensen Jones, who struggled in his three games as QB. Air Force also lost playmaker John Lee Eldridge to the transfer portal, weakening their backfield even more. The better defense is the one that comes out on top in this one, so don't expect a lot of big plays.
KP: JMU
MP: JMU
Utah State Aggies (6-6, 81) vs Georgia State Panthers (6-6, 64)
Who's Out: 13 Panthers and 6 Aggies
What's the Outlook: This game heavily favored Georgia State until the dreaded transfer portal reared its ugly head. The portal claimed the Panthers' top receiver (Robert Lewis) and running back (Marcus Carroll) leaving them without over 2,200 yards of offense. KZ Adams, the team's third-leading rusher, also left to add to their woes. The Panthers have lost five straight heading into this game and may be able to overcome the odds with their versatile QB, Darren Grainger. The Aggies have won three of their last four including two double overtime wins to help them become bowl eligible. They're also playing in familiar territory, so I give them a slight edge.
KP: UST
MP: GST
South Alabama Jaguars (6-6, 67) vs Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-6, 82)
Who's Out: 4 Jaguars and 7 Eagles
What's the Outlook: So what the Jaguars annihilated the Big 12 runners-up, Oklahoma State? So, what EMU's QB entered the transfer portal along with the guy who received the scholarship from Brian Dooley (Zach Conti) and a giant tight end (Andreas Paaske)? So what if they can only beat San Jose State in a bowl game? The Eagles still have Jaylen Jackson, Samson Evans, and two of the meanest linebackers in college football (Joe Sparacio's 134 tackles and Chase Kline's 129). I pity the fool that takes USA by 15.5. Ladamian Webb isn't running anywhere. Eagles by 105! (This completes my fantasy).
KP: EMU
MP: EMU
Northwestern Wildcats (7-5, 50) vs Utah Utes (8-4, 35)
Who's Out: 15 Utes (mostly backup QBs) and 4 Wildcats
What's the Outlook: No one expected the Wildcats to put up this performance but if David Braun isn't the coach of the year then I don't know who is. Northwestern was left for dead after a hazing scandal cost longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald his job, but Braun got the team rallied and were far more competitive than expected. Utah was a disappointment in large part due to the absence of QB Cam Rising, who was injured in last year's Rose Bowl against Ohio State. Still, the Utes' defense did a lot of heavy lifting to win games but that burden proved too much when they were steamrolled by Oregon, Arizona, and Washington. The Wildcats also lean on their defense, despite their last game's shootout win over Illinois 45-43. Offense might be lacking, but this one should be a go-to for fans of hard-hitting defense.
KP: Utah
MP: NW
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (7-5, 56) vs San Jose Spartans (7-5, 54)
Who's Out: 24 Chanticleers and 4 Spartans
What's the Outlook: Matching the success of Jamey Chadwell at Coastal Carolina was going to be tough but Tim Beck lost a lot of believers as they scuffled in his first season. That season came to an end with back-to-back losses to Army and James Madison. Shortly after the regular season ended, QB Grayson McCall announced he was grad transferring to NCST and opting out of the bowl game. An astounding 23 more players jumped into the portal, significantly diminishing the depth of Coastal. Meanwhile, the Spartans are clicking at the right time, as they have won six straight and were a tiebreaker away from making it to the Mountain West Championship. Not to mention, San Jose State will have great memories on the field as they trounced Hawaii, 35-0, in Honolulu, earlier this year.
KP: SJST
MP: CC
Tuesday, December 26
Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-7, 83) vs Bowling Green Falcons (7-5, 59)
Who's Out: 9 Falcons and Gophers
What's the Outlook: The Gophers sneak into bowl season thanks to their academic prowess amongst 5-7 teams and because Army had two wins against FCS schools. Minnesota will be playing with a new QB as Athan Kaliakmanis entered the transfer portal, which might not be a huge loss since he threw just 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Gophers have lost four straight and three of those by double figures. Meanwhile, the Falcons have won 5 of 6, and that lone loss was a one-point defeat at the hands of rival Toledo. This is a BG team that already beat an ACC team, so why not add a Big Ten team and wave the MAC pirate flag in Detroit.
