The bowl games are about to get underway, so here are my picks with confidence points attached to each (1 being my least confident pick and 35 being my most confident pick):
1 - Maryland (over Marshall): This game features two polar opposites. Maryland's offense has been lacking all year, but they have a fairly stingy defense. Marshall has one of the better offenses in the country, but a defense which ranks near the very bottom in the country. In games such as these, I tend to favor the good defense over the good offense, since a bad defense can tend to make a bad offense look halfway decent. Also, while Maryland has struggled in the second half of the season, this game is pretty much a home game for them (Annapolis), so while I'm not at all confident in this pick, I have to give the Terrapins a very slight edge.
Result: Marshall 31 Maryland 20 (Record: 0-1, Pts.: 0 (of a max 1))
2 - Missouri (over Oklahoma State): This game I find to be interesting, yet uninteresting for the very same reason - Missouri is only two years removed from the Big XII conference, of which Oklahoma State is a part. Both teams could have added motivation due to the Tigers moving to the SEC. However, the opposite could be true as well, since they're just a couple years removed from having played in the same conference. In any case, while the teams appear to be very evenly matched, I'll give the slight edge to Missouri due to their superior defense. If they don't come in with as much motivation as the Cowboys, however, it could be a blowout going the other way.
Result: Missouri 41 Oklahoma State 31 (Record: 1-1, Pts.: 2 (of a max 3))
3 - UNLV (over North Texas): While it's pretty much a home game for North Texas, I still think UNLV has been better battle-tested throughout the course of the season, and think they have more balance on both sides of the ball to pull out a close victory.
Result: North Texas 36 UNLV 14 (Record: 1-2, Pts.: 2 (of a max 6))
4 - Boston College (over Arizona): It appears like I'm in the minority with this pick. While I firmly believe the Pac-12 is the second toughest conference in all of football this year, next to the SEC, Arizona is too inconsistent and unpredictable for me to put much confidence in them. They can beat a top 5 Oregon team one week and then get blown out by a middle-of-the-road Pac-12 team the next. Boston College, meanwhile, is led by Heisman Trophy finalist running back Andre Williams, and their fairly steady defense. With the Wildcats' defense struggling most of this season, I'm going to lean the way of the more consistent Eagles team.
Result: Arizona 42 Boston College 19 (Record: 1-3, Pts.: 2 (of a max 10))
5 - Fresno State (over USC): There are two reasons I'm giving Fresno State the slight advantage in this one: 1) They have more to play for in hailing from a mid-major conference and playing one of the most successful schools in all the country, and 2) USC's coaching change. Steve Sarkisian should do a fine job at the school, but I have to imagine there will be a little rust and uncertainty for the Trojans in this game. They should be in much better shape to start next season.
Result: USC 45 Fresno State 20 (Record: 1-4, Pts.: 2 (of a max 15))
6 - Utah State (over Northern Illinois): Northern Illinois may only have one loss this season, but it was a pretty convincing loss in the MAC title game against Bowling Green, who features one of the better defenses in all of football. While Utah State's record isn't as impressive, they too pose a very solid defense. Not only that, but they're pretty sound on offense, played a tougher schedule this year, and MAC teams have had a history of fairing poorly in bowl games. Due to all this, I'm going to lean the way of the Aggies.
Result: Utah State 21 Northern Illinois 14 (Record: 2-4, Pts.: 8 (of a max 21))
7 - Stanford (over Michigan State): These two teams are nearly identical in style. They're powered by their defense and a pro-style offense. I just think Stanford is a little better on both sides of the ball than Michigan State. Also, with the Pac-12 being far superior to the Big Ten this year, I have to believe they've been better battle-tested leading to this game.
Result: Michigan State 24 Stanford 20 (Record: 2-5, Pts.: 8 (of a max 28))
8 - Louisville (over Miami (Florida)): The game may be like a home game for Miami, but I have just not been impressed with them in the second half of the season. Louisville has been the more consistent and fundamentally-sound football team all year, who still feel like they have something to prove and play for, while Miami may not.
Result: Louisville 36 Miami (Florida) 9 (Record: 3-5, Pts.: 16 (of a max 36))
9 - Bowling Green (over Pittsburgh): If you like defense, this will be a fun game. Due to that, it's all going to come down to mistakes, and I think Bowling Green's offense will be less apt to making them as Pittsburgh's.
