As the playoff and big games approach, the stakes in bowl games get much higher. In this article, I will Preview every bowl game taking place after December 28th.

Peach Bowl: Florida vs Michigan

Analysis:

Florida has enjoyed a very nice bounce back year, going from 4-7 in 2017, to 9-3 this season. One reason I believe they have done better is the improvement of quarterback Feleipe Franks. Franks is still pretty inconsistent, but now has increased his passing yardage to 2,284 yards, and upped his passing touchdowns from nine in 2017, to 23 this season. Franks has been helped out by the running back duo of Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett. Splitting carries, Perine and Scarlett combine for 1,467 yards this season. Just like all Florida teams in recent memory, this team still mainly shines on defense. Jachai Polite is one of the best pass rushers in the country with 11 sacks this season as well as 18 tackles for loss. On this very talented defensive line, Polite is joined by Jabari Zuniga and his 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Chauncey Gardner was one of the best defensive backs in the SEC with 66 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two interceptions. To win this game, Florida will need to make plays on offense, and find a way to put some points on the board.

While their loss to Ohio State put a major damper on the season, Michigan is a very good team. What will not help Michigan is the number of key players not playing. Linebacker Devin Bush, defensive lineman Rashan Gary, and running back Karan Higdon are all skipping the game to train for the NFL Draft. This means Shea Patterson will have to make more plays at the quarterback position. Patterson has thrown for 2,364 yards and 23 touchdowns this season as well as 268 rushing yards. Without Higdon at running back, Michigan will have to look to Chris Evans (not the same guy who played Captian America). Evans has just 403 rushing yards this season, but does have more receiving yards than Higdon does this season. In Gary’s absence Chase Winovich will have to make some plays at defensive end and be ready to have more of a spotlight on him. Winovich did well earlier this season when Gary was out with injury, but those were games against worse teams than Florida. In Bush’s absence, Khaleke Hudson, and Josh Ross will have to shoulder more of a workload. After Bush, Ross is the next leading tackler among linebackers. While Hudson is not exactly a linebacker, (Michigan calls his position viper which basically is a combination of linebacker and safety) he often plays in the box and will have the responsibilities of one. Michigan needs to find a way to get consistent yardage on offense without Higdon if they want to come it with a victory. Evans will need to handle his increased role well, and Patterson will need to connect often with his leading receivers Nico Collins, Donovan Peooles-Jones, and Zach Gentry.

Prediction:

Michigan wins 24-17 in a bit of an ugly game.

Belk Bowl: South Carolina vs Virginia

Analysis:

South Carolina is a respectable 7-5 under Will Muschamp. Their chances in this game did take a hit when leading receiver Deebo Samuel chose to sit out this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. This news will make things harder for quarterback Jake Bentley. Bentley has been consistently solid at quarterback, completing 64% of his passes for 2,953 yards and 27 touchdowns. Without Samuel, the Gamecocks will rely on Bryan Edwards more. On the season, Edwards has 52 receptions for 807 yards. South Carolina’s best defensive player is linebacker TJ Brunson. Brunson leads the team with 94 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. The key to the game for South Carolina is for Bentley to throw on a pretty strong Virginia defense.

After a 6-2 start, Virginia lost three of their last four games. Virginia is built on a strong defense led by safety Juan Thornhill, who has 94 total tackles and five interceptions. Their defense has been the key factor in multiple wins for the Cavaliers this season. On offense, Virginia is led by dual threat quarterback Bryce Perkins. Perkins has thrown for 2,472 yards this season and run for another 842 with a combined 31 touchdowns. Jordan Ellis leads all rushers with 920 yards this season. The star of the offense is receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who has 82 receptions for 973 receiving yards. Zacceaus definitely has made things easier for Perkins, and can make plays on offense. For this game, Virginia will need to continue to have a stout defense.

Prediction:

Virginia wins a tight game 27-23.

Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State vs Nevada

Analysis:

Even though they lost to UNLV in the season finale, Nevada won four of their last five games to finish the regular season 7-5. On offense, quarterback Ty Gangi has thrown for 3,131 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Wolfpack are led by the one-two punch of McLane Mannix and Kaleb Fossum at receiver. Mannix has 875 receiving yards on the season while Fossum has 728. The run game is led by 816 yards from Toa Taua (pretty awesome name). On defense, Nevada is pretty adept at stopping the run. Malik Reed and Korey Rush do a very good job of bringing pressure and making plays with 27 tackles for loss and 14 sacks between the two of them. To win this game, Nevada will need to protect Gangi and give him time to throw as well as giving Mannix and Fossum time to get open.

Arkansas State also went on a hot streak to end the season, winning four out of five games to finish 8-4. On offense, the Red Wolves are led by dual threat quarterback Justice Hansen. This season, Hansen has completed 67% of his passes for 3,172 yards and 27 touchdowns, plus an additional 399 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Kirk Merritt is a playmaker at receiver who this season has 75 catches for 939 yards and seven touchdowns. 6’6” receiver Justin McInnis is also a threat in the passing game with 56 catches for 694 yards. In the run game, Marcel Murray and Warren Wand split carries, with Murray having a slight edge in yardage with 793. Defensive end Ronheen Bingham is the standout on the defense, as he was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year with 65 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks this season. Arkansas State will need to defend the pass well in this game if they want to win.

Prediction:

Arkansas State wins an offense heavy game 38-34.

College Football Playoff Semifinal Cotton Bowl: Notre Dame vs Clemson

Analysis:

Notre Dame is making their first appearance in the College Football Playoff after their 12-0 regular season. Since making the switch to Ian Book at quarterback after three games, Notre Dame’s offense has looked much stronger. Book has completed 70% of his passes this season for 2,468 yards and 19 touchdowns. Book can also run the ball effectively as he has run for 250 yards and four touchdowns this season as well. Dexter Williams leads the rushing attack for the Fighting Irish with 117 rushing yards per game. Notre Dame will also have depth in their backfield for the first time in a while with backups Tony Jones Jr. and Jafar Armstrong healthy. Miles Boykin leads all receivers with 803 receiving yards and Chase Claypool is close behind with 631. On defense, Notre Dame has talent all over starting with an elite secondary. Julian Love, Jalen Elliott, Alohi Gilman, and Troy Pride Jr. have been disruptive to every quarterback and receiver they have gone against. The duo of Te’Von Coney and Drue Tranquil at linebacker have a combined 182 total tackles, and Jerry Tillery leads a strong defensive line.

Notre Dame is considered a big underdog in this game, but there is a path to victory for them. Book will need to continue to be accurate against Clemson’s pass defense, the biggest weakness on that side of the ball for Clemson. Notre Dame’s offensive line does need to give Book time to throw. On defense, Notre Dame’s secondary needs to make things difficult for a freshman quarterback. This can also be helped by getting a good pass rush.

Clemson has been the clear second best team in the country after Alabama (or UCF, you can make the call). Clemson was hit with a bombshell this week when they found out defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (and two backup players) failed a drug test and will not be able to play in this game. Lawrence is part of an absolutely elite defensive line unit that will now seem more human without him. Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, and Christian Wilkins will now have a bit more on their plate in terms of getting a pass rush, and being disruptive against a strong Notre Dame offensive line. On offense, true freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence has stepped into the role of starting quarterback nicely. Lawrence has thrown for 2,606 yards and has a touchdown to interception ratio of 24/4. Travis Etienne definitely takes some of the pressure off Lawrence, as he has 1,464 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Tee Higgins leads receivers with 802 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Clemson is the favorite in this game, but they need to play well to ensure victory. They need to establish the run game with Etienne, as Notre Dame’s secondary will be scary for a true freshman quarterback to throw into in such a big game. Defensively, Clemson needs to get a pass rush and force Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book to make quick decisions with the ball. This will help out Clemson’s secondary, which is the weakest link to their defense.

Prediction:

Clemson stays ahead the whole game and wins 31-20.