KP: BGSU
MP: BGSU
Who's Out: J.T. Daniels (Rice QB, retired), 1 other Owl and 4 Bobcats
What's the Outlook: It's great that at least one game is dominated by people leaving, but the unfortunate thing is that Rice will be without star QB J.T. Daniels. Daniels announced that he would no longer play football after yet another concussion. Since his injury, the Owls have gone 2-1, so there's no sense of lost hope in Houston. Luckily, the Bobcats aren't interested in defense as they have allowed 207 points in their last five games, including 77 to Arkansas State. They've also scored nearly 33 points in that same time frame, so this one could feature a lot of points. The Bobcats can move the ball through the air (T.J. Finley's thrown for over 3,200 yards) and on the ground (Ismail Mahdi has over 1,200 yards rushing).
KP: Rice
MP: TXST
Kansas Jayhawks (8-4, 36) vs UNLV Rebels (9-4, 30)
Who's Out: 3 Jayhawks and 5 Rebels
What's the Outlook: Look, no one had either of these teams with at least eight wins and one of them playing for a conference championship, but 2023 was a strange season. The Rebels fell short in their quest for Mountain West glory, while the Jayhawks played spoilers in the Big 12. Both teams are scuffling heading into bowl season as UNLV has dropped back-to-back games while Kansas has lost two of their final three contests. As nice as the Rebels story has been, the Jayhawks have better athletes on their side of the ball. Although both teams played Nevada this season it was the Rebels who won their game comfortably, while the Jayhawks struggled.
KP: KU
MP: KU
Wednesday, December 27
Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6, 68) vs Tulane Green Wave (11-2, 12)
Who's Out: Willie Fritz (Tulane, hired away), 11 Hokies, and 12 Green Wave
What's the Outlook: The Green Wave's chances took a hit when Willie Fritz took the Houston job and that led to 12 players entering the transfer portal, including top receiver Chris Brazzell and backup QB Kai Horton. However, Tulane has been counted out before with no one giving them a chance against USC last season before they shocked the Heisman Trophy winner's squad. The Hokies are a scrappy, much-improved bunch, but they had bad losses to Marshall, Purdue, and Rutgers in their non-conference. I think Tulane pulls together one last time to win a close game.
KP: Tulane
MP: Tulane
West Virginia Mountaineers (8-4, 39) vs UNC Tar Heels (8-4, 32)
Who's Out: 19 Tar Heels and 14 Mountaineers
What's the Outlook: Well, the NFL Draft is too mighty to ignore and UNC QB Drake Maye is one of 19 Tar Heels that won't be playing in Charlotte. They've already found a replacement in Texas A&M's Max Johnson, but that doesn't help them for their bowl game, meaning they'll turn to Connor Harrell. This may be the only game a coach doesn't want his team to win as they, for charity, have a giant tub of Duke's Mayo poured over their head. In 2023, the season was a disappointing finish for Mack Brown's crew, so I believe it will be Neal Brown's head that will be grotesquely covered in tangy condiment.
KP: WVU
MP: WVU
USC Trojans (7-5, 54) vs Louisville Cardinals (10-3, 21)
Who's Out: 13 Trojans and 10 Cardinals
What's the Outlook: Former Heisman winner Caleb Williams has rightfully declared for the NFL Draft and will skip the Holiday Bowl before he's killed by poor blocking. Wide Receiver Brenden Rice, son of Jerry Rice, also declared for the NFL Draft. Still, with these big holes, I don't trust a Louisville team that was humiliated by Pitt earlier this season. Jack Plummer should have an easier time against this defense than he did against Florida State, but as disappointing as this season has been in L.A. I'm still holding onto a Trojans' win.
