College Football Extra – Touchdown Tom’s Bowl Game Preview
’Tis the season for the bowl games
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See the blazing games before us
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Bang the drum and join the chorus
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Follow me in merry measure
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While I tell you of bowl game treasure
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Your 2014 Bowl Game Preview

Grab your favorite snacks (chili dogs, cold pizza, etc.), get your favorite beverage (coffee or something stronger), pull up your comfy chair, kick off your shoes, get a pillow, maybe a blanket and settle in to watch some football – a lot of football.  Thirty-nine games will be played over a 23-day stretch – that’s a long stretch – from December 20 to January 12.

College football’s season-ending extravaganza begins in the Crescent City of New Orleans and ends three weeks later in the suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth at the house that Jerry Jones built – AT&T Stadium.   

Just when you thought we don’t need another bowl game, four new bowls were added to this season’s procession.  Last year there were 34 bowls, plus the BCS Championship game.  This year, there are 38 bowls, plus the College Playoff National Championship game.

The four new bowls – all played before Christmas Day – are the Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama), the Miami Beach Bowl (Miami, Florida), the Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Florida) and the Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Bahamas). 

Two bowls changed their names this year and one of those bowls moved to a new location.  The former Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl in Detroit is now the Quick Lane Bowl – still in Detroit.  The former Fight Hunger Bowl is now the Foster Farms Bowl and it moved 45 miles south from AT&T Park in San Francisco to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

The three busiest days for bowl games are opening day December 20, two days after Christmas (December 27) and New Year’s Day (January 1).  There are five games on each of those three days.  Twenty-six of the 39 games are played between December 26 and January 2.  That could be intoxicating.


The 2014 bowl season premiers on December 20 with no less than five games.  The first of the five is the New Orleans Bowl between Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4) of the Sun Belt and Nevada (7-5) from the MWC.  This is ULL’s fourth-straight appearance in the New Orleans Bowl.  The Rajin’ Cajuns are 3-0 in the bowl having defeated San Diego State (2011), East Carolina (2012) and Tulane (2013).  ULL is 26th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 228.4 yards a game.  The Rajin’ Cajuns leading rusher is sophomore running back Elijah McGuire who has 1,165 yards rushing, averaging 7.8 yards per carry.  ULL’s senior quarterback Terrance Broadway passed for 2,073 yards this season.  The Rajin’ Cajuns came into the 2014 season riding three-straight 9-4 seasons.  If they win the New Orleans Bowl, they will be 9-4 for the fourth-straight year.  In his fourth season, Mark Hudspeth is the coach of ULL.  The Rajin’ Cajuns finished second in the Sun Belt Conference this year.  Nevada comes into the bowl ranked 32nd in the country in rushing with 215.2 yards per game.  The Wolf Pack’s best wins this year were over Washington State (24-13), BYU (42-35) and San Diego State (30-14).  Nevada is led by senior quarterback Cody Fajardo with 2,374 yards passing.  Fajardo also is the team’s leading rusher with 997 yards.  The Wolf Pack are under second-year coach Brian Polian.          

Next up is on December 20 is the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, pitting Utah State (9-4) from the MWC against UTEP (7-5) of C-USA.  Utah State’s biggest wins this season were over BYU (35-20) and Air Force (34-16).  The Aggies were 21st in the nation in defensive scoring, holding opponents to 20.8 points a game.  Under second-year coach Matt Wells, Utah State comes into the New Mexico Bowl having won 5 of its last six games.  It’s the Aggies fourth-straight year in a bowl game.  UTEP, under second-year coach Sean Kugler, is the 34th best rushing team in the country, averaging 212.7 yards a game.  The Miners leading rusher is sophomore running back Aaron Jones who totaled 1,233 yards this season.  This is UTEP’s first bowl game since 2010.

