Bowl full of holiday football
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Football and the holidays go hand in hand and this year there are more than enough bowl games to quench the thirst of even the most diehard college football fan. Below is a look at all the remaining non-BCS bowls, a schedule that stretches through January 8. We will take a look at the five BCS bowls on Dec. 27.
Thursday, Dec. 22
Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State (11-1) vs Arizona State (6-6)
Las Vegas
Payout: $2.2 Million
The Broncos are ranked seventh in the BCS and wind up playing a .500 team 11 days before the first BCS bowls kick off. Nice to know the system is working…..Boise State’s Kellen Moore is fourth nationally in pass efficiency, second in touchdowns with 41 and, among quarterbacks with at least 300 attempts, he is No. 1 in completion percentage at 74.1. Moore, who has also thrown for 3,507 yards, should have a strong day against an ASU pass defense that is allowing 271 yards per game to rank 107th. The Broncos also boast a 1,000-yard runner (1,148) in Doug Martin, who has 17 total TDs….BSU can also get it done on defense. The Broncos are the tenth-toughest in the country (18.3 points) to score on. The wealth is spread throughout on defense, though DE Tyrone Crawford has 13.5 TFL. The unit will attempt to get after Sun Devils’ quarterback Brock Osweiler, whose 3,641 yards passing are eighth-most in the country. Like Boise State, ASU also boasts an outstanding running back. Cameron Marshall has 1,038 yards and 18 TDs and is a critical part of an offense that is churning out 451 yards per game. You have to wonder how the ASC fiasco in finding a coach will play into this.
Line: Boise State by 14
O/U: 65
Pick: Boise State 37-20
**
Saturday, Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl: Southern Miss (11-2) vs Nevada (7-5)
Honolulu
Payout: $1.3 Million
A win would be mere icing on the cake for the Golden Eagles, who upended then-undefeated and BCS No. 6 Houston in the CUSA championship. USM, which will have Larry Fedora on the sideline before the coach leaves to take over at North Carolina, ranks in the top 30 of most of the major offensive and defensive categories. It all starts with senior QB Austin Davis, who has 3,331 yards passing and 28 touchdowns and has another 332 yards and 4 TDs on the ground. The Wolf Pack should prove to be a stiff challenge as their pass defense is allowing opposing QBs to complete only 48.8 percent of their passes, second in the country to Alabama…..Offensively, Nevada has the eighth-best ground game (252 yards), an attack that boasts three RBs with at least 680 yards. One of those backs, Mike Ball, missed the past month due to injury. Speaking of injuries, QBs Tyler Lantrip and Cody Fajardo are banged up, though they should be available for the game.
Line: Southern Miss by 6.5
O/U: 61
Pick: Southern Miss 34-20
**
Monday, Dec. 26
Independence Bowl: Missouri (7-5) vs North Carolina (7-5)
Shreveport, La.
Payout: $2.3 Million
The Tigers’ five defeats are against teams that were top-five at the time (Oklahoma and Oklahoma State), then-No. 20 Kansas State, in overtime at Arizona State and against then-unranked Baylor and Robert Griffin III. Four of the five defeats were by single digits. It’s a battle-tested group that unfortunately lost explosive RB Henry Josey for the season after he tore ligaments in his left knee last month against Texas. While that’s a blow, the development of first-year starting QB James Franklin has been quite pleasing as he has totaled 3,572 yards (839 rushing) with total 33 TDs. The Tar Heels are a solid 40th in total defense, but will have their hands full…..Interim coach Everett Withers deserves an award for what he has done in Chapel Hill this season after the mess that Butch Davis left behind. Quarterback Bryn Renner (68.8 completion percentage, 23 TDs) and running back Gio Bernard (1,222 yards, 13 TDs) have certainly made things easier.
Update: UNC's leading receiver, Dwight Jones, may not be eligible to play.
Line: Missouri by 3.5
O/U: 53.5
Pick: Missouri 31-23
**
Wednesday, Dec. 27
Little Caesars Bowl: Purdue (6-6) vs Western Michigan (7-5)
Detroit
Payout: $1.5 Million
Fortunately for the Boilermakers, Indiana was the last team on the regular-season schedule. A win over the Hooisers resulted in a bowl eligibility, but in Detroit they must find a way to contain the WMU combination of Alex Carder to Jordan White. Carder, who will be good to go after missing the final regular season game with a shoulder injury, has 3,434 yards passing and 28/10. White led the nation with 127 receptions, 16 resulting in six points. The Purdue pass defense is 38th in yards allowed, but only has 8 picks…..Purdue does not have a running back with as many as 700 yards or a receiver with as many as 600 yards, but they turned the ball over only 16 times to rate among the nation’s best in that area. Robert Bolden (674 yards) might find some running room against a WMU run defense that ranks 107th.....The Broncos are looking for their first bowl win.
Line: Purdue by 2
O/U: 60
Pick: Western Michigan 38-36
**
Wednesday, Dec. 27
Belk Bowl: North Carolina State (7-5) vs Louisville (7-5)
Charlotte
Payout: $3.4 Million
The Wolfpack saved its best for last by routing then-No. 7 Clemson followed by posting the second-biggest comeback in ACC history in a win over Maryland to conclude the regular season. Even though they scored 93 points those last two games, NCSU is still middle of the pack nationally in scoring and has a poor running game that is 107th. Mike Glennon, who hit rough patches in taking over for Russell Wilson, threw for 559 yards and 8 TDs in those last two wins. He has 28 TDs on the season…..Behind freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville picked up the pace offensively in winning five of their last six and grabbing a share of the Big East title. Bridgewater’s final numbers (1,855 yards 12/9) will not impress, but he was 7/3 and completed about 70 percent of his passes in those games. He needs to be wary of a Wolfpack defense that leads the nation with 24 interceptions. Sophomore corner David Amerson set school and ACC records with 11 picks.
Line: North Carolina State by 1
O/U: 45.5
Pick: North Carolina State 20-16
**
Thursday, Dec. 28
Military Bowl: Toledo (8-4) vs Air Force (7-5)
Washington, D.C.
Payout: $2 Million
These teams are combining for 541 rushing yards per game with Air Force second in the nation with 320. The Falcons, who have 11 players with at least 100 yards rushing, are led by Asher Clark. The senior has 1,096 yards with a hefty 7.3 yards per carry. Quarterback Tim Jefferson is the third-leading ground gainer with 492 yards and is tied for the team-high with 10 rushing TDs. Unlike rival service academies Army and Navy, which also have a dominant option-based attack, Jefferson will go to the air with some frequency and he has 1,478 yards and 12 TDs. Toledo is strong against the run, ranking 28th nationally, though it’s not a type of attack they have seen….Led by Adonis Thomas (963 yards, 11 TDs), not only are the Rockets (who will play under new coach and OC Matt Campbell with Tim Beckham having left for Illinois) outstanding on the ground, but they can air it out. The quarterback tandem of Austin Thomas and Terrance Owens has combined for 3,210 yards passing and another 402 on the ground. Remarkably, both have thrown 15 TD passes with 3 INTs, and the duo’s favorite target is Eric Page, who is third in the country with 112 catches. It all adds up to an offense that is churning out 493 yards per game and 42.2 points to rank eighth nationally in both categories. Air Force ranks 113th against the run and eight opponents have topped 200 yards against the Falcons. Depending on the weather in the nation’s capitol, the teams may very well meet their combined average for rushing yards.
Line: Toledo by 3
O/U: 71
Pick: Toledo 43-31
**
Thursday, Dec. 28
Holiday Bowl: Texas (7-5) vs Cal (7-5)
San Diego
Payout: $4.15 Million
Injuries at running back and musical chairs at quarterback plagued the Longhorns offensively this season. Case McCoy was the starter at QB the final two weeks of the regular season and will get another shot against the Golden Bears. RBs Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown could be ready by the time this one kicks off, which would be a huge boost. Cal is solid defensively across the board, so having as close to a full deck as possible would certainly aid UT…..Aside from Robert Griffin III tearing them apart in the regular-season finale, defense is the Longhorns’ strong suit – and what kept the team alive as the struggles on offense mounted. The ‘Horns are 14th (315 yards) in total defense and they held eight opponents to 20 points or less. The Cal offense, while not the juggernauts Texas faced in the Big 12, is solid and balanced with a running back (Isi Sofele) and a receiver (Keenan Allen) that topped 1,200 yards. QB Zach Maynard is only the nation’s 64th-rated passer, but he was strong in his last four games throwing only one interception in a 3-1 finish to the regular season. The lone setback was a 31-28 to Stanford.