Result: Pittsburgh 30 Bowling Green 27 (Record: 3-6, Pts.: 16 (of a max 45))
10 - Washington State (over Colorado State): In just head coach Mike Leach's second season with the team, he's led the Washington State Cougars to a bowl game. While his team is still far from the level of teams he was coaching at Texas Tech toward the end of his tenure there, they can still put up some points with the passing game and should be able to sneak by a pesky Colorado State club.
Result: Colorado State 48 Washington State 45 (Record: 3-7, Pts.: 16 (of a max 55))
11 - South Carolina (over Wisconsin): Like Michigan State and Stanford, these two teams appear to be very evenly matched. However, even for as well as Wisconsin has played at times this year, I'm not quite as sold on them as I am with South Carolina. Look for JaDaveon Clowney to make his presence felt again this year like he did last year against Michigan.
Result: South Carolina 34 Wisconsin 24 (Record: 4-7, Pts.: 27 (of a max 66))
12 - Houston (over Vanderbilt): I'm sure I'm in the minority on this pick, but with Vanderbilt's starting quarterback out and for as underrated as Houston has been all year, I'm going to give the slight advantage to the Cougars, whom will sure feel like they have something to prove against an SEC team like the Commodores.
Result: Vanderbilt 41 Houston 24 (Record: 4-8, Pts.: 27 (of a max 78))
13 - San Diego State (over Buffalo): Buffalo had a great season, but as has been the trend to this point, I feel that San Diego State has played better against better competition throughout the course of this season. Look for the Aztecs to continue the MAC's bowl-game woes.
Result: San Diego State 49 Buffalo 24 (Record: 5-8, Pts.: 40 (of a max 91))
14 - Kansas State (over Michigan): When I first saw this match-up, I thought it looked like a very evenly matched game, and was even leaning toward Michigan. However, after breaking down the numbers, it's hard for me to place much faith in the Wolverines. They've struggled offensively all season long, have struggled winning games the second half of the season, and Kansas State, as has been typical under Bill Snyder, have overachieved and improved as the season as progressed.
Result: Kansas State 31 Michigan 14 (Record: 6-8, Pts.: 54 (of a max 105))
15 - Ohio State (over Clemson): The first one to 50 might win this game, as the two teams feature two of the most explosive offenses in all the country, and mediocre defenses on top of that (to be kind). Urban Meyer doesn't take kind to losing, though, and I'd be hard-pressed to see him losing back-to-back games after winning 24 straight with the team. Also, quarterback Braxton Miller will showcase a presence behind center that Clemson's already average defense hasn't seen all year.
Result: Clemson 40 Ohio State 35 (Record: 6-9, Pts.: 54 (of a max 120))
16 - Georgia (over Nebraska): While the two teams played last year in a bowl game and I was much more confident in Georgia then than I am now, I still give the Bulldogs the edge in this one. Even with a backup quarterback behind center, they feature one of the best running backs in the country and a much more proven defense than the Cornhuskers present. The only way I see Nebraska winning this one is if they take last year's loss and use that as motivation while Georgia comes in without much due to beating Nebraska just last year.
Result: Nebraska 24 Georgia 19 (Record: 6-10, Pts.: 54 (of a max 136))
17 - Oregon State (over Boise State): While Boise State had a fairly solid season overall, they're just not the same team they were a couple of years ago. Also, with losing coach Chris Petersen to Washington, there will likely be some uncertainty and rust surrounding the team heading into this game. Oregon State, meanwhile, struggled toward the tail-end of the season, but have a great deal of firepower on offense. I give the Beavers the advantage in this one.
Result: Oregon State 38 Boise State 23 (Record: 7-10, Pts.: 71 (of a max 153))
18 - East Carolina (over Ohio): East Carolina appears to have a significant edge over Ohio when it comes to talent, especially when on offense. However, the Pirates defense is nothing to write home about. While I still have to believe they'll be able to limit the Bobcats offense more than the other way around, this deficiency on defense prevents me from placing more points on them.
Result: East Carolina 37 Ohio 20 (Record: 8-10, Pts.: 89 (of a max 171))
19 - Minnesota (over Syracuse): The two teams are fairly similar to one another, but Minnesota appears to be slightly better on both sides of the ball. Also, the team, led by coach Jerry Kill and his battle with epilepsy, appears to have a certain fight to them that is hard not to notice.
