Football Future-see 2015: Week Thirteen: SuperSized Edition

Going 5-0 last week, and seeing the huge slate of games this week, meant that I simply can’t pick just five games. This week, you the reader get a full slate of ten games. Georgia makes their obligatory appearance for Good Old-Fashioned Hate. The Iron Bowl make an appearance, as do rivalry games between Florida State and Florida, Ohio State and Michigan, and several Big XII games. Enjoy.

RECORD

Week One	9-1
Week Two	4-1
Week Three	3-2
Week Four	2-3
Week Five	2-3
Week Six	3-2
Week Seven	5-0
Week Eight	3-2
Week Nine	4-1
Week Ten	4-1
Week Eleven	3-2
Week Twelve	5-0
Week Thirteen	7-3
Championships	0-0
Bowls	0-0
OVERALL	54-21	.720

The Games:

15 Navy at Houston (Friday, Noon, Fox)

This game lost some luster when the committee stopped caring so much about Houston. As the Cougars dropped, the Midshipmen rose. Navy is making a strong case for the Group of Five spot in the New Years Six bowl games. Houston’s defense should keep Navy in check, but I expect Navy to overpower the Cougars and finally put them away. Navy wins.

Final Score: Navy 33, Houston 23
INCORRECT: Houston won 52-31

4 Iowa at Nebraska (Friday, 3:30pm, CBS)

Iowa is undefeated, so they finally get to appear on the picks. Sorry for being so tardy to the party, Hawkeyes fans. Nebraska, meanwhile, has been a rollercoaster. They’ve lost games they should have won, and won games they should have lost. Now they play host to a strong Iowa team looking to reach the Big Ten championship game with an unblemished record. Nebraska will put up a fight, but I like Iowa to win.

Final Score:  Iowa 30, Nebraska 20
CORRECT: Iowa won 28-20

7 Baylor at 19 TCU (Friday, 7:30pm, ESPN)

Way back when the season started, this was the game everyone was looking forward to in the Big XII. Now, with both teams suffering injury and loss, this game isn’t as important as it once was. In fact, this game may not even impact the Big XII championship. Baylor has injuries. TCU has more injuries. Right now, I’m taking the healthier team. Baylor wins.

Final Score:  Baylor 42, TCU 34
INCORRECT: TCU won 28-21 in 2OT

8 Ohio State at 10 Michigan (Saturday, Noon, ABC)

Ohio State finally played a ranked team when they faced Michigan State, and Sparty sent them home with a loss. Last season, Michigan took Ohio State to the brink before the Buckeyes won, and now Michigan is even better. Ohio State has to play better than last week if they hope to win at the Big House. I’ve been saying all season, though, that Michigan would take down the Buckeyes. I’m still calling for it (why turn back now?). Wolverines win.

Final Score:  Michigan 24, Ohio State 18
INCORRECT: Ohio State won 42-13

Georgia at Georgia Tech (Saturday, Noon, ESPN2)

Georgia’s season went down the tubes a long time ago. Now all they have left to play for is pride. Mark Richt might be coaching for his career, but a simple firing of the Dawgs current Offensive Coordinator would probably quiet the rowdy faithful. Georgia Tech’s season went down the tubes before Georgia’s did, so they have almost nothing left to play for. In fact, the Yellow Jackets may even send their coach, Paul Johnson, packing after this season. Georgia should win this game, but I think it’ll be close. Dawgs win.

Final Score:  Georgia 24, Georgia Tech 21
CORRECT: Georgia won 13-7

2 Alabama at Auburn (Saturday, 3:30pm, CBS)

The Iron Bowl definitely does not have the luster it typically has, seeing as Auburn was never as good as the preseason hype said they were. Alabama is, I think, the most dangerous team in the country right now. I think they could beat anyone out there. Auburn might put up some fight, seeing as this is their biggest rival of the season, but I can’t see them lasting long against a stout Bama team. Roll Tide. Alabama wins.

Final Score: Alabama 37, Auburn 17
CORRECT: Alabama won 29-13

Penn State at 5 Michigan State (Saturday, 3:30pm, ESPN)

Can Penn State upset Michigan State? Yes, at this point, anyone can beat anyone… Will they? No, no they won’t. Sparty wins and clinches the Big Ten East.

Final Score:  Michigan State 34, Penn State 14
CORRECT: Michigan State won 55-16

6 Notre Dame at 9 Stanford (Saturday, 7:30pm, Fox)

Stanford has a chance to make a statement here. They’ve scratched and clawed their way back from some nasty loses. They could still make the playoff, if things break their way. Notre Dame is a study in overcoming adversity. No team has been as hampered by injury as the Irish this year. They’re still at #6, according to the committee, but I think the injuries are catching up. I like Stanford here, but I think ND keeps it close.

Final Score: Stanford 28, Notre Dame 24
CORRECT: Stanford won 38-36

13 Florida State at 12 Florida (Saturday, 7:30pm, ESPN)

Which Florida team shows up for this game? The team that made a hot run and won the SEC East, or the team that nearly lost to Florida Atlantic? Florida State is playing good football right now, and that should give them the edge over a suddenly mortal Gators team. It’s a rivalry game, and that means Florida should step up, but I like the Seminoles here. FSU wins.

Final Score: Florida State 28, Florida 20
CORRECT: Florida State won 27-2

3 Oklahoma at 11 Oklahoma State (Saturday, 8:00pm, ABC)

The winner of Bedlam may very well punch a ticket to the playoff. No one wants to play Oklahoma right now. The Sooners are hot. Oklahoma State suffered a loss to Baylor that took some of the shine off them, but they can regain that magic if they can top Oklahoma. I just don’t think they can. Baker Mayfield has the Sooner offense in top form, and he can sling it anywhere. Sooners win, but Okie State keeps it close.

Final Score: Oklahoma 35, Oklahoma State 27
CORRECT: Oklahoma won 58-23

Right Wing Top Ten

Week Seven of the poll features all sorts of changes.