Line: Texas by 4
O/U: 47
Pick: Texas 27-20
**
Thursday, Dec. 29
Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State (8-4) vs Notre Dame (8-4)
Orlando
Payout: $4.55 million
In a game between teams that have met on much grander stages before, one can’t help but wonder if this is a launching pad to bigger and better for the winner. Unlike the national title contenders the Seminoles were producing at one time under Bobby Bowden, this version struggles (99th nationally) with the running game. That means quarterback E.J. Manuel (2,416 yards and 16/8) will likely have to shine against an Irish pass defense that is middle of the pack in efficiency rating and only has eight interceptions….Notre Dame’s Tommy Rees will be challenged by a strong FSU pass defense that is 18th in yards allowed. The defense as a whole has not allowed as many as 20 points since losing at Wake Forest on Oct. 8. At least Rees (2,708 yards and 19/12) has a pair of outstanding targets in receiver Michael Floyd (95 receptions) and tight end Tyler Eifert (57). Life in Orlando will be easier if RB Cierre Wood (1,042 yards) can provide a jolt. With Jonas Gray (knee) out, coach Brian Kelly intends to get Theo Riddick some reps at running back as well. Any production on the ground, though, will not be easy against a Seminoles rush defense that is second in the country.
Line: Florida State by 3
O/U: 48
Pick: Florida State 27-17
**
Thursday, Dec. 29
Alamo Bowl: Baylor (9-3) vs Washington (7-5)
San Antonio
Payout: $6.35 million
Who was the last Heisman winner to not play in a BCS bowl after winning the storied trophy? The answer is at the bottom of this column. At least what could possibly be the final college game for Robert Griffin III is the only game in its evening time slot giving the QB center stage. Viewers could see him carve up a woeful Washington pass defense that is 116th in allowing 284 yards per game and has yielded seven 300-yard games. Let’s not overlook the job Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway did this season. While Griffin has lit it up time and again, Ganaway has put together a season in which he is the nation’s 15th-leading rusher with an average 112 yards per game. In addition to his 1,347 yards, the senior has 16 rushing TDs…..Right behind Ganaway is the nation’s 16th-leading rusher, the Huskies’ Chris Polk, who is averaging about half yard less per game. But what has made the most difference for UW this season is the play of first-year starting quarterback Keith Price. The sophomore is the 12th-rated passer in the land and while he hit a little rough patch toward the end of the regular season, Price (29 TDs) was extremely consistent for much of the year. He should have some success against a Baylor pass defense that is 112th and has allowed 32 TD passes. While Big 12 pass defenses are under the gun against great QBs the conference seems to always produce, the Bears have allowed more than 400 yards passing a whopping five times and opposing QBs that have torched them were not all named Weeden and Jones – and obviously not Griffin. Given the game is indoors, a track meet could be in order.
Line: Baylor by 9
O/U: 76.5
Pick: Baylor 47-31
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Armed Forces Bowl: BYU (9-3) vs Tulsa (8-4)
Dallas
Payout: $1.2 million (estimate)
Even though Tulsa has had to make do this season without WR Damaris Johnson after the NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards ran afoul of the law, the Golden Hurricane offense is still productive with quarterback G.J. Kinne leading an attack that averages 34.1 points per game. Kinne has thrown for 2,876 yards, ran for more than 400 and has accounted for 28 touchdowns. While BYU will have its hands full with Kinne, Ja’Terian Douglas and Trey Watts have both rushed for more than 800 yards with Douglas leading the nation in yards per carry at 8.2. BYU ranks 23rd nationally in points allowed (20.3) and 17th in total defense (317 yards)……While not as potent as Tulsa, the Cougars are balanced offensively. Riley Nelson took over as the No. 1 QB during the season, which prompted Jake Heaps earlier this month to announce he was transferring. The versatile Nelson, who has keyed the Cougars’ run of seven wins in eight games, has several options. Five players, including Nelson, have at least 67 rushing attempts and six have caught at least 25 passes. Tulsa’s defense is 90th in yards allowed (421) and 69th in scoring (27.6 points), but it should be noted that they allowed a combined 195 points in their losses to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Boise State and Houston. Each of those teams was top 10 at the time they played.
Line: BYU by 2.5
O/U: 55.5
Pick: Tulsa 33-27
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers (8-4) vs Iowa State (6-6)
New York
Payout: $3.6 million (estimate)
More often than not this season it has been a struggle offensively for the Scarlet Knights, whose 28 turnovers rank near the bottom of the country. Whether sophomore Chas Dodd (7 INTs) or freshman Gary Nova (11 INTs) starts at quarterback may not be determined until the days leading up to kickoff. Whoever starts will again depend on Mohamed Sanu, whose 109 receptions are fifth nationally. Iowa State, which lost four of its six games by at least 20 points, is 100th against the run (195 yards) 99th in total defense (432 yards) and 82nd in scoring defense (29.6), which all could bode for RU as they attempt to open up an offense that is 100th….Freshman Jared Barnett took over at quarterback from Steele Jantz at mid-season for the Cyclones and, while he has completed only about half of his passes and is 6/6, he can run. In only six full games, his 435 yards are second on the team. That dimension has given a jolt to an offense that is still only averaging 23.5 points per game to rank 86th. The Cyclones will need to mix it up against a Rutgers defense that is allowing only 314 yards per game to rank 13th nationally – and could be even more formidable in what might be a raw Yankee Stadium. The Scarlet Knights are also tied for fifth with 31 turnovers in their favor, 17 on interceptions. Several Rutgers players are among the nation’s leaders in various categories, including linebacker Khaseem Greene, whose 10.6 tackles per game rank 12th.
Line: Rutgers by 2
O/U: 44.5
Pick: Rutgers 23-13
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Music City Bowl: Wake Forest (6-6) vs Mississippi State (6-6)
Nashville
Payout: $3.675 million
Neither team did themselves many favors on their way to bowl eligibility. The Demon Deacons were hammered by Vanderbilt, 41-7, in the regular-season finale giving them five losses in their last seven games after starting 4-1. The Bulldogs beat state rival Ole Miss, 31-3, in the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving weekend to clinch a berth. Dan Mullen’s squad has exactly one win (La. Tech) against teams that finished the regular season with a winning record. Mullen’s team, though, has an outstanding defense. The Bulldogs rank 19th in scoring defense (19.9 points) and 23rd (195 yards) against the pass while allowing only 12 touchdowns through the air. Hence, Wake quarterback Tanner Price will have his hands full at the end of what has been a very nice sophomore season. Price has thrown for 2,803 yards with 20 TDs and only 6 INTs…...MSU is led by the running of Vick Ballard, who has 1,009 yards and is averaging 5.6 per tote. Wake is 70th against the run, but was faring much better before Maryland and Vandy gashed them for a combined 526 yards the last two games. Chris Reif and Tyler Russell will likely both see action at quarterback, though Russell has been hobbled with a knee injury.
Line: Mississippi State by 6.5
O/U: 48
Pick: Mississippi State 20-17
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Insight Bowl: Oklahoma (9-3) vs Iowa (7-5)
Tempe, Ariz.
Payout: $6.65 million
The Sooners would love to do away with the bad taste resulting from a 44-10 shellacking at the hands of Oklahoma State that gave them two losses in three games and an exit from the top 10. What really stands out is that after all-everything receiver Ryan Broyles (ACL) was lost during OU’s Nov. 5 game against Texas A&M, Landry Jones has not been able to get the ball into the end zone. That’s three straight games without a touchdown pass for the junior, who has 92-career TD strikes. The Sooners lost Broyles a week after RB Dominque Whaley went down with an ankle injury. That’s a lot to overcome even for a QB of Jones’ caliber. With a month between games, can Jones and the OU offense get back on track against an Iowa pass defense that ranks in the bottom half of the nation?.....Hawkeyes quarterback James Vandenberg has had a nice season as a first-year starter. While he has completed a shade under 60 percent of his passes, he is closing on 3,000 yards with 23 TDs and only 6 picks. In fact, while Iowa’s offensive output is only 70th nationally (379 yards), ball security is a strength with only 16 turnovers. A matchup to watch is running back Maurice Coker (1,384 yards, 15 touchdowns) fares against the Sooners defense, which is 49th against the run.