Result: Syracuse 21 Minnesota 17 (Record: 8-11, Pts.: 89 (of a max 190))
20 - Louisiana-Lafayette (over Tulane): Guess what? The game's played in Louisiana! Surprise, surprise, eh? In any case, looking at the numbers, I really haven't the faintest idea how Tulane finished bowl eligible this season. When they lost, it got ugly fast, and when they won, they appeared to win at the last-minute. Lafayette, meanwhile, played fairly solid football throughout the duration of the season, and I have to give them the advantage here.
Result: Louisiana-Lafayette 24 Tulane 21 (Record: 9-11, Pts.: 109 (of a max 210))
21 - Mississippi (over Georgia Tech): While Georgia Tech's option offense always makes me a little nervous, that very offense has seemed to significantly struggled against SEC teams. Their defense has been sub-par, to be kind, under Paul Johnson, and will likely get lit up in this game. This will force them to integrate the passing game to their arsenal, and if there's one thing that hasn't been pretty under Coach Johnson besides the defense, it has been the passing game.
Result: Mississippi 25 Georgia Tech 17 (Record: 10-11, Pts.: 130 (of a max 231))
22 - Washington (over BYU): While losing Steve Sarkisian was disappointing for a new and improved Washington team, Chris Petersen adds a new breath of excitement to the team, and I have a hard time seeing their success drop any with him there. BYU is never an easy test, but Washington's athletes on offense, especially, are just too quick and explosive for the Cougars defense to keep up with for sixty minutes.
Result: Washington 31 BYU 16 (Record: 11-11, Pts.: 152 (of a max 253))
23 - North Carolina (over Cincinnati): Cincinnati may come in with a better record than the Tar Heels, but the game is played in North Carolina, Cincinnati won many close games against very average competition, and the Heels feature one of the more explosive offenses in the country. Given all of these factors, I look for the home team to come out of this one with a win.
Result: North Carolina 39 Cincinnati 17 (Record: 12-11, Pts.: 175 (of a max 276))
24 - Navy (over Middle Tennessee): While Georgia Tech's triple option offense may not be very successful against Mississippi, I don't think Navy's option attack will have that problem against Middle Tennessee. Navy is one of the most disciplined teams in all of college football, should dominate the clock, limit penalties and turnovers, and drive the Blue Raiders coaching staff and players crazy in the process.
Result: Navy 24 Middle Tennessee 6 (Record: 13-11, Pts.: 199 (of a max 300))
25 - Mississippi State (over Rice): Rice may have a better record, but Mississippi State played against SEC competition all year, so I just don't see how this is a good match-up for the Owls. MSU may not have a great offense, but it will look that way in this game.
Result: Mississippi State 44 Rice 7 (Record: 14-11, Pts.: 224 (of a max 325))
26 - Florida State (over Auburn): Florida State has a better and more balanced offense than Auburn, as well as a better defense than the Tigers. Unless the Seminoles get turnover-happy, I think they should win by a couple of scores.
Result: Florida State 34 Auburn 31 (Record: 15-11, Pts.: 250 (of a max 351))
27 - Ball State (over Arkansas State): It makes me slightly nervous to place so many points on Ball State, but for as great as the 10-2 Cardinals have played all year, I'm pretty confident they should get by this 7-5 team from the Sun Belt.
Result: Arkansas State 23 Ball State 20 (Record: 15-12, Pts.: 250 (of a max 378))
28 - Texas A&M (over Duke): Duke is one of the better stories in all of football. If they come focused, while Johnny Manziel's mind is elsewhere (on the pros), then they could conceivably win this game. However, in all honesty, Texas A&M has far superior athletes to Duke and unless they play without motivation or focus, I think they should win this game fairly comfortably.
Result: Texas A&M 52 Duke 48 (Record: 16-12, Pts.: 278 (of a max 406))
29 - Baylor (over Central Florida): Central Florida is typically a pain in the butt for a lot of teams; just ask Louisville. However, they've yet to face an offense like Baylor's this season, and while they should be able to limit the Bears offense more than a lot of Big XII schools, it won't be nearly enough to pull out a victory.
