It’s hard to believe that with 39 bowl games including 78
teams that an eligible team could find a way to get left out. Leave it to
Toledo from the Mid-American Conference
to be the one to get to be home for the holidays. Of course, they may have been
lobbying to stay out of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in the garden spot of
Boise, Idaho. We’ll never know of course, but if some Toledo offensive lineman
tweets pictures from the beach in St. Somewhere, well, maybe we’ll have our
answer.
For 74 other teams that aren’t competing for a national
title, there are a variety of motivations for playing in a December or January
game. Whether it be the extra practices to prepare for the 2020 season,
bragging rights in the recruiting wars, the chance to play underclassmen or
just to work on their tans, they’ll all be lining up with a chance to end the
season with a victory. While a handful of games actually have some level of
national interest, most are marginally compelling and are little more than
programming content for ESPN, which actually owns and operates 14 of these
games through its ESPN Events division.
Predicting these games is college football’s version of playing
roulette and craps, all rolled into one. The roulette for the luck and craps
for the quality of play. Okay, maybe that’s not fair, but it does tend to be
accurate. Last year’s bowl games, including the College Football Playoffs, had
an average margin of victory of 17 points, with 16 games decided by one score
or less. I’m just the messenger.
December 20
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl
Buffalo (7 -
5) 31 vs. Charlotte (7 - 5) 37: This game is sponsored by Elk Grove
Village, the nation’s largest industrial park. I have no idea what a football
game played in a 15,000 seat soccer/cricket stadium in a tourist country has to
do with domestic manufacturing, but it looks like a creative way for the
managers to justify a pre-Christmas vacation where the 80 degree weather and
beaches beat the hell out of whatever is happening in the Chicago area. It
makes me feel good about my marketing degree.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl
Utah State (7 - 5) 31 vs. Kent State (6 - 6) 20: Here’s
another game played in a soccer stadium, this one with an overwhelming capacity of 20,000. Are there
going to be goal posts or soccer goals in place? Do you have to run into the
goal for a touchdown? How will extra points work? Kent State represents the
MAC, which had an abysmal 14 - 34
non-conference record, against Mountain West member Utah State, whose conference
ran up a 31 - 18 record outside the league. In addition, I heard a rumor that
next year’s event will be called the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco State Bowl.
December 21
New Mexico Bowl
Central Michigan (8 - 5) 28 vs. San Diego State (9 - 3) 34: Another
MAC team shows up here, this time it’s the loser of the conference championship
game, against the team that finished second in their division of the Mountain
West. The purpose of this game is to incent you to make a visit to the great
city of Albuquerque. First, you have to watch the game. Second, you have to
figure out how to spell “Albuquerque”.
FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl
Liberty (7 - 5) 24 vs. Ga. Southern (7 - 5) 27: The
25,500 seat Exploria Stadium, another soccer venue, will be the site for this
game. Really? Orlando has two football stadiums but for some reason they
mustn’t be sufficient. In all
seriousness, this game benefits the fight against cancer and celebrates its
survivors. There is a pre-game block
party and cancer tribute march featuring survivors and other supporters that
will end at the stadium.
Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl
SMU (10 - 2) 38 vs. Florida Atlantic (10 - 3) 31: FAU
head coach Lane Kiffin has accepted the same job at Ole Miss, so he won’t be
coaching in this game. It really doesn’t matter, as SMU is the better team
anyway. Of course, it helps FAU to be playing a bowl game on their home field.
What a great reward for a good season, staying home for your bowl game. I guess
it could be worse. They could have had to play in Boise.
Camellia Bowl
Florida International (6 - 6) 31 vs. Arkansas State (7 -
5) 35: This game is played in the garden spot of Montgomery, Alabama. I’m
pretty sure kids grow up, throw the ball around in the back yard and dream of
one day earning a trip to the Camellia Bowl, played in the historic Cramton
Bowl. It really conjures images of Pasadena on January 1, doesn’t it? Actually,
Arkansas State liked it so much in 2017 that they’re coming back again. Go
figure.
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
(19) Boise State (12 - 1) 30 vs. Washington (7 - 5)
27: This is an interesting game that matches Washington’s departing coach,
Chris Petersen, against his former team that rose to prominence under his
direction. I’m certain that story line will tend to overshadow the game itself.
I look for Boise to overwhelm the Huskies, as they look to turn a chip on their
shoulders into victory over a Power Five program.