Update: Marcus Coker's suspension announced Dec. 20 leaves precious little as far as Iowa's running game. Below is the pre-suspension line and pick
Line: Oklahoma by 15.5
O/U: 58
Pick: Oklahoma 31-23
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Meineke Bowl: Texas A&M (6-6) vs Northwestern (6-6)
Houston
Payout: $3.4 million
Offensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will serve as the Aggies’ coach for this game after Mike Sherman was let go. Offense certainly has not been a problem in College Station this season as A&M is averaging 39.6 points per contest to rank 11th in the country. Ryan Tannehill would love nothing more than to rebound from a horrid outing Thanksgiving night against Texas and more resemble like the quarterback that has thrown for 3,415 yards and 28 TDs. In that game, Tannehill and the Aggies were missing Cyrus Gray (shoulder) and Christine Michael, who have combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing. Michael will miss the bowl for sure and Gray (1,045 yards) may not return. That would mean Ben Malena would again get the start at RB and he can only benefit for the additional practices as the starter. So if Gray cannot play, the Aggies may not be in bad shape against a Northwestern defense that ranks 80th nationally (408 yards per game). However, having even Gray at even 50 percent could make a difference…..Northwestern is 31st nationally in offense (432 yards) and has used Dan Persa and Kain Colter at quarterback, the latter when the former missed the first three games. Colter could still see some time under center against the Aggies, but he has been an effective receiver since Persa returned. Persa, the nation’s 10-rated passer, leads the country with 74.2 completion percentage. Going against the gun-slingers of the Big 12, the A&M pass defense allows a lot of yards, but they also are not forcing much as only 7 INTs would attest. This could be wild one.
Line: Texas A&M by 9.5
O/U: 65
Pick: Texas A&M 44-31
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech (8-4) vs Utah (7-5)
El Paso, Texas
Payout: $4 million
This will be a most interesting matchup from the standpoint Georgia Tech is third nationally in rushing yards per game (317) and Utah is seventh (97) against the run. The Utes did not face an option-based attack, so the Yellow Jackets will offer a much different look. Quarterback Tevin Washington is the team’s leading rusher with 890 yards and 14 TDs. While he can be erratic, Washington has also thrown for 1,515 yards and has often connected for a big play. On top of what Washington has done rushing, four running backs have more than 400 yards and they will all need to contribute against what is not just a strong Utah defense against the run, but the unit is allowing only 19.7 points per game to rank 18th……It’s been a struggle offensively for Utah, which is 110th nationally with a total of 309 yards per game. Jon Hays took over for an injured Jordan Wynn early in the season and has often found the going tough (80th-rated passer), though he has not thrown an interception in his last five games. The bottom line is RB John White IV (1,404 yards, 14 TDs) needs to have a strong game against a Tech defense that is 70th versus the run.
Line: Georgia Tech by 3
O/U: 50.5
Pick: Georgia Tech 26-20
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati (9-3) vs Vanderbilt (6-6)
Nashville
Payout: $2.875 million
Cincy quarterback Zach Collaros, who broke his ankle late in the regular season, returned to practice Friday and could be ready. But unless running back Isaiah Pead (1,110 yards, 11 TDs) can find some running room against a stout Vandy defense, it may not matter if it’s Collaros (22 total TDs) or Munchie Legeaux under center. It would be surprising if Collaros, who can make things happen with his legs, has close to full mobility by game time. The Commodores are 27th against the run, 27th in scoring defense and 33rd against the pass. What’s most impressive is they have 17 interceptions against 15 TD passes allowed…..Vandy QB Jordan Rodgers, brother of NFLer Aaron, took over at mid-season and has had some nice moments, but has also thrown at least two INTs in three of his eight starts. The tone of the Vandy offense is often set by Zac Stacy, who has rushed for 1,136 yards (6.2 ypc) and 13 TDs despite not having as many as 15 carries until the Commodores’ sixth game. It won’t come easy, though, against a Bearcats’ run defense that is the nation’s sixth best.
Line: Vanderbilt by 2.5
O/U: 49.5
Pick: Vanderbilt 23-17
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Illinois (6-6) vs UCLA (6-7)
San Francisco
Payout: $1.675 million
If UCLA wins this game between teams that fired their coaches, neither team will have a winning record. The season started well enough for the Fighting Illini. The deposed Ron Zook had his team 6-0 and No. 19 in the polls before the wheels fell off big time. Illinois brings a six-game losing streak to the Bay Area and an offense that posted only 66 points in those defeats. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has accounted for 2,485 total yards and 18 TDs, but much of that came during the hot start when Illinois scored at least 33 points in four of the six wins. Maybe the offense can be revived against a UCLA defense that is allowing 32.2 points to rank 96th……At 389 yards per game, the Bruins are middle of the pack offensively. Kevin Prince, 49th in QB rating, more often than not has played well as the unquestioned starter under now former coach Rick Neuheisel. Prince can also run, something the Bruins do pretty well overall (30th nationally) with Jonathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman combining for more than 1,700 yards and 16 TDs. The Illinois run defense is ranked 42nd and is allowing only 3.3 yards per carry.
Line: Illinois by 2.5
O/U: 46.5
Pick: UCLA 23-21
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Chick-fil-A Bowl: Virginia (8-4) vs Auburn (7-5)
Atlanta
Payout: $6.9 million
Auburn coach Gene Chizik will likely use starter Clint Moseley and Kiehl Frazier at quarterback. The latter has seen action in the wildcat this season, but Chizik wants to see Frazier in conventional formations as well and make a run at the starting job in 2012. Without suspended running back Michael Dyer (1,242 yards, 10 TDs), it may be up to the QBs to produce against a very solid Virginia defense. Prior to being beat up by Virginia Tech in a de facto ACC title game Thanksgiving weekend, the Cavaliers ranked in the top 30 in many major categories and are currently 32nd in scoring defense with 22.3 points……Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco (11TDs, 11 INTs) does not have impressive numbers by any stretch, but the sophomore and first-year starter settled in nicely during the season’s second half. He might have some success against the Tigers, who are 87th in pass efficiency defense. A nice running game is led by Perry Jones, who has 883 yards on the ground and 1,299 yards from scrimmage.
Line: Auburn by 1.5
O/U: 48.5
Pick: Auburn 27-20
**
Monday, Jan. 2
TicketCity Bowl: Penn State (9-3) vs Houston (12-1)
Dallas
Payout: $2.2 million
The Cougars’ BCS chances crashed and burned on their home field against Southern Miss in the CUSA title game and then coach Kevin Sumlin left for Texas A&M. Crash and burn is what Penn State did in a de facto Big Ten Leaders Division championship at Wisconsin in the regular-season finale. With both teams coming off miserable defeats with much bigger and better on the line, this bowl is literally about finishing on a winning note. At least Case Keenum is not scuffling with teammates. On the periphery of the Heisman conversation until the Southern Miss contest, Keenum’s numbers are unreal: 5,099 passing yards, a completion percentage of 71.7, 45 TDs and only 5 INTs. He has not faced a defense nearly as tough as the Nittany Lions, who rank fifth nationally in allowing only 162 yards per game through the air. Even after allowing 45 points to the Badgers, Penn State is still fifth in scoring defense at 15.6 points. Keenum will face schemes he has not seen before and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts. He has plenty of weapons. Three receivers have caught at least 75 passes (you read that correctly), including Patrick Edwards, who has 1,524 yards and 18 TDs. The Cougars can run, too. Charles Sims (782 yards) is averaging 7.5 per carry and he also has caught 46 passes while totaling 13 TDs. It all adds up to an offense that is averaging an obscene 599 yards per game…..Penn State has obviously dealt with unprecedented issues, though the players responded well against Nebraska (loss) and Ohio State (win) before the Wisconsin debacle. Matt McGloin has shrugged off an incident with receiver Curtis Drake that resulted in the QB being knocked out. We’ll see how all that unravels and whether McGloin will take the field against Houston. Other than Silas Redd’s running – 1,188 yards, 5.2 ypc -- the PSU offense struggled all season and is ranked 94th. Houston is roughly middle of the pack in total defense, but the PSU quarterback situation is up in the air.
Line: Houston by 6
O/U: 57.5
Pick: Houston 31-24
**
Monday, Jan. 2
Outback Bowl: Georgia (10-3) vs Michigan State (10-3)
Tampa
Payout: $7 million
It’s back to the Sunshine State for the Spartans, who had a dreary conclusion to last season when they were pasted by a peeved Alabama squad in the Captial One Bowl. Once again, quarterback Kirk Cousins is reminded that his school has not won a bowl since 2001. The nation’s 17th-rated passer was steady all season and threw just 7 interceptions in 13 games. He will have to be at the top of his game against a Dawgs pass defense that is the nation’s fourth best in efficiency and has picked off 17 passes, seven by junior safety Bacarri Rambo. That means a running game led by Le’Veon Ball (900 yards, 11 TDs) best take some pressure off Cousins….. Georgia has a shot at an 11-win season and QB Aaron Murray is a major reason why. The sophomore has thrown for 2,861 yards and 33 touchdowns, but he will be up against a very strong Spartans’ pass defense that is 10th in efficiency and has allowed the 12th fewest yards. As with the Spartans, the Bulldogs will need to have some success with the ground game. That’s been a problem for Georgia as far as getting everybody healthy. Isaiah Crowell (847 yards) has been banged up – and served a one-game suspension – for much of his freshman season.