College Football Playoff Semifinal Orange Bowl: Oklahoma vs Alabama

Analysis:

Oklahoma snuck into the fourth playoff spot after taking home the Big 12 Championship and standing at 12-1. Oklahoma is here mostly because of the outstanding play of Kyler Murray. Murray has thrown for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns this season as well as 892 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In some good news for Oklahoma, their best big play threat at receiver, Hollywood Brown looks ready to play in this game after injuring his foot in the Big 12 Championship. Brown has 1,318 receiving yards this season. CeeDee Lamb is the second part of this dynamic receiver duo with 1,049 receiving yards. Brown and Lamb each have 10 receiving touchdowns. Kennedy Brooks and Trey Sermon lead the charge on the ground, both hovering around 1,000 rushing yards. Defensively, linebackers Kenneth Murray and Curtis Bolton seem to have a nose for the ball as Murray has 140 total tackles and Bolton has 133.

Oklahoma will be going against a stacked Alabama team, but I think they have a decent chance of pulling off the upset. Kyler Murray will need to make things happen, and be a playmaker with the ball. Defensively, Oklahoma needs to make some stops or force turnovers against a dynamic offense. Oklahoma’s defense will have to play above their skill level in this game.

I think that everybody will agree to the statement that Alabama is the best team in the country. At 13-0, Alabama has only really hit a road bump in the SEC Championship against Georgia. One concern for Alabama is that four players, including starting offensive guard Deonte Brown will be suspended for this game. This will definitely make things more difficult for Alabama, but they still should have a big advantage in this game. The more important issue is that Tua Tagovailoa is not fully ready yet, as he suffered an ankle injury in the SEC Championship and he said he was around 80-85% in a recent interview. Tua has lived up to his preseason hype, throwing for 3,353 yards and boasting a 37/4 touchdown to interception ratio. Damien Harris leads a pretty loaded backfield, but Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs are also threats. Jerry Jeudy is Alabama’s leading receiver with 1,103 receiving yards, but he is not the only threat as the Crimson Tide have five players with over 500 receiving yards this season. Alabama’s defense is led by future top NFL pick Quinnen Williams. Williams has 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks this season. Isaiah Buggs is good rushing the passer with 9.5 sacks. Deionte Thompson leads the secondary, with two interceptions and 70 total tackles.

Alabama is a heavy favorite, but will need to slow down Kyler Murray if they want to rest easy. Murray is one of few players in the country that is capable of winning a game by himself. Alabama will obviously have to put up some points on offense, but I think that is a given.

Prediction:

Alabama wins 52-42 in a back and forth game where they pull away in the end.

Military Bowl: Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech

Analysis:

Cincinnati has bounced back to a 10-2 this season, after going 4-8 in 2017. On offense, quarterback Desmond Ridder commands the ship with 2,359 passing yards and 19 touchdowns as well as 574 rushing yards and another five touchdowns. Michael Warren leads the rushing attack for the Bearcats with 1,163 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Although Ridder does get a lot of receivers involved, Kahlil Lewis stands alone with 55 catches for 768 yards. Cincinnati’s defense has been very solid this season, especially stopping the run, as they allow just 101 rushing yards per game. To win this game, Cincinnati will need to get their fair share of points against a shaky Virginia Tech defense.

It may not have been pretty, but Virginia Tech got to 6-6 and was able to keep their streak of bowl appearances alive. The Hokies have had to rely on backup quarterback Ryan Willis for most of the season, but he has done better than expected in the spot, throwing for 2,497 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 22/8. Willis has been aided by receiver Damon Hazelton Jr and his 45 catches for 745 yards and eight touchdowns. Steven Peoples leads the ground game with 760 rushing yards, and Willis also helps out with 321 rushing yards if his own. Rayshard Ashby leads the defense with 100 total tackles. To win this game, Virginia Tech needs to play stout defense against a strong Cincinnati rushing attack, and make sure they do not get gashed.

Prediction:

Cincinnati wins a run heavy games 31-23.

Sun Bowl: Stanford vs Pittsburgh

Analysis:

Stanford has had a pretty disappointing season compared to their preseason expectations, (I am mostly trying to explain myself since I thought they would win the Pac 12 before the season) finishing 8-4. Stanford’s chances in this game did take a blow when running back Bryce Love announced that he was skipping this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Love’s numbers took a dip this season after he was battling injuries, but he is still a dangerous runner. Backup running backs Trevor Speights and Cameron Scarlett will now have a bit more asked of them in this game. Thankfully for Stanford, they still have KJ Costello at quarterback who has thrown for 3,435 yards this season and 29 touchdowns. Stanford also has JJ Arcega-Whiteside at receiver who has 969 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Tight end Kaden Smith is questionable for this game with a foot injury, but will make a big impact if he plays. On defense, linebacker Bobby Okereke can always be relied upon to make key tackles, and cornerback Paulson Adebo can defend just about any receiver you put him on. In this game, Stanford will need to slow down Pittsburgh’s run game that has led the Panthers to many of their wins this season.

