1. Fiesta Bowl (Playoff Semifinal): #2 Clemson Tigers vs. #3 Ohio State Buckeyes: Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. on ESPN
Other than the national championship game, this Fiesta Bowl battle looks to be the most exciting game of bowl season. Why? One word. Quarterbacks.
On one side you have the ferocious Clemson Tigers led by quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Tigers started off the season looking a little shaky in close wins over Auburn and Troy. Then in week 5 in a thrilling game against the Louisville Cardinals, Clemson became a playoff caliber team. Watson lit up the scoreboard enough to put the Tigers ahead by 6 late in the game. An excellent tackle by a Clemson cornerback Marcus Edmond on 4th down of Louisville's last chance drive sealed the win. Clemson followed that up with a pivotal victory over rival Florida State four weeks later. Their one slip up was a one point loss to Pittsburgh who won on a last second field goal. But the Tigers rebounded well and finished the season with 3 straight wins over Wake Forest, rival South Carolina, and Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. With how well their offense is playing right now, they might be the most dangerous team in the playoffs.
Hoping to spoil Watson's championship dreams is highly experienced Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett. Although not as productive a passer as Watson, his running abilities have kept the Buckeyes in the championship race. Barrett played exceptionally well in a convincing out of conference victory over Oklahoma, a 45-24 win that was a big reason why they made it into the top 4. After a come from behind victory over a very physical Wisconsin team, the Buckeyes charged headlong into a battle with Penn State. Playing in front of a charged up home crowd, Penn State slowed down the Ohio State offense. In the 4th quarter, Penn State blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown to take the lead. Unable to overcome this, Ohio State fell in defeat.
But just like Clemson, Ohio State responded by correctly channeling that frustration into endeavoring to improve their play. Back to back 62-3 beatdowns of Nebraska and Maryland proved they had certainly improved. After a nail biting victory over Michigan State, the Buckeyes headed to Ann Arbor to take on arch rival Michigan. After struggling mightily in the first half, the Buckeyes stormed back to win in double overtime. This late season victory catapulted Ohio State over Penn State and into the playoffs.
Who will win this game? Probably whoever has the ball last!
2. Rose Bowl: #5 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. #9 USC Trojans: Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. on ESPN
Penn State is arguably one of the hottest teams in college football. Early season losses to Pittsburgh and Michigan now seem little more than distant memories. Quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley fuel a powerful offense, which is somewhat of a rarity in most years at Penn State. The aforementioned upset of Ohio State combined with a comeback victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game earned the Nittany Lions a coveted spot in the Rose Bowl.
USC had a similar season that started off rough but ended in superb fashion. On opening weekend the Trojans were eviscerated by Alabama in an embarrassing 52-6 defeat. USC would suffer two more losses in the next three weeks and head coach Clay Helton was definitely on the hot seat. In a move that probably saved his job, Helton promoted backup quarterback Sam Darnold to starter. Darnold provided just the spark the entire team needed, propelling the Trojan offense to become as productive as everyone thought it would. USC won their last nine games in row, including impressive wins over Colorado and eventual playoff team Washington.
Who will win this collision between two red hot teams? The team that plays better on defense.
My pick: Penn State
3. Peach Bowl (Playoff Semifinal): #1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #4 Washington Huskies: Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. on ESPN
As everybody knows (sigh) Alabama put together an undefeated season complete with an SEC Championship. Although they deserve the credit due them for accomplishing that, I have discovered a small but unexpected weakness in their achievements.
I looked for wins by Alabama over teams currently in the top 20 and found 4. They beat USC, Auburn, Florida, and LSU. But upon further scrutiny two of those wins have major asterisks next to them. Alabama beat USC before the Trojans made Sam Darnold their starting quarterback. USC was a disorganized team offensively when Alabama beat them handily in September. If the Trojans were afforded a rematch, I have a feeling the game would be a lot closer And their defeat of Florida seems not that impressive when you realize how bad Florida's offense is. That leaves LSU and Auburn. Alabama edged out LSU by a mere ten points, unable to score until a single point until the 4th quarter. The only truly impressive top 20 win was against Auburn, a game that they won convincingly 30-12. Considering that, I'm not willing to say that they are a lock for the national championship when Clemson or Ohio State will be standing in the way.
