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LGHL Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Indiana State: Game preview and prediction
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Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Indiana State: Game preview and prediction
Jami Jurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
John Jones-Imagn Images
Hot off a 20-point win over ranked Kentucky, the Buckeyes will try to capitalize on their momentum as they welcome Indiana State to Columbus.
After more than a week off for the Christmas Break, Ohio State is back in Columbus this afternoon to finish out the season’s non-conference play against Indiana State.
The Buckeyes (8-4 overall, 6-1 at home) head home after a marquee 20-point win, 85-65, over No. 4 Kentucky—only the second loss of the year for the Wildcats—after a lights-out performance from junior guard Bruce Thornton.
Indiana State (8-4 overall, 2-1 away) currently sits atop the Missouri Valley Conference after carrying a five-game win streak into the Christmas Break and into their matchup with the Buckeyes. This is also their final non-conference matchup this year.
It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Buckeyes have already faced two other MVC opponents this season (Evansville and Valparaiso) and won both those contests.
The Sycamores are averaging 84.4 points per game, with a 50.5% percent field goal average (12th in the country).
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25808710/usa_today_25043726.jpg "NCAA Basketball: CBS Sports Classic-Ohio State at Kentucky")
John Jones-Imagn Images
Carried not just by Thornton’s career-best performance, but also by a spectacular defensive effort and a sharing of the offensive load, the Buckeyes’ win over Kentucky was perhaps their best collective effort to-date this season.
Thornton had a career-high 30 points in the Madison Square Garden outing, followed by freshman John Mobley Jr., who had 15 points and three assists in his second collegiate start.
Also stellar for the Buckeyes was Aaron Bradshaw, who returned to the court off the bench against his former team and made his first five shots to finish with 11 points and two steals.
Though Kentucky, the nation’s top-scoring offense heading into the game against OSU, narrowly led the Buckeyes early (8-7 at the first media timeout, 21-20 shortly thereafter), an 8-0 Ohio State run put the Buckeyes ahead, and they carried a 39-30 lead into the break after holding the Wildcats to its lowest-scoring half of the season so far.
Ohio State continued to keep Kentucky at arm’s length in the second half, opening with a 6-0 run and never giving up the lead. The Wildcats shot a season-worst 29.8 percent.
On the season, Thornton currently leads the Buckeyes in scoring, averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. Mobley is putting up 12.9 points per game, while Devin Royal is also scoring in double-digits, with 14.9 points per game. Royal also leads the team in rebounds with 7.8.
Meechie Johnson Jr., who has been a major presence for the Buckeyes with an average of almost 29 minutes per game, has missed the last two games and has not yet announced a return date as takes an indefinite leave of absence to handle a personal matter.
But even without Johnson, the Buckeyes looked to be in a rhythm we hadn’t yet seen from them this season against the Wildcats, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
On the other side, the Sycamores also seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect point in the season. Their most recent win, which extended their win-streak to five, was a 101-53 thumping of the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy, at home in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Indiana State shot 58.3% in the contest, marking their second-best outing of the season (their best was 60.7% versus Tarleton State), and they made a season-high 42 field goals. Sophomore Jahni Summers led the way for the Sycamores with a season-high 22 points, including 6-of-9 from three-point range.
In addition to heating up on offense, Indiana State also managed to contain turnovers, recording just nine in the game (the fewest in a single outing this season).
Three Sycamores are averaging double-digit points per game, led by guard Samage Teel who is good for 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-leading 4.3 assists per game. He also leads the team in steals. Forwards Jaden Daughtry and Markus Harding are averaging 10.4 points and 10.3 points per game, respectively. Harding leads the team with 5.1 rebounds per game, and Daughtry is also adding 4.6 rebounds per game.
As a team, Indiana State is fifth in the country in effective field goal percentage, and their average of 11-made three pointers per game is the 12th-best in the nation.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25808714/usa_today_24900460.jpg "Syndication: Evansville Courier and Press")
MaCabe Brown / Courier & Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s time for teams to get serious about their postseason prospects heading into January, and the Buckeyes rose to the occasion against Kentucky. Now, against Indiana State, they should have no trouble building on their pre-holiday momentum to extend their win streak to three.