KP: USC
MP: UL
Texas A&M Aggies (7-5, 52) vs Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-4, 29)
Who's Out: 18 Aggies and 7 Cowboys
What's the Outlook: The Aggies had another disappointing finish and this time it cost Jimbo Fisher his job. That led to a mass exodus including QB Max Johnson, but somehow the Aggies seem to be in better shape than the Pokes. The success of OKST depends on the health of Doak Walker winner, and the nation's leading rusher, Ollie Gordon II. Gordon left the Big 12 Championship with an injury and the Cowboys were lassoed by the Longhorns who coasted to victory. The Cowboys have also been unimpressive in blowout losses to UCF and South Alabama earlier this season. The SEC trumps the Big 12 in this one.
KP: TAM
MP: OKST
Thursday, December 28
Boston College Eagles (6-6, 76) vs SMU Mustangs (11-2, 13)
Who's Out: 13 Eagles and 7 Mustangs
What's the Outlook: Even though the Eagles will play on their home turf, Preston Stone and the SMU offense will prove to be too much. Boston College struggled against lesser talent and have dropped three straight. Perhaps the only thing going for them is that the Mustangs might be saddened by the fact that they just missed an appearance in the Cotton Bowl after winning the AAC.
KP: SMU
MP: BC
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-6, 78) vs Miami Hurricanes (7-5, 49)
Who's Out: 10 Knights and 14 Hurricanes
What's the Outlook: A battle between two former Big East foes is about as fun as this match-up gets. Both teams were throttled at the end of the season with Miami getting the lone win in each team's final four games. The Hurricanes will be without leading passer Tyler Van Dyke who entered the transfer portal, but Miami seems slightly better off to win this game with any offense. In their final four games, Rutgers scored 46 points, which was still good enough for Greg Schiano to get a contract extension.
KP: MFL
MP: Rutgers
NCST Wolfpack (9-3, 23) vs Kansas State Wildcats (8-4, 33)
Who's Out: 18 Wolfpack and 15 Wildcats
What's the Outlook: This game unfortunately takes a bit of a hit, despite featuring the first-ranked opponents of the bowl season. KSU QB Will Howard entered the transfer portal which could hinder a Wildcat offense that has only scored fewer than 30 points just twice this season. Since Steve Smith Sr. mistakenly called NCST a basketball school on College Gameday, the Wolfpack have won five straight to close out the season. This should be a close one but without the reliable QB play, the edge goes to NCST.
KP: NCST
MP: KSU
Arizona Wildcats (9-3, 24) vs Oklahoma Sooners (10-2, 16)
Who's Out: 13 Sooners and 8 Wildcats
What's the Outlook: It's the first bowl match-up between two teams in the Top 25 of the Pool Poll and it is sullied by the fact that Dillion Gabriel (OK QB) won't be under center. The Sooners will get no mercy from a hungry Arizona team that improved four wins from last season. In fact, with a win, they can match their total wins from 2019-2022. Noah Fifita can sling the ball around and I like the Wildcats to knock off the Sooners in San Antonio. The Sooners also lose credit for failing to make it to the Big 12 Championship despite incredibly weak competition.
KP: Arizona
MP: Arizona
Friday, December 29
Clemson Tigers (8-4, 31) vs Kentucky Wildcats (7-5, 51)
Who's Out: 8 Tigers and 14 Wildcats
What's the Outlook: Everyone can blame Tyler from Spartansburg for waking up the rage monster inside Dabo Swinney. Since their loss and that infamous call on Tigers' talk radio, won all four November contests after their loss to NCST. Kentucky did end the season on a high note with a win over rival Louisville, but Clemson is out for blood and Charlie Sheen can tell you that Tiger Blood is no joke.
KP: Clemson
MP: Clemson
Oregon State Beavers (8-4, 34) vs (Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-3, 25)
Who's Out: 9 Beavers and 15 Irish, Jonathan Smith (hired away)
What's the Outlook: Imagine you're the Sun Bowl and you think you are getting two NFL caliber QBs for your bowl game and then you find out that one is transferring (D.J. Uiagalelei, Ore St) and the other is getting ready for the NFL draft (Sam Hartman, ND). It's honestly surprising the Beavers weren't hit harder by the transfer portal considering Smith's departure and the fact that Oregon State is a team without a conference in 2024. The Irish will also be without top RB Audric Estime, who is joining Hartman to prepare for the draft. With all this uncertainty I defer to the defenses. Oregon State allowed more than 20 points in half of their games while the Irish only had four teams eclipse the 20-point mark. Advantage Irish.