Line: Georgia by 3.5
O/U: 52.5
Pick: Michigan State 27-23
**
Monday, Jan. 2
Capital One Bowl: South Carolina (10-2) vs Nebraska (9-3)
Orlando
Payout: $9.1 million
The Cornhuskers are averaging 224 yards per game on the ground (14th nationally) and will need to pound away with Rex Burkhead as much as possible. A battering ram if there ever was, Burkhead has 1,258 yards and 15 TDs and has earned every inch. The Gamecocks would love nothing more than to put the ball in Taylor Martinez’s hands. While the Nebraska QB can certainly run, he is often spotty at best when dropping back to throw, something the nation’s 73rd-rated passer is likely going to have to do against a Gamecocks’ pass defense that is second only to Alabama in both yards allowed (133) and efficiency…..It’s been a rough year for Steve Spurrier’s offense, which ranks 74th with an average of 375 yards per game. Quarterback Connor Shaw took over for the troubled and departed Stephen Garcia at mid-season and has done a nice job overall. However, a team cannot replace a Marcus Lattimore, who suffered a knee injury in mid-October was lost for the season. Lattimore had 2,015 yards rushing in one-and-a-half seasons before he was shelved. Brandon Wilds has done a very nice job in his place and will have to keep it going against a strong Nebraska defense. However, much like with Martinez and Nebraska, for the Gamecocks it comes down to Shaw’s ability to make things happen with both his arm and legs.
Line: South Carolina by 2
O/U: 48.5
Pick: Nebraska 24-13
**
Monday, Jan. 2
Gator Bowl: Ohio State (6-6) vs Florida (6-6)
Jacksonville
Payout: $5.45 million
Much has been made about the matchup featuring Urban Meyer’s former team against the one he is about to take over. At least it’s a diversion from the fact one team will go home with a sub-.500 record. Indeed, there are no national title hopes for either program heading into this bowl. The Buckeyes and interim coach Luke Fickell endured the fallout from a slew of rules violations that will prevent Meyer from going to a bowl next season. At least he will have a with some experience in Braxton Miller, who took over the reins early in his freshman season. Miller has had his moments throwing the ball, but he has been much more effective and consistent taking off with it as his 695 yards and 7 TDs attest. A Florida defense ranks ninth overall (300 yards) and 10th against the pass will offer a big challenge for the young QB, who is completing only half of his passes. If there is any criticism of the Gators’ defense, it’s that it does not force many turnovers. Their 12 turnovers gained is near the bottom, so ball protection and patience will be paramount for the Buckeyes……Florida QB John Brantley threw three picks and suffered a concussion in a forgettable regular season-ending loss to Florida State. He is expected to start against the Buckeyes and would like to finish an injury-riddled season on a high note. Given the chance at a winning record is the only thing a victory would do as far as the 2011 season, coach Will Muschamp may look ahead to 2012 and find time for freshmen Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel to take some snaps. Running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, who have been hobbled at times this season, are healthy and potential game-breakers against an Ohio State defense that is 24th overall (329 yards) and 26th in scoring at 20.7 points.
Line: Florida by 2
O/U: 44.5
Pick: Florida 23-19
**
Friday, Jan. 6
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas (10-2) vs Kansas State (10-2)
Jacksonville
Payout: $5.45
While the Cotton Bowl is not part of the BCS, this may be the best bowl outside the BCS as both teams are in the top 10. The only thing that kept the Hogs out is that the BCS takes no more than two teams from a single conference. Alas, Arkansas, which is sixth in the BCS, could finish as high as perhaps third. First things first and that means taking care of business against a KSU pass defense that is 104th in the nation thanks in large part to facing the many strong arms and passing attacks in the Big 12. Tyler Wilson is that type of quarterback and he enters the bowl as the nation’s 22nd-rated passer with 3,422 yards, 22 TDs and only 6 picks. His favorite target is Jarius Wright, who has 11 touchdowns among his 63 catches. With Knile Davis (knee) was shelved for the season before it kicked off, coach Bobby Petrino needed somebody to fill a huge and sudden void. Dennis Johnson eventually emerged as the go-to RB and leads the team with 637 yards (6.3 ypc) plus another 253 receiving despite not having his first game double-digit touches until the calendar flipped to October…..Collin Klein is averaging 237 yards per game of total offense for the Wildcats and his 26 rushing touchdowns are third in the country. He has also thrown for 12 TDs to give him 38 total TDs for 228 points, which is fifth. The nation’s 66-rated passer, Klein needs his legs – and those of John Hubert, who has 933 yards – to keep the Hogs (80th against the run) off balance and in chase mode. Arkansas is much stronger against the pass having allowed only 11 TDs via the air….A key weapon for KSU could be kick returner Tyler Lockett, who leads the nation with a whopping average of 35.1 yards with two taken back for six points. But what you can do I can at least just as well. The Razorbacks’ Joe Adams leads the nation with an average of 16.2 yards (3 TDs) per punt return. Hence, game-breaking special teamers could decide this game.
Line: Arkansas 7.5
O/U: 64.5
Pick: Arkansas 37-24
**
Saturday, Jan. 7
Compass Bowl: Pitt (6-6) vs SMU (7-5)
Birmingham
Payout: $1.925 million
Let’s see. Since last December, the Panthers have had four head coaches: Dave Wannstedt, Mike Maywood, Todd Graham and now interim boss Keith Patterson. The suddenness and sad way Graham left makes you wonder what kind of team will take the field in Birmingham. There will be more than three weeks between Graham’s departure and the game, so there is at least some time to shake it off and get down to business. Then again, there’s not exactly a lot riding on this game that is being played seven days into 2012. In a perfect scenario, Tino Sunseri will throw a game-winning TD pass to Devin Street. You just know – and who could blame him? – the latter’s Twitter account will be on fire if that plays out. The duo might be able to find some holes in a SMU pass defense that is middle of the pack and only has five interceptions. Sunseri has been playing behind a beat up offensive line and the QB has been sacked 55 times. Zach Brown has done a nice job filling in for Ray Graham, but Graham was leading the nation in rushing yards (958) at the time of his season-ending knee injury…..While Ray Graham was lost to Pitt, Zach Line (1,224 yards, 17 TDs) was lost to the Ponies after undergoing toe surgery Nov. 17. Converted DT Rishad Wimbley took over and the 295-pounder ran for 115 yards against Rice in the regular-season finale. SMU coach June Jones turned to J.J. McDermott to be his starting QB effective the second week of the season after he pulled Kyle Padron in a season-opening loss to Texas A&M. Padron has been a forgotten commodity after throwing for more than 3,800 yards and 31 TDs in 2010. McDermott has thrown for 3,182 yards and only 16 TDs with as many picks. Receiver Darius Johnson and Cole Beasley both have more than 70 catches and 900 yards. Pitt, which has only 8 interceptions, is 45th pass efficiency defense.
Line: Pitt by 5.5
O/U: 48.5
Pick: Pitt 30-28
**
Sunday, Jan. 8
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Arkansas State (10-2) vs SMU (10-3)
Mobile, Ala.
Payout: $1.5 million
Talk about lost in the shuffle of the bowl schedule, this should be a very entertaining game. NIU’s Chandler Harnish is eighth nationally with an average of 333 total yards per game. The quarterback has thrown for 2,942 yards and 26 TDs while rushing for 1,382 yards (leads all QBs) and 11 more scores. With 68 more yards, running back Jasmin Hopkins (16 total TDs) will give the Huskies a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Arkansas State, the Sun Belt champs, are 15th against the run, 20th in total defense and did not allow more than 22 points in any of their eight conference games. Harnish will test that…..While Harnish is eighth in total offense, the Red Wolves’ Ryan Applin is tenth. He has thrown for 3,235 yards (18 TDs) and, while not the runner Harnish is, he has 605 rushing yards with 9 touchdowns. He should get his yards against a NIU defense that is yielding 418 yards per game to rank 87th. Dwayne Frampton’s 90 receptions are good for tenth in the country and he has 1,125 yards.
Line: Arkansas State by 1
O/U: 62
Pick: Northern Illinois 48-30
*Answer to question in Baylor/Washington preview: USC’s Carson Palmer in 2002.
