2022 Southern Football Guide Bowl Preview

2022-23 BOWL PREVIEW

CAN GEORGIA REPEAT

EDITOR’S

CHARLIE MILLER

Well, well, well. It appears that we can have a College Football Playoff without the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Clemson Tigers. Who knew? By all rights, as the only undefeated teams, and clearly No. 1 and 2, Georgia and Michigan should be playing for the national championship in a few weeks. But TCU and Ohio State still have something to say about that.

There are few sport seasons in America like Bowl Season. Even for schools not competing for the national championship, winning a bowl game adds a bit of panache that lasts right through recruiting season up until the first game in 2023. Bowl Season has a way of making Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo seem like a big, big deal.

this to keep track of who plays whom, when, and maybe just a touch of useful knowledge for your entertainment purposes.

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WAMPLER’S FARM SAUSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Bahamas Bowl

Nassau, Bahamas

Dec. 16 11:00am ET - ESPN

Miami (Ohio)

RedHawks

UAB

RB DeWayne McBride

Averages 7.4 yards a carry with 19 TDs.

MIAMI (OHIO)

WR Mac Hippenhammer

(4-4 CUSA)

Coach: Chuck Martin 6-6 (4-4 MAC)

QB

Dylan Hopkins

Completed 67 percent of his passes over his first eight games; just 49 percent in final two games.

WR Trea Shropshire

Big-play receiver caught only one pass in first two games.

CB Devodric Bynum

Tied for team lead with 5.5 tackles for loss and has broken up 10 passes.

Second team All-MAC receiver has 23 catches for 366 yards and four scores in his last four games.

OL Rusty Feth

Second team All-MAC lineman anchors the OL.

LB Ryan McWood

Second team All-MAC linebacker has 50 solo stops, six behind the line.

QB Aveon Smith

Grown from backup to team leader this season.

THE MATCHUP

A mid-November 20-point win over North Texas reminds the Blazers that they could be considered among the best in CUSA, although their 4-4 record says otherwise. Four of the Blazers’ five losses were by one score. The Blazers’ offensive production was wildly inconsistent, but the defense played well, holding all but two opponents (UTSA and LSU) to fewer than 30 points. The players have responded well to interim coach Bryant Vincent, named coach in June, but Vincent will turn coaching duties over to Trent Dilfer after the bowl. Dylan Hopkins has proven to be a solid quarterback, but struggled at the end of the season. The running game is in good hands with DeWayne McBride. The Miami RedHawks are a bit pedestrian on offense, but they made only 11 turnovers and the defense had 19 takeaways. Quarterback Aveon Smith, who has started eight games filling in for the injured Brett Gabbert, leads the team in rushing. He led the Red Hawks to two late-season wins over Northern Illinois and Ball State to earn bowl eligibility. Smith ran for more than 100 yards twice, and had a season-high 217 yards passing in the finale, a game in which he threw 46 passes, double his next highest number of attempts. Receiver Mac Hippenhammer, not only has one of the coolest names in the MAC, he’s also one of the most productive receivers with 52 catches for 726 yards.

Key Stats: UAB’s RB DeWayne McBride tops the nation with 1,713 yards. Miami averages 308 total yards a game, only 10 teams gained fewer yards per game this season.

Prediction: UAB 17, Miami (Ohio) 13

UAB Blazers Interim Coach: Bryant Vincent 6-6

Cure Bowl

Orlando, FL

Dec. 16 3:00 ET - ESPN

Troy Tojans

Coach: Jon Sumrall 11-2 (7-1 Sun Belt)

UTSA Roadrunners

Coach: Jeff Traylor 11-2 (8-0 CUSA)

TROY

LB Carlton Martial

Leading tackler plays sideline to sideline.

DE T.J. Jackson

Leads the team with eight sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.

RB

Kimani Vidal

Had back-to-back 200-yard rushing games to end the regular season.

QB Gunnar Watson

Threw seven picks in first six games this season, but only three is last six games.

UTSA

QB Frank Harris

Has seven 300-yard passing games, topping out at 414.

RB Kevorian Barnes

Averages 99 yards a game over his final seven games since becoming a starter.

WR Zakfari Franklin

Had 10 catches for 144 yards and three TDs in the title game.

OLB Trey Moore Has 13.5 stops behind the line.

THE MATCHUP

Not too much offense happens when the Troy Trojans, winners of 10 straight, are involved. Troy holds opponents to 325 yards per game and gains just 375. Their average score is 26-17. Four defensive players were named to the All-Sun Belt team, including Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year Carlton Martial. He is joined by defensive linemen T.J. Jackson and Will Choloh, and defensive back Reddy Steward. Offensively, running back Kimani Vidal has grown into a valuable workhorse. Once Gunnar Watson stopped throwing interceptions frequently, the passing game improved. Rajae’ Johnson had a terrific outing in the SBC Championship Game with four catches for 134 yards and two scores. UTSA’s two-point loss to Houston to open the season and a three-touchdown loss at Texas are the only blemishes on an outstanding season for the CUSA champion Roadrunners. Half of their eight conference wins were by one score, so there was less dominance than the record might indicate. The Roadrunners are led by one of the most exciting players in college football in Frank Harris. The quarterback has passed for 3,865 yards and 31 touchdowns. He’s also run for 588 yards and nine touchdowns. The running game is in the capable hands of freshman Kevorian Barnes, who had 175 yards in the CUSA Championship Game. Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin is incredibly consistent with 86 catches for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. Key Stats: The Trojans are 6-1 vs. bowl teams. The Roadrunners have just 19 sacks on the season.

Prediction: UTSA 30, Troy 21

Fenway Bowl

Boston, MA Dec. 17 11:00a ET - ESPN

(4-4 ACC)

CINCINNATI

K Ryan Coe

Made 19 of 23 attempts with two misses from beyond 40 yards.

QB Evan Prater

Was 10 for 26 for 102 yards with an interception in the loss to Tulane in the season finale.

RB Charles McClelland Has three 100-yard rushing games this season.

LB Ivan Pace Jr. The AAC DPOY stuffs the stat sheet, leading the team in tackles and stops behind the line.

LOUISVILLE

RB Jawhar Jordan

Averages 5.3 yards a carry.

G Caleb Chandler

One of the best linemen in the ACC.

LB Yassir Abdullah

Fills the stat sheet with 13 tackles for loss, eight of them sacks, seven QB hurries, four forced fumbles and two picks.

LB Momo Sanogo

Leading tackler in the middle of the defense.

THE MATCHUP

Talk about awkward, Scott Satterfield has left Louisville to become the next head coach at Cincinnati. It will be interesting to see how that story plays out in Boston. The Bearcats relied on the arm of Ben Bryant for most of the season, but a foot injury in the next to last game has knocked him out for the season. Backup Evan Prater was not effective against Tulane. Expect the Bearcats to rely on the running game more with Charles McClelland, who has 834 yards on the season. Ivan Pace Jr. is recognized as the best defender in the AAC, and he has nine sacks and seven QB pressures. Former Louisville standout quarterback Jeff Brohm is coming back home to coach. As a result of the coaching upheaval, Louisville will have just three full-time coaches to prepare the Cardinals for the bowl game. Player development coach Deion Branch is the interim coach for the Fenway Bowl. Louisville will also be without quarterback Malik Cunningham and standout receiver Tyler Hudson. Brock Domann will get the call at QB. He completed 66 of 123 passes for 866 yards while filling in for the injured Cunningham. He has thrown five picks and just three touchdowns. Expect Jawhar Jordan to get more than the 11 touches he regularly gets. Hudson leaves a gaping hole in the receiver room. The linebackers are among the strongest in the ACC.

Key Stats: The Cincinnati defense had 11 sacks in the win at Tulsa, but managed just five sacks over the final five games. Louisville faced nine bowl teams this season, winning five times.

Prediction: Cincinnati 13, Louisville 3

Cincinnati Bearcats Interim Coach: Kerry Coombs 9-3 (6-2 AAC)

Louisville Cardinals Interim Coach: Deion Branch 7-5

Las Vegas Bowl

Las Vegas, NV Dec. 17 2:30 ET - ABC

Florida Gators

OREGON STATE

RB Damien Martinez

Totaled 970 yards; 6.1 yards per carry.

FLORIDA

QB Jack Miller III

Will be his first action of the 2022 season.

Coach: Jonathan Smith 9-3 (6-3 Pac-12)

Coach: Billy Napier 6-6 (3-5 SEC)

QB Ben Gulbranson

The 62 perdcent passer was asked to throw the ball 25 times in a game just once.

WR Tre’Shaun Harrison

Had 52 catches for 604 yards to lead the Beavers.

DL James Rawls

Totaled nine tackles behind the line this season.

RB Trevor Etienne Ran for 705 yards splitting duty in the backfield.

RB Montrell Johnson Jr. Leads team with 827 rushing and 10 TDs.

LB Amari Burney

Most active player on defense has 9.5 tackles for loss and picks against Utah and Georgia.

THE MATCHUP

OREGON STATE

The Beavers are coming off quite a successful season, which earned coach Jonathan Smith a new six-year contract. The three losses were to USC (by three points), Utah and Washington (by three points). The Beavers have built a powerful offensive line and skilled defense, especially against the pass. Center Jake Levengood, tackle Joshua Gray and guard Brandon Kipper, the Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, lead a line that allowed just 12 sacks this season. The most talented players on defense are in the secondary. Rejzohn Wright is the best cover corner and quarterbacks usually don’t challenge him. Florida opened the season with a stirring win over Utah, then lost to Kentucky and Tennessee over the next three weeks. The Gators were generally successful against weak teams and didn’t compete against the better teams until ending the season with a thud with losses to Vanderbilt and Florida State. Ohio State transfer Jack Miller III will start at quarterback, making his first appearance this season, after Anthony Richardson entered the portal. Miller has thrown 14 collegiate passes, all coming with Ohio State in 2021. Expect the Gators to rely on their running game, which features Montrell Johnson Jr. (144 carries) and Trevor Etienne (110). The two combine to average six yards a carry behind a strong offensive line. Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney form an exceptional linebacker duo. Key Stats: Oregon State defensive backs Rejzohn Wright, Ryan Cooper and Jaydon Grant combined for eight picks and 25 pass breakups. Florida has been opportunistic on defense recovering 13 fumbles.

Prediction: Oregon State 27, Florida 17

FLORIDA

Oregon State Beavers

LA Bowl

Inglewood, CA Dec. 17 3:30 ET - ABC

Fresno State Bulldogs

Coach: Jeff Tedford 9-4 (7-1 MWC)

Wash. State Cougars

Coach: Jake Dickert 7-5 (4-5 Pac-12)

FRESNO STATE

QB Jake Haener

Has 18 touchdown passes and just three picks.

RB Jordan Mims

Tough runner averages 4.8 yards a carry.

DL David Perales

Had a stretch of six games with 12 tackles behind the line.

DB Cam Lockridge

Transfer from Hawaii has five picks this season, with two coming in MWC title game setting up a couple of TDs.

WASHINGTON STATE

QB Cameron Ward

Completed 64 percent of his 465 passes with just eight picks.

RB Nakia Watson

Returned from midseason injury to score six times in last four games.

LB Daiyan Henley

Team’s leading tackler has 12 tackles behind the line and an interception.

CB Chau Smith-Wade

Has a pair of picks and eight pass breakups.

THE MATCHUP

The Bulldogs won the Mountain West Championship with a stifling defense, especially tough against the pass. Opponents completed just 52 percent of their passes, averaging just 193 yards per game through the air. The Bulldogs gave up just 14 passing touchdowns and picked off 11. Consequently, Fresno State is one of the best team’s in the country on third down, allowing just 36.7 percent conversions. Defensive lineman David Perales is a one-man wrecking crew. Among his 15 tackles for loss are 10.5 sacks. Evan Williams, who missed four games early in the season, is a tackling machine. Offensively, quarterback Jake Haener and running back Jordan Mims, both All-MWC selections, lead the unit. Haener is a 72 percent passer and Mims has 1,161 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Cougars throw the ball almost 40 times a game and have spread the wealth among seven players who have as many as 20 catches and 200 yards receiving. De’Zhaun Stribling, Robert Ferrel and Donovan Ollie are quarterback Cameron Ward’s three primary targets, but Stribling has opted out. Ward has thrown for 3,094 yards. The running game is secondary and Nikia Watson has 736 yards and averages 5.7 yards a carry. Linebacker Daiyan Henley was named the Linebacker of the Year in the Pac-12. Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade is the best defensive back in coverage.