The third game on December 20 is the Las Vegas Bowl between Utah (8-4) of the Pac-12 and Colorado State (10-2) from the MWC.  Utah got off to a great start this season, winning six of its first seven games.  Under 10th-year coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes best wins were over UCLA (30-28), USC (24-21) and Stanford 20-17 (2OT). Utah is led by junior quarterback Travis Wilson (2,012 yards passing) and junior running back Devontae Booker (1,350 yards rushing). This is Utah’s first bowl game since the 2011 season.  Colorado State is one of the nation’s best offensive teams.  The Rams are 8th in the nation in passing, averaging 326.3 yards a game.  CSU is 22nd in the country in scoring offense, averaging 35.9 points a game.  On the other side of the ball, the Rams are 34th nationally in scoring defense, allowing their opponents only 23.4 points a game.  CSU is led by senior quarterback Garrett Grayson who passed for 3,779 yards and 32 touchdowns. Senior running back Dee Hart rushed for 1,254 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.  Sophomore receiver Rashard Higgins had 89 receptions for 1,640 yards. The Rams best wins were over Boston College (24-21) and Utah State (16-13). Third-year CSU coach Jim McElwain was named the new coach of the Florida Gators last week.       

From Las Vegas the action moves north to Boise for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, matching Air Force (9-3) of the MWC against Western Michigan (8-4) from the MAC.  Air Force comes into the bowl with a strong finish on the season, winning five of its last six games.  Under eighth-year coach Troy Calhoun the Falcons were 8th nationally in rushing this season, averaging 272.2 yards per game.  Air Force’s biggest wins were over Boise State (28-14) and Colorado State (27-24). The Falcons also won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy this year, having beaten Army and Navy. Western Michigan was one of the most improved teams in the country this season, going from 1-11 in 2013 to 8-4 this year. The Broncos are under second-year coach P.J. Fleck, the youngest FBS Division coach in the country.  After a rough start (2-3), WMU won six of its final seven games.  The Broncos are 32nd in the country in scoring, averaging 34.6 points a game.  WMU is led by sophomore quarterback Zach Terrell who passed for 3,146 yards.  On the ground, the Broncos were led by freshman running back Jarvion Franklin who rushed for 1,525 yards.  This is WMU’s first bowl game since 2011.

Opening day of the bowl season wraps up with South Alabama (6-6) from the Sun Belt taking on Bowling Green (7-6) of the MAC in the inaugural Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. In only its sixth-year of playing football, South Alabama is playing in its first bowl game.  The Jaguars started the year strong, winning five of its first six games.  Then South Alabama lost four of its final five games.  The Jaguars are coached by sixth-year coach Joey Jones. This is Bowling Green’s third-straight bowl game.  The Falcons started out strong going 5-2 in their first seven games.  Then BG lost four of its final six games.  The Falcons are led by sophomore quarterback James Knapke who passed for 2,805 yards this season. BG is under first-year coach Dino Babers. This may, in fact, be the second Camellia Bowl.  But the other one was held in a different location.  In 1948, there was a Camellia Bowl in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Hardin-Simmons beat Wichita State, 49-12.      

Two days later – December 22 – in Miami, BYU (8-4) an Independent plays Memphis (9-3) of the AAC in the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl. Who knows, BYU could have been undefeated this season.  The Cougars began 4-0, including a 41-7 win over Texas, but then BYU lost its talented junior quarterback Taysom Hill to a season-ending injury.  The Cougars lost their next four games.  Once replacement senior quarterback Christian Stewart settled in, BYU went 4-0.  Stewart passed for 2,273 yards.  The Cougars are 20th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 36.2 points a game.  They are 33rd in passing, averaging 272.9 yards per game.  BYU is under tenth-year coach Bronco Mendenhall.  Memphis was one of the surprise teams of the year and most improved too.  Under third-year coach Justin Fuente, the Tigers went from 3-9 last year to 9-3 this year.  Memphis was co-winners of the AAC Conference.  At preseason, the Tigers were picked to finish at or near the bottom of the AAC. Memphis is led by sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch who passed for 2,725 yards this season.  The Tigers come into the bowl on a six-game winning streak.  It is the school’s first bowl game since 2008.  Memphis’ biggest win this season was over Cincinnati (41-14).  The Tigers are 5th in the country in scoring defense, holding opponents to 17.1 points a game.  They are 30th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 34.7 points a game.          