NR = Not Ranked the previous Week

NC = No Change from previous week

+ = Moved Up

-  = Moved Down

Dropped Out: TCU Horned Frogs, Houston Cougars

15. Navy Midshipmen (NR)

14. Stanford Cardinal (+1)

13. Florida State University (NR)

12. Oklahoma State Cowboys (-8)

11. Ohio State Buckeyes (-8)

10. Florida Gators (-2)- Florida was taken to overtime by Florida Atlantic. Now the Gators must face Florida State and Alabama in back-to-back weeks.

9. Michigan Wolverines (+4)- Michigan has a big game with Ohio State this week, with an outside chance of reaching the Big Ten title game.

8. Baylor Bears (NC)- Baylor took down Oklahoma State, but they’re still on the outside looking in concerning the playoffs.

7. Michigan State Spartans (+7)- Sparty proved who Ohio State really was. Now they need to beat Penn State to claim a spot in the Big Ten title game.

6. North Carolina Tar Heels (+5)- UNC is playing as good on offense as anyone else in the nation, and they’ll look to knock off Clemson in the ACC Title Game.

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+2)- How Notre Dame keeps overcoming all these injuries, I’ll never know… But now they have to face Stanford in Palo Alto.

4. Oklahoma Sooners (+1)- Oklahoma is one of those teams that, even though they have a loss, no one wants to play them right now.

3. Iowa Hawkeyes (+3)- Iowa is still undefeated, and is making every possible case they can for a playoff spot.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (NC)- Alabama would probably be favored over anyone else in the country…the Iron Bowl won’t make a dent in that mystique.

1. Clemson Tigers (NC)- Clemson should have an easy walk against South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean they should overlook the Gamecocks on their way to an ACC title game against North Carolina.

Right Wing Bowl Predictions

Playoffs

Cotton Bowl: Clemson vs Oklahoma

Orange Bowl: Alabama vs Michigan State

Top Tier Bowls

Peach Bowl: LSU vs Notre Dame

Sugar Bowl: Florida vs Oklahoma State

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs Stanford

Fiesta Bowl: Navy vs Baylor

Second Tier Bowls

Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs Georgia

TaxSlayer (Gator) Bowl: Mississippi State vs Penn State

Outback Bowl: Iowa vs Ole Miss

Football Future-see 2015: Week Six

Alright, what happened? Did anyone catch the number of those buses in Athens and Gainesville, because Georgia and Ole Miss straight up got run over. In fact, the whole AP Top 25 went through some serious upheaval in just one week. Who is the number one team in the land? It’s not Ohio State, no matter what the AP says. Michigan State has struggled against lesser competition. TCU and Baylor lack defenses to go along with those offenses. Texas A&M may be the best team in the SEC. Notre Dame is complaining about a wet field in Clemson. But dwelling on the past can keep you from paying enough attention to the present. This week, we have a conference games from each of the power 5 conferences.

RECORD

Week One	9-1
Week Two	4-1
Week Three	3-2
Week Four	2-3
Week Five	2-3
Week Six	3-2
Week Seven
OVERALL	23-12	.657

The Games:

10 Oklahoma at Texas (Saturday, Noon, ABC)

The Red River Rivalry. Okay, Oklahoma can just about name their score in this game. Texas has just simply fallen so far and nothing seems able to fix it. They’re being out-recruited by Houston at this point. The Sooners, meanwhile, have a solid QB in Baker Mayfield and they have an offense just slightly less potent than TCU, who put up 50 on the Longhorns. Texas will be up a bit, since this is a rivalry game, but the Sooners will just plain roll them. Boomer Sooner!

Final Score: Oklahoma 40, Texas 14
INCORRECT: Texas won 24-17

Georgia Tech at 6 Clemson (Saturday, 3:30pm, ABC)

On October 7, 1916, the Georgia Tech Engineers (they weren’t the Yellow Jackets yet) defeated an intramural football team from tiny Cumberland College of Lebanon, TN, by the score of 222-0. That’s right, 222-0. That won’t be the case when the Jackets travel to Death Valley and face off against the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers may just be the best team in the ACC. QB Deshaun Watson is beginning to play up to that potential that he has. For that reason alone I think Clemson beats Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets may just be one of the most disappointing teams in the nation right now. I had them picked to reach the ACC Title Game and it’s starting to look like they’ll do well to be .500 on the year. Tigers win.

Final Score: Clemson 28, Georgia Tech 17
CORRECT: Clemson won 43-24

19 Georgia at Tennessee (Saturday, 3:30pm, CBS)

Georgia simply failed to show up for the game against Alabama, leading to the Dawgs picking up their first loss. Tennessee, meanwhile, has dropped close games to Oklahoma, Florida, and Arkansas, and now has Georgia and Alabama in back-to-back games. The Vols are currently 2-3, and could be 2-5 soon. The yearly match-up between Georgia and Tennessee is always close. But Georgia is coming off a whipping that calls for them to step up and play a lot better. The Dawgs O-Line has to open up as many holes as possible for Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, especially for Chubb to reach that milestone 100 yards rushing. And I think they’ll do it. Tennessee will keep it close, but Georgia will overcome and pull away in the fourth. Dawgs wins.

Final Score: Georgia 34, Tennessee 20
INCORRECT: Tennessee won 38-31

19 Northwestern at 18 Michigan (Saturday, 3:30pm, BigTen Network)

Michigan is looking more and more like the real deal. That loss to Utah doesn’t look nearly as bad as it did after the game. Jim Harbaugh has the Wolverines believing that they are a major player in the Big Ten, and I have to admit that I’m buying it. Northwestern is riding high after a big early season win over Stanford. They are also looking to stake their claim in a Big Ten that suddenly looks wide open, as neither Ohio State nor Michigan State look to be as dominant as they should be as Top-5 ranked teams. I think Michigan is just a little better than Northwestern though. Wolverines win.

Final Score: Michigan 27, Northwestern 21
CORRECT: Michigan won 38-0

23 California at 5 Utah (Saturday, 10:00pm, ESPN)

Cal has the player, Jared Goff, that may be the best QB in the country. Utah may just be the best team in the country. This game will be a big step toward one of these teams making a statement in the PAC-12. The Utes are still beaming after a huge 42-point victory over Oregon. Cal is just pushing for more respect. I like Cal’s QB, but I just don’t think they have enough to clear the roadblock that is Utah. Utes win.