Even though they were blown out by Clemson in the ACC Championship, Pittsburgh is a solid team at 7-6. Pittsburgh has gotten to this point mainly because of their strong running game with Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall. Ollison has complied 1,196 rushing yards this season while Hall has 1,021. The two combine for 20 touchdowns as well. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is not asked to do too much, but he completes 60% of his passes and has thrown for 12 touchdowns to just six interceptions. The biggest playmaker for the Panthers on defense is defensive lineman Rashad Weaver. Weaver lead the team with 13 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Jason Pinnock, Damar Hamlin, and Dane Jackson lead a pretty good pass defense, that has been the strength on that side of the ball for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s secondary will need to play well this game if they want to win.

Prediction:

Stanford’s offense takes over in a 34-20 win for the Cardinal.

Redbox Bowl: Oregon vs Michigan State

Analysis:

While Oregon has not returned to elite status quite yet, Mario Cristobal led a step in the right direction for the program with an 8-4 season. Quarterback Justin Herbert has carried the load on offense, throwing for 2,985 yards and 28 touchdowns. Herbert has a very strong arm, and will never back down from making a big throw. True freshman CJ Verdell leads the Ducks with 975 rushing yards and Travis Dye is close behind with 721. Receiver Dillon Mitchell is the best offensive playmaker for Oregon with 69 catches for 1,114 yards. On defense, linebacker Troy Dye leads the team in tackles by a considerable margin with 101 total tackles this season. Oregon also has four players with at least three interceptions this season. In this game, Oregon will have their work cut out for them against a very tough Michigan State defense and will need to move the ball. Verdell and Dye can not be swallowed by a solid Michigan State defensive front.

Michigan State may have made a bowl game, but they have definitely fallen short of expectations after returning so much talent from a team that was 10-3 a year ago. Brian Lewerke has been battling injuries for most of the season which explains the drop off in his passing numbers as he has just thrown for 1,868 yards this season. Connor Heyward leads a rushing attack that usually splits carries between multiple players. Cody White is the best receiver on the team, but still is not on the level of Felton Davis who has not played since the Spartans upset Penn State due to a torn Achilles and will unfortunately not play in the Redbox Bowl. The Spartans offensive woes are thankfully countered by a stout defense. Defensive back Justin Layne is not playing as he is preparing for the NFL Draft, but there are still talented players on this defense. Defensive end Kenny Willekes has 20.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks this season. Safety Khari Willis can defend the pass and is capable of stepping up and making big hits as well. Michigan State will just need to find some source of offense in this game. The best way to do this will be for the defense to give them a short field and for the offense to capitalize on these opportunities.

Prediction:

Oregon wins an ugly game 24-10.

Liberty Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Missouri

Analysis:

Oklahoma State had a down year, finishing 6-6, but there are still some things to be intrigued about with this team. Taylor Cornelius has kept up the constant of Oklahoma State quarterbacks putting up gaudy numbers as he has thrown for 3,637 yards and 28 touchdowns. Cornelius also is a running threat with 385 rushing yards. Justice Hill is injured and not playing in this game meaning Chuba Hubbard will be getting most of the carries in this game. Hubbard may only have 595 rushing yards, but has seen success when he is the featured back. Oklahoma State also has Biletnikoff Award Finalist Tylan Wallace at receiver. Wallace has 1,398 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season and has been dominant late in the season. Oklahoma State’s defense is built on making big plays as they have three players with at least 10 tackles for loss. In this game, Oklahoma State will need to defend the pass well against Drew Lock and Missouri’s offense. Oklahoma State only has five interceptions this season, and nobody with more than three pass deflections so they likely need to get a good pass rush.