You notice I didn't say that Washington is a threat to stop them. I think that way because the Huskies have a startling lack of top 20 wins. They just beat Colorado in dominating fashion in the PAC 12 Championship Game, but that's where the list ends. The Huskies did face the Trojans, but lost by almost two touchdowns. That's not to say the Huskies haven't had a great season. They completely shook up the pecking order of the PAC 12, as quarterback Jake Browning, running back Myles Gaskin, and wide receiver John Ross sliced through opposing defenses. A ball-hawking Huskies defense made life equally difficult for opposing offenses. Plus, their blowout of Stanford and road victory over Utah are worthy of recognition. I'm just afraid their luck is going to run out against you know who.
My pick: Alabama. Hard to believe, I know.
4. Sugar Bowl: #7 Oklahoma Sooners vs. #14 Auburn Tigers: Jan. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN
The Oklahoma Sooners have been one of the most intriguing teams this year. The start of their season was terrible by all accounts. They were 1-2 after losing to Houston in the season opener and suffering a blowout loss at home to Ohio State. After that, everyone wrote the Sooners off, expecting their season goals to be toast. However, Oklahoma proved them wrong by going undefeated through Big 12 Conference play, steamrolling West Virginia and rival Oklahoma State in their final two games. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Semaje Perine headline a dynamic offense that Auburn should be worried about.
The Tigers began their season in similar fashion. In their first three games they beat Arkansas State and lost to Clemson and Texas A&M. It appears as though Auburn was headed toward another disappointing season and head coach Gus Malzahn's seat was getting hotter. Fortunately, the Tigers would start to turn things around in a narrow victory over LSU. They would win their next 5 games in a row, recording big victories over Arkansas and Ole Miss along the way. Then the wheels came off in a dismal loss on the road against Georgia, a game which took the wind out of their sails. They simply did not have enough confidence to challenge Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
My pick: Oklahoma
5. Alamo Bowl: #10 Colorado Buffaloes vs. #12 Oklahoma State Cowboys: Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. on ESPN
It seems like the Alamo Bowl is on this list every year, doesn't it? That's probably because there always seems to be a pair of high powered offenses going at it in San Antonio in late December. This time the participants are the runners-up in their respective conferences.
Colorado only tallied 4 wins last year, but they sure improved their record this year. Following a road loss to then #4 Michigan, the Buffaloes stampeded their way through Oregon in a 41-38 win that proved Colorado was a team to be reckoned with. Although they would falter in a close loss to USC two weeks later, the Buffaloes remained on a path to contend for the PAC 12 South Division title. After a low scoring victory over Stanford and two home victories over Washington State and Utah, it was clear the Colorado football program has reached new heights. The Buffaloes had earned a spot in the PAC 12 Championship Game but were handed a solid defeat by the Washington Huskies. The game would have been more closer had Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau not been injured. With Liufau now recovered the Buffaloes should be much more formidable.
The Cowboys have one less win than the Buffaloes but they should have the same amount. Due in large part to a major officiating error, Oklahoma State lost on the final play of the game to a scrappy Central Michigan team. The Cowboys also lost to Baylor, but managed to crank out 7 straight wins through the heart of Big 12 Conference play. This set up a de facto conference championship game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Cowboys would go on to lose by 18 points to the Sooners, but their hard work and perseverance have earned them a spot in a quality bowl game.
Colorado only tallied 4 wins last year, but they sure improved their record this year. Following a road loss to then #4 Michigan, the Buffaloes stampeded their way through Oregon in a 41-38 win that proved Colorado was a team to be reckoned with. Although they would falter in a close loss to USC two weeks later, the Buffaloes remained on a path to contend for the PAC 12 South Division title. After a low scoring victory over Stanford and two home victories over Washington State and Utah, it was clear the Colorado football program has reached new heights. The Buffaloes had earned a spot in the PAC 12 Championship Game but were handed a solid defeat by the Washington Huskies. The game would have been more closer had Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau not been injured. With Liufau now recovered the Buffaloes should be much more formidable.