Final Score: Utah 31, California 17
CORRECT: Utah won 30-24

Football Future-see 2015: Week Five

Last week was one of those weeks that did not go well for me on the picks, but went fantastically for college football as a whole. Some close, awe-inspiring games took place, like TAMU and Arkansas going to overtime. Some truly mind-boggling events took place, like Tennessee being up 27-14 on Florida one minute, then suddenly losing 28-27. Some of the teams that should have won did so, like Georgia winning by 42 over Southern. Some of the teams that weren’t necessarily expected to win did so, like Utah winning by 42 over Oregon. Will the chaos continue, or will order be restored? Given the slate this week, I’m looking for more chaos. We’ve got Alabama at Georgia, Ole Miss at Florida, and Mississippi State at Texas A&M, along with a conference game from the Big XII and a pseudo-conference game from the ACC.

RECORD

Week One	9-1
Week Two	4-1
Week Three	3-2
Week Four	2-3
Week Five	2-3
Week Six
Week Seven
OVERALL	20-10	.667

The Games:

23 West Virginia at 15 Oklahoma (Saturday, Noon, FoxSports1)

Oklahoma has been solid this year, earning a come-from-behind victory at Tennessee, and crushing wins over Tulsa and Akron. The problem for the Sooners this week is that their next game is with Texas. Now, Texas ain’t great, but it is a rivalry game, and stats just don’t matter in rivalry games. West Virginia has quietly crept into the Top 25 by beating Georgia Southern 44-0, Liberty 41-17, and Maryland 45-6. But even with those impressive wins over less-talented teams, the Mountaineers have yet to face a test like OU signal caller Baker Mayfield. Sooners win.

Final Score: Oklahoma 31, West Virginia 24
CORRECT: Oklahoma won 44-24

13 Alabama at 8 Georgia (Saturday, 3:30pm, CBS)

The SEC Network’s Saturday countdown special will be in Athens this week for what will be the biggest game of the week (never mind that game in Clemson). Given the way that Georgia has been playing this season (all they do is win, yet the dropped a spot to 8th in the AP poll while remaining 6th in the coaches poll), and the fact that Alabama gave up more than 40 to Ole Miss, seems to be setting the stage for Alabama to finally enter a game as an underdog after 72 games. Georgia’s QB, Greyson Lambert, is absolutely on fire, completing 33 of 35 over the last two games. Couple that precision with a running game led by Nick Chubb and Sony Michel and Georgia’s offense is staggeringly dangerous. Alabama’s run defense is more than solid, but they were not effective against the Rebels of Ole Miss. The game is in Athens, giving the Dawgs home field advantage. Georgia’s offense is clicking on all cylinders. All of that adds up to a solid Georgia win.

Final Score: Georgia 28, Alabama 23
INCORRECT: Alabama won 38-10

3 Ole Miss at 25 Florida (Saturday, 7:00pm, ESPN)

The Gators are ranked. That’s right, they are 4-0 and they’re ranked. Ole Miss is a high-powered offense that recently knocked off Alabama. Now they travel to the Swamp. Florida is coming off a huge win over Tennessee in which the Gators came from a 27-14 deficit to win 28-27. Tennessee is reeling and the Gators are rising. But Ole Miss is better than any team the Gators have faced so far. QB Chad Kelly leads an offense that is averaging 55 points per game. Florida’s defense is good, probably the best facet of their team, but it’s not good enough to stop Ole Miss. Rebels win.

Final Score: Ole Miss 31, Florida 20
INCORRECT: Florida won 38-10

21 Mississippi State at 14 TAMU (Saturday, 7:30pm, SEC Network)

The Aggies struggled for a time against Arkansas before finally putting the Razorbacks away in overtime. Mississippi State, meanwhile, continued Auburn’s freefall from preseason favorite into conference obscurity. TAMU’s QB, Kyle Allen, has been the catalyst for the offense all year. That’s not to diminish the efforts of Dak Prescott for MSU. Prescott is keeping the Bulldogs in the conversation, and has lifted them back into the top 25. If this game were in Starkville I would probably have the Bulldogs winning. But given that the game is in College Station, I’m leaning toward the Aggies.

Final Score: TAMU 34, Mississippi State 28
CORRECT: TAMU won 30-17

6 Notre Dame at 12 Clemson (Saturday, 8:00pm, ABC)

ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Clemson as the Irish come to town to face the 12th ranked Tigers. Clemson looks like the best team in the ACC, given the faltering state of Georgia Tech and the not-remotely-fear-inducing Florida State. That said, Notre Dame appears to have some sort of magic this year. They lose player after player to injury, and still find ways to win. Just ask Georgia Tech how that worked out. Clemson, though, has not yet reached their full potential this year. QB Deshaun Watson was thought to be a preseason Heisman contender, but he hasn’t played to that level yet. Do so this Saturday, and the accolades may start to pile up. I just don’t think they will. Notre Dame is making a playoff run and a narrow road win over a staunch Clemson team will further their case. Irish win.

Final Score: Notre Dame 24, Clemson 20
INCORRECT: Clemson won 24-22

Random Football Thoughts (Mostly on College Football)

The season is in full swing for the college game, as well as the NFL. There has been no shortage of surprise or chaos either. Let's examine the happenings of this season.

How I Never Bought the Hype on Auburn
"For some reason, everyone seems to be buying the hype on Auburn this year. I'm not...at least, not yet." -July 1, 2015

"I’m just not buying the hype yet. Auburn is being touted as a title contender. Auburn, who after October 4 last year lost to every ranked team they played. Don’t get me wrong, I think Auburn will beat Louisville…but I’m just not buying Auburn as a championship contender yet." -August 27, 2015

I wrote those two statements nearly two months apart. I was not buying Auburn. Everyone with a voice in the national college football scene was saying Auburn was going to contend for the SEC championship and a subsequent playoff spot. Auburn was voted by the SEC media writers to win the conference, even though, thanks to the quirky voting rules, Alabama was voted in as the winner of the SEC West. Auburn's QB, Jeremy Johnson, was going to battle for the Heisman.