FRESNO STATE WASHINGTON STATE

Key Stats: Nikko Remigio has returned two punts for touchdowns this season, including one in the MWC title game. Four of the Cougars’ five losses came against teams ranked in the top 15.

Prediction: Washington State 27, Fresno State 24

LendingTree Bowl

Mobile, AL Dec. 17 5:45 ET - ESPN

SOUTHERN MISS

RB Frank Gore Jr.

He began the season with 178 yards against Liberty and closed with 199 vs. ULM.

WR Jason Brownlee

Has five 100-yard receiving games this seasons.

S Malik Shorts Team’s leading tackler with 51 solo stops.

LB Averie Habas Leads the team with 12 tackles for loss.

RICE

RB Cameron Montgomery

69 percent of his carries have come in the last six games.

RB Juma Otoviano

Two of his last three games have produced 97- and 94-yard outings.

WR Bradley Rozner Has five 100-yard receiving games this season.

C Shea Baker

Has been in the middle of the O-Line since 2018.

THE MATCHUP

The Golden Eagles have struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm, averaging just 332 yards a game, and held to fewer than 250 yards three times. Frank Gore Jr. has certainly been the bright spot all season. He has 1,274 yards from scrimmage this season and even completed six of 12 passes for three touchdowns. Jason Brownlee, with 52 catches for 809 yards, is the only serious receiving threat. Southern Miss’ defense keeps the Eagles in games primarily due to big plays behind the line. Southern Miss has 101 tackles for loss, trailing only Liberty and Clemson. Santrell Latham, Averie Habas and Dominic Quewon have combined for 32 stops behind the line. Rice is bowl bound due to academic achievement as much as football success. The 5-7 Owls ranked at the top in APR of all the five-win teams, giving the Owls an invitation to the postseason party and allowing them another month of productive practice time. The Owls were outscored by 8.5 points a game this season, but posted wins over Louisiana and UAB, two bowl teams. The Rice quarterback situation is a bit fluid. TJ McMahon started most of the season, but AJ Padgett started the finale against North Texas. Cameron Montgomery and Juma Otoviano share duties in the backfield..

SOUTHERN MISS RICE

Key Stats: The Golden Eagles’ final touchdowns in wins over Tulane and Louisiana were interceptions returned for touchdowns. Rice committed 30 turnovers this season losing 11 fumbles and throwing 19 interceptions.

Prediction: Southern Miss 24, Rice 6

Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Coach: Will Hall 6-6 (4-4 Sun Belt)

Rice Owls

Coach: Mike Bloomgren 5-7 (3-5 CUSA)

New Mexico Bowl

Albuquerque, NM Dec. 17 7:30 ET - ESPN

SMU Mustangs

Coach: Rhett Lashlee 7-5 (5-3 AAC)

BYU Cougars

Coach: Kalani Sitake 7-5 (Ind)

SMU

QB Tanner Mordecai

Nine of his 31 touchdown passes came in the win over Houston.

WR Jordan Kerley

Had 156 receiving yards against South Florida.

RB Tyler Lavine

Has 476 rushing yards and 97 receiving is last five games.

S Nick Roberts

Leads the team in solo tackles and with three interceptions.

BYU T Kingsley Suamataia

The 325-pound freshman is the team’s best offensive lineman.

S Micah Harper

Leads the team in solo tackles with 33.

QB Jaren Hall

The veteran QB is a career 65 percent passerps, 5.5 sacks and 10 QB hurries.

WR Puka Nacua

Averages eight catches for 105 yards over his last five FBS games.

THE MATCHUP

There’s always plenty of points, scads of yards when SMU plays. The potent offense will be without star receiver Rashee Rice, who has opted out. But the Mustangs still have a full stable of weapons at the disposal of quarterback Tanner Mordecai. He throws the ball 37 times a game and has accumulated 3,306 yards this season. Running back Tyler Lavine has been a huge lift to the offense over the past five games with 114 yards from scrimmage per game and seven touchdowns. Expect Jordan Kerley to step up in the passing game. Safety Nick Roberts leads the team in tackles, which is usually not a good sign. The BYU defensive staff looks a bit different now than it did for most of the season. The Cougars failed to hold any opponent to fewer than 20 points and gave up 40 or more three times. BYU won four of its first five games, including a win over Baylor ranked No. 9 at the time. But after four consecutive losses to Notre Dame, Arkansas, Liberty and East Carolina, the season unraveled quickly. Jaren Hall showed he could be an elite passer throwing for 3,171 yards and 31 touchdowns with just six picks. Keanu Hill became Hall’s favorite target as his role increased throughout the season. Christopher Brooks missed a couple of games with an injury, but returned and posted season highs in carries (23) and Yards (164) in the finale against Stanford..

BYU SMU

Key Stats: SMU averages 6.3 yards per play, and allows 6.1. BYU’s defense registered just 13 sacks; the offensive allowed only 12. Prediction: SMU 47, BYU 39

Frisco Bowl

Frisco, TX Dec. 17 9:15 ET - ESPN

BOISE STATE

QB Taylen Green

Played five games without an INT until throwing two in the championship game.

RB George Holani

Has six 100-yard rushing games this season with 157 in the first game against Fresno State.

LB DJ Schramm

Leads the team in tackles and has 11 stops behind the line.

WR Latrell Caples

Leads the Broncos with 45 receptions.

NORTH TEXAS

QB Austin Aune

The veteran QB has 3,309 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 13 INTs.

RB Ayo Adeyi

Ayo Adeyi Has carried is 98 times for 7.6 yards per carry.

OLB Mazin Richards

Monster upfront with 12.5 tackles for loss.

DB Ridge Texada

Leads the secondary with three picks and 15 breakups.

THE MATCHUP

Boise State has now attained bowl eligibility for 25 consecutive seasons. The Broncos were defeated by Fresno State 28-16 in the Mountain West Championship Game after Boise State beat the Bulldogs 40-20 in early October. Boise State is a run-first offense, but freshman quarterback Taylen Green had developed nicely this season, but was picked off twice in the MWC Championship Game. Running back George Holani leads the team with 1,133 yards rushing. His 10 touchdowns in 2022 give him 19 for his career. Defensively, the Broncos allowed only 281 yards a game this season, and opponents averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. DJ Schramm leads the defense in tackles and is a menace making tackles behind the line. JL Skinner and Rodney Robinson combined for seven interceptions this season. North Texas parted ways with seven-year coach Seth Littrell after the Mean Green fell to UTSA in the CUSA Championship Game. Evidently taking a school like North Texas to a bowl game every year isn’t good enough for the folks in Denton, Texas. The Mean Green offense has been productive behind quarterback Austin Aune and leading running back Ayo Adeyi. Six players have as many as 300 receiving yards led by Roderic Burns with 37 catches and 650 yards. KD Davis is the leading tackler on defense. Mazin Richards along the front and Ridge Texada in the back are playmakers.

NORTH TEXAS BOISE STATE

Key Stats: Boise State allowed just 14 sacks this season. North Texas has allowed six kicks to be blocked this season.

Prediction: Boise State 24, North Texas 19

Boise State Broncos Coach: Andy Avalos 9-4 (8-0 MWC)

North Texas Mean Green Interim Coach: Phil Bennett 7-6 (6-2 CUSA)

Myrtle Beach Bowl

Myrtle Beach, SC Dec. 19 2:30 ET - ESPN

Connecticut

Coach: Jim L. Mora 6-6

MARSHALL

RB Khalan Laborn

Averages 5.1 yards per carry and 16 TDs.

DL Owen Porter Has 14 tackles for loss to lead team.

LB Eli Neal Leads team with 42 solo tackles.

DB Micah Abraham Ballhawk has five picks.

CONNECTICUT

RB Devontae Houston

Averages 6.8 yards per carry this season.

RB Victor Rosa Has 480 yards on 98 carries in last seven games.

LB Jackson Mitchell Huskies’ leading tackler has five fumble recoveries.

DB Tre Wortham Senior has four picks this season.

THE MATCHUP

The hallmark of the Herd this season is a tough defense, especially against the run. Marshall opponents haven’t found much running room this season and average just 88 yards a game and 2.8 yards per rush. The Herd has also forced 25 turnovers. Eli Neal is the leader of the defense and leading tackler from his middle linebacker position. Defensive linemen Owen Porter and Koby Cumberlander are playmakers in the offensive backfield. Micah Abraham leads the secondary with five picks. Offensively, the Herd loves to chew up the clock and keep their defense fresh. They will rely on running back Khalan Laborn for that heavy lifting. Cam Fancher took over at quarterback midway through the season. Over his last three games, he’s thrown for 707 yards and six touchdowns with one pick. Connecticut began the season 1-4, but rallied to win five of the next six to earn a bowl invitation. The Huskies love to run the ball and throw it just enough to keep offenses honest, averaging a little more than 100 yards a game through the air. Devontae Houston and Victor Rosa are both reliable in the ground game. Houston is a big-play threat and Rosa, who missed the opening game, has developed quickly this season and his role in the offense has increased steadily. Aaron Turner, with 52 catches, has more than twice as many receptions as any teammate.

Key Stats: Marshall holds opponents to just 23.4 percent on third down. UConn has four players (Jackson Mitchell, Brandon Bouyer-Randle, Eric Watts and Pryce Yates) with as many as eight tackles behind the line.

Prediction: Marshall 17, Connecticut 9

Marshall Thundering Herd

Coach: Charles Huff 8-5 (5-3 Sun Belt)

Huskies

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Boise, ID Dec. 20 3:30 ET - ESPN

Eastern Michigan

Coach: Chris Creighton 8-4 (5-3 MAC)

San Jose State Spartans Coach: Brent Brennan 7-4 (5-3 MWC)

EASTERN MICHIGAN

DL Jose Ramirez

MAC Defensive POY is a beast upfront.

QB Taylor Powell

The 65 percent passer missed four games with injuries.

RB Samson Evans

Most consistent performer on offense ran for 1,084 yards and 13 TDs.

OL Sidy Sow

All-MAC performer anchors the O-Line.

SAN JOSE STATE

RB Kairee Robinson

Has 76 percent of carries from running backs.

QB Chevan Cordeiro

Thrown just four picks in 383 passes.

WR Elijah Cooks

Owns five 120-yard games this season and has seven TDs in last four games.

DL Viliami Fehoko

Has 18.5 tackles for loss this season.

THE MATCHUP

Eastern Michigan is an average team. They’ve scored 28.8 points a game and given up 28.6. The Eagles’ offense produces 360.4 yards a game and the defense allows 366.9. EMU has scored 44 touchdowns and opponents have 43. Even the turnovers are even at 17 apiece. But the good news in Ypsilanti is that EMU defeated both Western Michigan and Central Michigan. Few players in the nation spend more time in opponents’ backfields than Jose Ramirez. He has 19.5 tackles for loss, 12 of them sacks and has another 10 QB hurries. Offensively, the unit operated more effectively with Taylor Powell at quarterback. He missed four games, but averages 227 yards per game passing. Samson Evans is a dependable running back. No team values ball security more than the San Jose State Spartans. As much as they love to throw the ball all over the field, opponents have managed only four interceptions, and the Spartans have lost just two fumbles. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro loves to connect with receiver Elijah Cooks, who has 63 catches for 983 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Spartans don’t run the ball much, but Kairee Robinson is their workhorse in the backfield. The Spartans’ defense produced 81 tackles for loss this season, and MWC Defensive Player of the Year Viliami Fehoko is a beast. Fellow lineman Cade Hall also spends some time in opponents’ backfields. Key Stats: All-MAC punter Mitchell Tomasek has 12 punts of 50 yards or more for Eastern Michigan. San Jose has just one win over a bowl team (Wyoming).