Result: Central Florida 52 Baylor 42 (Record: 16-13, Pts.: 278 (of a max 435))
30 - Notre Dame (over Rutgers): Given some of Rutgers' awful late-season losses, I had to double-check to make sure I wasn't seeing things when I observed they'd be playing in a bowl game. While Notre Dame isn't the team they were a year ago, they should have absolutely no problem with the Scarlet Knights.
Result: Notre Dame 29 Rutgers 16 (Record: 17-13, Pts.: 308 (of a max 465))
31 - Arizona State (over Texas Tech): Texas Tech started off strong and ended up weak, whereas Arizona State appeared to get stronger with every game. That's not a good combination for the Red Raiders when entering this game.
Result: Texas Tech 37 Arizona State 23 (Record: 17-14, Pts.: 308 (of a max 496))
32 - UCLA (over Virginia Tech): Virginia Tech's offense has been rather unproductive all season. Unlike in most years under Frank Beamer, they're void of a stellar running back, a play-maker at receiver, or a consistent dual-threat quarterback. While their defense is solid, they don't face many offenses like UCLA in the ACC. I like for the Bruins to run away with this one in the second half.
Result: UCLA 42 Virginia Tech 12 (Record: 18-14, Pts.: 340 (of a max 528))
33 - Alabama (over Oklahoma): With Nick Saban signed to an extension, Bob Stoops' history of bowl struggles, and Alabama players bound to play angry after their loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl, I look for the Crimson Tide to win by at least a pair of scores in this one.
Result: Oklahoma 45 Alabama 31 (Record: 18-15, Pts.: 340 (of a max 561))
34 - Oregon (over Texas): The only reason I could see Texas even being in this game is if the players play with a sense of purpose in winning Mack Brown's final game there. However, even if the players do that, I just don't think Texas has the talent or speed necessary to keep up with the Ducks. Oregon should win this one going away.
Result: Oregon 30 Texas 7 (Record: 19-15, Pts.: 374 (of a max 595))
35 - LSU (over Iowa): This is just a bad match-up for the Big Ten. LSU may not be national-title-contender worthy this year, but they are the only team who has defeated Auburn this season. They feature a defense unlike any Iowa has seen all year, and Les Miles should be smiling nice and wide after this one.
Result: LSU 21 Iowa 14 (Record: 20-15, Pts.: 409 (of a max 630))
1 - Maryland (over Marshall): This game features two polar opposites. Maryland's offense has been lacking all year, but they have a fairly stingy defense. Marshall has one of the better offenses in the country, but a defense which ranks near the very bottom in the country. In games such as these, I tend to favor the good defense over the good offense, since a bad defense can tend to make a bad offense look halfway decent. Also, while Maryland has struggled in the second half of the season, this game is pretty much a home game for them (Annapolis), so while I'm not at all confident in this pick, I have to give the Terrapins a very slight edge.
Result: Marshall 31 Maryland 20 (Record: 0-1, Pts.: 0 (of a max 1))
2 - Missouri (over Oklahoma State): This game I find to be interesting, yet uninteresting for the very same reason - Missouri is only two years removed from the Big XII conference, of which Oklahoma State is a part. Both teams could have added motivation due to the Tigers moving to the SEC. However, the opposite could be true as well, since they're just a couple years removed from having played in the same conference. In any case, while the teams appear to be very evenly matched, I'll give the slight edge to Missouri due to their superior defense. If they don't come in with as much motivation as the Cowboys, however, it could be a blowout going the other way.
Result: Missouri 41 Oklahoma State 31 (Record: 1-1, Pts.: 2 (of a max 3))
3 - UNLV (over North Texas): While it's pretty much a home game for North Texas, I still think UNLV has been better battle-tested throughout the course of the season, and think they have more balance on both sides of the ball to pull out a close victory.
Result: North Texas 36 UNLV 14 (Record: 1-2, Pts.: 2 (of a max 6))
4 - Boston College (over Arizona): It appears like I'm in the minority with this pick. While I firmly believe the Pac-12 is the second toughest conference in all of football this year, next to the SEC, Arizona is too inconsistent and unpredictable for me to put much confidence in them. They can beat a top 5 Oregon team one week and then get blown out by a middle-of-the-road Pac-12 team the next. Boston College, meanwhile, is led by Heisman Trophy finalist running back Andre Williams, and their fairly steady defense. With the Wildcats' defense struggling most of this season, I'm going to lean the way of the more consistent Eagles team.