The next day – December 23 – in Florida, Marshall (12-1) of C-USA plays Northern Illinois (11-2) from the MAC in the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl.  Marshall, champions of C-USA, have some impressive stats: 5th nationally in scoring offense (45.1 points a game); 7th in rushing yards (275.6 yards per game); 18th in passing yards (287.8 yards per game), and 22nd in scoring defense (20.8 points a game).  The Herd are led by senior quarterback Rakeem Cato who passed for 3,622 yards and 37 touchdowns.  And also by junior running back Devon Johnson who rushed for 1,686 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. Doc Holiday is in his 5th year coaching Marshall.  Northern Illinois, under second-year coach Rod Carey, was the champions of the MAC.  The Huskies come into the bowl, riding a seven-game winning streak.  NIU’s biggest wins were over Northwestern (23-15), Toledo (27-24) and Western Michigan (31-21).  The Huskies are led by sophomore quarterback Drew Hare who passed for 2,097 yards.  NIU is 14th nationally in rushing, averaging 252.9 a game.

On the same day in San Diego, Navy (6-5, with one game to play) an Independent takes on San Diego State (7-5) of the MWC in the Poinsettia Bowl.  Navy plays Army tomorrow to end its regular season.  After a rough start – 2-4 – the Midshipmen won four of their last five games.  Under 7th-year coach Ken Niumatalolo, Navy is 2nd in the nation in rushing, averaging 357.8 yards a game. The Middies are 33rd in the country in scoring offense, averaging 34.5 points a game.  In his fourth season with the Aztecs, Rocky Long coaches San Diego State.  The Aztecs were 14th in the nation in scoring defense, holding their opponents to 20.1 points a game.  They were 30th in rushing, averaging 218.6 yards a game.  The Aztecs leading rusher is sophomore Donnel Pumphrey who had 1,761 yards this season.

The first of two bowl games on Christmas Eve is the inaugural Bahamas Bowl in Nassau, featuring Western Kentucky (7-5) of C-USA against Central Michigan (7-5) from the MAC.  Western Kentucky was the only team to beat Marshall this year – 67-66 (OT). The Hilltoppers’ other good wins were over Bowling Green (59-31) and Navy (36-27).  Under first-year coach Jeff Brohm, WKU was 3rd nationally in passing yards, averaging 365 per game, and 6th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 44 points a game.  The Hilltoppers are led by senior quarterback Brandon Doughty who passed for 4,344 yards and 44 touchdowns.  Junior Leon Allen led WKU in rushing with 1,490 yards.  The Hilltoppers come into the bowl on a 4-game winning streak, and winners of five of their last six games.  Central Michigan is under fifth-year coach Dan Enos.  The Chippewas are led by sophomore quarterback Cooper Rush who passed for 2,664 yards.  Senior Thomas Rawls rushed for 1,103 yards. CMU had big wins over Purdue (38-17) and Northern Illinois (34-17).  The Chippewas have won five of their last seven games.  Central Michigan beat Western Kentucky in the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, 24-21.         

Also on Christmas Eve, Fresno State (6-7) from the MWC takes on Rice (7-5) of C-USA in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu.  Fresno State became bowl eligible on a 6-6 regular season record.  The seventh loss came in the MWC championship game.  The Bulldogs season followed a pattern.  They lost three games, then won three games, lost three games, then won three games, before losing in the MWC title game.  Fresno State’s best win was over San Diego State (24-13).  Under third-year coach Tim DeRuyter the Bulldogs were led by junior quarterback Brian Burrell who had 2,576 yards passing. Junior running back Marteze Waller rushed for 1,292 yards, and senior receiver Josh Harper had 86 receptions for 1,072 yards. Rice got off to a disastrous 0-3 start and then won six-straight games.  The Owls finished up losing 2 of their final three games.  Rice is led by junior quarterback Driphus Jackson who passed for 2,524 yards.  The Owls are coached by 8th-year coach David Bailiff.      