EASTERN MICHIGAN SAN JOSE STATE

Prediction: San Jose State 30, Eastern Michigan 26

Eagles

Boca Raton Bowl

Boca Raton, FL Dec. 20 7:30 ET - ESPN

Toledo Rockets

Coach: Jason Candle 8-5 (5-3 MAC)

TOLEDO

Liberty Flames

TOLEDO

QB Dequan Finn

LIBERTY

DE Durrell Johnson

Interim

Coach: Josh Aldridge 8-4

Signal-caller makes the offense go with 2,100 passing yards and 600 rushing.

WR Jerjuan Newton

Leading receiver had six catches for 77 yards in MAC Championship Game.

DT Desjuan Johnson

Totaled 16.5 tackles for loss.

CB Quinyon Mitchell

Has five picks and 20 pass breakups, including three in the championship game.

Leads the nation with 22.5 stops behind the line.

QB Johnathan Bennett

Most likely to start, posted four 200-yard games.

RB Shedro Louis

Has carried it about 10-11 times a game since taking over for the injured Dae Dae Hunter.

WR Demario Douglas

Most exciting weapon on offense has 48 catches over his last six games.

THE MATCHUP

The Toledo Rockets love to play defense and they do it well. The Rockets placed four players on the All-MAC defense: Lineman Desjuan Johnson, linebacker Dallas Grant and defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Maxen Hook. Johnson is a menace upfront who spends a lot of time in opponents’ backfields. Grant is the leading tackler. Mitchell had four interceptions against Northern Illinois. One thing the Rockets don’t do well is secure the ball. The Rockets lost 10 fumbles and threw 15 interceptions. Quarterback Deshaun Finn missed some time with an injury but returned for the MAC championship. He ahs thrown for 22 touchdowns and run for eight. The Flames will be without coach Hugh Freeze who is now the coach at Auburn. Jamey Chadwell, most recently of Coastal Carolina, will be the head coach next season. For now, Interim Coach Josh Aldridge will lead the Flames in the Boca Raton Bowl. Liberty averages 400 yards a game, and the Flames will still feature an explosive attack behind quarterbacks Johnathan Bennett and Kaidon Salter. Both will likely see action. The most exciting player on the offense is receiver Demario Douglas, who has 73 catches for 977 yards. The most exciting player on defense is Durrell Johnson, who lives in opponents’ backfields.

Key Stats: Toledo’s defense yields 331.3 yards a game, ranking 25th in the nation.

Liberty leads the nation with 9.1 tackles for loss per game. The Flames also allow 7.8 per game, ranking them in the bottom 10.

Prediction: Toledo 17, Liberty 7

New Orleans Bowl

New Orleans, LA Dec. 21 9:00 ET - ESPN

South Alabama Jaguars

Coach:

SOUTH ALABAMA

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Coach: Tyson Helton 8-5 (6-2 CUSA)

SOUTH ALABAMA

RB La’Damian Webb

Has 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns.

QB Carter Bradley

Has seven games with three or more TD passess.

S Yam Banks

Has five picks on the season.

LB Trey Kiser

Leading tackler with 53 solo stops.

WESTERN KENTUCKY

QB Austin Reed

Owns three 400-yard passing games this season.

WR Malachi Corley

Has five games with 100 yards or more receiving and two others of 99 and 97 yards.

WR Jaylen Hall

Has 23 catches for 304 yards over his last three games.

LB JaQues Evans

Leads team in solo tackles, tackles behind the line and sacks.

THE MATCHUP

South Alabama didn’t play a killer schedule, but a four-point loss to Troy and a one-point heartbreaking defeat at UCLA—the Bruins kicked a field goal on the final play—are the only blemishes on the Jaguars’ slate. Quarterback Carter Bradley triggers the offense, but the Jaguars are built to run the ball. La’Damian Webb is a terrific back and rarely is taken down on the first hit. Bradley has three outstanding receivers with more than 700 yards. Jalen Wayne (793 yards), Caullin Lacy (759) and Devin Voisin (718) make it difficult for opposing secondaries to cover all three. Linebackers CJ Rias and Trey Kiser both have 10 stops behind the line. Safety Yam Banks is a ballhawk in the secondary. The offensive Hilltoppers throw the ball all over the field with incredible success. It begins with impeccable pass protection. Quarterback Austin Reed has thrown 548 passes and has been sacked just 14 times. Reed isn’t careless with the ball at all with just 10 interceptions on the season. The receiver room is crowded with talented players putting up big numbers. Malachi Corley leads the way with 90 catches for 1,179 yards. Jaylen Hall has 59 receptions. Daewood Davis, who is second with 63 catches, is skipping the bowl game. Defensively, the opportunistic Hilltoppers have created 30 takeaways. JaQues Evans is a beast on defense.

Key Stats: The Jaguars convert on third down 43 percent of the time and hold opponents to just 29.9 percent. The Hilltoppers lead the nation with six defensive TDs this season.

Prediction: South Alabama 31, Western Kentucky 30

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Kane Wommack 10-2 (7-1 Sun Belt)

Armed Forces Bowl

Ft. Worth, TX Dec. 22 7:30 ET - ESPN

Air Force Falcons

Coach: Troy Calhoun 9-3 (5-3 MWC)

Baylor Bears

Coach: Dave Aranda 6-6 (4-5 Big 12)

AIR FORCE

RB Brad Roberts

Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

QB Haaziq Daniels

Has two 100-yard rushing games and three 100-yard passing games.

S Trey Taylor

Leads the Falcons in solo tackles and has two pickss.

LB Vince Sanford

Leads the Falcons with 5.5 sacks.

BAYLOR

RB

Richard Reese

Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year had 190 carries for 962 yards and 14 touchdowns.

FB/LB Dillon Doyle

Only player in history to be named to second-team All-Big 12 on both offense and defense.

DL Siaki Ika

Few disrupt an OL like the 358-pound Ika, an All-Big 12 DL.

S Al Walcott

Plays the run and pass equally well.

THE MATCHUP

Air Force wont surprise defenses with their ground attack, but they will excel in execution and timing, making very mistakes. This season the Falcons feature an excellent defense that allowed just more than 11 points a game. Air Force won the Commander-in-Chief Trophy with a 13-10 win over Navy and defeating Army 13-7. Brad Roberts is the main man on offense with 1,612 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Haaziq Daniels is a veteran starter who makes the offense click with terrific reads and had 614 rushing yards himself. He has thrown just 76 passes this season. John Lee Eldridge III averages 7.9 yards per carry. Linebackers TD Blackmon and Vince Sanford both have 9.5 tackles for loss. The Baylor Bears love to establish the run and freshman Richard Reese leads the way with 962 yards and 190 carries. Jacob Gall is the team’s most effective lineman, and one of the best in the Big 12. Quarterback Blake Shapen can be effective, throwing for more than 2,600 yards and 16 TDs on the season, but threw 10 picks, five of them coming in his last four games. The heart and soul of the Bears’ defense is linebacker Dillon Doyle, who leads the team with 80 tackles and has a pair of picks. He also sees significant action as a fullback as well. Al Walcott is the best playmaker on defense with 10 stops behind the line and an interception. Key Stats: Only two opponents: Utah State (34) and Nevada (20) scored more than 19 points against Air Force this season. The Bears are 1-5 when throwing it as many as 30 times.

AIR FORCE BAYLOR

Prediction: Air Force 21, Baylor 15

HOUSTON

Independence Bowl

Shreveport, LA Dec. 23 3:00 ET - ESPN

HOUSTON QB Clayton Tune

The 67 percent passer averages 320 yards passing a game.

WR Nathaniel Dell A two-time All-AAC performer.

DL D’Anthony Jones

The All-AAC lineman gets after the QB with seven sacks, seven hurries and four forced fumbles.

DL Nelson Ceaser

Tough to block, has 10 tackles for loss, returned an INT 32 yards and blocked a kick.

LOUISIANA

QB Chandler Fields

Started final two games; threw three TD passes and one pick.

WR Michael Jefferson Had a season-high 179 yards receiving vs. Southern Miss.

DL Zi-Yon Hill-Green Gets to the quarterback as well as any player in the nation.

S Bralen Trahan

Named All-SBC.

THE MATCHUP

The Cougars love to put the ball in the air and Clayton Tune-to-Nathaniel Dell is one of the most prolific combinations in the nation. Tune has thrown for 3,845 yards and 37 touchdowns this season. Dell has corralled 105 of those passes for 1,354 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Cougars don’t run the ball often, but Stacy Sneed averages seven a pop. Defensive linemen D’Anthony Jones and Nelson Ceaser control the line of scrimmage combining for 11 sacks. But the defense has trouble getting off the field allowing opponents to convert 44 percent on third down. Louisiana lost quarterback Ben Wooldridge late in the season to an injury suffered in practice. Chandler Fields started the final two games against Florida State and Texas State and was 35 for 62 for 346 yards. Fields has a talented wide receiver in senior Michael Jefferson who leads the team in catches (51), yards (810) and touchdowns (7). Chris Smith and Dre’lyn Washington split carries in the backfield. Zi-Yon Hill-Green is a beast on defense with 12.5 stops behind the line and nine QB hurries. He will miss running mate Andre Jones, who has declared for the draft and is opting out. Safety Bralen Trahan is a ballhawk with four interceptions. Punt returner Eric Garror returned two punts for touchdowns this season.

Key Stats: With 19 turnovers and only 11 takeaways, Houston has a –8 turnover margin. Louisiana matches up well with opponents: 142.9 to 142.3 rushing yards per game; 224.9 to 219.3 passing yards per game.

Prediction: Houston 30, Louisiana 21

LOUISIANA

Houston Cougars

Coach: Dana Holgorsen 7-5 (5-3 AAC)

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Coach: Michael Desormeaux 6-6 (4-4 Sun Belt)

WAKE FOREST

Gasparilla Bowl

Tampa, FL Dec. 23 6:30 ET - ESPN

WAKE FOREST

QB Sam Hartman

Five-year starter has 12,059 career passing yards and 101 TDs.

RB Justice Ellison

With teammates hitting the transfer portal, the sophomore will have the backfield to himself.

WR A.T. Perry

Hartman’s go-to receiver finished with 35 catches for 428 yards and six TDs in last four games.

DL Jasheen Davis

His 14 tackles for loss came in his last 10 games.

MISSOURI

QB Brady Cook

Has 2,509 passing yards and 547 rushing yards.

LB Ty’Ron Hopper

One of the two leading tacklers also has 14 stops behind the line.

DL Isaiah McGuire

The most active lineman has 13 tackles for loss.

RB Cory Schrader

Unsung back has seen workload increase throughout the season.

THE MATCHUP

Seven games into the season the Demon Deacons were 6-1 with a double overtime loss to Clemson. Then came the three-game losing streak to Louisville, NC State and North Carolina that wrecked the season. Quarterback Sam Hartman, a tremendous player, threw seven touchdown passes in those three losses and seven interceptions. He finished the season with 3,421 yards, 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Running backs Christian Turner and Quinton Cooley have entered the portal leaving the running game to sophomore Justice Ellison. But the offensive show will belong to Hartman and receiver A.T. Perry, who has 70 catches for 980 yards and 11 touchdowns. Missouri had a slow start this season against a tough SEC slate before gaining healthy wins over South Carolina and Arkansas to become bowl eligible. The Tigers played Georgia as close as any team has, and suffered one possession losses to Auburn, Florida and Kentucky as well as Georgia. Quarterback Brady Cook is the Missouri offense. He has found his groove as the season has progressed, especially over the last five games. He’s completed 65 percent of his throws with no interceptions over 138 passes. He’s also had two 100-yard rushing games in that time. Leading receiver Dominic Lovett has entered the portal, so other receivers must step up..

Key Stats: The Deacons’ 8.64 yards per pass attempt ranks 14th in the nation.

Missouri has 89 tackles for loss.