The Cowboys have one less win than the Buffaloes but they should have the same amount. Due in large part to a major officiating error, Oklahoma State lost on the final play of the game to a scrappy Central Michigan team. The Cowboys also lost to Baylor, but managed to crank out 7 straight wins through the heart of Big 12 Conference play. This set up a de facto conference championship game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Cowboys would go on to lose by 18 points to the Sooners, but their hard work and perseverance have earned them a spot in a quality bowl game.
My pick: Colorado
6. Cotton Bowl: #8 Wisconsin Badgers vs. #15 Western Michigan Broncos: Jan. 2 at 1 p.m.
I have a certain affinity for teams from the non-power 5 conferences that make a name for themselves throughout the course of the season. They don't possess the raw talent that teams from the power conferences have, but they more than make up for it with competitive drive and determination. The undefeated Western Michigan Broncos are this year's version.
With two victories over Big Ten Conference teams in their first three games, Western Michigan was poised to make waves in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). This was all the more surprising because of the program's recent history. Three years ago, Western Michigan hired the youngest head coach in division I-A, the very energetic P.J. Fleck. Fleck, a former wide receiver at Northern Illinois, went 1-11 in his first season, but began to instill in his players the phrase: "Row the Boat!" It means keep improving practice after practice, keep doing your job, and eventually we will become a great football team. Three years later the Broncos have made that dream a reality.
A big reason why is the truly remarkable quarterback-wide receiver tandem of Zach Terrell and Corey Davis. After four years of playing together, Terrell and Davis have amassed enough yards to become the most productive quarterback-wide receiver duo in the history of college football. A strong offensive line and a powerful running back in Jarvion Franklin provide an excellent complement to the record setting players. The Broncos made short work of the MAC and added a conference championship game win over Ohio on top. Despite all his team's success, Coach Fleck has decided to stay at Western Michigan, a classy move that is all too rare these days.
Their opponents in the Cotton Bowl are the formidable Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers possess a potent defense and a talented running back in Corey Clement. Their only two losses in the regular season came to the two best teams in the Big Ten, Ohio State and Michigan. A six game winning streak in the last half of the season propelled them to the Big Ten Championship Game which they lost to Penn State. Still, the Badgers will be difficult for the Broncos to defeat. But last year the non-power 5 conference darling of Houston defeated Florida State, so I can't pick against the Broncos!
My upset pick: Western Michigan
7. Citrus Bowl: #13 Louisville Cardinals vs. #20 LSU Tigers: Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. on ESPN
The difference in styles of offense of this year's Citrus Bowl participants could not be more different. The Cardinals have the talents of Heisman trophy winning quarterback Lamar Jackson at their disposal. Jackson had a monumental season, accumulating 3,390 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, over 1,100 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns. Five of those 51 total touchdowns came during Louisville's 62-20 smackdown of Florida State, one of the early season surprises of 2016. After a narrow defeat to Clemson, Louisville went on a five game winning streak that appeared to have them on track for a spot in the Orange Bowl at least. However, after a poor showing against Houston and a shocking loss to Kentucky, the Cardinals let the Seminoles snatch the Orange Bowl away from them. I'm not sure how much motivation Louisville has to play in this game.
A different breed altogether are the Tigers of Louisiana State University. After a nail biting loss to Auburn got their former head coach Les Miles fired, interim head coach Ed Orgeron took over. Orgeron is a broad shouldered man with a thick Cajun accent that instantly gives away his Louisiana upbringing. The players quickly rallied around their new coach and turned the direction of the program around. Orgeron achieved victories over Missouri, Southern Miss, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss with a reliance on the dynamic running abilities of Darrius Guice and a downright scary defense. The only blemishes on his resume being close losses to Alabama and Florida, Orgeron was made the official head coach at the end of the season. Knowing their efforts secured their new head coach his job, the Tigers should play with enough energy to eat the Cardinals for brunch. The game starts at 11 a.m. after all.