Following Christmas Day break, there are three bowls on December 26.  The first one on the day after Christmas pits Illinois (6-6) of the Big Ten against Louisiana Tech (8-5) from C-USA in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.  Illinois’ best win was over Minnesota (28-24).  The Banned Indians finished the season strong, winning their last two games over Penn State (16-14) and Northwestern (47-33). Illinois is under 3rd-year coach Tim Beckman.  This is the Banned Indians first bowl game since 2011.  Louisiana Tech can put some points on the board.  The Bulldogs are 13th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 37.5 points a game.  La Tech almost became only the second team to beat Marshall.  In the C-USA championship game, the Bulldogs fell to the Herd 26-23 on a touchdown by Marshall in the final two minutes.  La Tech’s best wins were over Louisiana-Lafayette (48-20) and Western Kentucky (59-10).  Senior quarterback Cody Sokol leads the Bulldogs in passing with 3,189 yards and 29 touchdowns.  Junior running back Kenneth Dixon had 1,236 yards rushing.  Under second year coach Skip Holtz, La Tech is playing in its first bowl game since 2011. The Bulldogs finished the season strong, winning six of their last eight games. 

Next on the agenda is the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit matching North Carolina (6-6) from the ACC against Rutgers (7-5) of the Big Ten. North Carolina’s season started off pretty dismal.  After six games, the Tar Heels were 2-4.  But UNC salvaged its season somewhat, going 4-2 in the final six games.  The Tar Heels, under third-year coach Larry Fedora, had their best wins over Georgia Tech (48-43) and Duke (45-20).  Junior quarterback Marquise Williams led UNC with 2,870 yards passing and 737 yards rushing.  The Tar Heels were 24th in the nation in passing yards, averaging 279,3 yards per game.  Rutgers started off hot going 5-1 in its first six games.  Then the Scarlet Knights cooled down, going 2-4 in their final six games.  Senior quarterback Gary Nova led Rutgers with 2,667 yards passing.  The Knights are coached by Kyle Flood in his third year.  Rutgers is playing in its fourth-straight bowl game.     

The third bowl on December 26 takes place in Florida where NC State (7-5) of the ACC tangles with UCF (9-3) from the AAC in the St. Petersburg Bowl.  NC State won its first four games then proceeded to lose its next four games.  The Wolfpack finished up winning three of its last four games.  State’s best win was its last one – 35-7 over North Carolina. The Wolfpack are led by junior quarterback Jacoby Brissett – 2,344 yards passing.  Brissett, a transfer from Florida, also was the second leading rusher on the team with 498 yards. State coach Dave Doeren is in his second year.  UCF was the co-champions of the AAC Conference.  The Knights, under 11th-year coach George O’Leary are one of the best defensive teams in the country.  They are holding their opponents to 17.9 points a game – 9th-best in the country.  After an 0-2 start, UCF won nine of its last 10 games.  The Knights best wins were over Houston (17-12), BYU (31-24 in overtime) and East Carolina 32-30.  Sophomore quarterback Justin Holman leads UCF with 2,661 yards passing.     

The first of five bowls on December 27 is the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland, between Virginia Tech (6-6) from the ACC and Cincinnati (9-3) of the AAC.  Virginia Tech was one of the worst teams in the country on offense and one of the best teams on defense.  The Hokies were 17th nationally in scoring defense, holding foes to 20.4 points a game.  Tech was 4-2 in the first half of the season and 2-4 in the second half.  Tech’s three best wins were Ohio State (35-21), North Carolina (34-17) and Duke (17-16).  Junior quarterback Michael Brewer, a transfer from Texas Tech, passed for 2,598 yards.  Frank Beamer is in his 28th-year coaching the Hokies. Cincinnati enters the bowl game on a seven-game winning streak.  The Bearcats were 2-3 before reeling off seven straight.  Under second-year coach Tommy Tuberville, Cincinnati was 13th in the country in passing yards, averaging 300.2 yards a game.  The Bearcats are also 26th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 35.4 points a game.  Sophomore quarterback Gunner Kiel, a transfer from Notre Dame, passed for 3,010 yards.  Cincinnati is appearing in its fourth-straight bowl game. The Bearcats best wins were over Toledo (58-34), East Carolina (54-46) and Houston (38-31).