That was then. Now, on September 28, Auburn is 0-2 in the SEC, suffering a crushing loss to LSU and a staggeringly offensively inept loss at home to Mississippi State. The Tigers defeated Louisville to start the season, but an overtime victory, in Jordan-Hare, over FCS opponent Jacksonville State, shook the foundation of the Auburn faithful.

Jeremy Johnson has been nothing close to what was advertised. Gus Malzahn's offense has looked inept and, in some cases, has simply not shown up. LSU crushed Auburn 45-21, showing no mercy in throttling the preseason SEC favorites. Mississippi State then came into Jordan-Hare and completely kept Auburn out of the end zone, even after Auburn had benched Jeremy Johnson in favor of back-up QB Sean White.

And for the record, I called it. I told you I wasn't buying Auburn. That call looks better and better each week.

Goooooo Dawgs! Sic 'em! Woof woof woof woof!
The Dawgs are just awesome! Nick Chubb has been a force to be reckoned with, and he has enough firepower around him that he should stay healthy and fresh all season. QB Greyson Lambert has been the model of near-perfection, completing 33 of his last 35 passes. The Dawgs have a huge test this weekend as Alabama comes to town, but Georgia is projected to be the favorite in every game it plays for the remainder of 2015.

Is Florida chomping off more than they can chew?
The Gators are a difficult team to get a read on. They are 4-0, but they're winning close and winning ugly. They had to come back from two touchdowns behind to beat Tennessee. Three of Florida's next four games are home for Ole Miss, at LSU, and at Jacksonville for the World's Largest Outdoor Non-Alchoholic Fun For the Whole Family Party (Georgia). If they can win one of those three they'll be alright.

Is Ole Miss Really That Good?
The Rebels of Ole Miss went into Tuscaloosa and hung 43 on Alabama. But then they struggled against Vanderbilt. Granted, Vandy is better than most people give them credit for, especially on defense (they held Georgia to 31 points; no one else has kept Georgia under 48). Ole Miss has a trip to Florida this week. That will sort out a lot of the confusion around both teams.

Way Too Early Playoff Prediction
#1 Michigan State vs #4 Notre Dame
#2 Georgia vs #3 Baylor

Meanwhile, in the NFL...
...How 'Bout Those Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons, yes, those Atlanta Falcons, are 3-0 on the year. This is the same team that didn't win it's third game last season until week ten. They did it in week three this year, obviously. Matt Ryan is still Matt Ice, although he has some problems that a good QB coach should've already sorted through. Ryan has a tendency to throw a lot of televangelist passes, meaning he has the ability to make 70,000 people stand to their feet and cry out "Oh, God!"

The Falcons running game is currently a tad hampered by Tevin Coleman being hurt, but Devonta Freeman is carrying the load well. The WR corps is still beast, though. Julio Jones has 34 catches and nearly 400 yards through just three games. Obviously, I don't expect the undefeated run to last, but these Falcons are capable of winning ten or more games this year, and they should make the playoffs. 

Football Future-see 2015: Week Three

After two weeks I’m sitting at 13-2, which I like. The SEC didn’t do so well last week, losing three teams from the Top 25, but seeing some gains from other teams. Georgia and Ole Miss both gained ground. Alabama gained a #1 vote. Elsewhere in the conference, Auburn was exposed, Arkansas lost to a MAC team, and no one seemed to cover against the spread, except Ole Miss. This week we’ve got three SEC conference games (two of which are Top 25 match-ups) and two ACC (sort-of) conference games.

RECORD

Week One	9-1
Week Two	4-1
Week Three	3-2
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
Week Seven
OVERALL	16-4	.800

The Games:

11 Clemson at Louisville (Thursday, 7:30pm, ESPN)

Clemson has been impressive, although QB Deshaun Watson hasn’t exactly put together the numbers that most experts thought he would. Louisville, on the other hand, is now 0-2 after losses to Auburn and Houston. This might be Clemson’s breakout game. If Louisville doesn’t right the ship soon then this is in danger of being a lost season, in just week three. I like Clemson in this game, and I like Clemson to absolutely roll the Cardinals. Tigers win.

Final Score: Clemson 38, Louisville 17
CORRECT: Clemson won 20-17

14 Georgia Tech at 8 Notre Dame (Saturday, 3:30pm, NBC)

This game had more luster before last Saturday. Notre Dame has lost their starting QB, which is a definite disadvantage for them. Georgia Tech may very well be the best team in the ACC. They are averaging over 65 points per game (granted, against Alcorn State and Tulane). Notre Dame is coming off a hard-fought victory over Virginia. I think the Irish keep it close for a while, but the Yellow Jackets will pull away in the second half and win by more than two touchdowns.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 37, Notre Dame 21
INCORRECT: Notre Dame 30-22

18 Auburn at 13 LSU (Saturday, 3:30pm, CBS)

When the season began I said I was not as high on Auburn as everyone else seemed to be. I wasn’t buying the hype. Last week proved why. Auburn allowed FCS-foe Jacksonville State to come into Jordan-Hare and nearly escape with a win. Jacksonville State became the first FCS team to take an FBS team to overtime. In fact, were it not for a late-game TD by Auburn, the Tigers would’ve lost. Now Auburn has to travel to LSU and face a Tigers team coming off a big win over Mississippi State. I just don’t see them doing it. LSU keeps up their roll.

Final Score: LSU 24, Auburn 18
CORRECT: LSU won 45-21

South Carolina at 7 Georgia (Saturday, 6:00pm, ESPN)

Georgia smoked Louisiana-Monroe in week one then came out flat against Vanderbilt last week, taking some time to reach a 31-14 victory. Now they face South Carolina and the dark lord of the Sith, Darth Visor, er, Steve Spurrier. For whatever reason, Spurrier always seems to do well against Georgia. That said, the Gamecocks QB situation is a shambles. Georgia has greater depth across the board than South Carolina. I’m looking for a Dawgs win, and possibly one featuring Georgia pulling further and further away in the second half.