Prediction: Wake Forest 37, Missouri 24

MISSOURI

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Coach: Dave Clawson

Missouri Tigers Coach: Eli Drinkwitz 6-6 (3-5 SEC)

SOUTH FLORIDA

Hawai’i Bowl

Honolulu, HI

Dec. 24 8:00 ET - ESPN

San Diego State

Aztecs

Coach: Brady Hoke 7-5 (5-3 MWC)

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Coach: Rick Stockstill 7-5 (4-4 CUSA)

SAN DIEGO STATE

DL Jonah Tavai

With 1,192 yards and 12 TDs from scrimmage, Turner has eight games with 99 or more yards.

LB Caden McDonald

The shutdown corner has 33 pass breakups in 35 career games.

DB Patrick McMorris

Has 64 solo stops and five forced fumbles.

P/K Jack Browning

The linebacker-turned-safety has 8.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

QB Chase Cunningham

Throws it 38 times a game and averages 265 yards per contest.

WR Jaylin Lane

Lane is also a dangerous return man on punts and kickoffs.

DL Jordan Ferguson

Credited with 16 stops behind the line.

DB Teldrick

Ross

Second-leading tackler on the team is credited with 18 pass breakups.

THE MATCHUP

Expect to see defensive struggles when the San Diego State Aztecs take the field. The Aztecs are tough defensively, and, well, not good with the ball. They have scored just 12 touchdowns in 32 trips to the red zone, settling for 14 field goals and six nothings. The Aztecs have 77 tackles for loss and have allowed 79. Caden McDonald is a tremendous linebacker and plays sideline to sideline. The kicking game will favor the Aztecs. Middle Tennessee posted one of the biggest wins in program history at Miami in September, then lost three in a row that derailed the season. Chase Cunningham had touchdown passes of 98, 69 and 71 yards against the Hurricanes as the Raiders threw the ball freely all over the field. Two interceptions on the first two Miami possessions aided the cause as well. The Raiders never really found that magic again. Frank Peasant was consistent in the running game, and Cunningham ended the regular season with 2,920 yards passing. Jaylin Lane has 59 catches for 829 yards, while Izaiah Gathings has 53 for 490. The defense features the big plays of lineman Jordan Ferguson and defensive back Teldrick Ross.

SAN DIEGO STATE MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Key Stats: The Aztecs convert just 29.8 percent on third down. The Middle Tennessee defense picked off 17 passes this season.

Prediction: San Diego State 19, Middle Tennessee 17

Quick Lane Bowl

Detroit, MI Dec. 26 2:30 ET - ESPN

New Mexico State

Coach: Jerry Kill 6-6

Coach: Scott Loeffler 6-6 (5-3 MAC)

NEW MEXICO STATE

QB Diego Pavla

Threw four touchdown passes in the win over Valparaiso.

RB Star Thomas Had a breakout, 144-yard performance against Hawaii.

LB Chris Ojoh

ILeading tackler has 10.5 stops behind the line.

DL Lazarus Williams Leads the team with 7.5 sacks.

BOWLING GREEN

DL Karl Brooks

All-MAC honoree ranks in the top 10 nationally in both tackles for loss (18) and sacks (10).

WR Odieu Hiliare

Has receptions in 34 consecutive games.

TE Christian Sims Has 41 catches for 402 yards.

QB Matt McDonald Has 2,639 passing yards with 22 TDs and eight picks.

THE MATCHUP

New Mexico State’s season did not begin well, losing the first four games. Then good things started happening. Wins. First over Hawaii, later over rival New Mexico, and suddenly six wins became realistic. A 49-14 win at Liberty set the stage for an attempt to get a sixth win over Valparaiso, and viola, a bowl invitation. The Aggies haven’t performed extremely well offensively. Gavin Frakes has become the primary signal-caller after the transfer of Diego Pavla. Three different receivers lead the team with 19 catches each. Defensively, Lazarus Williams is a load upfront and linebacker Chris Ojoh is a playmaker all over the field. Bowling Green was outscored nearly 10 points a game this season but managed to win six times and post a 5-3 mark in the MAC. Bowling Green notched three wins over bowl teams (Marshall, Miami (Ohio) and Toledo) to earn a trip to the Quick Lane Bowl. Matt McDonald throws the ball 34 times a game as the Falcons will live and die through the air. Odieu Hiliare is McDonald’s favorite target with 54 catches for 704 yards. Tight end Christian Sims has been a vital cog in the offense for the past two seasons. He has become a go-to receiver on third down and in the red zone. New Mexico State’s offensive line must account for defensive lineman Karl Brooks on every snap. Brooks is a beast who enjoys spending time in opponents’ backfields..

NEW MEXICO STATE BOWLING GREEN

Key Stats: The Aggies have allowed only 15 sacks. Turnovers tend to happen when the Falcons take the field. This season Bowling Green turned the ball over 21 times and had 22 takeaways.

Prediction: Bowling Green 30, New Mexico State 3

Aggies

Bowling Green Falcons

Camellia Bowl

Montgomery, AL Dec. 27 Noon ET - ESPN

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

QB Kyle Vantrease

Threw 64 passes for 578 yards vs. James Madison.

OL Khalil Crowder Leader upfront was named AllSBC.

WR Khaleb Hood

Has caught at least four passes in each games this season.

LB Marques Watson-Trent

Offenses must account for him on every snap.

BUFFALO

LB Shaun Dolac

Team leader in tackles had 4.5 sacks.

DB Marcus Fuqua Has seven interceptions this season.

K Alex McNulty

Two of his four misses were beyond 50 yards.

QB Cole Snyder Was sacked 29 times.

THE MATCHUP

When Georgia Southern is on the field, expect to see lots of offense. The Eagles and their opponents combined to average 964 yards per game this season. The Eagles get most of their yards through the air. Quarterback Kyle Vantrease throws the ball more than 46 times a game and has 3,900 yards passing. He has a tendency to be a little careless with 15 picks to go with his 25 touchdowns. Khaleb Hood is Vantrease’s favorite target with 80 catches for 896 yards. Jalen White has 914 yards rushing and averages 5.6 yards per carry. Marques Watson-Trent is the best defender, selected All-SBC. The Bulls average just 3.5 yards a carry and the Buffalo defense allows five yards per rush attempt, so moving both of those needles will be critical for the Bulls. But Buffalo does force turnovers, 24 of them this season to be exact, recovering 12 fumbles and picking off 12 passes. Quarterback Cole Snyder averages 35 passes a game. He has thrown for 2,765 yards but completed fewer than 60 percent. Mike Washington and Ron Cook Jr. have shared duties in the running game, both with more than 600 yards rushing. Justin Marshall and Quian Williams are the top receivers. Linebacker Shaun Dolac, an All-MAC performer, leads the team in tackles and with 12.5 tackles for loss. James Patterson has 11 stops behind the line with five of them coming in the last four games.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN BUFFALO

Key Stats: Georgia Southern and its foes fumbled a total of 15 times this season, losing just eight. Buffalo’s defense has 78 stops behind the line this season.

Prediction: Georgia Southern 36, Buffalo 17

Georgia Southern Eagles

Coach: Clay Helton 6-6 (3-5 Sun Belt)

Buffalo Bulls Coach: Maurice Linguist 6-6 (5-3 MAC)

First Responder Bowl

Coach: Ryan Silverfield 6-6 (3-5 AAC)

MEMPHIS

Coach: Blake Anderson 6-6 (3-5 MWC)

MEMPHIS

QB Seth Henigan

Passed for 3,287 yards with a TD pass in every game.

S Quindell Johnson

His four picks led the AAC.

TE Caden Prieskorn

He’s the top producing TE in the AAC.

LB Zay Cullens

The every down LB has three picks and returned two to the house.

UTAH STATE

RB Clavin Tyler Jr.

Has six 100-yard games and five TDs in his last three games.

QB Cooper Legas

Set season-high passing yardage in each of last three games.

WR Brian Cobbs

Caught 17 passes for 197 yards over last two games.

DE Daniel Grzesiak

Credited with 10.5 tackles for loss and eight QB hurries.

THE MATCHUP

Memphis outscored opponents by an average score of 35-27, and outgained opponents by 50 yards a game. However, somehow the Tigers could only manage a .500 record, and a losing slate in the AAC. Three of the Tigers’ losses were by one to Houston, two to East Carolina and three to SMU. So, this team could have been 9-3 with just a few more breaks. The defense is well-stocked at all three levels with lineman Jaylon Allen, linebacker Zay Cullens and safety Quindell Johnson. Offensively, the Tigers love to throw the ball and quarterback Seth Henigan spreads the ball around. Tight end Caden Prieskorn has 46 catches for 593 yards. Wideout Javon Ivory also has 46 catches and 586 yards. Asa Martin and Jevyon Ducker share duties in the backfield. Utah State began the season losing four of five games, then broke through with wins in five of the next six games earning the Aggies bowl eligibility. The offense has improved steadily this season after quarterback Logan Bonner was lost for the season in September with a foot injury. Cooper Legas continues to improve finishing with 238, 244 and 306 yards in his last three games. The offense still revolves around the running of Calvin Tyler Jr. who has 1,043 yards this season. Linebacker AJ Vongphachahn is the team’s leading tackler and has eight stops behind the line. Defensive end Daniel Grzesiak is a playmaker off the edge.

Key Stats: Memphis allowed 32 sacks this season and the defense produced just 17. The Aggies were penalized 953 yards this season, most in the nation.

Prediction: Memphis 27, Utah State 24

UTAH STATE

Memphis Tigers

Utah State Aggies

Birmingham Bowl

Birmingham, AL Dec. 27 6:45 ET - ESPN

East Carolina Pirates

Coach:

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Interim Coach: Chad Staggs 9-3 (6-2 Sun Belt)

EAST CAROLINA

RB Keaton Mitchell

Has eight 100-yard games, including the last six games.

QB Holton Ahlers

The five-year player has 13,632 passing yards and 92 touchdowns in his career.

WR Isaiah Winstead

Consistently productive averaging 84 yards a game.

DL Chad Stephens

Most adept at getting to the quarterback, has eight tackles for loss.

COASTAL CAROLINA

QB Grayson McCall

The two-time SBC Player of the Year makes the offense go; will play in game, but will likely transfer this spring.

RB CJ Beasley

Has 883 yards from scrimmage this season.

WR Sam Pinckney

Has 67 catches for 917 yards this season.

NT Jerrod Clark

The 340-pound lineman seems to live in opponents’ backfields.

THE MATCHUP

East Carolina has played in some close games this season, beginning with a heartbreaker against NC State when the Pirates lost 21-20. But the Pirates’ surprising win over UCF resulted in the largest margin of victory for East Carolina all season. The Pirates make few mistakes and they defend the run well, but often get torched by the pass. But offensively, the Pirates can move the ball through the air or on the ground. Quarterback Holton Ahlers is a smart veteran who completes 67 percent of his throws and has 3,408 passing yards. His favorite target is Isaiah Winstead who has caught 82 for 1,013 yards. Keaton Mitchell is a talented runner and has 1,562 yards from scrimmage this season. The Chanticleers won six games by one score and lost three games by 28, 40 and 19 points, so maybe Coastal Carolina has just been living on the edge. One player who doesn’t live on the edge is quarterback Grayson McCall. The quarterback was named Sun Belt Player of the Year in both 2021 and 2022. McCall is a 69 percent passer with 2,633 yards and 24 touchdowns and just two picks. CJ Beasley is the feature back and has more than 700 yards rushing this season. Defensively, nose tackle Jerrod Clark and linebacker Josaiah Stewart are exciting playmakers with 10 tackles for loss each.

Key Stats: The Pirates committed only seven turnovers resulting in a +10 turnover margin.

Coastal Carolina was outscored on the season (30.1 to 29.1 points per game) and outgained (412.6 to 411.0 yards per game).

EAST CAROLINA COASTAL CAROLINA

Prediction: East Carolina 26, Coastal Carolina 19

Mike Houston 7-5 (4-4 AAC)

OKLAHOMA STATE

OKLAHOMA STATE

S Jason Taylor II

The All-Big 12 performer has six picks and leads all safeties in the nation with 72 solo tackles.

S Kendal Daniels

The Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year has three picks and 5.5 tackles for loss.

QB Garret Rangel

In two starts, completed 55 percent with two TDs and three INTs.