Missouri finished this season strong, winning five of their last six games and finishing 8-4. One of the catalysts for a successful season for the Tigers is quarterback Drew Lock. Lock has thrown for 3,125 yards and 25 touchdowns and has added six rushing touchdowns. Lock will be playing on Sundays next year, and is the backbone of this offense. Larry Rountree III is another important player on the offensive side of the ball as he has 1,012 rushing yards this season. Lock spreads the ball around well among receivers, but the leader in terms of receiving yards is Emmanuel Hall with 756. Jonathon Johnson leads the team in receptions with 50. Missouri’s defense is led by linebacker Cale Garrett and his 98 total tackles. Missouri’s defense will have a tough task ahead of them having to slow down a multifaceted and prolific Oklahoma State offense. They will need to get some stops if they want to come out of this game on top.

Prediction:

Oklahoma State wins a shootout 45-41.

Holiday Bowl: Utah vs Northwestern

Analysis:

Despite losing a very ugly game to Washington in the Pac 12 Championship, Utah is still a solid team. Quarterback Tyler Huntley looks to return for this game after suffering a broken collarbone earlier this season. Huntley throws for 195 yards per game and is a threat on the ground. Armand Shyne will continue to be the lead back, stepping in after an injury to Zack Moss. Shyne has 479 rushing yards this season and averages 4.5 yards per carry. Linebacker Chase Hansen is the star of the defense with 114 total tackles, (70 of them are unassisted) 22 tackles for loss, and two interceptions this season. Cody Barton also has 109 total tackles. Defensive end Bradlee Anae has 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. The key to this game for Utah will be to get their offense going, and be able to poke holes in a strong Northwestern defense.

Northwestern rebounded from a 1-3 start (I feel like every Northwestern team starts bad then wins seven or eight straight games to finish the season) to finish the regular season 8-5 after losing to Ohio State in the Big 10 Championship. Quarterback Clayton Thorson has regressed after tearing his ACL last season, but still has thrown for 2,942 yards this season. Thorson also can make things happen on the ground as he has nine rushing touchdowns. Isaiah Bowser has stepped in as the lead back this season and has 796 rushing yards this season. Flynn Nagel leads all receivers for Northwestern with 759 receiving yards. Blake Gallagher and Paddy Fisher both have over 100 total tackles on the defensive side of the ball for the Wildcats. Northwestern needs to be able to move the ball in this game, and find a reliable source of yardage if they want to come out on top.

Prediction:

Utah wins a defense heavy game 20-13.

Gator Bowl: North Carolina State vs Texas A&M

Analysis:

Dave Doeren looks to be building something at North Carolina State as the Wolfpack finished the regular season 9-3. Ryan Finley has led the charge at quarterback with a 68% completion percentage, 3,789 passing yards, and 24 touchdowns. Unfortunately for Finley and the Wolfpack, receiver Kelvin Harmon is not playing in order to train for the NFL Draft. Thankfully North Carolina State still has Jokobi Meyers who has 1,028 receiving yards this season on 89 catches. The run game is built around Reggie Gallaspy, who has 1,014 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, leading tackler Germain Pratt is not playing due to a knee injury. That means linebacker Isaiah Moore will have to pick up the slack in this game. To win this game, North Carolina State will need to be able to stop the run as Texas A&M has a deadly running back in Trayveon Williams.

Texas A&M is 8-4 right now, but their schedule was pretty tough so their record should not be taken lightly. Kellen Mond has stepped in as the undisputed starting quarterback early on and has held on to that role right, throwing for 2,967 yards and 23 touchdowns. Mond is also a dual threat quarterback adding another 387 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Thankfully for Mond and the offense, Trayveon Williams is a pretty good security blanket for this team with 1,524 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Williams is the workhorse back for this offense, and can always be relied upon to get a hard yard. The leading receiver for the Aggies is tight end Jace Sternberger, who has 804 receiving yards this season. Texas A&M has a host of other receivers that are all capable of coming up with big catches, with Kendrick Rogers and Quartney Davis being two that always seem to step up in clutch moments. On defense, Otaro Alaka leads the team with 79 total tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss. Texas A&M will also have an advantage on special teams as punter Braden Mann averages 51 yards per punt. To win this game, the Aggies need to defend the pass well, and make sure Mond makes smart throws on offense.