It should prove a good opportunity for Ohio State to get back in the swing of things after the holidays and work out any remaining kinks in advance of their upcoming home game against No. 18 Michigan State.
The Buckeyes have proven they have the potential to be a spoil, but whether they have the potential for even more will come down to how deep they can dig and how consistent they can be into January.
While Indiana State won’t give this game away, it’s unlikely they’ll keep it close past the first half. They haven’t really faced a team of the Buckeyes’ caliber yet this season, and given the recent momentum we’ve seen from Ohio State, Indiana State, ultimately, will be mismatched on the road here.
The Buckeyes will have to be careful not to get caught looking ahead to Michigan State, which could open the door for the Sycamores to lock in offensively and give OSU some trouble, but if the Buckeyes remain as cohesive and well-rounded as they did against the Wildcats, this should be a solid home win for them.
ESPN BPI: Ohio State 94.7%
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Continue reading...
Jami Jurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
John Jones-Imagn Images
Hot off a 20-point win over ranked Kentucky, the Buckeyes will try to capitalize on their momentum as they welcome Indiana State to Columbus.
After more than a week off for the Christmas Break, Ohio State is back in Columbus this afternoon to finish out the season’s non-conference play against Indiana State.
The Buckeyes (8-4 overall, 6-1 at home) head home after a marquee 20-point win, 85-65, over No. 4 Kentucky—only the second loss of the year for the Wildcats—after a lights-out performance from junior guard Bruce Thornton.
Indiana State (8-4 overall, 2-1 away) currently sits atop the Missouri Valley Conference after carrying a five-game win streak into the Christmas Break and into their matchup with the Buckeyes. This is also their final non-conference matchup this year.
It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Buckeyes have already faced two other MVC opponents this season (Evansville and Valparaiso) and won both those contests.
The Sycamores are averaging 84.4 points per game, with a 50.5% percent field goal average (12th in the country).
Preview
Carried not just by Thornton’s career-best performance, but also by a spectacular defensive effort and a sharing of the offensive load, the Buckeyes’ win over Kentucky was perhaps their best collective effort to-date this season.
Thornton had a career-high 30 points in the Madison Square Garden outing, followed by freshman John Mobley Jr., who had 15 points and three assists in his second collegiate start.
Also stellar for the Buckeyes was Aaron Bradshaw, who returned to the court off the bench against his former team and made his first five shots to finish with 11 points and two steals.
Though Kentucky, the nation’s top-scoring offense heading into the game against OSU, narrowly led the Buckeyes early (8-7 at the first media timeout, 21-20 shortly thereafter), an 8-0 Ohio State run put the Buckeyes ahead, and they carried a 39-30 lead into the break after holding the Wildcats to its lowest-scoring half of the season so far.
Ohio State continued to keep Kentucky at arm’s length in the second half, opening with a 6-0 run and never giving up the lead. The Wildcats shot a season-worst 29.8 percent.
On the season, Thornton currently leads the Buckeyes in scoring, averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. Mobley is putting up 12.9 points per game, while Devin Royal is also scoring in double-digits, with 14.9 points per game. Royal also leads the team in rebounds with 7.8.
Meechie Johnson Jr., who has been a major presence for the Buckeyes with an average of almost 29 minutes per game, has missed the last two games and has not yet announced a return date as takes an indefinite leave of absence to handle a personal matter.
But even without Johnson, the Buckeyes looked to be in a rhythm we hadn’t yet seen from them this season against the Wildcats, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
On the other side, the Sycamores also seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect point in the season. Their most recent win, which extended their win-streak to five, was a 101-53 thumping of the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy, at home in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Indiana State shot 58.3% in the contest, marking their second-best outing of the season (their best was 60.7% versus Tarleton State), and they made a season-high 42 field goals. Sophomore Jahni Summers led the way for the Sycamores with a season-high 22 points, including 6-of-9 from three-point range.
In addition to heating up on offense, Indiana State also managed to contain turnovers, recording just nine in the game (the fewest in a single outing this season).