KP: ND
MP: Ore State
Memphis Tigers (9-3, 26) vs Iowa State Cyclones (7-5, 48)
Who's Out: 9 Tigers and 14 Cyclones
What's the outlook: This is just another home game for Memphis as they'll play in their home stadium against a gritty Iowa State team. This game could feature a lot of points, especially if it snows because that unlocks superpowers for Iowa State's offense. If it doesn't snow then I give the edge to Memphis, who gets to sleep in their own beds and they also took Missouri and SMU to the brink earlier this season.
KP: Memphis
MP: Memphis
Who's Out: 17 Buckeyes and 10 Tigers
What's the Outlook: Buckeye fans got their wish when Kyle McCord announced he was headed to the transfer portal, but along with him went RB Chip Trayanum, and WR Julian Fleming. Still, Devin Brown has Heisman Finalist, Marvin Harrison Jr. (for now), to throw the ball to and TreVeyon Henderson to hand the ball to. The secondary for the Buckeyes will have to be stout because Missouri loves to toss the pigskin. Brady Cook threw for over 3,000 yards with his favorite target, Luther Burden III, collecting nearly 1,200 of those yards. If Ohio State wants to win, it's going to be in a shoutout like the Rose Bowl against Utah. Maserati Marv is up for the challenge but is Ryan Day?
KP: Mizzou
MP: Mizzou
Saturday, December 30
Maryland Terrapins (7-5, 58) vs Auburn Tigers (6-6, 80)
Who's Out: 10 Terps and 9 Tigers
What's the Outlook: If we get the Auburn team that almost beat Alabama and the Maryland team that almost beat Michigan, this should be a heck of a game. Then again, we could get the Auburn team that was slugged by New Mexico State and the Maryland team that lost to Illinois. I'd love to see Taulia Tagovailoa go out a winner in his final game for Maryland and get a cheap win for the Big Ten.
KP: Maryland
MP: Maryland
Toledo Rockets (11-2, 15) vs Wyoming Cowboys (8-4, 37)
Who's Out: 5 Rockets and Cowboys
What's the Outlook: DeQuan Finn, the reigning MAC Player of the Year, has hit the transfer portal, but the Rockets still boast Penny Boone's 1,400 yards rushing (Top 5 in the nation). Unfortunately, they looked lackluster against Miami in the MAC Championship with Finn, so I don't love their chances out west. Not to mention, longtime Wyoming coach, Craig Bohl, announced he was retiring. That only amps up the Cowboys to win one last time for coach. On a different note, watch this game on mute because the Barstool announcers are the most annoying bunch of frat boys you'll ever hear call a football game.
KP: Wyoming
MP: Toledo
Ole Miss Rebels (10-2, 19) vs Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2, 18)
Who's Out: 11 Rebels and 3 Lions
What's the Outlook: Penn State laid an egg in both of their big contests, especially Drew Allar, who was haunted by crowd noise in Columbus. Now amplify that in a dome with an SEC-favorable crowd. The Penn State defense will make this score closer than it truly will be. Then again, Ole Miss loves to let teams hang around longer than they should and Penn State's probably as good as Texas A&M and Auburn so maybe there's hope for James Franklin.
KP: Ole Miss
MP: PSU
Georgia Bulldogs (12-1, 7) vs Florida State Seminoles (13-0, 3)
Who's Out: 17 Bulldogs and 19 Seminoles
What's the Outlook: This game features the two teams jilted by the CFP Committee. That seething anger will be palpable, but the reason that Florida State was left out was because Jordan Travis isn't walking on that field to face an SEC defense. Then again, he did do that against LSU and led the Noles to victory. Georgia won't be able to make it three straight crowns because they lost the last game of the season. The defenses will take out their anger on the two offenses, but when the dust clears, Georgia wins to save the committee's face.