Prediction:

Texas A&M wins behind a strong run game 27-20.

Outback Bowl: Mississippi State vs Iowa

Analysis:

At 8-4, Mississippi State will be looking to put an exclamation point on Joe Moorhead’s first season as head coach. Nick Fitzgerald does not throw much, but he throws for 6.5 yards per attempt and a 15/6 touchdown to interception ratio. While Fitzgerald has shortcomings throwing the ball, he definitely can run it as he leads the Bulldogs with 1,018 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The duo of Kylin Hill and Aeris Williams help out Fitzgerald in the run game, each with over 500 yards on the ground themselves. While Mississippi State has a pretty one dimensional offense, their defense is vicious and has only given up 12 touchdowns all season. Defensive linemen Jeffrey Simmons and Montez Sweat wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Simmons has 59 total tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss this season. Sweat has 51 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. Against Iowa, Mississippi State will have to force some turnovers and get good field position to set up the offense for success.

Iowa has some midseason struggles, but still ended up 8-4. Iowa stepped a bit away from the archetypal Iowa offense this season because of the talent of quarterback Nate Stanley. Stanley has thrown for 2,638 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Unfortunately one his top targets, do everything tight end Noah Fant will not be playing in this game as he is preparing for NFL Draft. Iowa still does have a very prolific tight end playing in this game in TJ Hockenson. Hockenson has 46 catches for 717 yards this season. Mekhi Sargent has stepped up as the lead back for the Hawkeyes late in the season. Sargent put up 294 of his 748 rushing yards on the season in the last two games of the season for the Hawkeyes. AJ Epenesa has been an impact player on defense this season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Defensive backs Amani Hooker and Geno Stone each have four interceptions this season. To win this game, Stanley will need to throw on a stout Mississippi State defense.

Prediction:

Mississippi State’s defense proves to be too much as they win 17-13.

Fiesta Bowl: LSU vs UCF

Analysis:

LSU has surprised some people (me at least) by having a 9-3 regular season. Joe Burrow has stepped in at quarterback and definitely is capable of stepping up in big moments. In his first season as a starter, Burrow has thrown for 2,500 yards and run for another 375 for 19 total touchdowns. Nick Brossette has filled in the void at running back and has 922 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Burrow’s main receiver this season has been Justin Jefferson, who has 50 catches for 788 receiving yards this season. LSU’s defense took a hit when Greedy Williams decided to sit out this game to prepare for the NFL Draft, but they still have one of the best defensive backs in the country in Grant Delpit. Delpit has 73 tackles and five interceptions this season. Devin White leads the team with 115 total tackles and can make plays all over the field. Defensively, LSU needs to slow down the ground game UCF has and force an inexperienced quarterback to make plays through the air. Offensively, they need to get the ground game going and try to gash UCF with Brossette, Burrow, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

UCF capped off their second straight AAC Championship and 25th straight win in their last outing. UCF also won their last game without star quarterback McKenzie Milton, as relying on backup Darriel Mack. Mack did pretty well with the opportunity, throwing for 348 yards and having six total touchdowns. UCF’s offense is also aided by explosive back Greg McCrae. McCrae has 1,101 yards this season on nine yards per carry. Gabriel Davis is the top receiver for the Knights with 50 catches for 756 yards. The best defensive player for the Knights is defensive back Richie Grant. Grant has 101 total tackles this season, and a team leading six interceptions. Defensive lineman Titus Davis is also a playmaker with 16 tackles for loss. The key to this game for UCF will be for McCrae and the run game to be effective, and to try and stop the run on defense. UCF has not had as much success stopping the run, but they might need to in this game.

Prediction:

LSU ends the dreams of a National Championship for UCF as they win 28-17.

Citrus Bowl: Kentucky vs Penn State

Analysis:

Kentucky came out of nowhere this season to a 9-3 record. Kentucky’s defense has been a buzzsaw for many opposing offenses. Josh Allen is an absolute beast on at defensive end with 84 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. Allen also has five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Their defense forces opposing offenses to grind out yards. On offense, Benny Snell does a lions share of the work. Snell has 1,330 rushing yards this season and 14 touchdowns. Quarterback Terry Wilson struggles throwing the ball downfield, but completes 68% of his passes. Wilson also has run for 518 yards this season. To win this game, Kentucky will need to move the ball on offense, and keep Trace McSorley from taking over the game for Penn State.