Three Sycamores are averaging double-digit points per game, led by guard Samage Teel who is good for 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-leading 4.3 assists per game. He also leads the team in steals. Forwards Jaden Daughtry and Markus Harding are averaging 10.4 points and 10.3 points per game, respectively. Harding leads the team with 5.1 rebounds per game, and Daughtry is also adding 4.6 rebounds per game.
As a team, Indiana State is fifth in the country in effective field goal percentage, and their average of 11-made three pointers per game is the 12th-best in the nation.
Prediction
It’s time for teams to get serious about their postseason prospects heading into January, and the Buckeyes rose to the occasion against Kentucky. Now, against Indiana State, they should have no trouble building on their pre-holiday momentum to extend their win streak to three.
It should prove a good opportunity for Ohio State to get back in the swing of things after the holidays and work out any remaining kinks in advance of their upcoming home game against No. 18 Michigan State.
The Buckeyes have proven they have the potential to be a spoil, but whether they have the potential for even more will come down to how deep they can dig and how consistent they can be into January.
While Indiana State won’t give this game away, it’s unlikely they’ll keep it close past the first half. They haven’t really faced a team of the Buckeyes’ caliber yet this season, and given the recent momentum we’ve seen from Ohio State, Indiana State, ultimately, will be mismatched on the road here.
The Buckeyes will have to be careful not to get caught looking ahead to Michigan State, which could open the door for the Sycamores to lock in offensively and give OSU some trouble, but if the Buckeyes remain as cohesive and well-rounded as they did against the Wildcats, this should be a solid home win for them.
ESPN BPI: Ohio State 94.7%
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
LGHL score prediction: Ohio State 88, Indiana State 65
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LGHL MC&J: Saturday’s college football bowl slate features two matchups between ranked teams
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MC&J: Saturday’s college football bowl slate features two matchups between ranked teams
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images
Before the CFP jumps back into action on Tuesday, there are nine bowl games being played on Saturday and Monday.
Bowl games ATS: 10-7 (8-5 National, 2-2 B1G)
Season ATS: 134-122 (60-59 National, 74-63 B1G)
Our bowl picks record reflects games through Thursday. By the time Saturday morning rolls around things could look different since there are five Friday games pending.
What’s the deal with all this overtime? So far there have been three overtime bowl games this year, with the Hawai’i Bowl going to five overtimes on Christmas Eve, followed by the GameAbove Sports Bowl topping that by needing six overtimes before Toledo was able to defeat Pitt. At least I was on Toledo on Thursday after being on the wrong side of the first two overtime games.
Fenway Bowl: UConn v. North Carolina (-2.5) - Saturday 12/28 11:00 a.m. - ESPN
North Carolina probably doesn’t care all that much about this game since they are already looking forward to next season when Bill Belichick is stalking the sidelines as head coach of the Tar Heels. Running back Omarion Hampton, who totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns, opted out of this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Aside from Hampton, North Carolina doesn’t have much of note on offense.
Jim Mora Jr. put together a solid season in his third season as head coach in Storrs after posting a 3-9 record in 2023. The Huskies have three running backs with over 500 yards on the ground, while linebacker Jayden McDonald amassed 119 tackles. Not only will UConn benefit from playing in Boston, they’ll be motivated to close out 2024 with a victory, while North Carolina is eager to put this season behind them.
UConn 27, North Carolina 20
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College v. Nebraska (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 12:00 p.m. - ABC
Can Boston College find more success at Yankee Stadium in 2024 than the Red Sox? In his first season as head coach of the Golden Eagles, former Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien led Boston College to a 7-5 record. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has already secured a spot at Florida State after entering the transfer portal, but it’s not like O’Brien isn’t used to having Castellanos on the field since Grayson James started the last three games of the regular season.
Matt Rhule finally was able to lead a Nebraska team to bowl eligibility. This marks the first bowl appearance for the Cornhuskers since 2016 when they lost to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Even though Patrick Mahomes cosplayer Dylan Raiola gave Nebraska stability at quarterback this year, he didn’t really improve as the season went on. Over the last five games, Raiola threw just three touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Cornhuskers will be missing a lot on defense, as a number of key contributors entered the transfer portal. With the way Nebraska has found creative ways to lose close games since joining the Big Ten, it feels like they do just that in a bowl game.