KP: Georgia
MP: Georgia
Monday, January 1
Wisconsin Badgers (7-5, 47) vs LSU Tigers (9-3, 22)
Who's Out: 11 Badgers and 9 Tigers
What's the Outlook: It's going to be a massacre. Hide your kids and hide your wife, because Jayden Daniels and his Heisman Trophy are going to dismantle Bucky in front of their eyes. Daniels rightfully won the Heisman after he accounted for nearly 5,000 yards of total offense and 50 TDs. By comparison, the Badgers as a team scored 34 total touchdowns.
KP: LSU
MP: LSU
Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3, 20) vs Tennessee Volunteers (8-4, 40)
Who's Out: 10 Volunteers and 6 Hawkeyes (Including two QBs which I didn't think they had.)
What's the Outlook: Like the previous bowl, this features an offensive offense from the Big Ten against an SEC school. The defense will make this closer than it should be, but Tennessee should have no issues scoring more than the Hawkeyes offense. Since the calendar turned to October, the highest output for Iowa is 22 points. Kirk Faerentz better pray for rain.
KP: Tennessee
MP: Iowa
Oregon Ducks (11-2, 10) vs Liberty Flames (13-0, 4)
Who's Out: 9 Ducks and Flames
What's the Outlook: I love a good David and Goliath story in sports and maybe Jamey Chadwell and the Flames can do it, but it got a lot harder when Heisman finalist, Bo Nix, announced that he would play in the Fiesta Bowl. That means Oregon will have their leader in the huddle who threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 TDs. Kaidon Salter is no slouch for Liberty as he's thrown for over 3,000 yards and 31 TDs, albeit against CUSA defenses. The Ducks should win ugly in this one.
KP: Oregon
MP: Liberty
Michigan Wolverines (13-0, 2) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 6)
Who's Out: C.J Stokes RB (Mich) and 5 Tide
What's the Outlook: Jim Harbaugh has finally slayed the demons that are the Big Ten Championship and Ohio State, but now it's time to win a bowl game. Brady Hoke led Michigan to an overtime win over Virginia Tech in the 2012 Sugar Bowl the last time Michigan won in the postseason. Alabama seemingly never loses during the bowl season and will be a tough task. Honestly, every Michigan fan and player wanted to see Florida State, but they've got Alabama a long way from home in the stadium they last won a National Championship and this time those losers in the Coaches Poll can't take it away from them. The Crimson Tide are clicking at the right time, but are vulnerable enough that they were nearly 31 yards from not being in this position. Jalen Milroe has seemed to gain confidence as a passer which will put pressure on J.J. McCarthy to throw the ball down the field. The biggest question is whether will he have the time after the costly injury to All-American Right Guard, Zack Zinter during the Ohio State game. The Iowa defense gave Michigan fits and we all know that SEC defenses are built harder, faster, and stronger. I believe, but it's time for Michigan to put up or shut up.
KP: Michigan
MP: Alabama
Crosby: Michigan
Washington Huskies (13-0, 1) vs Texas Longhorns (12-1, 5)
Who's Out: No one of note is missing this game.
What's the Outlook: The disrespect continues for Washington as they head South to play Texas in the Sugar Bowl. For my money, the Huskies have been the best team for a while and they have shown the grit to win close games. Texas of course has the big win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, which no doubt, put them in this position. The Longhorns looked strong in the Big 12 Championship though it was against inferior competition compared to Washington's second victory over Oregon this season. Michael Pennix Jr. and Quinn Ewers will make Big Ten fans wonder what could've been as the former IU QB squares off against the brief Buckeye prospect. Both teams are evenly matched and have incredible playmakers on both sides of the ball. I love the team that Kalen DeBoer has put together in Seattle and I believe they'll take the Pac 12 to the National Championship in an ironic twist.
KP: Washington
MP: Washington
Max has Alabama trumping Washington in the National Championship, while I continue to play homer and take Michigan to knock off Washington. Check back to see how we did.
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