Football and the holidays go hand in hand and this year there are more than enough bowl games to quench the thirst of even the most diehard college football fan. Below is a look at all the remaining non-BCS bowls, a schedule that stretches through January 8. We will take a look at the five BCS bowls on Dec. 27.
Thursday, Dec. 22
Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State (11-1) vs Arizona State (6-6)
Las Vegas
Payout: $2.2 Million
The Broncos are ranked seventh in the BCS and wind up playing a .500 team 11 days before the first BCS bowls kick off. Nice to know the system is working…..Boise State’s Kellen Moore is fourth nationally in pass efficiency, second in touchdowns with 41 and, among quarterbacks with at least 300 attempts, he is No. 1 in completion percentage at 74.1. Moore, who has also thrown for 3,507 yards, should have a strong day against an ASU pass defense that is allowing 271 yards per game to rank 107th. The Broncos also boast a 1,000-yard runner (1,148) in Doug Martin, who has 17 total TDs….BSU can also get it done on defense. The Broncos are the tenth-toughest in the country (18.3 points) to score on. The wealth is spread throughout on defense, though DE Tyrone Crawford has 13.5 TFL. The unit will attempt to get after Sun Devils’ quarterback Brock Osweiler, whose 3,641 yards passing are eighth-most in the country. Like Boise State, ASU also boasts an outstanding running back. Cameron Marshall has 1,038 yards and 18 TDs and is a critical part of an offense that is churning out 451 yards per game. You have to wonder how the ASC fiasco in finding a coach will play into this.
Line: Boise State by 14
O/U: 65
Pick: Boise State 37-20
**
Saturday, Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl: Southern Miss (11-2) vs Nevada (7-5)
Honolulu
Payout: $1.3 Million
A win would be mere icing on the cake for the Golden Eagles, who upended then-undefeated and BCS No. 6 Houston in the CUSA championship. USM, which will have Larry Fedora on the sideline before the coach leaves to take over at North Carolina, ranks in the top 30 of most of the major offensive and defensive categories. It all starts with senior QB Austin Davis, who has 3,331 yards passing and 28 touchdowns and has another 332 yards and 4 TDs on the ground. The Wolf Pack should prove to be a stiff challenge as their pass defense is allowing opposing QBs to complete only 48.8 percent of their passes, second in the country to Alabama…..Offensively, Nevada has the eighth-best ground game (252 yards), an attack that boasts three RBs with at least 680 yards. One of those backs, Mike Ball, missed the past month due to injury. Speaking of injuries, QBs Tyler Lantrip and Cody Fajardo are banged up, though they should be available for the game.
Line: Southern Miss by 6.5
O/U: 61
Pick: Southern Miss 34-20
**
Monday, Dec. 26
Independence Bowl: Missouri (7-5) vs North Carolina (7-5)
Shreveport, La.
Payout: $2.3 Million
The Tigers’ five defeats are against teams that were top-five at the time (Oklahoma and Oklahoma State), then-No. 20 Kansas State, in overtime at Arizona State and against then-unranked Baylor and Robert Griffin III. Four of the five defeats were by single digits. It’s a battle-tested group that unfortunately lost explosive RB Henry Josey for the season after he tore ligaments in his left knee last month against Texas. While that’s a blow, the development of first-year starting QB James Franklin has been quite pleasing as he has totaled 3,572 yards (839 rushing) with total 33 TDs. The Tar Heels are a solid 40th in total defense, but will have their hands full…..Interim coach Everett Withers deserves an award for what he has done in Chapel Hill this season after the mess that Butch Davis left behind. Quarterback Bryn Renner (68.8 completion percentage, 23 TDs) and running back Gio Bernard (1,222 yards, 13 TDs) have certainly made things easier.
Update: UNC's leading receiver, Dwight Jones, may not be eligible to play.
Line: Missouri by 3.5
O/U: 53.5
Pick: Missouri 31-23
**
Wednesday, Dec. 27
Little Caesars Bowl: Purdue (6-6) vs Western Michigan (7-5)
Detroit
Payout: $1.5 Million
Fortunately for the Boilermakers, Indiana was the last team on the regular-season schedule. A win over the Hooisers resulted in a bowl eligibility, but in Detroit they must find a way to contain the WMU combination of Alex Carder to Jordan White. Carder, who will be good to go after missing the final regular season game with a shoulder injury, has 3,434 yards passing and 28/10. White led the nation with 127 receptions, 16 resulting in six points. The Purdue pass defense is 38th in yards allowed, but only has 8 picks…..Purdue does not have a running back with as many as 700 yards or a receiver with as many as 600 yards, but they turned the ball over only 16 times to rate among the nation’s best in that area. Robert Bolden (674 yards) might find some running room against a WMU run defense that ranks 107th.....The Broncos are looking for their first bowl win.
Line: Purdue by 2
O/U: 60
Pick: Western Michigan 38-36
**
Wednesday, Dec. 27
Belk Bowl: North Carolina State (7-5) vs Louisville (7-5)
Charlotte
Payout: $3.4 Million
The Wolfpack saved its best for last by routing then-No. 7 Clemson followed by posting the second-biggest comeback in ACC history in a win over Maryland to conclude the regular season. Even though they scored 93 points those last two games, NCSU is still middle of the pack nationally in scoring and has a poor running game that is 107th. Mike Glennon, who hit rough patches in taking over for Russell Wilson, threw for 559 yards and 8 TDs in those last two wins. He has 28 TDs on the season…..Behind freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville picked up the pace offensively in winning five of their last six and grabbing a share of the Big East title. Bridgewater’s final numbers (1,855 yards 12/9) will not impress, but he was 7/3 and completed about 70 percent of his passes in those games. He needs to be wary of a Wolfpack defense that leads the nation with 24 interceptions. Sophomore corner David Amerson set school and ACC records with 11 picks.
Line: North Carolina State by 1
O/U: 45.5
Pick: North Carolina State 20-16
**
Thursday, Dec. 28
Military Bowl: Toledo (8-4) vs Air Force (7-5)
Washington, D.C.
Payout: $2 Million
These teams are combining for 541 rushing yards per game with Air Force second in the nation with 320. The Falcons, who have 11 players with at least 100 yards rushing, are led by Asher Clark. The senior has 1,096 yards with a hefty 7.3 yards per carry. Quarterback Tim Jefferson is the third-leading ground gainer with 492 yards and is tied for the team-high with 10 rushing TDs. Unlike rival service academies Army and Navy, which also have a dominant option-based attack, Jefferson will go to the air with some frequency and he has 1,478 yards and 12 TDs. Toledo is strong against the run, ranking 28th nationally, though it’s not a type of attack they have seen….Led by Adonis Thomas (963 yards, 11 TDs), not only are the Rockets (who will play under new coach and OC Matt Campbell with Tim Beckham having left for Illinois) outstanding on the ground, but they can air it out. The quarterback tandem of Austin Thomas and Terrance Owens has combined for 3,210 yards passing and another 402 on the ground. Remarkably, both have thrown 15 TD passes with 3 INTs, and the duo’s favorite target is Eric Page, who is third in the country with 112 catches. It all adds up to an offense that is churning out 493 yards per game and 42.2 points to rank eighth nationally in both categories. Air Force ranks 113th against the run and eight opponents have topped 200 yards against the Falcons. Depending on the weather in the nation’s capitol, the teams may very well meet their combined average for rushing yards.
Line: Toledo by 3
O/U: 71
Pick: Toledo 43-31
**
Thursday, Dec. 28
Holiday Bowl: Texas (7-5) vs Cal (7-5)
San Diego
Payout: $4.15 Million
Injuries at running back and musical chairs at quarterback plagued the Longhorns offensively this season. Case McCoy was the starter at QB the final two weeks of the regular season and will get another shot against the Golden Bears. RBs Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown could be ready by the time this one kicks off, which would be a huge boost. Cal is solid defensively across the board, so having as close to a full deck as possible would certainly aid UT…..Aside from Robert Griffin III tearing them apart in the regular-season finale, defense is the Longhorns’ strong suit – and what kept the team alive as the struggles on offense mounted. The ‘Horns are 14th (315 yards) in total defense and they held eight opponents to 20 points or less. The Cal offense, while not the juggernauts Texas faced in the Big 12, is solid and balanced with a running back (Isi Sofele) and a receiver (Keenan Allen) that topped 1,200 yards. QB Zach Maynard is only the nation’s 64th-rated passer, but he was strong in his last four games throwing only one interception in a 3-1 finish to the regular season. The lone setback was a 31-28 to Stanford.