Boston College 28, Nebraska 24
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana v. TCU (-11.5) - Saturday 12/28 2:15 p.m. ET - ESPN
What a mascot battle we have here. The Ragin’ Cajuns against the Horned Frogs. If it just came down to the mascots to decide this battle then we’d likely see some Cajuns feasting on some frog legs. They just better hope it isn’t Hypnotoad or else they might start seeing some wild things.
The good news for Louisiana is they’ll get quarterback Ben Wooldridge back behind center. Wooldridge missed the 31-3 loss to Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship Game where backup Chandler Fields was carted off due to injury. The Ragin’ Cajuns won 10 games for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
For most of the year TCU has had a dreadful defense. It did look better over the last three games, but they faced three teams who aren’t bowl eligible. I know the Horned Frogs will put points on the board, I just don’t think they’ll be able to keep Louisiana from scoring enough to keep the game inside double digits.
TCU 38, Louisiana 31
Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 18 Iowa State v. No. 13 Miami (FL) (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Just a month ago both of these teams had dreams of making the College Football Playoff. Iowa State was crushed by Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship Game, while Kyle McCord and Syracuse knocked the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game. At least both teams are playing in one of the most entertaining bowl games since some Pop Tarts are going to be murdered as tribute for the winner.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25807222/2188307126.jpg "Miami v Syracuse")
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
It sounds like Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward will play in this game, so there should be plenty of fireworks. Iowa State also has a sneaky good offense, so both defenses will be stretched on Saturday afternoon. I just think the Hurricanes will have a little more success since they have running back Damien Martinez to balance out their attack in a back-and-forth game.
Miami (FL) 37, Iowa State 27
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) (-2.5) v. Colorado State - Saturday 12/28 4:30 p.m. - CW Network
Had the RedHawks beat Ohio in the MAC Championship Game they would have had a shot at a 10-win season. Those hopes were dashed by the blowout win by the Bobcats in Detroit. Miami still has a chance to end their season, as well as the college career of quarterback Brett Gabbert, on a high note (get it, because the bowl is sponsored by Snoop Dogg) with a win over Colorado State.
I’m surprised Colorado State enters this game with eight wins since I haven’t been all that impressed with them. Wide receiver Tony Horton was lost during the season because of injury and Caleb Goodie is in the transfer portal. Running back Anthony Morrow is solid, I just don’t think he will be able to find many holes against a stout Miami defense. The RedHawks win just their second bowl game in their last six bowl appearances.
Miami (OH) 27, Colorado State 17
Military Bowl: East Carolina v. NC State (-6.5) - Saturday 12/28 5:45 p.m. - ESPN
It’s not often you get a rivalry game in a bowl game. East Carolina and NC State are separated by less than 90 miles and have played 32 previous times, with the Wolfpack winning the last three meetings. The most recent time the teams squared off ended with a 21-20 NC State win in Greenville, extending their edge in the series to 19-13.This marks the second time the schools have met in a bowl game. Back in the 1992 Peach Bowl, the Pirates squeaked out a 37-34 win in Atlanta.
East Carolina caught fire after firing head coach Mike Houston, winning four of their last five games under defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, who had the interim tag removed from his title prior to the final game of the regular season, which ended up being the only setback under Harrell, as the Pirates lost to Navy. Michigan State transfer quarterback Katin Houser was outstanding in the first two games after the firing of Houston, throwing 10 touchdowns in wins over Temple and Florida Atlantic.
Early on in NC State’s season quarterback Grayson McCall suffered a career-ending concussion, leaving freshman CJ Bailey to take the snaps for the Wolfpack. Bailey will be without wide receiver KC Concepcion, who led the team with six receiving touchdowns. The 2023 ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year entered the transfer portal after the end of the regular season. I have a little more confidence riding with East Carolina in the points since they closed out the regular season strong after making a coaching change.