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
(20) Appalachian State (12 - 1) 37 vs. UAB (9 - 4) 27:
Appalachian State is one of the great stories in college football, but so is
UAB. Following the 2014 season, UAB shut down the program for two seasons, only
to re-emerge for the 2017 campaign. In their first year back, they won the
Conference USA championship and played in the Bahamas Bowl. Since entering the
FBS subdivision in 2015, Appalachian State has qualified for a bowl game every
year, winning each time. They’ve also won the last four Sun Belt titles.
December 23
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
UCF (9 - 3) 34 vs. Marshall (8 - 4) 27: After a
couple of years of undefeated play, UCF came back down to earth this season and
is nowhere near the national championship discussion. At least they get to make
an hour trip to Tampa for a bowl game. Will they be riding lawnmowers down I-4
to get to the game? I sure hope so.
December 24
SoFi Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii (9 - 5) 38 vs. BYU (7 - 5) 30: Hawaii is
another team to get a home bowl game.
There really isn’t a nicer place in the United States to spend
Christmas, so I’m not sure if the Rainbows are all that upset. Between trips to
the beach and gazing at bikini clad swimmers, BYU will try to squeeze in a
football game. Focused? Probably not.
December 26
Walk On’s Independence Bowl
La. Tech (9 - 3) 30 vs. Miami (6 - 6) 27: The year
started with debacle of a coaching change for Miami and could end with a
devastating loss for the Hurricanes. I just don’t see Miami coming into this
game with much motivation. The Bulldogs get to head about an hour west on I-20
for the game. This could get ugly and be another black mark on a dismal season
for the ACC Coastal.
Quick Lane Bowl:
Pittsburgh (7 - 5) 29 vs. Eastern Michigan (6 - 6) 20:
With two weeks left in the season, Pittsburgh stood at 7 - 3 and still had a
legitimate shot at the ACC Coastal title. After getting shut out by Va. Tech
and losing to a mediocre Boston College team, they now head north to Detroit
instead of the other direction. Ouch!
December 27
Military Bowl Presented by Northrup Grumman
North Carolina (6 - 6) 34 vs. Temple (8 - 4) 17: What
started as a promising season for UNC with the return of head coach Mack Brown
and an opening win over South Carolina, fizzled with six one possession losses.
The silver lining is that the Tar Heels get to go to Annapolis, Maryland to
play a bowl game on the campus of the Naval Academy. Temple quietly went 8 - 4
and at times exhibited a strong defense, but at other times they were scorched.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Michigan State (6 - 6) 24 vs. Wake Forest (8 - 4) 27:
This is a very interesting game, with a disappointing
Michigan State taking on an overachieving Wake Forest team. The Deacons got off
to 7 - 1 start, but stumbled down the stretch, losing three of their last four
games. My hope is that they play the game in Yankees uniforms.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl
(25) Oklahoma State (8 - 4) 27 vs. Texas A&M (7 - 5) 37: If this game looks familiar to
long-time football fans, it’s because these two schools were members of the Big
12 from 1996 to 2012. Texas A&M had one of, if not the toughest schedule in
the country. They played three number one teams and also lost to number 5
Georgia and top 15 Auburn. The interesting thing about this game is that
despite its name, is played in an indoor stadium. Hmmm.
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
(22) USC (8 - 4) 27 vs. (16) Iowa (9 - 3) 23: I guess
we can call this “Rose Bowl Light” with the game being played about 125 miles
to the south of the “Grandaddy of them all”. USC coach Clay Helton’s job was
rumored to be in jeopardy since last season, but it appears the window for the
Trojans to have made a change has come and gone, especially since the early
signing period for incoming players has already passed. I think USC has too
much speed for the Hawkeyes.
Cheez-It Bowl
Air Force (10 -2) 34 vs. Washington State (6 - 6) 30:
Air Force flew under the radar all season (see what I did there?) and
Washington State seemed to fall apart after giving up a huge lead to UCLA. I’m
not sure Cougars coach Mike Leach can get his team up for this one.
December 28
Camping World Bowl
(15) Notre Dame (10 -2) 27 vs. Iowa State (7 - 5) 21:
I’m a bit surprised that Notre Dame fell to this bowl game. Nothing against the
Camping World Bowl, but one year after making the playoffs the Irish only lose
twice and can’t make a premier postseason classic. If Notre Dame comes to play,
I don’t think Iowa State can stay with them.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
(10) Penn State (10 - 2) 34 vs.(17) Memphis (12 - 1)
24: This is a great lead-in game to the playoffs. Memphis completed a
season-long battle to gain the Group of Five’s bid to a New Year’s Six game by
defeating Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference’s championship game.