Final Score: Georgia 31, South Carolina 17
CORRECT: Georgia won 52-20

15 Ole Miss at 2 Alabama (Saturday, 9:15pm, ESPN)

This game is, without a doubt, the hardest prediction to make this week. Ole Miss is scoring more points per game than their own basketball team. Alabama is still Alabama. Will Ole Miss run into that buzzsaw defense, or will they simply pass over it and keep scoring at will? Will Alabama’s offense finally click on all cylinders and be who we all thought they could be? I really want to go with Ole Miss here, but a nagging little voice says Alabama will take this one, especially in Tuscaloosa. Tide wins a close one.

Final Score: Alabama 24, Ole Miss 21
INCORRECT: Ole Miss won 43-37

Football Future-see 2014: Bowl Season

Record
Week 1	8-2
Week 2	5-0
Week 3	2-3
Week 4	4-1
Week 5	2-3
Week 6	2-8
Week 7	4-1
Week 8	3-2
Week 9	2-3
Week 10	2-3
Week 11	4-6
Week 12	3-2
Week 13	3-2
Week 14	5-5
Week 15	2-3
Bowls	21-17
Total	72-61	0.541

It is bowl season in college football. This year we have a total of 39 bowl games. The number has increased over the last few years, and I almost think that we’ll eventually reach a point where every team goes to a bowl. Because in America, everyone is a winner. We’ll also start handing out participation trophies… Anyway, here are the bowl games, in order of how they’re played. The Playoff Games are listed last. Most of the pre-December 29 bowls won’t get a lot of detail. Sorry, but that’s just the nature of the business.

**UPDATE - December 22: Through six games...well, it's not going well. Not at all. I'm 1-5 so far. Yeesh, this has been a bad year for the picks.**

**UPDATE - December 28: Through eighteen games...well, it's still not going well. I'm 6-12 so far. I wish I knew what happened to me this year. I'm currently 57-56 on the season, which is the closest I've ever been to falling under .500 this late in the year.**

**UPDATE - December 29: Through 21 games, my record stands at 9-12, and 60-56 on the year. Today has been good for me, with all three games coming out correct.**

**UPDATE - December 30: Through 24 games my record is 11-13 (62-57 on the year. Notre Dame nailed a last second field goal to seal a comeback win over LSU. Georgia trounced Louisville, running crazy on the #3 run defense in the country.**

**UPDATE - December 31: Through 27 games, my record stands at 12-15 (63-59 on the season), with TCU absolutely smashing Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl, Boise State surprising many in the Fiesta Bowl, and Georgia Tech's gimmicky-to-no-end offense overcoming Mississippi State.**

**UPDATE - January 1: Through 32 games my record is 15-17 (66-61 on the year.) A couple upsets both helped and hurt me.**

**UPDATE - January 3: Through 37 games my record is 19-18 (70-62 on the year.) The once-mighty SEC West finished 2-5 in their bowl games. The much-maligned SEC East went 5-0.**

**UPDATE - January 7: Through all bowl games (except the Championship Game) my record is 21-17 (72-61 on the year). **

The Games:

New Orleans Bowl (December 20, 11:00am, ESPN)

Nevada vs Louisiana-Lafayette

The Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette do battle with Nevada. While Louisiana-Lafayette has the better (or is that scarier?) mascot, Nevada will win this game.

Final Score: Nevada 28, Louisiana-Lafayette 17
INCORRECT: Louisiana-Lafayette won 16-3

New Mexico Bowl (December 20, 2:20pm, ESPN)

Utah State vs UTEP

Utah State is a team that can put a scare in you on any given game day. I look for them to take down UTEP early, with UTEP scoring a garbage time TD to make it respectable.

Final Score: Utah State 34, UTEP 21
CORRECT: Utah State won 21-6

Las Vegas Bowl (December 20, 3:30pm, ABC)

22 Utah vs Colorado State

I’m sticking with Colorado State, even though I picked them to win before their head coach jumped ship for Florida. Utah is a good team, but something about this game just screams “upset” to me.

Final Score: Colorado State 31, Utah 27
INCORRECT: Utah won 45-10

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (December 20, 5:45pm, ESPN)

Western Michigan vs Air Force

Air Force usually has a good offense, but their defense is typically suspect. I haven’t actually heard much out of the Academy this year, which leads me to picking Directional Michigan West to win this match-up.

Final Score: Western Michigan 27, Air Force 21
INCORRECT: Air Force won 38-24

Camellia Bowl (December 20, 9:15pm, ESPN)

South Alabama vs Bowling Green

I was pretty high on South Alabama early in the season and it didn’t exactly pay off. That said, I’m going to ride the Jaguars to the end of the season. Jags over Bowling Green.

Final Score: South Alabama 23, Bowling Green 17
INCORRECT: Bowling Green won 33-28

Miami Beach Bowl (December 22, 2:00pm, ESPN)

BYU vs Memphis

BYU is a college football independent, but I don’t know how much longer that will last. I can see the Cougars joining the Big XII, should an invite come their way. The fact that I’ve talked about their conference alignment more than their bowl game should tell you something about their bowl game. Cougars win.

Final Score: BYU 34, Memphis 17
INCORRECT: Memphis won 55-48 in 2OT...and the two teams fought brutally after the game

Boca Raton Bowl (December 23, 6:00pm, ESPN)

Marshall vs Northern Illinois

Once-mighty Marshall dropped all the way to the Boca Raton Bowl thanks to a single loss late in the season. Granted, in that loss they gave up 67 points to Western Kentucky, and yet still only lost by one point. Northern Illinois used to be the darling on the non-Power-Fives, but no more. Marshall wins.

Final Score: Marshall 35, Northern Illinois 28
CORRECT: Marshall won 52-38

Poinsettia Bowl (December 23, 9:30pm, ESPN)

Navy vs San Diego State

Navy typically has a very strong running game. San Diego State has been a bit of an enigma this season. The Aztecs are 1-4 against teams that reached bowl games, with their only win coming against Air Force (30-14). Navy beat Air Force 30-21. Seeing as San Diego State had an easier go against the cadets than the midshipmen did, I’m picking the Aztecs in a close game.