East Carolina 31, NC State 24
Alamo Bowl: No. 17 BYU v. No. 23 Colorado (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 7:30 p.m. - ABC
When the bowl matchups were announced this pairing was a bit of a head-scratcher since both of these teams currently play in the Big 12. It turns out Colorado is still considered a Pac-12 team when it comes to bowl tie-ins, so that explains why two teams from the same conference are playing in a non-CFP bowl game.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25807224/2186849896.jpg "Oklahoma State v Colorado")
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
It is refreshing to hear that Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders are expected to play in Saturday night’s game. I wouldn’t have blamed them if they sat out this game since they have their NFL futures to think of, but it just shows you how much these two players love playing for head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes really hit their stride after the loss to Kansas State, winning five of their last six games.
The same can’t be said for BYU, who lost two of their last three games to ruin their undefeated season and dash their CFP hopes. The Cougars play tough football, I’m just not convinced they have the horses to keep up with Colorado. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff fell off in the final four games, throwing just two touchdowns and three interceptions. I could see Hunter closing out his college career by picking off Retzlaff. The Buffaloes should win this one by double digits.
Colorado 38, BYU 23
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech v. No. 22 Army (-14.5) - Saturday 12/28 9:15 p.m. - ESPN
Louisiana Tech is the only team with a losing record playing in a bowl game since the Bulldogs replaced Marshall, who decided to opt out after head coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss and a bunch of players entered the transfer portal. While Louisiana Tech finished the regular season 5-7, the record looks even more unimpressive when you see two of their wins came against Nicholls and Kennesaw State.
Even if Marshall was playing in this game I probably would have sided with Army since the Black Knights have been playing at a high level for most of the season, with their only losses coming to Notre Dame and Navy. Quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 of Army’s 44 rushing touchdowns this year. After closing out their regular season with a loss to Navy, the Black Knights should be able to rebound and earn their sixth bowl victory in their last seven bowl appearances.
Army 34, Louisiana Tech 14
Music City Bowl: Iowa v. No. 19 Missouri (-2.5) - Monday 12/30 2:30 p.m. - ESPN
After scoring 40 points in four games this season, Iowa might have some trouble moving the football on Monday. Running back Kaleb Johnson has opted out of this game after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. At least the Hawkeyes will have a little bit of experience at quarterback, since Brendan Sullivan is healthy after missing the last two games of the regular season.
With their top offensive player not suiting up against the Tigers, Iowa will need their stout defense to force some turnovers and give their offense some short fields.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25807226/2188338247.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 30 Arkansas at Missouri")
Missouri had high expectations coming into the season after beating Ohio State in last year’s Cotton Bowl. The Tigers weren’t able to live up to the hype, losing three games in conference to keep them out of the CFP mix. Quarterback Brady Cook won’t have his top target on Monday, as wide receiver Luther Burden III has opted out of this game. Even without Burden, Missouri is still a little too dynamic for Iowa.
The Tigers make it wins in consecutive years against Big Ten teams in bowl games.
Missouri 23, Iowa 10
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images
Before the CFP jumps back into action on Tuesday, there are nine bowl games being played on Saturday and Monday.
Bowl games ATS: 10-7 (8-5 National, 2-2 B1G)
Season ATS: 134-122 (60-59 National, 74-63 B1G)
Our bowl picks record reflects games through Thursday. By the time Saturday morning rolls around things could look different since there are five Friday games pending.
What’s the deal with all this overtime? So far there have been three overtime bowl games this year, with the Hawai’i Bowl going to five overtimes on Christmas Eve, followed by the GameAbove Sports Bowl topping that by needing six overtimes before Toledo was able to defeat Pitt. At least I was on Toledo on Thursday after being on the wrong side of the first two overtime games.
Bowl games 12/28 & 12/30:
Fenway Bowl: UConn v. North Carolina (-2.5) - Saturday 12/28 11:00 a.m. - ESPN
North Carolina probably doesn’t care all that much about this game since they are already looking forward to next season when Bill Belichick is stalking the sidelines as head coach of the Tar Heels. Running back Omarion Hampton, who totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns, opted out of this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Aside from Hampton, North Carolina doesn’t have much of note on offense.