Result: Arizona 42 Boston College 19 (Record: 1-3, Pts.: 2 (of a max 10))
5 - Fresno State (over USC): There are two reasons I'm giving Fresno State the slight advantage in this one: 1) They have more to play for in hailing from a mid-major conference and playing one of the most successful schools in all the country, and 2) USC's coaching change. Steve Sarkisian should do a fine job at the school, but I have to imagine there will be a little rust and uncertainty for the Trojans in this game. They should be in much better shape to start next season.
Result: USC 45 Fresno State 20 (Record: 1-4, Pts.: 2 (of a max 15))
6 - Utah State (over Northern Illinois): Northern Illinois may only have one loss this season, but it was a pretty convincing loss in the MAC title game against Bowling Green, who features one of the better defenses in all of football. While Utah State's record isn't as impressive, they too pose a very solid defense. Not only that, but they're pretty sound on offense, played a tougher schedule this year, and MAC teams have had a history of fairing poorly in bowl games. Due to all this, I'm going to lean the way of the Aggies.
Result: Utah State 21 Northern Illinois 14 (Record: 2-4, Pts.: 8 (of a max 21))
7 - Stanford (over Michigan State): These two teams are nearly identical in style. They're powered by their defense and a pro-style offense. I just think Stanford is a little better on both sides of the ball than Michigan State. Also, with the Pac-12 being far superior to the Big Ten this year, I have to believe they've been better battle-tested leading to this game.
Result: Michigan State 24 Stanford 20 (Record: 2-5, Pts.: 8 (of a max 28))
8 - Louisville (over Miami (Florida)): The game may be like a home game for Miami, but I have just not been impressed with them in the second half of the season. Louisville has been the more consistent and fundamentally-sound football team all year, who still feel like they have something to prove and play for, while Miami may not.
Result: Louisville 36 Miami (Florida) 9 (Record: 3-5, Pts.: 16 (of a max 36))
9 - Bowling Green (over Pittsburgh): If you like defense, this will be a fun game. Due to that, it's all going to come down to mistakes, and I think Bowling Green's offense will be less apt to making them as Pittsburgh's.
Result: Pittsburgh 30 Bowling Green 27 (Record: 3-6, Pts.: 16 (of a max 45))
10 - Washington State (over Colorado State): In just head coach Mike Leach's second season with the team, he's led the Washington State Cougars to a bowl game. While his team is still far from the level of teams he was coaching at Texas Tech toward the end of his tenure there, they can still put up some points with the passing game and should be able to sneak by a pesky Colorado State club.
Result: Colorado State 48 Washington State 45 (Record: 3-7, Pts.: 16 (of a max 55))
11 - South Carolina (over Wisconsin): Like Michigan State and Stanford, these two teams appear to be very evenly matched. However, even for as well as Wisconsin has played at times this year, I'm not quite as sold on them as I am with South Carolina. Look for JaDaveon Clowney to make his presence felt again this year like he did last year against Michigan.
Result: South Carolina 34 Wisconsin 24 (Record: 4-7, Pts.: 27 (of a max 66))
12 - Houston (over Vanderbilt): I'm sure I'm in the minority on this pick, but with Vanderbilt's starting quarterback out and for as underrated as Houston has been all year, I'm going to give the slight advantage to the Cougars, whom will sure feel like they have something to prove against an SEC team like the Commodores.
Result: Vanderbilt 41 Houston 24 (Record: 4-8, Pts.: 27 (of a max 78))
13 - San Diego State (over Buffalo): Buffalo had a great season, but as has been the trend to this point, I feel that San Diego State has played better against better competition throughout the course of this season. Look for the Aztecs to continue the MAC's bowl-game woes.
Result: San Diego State 49 Buffalo 24 (Record: 5-8, Pts.: 40 (of a max 91))
14 - Kansas State (over Michigan): When I first saw this match-up, I thought it looked like a very evenly matched game, and was even leaning toward Michigan. However, after breaking down the numbers, it's hard for me to place much faith in the Wolverines. They've struggled offensively all season long, have struggled winning games the second half of the season, and Kansas State, as has been typical under Bill Snyder, have overachieved and improved as the season as progressed.