Heading out to the Southwest, Arizona State (9-3) from the Pac-12 plays Duke (9-3) of the ACC in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Arizona State began the season at 8-1.  Then the Sun Devils lost two of their last three games. ASU is 18th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 37 points a game.  The Sun Devils additionally are 29th-nationally in passing, averaging 276.3 yards per game.  ASU can go with two quarterbacks – senior Taylor Kelly and junior Mike Bercovici.  Junior receiver Jaelen Strong caught 75 passes for 1,062 yards. Under third-year coach Todd Graham, the Sun Devils had several quality wins over USC (38-34), Stanford (26-10), Washington (24-10), Utah (19-16 in overtime) and Notre Dame (55-31). Duke had another great season under David Cutcliffe in his 7th year.  The Blue Devils were 8-1 in their first nine games.  Then they lost two of their final three games.  Interestingly enough, Duke was 20th in the country in defensive scoring, holding its opponents to 20.6 points a game.  The Dookies’ best win was over Georgia Tech (31-25).  Senior quarterback Anthony Boone leads Duke with 2,507 yards passing.

The third bowl on December 27 takes place in Shreveport, Louisiana, where South Carolina (6-6) from the SEC goes up against Miami (Florida) 6-6 of the ACC in the Independence Bowl. South Carolina was 21st in the nation in passing, averaging 281.4 yards a game.  Senior quarterback Dylan Thompson led the Gamecocks with 3,280 yards passing. But South Carolina had one of the worst defenses in the country.  Under tenth-year coach Steve Spurrier, the Gamecocks’ best win was over Georgia (38-35).  South Carolina has won its last three bowl games. Miami, like South Carolina, had a very disappointing season.  In fact, the Hurricanes come into the bowl game riding a three-game losing streak.  Miami’s best wins were over Duke (22-10), Cincinnati (55-34) and North Carolina (47-20).  Under fourth-year coach Al Golden, the Canes are led by freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya, who passed for 2,962 yards.  Miami has a great running back – junior Duke Johnson – who rushed for 1,520 yards, averaging 7 yards a carry. 

Up next is the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium, matching Penn State (6-6) of the Big Ten against Boston College (7-5) from the ACC.  Penn State began the season hot, winning its first four games.  Then the Nittany Lions lost four games. Then they won two.  Penn State comes into the bowl game on a two-game losing streak.  The Lions are under first-year coach James Franklin.  Penn State’s best win was its first game of the season, over UCF (26-24).  There were no good wins after that.  But there was a quality loss against Ohio State (31-24 in two overtimes).  The Lions have one of the better defenses in the country – 8th nationally in scoring defense, holding foes to 17.7 points a game.  Not bad.  Sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg leads Penn State with 2,606 yards passing. Boston College’s season, although not great, was much better than expected.  The Eagles’ best wins were over USC (37-31) and NC State (30-14).  BC is 15th in the country in rushing, averaging 251.8 yards a game.  On the other side of the coin, the Eagles are 18th in the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to 20.5 points a game.  Senior quarterback Tyler Murphy, a transfer from Florida, is the team’s leading rusher with 1,079 yards. BC is coached by Steve Addazio in his second year.  

The last bowl game on December 27 pits USC (8-4) from the Pac-12 against Nebraska (9-3) of the Big Ten in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.  USC never could get its act together this season.  Under first-year coach Steve Sarkisian, the Trojans best wins were over Stanford (13-10), Arizona (28-26) and Notre Dame (49-14). USC has one of the best quarterbacks in the country in junior Cody Kessler.  He passed for 3,505 yards and 36 touchdowns.  Junior running back Javorius Allen rushed for 1,337 yards, and junior receiver Nelson Agholor had 97 receptions for 1,223 yards. The Trojans are 15th-nationally in passing yards, averaging 294.6 yards a game.  They are also 27th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 35.1 points a game.  Nebraska finished the season 9-3, but fired its coach Bo Pelini, who was in his 7th year coaching the Huskers.  Under Pelini, Nebraska typically beat all the easy teams on its schedule, but lost to all the tough teams.  The Huskers only good win this season was at the end against Iowa (37-34 in overtime).  Nebraska is 14th in the country in offensive scoring, averaging 37.4 points a game.  The Huskers also are 17th in the nation in rushing, averaging 248.3 yards a game.  But they are one of the worst teams in passing. Nebraska is led by senior running back Ameer Abdullah who rushed for 1,523 yards.       