Line: Texas by 4
O/U: 47
Pick: Texas 27-20
**
Thursday, Dec. 29
Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State (8-4) vs Notre Dame (8-4)
Orlando
Payout: $4.55 million
In a game between teams that have met on much grander stages before, one can’t help but wonder if this is a launching pad to bigger and better for the winner. Unlike the national title contenders the Seminoles were producing at one time under Bobby Bowden, this version struggles (99th nationally) with the running game. That means quarterback E.J. Manuel (2,416 yards and 16/8) will likely have to shine against an Irish pass defense that is middle of the pack in efficiency rating and only has eight interceptions….Notre Dame’s Tommy Rees will be challenged by a strong FSU pass defense that is 18th in yards allowed. The defense as a whole has not allowed as many as 20 points since losing at Wake Forest on Oct. 8. At least Rees (2,708 yards and 19/12) has a pair of outstanding targets in receiver Michael Floyd (95 receptions) and tight end Tyler Eifert (57). Life in Orlando will be easier if RB Cierre Wood (1,042 yards) can provide a jolt. With Jonas Gray (knee) out, coach Brian Kelly intends to get Theo Riddick some reps at running back as well. Any production on the ground, though, will not be easy against a Seminoles rush defense that is second in the country.
Line: Florida State by 3
O/U: 48
Pick: Florida State 27-17
**
Thursday, Dec. 29
Alamo Bowl: Baylor (9-3) vs Washington (7-5)
San Antonio
Payout: $6.35 million
Who was the last Heisman winner to not play in a BCS bowl after winning the storied trophy? The answer is at the bottom of this column. At least what could possibly be the final college game for Robert Griffin III is the only game in its evening time slot giving the QB center stage. Viewers could see him carve up a woeful Washington pass defense that is 116th in allowing 284 yards per game and has yielded seven 300-yard games. Let’s not overlook the job Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway did this season. While Griffin has lit it up time and again, Ganaway has put together a season in which he is the nation’s 15th-leading rusher with an average 112 yards per game. In addition to his 1,347 yards, the senior has 16 rushing TDs…..Right behind Ganaway is the nation’s 16th-leading rusher, the Huskies’ Chris Polk, who is averaging about half yard less per game. But what has made the most difference for UW this season is the play of first-year starting quarterback Keith Price. The sophomore is the 12th-rated passer in the land and while he hit a little rough patch toward the end of the regular season, Price (29 TDs) was extremely consistent for much of the year. He should have some success against a Baylor pass defense that is 112th and has allowed 32 TD passes. While Big 12 pass defenses are under the gun against great QBs the conference seems to always produce, the Bears have allowed more than 400 yards passing a whopping five times and opposing QBs that have torched them were not all named Weeden and Jones – and obviously not Griffin. Given the game is indoors, a track meet could be in order.
Line: Baylor by 9
O/U: 76.5
Pick: Baylor 47-31
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Armed Forces Bowl: BYU (9-3) vs Tulsa (8-4)
Dallas
Payout: $1.2 million (estimate)
Even though Tulsa has had to make do this season without WR Damaris Johnson after the NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards ran afoul of the law, the Golden Hurricane offense is still productive with quarterback G.J. Kinne leading an attack that averages 34.1 points per game. Kinne has thrown for 2,876 yards, ran for more than 400 and has accounted for 28 touchdowns. While BYU will have its hands full with Kinne, Ja’Terian Douglas and Trey Watts have both rushed for more than 800 yards with Douglas leading the nation in yards per carry at 8.2. BYU ranks 23rd nationally in points allowed (20.3) and 17th in total defense (317 yards)……While not as potent as Tulsa, the Cougars are balanced offensively. Riley Nelson took over as the No. 1 QB during the season, which prompted Jake Heaps earlier this month to announce he was transferring. The versatile Nelson, who has keyed the Cougars’ run of seven wins in eight games, has several options. Five players, including Nelson, have at least 67 rushing attempts and six have caught at least 25 passes. Tulsa’s defense is 90th in yards allowed (421) and 69th in scoring (27.6 points), but it should be noted that they allowed a combined 195 points in their losses to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Boise State and Houston. Each of those teams was top 10 at the time they played.
Line: BYU by 2.5
O/U: 55.5
Pick: Tulsa 33-27
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers (8-4) vs Iowa State (6-6)
New York
Payout: $3.6 million (estimate)
More often than not this season it has been a struggle offensively for the Scarlet Knights, whose 28 turnovers rank near the bottom of the country. Whether sophomore Chas Dodd (7 INTs) or freshman Gary Nova (11 INTs) starts at quarterback may not be determined until the days leading up to kickoff. Whoever starts will again depend on Mohamed Sanu, whose 109 receptions are fifth nationally. Iowa State, which lost four of its six games by at least 20 points, is 100th against the run (195 yards) 99th in total defense (432 yards) and 82nd in scoring defense (29.6), which all could bode for RU as they attempt to open up an offense that is 100th….Freshman Jared Barnett took over at quarterback from Steele Jantz at mid-season for the Cyclones and, while he has completed only about half of his passes and is 6/6, he can run. In only six full games, his 435 yards are second on the team. That dimension has given a jolt to an offense that is still only averaging 23.5 points per game to rank 86th. The Cyclones will need to mix it up against a Rutgers defense that is allowing only 314 yards per game to rank 13th nationally – and could be even more formidable in what might be a raw Yankee Stadium. The Scarlet Knights are also tied for fifth with 31 turnovers in their favor, 17 on interceptions. Several Rutgers players are among the nation’s leaders in various categories, including linebacker Khaseem Greene, whose 10.6 tackles per game rank 12th.
Line: Rutgers by 2
O/U: 44.5
Pick: Rutgers 23-13
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Music City Bowl: Wake Forest (6-6) vs Mississippi State (6-6)
Nashville
Payout: $3.675 million
Neither team did themselves many favors on their way to bowl eligibility. The Demon Deacons were hammered by Vanderbilt, 41-7, in the regular-season finale giving them five losses in their last seven games after starting 4-1. The Bulldogs beat state rival Ole Miss, 31-3, in the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving weekend to clinch a berth. Dan Mullen’s squad has exactly one win (La. Tech) against teams that finished the regular season with a winning record. Mullen’s team, though, has an outstanding defense. The Bulldogs rank 19th in scoring defense (19.9 points) and 23rd (195 yards) against the pass while allowing only 12 touchdowns through the air. Hence, Wake quarterback Tanner Price will have his hands full at the end of what has been a very nice sophomore season. Price has thrown for 2,803 yards with 20 TDs and only 6 INTs…...MSU is led by the running of Vick Ballard, who has 1,009 yards and is averaging 5.6 per tote. Wake is 70th against the run, but was faring much better before Maryland and Vandy gashed them for a combined 526 yards the last two games. Chris Reif and Tyler Russell will likely both see action at quarterback, though Russell has been hobbled with a knee injury.
Line: Mississippi State by 6.5
O/U: 48
Pick: Mississippi State 20-17
**
Friday, Dec. 30
Insight Bowl: Oklahoma (9-3) vs Iowa (7-5)
Tempe, Ariz.
Payout: $6.65 million
The Sooners would love to do away with the bad taste resulting from a 44-10 shellacking at the hands of Oklahoma State that gave them two losses in three games and an exit from the top 10. What really stands out is that after all-everything receiver Ryan Broyles (ACL) was lost during OU’s Nov. 5 game against Texas A&M, Landry Jones has not been able to get the ball into the end zone. That’s three straight games without a touchdown pass for the junior, who has 92-career TD strikes. The Sooners lost Broyles a week after RB Dominque Whaley went down with an ankle injury. That’s a lot to overcome even for a QB of Jones’ caliber. With a month between games, can Jones and the OU offense get back on track against an Iowa pass defense that ranks in the bottom half of the nation?.....Hawkeyes quarterback James Vandenberg has had a nice season as a first-year starter. While he has completed a shade under 60 percent of his passes, he is closing on 3,000 yards with 23 TDs and only 6 picks. In fact, while Iowa’s offensive output is only 70th nationally (379 yards), ball security is a strength with only 16 turnovers. A matchup to watch is running back Maurice Coker (1,384 yards, 15 touchdowns) fares against the Sooners defense, which is 49th against the run.