My pick: LSU
8. Pinstripe Bowl: #23 Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. on ESPN
Northwestern had an up and down season complete with an embarrassing loss and a couple of surprising victories. The embarrassing loss came to FCS foe Illinois State, the type of team you put on your schedule to get an easy win. However, Illinois State held Northwestern to a single touchdown and used a last second field to snag a 9-7 victory. But thanks to win against the weakest teams in the Big Ten along with a victory over Duke and an upset of Michigan State got the Wildcats to six wins and bowl eligibility. In my opinion, the reason for Northwestern's struggles has to do with the Wildcat players attempt to unionize a couple of years ago. I admit that improving athletes' meal plan and providing an emergency cash fund for them was necessary, but trying to form a union, which is inherently a divisive strategy, was not the way to do it. Thankfully, the unionization attempt was stopped by a judge's ruling, but a wedge had already been driven between the players and the coaches, something that will take years to fix in this program.
The Panthers are the complete opposite. Their team spirit could not be higher. Star running back James Conner was diagnosed with cancer late last year but defeated it with the help and support of his family, friends, and teammates. Conner was even running drills with his teammates with a mask on while he was undergoing chemotherapy! A video of Conner's incredible determination to overcome cancer insprired countless others in their fight. Conner has had a great season running and catching the ball and his teammates will be determined to make his final game as a Panther a good one. Pittsburgh also has a huge advantage on the playcalling side of things. Their use of the seldom used shovel pass carved up Clemson’s defense in Pittsburgh's upset victory. Northwestern better be ready.
My pick: Pittsburgh
9. Russell Athletic Bowl: #16 West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Miami Hurricanes: Dec. 28 at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
West Virginia has continued to show improvement as a team and as a program the last few years. A committment to recruiting speedy wide receivers every year has allowed the Mountaineers to fare well in a conference focused on scoring points. Quarterback Skylar Howard has done a good job getting the ball to his receivers throughout the course of the season, which is a big reason why the West Virginia has reached a double digit win total this year. Their only two losses came to the best teams in the Big 12, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. I fully expect them to shred Miami's defense in this game.
However, the Hurricanes can put up bunches of points as well. Longtime Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt, a solid coach and an upstanding Christian man, became Miami's new head coach last spring and has this program trending in the right direction. The Hurricanes possess a good quarterback in Brad Kaaya, but he has a penchant for underperforming against ranked teams. Kaaya could break that bad streak but I would be surprised if he did.
My pick: West Virginia
10. Orange Bowl: #6 Michigan Wolverines vs. #11 Florida State Seminoles: Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. on ESPN
This Orange Bowl contest will be a good showcase of both of these teams' talented defenses. Michigan's defense has been formidable all year and you can't fool around with Florida State's defense either. The Wolverines have given up less than two touchdowns per game on average, a truly awe-inspiring number. The Seminoles have serious talent on defense, but have given up on average more than twice the number of points Michigan has. That translates to a big advantage for the Wolverines defensively.
On the other side of things, Florida State has a slight advantage. Running back Dalvin Cook is the heart and soul of the Seminoles offense. Putting up great numbers year after year, Cook has kept Florida State at or within reach of the top echelon of teams in college football even after the departure of Heisman winning quarterback Jameis Winston. The Seminoles' current quarterback, freshman Deondre François, is a great athlete with quick feet and a strong arm. The reason this doesn't translate into a huge advantage is Michigan's Jabrill Peppers. This do-it-all sensation, whose eye-popping highlights earned him an invite to the Heisman trophy ceremony, plays kick returner, linebacker and running back. Peppers will have a big impact on the game and the Michigan defense will eventually clamp down on Dalvin Cook.
My pick: Michigan