WR Brennan Presley Consistent performer with 61 catches for 739 yards.

WISCONSIN

RB Braelon Allen

Shoulder and ankle injuries kept him out of the season finale; status for the bowl game is cloudy.

LB Nick Herbig

An All-Big Ten selection, Herbig has 11 sacks to lead the Badgers.

S John Torchio

The All-Big Ten safety has eight career INTs with five this season, two of which he took to the house.

QB Chase Wolf

Likely starter has appeared in one college game, thrown six passes.

THE MATCHUP

After a stellar 2021 campaign, especially defensively, Oklahoma State slipped precipitously this season. The year started out well, but after a close loss at TCU, the Cowboys were blown out by Kansas State 48-0 a few weeks later, and that seemed to derail the season. Now the Cowboys must move forward without quarterback Spencer Sanders, leading rusher Dominic Richardson and leading tackler Mason Cobb, who have entered the portal. There is only one scholarship quarterback, Garret Rangel, on the roster, but Gunnar Gundy is scholarship worthy and made a start this season. The Badgers encountered tough sledding early in the season with losses to Washington State, Ohio State and Illinois, which led to the firing of coach Paul Chryst. There were quality wins over Purdue and Maryland, but 2022 has been a disappointment. The Badgers will be without quarterback Graham Mertz, who has started the last 32 games for the Badgers, after he entered the transfer portal in early December. With an unproven, inexperienced quarterback, expect the Badgers to lean heavily on the running behind a big offensive line and running back Braelon Allen, who has posted back-to-back 1,100-yards seasons. Nate Herbig and John Torchio lead the Badgers’ defense, which held opponents to 20.5 points a game, 103 yards rushing per contest and 33 percent success rate on third down. Key Stats: The Cowboys have allowed four blocked punts this season. Backup quarterbacks Chase Wolf and Myles Burkett combined to throw 11 passes this season.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 13, Wisconsin 11

WISCONSIN

Oklahoma State Cowboys Coach: Mike Gundy

Wisconsin Badgers

Interim Coach: Jim Leonard 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)

Military Bowl

Annapolis, MD Dec. 28 2:00 ET - ESPN

Coach: Mike Elko 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

Coach: Gus Malzahn 9-4 (6-2 AAC)

DUKE

QB Riley Leonard

Leads team in rushing and has only six interceptions in 364 pass attempts.

WR Jalen Calhoun

A career 2,000-yard receiver, 34 of his 56 catches resulted in a first down.

T Graham Barton

All-ACC tackle anchors the offensive line that rarely allows negative plays.

DL DeWayne Carter

Leads team with 5.5 sacks.

UCF

QB John Rhys

Plumlee

One of the fastest players on the team has thrown for 2,404 yards.

RB RJ Harvey Averages 6.8 yards per carry.

WR Javon Baker

Leads the team with 747 yards receiving.

DE Tre’Mon Morris-Brash

Adept at getting to the quarterback with six sacks and seven pressures.

THE MATCHUP

What a transformation Duke has made in one season under coach Mike Elko, named ACC Coach of the Year. The Blue Devils won five ACC games after winning just four total over the past three years. Duke found success running the ball, and won the turnover battle with a +14 turnover margin. The offense allowed just four tackles for loss per game, which topped the ACC and ranked 10th nationally. Quarterback Riley Leonard leads the team in rushing with 636 yards. Three running backs have more than 400 yards rushing, led by Jordan Waters’ 561. Leonard has thrown the ball 30 times a game and has 2,794 passing yards. Jalon Calhoun and Jordan Moore are Leonard’s top targets. Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter has 11 stops behind the line and has caused and recovered three fumbles. The Knights are extremely good offensively, equally effective running and passing. UCF averages 236 rushing yards a game and 245 passing. Captains Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, a linebacker, and receiver Ryan O’Keefe entered the transfer portal, and leave huge holes. Jean-Baptiste is the second-leading tackler and O’Keefe leads the team with 73 catches. Javon Baker, who has 54 catches for 747 yards must step up. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee leads the team with 841 rushing yards, and is a 63 percent passer. Running back Isaiah Bowser (14 TDs) leads the team in carries. Key Stats: Duke has been opportunistic defensively, recovering 15 fumbles, tops in the nation.

UCF converts 47 percent on third down; holds opponents to 37 percent.

Prediction: Duke 28, UCF 17

Duke Blue Devils

UCF Knights

Liberty Bowl

Memphis, TN Dec. 28 5:30 ET - ESPN

Kansas Jayhawks

Coach: Lance Leipold 6-6 (3-6 Big 12)

KANSAS

Arkansas Razorbacks

Coach: Sam Pittman 6-6 (3-5 SEC)

KANSAS

RB Devin Neal

Totaled 334 yards from scrimmage vs. Oklahoma State.

QB Jalon Daniels

Had a three-game streak when he totaled 291 yards rushing (West Virginia, Houston and Duke).

S Kenny Logan Jr. Leading tackler has a pair of interceptions.

DE Lonnie Phelps

Has a forced fumble and five QB Hurries to go with his 10.5 stops behind the lines.

ARKANSAS

QB KJ Jefferson

A 68 percent passer with 2,361 passing yards and only four picks.

RB Raheim Sanders

Has 1,697 yards from scrimmage this season.

WR Matt Landers Has three 100-yard receiving games this season.

LB Chris Paul Jr. Beginning of a new era at middle linebacker for the Hogs.

THE MATCHUP

Kansas’ season began with a flourish as the Jayhawks were 5-0 and hosting undefeated TCU. The game was tied four times in the second half before TCU scored the winning touchdown with just over two minutes remaining. After that, Kansas lost five of its last six games, and the curtain fell on the feel-good story. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels missed significant time with injuries, and 11 of his 13 touchdown passes came in his first four games. Lonnie Phelps is the most exciting playmaker on defense with 10.5 stops behind the line. Cobee Bryant leads the secondary with three picks and eight breakups. Arkansas began the season with an impressive win over Cincinnati and dominated Ole Miss late in the season to become bowl eligible, but suffered disappointing losses to Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Liberty and Missouri. The Razorbacks were ranked No. 10 prior to the loss to Texas A&M. The Razorbacks are 6-0 when scoring 30 points and 0-6 when they fail to reach 30. The Hogs convert 45 percent on third down, but committed 16 turnovers this season, including 10 fumbles. They played turnover free just twice this season, in wins over South Carolina and Ole Miss. The Razorbacks will be without receiver Jadon Haselwood and their best two defensive players Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool.

Key Stats: Kansas running back Devin Neal and the two quarterbacks (Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean) have combined to rush 272 times for an average of 6.2 yards a carry. Arkansas allowed 12 sacks in the losses to LSU (5) and Missouri (7).

Prediction: Arkansas 30, Kansas 28

ARKANSAS

Holiday Bowl

San Diego, CA

Dec. 28 8:00 ET - Fox

North Carolina

Tar Heels

Coach: Mack Brown 9-4 (6-2 ACC)

Oregon Ducks

Coach: Dan Lanning 9-3 (7-2 Pac-12)

NORTH CAROLINA

QB Drake Maye

Early Heisman favorite for 2023; has 4,115 yards passing; leads UNC with 653 yards rushing.

LB Cedric Gray

All-ACC backer leads the Tar Heels with 76 solo tackles.

WR Antoine Green With 43 catches for 798 yards, Green is Maye’s new go-to guy.

LB Power Echols

Second-leading tackler for Tar Heels.

OREGON

QB Bo Nix

Has 15 touchdown passes and three picks in his last six games.

RB Bucky Irving Has 909 yards this season averaging 6.4 yards a carry.

WR Troy Franklin Has topped 130 yards receiving three times this season.

LB Brandon Dorlus Leads Ducks with nine tackles for loss, but may find life more difficult without DJ Johnson in the lineup.

THE MATCHUP

Both Oregon and North Carolina will be missing several star players for this game. UNC will be without star receiver Josh Downs and his 94 catches and 1,029 yards. The Tar Heels have a star in quarterback Drake Maye and he will begin breaking in his 2023 receivers against the Ducks. Maye throws the ball about 37 times a game and is a threat with his legs as well. Unfortunately, Maye has been scrambling more this season than he would like. The Tar Heels have allowed 38 sacks. The Tar Heels will be without defensive backs Storm Duck, Tony Grimes and Cam’Ron Kelly who combined to breakup 17 passes. One thing is for sure, quarterbacks Bo Nix of Oregon and Drake Maye of North Carolina should have some fun. Three starters of the UNC secondary will miss this game, and Oregon’s best two defenders have opted out as well. Nix certainly resurrected his career with the Ducks this season. He has thrown for 3,388 yards and 27 touchdowns. Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington form a formidable duo in the running game. Linebackers Brandon Dorlus and Noah Sewell are both All-Pac-12 first teamers.

Key Stats: Drake Maye had 34 TD passes in his first 10 games this season.

Oregon has allowed just four sacks this season, three fewer than any other team.

NORTH CAROLINA OREGON

Prediction: Oregon 51, North Carolina 41

Texas Bowl

Houston, TX Dec. 28 9:00 ET - ESPN

Texas Tech

Red Raiders

Coach: Joey McGuire

7-5 (5-4 Big 12)

Ole Miss Rebels

Coach: Lane Kiffin 8-4 (4-4 SEC)

TEXAS TECH

RB Tahj Brooks

With all the transfers among skill players, expect his 13 touches a game to increase.

QB Tyler Shough Was 31 of 50 for 436 yards in win over Oklahoma in finale.

WR Jerand Bradley Had 16 catches for 292 yards in two games against Oklahoma schools.

LB Krishon Merriweather Leads the Raiders in tackles 65 solo stops.

OLE MISS

QB Jaxson Dart

Completed 62.6 percent of his throws for 2,613 yards.

RB Quinshon Judkins Has 1,476 yards on the season and 16 TDs, averaging 123 yards a games.

S AJ Finley Leads the team in solo tackles and has picked off a couple of passes.

RB Zach Evans Has 899 yards rushing averaging 6.6 yards a carry.

THE MATCHUP

The Red Raiders faced nine bowl teams this season, winning just four times, hovering around the .500 mark all season. The Red Raiders put the ball in the air 44 times a game for 307 yards a game. But with those numbers came 17 interceptions and 39 sacks allowed. With all that passing, the Raiders never really settled on a quarterback with Donovan Smith, Behren Morton and Tyler Shough each getting at least three starts. Shough ended the season as the starter and will likely start the bowl game. Smith has entered the portal. Eight different players caught as many as 20 passes. Texas Tech’s All-America defensive lineman Tyree Wilson has declared for the draft and will not play. Lane Kiffin is one of the most quotable, most innovative and most sought-after coaches in college football. His Rebels spent some time ranked in the top 10 this season, but they luckily escaped the Kentucky game with and win, and could have lost to Auburn as well. But still, they were in position to get into the playoff discussion in early November until losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State ended that dream. Offensively, the Rebels love to throw the ball, but their success this season came primarily on the ground as they average 261 yards rushing and 491 total yards per game. Quinshom Judkins and Zach Evans share duties in the backfield. Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath are the leading receivers..

TEXAS TECH OLE MISS

Key Stats: Texas Tech has gone for it on fourth down 46 times, most in the nation, and converted 60.9 percent. Ole Miss has allowed just 14 sacks.

Prediction: Ole Miss 41, Texas Tech 38

Pinstripe Bowl

New York, NY Dec. 29 2:00 ET - ESPN

Coach: Dino Babers 7-5 (4-4 ACC)

SYRACUSE

Coach: P.J. Fleck 8-4 (4-4 Big Ten)

SYRACUSE

QB Garret Shrader

The 2,300-yard passer has four games of 70+ rushing yards.

RB Sean Tucker

The offensive spark has 1,314 yards from scrimmage.

TE Oronde Gadsden II

Has four games of 100 yards receiving, including a season 141 against NC State.

LB Marlowe Wax

Leads the team in solo tackles and stops behind the line.

MINNESOTA

RB Mohamed Ibrahim

Has 304 carries for 1,594 yards and 19 TDs.

