Brett Ludwiczak
Guest
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
Continue reading...