Jim Mora Jr. put together a solid season in his third season as head coach in Storrs after posting a 3-9 record in 2023. The Huskies have three running backs with over 500 yards on the ground, while linebacker Jayden McDonald amassed 119 tackles. Not only will UConn benefit from playing in Boston, they’ll be motivated to close out 2024 with a victory, while North Carolina is eager to put this season behind them.
UConn 27, North Carolina 20
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College v. Nebraska (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 12:00 p.m. - ABC
Can Boston College find more success at Yankee Stadium in 2024 than the Red Sox? In his first season as head coach of the Golden Eagles, former Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien led Boston College to a 7-5 record. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has already secured a spot at Florida State after entering the transfer portal, but it’s not like O’Brien isn’t used to having Castellanos on the field since Grayson James started the last three games of the regular season.
Matt Rhule finally was able to lead a Nebraska team to bowl eligibility. This marks the first bowl appearance for the Cornhuskers since 2016 when they lost to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Even though Patrick Mahomes cosplayer Dylan Raiola gave Nebraska stability at quarterback this year, he didn’t really improve as the season went on. Over the last five games, Raiola threw just three touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Cornhuskers will be missing a lot on defense, as a number of key contributors entered the transfer portal. With the way Nebraska has found creative ways to lose close games since joining the Big Ten, it feels like they do just that in a bowl game.
Boston College 28, Nebraska 24
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana v. TCU (-11.5) - Saturday 12/28 2:15 p.m. ET - ESPN
What a mascot battle we have here. The Ragin’ Cajuns against the Horned Frogs. If it just came down to the mascots to decide this battle then we’d likely see some Cajuns feasting on some frog legs. They just better hope it isn’t Hypnotoad or else they might start seeing some wild things.
The good news for Louisiana is they’ll get quarterback Ben Wooldridge back behind center. Wooldridge missed the 31-3 loss to Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship Game where backup Chandler Fields was carted off due to injury. The Ragin’ Cajuns won 10 games for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
For most of the year TCU has had a dreadful defense. It did look better over the last three games, but they faced three teams who aren’t bowl eligible. I know the Horned Frogs will put points on the board, I just don’t think they’ll be able to keep Louisiana from scoring enough to keep the game inside double digits.
TCU 38, Louisiana 31
Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 18 Iowa State v. No. 13 Miami (FL) (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Just a month ago both of these teams had dreams of making the College Football Playoff. Iowa State was crushed by Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship Game, while Kyle McCord and Syracuse knocked the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game. At least both teams are playing in one of the most entertaining bowl games since some Pop Tarts are going to be murdered as tribute for the winner.
It sounds like Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward will play in this game, so there should be plenty of fireworks. Iowa State also has a sneaky good offense, so both defenses will be stretched on Saturday afternoon. I just think the Hurricanes will have a little more success since they have running back Damien Martinez to balance out their attack in a back-and-forth game.
Miami (FL) 37, Iowa State 27
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) (-2.5) v. Colorado State - Saturday 12/28 4:30 p.m. - CW Network
Had the RedHawks beat Ohio in the MAC Championship Game they would have had a shot at a 10-win season. Those hopes were dashed by the blowout win by the Bobcats in Detroit. Miami still has a chance to end their season, as well as the college career of quarterback Brett Gabbert, on a high note (get it, because the bowl is sponsored by Snoop Dogg) with a win over Colorado State.
I’m surprised Colorado State enters this game with eight wins since I haven’t been all that impressed with them. Wide receiver Tony Horton was lost during the season because of injury and Caleb Goodie is in the transfer portal. Running back Anthony Morrow is solid, I just don’t think he will be able to find many holes against a stout Miami defense. The RedHawks win just their second bowl game in their last six bowl appearances.