Final Score: San Diego State 24, Navy 21

INCORRECT: Navy won 17-16

Bahamas Bowl (December 24, Noon, ESPN)

Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky

Directional Michigan Central…wait, since when is Central a direction?...takes on Directional Kentucky West in the Bahamas. That’s a pretty nice way to spend the holidays. I think this game is a coin flip, personally. WKU handed Marshall their only loss, but also lost to the only “directional” school they played – and yeah, I’m using “directional” loosely at this point. CMU, on the other hand, is 2-1 versus “directional” opponents. Chippewas for the win!

Final Score: Central Michigan 38, Western Kentucky 35
INCORRECT: Western Kentucky won 49-48

Hawai’i Bowl (December 24, 8:00pm, ESPN)

Fresno State vs Rice

Fresno State is 6-7 on the year while Rice is 7-5. Fresno, though, is far more battle-tested than the Owls. Rice might put up a fight, but I think the Bulldogs of Fresno State walk away with the win.

Final Score: Fresno State 26, Rice 21
INCORRECT: Rice won 30-6

Heart of Dallas Bowl (December 26, 1:00pm, ESPN)

Illinois vs Louisiana Tech

Just two years ago, Louisiana Tech sported an offense that averaged nearly 52 points per game. This year they’ve averaged a paltry 37.5 points per game in comparison. Illinois slogged through the somewhat down Big Ten on their way to a 6-6 record. That said, I like the Big Ten over Conference USA. Fighting Illini win.

Final Score: Illinois 23, Louisiana Tech 17
INCORRECT: Louisiana Tech won 35-18

Quick Lane Bowl (December 26, 4:30pm, ESPN)

Rutgers vs North Carolina

Which North Carolina shows up for this game? Is it the UNC that lost 35-7 to in-state rival NC State…or is it the UNC that defeated Georgia Tech and Duke? I’m hedging my bets that it is the latter. Tar Heels win.

Final Score: North Carolina 38, Rutgers 14
INCORRECT: Rutgers won 40-21

St. Petersburg Bowl (December 26, 8:00pm, ESPN)

NC State vs Central Florida

NC State struggled to put away Georgia Southern in week one, and a month later put a scare into Florida State that forced the Seminoles into comeback mode. UCF is riding a four game winning streak including road wins over South Florida and East Carolina. Take Central Florida to win.

Final Score: UCF 30, NC State 20
INCORRECT: NC State won 34-27

Military Bowl (December 27, 1:00pm, ESPN)

Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech

The Bearcats are, in my opinion, by far the better team in this game. That means nothing, though. Ohio State was the better team than Virginia Tech…didn’t stop the Hokies from steamrolling the Buckeyes in Columbus. Cincinnati lost 50-28 to Ohio State. VT beat Ohio State 35-21. Again, that means nothing. Bearcats win going away.

Final Score: Cincinnati 33, Virginia Tech 17
INCORRECT: Virginia Tech won 33-17 (at least I had the score right)

Sun Bowl (December 27, 2:00pm, CBS)

15 Arizona State vs Duke

This match-up might have fundamentalist Christians in an uproar (and yes, I say that jokingly). The Sun Bowl features the Sun Devils vs the Blue Devils. The Sun Devils of Arizona State dropped three games this year: a blowout loss to UCLA, then close road losses to Oregon State and Arizona. ASU averages 37 points per game. Duke also lost three games, but their losses are worse than ASU’s. The Blue Devils average 32 points per game. I like ASU to pull away later in this game.

Final Score: Arizona State 32, Duke 20
CORRECT: Arizona State won 36-31

Independence Bowl (December 27, 3:30pm, ABC)

Miami vs South Carolina

South Carolina suffered through a lost season, but now faces Miami and a chance to regain some SEC pride over the upstart ACC. Miami is coming off a disappointing 12-point loss to lowly Pitt. I like South Carolina to rebound and win one for the Head Ball Coach.

Final Score: South Carolina 27, Miami 23
CORRECT: South Carolina won 24-21

Pinstripe Bowl (December 27, 4:30pm, ESPN)

Boston College vs Penn State

This game is still playing off the allure of being in Yankee Stadium. The match-up is solid and even, but I think Penn State finds enough James Franklin leadership to leave New York with a “W.”

Final Score: Penn State 17, Boston College 14
CORRECT: Penn State won 31-30

Holiday Bowl (December 27, 8:00pm, ESPN)

Nebraska vs 24 USC

Two of the most storied programs in college football meet for only the fourth time, but for the first time ever in a bowl game. Nebraska looked like a team with a lot of promise in the early going, but a later-season route by Wisconsin revealed the Huskers as more pretender than contender. USC, on the other hand, was up and down all season, finally settling in the Top 25. Nebraska has a good running game, if it can get established. But I think USC simply has more firepower than Nebraska. Trojans win.

Final Score: USC 38, Nebraska 27
CORRECT: USC won 45-42

Liberty Bowl (December 29, 2:00pm, ESPN)

TAMU vs West Virginia

West Virginia took on the role of giant-killer in the Big XII this year, especially whenever a Big XII power came to Morgantown. This game isn’t in Morgantown, though, and the Aggies of TAMU (I’m not using the ampersand any longer, because blogger dislikes it so much that it screws up editing) will bring their A-game in an attempt to salvage a bit of a lost season. The Mountaineers are a dangerous team, but I like the Aggies a little better in this game.

Final Score: TAMU 24, West Virginia 23
CORRECT: TAMU won 45-37

Russell Athletic Bowl (December 29, 5:30pm, ESPN)

Oklahoma vs 17 Clemson

One thing the college football playoff has done is provide bowl match-ups we haven’t seen in a long time, and that goes for the lower-tier bowls too. When is the last time Clemson played Oklahoma? Try the 1988 Citrus Bowl, which Clemson won 13-6. Most of the players on each team weren’t even born yet. Oklahoma expected big things at the start of the season. So did Clemson. The Tigers held course, though they tripped up against teams like Georgia and Florida State. I just like Clemson in this game. Don’t know why… Tigers win.