C John Michael Schmitz

Anchor of the offensive line paves the way for a power running game.

LB Mariano Sori-Marin

Leading tackler with 38 solo stops.

DB Tyler Nubin Has four picks on the season.

THE MATCHUP

Syracuse began the season with six wins and garnered national attention climbing the rankings. Then five consecutive losses brought the Orange back down to earth with a thud. Wins over Purdue and NC State when the Wolfpack was ranked No. 15 certainly highlight the season. Syracuse lost offensive coordinator Robert Anae to NC State, but quarterbacks coach Jason Beck has already been promoted to fill the void. Syracuse committed just 12 turnovers this season and benefits from a +7 turnover margin. The speedy Sean Tucker is one of the best backs in the ACC. Minnesota finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Big Ten West, but losses to Purdue, Iowa and Illinois prove the Gophers were not that close to winning the division. The Gophers’ defense held opponents to 13 points a game, and only three foes scored more than 16, with the outlier being Penn State who hung 45 on Minnesota. Opponents averaged 279 yards a game and scored a total of 16 touchdowns. They accomplished all that without a significant pass rush or placing a single defender on the All-Big Ten first team. Mariano Sori-Marin and Tyler Nubin lead the unit. The offense relies on AllBig Ten running back Mohamed Ibrahim to do the heavy lifting on that side of the ball.

Key Stats: The Orange were flagged 105 times this season, most in the nation.

Minnesota ranks third in the nation by converting third downs at 52.6 percent, and second in the nation in holding opponents to 26.2 percent.

Prediction: Syracuse 27, Minnesota 17

MINNESOTA

Syracuse Orange

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Cheez-It Bowl

Orlando, FL Dec. 29 5:30 ET - ESPN

Florida State Seminoles

FLORIDA STATE

Oklahoma Sooners

Coach: Brent

FLORIDA STATE

G Dillan Gibbons

Considered best guard in the ACC based on All-ACC voting.

DE Jared Verse

Has 7.5 sacks and three QB Hurries in just 11 games.

RB Trey Benson

Averages fewer than 12 carries per game and still managed 965 yards rushing.

QB Jordan Travis

Has 22 touchdown passes and just four picks.

OKLAHOMA

QB Dillon Gabriel

Had 449 yards and six TD passes in finale at Texas Tech.

DL

Ethan

Downs

Defensive playmaker has 13.5 tackles for loss

Lb Danny Stutsman

Leading tackler has a couple of picks and 9.5 tackles behind the line.

WR Marvin Mims

Topped 1,000 yards receiving this season.

THE MATCHUP

Florida State won nine games for the first time since winning 10 in 2016. Much of the credit for the recent transformation has been the offensive line play. The line allowed just 18 sacks this season and helped the running game average 5.5 yards per carry. Trey Benson leads the way in the backfield averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Jordan Travis triggers the offense and has 2,796 yards passing. Safety Jammie Robinson is the leader of the defense and the team’s top tackler. Defensive end Jared Verse, a transfer from Albany this season, is a beast off the edge with 14.5 tackles for loss. The defense has 34 sacks this season and holds opponents to just 33 percent on third down, but needs to create more than the 15 turnovers so far this season. Oklahoma probably leads the nation in key players sitting out the bowl game. The Sooners struggled through a tough season that left Oklahoma in the bottom half of the Big 12 standings. The conference slate began with three losses to Kansas State, TCU and a 49-0 blowout by Texas. A win over Oklahoma State provided the Sooners to opportunity to go bowling. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel was injured in the TCU game and missed the Texas game, but otherwise the signal-caller had a good season. Eric Gray, who led the team with 1,366 rushing yards, will not play. Marvin Mims proved to be a big-play threat at wide receiver.

Key Stats: Florida State converted 51.9 percent on third down. The Oklahoma defense picked off 16 passes this season.

Prediction: Florida State 35, Oklahoma 7

OKLAHOMA

Coach: Mike Norvell 9-3 (5-3 ACC)

Venables 6-6 (3-6 Big 12)

Alamo Bowl

San Antonio, TX Dec. 29 9:00 ET - ESPN

Washington Huskies

TEXAS

LB Jaylan Ford

Only linebacker in the nation with as many as four picks.

WASHINGTON

QB Michael Penix Jr.

Coach: Steve Sarkisian 8-4 (6-3 Big 12)

TEXAS

Coach: Kalen DeBoer 10-2 (7-2 Pac-12)

QB Quinn Ewers

Completed 64 percent of his passes in his five wins, 41 percent in two losses.

RB Bijan Robinson

Workhorse carries it 21.5 times a game, for 131.7 yards a game.

S Jahdae Barron Leads the Longhorns in tackles for loss and has a couple of picks.

The transfer from Indiana has thrown for more than 400 yards in a game three times, topping at 516 against Arizona.

RB Wayne Taulapapa

Last three games: 34 carries for 303 yards, four TDs, 8.9 yards per carry.

WR Jalen McMillan Has 71 catches for 1,040 yards.

WR Rome Odunze Has 70 catches for 1,088 yards.

THE MATCHUP

The Alamo Bowl has the potential to be one of the best non-New Year’s games of the bowl season. Texas has four losses, all decided by a single possession, and Washington lost just twice. The Longhorns run the ball well and they’re adept at stopping the run. Running back Bijan Robinson is one of the best in the nation. Quinn Ewers took over at quarterback beginning with the Oklahoma game and was 5-2 as a starter, losing to Oklahoma State and TCU. He struggled with accuracy. Receivers Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders all average about 50 yards a game. Jaylan Ford is the best defender on the team. The Washington Huskies are, by just about any measure, an offensive juggernaut. The Huskies have scored more than the average points allowed by all 11 FBS opponents. The Huskies lead the nation converting third downs with 57.1 percent, consequently Washington punted just 22 times, fewest in the nation. Washington averages 521.7 yards, second in the nation to Tennessee, and turned it over just 10 times. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 4,354 yards and has two 1,000 receivers in Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze. Defensive ends Jeremiah Martin and Bralen Trice have combined for 22 tackles for loss including 16 sacks.

Key Stats: Bijan Robinson leads the nation with 1,894 yards from scrimmage.

Washington players have been thrown for a loss just 31 times this season, 10 fewer than any other team.

Prediction: Washington 41, Texas 40

Texas Longhorns

Duke’s Mayo Bowl Charlotte, NC Dec. 30 Noon ET - ESPN

Maryland Terrapins

NC STATE

QB Ben Finley

Engineered win over rival UNC.

WR Thayer Thomas

MARYLAND

QB Taulia Tagovailoa

Coach: Dave Doeren 8-4 (4-4 ACC)

Coach: Mike Locksley 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)

Managed 53 catches for 588 yards as NC State tried to find consistent quarterback play.

K Christopher Dunn Groza Award winner missed just one field goal attempt—from 43 yards—and was perfect on PATs.

LB Drake Thomas Team leader in tackles, has 15 behind the line and is credited with 23 QB hurries.

Completed 26 of 36 passes for 293 yards and two TDs against Ohio State.

RB Roman Hemby

Averages 5.6 yards per carry with 969 yards so far this season.

DB Beau Brade

Leading tackler has created four turnovers for the Terrapins.

WR

Jeshaun Jones

Finished the season with nine catches for 152 yards against Rutgers.

THE MATCHUP

Standout quarterback Devin Leary, who suffered an injury that cost him six games, has entered the portal to find a suitable home to impress NFL scouts next season. Quarterback Ben Finley made just one start, but was impressive in win over UNC. He is the quarterback of the future, and evidently the present as well. The Wolfpack was 5-1 when Leary went down, but NC State raised its record to 7-2 before losses to Boston College and Louisville set the Wolfpack back. But a season-ending win over UNC saved the season. Linebacker Drake Thomas is one of the best in the ACC. The Maryland program is making progress in the minefield that is the Big Ten East. Maryland’s offense is built around Tua Tagovailoa and he spreads the ball around as well as any quarterback. Maryland has six players with 26 or more catches and 275 yards or more receiving. No player has more than 40 catches or 478 yards. Roman Henry is a capable running back who is more of a grinder than flashy. The defense doesn’t force many turnovers or create enough negative plays..

MARYLAND NC STATE

Key Stats: The most points NC State scored in an ACC game was 30 (twice); the most the Wolfpack gave up was 30 (Clemson). Maryland was flagged 93 times this season. Only 10 teams were penalized more (ironically, seven are bowl teams).

Prediction: Maryland 28, NC State 17

NC State Wolfpack

Sun Bowl El Paso, TX Dec. 30 2:00 ET - CBS

Pittsburgh Panthers

Coach: Pat Narduzzi 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

UCLA Bruins

Coach: Chip Kelly 9-3 (6-3 Pac-12)

RB Israel Abanikanda

Has 251 touches for 1,577 yards from scrimmages.

LB SirVocea Dennis Panthers’ leading tackler has 12 stops behind the line, an INT and six QB hurries.

G Marcus Minor Anchor of Pitt line for last two seasons.

WR Jared Wayne Has 55 catches for 1,012 yards.

UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet

Leads the nation with 168 all-purpose yards per game.

QB D. Thompson-Robinson

Has four games of 298+ passing yards and four games of 80+ rushing yards.

WR Jake Bobo

At least three catches each game; has two 100-yard games.

LB Laiatu Latu

Playmaker has 11 stops behind the line and has forced three fumbles.

THE MATCHUP

The Panthers have one of the best offensive lines in the ACC, and no one enjoyed that more this season than running back Israel Abanikanda. The All-ACC selection ran for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns behind AllACC guard Marcus Minor, Jake Kradel and Matt Goncalves. Quarterback Kedon Slovis entered the portal, so the Panthers will go with senior Nick Patti, who started the Peach Bowl last season against Michigan State, and freshman Nate Yarnell who has played in only one game, a start vs. Western Michigan earlier this season. The quarterbacks will have Jared Wayne, a 1,000-yard receiver in the lineup. The Pitt defense has been outstanding, but will be without standout defensive lineman Calijah Kancey. Linebacker SirVocea Dennis is an All-ACC player. UCLA is one of a handful of teams to produce 500 yards a game in total offense. The Bruins should be explosive against just about any defense with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback and Zach Charbonnet in the backfield. The two have combined for 25 rushing touchdowns. Charbonnet averages 135.9 yards a game rushing. Robinson throws it 30 times a games and UCLA has allowed just 16 sacks. Defensively, Darius Muasau is the best player, and Laiatu Latu is the playmaker with 9.5 sacks.

Key Stats: With 45 sacks, the Pitt defense leads the nation, but Calijah Kancey has been a huge part of that. UCLA leads the nation in yards per rushing attempt at 6.08, the only school to average six yards per carry.

Prediction: UCLA 42, Pittsburgh 21

Gator Bowl

Jacksonville, FL Dec. 30 3:30 ET - ESPN

Notre Dame

Fighting Irish

Coach: Marcus Freeman 8-4

South Carolina Gamecocks

Coach: Shane Beamer 8-4 (4-4 SEC)

NOTRE DAME

RB Audric Estime

Has 825 yards averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

CB Benjamin Morrison Has five picks, returning one for a score.

S DJ Brown Leads the teams in tackles.

WR Lorenzo Styles Has 30 catches for 340 yards, but must step up.

SOUTH CAROLINA

QB Spencer Rattler

In his final two games, he completed 72 percent for 798 yards and eight TDs.

WR Antwane Wells Jr. Has 63 catches for 698 yards on the season.

Edge Jordan Burch Has 7.5 tackles for loss and another 10 QB pressures.

Edge Gilber Edmond Has nine stops behind the line and nine QB hurries.