Although they struggled in big games, Penn State is still 9-3, and did well for what was expected to be a down year. Trace McSorley has been the leader of the offense with 2,285 passing yards, 723 rushing yards, and 27 total touchdowns. McSorley is always capable of making big plays, and will never be afraid of making a big time throw. First year starter Miles Sanders has done well at running back with 1,223 receiving yards. Redshirt freshman receiver KJ Hamler has emerged as the primary receiving threat with 714 receiving yards. On defense, Penn State has three playmaking defensive linemen. Yetur Gross-Matos, Shareef Miller, and Robert Windsor combine for 44 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks this season. To win this game, Penn State needs to give McSorley time to throw, and do well in the passing game. Defensively, they need to stop the run.

Prediction:

Penn State matches up well and wins 27-24.

Rose Bowl: Washington vs Ohio State

Analysis:

Despite a bit of a disappointing regular season, Washington came away with a Pac 12 Championship and is in the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Jake Browning has had a dip in production, but he still has thrown for 2,879 yards and 16 touchdowns. Myles Gaskin has battled injury this season, but still had his fourth season of 1,000 or more rushing yards, with 1,147 rushing yards this season. Aaron Fuller has emerged as the number one receiver for the Huskies with 51 catches for 794 yards. Linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven has racked up stats this season with 165 total tackles, and two interceptions. Taylor Rapp and Byron Murphy lead a strong secondary that makes things very difficult for opposing quarterbacks. To win this game, Washington’s secondary will need to make things difficult for Dwayne Haskins. Ohio State’s offense is loaded wit talent at skill positions and the Huskies need to slow them down.

Ohio State narrowly may have missed out on the playoff, but is one of the most talented teams in the country. Dwayne Haskins has led this loaded offense with 4,580 passing yards and 47 touchdowns. Haskins has many good receivers to throw to but his top target is Parris Campbell, who has 992 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 catches. Other targets include KJ Hill, who has 831 receiving yards, Terry McLaurin with 669, and Johnnie Dixon with 642. The backfield duo of JK Dobbins and Mine Weber is one of the best in the country as the two combine for 1,887 rushing yards. The best defensive players for the Buckeyes are defensive linemen Dre’Mont Jones, and Chase Young. They each have and 8.5 sacks, and Young has 13.5 tackles for loss while Jones has 13. This game for the Buckeyes will have to be won with high powered offensive play and stopping the run on defense.

Prediction:

Ohio State has too much talent for Washington to hang with as they win 31-20.

Sugar Bowl: Texas vs Georgia

Analysis:

Texas has stepped things up in year two under Tom Herman as they sit at 9-4 before this game. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has greatly improved his play this season as he has thrown for 3,123 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 25/5. Ehlinger adds another 418 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. While the stats are impressive, they do not show the toughness and fearlessness that Ehlinger plays with that have helped Texas. Ehlinger has been helped out by having two great targets in Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Collin Johnson. Humphrey has 79 catches for 1,109 yards this season while Johnson has 65 catches for 945 yards. Texas has some struggles on defense, but Charles Omenihu has caused problems with opposing offensive lines as he was named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. To win this game, Texas will need to make plays through the air, and not allow themselves to get gashed by Georgia’s offense.

Georgia had a heartbreaking loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship, but it should show how dangerous this 11-2 team is. Quarterback Jake Fromm commands the offense well, and is efficient, completing 68% of his passes for 2,537 yards and 27 touchdowns. D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield lead the rushing attack with 1,993 yards and 17 touchdowns between the two of them. Georgia spreads the ball around in the passing game with six players with over 250 receiving yards. Georgia’s defense took a hit when cornerback Deandre Baker announced that he would not play in this game. Georgia does well defending the pass and will need to continue to do that without Baker if they want to win this game.

Prediction:

Georgia is just too much for Texas as they win 31-24 (it pains me so much to pick Texas to lose and Texas A&M to win in the same article and I hope I am wrong).

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