Final Score: Clemson 28, Oklahoma 26

CORRECT: Clemson won 40-6

Texas Bowl (December 29, 9:00pm, ESPN)

Arkansas vs Texas

Texas has been, without a doubt, the most disappoint major university team for a while now. The once powerhouse Longhorns have been largely irrelevant on the national stage for years. Arkansas, meanwhile, is a team ascending in the SEC. Having gone 17 straight conference games without a win, the Razorbacks went 2-1 against Mississippi State, LSU, and Ole Miss, allowing a combined 17 points, all of which was scored by Mississippi State. They shut out LSU (17-0) and Ole Miss (30-0). For that reason alone, I like Arkansas to roll the Longhorns in this game. Hogs win.

Final Score: Arkansas 38, Texas 17

CORRECT: Arkansas won 31-7

Music City Bowl (December 30, 3:00pm, ESPN)

Notre Dame vs 23 LSU

Boy, did Notre Dame ever fall from grace…the Irish lost five of their last six, including being blown out on the road by Arizona State and a shocking overtime home loss to Northwestern. LSU, meanwhile lost two of its last three, including a shutout loss to Arkansas, but the Tigers took Alabama to overtime before losing. In other words, this is a match-up of underachievers, though I don’t expect this game to disappoint. I’m looking for LSU to come out of the gate strong and hand another SEC beating to Notre Dame. Why? Why not? Tigers win.

Final Score: LSU 31, Notre Dame 17

INCORRECT: Notre Dame won 31-28

Belk Bowl (December 30, 6:30pm, ESPN)

13 Georgia vs 21 Louisville

You might as well call this the Todd Grantham Bowl. Games like this are proof the bowls are selected based on more than record and conference standing. Thirteen other FBS schools went 9-3 this year, but only Louisville was chosen to face Georgia. Why? Louisville’s Defensive Coordinator is Todd Grantham, who last year left the University of Georgia under rather acrimonious conditions, and took with him two big-name players who were kicked off the Dawgs for breaking team rules. Georgia’s offense is much better than Louisville’s, even with Todd Gurley hurt. The Cardinals’ defense should be stout, but Georgia should wear them down, especially in the second half, to reach ten wins. Dawgs win.

Final Score: Georgia 37, Louisville 28

CORRECT: Georgia won 37-14 (Hutson Mason broke Mike Bobo's team record for completion percentage, Nick Chubb set a school record for yards per carry (over 7 yards per carry) and passed Garrison Hearst for the fourth highest single season rushing total. Only Herschel Walker has rushed for more yards in a single season than Nick Chubb.) I like getting a team's score correct.

Foster Farms (San Francisco) Bowl (December 30, 10:00pm, ESPN)

Maryland vs Stanford

Stanford had one of the worst seasons in recent Cardinal history. That said, Stanford is still a dangerous team on any given Saturday, or in this case, a Tuesday. Add to that the fact this is basically a home game for Stanford, and you have the recipe for a blowout. Maryland’s best chance of winning this game is bringing out some kind of hideous uniform combination that dumbfounds the entire Stanford team. Otherwise, Stanford rolls, big.

Final Score: Stanford 42, Maryland 14
CORRECT: Stanford won 45-21

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (December 31, 12:30pm, ESPN)

9 Ole Miss vs 6 TCU

The outcome of this game hinges on two things:1) which Ole Miss defense shows up in Atlanta, and 2) which Bo Wallace shows up. If the defense that beat Alabama shows up, the Rebels have a chance. If the defense that lost 30-0 to Arkansas shows up, then Ole Miss will lose big. If Good Bo shows up the Rebels can hang with almost anyone. Bad Bo showing up, though, will spell disaster. Given the long toll of an SEC schedule, I’m more willing to think that the latter occurs in both cases. I hate to pick against the SEC, but unless Ole Miss can solidify their defense TCU is going to roll.

Final Score: TCU 34, Ole Miss 17
CORRECT: TCU won 42-3

Fiesta Bowl (December 31, 4:00pm, ESPN)

20 Boise State vs 10 Arizona

Boise State claimed the crown of non-Power-Five representative in the New Year’s Six Bowl…and something about a partridge in a pear tree…too many numbers. Arizona had a great season, though that tough loss to Oregon in the PAC-12 title game hurts, they can still hang their hats on the fact that they went into Eugene and beat the Ducks at home earlier in the season. Arizona will ride that confidence to a win over the upstart Broncos.

Final Score: Arizona 35, Boise State 24
INCORRECT: Boise State won 38-30

Capital One Orange Bowl (December 31, 8:00pm, ESPN)

7 Mississippi State vs 12 Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech took down Georgia to close the regular season and narrowly lost to Florida State in the ACC Championship Game. Mississippi State, though, is playing angry and they have a much better QB than Tech. In fact, Tech’s entire offense is gimmicky to no end. It works in college, but not in the NFL. I think Mississippi State comes out mad, and knocks Tech in the face from the first snap. One of the SEC’s Bulldog teams has to beat Georgia Tech, right?

Final Score: Mississippi State 35, Georgia Tech 21
INCORRECT: Georgia Tech won 49-34

Outback Bowl (January 1, Noon, ABC)

19 Auburn vs 18 Wisconsin

When I think of the bowl games I’d most like to watch, this one is very high on that list. Two evenly matched teams that suffered in the latter parts of the season. Wisconsin lost to Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. Auburn didn’t reach the SEC conference championship, but lost their last two conference games to Georgia and Alabama. Wisconsin’s loss may linger for them, which should allow Auburn to take advantage. Tigers win a close, hard-fought game.

Final Score: Auburn 33, Wisconsin 28
INCORRECT: Wisconsin won 34-31 in OT

Cotton Bowl (January 1, 12:30pm, ABC)

8 Michigan State vs 5 Baylor

Of the top tier bowls, while I’m excited about the playoffs, this is one of those games I’m really looking forward to. Baylor’s offense, at times, looked unstoppable. They hung 61 points on TCU. Granted, they gave up 58 to TCU. Michigan State, though, may be the best defense Baylor has seen all year. Sparty plays with a defensive ferocity few match. If Baylor can get their offense rolling early, then they stand a chance. If not, and I don’t think they do, Michigan State wins a close, hard-fought, true 4-quarter game.