Result: Kansas State 31 Michigan 14 (Record: 6-8, Pts.: 54 (of a max 105))
15 - Ohio State (over Clemson): The first one to 50 might win this game, as the two teams feature two of the most explosive offenses in all the country, and mediocre defenses on top of that (to be kind). Urban Meyer doesn't take kind to losing, though, and I'd be hard-pressed to see him losing back-to-back games after winning 24 straight with the team. Also, quarterback Braxton Miller will showcase a presence behind center that Clemson's already average defense hasn't seen all year.
Result: Clemson 40 Ohio State 35 (Record: 6-9, Pts.: 54 (of a max 120))
16 - Georgia (over Nebraska): While the two teams played last year in a bowl game and I was much more confident in Georgia then than I am now, I still give the Bulldogs the edge in this one. Even with a backup quarterback behind center, they feature one of the best running backs in the country and a much more proven defense than the Cornhuskers present. The only way I see Nebraska winning this one is if they take last year's loss and use that as motivation while Georgia comes in without much due to beating Nebraska just last year.
Result: Nebraska 24 Georgia 19 (Record: 6-10, Pts.: 54 (of a max 136))
17 - Oregon State (over Boise State): While Boise State had a fairly solid season overall, they're just not the same team they were a couple of years ago. Also, with losing coach Chris Petersen to Washington, there will likely be some uncertainty and rust surrounding the team heading into this game. Oregon State, meanwhile, struggled toward the tail-end of the season, but have a great deal of firepower on offense. I give the Beavers the advantage in this one.
Result: Oregon State 38 Boise State 23 (Record: 7-10, Pts.: 71 (of a max 153))
18 - East Carolina (over Ohio): East Carolina appears to have a significant edge over Ohio when it comes to talent, especially when on offense. However, the Pirates defense is nothing to write home about. While I still have to believe they'll be able to limit the Bobcats offense more than the other way around, this deficiency on defense prevents me from placing more points on them.
Result: East Carolina 37 Ohio 20 (Record: 8-10, Pts.: 89 (of a max 171))
19 - Minnesota (over Syracuse): The two teams are fairly similar to one another, but Minnesota appears to be slightly better on both sides of the ball. Also, the team, led by coach Jerry Kill and his battle with epilepsy, appears to have a certain fight to them that is hard not to notice.
Result: Syracuse 21 Minnesota 17 (Record: 8-11, Pts.: 89 (of a max 190))
20 - Louisiana-Lafayette (over Tulane): Guess what? The game's played in Louisiana! Surprise, surprise, eh? In any case, looking at the numbers, I really haven't the faintest idea how Tulane finished bowl eligible this season. When they lost, it got ugly fast, and when they won, they appeared to win at the last-minute. Lafayette, meanwhile, played fairly solid football throughout the duration of the season, and I have to give them the advantage here.
Result: Louisiana-Lafayette 24 Tulane 21 (Record: 9-11, Pts.: 109 (of a max 210))
21 - Mississippi (over Georgia Tech): While Georgia Tech's option offense always makes me a little nervous, that very offense has seemed to significantly struggled against SEC teams. Their defense has been sub-par, to be kind, under Paul Johnson, and will likely get lit up in this game. This will force them to integrate the passing game to their arsenal, and if there's one thing that hasn't been pretty under Coach Johnson besides the defense, it has been the passing game.
Result: Mississippi 25 Georgia Tech 17 (Record: 10-11, Pts.: 130 (of a max 231))
22 - Washington (over BYU): While losing Steve Sarkisian was disappointing for a new and improved Washington team, Chris Petersen adds a new breath of excitement to the team, and I have a hard time seeing their success drop any with him there. BYU is never an easy test, but Washington's athletes on offense, especially, are just too quick and explosive for the Cougars defense to keep up with for sixty minutes.
Result: Washington 31 BYU 16 (Record: 11-11, Pts.: 152 (of a max 253))
23 - North Carolina (over Cincinnati): Cincinnati may come in with a better record than the Tar Heels, but the game is played in North Carolina, Cincinnati won many close games against very average competition, and the Heels feature one of the more explosive offenses in the country. Given all of these factors, I look for the home team to come out of this one with a win.
Result: North Carolina 39 Cincinnati 17 (Record: 12-11, Pts.: 175 (of a max 276))
24 - Navy (over Middle Tennessee): While Georgia Tech's triple option offense may not be very successful against Mississippi, I don't think Navy's option attack will have that problem against Middle Tennessee. Navy is one of the most disciplined teams in all of college football, should dominate the clock, limit penalties and turnovers, and drive the Blue Raiders coaching staff and players crazy in the process.