THE MATCHUP

NOTRE DAME

The Irish offense seemed to find a good rhythm over the second half of the season, averaging 37.6 points a game over that time. For the year, Notre Dame converted 46 percent on third down. Quarterback Drew Pyne threw for more than 2.000 yards this season, but he has entered the transfer portal. As a result, expect the Irish to be a bit more conservative on offense utilizing the running game more. Audric Estime will likely see more touches than normal. Tyler Buchner has thrown 50 passes this season, 32 of them in the loss to Marshall when he threw two picks. Tight end Michael Mayer, the most productive receiver all season, has opted out. The Gamecocks played like a playoff team the final two weeks of the season in wins over Tennessee (convincingly) and Clemson as coach Shane Beamer seems to have the program heading in the right direction at lightning speed. Quarterback Spencer Rattler improved his production throughout the season and was outstanding in the wins over Tennessee and Clemson. But let’s not forget his subpar performances leading up to that. Antwane Wells Jr. had 20 catches for 308 yards in those two games as he and Rattler were completely in sync. Defensively, Jordan Burch and Gilber Edmond wreak havoc off the edge.

Key Stats: Notre Dame has blocked seven kicks and seven punts this season.

South Carolina managed just 18 sacks on the season.

Prediction: South Carolina 35, Notre Dame 17

SOUTH CAROLINA

OHIO

Arizona Bowl

Tucson, AZ

Dec. 30 4:30 ET - Barstool Sports

Ohio

Coach: Craig Bohl 7-5 (5-3 MWC)

OHIO

QB Kurtis Rourke

Passed for 3,256 yards with 25 TDs and just four picks.

WR Sam Wiglusz

The All-MAC receiver has 69 catches for 850 yards and 11 TDs.

RB Sieh Bangura

Carried the ball for 940 yards and 12 TDs.

LB Keye Thompson Team’s leading tackler has a pick and a forced fumble.

WYOMING

QB Andrew Peasley

Without running back Titus Swen in the game, the Cowboys may look for Peasley to throw more.

DE DeVonne Harris

Playmaker has 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

S Isaac White Cowboys’ leading tackler.

CB Cameron Stone Has two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

THE MATCHUP

Ohio has an outstanding season, winning the MAC East by two games before losing to Toledo in the MAC Championship Game. Tim Albin was named MAC Coach of the Year and quarterback Kurtis Rourke earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. The Bobcats’ offense averages 424 yards a game and converts almost 42 percent on third down and committed just 12 turnovers. Sieh Bangura is the leading runner and Sam Wiglusz is Rourke’s top target. The opportunistic defense has 24 takeaways. Zack Sanders and Tariq Drake lead the team with three picks apiece. Wyoming is not going to win many games throwing the ball often. The Cowboys prefer a slow, grind-it-out kind of game with limited possessions and lots of handoffs. The Cowboys throw it fewer than 23 times a game and average just 127.8 yards a game through the air. That was a comfortable scenario for running back Titus Swen, but he’s entered the portal and taken 1,039 rushing yards out of the mix. Quarterback Andrew Peasley missed the Boise State game due to an injury, but has thrown just 245 passes for 1,388 yards. The defense is fueled by DeVonne Harris upfront, Isaac White at safety and cornerback Cameron Stone. Key Stats: The Bobcats have a +12 turnover margin. Only Miami (Ohio) and Connecticut average fewer yards per game among bowl teams than Wyoming’s 315.5 yards a game.

Prediction: Ohio 20, Wyoming 10

WYOMING

Bobcats

Coach: Tim Albin 9-4 (7-1 MAC)

Wyoming Cowboys

Orange Bowl

Miami Gardens, FL Dec. 30 7:30 ET - ESPN

Clemson Tigers

Coach: Dabo Swinney 11-2 (8-0 ACC)

Coach: Josh Heupel 10-2 (6-2 SEC)

CLEMSON

QB Cade Klubnik

Was 20 for 24 for 279 yards in ACC title game.

RB Will Shipley

Ran for 1,110 yards and 15 TDs, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Leading tackler also is tops with 12 stops behind the line.

DL Myles Murphy

Double-teamed on almost every play, Murphy managed 11 tackles for loss.

TENNESSEE

WR Jalin Hyatt

With 67 catches, 1,267 yards, 15 TDs, he’s deserving of the Biletnikoff Award. (Opted out for NFL)

WR Bru McCoy

Has three 100-yard games (Florida, LSU and Missouri).

DE Byron Young

A menace off the edge, has 10 tackles for loss, 14 QB hurries.

LB Jeremy Banks

Emotional leader of the defense, conspicuously absent in South Carolina game.

THE MATCHUP

CLEMSON

Beyond the two playoff games, this is the bowl to watch. Both Clemson and Tennessee just missed out on the playoff, and have chips on their shoulders to prove they belong in college football’s elite. The Tigers didn’t have the power rushing attack fans have been accustomed to seeing from Clemson. With inconsistent quarterback play, opposing defenses were able to load the box making it difficult to run. But Clemson appears to have found the quarterback of the future (and the present as well) in true freshman Cade Klubnik. The offensive coaches tried to rush him into duty this season, but the youngster wasn’t quite ready until having his coming out party in the ACC Championship Game. Defense has been a hallmark of the best Clemson teams in recent seasons. The front seven have been magnificent, but how many stars will be missing from the bowl roster?

Tennessee has been one of the most prolific offensive juggernauts in the nation all season. However, quarterback Hendon Hooker is out with a torn ACL leaving the reins of the offense to Joe Milton III. In Milton’s lone start this season, he led the Volunteers to an easy 56-0 win over Vanderbilt. But he wasn’t very accurate and Tennessee ran for 362 yards in that game.

Tennessee’s defense allowed almost 400 yards a game.

Key Stats: Clemson has scored 110 points in each of the first and second quarters, 101 in the third and 117 in the fourth. Tennessee has scored more than their opponents’ average points allowed in all 11 FBS games this season.

Prediction: Clemson 35, Tennessee 24

TENNESSEE

Tennessee Volunteers

Music City Bowl

Nashville, TN Dec. 31 Noon ET - ABC

Iowa Hawkeyes

Coach: Kirk Ferentz 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)

IOWA

Kentucky Wildcats

Coach: Mark Stoops 7-5 (3-5 SEC)

IOWA

LB Jack Campbell

Hawkeyes’ leading tackler has two INTs and 3.5 tackles for loss.

DL Lukas Van Ness

Owns 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

DB Cooper DeJean

Has four picks and broke up seven passes.

TE Sam LaPorta Big Ten Tight End of the Year.

KENTUCKY

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Ran for 113 yards a game.

OLB Jordan Wright

Has 8.5 tackles for loss and seven QB hurries.

DL Deone Walker

Named Freshman All-America after solid season with 3.5 tackles for loss and five QB hurries.

WR Barion Brown

Freshman leads the team with 45 catches and 604 yards.

THE MATCHUP

Typically when Iowa takes the field, very little offense happens. Iowa averages just 255 yards of offense and holds opponents to 278 yards. The Hawkeyes average 2.9 yards per rushing attempt, as do their opponents. Linebacker Jack Campbell is the best player on the team, and has been deservedly rewarded with accolades, like Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Butkus Award winner. Quarterback Spencer Petras has hit the portal, leaving third-string quarterback Joe Labas atop the depth chart now. The Hawkeyes would much rather run the ball with Kaleb Johnson who has 762 yards and averages 5.4 yards a carry. Tight end Sam LaPorta is the top receiver with 53 catches and 601 yards. Kentucky will be without quarterback Will Levis, who is preparing for the NFL Draft, and the Wildcats did not play well in his absence during the season. Kaiya Sheron will likely take most of the snaps. He is 17 for 29 for 187 yards. The most glaring issue for the Wildcats is their propensity to give up sacks. Part of that was Levis’ leg injury that affected his mobility. But a large part was the inconsistency of the offensive line. There’s no doubt the running game is Kentucky’s bread and butter, especially with Chris Rodriguez Jr. on the field. After a four-game suspension, Rodriguez ran for 904 yards in eight games.

Key Stats: Iowa ranks last among bowl teams converting just 29.7 percent on third down. Kentucky has allowed 42 sacks this season, ranking the Wildcats in the bottom 10 in the nation.

Prediction: Kentucky 13, Iowa 6

KENTUCKY

Sugar Bowl

New Orleans, LA Dec. 31 Noon ET - ESPN

Coach: Chris Klieman 10-3 (7-2 Big 12)

KANSAS STATE

Coach: Nick Saban 10-2 (6-2 SEC)

KANSAS STATE

RB

Deuce Vaughn

Has amassed 1,803 yards from scrimmage.

LB Austin

Moore

Leads the team in tackles and has 10 behind the line.

QB Will Howard

If Adrian Martinez is healthy, Howard will still see his share of snaps.

DL Felix Anudike-Uzomah

The All-American may be the best player on the team.

ALABAMA

QB Bryce Young

The 2021 Heisman winner had an equally impressive season in 2022.

LB Will Anderson

The best defensive player in the nation has 10 sacks fighting through double teams.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Averages 6.3 yards per carry; 1,228 yards from scrimmage.

DB Demarcco Hellams

Leading tackler is the leader of the secondary.

THE MATCHUP

Kansas State has a balanced offense averaging 209.6 yards a game rushing and 210.5 passing, but the Wildcats rarely throw the ball as often as the run it. The coaches love to call Deuce Vaughn’s number. The running back has carried the ball 271 times for 1,425 yards. Quarterback Adrian Martinez has missed significant time with an injury, but Will Howard has filled in admirably. The Wildcats hope that Martinez will be available for the Sugar Bowl. In six games, Howard has averaged 237 yards a game passing and has at least two touchdown passes in each game. Opponents gameplan around defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah. He is a tremendous athlete and has fought through double teams for 11 stops behind the line. Linebacker Austin Moore is the leading tackler. Alabama finds itself in an unusual position, sitting out the SEC Championship Game and on the outside looking in at the playoff. The question for Alabama is what the gameday roster will look like when it’s time to take the field for the bowl. If there is a full complement of stars taking the field, Alabama will be difficult to stop offensively. The offensive line, an area of concern all season, will be missing at least one starter. With Bryce Young on the field, Kansas State will not be able to stop Alabama. Likewise, if linebackers Will Anderson and Henry To’o To’o are in the lineup, points will be tough to come by for the Wildcats.

Key Stats: The Wildcats enjoy a +14 turnover margin, including 16 picks. Alabama’s two losses, by a total of four points, came on a do-or-die twopoint play, and a field goal on the final play of the game.

Prediction: Alabama 48, Kansas State 29

ALABAMA

Kansas Wildcats

Alabama Crimson Tide

Fiesta Bowl Glendale, AZ Dec. 31 4:00 ET - ESPN

Michigan

Wolverines

Coach: Jim Harbaugh 13-0 (9-0 Big Ten)

TCU Horned Frogs

Coach: Sonny Dykes 12-1 (9-0 Big 12)

QB J.J. McCarthy

Has thrown 20 TD passes and just three picks.

RB Donovan Edwards Had TD runs of 75 and 85 yards against the Buckeyes.

WR Cornelius Johnson Michigan uses his speed to throw over the defense.

DL Mike Morris

Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year is still nursing a hamstring and may not play.

TCU

QB Max Duggan

Has 3,321 yards passing, 30 TDs and only four picks.

RB Kendre Miller Has 1,342 yards rushing, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

WR Quentin Johnston Caught four passes for 139 yards in Big 12 title game.

LB Dee Winters

Credited with 11.5 tackles for loss.

THE MATCHUP

Michigan turned college football on its ear—not to mention the Ohio State defense—with its performance in the regular-season finale. The Michigan offense, that hadn’t completed a pass for more than 42 yards all season, completed three for touchdowns of 69, 75 and 45 yards. The Wolverines have lost the element of surprise of the downfield passing attack against TCU, but expect Michigan to continue to stretch the field. Heisman candidate Blake Corum is out for this game, but Donovan Edwards has been impressive filling in for the injured star. Michigan’s defense is among the stingiest in the land. The Wolverines didn’t allow any of their 13 points to reach their scoring average, holding the aggregate to 11.4 under their average. The TCU Horned Frogs have become the darling of college football with their amazing run in the Big 12. Despite the loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship Game, the Frogs are still in the college playoff, deservedly so. Facing Michigan in the national semifinal game is a tremendous opportunity for the Horned Frogs to prove they belong with the national elite. Quarterback Max Duggan, the Unitas Golden Arm Award winner, leads the offense with his arm and legs. Never before has a player’s heart, guts and determination been on display like Duggan’s during the game-tying drive in the Big 12 title game..