Update: Marcus Coker's suspension announced Dec. 20 leaves precious little as far as Iowa's running game. Below is the pre-suspension line and pick
Line: Oklahoma by 15.5
O/U: 58
Pick: Oklahoma 31-23
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Meineke Bowl: Texas A&M (6-6) vs Northwestern (6-6)
Houston
Payout: $3.4 million
Offensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will serve as the Aggies’ coach for this game after Mike Sherman was let go. Offense certainly has not been a problem in College Station this season as A&M is averaging 39.6 points per contest to rank 11th in the country. Ryan Tannehill would love nothing more than to rebound from a horrid outing Thanksgiving night against Texas and more resemble like the quarterback that has thrown for 3,415 yards and 28 TDs. In that game, Tannehill and the Aggies were missing Cyrus Gray (shoulder) and Christine Michael, who have combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing. Michael will miss the bowl for sure and Gray (1,045 yards) may not return. That would mean Ben Malena would again get the start at RB and he can only benefit for the additional practices as the starter. So if Gray cannot play, the Aggies may not be in bad shape against a Northwestern defense that ranks 80th nationally (408 yards per game). However, having even Gray at even 50 percent could make a difference…..Northwestern is 31st nationally in offense (432 yards) and has used Dan Persa and Kain Colter at quarterback, the latter when the former missed the first three games. Colter could still see some time under center against the Aggies, but he has been an effective receiver since Persa returned. Persa, the nation’s 10-rated passer, leads the country with 74.2 completion percentage. Going against the gun-slingers of the Big 12, the A&M pass defense allows a lot of yards, but they also are not forcing much as only 7 INTs would attest. This could be wild one.
Line: Texas A&M by 9.5
O/U: 65
Pick: Texas A&M 44-31
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech (8-4) vs Utah (7-5)
El Paso, Texas
Payout: $4 million
This will be a most interesting matchup from the standpoint Georgia Tech is third nationally in rushing yards per game (317) and Utah is seventh (97) against the run. The Utes did not face an option-based attack, so the Yellow Jackets will offer a much different look. Quarterback Tevin Washington is the team’s leading rusher with 890 yards and 14 TDs. While he can be erratic, Washington has also thrown for 1,515 yards and has often connected for a big play. On top of what Washington has done rushing, four running backs have more than 400 yards and they will all need to contribute against what is not just a strong Utah defense against the run, but the unit is allowing only 19.7 points per game to rank 18th……It’s been a struggle offensively for Utah, which is 110th nationally with a total of 309 yards per game. Jon Hays took over for an injured Jordan Wynn early in the season and has often found the going tough (80th-rated passer), though he has not thrown an interception in his last five games. The bottom line is RB John White IV (1,404 yards, 14 TDs) needs to have a strong game against a Tech defense that is 70th versus the run.
Line: Georgia Tech by 3
O/U: 50.5
Pick: Georgia Tech 26-20
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Liberty Bowl: Cincinnati (9-3) vs Vanderbilt (6-6)
Nashville
Payout: $2.875 million
Cincy quarterback Zach Collaros, who broke his ankle late in the regular season, returned to practice Friday and could be ready. But unless running back Isaiah Pead (1,110 yards, 11 TDs) can find some running room against a stout Vandy defense, it may not matter if it’s Collaros (22 total TDs) or Munchie Legeaux under center. It would be surprising if Collaros, who can make things happen with his legs, has close to full mobility by game time. The Commodores are 27th against the run, 27th in scoring defense and 33rd against the pass. What’s most impressive is they have 17 interceptions against 15 TD passes allowed…..Vandy QB Jordan Rodgers, brother of NFLer Aaron, took over at mid-season and has had some nice moments, but has also thrown at least two INTs in three of his eight starts. The tone of the Vandy offense is often set by Zac Stacy, who has rushed for 1,136 yards (6.2 ypc) and 13 TDs despite not having as many as 15 carries until the Commodores’ sixth game. It won’t come easy, though, against a Bearcats’ run defense that is the nation’s sixth best.
Line: Vanderbilt by 2.5
O/U: 49.5
Pick: Vanderbilt 23-17
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Illinois (6-6) vs UCLA (6-7)
San Francisco
Payout: $1.675 million
If UCLA wins this game between teams that fired their coaches, neither team will have a winning record. The season started well enough for the Fighting Illini. The deposed Ron Zook had his team 6-0 and No. 19 in the polls before the wheels fell off big time. Illinois brings a six-game losing streak to the Bay Area and an offense that posted only 66 points in those defeats. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has accounted for 2,485 total yards and 18 TDs, but much of that came during the hot start when Illinois scored at least 33 points in four of the six wins. Maybe the offense can be revived against a UCLA defense that is allowing 32.2 points to rank 96th……At 389 yards per game, the Bruins are middle of the pack offensively. Kevin Prince, 49th in QB rating, more often than not has played well as the unquestioned starter under now former coach Rick Neuheisel. Prince can also run, something the Bruins do pretty well overall (30th nationally) with Jonathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman combining for more than 1,700 yards and 16 TDs. The Illinois run defense is ranked 42nd and is allowing only 3.3 yards per carry.
Line: Illinois by 2.5
O/U: 46.5
Pick: UCLA 23-21
**
Saturday, Dec. 31
Chick-fil-A Bowl: Virginia (8-4) vs Auburn (7-5)
Atlanta
Payout: $6.9 million
Auburn coach Gene Chizik will likely use starter Clint Moseley and Kiehl Frazier at quarterback. The latter has seen action in the wildcat this season, but Chizik wants to see Frazier in conventional formations as well and make a run at the starting job in 2012. Without suspended running back Michael Dyer (1,242 yards, 10 TDs), it may be up to the QBs to produce against a very solid Virginia defense. Prior to being beat up by Virginia Tech in a de facto ACC title game Thanksgiving weekend, the Cavaliers ranked in the top 30 in many major categories and are currently 32nd in scoring defense with 22.3 points……Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco (11TDs, 11 INTs) does not have impressive numbers by any stretch, but the sophomore and first-year starter settled in nicely during the season’s second half. He might have some success against the Tigers, who are 87th in pass efficiency defense. A nice running game is led by Perry Jones, who has 883 yards on the ground and 1,299 yards from scrimmage.
Line: Auburn by 1.5
O/U: 48.5
Pick: Auburn 27-20
**
Monday, Jan. 2
TicketCity Bowl: Penn State (9-3) vs Houston (12-1)
Dallas
Payout: $2.2 million
The Cougars’ BCS chances crashed and burned on their home field against Southern Miss in the CUSA title game and then coach Kevin Sumlin left for Texas A&M. Crash and burn is what Penn State did in a de facto Big Ten Leaders Division championship at Wisconsin in the regular-season finale. With both teams coming off miserable defeats with much bigger and better on the line, this bowl is literally about finishing on a winning note. At least Case Keenum is not scuffling with teammates. On the periphery of the Heisman conversation until the Southern Miss contest, Keenum’s numbers are unreal: 5,099 passing yards, a completion percentage of 71.7, 45 TDs and only 5 INTs. He has not faced a defense nearly as tough as the Nittany Lions, who rank fifth nationally in allowing only 162 yards per game through the air. Even after allowing 45 points to the Badgers, Penn State is still fifth in scoring defense at 15.6 points. Keenum will face schemes he has not seen before and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts. He has plenty of weapons. Three receivers have caught at least 75 passes (you read that correctly), including Patrick Edwards, who has 1,524 yards and 18 TDs. The Cougars can run, too. Charles Sims (782 yards) is averaging 7.5 per carry and he also has caught 46 passes while totaling 13 TDs. It all adds up to an offense that is averaging an obscene 599 yards per game…..Penn State has obviously dealt with unprecedented issues, though the players responded well against Nebraska (loss) and Ohio State (win) before the Wisconsin debacle. Matt McGloin has shrugged off an incident with receiver Curtis Drake that resulted in the QB being knocked out. We’ll see how all that unravels and whether McGloin will take the field against Houston. Other than Silas Redd’s running – 1,188 yards, 5.2 ypc -- the PSU offense struggled all season and is ranked 94th. Houston is roughly middle of the pack in total defense, but the PSU quarterback situation is up in the air.
Line: Houston by 6
O/U: 57.5
Pick: Houston 31-24
**
Monday, Jan. 2
Outback Bowl: Georgia (10-3) vs Michigan State (10-3)
Tampa
Payout: $7 million
It’s back to the Sunshine State for the Spartans, who had a dreary conclusion to last season when they were pasted by a peeved Alabama squad in the Captial One Bowl. Once again, quarterback Kirk Cousins is reminded that his school has not won a bowl since 2001. The nation’s 17th-rated passer was steady all season and threw just 7 interceptions in 13 games. He will have to be at the top of his game against a Dawgs pass defense that is the nation’s fourth best in efficiency and has picked off 17 passes, seven by junior safety Bacarri Rambo. That means a running game led by Le’Veon Ball (900 yards, 11 TDs) best take some pressure off Cousins….. Georgia has a shot at an 11-win season and QB Aaron Murray is a major reason why. The sophomore has thrown for 2,861 yards and 33 touchdowns, but he will be up against a very strong Spartans’ pass defense that is 10th in efficiency and has allowed the 12th fewest yards. As with the Spartans, the Bulldogs will need to have some success with the ground game. That’s been a problem for Georgia as far as getting everybody healthy. Isaiah Crowell (847 yards) has been banged up – and served a one-game suspension – for much of his freshman season.