Result: Navy 24 Middle Tennessee 6 (Record: 13-11, Pts.: 199 (of a max 300))
25 - Mississippi State (over Rice): Rice may have a better record, but Mississippi State played against SEC competition all year, so I just don't see how this is a good match-up for the Owls. MSU may not have a great offense, but it will look that way in this game.
Result: Mississippi State 44 Rice 7 (Record: 14-11, Pts.: 224 (of a max 325))
26 - Florida State (over Auburn): Florida State has a better and more balanced offense than Auburn, as well as a better defense than the Tigers. Unless the Seminoles get turnover-happy, I think they should win by a couple of scores.
Result: Florida State 34 Auburn 31 (Record: 15-11, Pts.: 250 (of a max 351))
27 - Ball State (over Arkansas State): It makes me slightly nervous to place so many points on Ball State, but for as great as the 10-2 Cardinals have played all year, I'm pretty confident they should get by this 7-5 team from the Sun Belt.
Result: Arkansas State 23 Ball State 20 (Record: 15-12, Pts.: 250 (of a max 378))
28 - Texas A&M (over Duke): Duke is one of the better stories in all of football. If they come focused, while Johnny Manziel's mind is elsewhere (on the pros), then they could conceivably win this game. However, in all honesty, Texas A&M has far superior athletes to Duke and unless they play without motivation or focus, I think they should win this game fairly comfortably.
Result: Texas A&M 52 Duke 48 (Record: 16-12, Pts.: 278 (of a max 406))
29 - Baylor (over Central Florida): Central Florida is typically a pain in the butt for a lot of teams; just ask Louisville. However, they've yet to face an offense like Baylor's this season, and while they should be able to limit the Bears offense more than a lot of Big XII schools, it won't be nearly enough to pull out a victory.
Result: Central Florida 52 Baylor 42 (Record: 16-13, Pts.: 278 (of a max 435))
30 - Notre Dame (over Rutgers): Given some of Rutgers' awful late-season losses, I had to double-check to make sure I wasn't seeing things when I observed they'd be playing in a bowl game. While Notre Dame isn't the team they were a year ago, they should have absolutely no problem with the Scarlet Knights.
Result: Notre Dame 29 Rutgers 16 (Record: 17-13, Pts.: 308 (of a max 465))
31 - Arizona State (over Texas Tech): Texas Tech started off strong and ended up weak, whereas Arizona State appeared to get stronger with every game. That's not a good combination for the Red Raiders when entering this game.
Result: Texas Tech 37 Arizona State 23 (Record: 17-14, Pts.: 308 (of a max 496))
32 - UCLA (over Virginia Tech): Virginia Tech's offense has been rather unproductive all season. Unlike in most years under Frank Beamer, they're void of a stellar running back, a play-maker at receiver, or a consistent dual-threat quarterback. While their defense is solid, they don't face many offenses like UCLA in the ACC. I like for the Bruins to run away with this one in the second half.
Result: UCLA 42 Virginia Tech 12 (Record: 18-14, Pts.: 340 (of a max 528))
33 - Alabama (over Oklahoma): With Nick Saban signed to an extension, Bob Stoops' history of bowl struggles, and Alabama players bound to play angry after their loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl, I look for the Crimson Tide to win by at least a pair of scores in this one.
Result: Oklahoma 45 Alabama 31 (Record: 18-15, Pts.: 340 (of a max 561))
34 - Oregon (over Texas): The only reason I could see Texas even being in this game is if the players play with a sense of purpose in winning Mack Brown's final game there. However, even if the players do that, I just don't think Texas has the talent or speed necessary to keep up with the Ducks. Oregon should win this one going away.
Result: Oregon 30 Texas 7 (Record: 19-15, Pts.: 374 (of a max 595))
35 - LSU (over Iowa): This is just a bad match-up for the Big Ten. LSU may not be national-title-contender worthy this year, but they are the only team who has defeated Auburn this season. They feature a defense unlike any Iowa has seen all year, and Les Miles should be smiling nice and wide after this one.
Result: LSU 21 Iowa 14 (Record: 20-15, Pts.: 409 (of a max 630))
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