Penn State had the misfortune of playing in the Big Ten East and recorded tough
losses to Ohio State and Minnesota. The Nittany Lions should have too much on
both sides of the ball for the upset minded Tigers.
College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Play Station
Fiesta Bowl
(2) Ohio State (13 - 0) 31
vs. (3) Clemson (13 - 0) 30: I’m doing these games in chronological order so
the playoff clashes seemingly appear to be buried in the holiday bowl-fest.
This is seemingly the most balanced and best final four we’ve seen since the
inception of the format. Despite a
couple of closer games late in the season, I’ve maintained that Ohio State is
the top of a very talented heap of college teams. Although I believe Clemson is
a great defending champion, my concern is that they just haven’t played anyone
with close to the speed and depth possessed by Ohio State. Both teams are
having to travel, so there’s no real advantage for either team on that front.
This should be a terrific game, but ultimately I like the Buckeyes to prevail.
College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chik-Fil-A Peach
Bowl
(1) LSU (13 - 0) 37
vs. (4) Oklahoma (12 - 1) 31: Both of these teams have explosive offenses and
aggressive defenses. Near unanimous Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow leads LSU
while former Alabama national champion Jalen Hurts quarterbacks Oklahoma. I
love to watch the Sooners, but their inability to clearly defeat Baylor twice
concerns me in light of LSU”s domination of the SEC this season. This will be a
close game, but Burrow’s ability and the Tiger’s defense should be able to do
enough to get to the finals.
December 30
SERVPRO First Responders Bowl
Western Kentucky (8 - 4) 38 vs. Western Michigan (7 -
5) 17: Both of these teams will have to travel “westerner” to Dallas to face
each other. Neither team had a particularly stellar season, but I’ll take
Western Kentucky in this one.
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Mississippi State (6 - 6) 24 vs. Louisville (7 - 5) 38:
It took a missed extra point by Ole Miss for Mississippi State to barely qualify
for this bowl game. Meanwhile, Louisville was able to put together a decent
season, albeit in a weak ACC. The Cardinals should fly in Nashville.
Red Box Bowl
California (7 - 5) 30 vs. Illinois (6 - 6) 23: In the
underrated and deep PAc-12, Cal was able to forge a pretty good season.
Similarly, Illinois emerged from the brutal
Big Ten to get into only their second bowl game since 2011. There was
some inconsistency for the Illini with a big win over Wisconsin, but later a lopsided loss to a weak Northwestern team.
Capital One Orange Bowl
(9) Florida (10 - 2) 37 vs. (24) Virginia (9 - 4) 20:
I don’t see any way that Virginia can stay with Florida. The Cavaliers
struggled to get to the ACC championship where they were trounced by Clemson.
It’s a shame that Notre Dame didn’t get a shot at this game.
December 31
Belk Bowl
Virginia Tech (8 - 4) 29 vs. Kentucky (7 - 5) 27: Va.
Tech flexed its defensive muscle down the stretch after a shaky start. In
winning their last three games, Kentucky’s offense came to life. It should be
an interesting final game for famed Va. Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Florida State (6 - 6) 24 vs. Arizona State (8 - 4) 27:
I’m sure many people are surprised that Florida State, in a season where they
fired head coach Willie Taggert, made it to a bowl game. Second-year head coach
Herm Edwards has turned around the Arizona State program and I’m certain they
will be prepared for the ‘Noles.
Auto Zone Liberty Bowl
(23) Navy (10 - 2) 28 vs. Kansas State (8 - 4) 24:
Navy can be tough to play if you don’t see their style of offense on a regular
basis. The Midshipmen are coming off a beat down of Army that completed a
season during which their only losses were to top 20 teams Memphis and Notre
Dame.
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Wyoming (7 - 5) 37 vs. Georgia State (7 - 5) 27: I
really can’t admit to knowing much about these teams. Furthermore, I can’t
admit to really caring, either.
Valero Alamo Bowl
(11) Utah (11 - 3) 30 vs. Texas (7 - 5) 21: Against
Oregon, Utah looked like a racehorse struggling to get out of the starting
gate, then gets pinned against the rail. They just never seemed to be able to
get going. The same could be said for Texas’ entire season. If the Longhorns lose
this game, their head coach Tom Herman will most likely begin the 2020 campaign
as one of the first coaches on the hot seat.