Line: Georgia by 3.5
O/U: 52.5
Pick: Michigan State 27-23
**
Monday, Jan. 2
Capital One Bowl: South Carolina (10-2) vs Nebraska (9-3)
Orlando
Payout: $9.1 million
The Cornhuskers are averaging 224 yards per game on the ground (14th nationally) and will need to pound away with Rex Burkhead as much as possible. A battering ram if there ever was, Burkhead has 1,258 yards and 15 TDs and has earned every inch. The Gamecocks would love nothing more than to put the ball in Taylor Martinez’s hands. While the Nebraska QB can certainly run, he is often spotty at best when dropping back to throw, something the nation’s 73rd-rated passer is likely going to have to do against a Gamecocks’ pass defense that is second only to Alabama in both yards allowed (133) and efficiency…..It’s been a rough year for Steve Spurrier’s offense, which ranks 74th with an average of 375 yards per game. Quarterback Connor Shaw took over for the troubled and departed Stephen Garcia at mid-season and has done a nice job overall. However, a team cannot replace a Marcus Lattimore, who suffered a knee injury in mid-October was lost for the season. Lattimore had 2,015 yards rushing in one-and-a-half seasons before he was shelved. Brandon Wilds has done a very nice job in his place and will have to keep it going against a strong Nebraska defense. However, much like with Martinez and Nebraska, for the Gamecocks it comes down to Shaw’s ability to make things happen with both his arm and legs.
Line: South Carolina by 2
O/U: 48.5
Pick: Nebraska 24-13
**
Monday, Jan. 2
Gator Bowl: Ohio State (6-6) vs Florida (6-6)
Jacksonville
Payout: $5.45 million
Much has been made about the matchup featuring Urban Meyer’s former team against the one he is about to take over. At least it’s a diversion from the fact one team will go home with a sub-.500 record. Indeed, there are no national title hopes for either program heading into this bowl. The Buckeyes and interim coach Luke Fickell endured the fallout from a slew of rules violations that will prevent Meyer from going to a bowl next season. At least he will have a with some experience in Braxton Miller, who took over the reins early in his freshman season. Miller has had his moments throwing the ball, but he has been much more effective and consistent taking off with it as his 695 yards and 7 TDs attest. A Florida defense ranks ninth overall (300 yards) and 10th against the pass will offer a big challenge for the young QB, who is completing only half of his passes. If there is any criticism of the Gators’ defense, it’s that it does not force many turnovers. Their 12 turnovers gained is near the bottom, so ball protection and patience will be paramount for the Buckeyes……Florida QB John Brantley threw three picks and suffered a concussion in a forgettable regular season-ending loss to Florida State. He is expected to start against the Buckeyes and would like to finish an injury-riddled season on a high note. Given the chance at a winning record is the only thing a victory would do as far as the 2011 season, coach Will Muschamp may look ahead to 2012 and find time for freshmen Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel to take some snaps. Running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, who have been hobbled at times this season, are healthy and potential game-breakers against an Ohio State defense that is 24th overall (329 yards) and 26th in scoring at 20.7 points.
Line: Florida by 2
O/U: 44.5
Pick: Florida 23-19
**
Friday, Jan. 6
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas (10-2) vs Kansas State (10-2)
Jacksonville
Payout: $5.45
While the Cotton Bowl is not part of the BCS, this may be the best bowl outside the BCS as both teams are in the top 10. The only thing that kept the Hogs out is that the BCS takes no more than two teams from a single conference. Alas, Arkansas, which is sixth in the BCS, could finish as high as perhaps third. First things first and that means taking care of business against a KSU pass defense that is 104th in the nation thanks in large part to facing the many strong arms and passing attacks in the Big 12. Tyler Wilson is that type of quarterback and he enters the bowl as the nation’s 22nd-rated passer with 3,422 yards, 22 TDs and only 6 picks. His favorite target is Jarius Wright, who has 11 touchdowns among his 63 catches. With Knile Davis (knee) was shelved for the season before it kicked off, coach Bobby Petrino needed somebody to fill a huge and sudden void. Dennis Johnson eventually emerged as the go-to RB and leads the team with 637 yards (6.3 ypc) plus another 253 receiving despite not having his first game double-digit touches until the calendar flipped to October…..Collin Klein is averaging 237 yards per game of total offense for the Wildcats and his 26 rushing touchdowns are third in the country. He has also thrown for 12 TDs to give him 38 total TDs for 228 points, which is fifth. The nation’s 66-rated passer, Klein needs his legs – and those of John Hubert, who has 933 yards – to keep the Hogs (80th against the run) off balance and in chase mode. Arkansas is much stronger against the pass having allowed only 11 TDs via the air….A key weapon for KSU could be kick returner Tyler Lockett, who leads the nation with a whopping average of 35.1 yards with two taken back for six points. But what you can do I can at least just as well. The Razorbacks’ Joe Adams leads the nation with an average of 16.2 yards (3 TDs) per punt return. Hence, game-breaking special teamers could decide this game.
Line: Arkansas 7.5
O/U: 64.5
Pick: Arkansas 37-24
**
Saturday, Jan. 7
Compass Bowl: Pitt (6-6) vs SMU (7-5)
Birmingham
Payout: $1.925 million
Let’s see. Since last December, the Panthers have had four head coaches: Dave Wannstedt, Mike Maywood, Todd Graham and now interim boss Keith Patterson. The suddenness and sad way Graham left makes you wonder what kind of team will take the field in Birmingham. There will be more than three weeks between Graham’s departure and the game, so there is at least some time to shake it off and get down to business. Then again, there’s not exactly a lot riding on this game that is being played seven days into 2012. In a perfect scenario, Tino Sunseri will throw a game-winning TD pass to Devin Street. You just know – and who could blame him? – the latter’s Twitter account will be on fire if that plays out. The duo might be able to find some holes in a SMU pass defense that is middle of the pack and only has five interceptions. Sunseri has been playing behind a beat up offensive line and the QB has been sacked 55 times. Zach Brown has done a nice job filling in for Ray Graham, but Graham was leading the nation in rushing yards (958) at the time of his season-ending knee injury…..While Ray Graham was lost to Pitt, Zach Line (1,224 yards, 17 TDs) was lost to the Ponies after undergoing toe surgery Nov. 17. Converted DT Rishad Wimbley took over and the 295-pounder ran for 115 yards against Rice in the regular-season finale. SMU coach June Jones turned to J.J. McDermott to be his starting QB effective the second week of the season after he pulled Kyle Padron in a season-opening loss to Texas A&M. Padron has been a forgotten commodity after throwing for more than 3,800 yards and 31 TDs in 2010. McDermott has thrown for 3,182 yards and only 16 TDs with as many picks. Receiver Darius Johnson and Cole Beasley both have more than 70 catches and 900 yards. Pitt, which has only 8 interceptions, is 45th pass efficiency defense.
Line: Pitt by 5.5
O/U: 48.5
Pick: Pitt 30-28
**
Sunday, Jan. 8
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Arkansas State (10-2) vs SMU (10-3)
Mobile, Ala.
Payout: $1.5 million
Talk about lost in the shuffle of the bowl schedule, this should be a very entertaining game. NIU’s Chandler Harnish is eighth nationally with an average of 333 total yards per game. The quarterback has thrown for 2,942 yards and 26 TDs while rushing for 1,382 yards (leads all QBs) and 11 more scores. With 68 more yards, running back Jasmin Hopkins (16 total TDs) will give the Huskies a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Arkansas State, the Sun Belt champs, are 15th against the run, 20th in total defense and did not allow more than 22 points in any of their eight conference games. Harnish will test that…..While Harnish is eighth in total offense, the Red Wolves’ Ryan Applin is tenth. He has thrown for 3,235 yards (18 TDs) and, while not the runner Harnish is, he has 605 rushing yards with 9 touchdowns. He should get his yards against a NIU defense that is yielding 418 yards per game to rank 87th. Dwayne Frampton’s 90 receptions are good for tenth in the country and he has 1,125 yards.
Line: Arkansas State by 1
O/U: 62
Pick: Northern Illinois 48-30
*Answer to question in Baylor/Washington preview: USC’s Carson Palmer in 2002.