MICHIGAN TCU

Key Stats: Michigan is 15 of 17 on fourth down this season. TCU owns a +9 turnover margin.

Prediction: Michigan 32, TCU 24

Peach Bowl Atlanta, GA Dec. 31 8:00 ET - ESPN Georgia Bulldogs

Coach: Kirby Smart 13-0

GEORGIA

Ohio State Buckeyes

Coach: Ryan Day 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)

QB Stetson Bennett IV

In four games vs. committee’s current top 25: 75 percent, 1,183 yards, 10 TDs, 0 INTs. Four wins.

RB Kenny McIntosh

Exciting player has 1,158 yards from scrimmage this season.

TE Brock Bowers

Clutch receiver comes up big on third downs.

DL Jalen Carter

Menace in the middle for the Bulldogs with seven stops behind the line.

OHIO STATE

QB CJ Stroud

Has gaudy, Heisman-like numbers: 3,340 passing yards, 37 TDs, six picks.

WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Caught 72 passes for 1,157 yards and 12 TDs.

RB Miyan Williams

Split time in the backfield, but managed to 817 yards, 6.5 yards per carry.

LB Tommy Eichenberg

Leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss.

THE MATCHUP

Critics point out that the Bulldogs sleepwalked through several games midway through the season, but this team is just fine-tuning its skills preparing for the two most important games of the season. Georgia faced what fans thought were two challenges this season. Georgia opened with Oregon and demolished the Ducks 49-3. And just after the playoff committee released its initial ranking with Tennessee at the No 1 spot, the Bulldogs dismissed the Volunteers with relative ease, even after giving the ball over to Tennessee on the opening drive and falling behind early. Stetson Bennett is a winner and the defense, decimated after the NFL Draft, seemed to improve each week. The Bulldogs are peaking at the right time. The last time we saw Ohio State take the field, the Buckeyes were a bit embarrassed by Michigan in their own stadium. The Michigan offense destroyed the Buckeyes’ defense. And the Buckeyes’ offense that averages 44.7 points a game could muster only 23 against the Wolverines. Can the Buckeyes regroup now that they’ve been given new life and a playoff berth after USC’s loss? Ohio State has one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the game in CJ Stroud. He loves to throw to Marvin Harrison Jr. Freshman running back Miyan Williams has played like a veteran since the beginning of the season.

Key Stats: Georgia has held all 12 FBS opponents under their scoring average this season—by an average of 16 points. Ohio State’s defense gave up 530 total yards to Michigan.

Prediction: Georgia 37, Ohio State 27

OHIO STATE

Reliaquest Bowl

Tampa, FL

Jan. 2 Noon ET - ESPN2

Illinois Fighting Illini

Coach: Bret Bielema 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)

ILLINOIS

Miss. State

Coach: Zach Arnett 8-4 (4-4 SEC)

ILLINOIS

DB Sydney Brown

Tied for tops in nation with six picks.

DL Jer-Zhan Newton Leads the nation in QB hits.

DB Devon Witherspoon Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.

RB Chase Brown Leads all Power 5 running backs with 1,643 yards.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

QB Will Rogers

The prolific passer has 34 TDs and just sick picks.

CB Emmanuel

Forbes

Emmanuel Forbes The ballhawk now has six pick-sixes in his career, adding three this season.

KR/WR Lideatrick Griffin

He has received All-America recognition as a kick returner with a TD this season.

LB Nathaniel

Watson

The senior leads the Bulldogs in tackles and 11 behind the line.

THE MATCHUP

The Illini win with defense. Make no mistake about that, allowing just 12.25 points a game. Opponents average 263.8 yards a game against the Illinois defense. Foes have difficulty running the ball and throwing it. Lineman JerZhan Newton is as good at getting after the quarterback as anyone in the nation. The secondary has shut down passing attacks all season. Sydney Brown, with six picks, and Devon Witherspoon are tremendous. The offense isn’t too shabby, especially in the srunning game. Chase Brown has 1,883 yards from scrimmage with 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Tommy DeVito is asked not to lose games rather than put the offense in his hands. He has thrown just four picks this season and 15 touchdown passes. Mississippi State still loves to throw the ball all over the field, having put it in the air 589 times this season the most of all FBS teams. And few do it better than Will Rogers. The MSU quarterback has thrown for 3,713 yards, averaging 309.4 yards a game. Five different players have as many as 44 catches this season, and eight have 29 or more catches. Rufus Harvey, with 50 catches for 472 yards, is the leader of the deep group. Linebacker Tyrus Wheat is a menace to offenses with 10.5 tackles for loss and eight QB hurries. This game will be played with heavy hearts under unusual circumstances after the sudden death of Mike Leach.

Key Stats: The Illini picked off 22 passes this season, most in the nation. Not surprisingly, Illinois has the best defensive pass efficiency in the nation. In 41 trips inside the red zone, Mississippi State has 32 TDs and five FGs.

Prediction: Mississippi State 31, Illinois 20

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Bulldogs Interim

Cotton Bowl

Arlington, TX Jan. 2 1:00 ET - ESPN

USC Trojans

TULANE

RB Tyjae Spears

Coach: Willie Fritz 11-2 (7-1 AAC)

Coach: Lincoln Riley 11-2 (8-1 Pc-12)

Carries a heavy load with 1,618 yards from scrimmage this season.

QB Michael Pratt

Values ball security with 25 TDs and just five picks in 321 passes.

Dorian Williams

Leads team in tackles and stops behind the line.

WR Shae Wyatt

Big-play threat averages 19.8 yards a catch with seven TDs.

USC QB Caleb Williams

Has thrown for 4,075 yards, 37 TDs and just two INTs.

WR Jordan Addison

The 2021 Biletnikoff Winner has 59 catches for 875 yards in a crowded receivers rooms.

WR Mario Williams

Explosive sophomore had 145 yards in the first Utah game.

DL Tuli Tuipulotu

One of the best D-Linemen in the nation with 21 stops behind the line, including 12.5 sacks.

THE MATCHUP

Tulane’s losses were to Southern Miss by three points and to UCF by seven, which the Green Wave avenged in the AAC Championship Game 45-28. Tulane has played one game this season before a crowd larger than 32,000, a 17-10 win at Kansas State. Now the Green Wave believe they are ready for the big stage. Tulane features a balanced attack on offense and plays a solid, no frills defense. The offense relies on the running of Tyjae Spears and the efficiency of quarterback Michael Pratt, who can also break down defenses with his legs. Shae Wyatt has 35 catches for 692 yards. Damien Williams and Darius Hodges are the playmakers on defense. Quarterback Caleb Williams was recently awarded the Heisman Trophy, and now Lincoln Riley has coached three Heisman quarterbacks. USC had very little trouble taking on all comers this season, well, except for those darn Utes. Utah defeated USC twice, once on a two-point conversion, then a 47-24 blowout in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The USC offense is explosive, averaging 499.8 yards a game and converting 52 percent on third down with Williams at the helm. Backup running back Austin Jones posted two 120-yard games against UCLA and Notre Dame, but was held in check by Utah. The Tojans have one of the best defensive linemen in the country in Tuli Tuipulotu. Key Stats: Tulane failed to score nine times in the red zone, three of those the Green Wave took a knee to end the game. The Trojans have lost just two fumbles all season. USC has a turnover margin of +21 this season. Three teams are tied for second with +14.

TULANE USC

Prediction: USC 41, Tulane 17

Tulane Green Wave

Citrus Bowl

Orlando, FL Jan. 2 1:00 ET - ABC

Purdue Boilermakers

Interim Coach: Brian Brohm 8-5 (6-3 Big Ten)

LSU

Tigers

Coach: Brian Kelly 9-4 (6-2 SEC)

PURDUE

QB Aidan O’Connell

The sixth-year senior has 8,684 career passing yards and 60 TDs.

WR Charlie Jones Had 39 catches combined in two seasons with Buffalo and Iowa before this season.

RB Devin Mockobee Freshman averages 5.1 yards per carry.

S Cam Allen Owns 10 career interceptions.

LSU QB Jayden Daniels

Dynamic quarterback is the key to the offense.

WR Malik Nabers

Developed strong rapport with Daniels.

DE BJ Ojulari

Playmaker off the edge regularly faces double teams; yet he has 8.5 tackles for loss.

LB Harold Perkins Jr.

Leader of the defense backs it up with big plays; has 11.5 tackles for loss.

THE MATCHUP

Purdue proved to be the best team in the Big Ten West with a 6-3 Big Ten record, but wasn’t competitive against Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game. So the Boilermakers feel like they still have something to prove. The passing game has nothing to prove, however, as Aidan O’Connell has had a superb season at quarterback. He throws the ball more than 41 times a game and averages 290 yards per game. The team threw 541 passes this season and surrendered just 24 sacks, and four of those came in the title game against Michigan. Charlie Jones is clearly O’Connell’s go-to receiver. Jones has 110 catches for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns. Devin Mockobee has proven to be an excellent weapon out of the backfield with 920 yards rushing and 228 receiving. LSU was wildly inconsistent under first-year coach Brian Kelly, but improved tremendously as the season progressed. A lackluster performance against Florida State to open the season, didn’t foretell the success LSU would enjoy in the SEC West. As Jayden Daniels goes, so go the Tigers. The dynamic quarterback has thrown for 2,774 yards and run for 818 and 11 touchdowns. His favorite target is Malik Nabers, who has 68 catches for 854 yards. The defense all but disappeared in the final two games, giving up 38 to Texas A&M and 50 to Georgia. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. and defensive end BJ Ojulari are tremendous playmakers.

Key Stats: When Aidan O’Connell throws for 320+ yards, Purdue is 2-4. The Tigers have allowed 45 sacks this season. Prediction: LSU 27, Purdue 20

Rose Bowl

Pasadena, CA Jan. 2 5:00 ET - ESPN

UTAH

Utah

Utes

Coach: Kyle Whittingham 10-3 (7-2 Pac-12)

Penn State Nittany Lions

Coach: James Franklin 10-2 (7-2 Big Ten)

QB Cameron Rising

Has passed for 2,939 yards and 25 TDs.

RB Micah Bernard

Former backup had 16 touches for 129 yards in the title games.

LB

Mohamoud Diabate

One of many playmakers on defense has 12.5 tackles for loss.

S R.J. Hubert

Must play a larger role in coverage without Clark Phillips III in the game.

PENN STATE

QB Sean Clifford

The veteran has thrown for 10,382 yards and 84 touchdowns.

CB Kalen King

Benefitted from playing opposite Joey Porter Jr. with two picks, 18 breakups.

DE Adisa Isaac

Has nine tackles behind the line and eight QB hurries.

WR Parker Washington

Had his best game vs. Ohio State: 11 catches, 179 yards.

THE MATCHUP

UTAH

The Utah secondary is the best in the nation. Both safeties, Cole Bishop and R.J. Hubert, earned All-Pac-12 honors and cornerback Clark Phillips III is a consensus All-American. Phillips, with his six picks, however, will skip the Rose Bowl. While the Pac-12 champions know how to play defense, the offense is not shabby. Quarterback Cameron Rising is a weapon with his arm and legs. Tight end Dalton Kincaid, who leads the team with 70 catches and 890 yards, is also sitting out the game. Tight end Thomas Yassmin should get more opportunities. He has just 12 catches on the season, but four of his last six have gone for touchdowns. Micah Bernard has filled in for injured running back Tavion Thomas and averaged eight yards a carry in the championship game. When Penn State isn’t playing Ohio State or Michigan, the Nittany Lions outscore opponents on average, 38-13. The Nittany Lions average 432 yards of offense with a run-first mentality. Two backs, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, shared carries all season and combined for 1,771 yards. The beauty of the defense is that there are talented players all over the field with very few standouts. The Lions will miss their best player, Joey Porter Jr., who has opted out of the game.

Key Stats: The Utah defense grabbed 24 turnovers leading to a +8 turnover margin.

With 12 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries, Penn State has a +10 turnover margin.

Prediction: Penn State 24, Utah 20

PENN STATE