Miami (OH) 27, Colorado State 17
Military Bowl: East Carolina v. NC State (-6.5) - Saturday 12/28 5:45 p.m. - ESPN
It’s not often you get a rivalry game in a bowl game. East Carolina and NC State are separated by less than 90 miles and have played 32 previous times, with the Wolfpack winning the last three meetings. The most recent time the teams squared off ended with a 21-20 NC State win in Greenville, extending their edge in the series to 19-13.This marks the second time the schools have met in a bowl game. Back in the 1992 Peach Bowl, the Pirates squeaked out a 37-34 win in Atlanta.
East Carolina caught fire after firing head coach Mike Houston, winning four of their last five games under defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, who had the interim tag removed from his title prior to the final game of the regular season, which ended up being the only setback under Harrell, as the Pirates lost to Navy. Michigan State transfer quarterback Katin Houser was outstanding in the first two games after the firing of Houston, throwing 10 touchdowns in wins over Temple and Florida Atlantic.
Early on in NC State’s season quarterback Grayson McCall suffered a career-ending concussion, leaving freshman CJ Bailey to take the snaps for the Wolfpack. Bailey will be without wide receiver KC Concepcion, who led the team with six receiving touchdowns. The 2023 ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year entered the transfer portal after the end of the regular season. I have a little more confidence riding with East Carolina in the points since they closed out the regular season strong after making a coaching change.
East Carolina 31, NC State 24
Alamo Bowl: No. 17 BYU v. No. 23 Colorado (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 7:30 p.m. - ABC
When the bowl matchups were announced this pairing was a bit of a head-scratcher since both of these teams currently play in the Big 12. It turns out Colorado is still considered a Pac-12 team when it comes to bowl tie-ins, so that explains why two teams from the same conference are playing in a non-CFP bowl game.
It is refreshing to hear that Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders are expected to play in Saturday night’s game. I wouldn’t have blamed them if they sat out this game since they have their NFL futures to think of, but it just shows you how much these two players love playing for head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes really hit their stride after the loss to Kansas State, winning five of their last six games.
The same can’t be said for BYU, who lost two of their last three games to ruin their undefeated season and dash their CFP hopes. The Cougars play tough football, I’m just not convinced they have the horses to keep up with Colorado. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff fell off in the final four games, throwing just two touchdowns and three interceptions. I could see Hunter closing out his college career by picking off Retzlaff. The Buffaloes should win this one by double digits.
Colorado 38, BYU 23
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech v. No. 22 Army (-14.5) - Saturday 12/28 9:15 p.m. - ESPN
Louisiana Tech is the only team with a losing record playing in a bowl game since the Bulldogs replaced Marshall, who decided to opt out after head coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss and a bunch of players entered the transfer portal. While Louisiana Tech finished the regular season 5-7, the record looks even more unimpressive when you see two of their wins came against Nicholls and Kennesaw State.
Even if Marshall was playing in this game I probably would have sided with Army since the Black Knights have been playing at a high level for most of the season, with their only losses coming to Notre Dame and Navy. Quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 of Army’s 44 rushing touchdowns this year. After closing out their regular season with a loss to Navy, the Black Knights should be able to rebound and earn their sixth bowl victory in their last seven bowl appearances.
Army 34, Louisiana Tech 14
Music City Bowl: Iowa v. No. 19 Missouri (-2.5) - Monday 12/30 2:30 p.m. - ESPN
After scoring 40 points in four games this season, Iowa might have some trouble moving the football on Monday. Running back Kaleb Johnson has opted out of this game after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. At least the Hawkeyes will have a little bit of experience at quarterback, since Brendan Sullivan is healthy after missing the last two games of the regular season.
With their top offensive player not suiting up against the Tigers, Iowa will need their stout defense to force some turnovers and give their offense some short fields.
Missouri had high expectations coming into the season after beating Ohio State in last year’s Cotton Bowl. The Tigers weren’t able to live up to the hype, losing three games in conference to keep them out of the CFP mix. Quarterback Brady Cook won’t have his top target on Monday, as wide receiver Luther Burden III has opted out of this game. Even without Burden, Missouri is still a little too dynamic for Iowa.
The Tigers make it wins in consecutive years against Big Ten teams in bowl games.
Missouri 23, Iowa 10
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