Final Score: Michigan State 26, Baylor 24
CORRECT: Michigan State won 42-41

Citrus Bowl (January 1, 1:00pm, ESPN2)

16 Missouri vs 25 Minnesota

Minnesota sank their Gopher claws into the 25th spot in the polls and refused to let go. Missouri, meanwhile, has been all over the place. The Tigers lost at home to Indiana and were then blown out 34-0 by visiting Georgia. Minnesota almost beat Ohio State. Missouri grew battle-tested over the last month of the season, beating the Aggies, a resurgent Tennessee and Arkansas, and squaring off with Alabama for the SEC crown. If Missouri’s QB, Maty Mauk, can play like he did against the Aggies, then Missouri wins. I think he does. Tigers over Gophers.

Final Score: Missouri 30, Minnesota 26
CORRECT: Missouri won 33-17

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (January 2, Noon, ESPN)

Houston vs Pittsburgh

Pitt is a team I can’t figure out. They stunk up the house against Georgia Tech, losing five fumbles in the first quarter, but then beat Miami, in Miami, by two touchdowns. Houston has a better record, but lsot by three touchdowns to UT San Antonio. I’ll go with Houston, based off record, but if vs-Miami Pitt shows up instead of vs-Georgia Tech Pitt, we might have a game.

Final Score: Houston 28, Pitt 20
CORRECT: Houston won 35-34

TaxSlayer(Gator) Bowl (January 2, 3:20pm, ESPN)

Iowa vs Tennessee

Tennessee is a team on the rise. They very well could be contenders in the SEC East next year, though I personally think 2016 may be a bit more realistic for the Vols. The Iowa Hawkeyes stumbled again in the Big Ten this year. They’ll try their best, but I think Tennessee claims their first bowl victory under Butch Jones. Vols win.

Final Score: Tennessee 32, Iowa 20
CORRECT: Tennessee won 45-28

Valero Alamo Bowl (January 2, 6:45pm, ESPN)

11 Kansas State vs 14 UCLA

Who is UCLA? Honestly, that team has been on a greater roller-coaster ride than almost any other team this season. QB Brett Hundley was supposed to be a Heisman candidate. We saw how that worked out. Kansas State, meanwhile, has quietly put together a fairly good season and stands on the edge of the Top Ten. When the dust clears over the Alamo Bowl, I think K-State stands tall with a big win.

Final Score: Kansas State 35, UCLA 21
INCORRECT: UCLA won 40-35

Cactus Bowl (January 2, 10:15pm, ESPN)

Washington vs Oklahoma State

There are several bowl games with the potential to steal the show this season, and this might be one of them. Yes, both teams had slightly disappointing seasons, but both are good teams that can step up to surprise you on any given game day. Washington will be looking to represent the PAC-12 in its effort to claim the top spot among the conference. Defeating Oklahoma State would go a long way toward doing that. But Oklahoma State will not go quietly. In fact, I like the Cowboys to win this game off a late TD.

Final Score: Oklahoma State 27, Washington 24
CORRECT: Oklahoma State won 30-22

Birmingham Bowl (January 3, 1:00pm, ESPN)

East Carolina vs Florida

Florida made a bowl game, even if their head coach didn’t. Will Muschamp has fled Gainesville for the comfier confines of Auburn. The Gators have to keep going, though. They’ll face an East Carolina team that was, at one time, the top non-Power-5 team in the land. The Pirates will be looking for a huge win over an SEC opponent. The Gators are playing for pride. I don’t like picking against the SEC…so I won’t. Gators win.

Final Score: Florida 24, East Carolina 21
CORRECT: Florida won 28-20

GoDaddy Bowl (January 4, 9:00pm, ESPN)

Toledo vs Arkansas State

I wish I could tell you more about these two, but I can’t. Arkansas State is making their fourth consecutive trip to this bowl. Toledo feels like the safer bet here, though. Can’t explain why…

Final Score: Toledo 42, Arkansas State 30

CORRECT: Toledo won 63-44

College Football Playoff Semifinals

Rose Bowl (January 1, 5:00pm, ESPN)

3 Florida State vs 2 Oregon

Oregon is closer to a national championship than at any time since they faltered against Auburn a few years back. Heisman winning QB Marcus Mariota has the Ducks primed to play a stalwart Florida State team that just refuses to lose. The Seminoles, as I noted in their preview against Georgia Tech, have danced the ragged edge of disaster so often this season that it’s a wonder the Noles aren’t 7-6 instead of 13-0. Oregon, meanwhile, has left little in doubt outside of an early season home loss to Arizona, which they later avenged in the PAC-12 Championship Game. FSU will look for Jameis Winston to once again lead them through a tough scrap, but Oregon is unlike any team Florida State has played. Oregon will win, but the loss of their star cornerback to a knee injury in practice will allow FSU to turn this one into a shootout. Ducks win.

Final Score: Oregon 42, Florida State 38
CORRECT: Oregon won 59-20

Sugar Bowl (January 1, 8:30pm, ESPN)

4 Ohio State vs 1 Alabama

The second semifinal game on New Year’s Day pits Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes against Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide of Alabama. Ohio State is coming off an absolute dismantling of Wisconsin. While one game doesn’t necessarily prove a team belongs in the playoffs, that one game spoke volumes about who Ohio State is. Alabama, on the other hand, is climbing out of a season-long battle in the SEC West. After taking down Missouri in the SEC Championship Game, the Tide punched their ticket to the inaugural playoff. Ohio State is on their third quarterback of the year, which will probably come back to haunt them against a defense like Alabama. The Tide, meanwhile, have solidified behind Blake Sims as their QB. I think this game is interesting for the first half, but the Tide defense will overwhelm Ohio State’s offense. Alabama pulls away in the second half for a strong win.

Final Score: Alabama 35, Ohio State 17
INCORRECT: Ohio State won 42-35