New Years Day
Vrbo Citrus Bowl
(14) Michigan (9 - 3) vs. (13) Alabama (10 - 2): This is one
of the most intriguing games of the bowl season. It’s hard to imagine either of
these intense coaches not playing to win. For Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, he
needs an impressive win to set himself up for a strong, perhaps job-saving
2020.
Outback Bowl
(18) Minnesota (10 - 2) 27 vs. (12) Auburn (9 - 3) 24:
In another compelling Big Ten - SEC
matchup, Auburn will be looking to build on their big victory over Alabama in
the Iron Bowl. Minnesota is coming off a very successful, yet a bit of a
disappointing season during which they couldn’t finish with a Big Ten West
title. This is one of a handful of games I have circled on my schedule. I’ll
pick with my heart here, pulling for Minnesota.
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual
(6) Oregon (10 - 2) 31 vs. (8) Wisconsin (10 - 3) 27:
If it wasn’t for a big stumble against Arizona, Oregon might be preparing for a
playoff game against LSU. Oregon has the one thing that is kryptonite to
Wisconsin’s defensive Superman: speed. The Ducks present real issues for the
Badgers, who will be forced to rely on running back Jonathan Taylor to control
the ball and keep Oregon’s high powered offense off the field.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
(5) Georgia (11 - 2) 24 vs. (7) Baylor (11 - 2) 27:
Georgia’s loss to South Carolina is still a mystery to me. I was in the stands
when South Carolina was dominated in the second half by Tennessee and just don’t
understand how the Bulldogs let the Gamecocks get the better of them. Baylor’s
only blemishes were against playoff participant Oklahoma. I don’t think Georgia
has enough offense to win this one.
January 2
Ticket Smarter Birmingham Bowl
Boston College (6 - 6) 24 vs. (21) Cincinnati (10 - 3) 34:
This game matches a barely bowl eligible Boston College from the worst Power
Five conference against a good Cincinnati team from the best Group of Five
conference. Hmmm...
Tax Slayer Gator Bowl
Indiana (8 - 4)28 vs. Tennessee (7 - 5) 31: Indiana
had perhaps the most underrated seasons in college football. They posted eight wins for the first time
since 1993 and for only the sixth time since 1945. They will be looking
for their first bowl win in five tries
since 1990. And all of this while playing in perhaps the toughest division in the
Power Five. Since one of my daughters attends Tennessee and these picks are
such guesses, I’ll go with the Vols.
January 3
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio (6 - 6) 27 vs. Nevada (7 - 5) 38: Played on the
blue turf of Boise State, this game definitely feels like a parting gift for
the loser on a game show. In case you haven’t noticed, I have a distinct
anti-MAC bias this bowl season.
January 4
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Southern Mississippi (7 - 5) 40 vs. Tulane (6 - 6) 34:
This game is played in Fort Worth, which of course should be obvious by the
name of the bowl. Will anyone even care about this game by the first weekend in
January? Doubtful.
January 6
Lending Tree Bowl
Louisiana (10 - 3) 37 vs. Miam, OH (8 - 5) 34: Is it
over yet? Mercifully, it is.
Hear my recent interview with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, where we discussed his agency, concussions, franchise relocation and philanthropy at http://thechtonsports.com/cold-hard-truth-sports-radio-show-1242017/
Also listen to our conversation with author and sports journalist Mike Carey, as we discussed his latest book "Bad News" about Marvin Barnes and reminisced about Mike's coverage of the Boston Celtics during their glory years with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golongmedia/2017/02/08/the-cold-hard-truth-on-sports-radio-show
Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at Amazon.com . Check out www.thechtonsports.com for our podcasts and live broadcast on Tuesday's at 9:00 pm EST. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.
Hear my recent interview with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, where we discussed his agency, concussions, franchise relocation and philanthropy at http://thechtonsports.com/cold-hard-truth-sports-radio-show-1242017/
Also listen to our conversation with author and sports journalist Mike Carey, as we discussed his latest book "Bad News" about Marvin Barnes and reminisced about Mike's coverage of the Boston Celtics during their glory years with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golongmedia/2017/02/08/the-cold-hard-truth-on-sports-radio-show
Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at Amazon.com . Check out www.thechtonsports.com for our podcasts and live broadcast on Tuesday's at 9:00 pm EST. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.