Two days later – December 29 – the bowl action moves to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl between West Virginia (7-5) of the Big 12 and Texas A&M (7-5) from the SEC. After a 2-2 start, West Virginia won 4 straight and was ranked in the Playoff Rankings for a couple weeks.  But the Mountaineers proceeded to drop 3 consecutive games before coming back to win their finale.  Under fourth-year coach Dana Holgorsen, WVU’s best wins were over Baylor (41-27) and Oklahoma State (34-10).  The Mounties were the only team to beat Baylor.  WVU had a quality loss to TCU – 31-30 on a last second field goal.  WVU is 9th in the nation in passing, averaging 314.6 yards a game. Senior quarterback Clint Trickett passed for 3,285 yards. The Mounties have two outstanding receivers – senior Kevin White (102 catches for 1,318 yards) and senior Mario Alford (62 catches for 888 yards). Texas A&M started out hot, winning its first five games.  Then the Aggies dropped three-straight.  They ended up winning two, then losing two.  A&M’s best wins were over Auburn (41-38), South Carolina (52-28) and Arkansas (35-28 in overtime). The Aggies are 12th in the country in passing, averaging 306.4 yards a game.  A&M switched quarterbacks during the season from sophomore Kenny Hill to freshman Kyle Allen.  The Aggies are coached by Kevin Sumlin in his 3rd year.  Sumlin fired his defensive coordinator at the end of the season.

From Memphis we go to Orlando where Oklahoma (8-4) from the Big 12 and Clemson (9-3) of the ACC will face off in the Russell Athletic Bowl.  Oklahoma started out good at 4-0.  But it was up-and-down for the Sooners after that.  OU’s best wins were over Tennessee (34-10), West Virginia (45-33) and Texas (31-26).  Under 16th-year coach Bob Stoops, the Sooners are 9th in the nation in rushing, averaging 268.6 yards per game.  Additionally, they are 11th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 38.9 points a game. OU is led by freshman running back Samaje Perine who rushed for 1,579 yards.  After a rough start – 1-2 – Clemson reeled off six-straight wins.  The Tigers finished strong, winning their last two games.  Clemson had several good wins over North Carolina (50-35), NC State (41-0), Louisville (23-17), Boston College (17-13) and South Carolina (35-17). Under seventh-year coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers are 7th in the country in scoring defense, holding their foes to 17.6 points a game.            

The last game on December 29 takes place in Houston at the Texas Bowl between Texas (6-6) from the Big 12 and Arkansas (6-6) of the SEC.  Texas finished the season stronger than the Longhorns began it.  After six games, Texas was 2-4.  Then the Longhorns won four of their final six games.  Under first-year coach Charlie Strong, Texas’ best wins were over West Virginia (33-16) and Oklahoma State (28-7).  The Longhorns sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes passed for 2,352 yards.  Senior receiver John Harris had 64 receptions for 1,015 yards. Like Texas, Arkansas also got better as the season went along.  The Razorbacks’ two best wins were at the end of the season, over LSU (17-0) and Ole Miss (30-0). Arkansas also beat Northern Illinois, 52-14.  The Razorbacks strengths were their defense and their rushing game.  Arkansas was 15th in the country in scoring defense, holding foes to 20.3 points a game.  The Razorbacks were 28th-nationally is rushing, averaging 220.3 yards a game.  Arkansas had two running backs who tallied more than a thousand yards rushing – junior Jonathan Williams (1,085) and sophomore Alex Collins (1,024). The Razorbacks are coached by Bret Bielema in his 2nd-year.

The first of three games on December 30 matches LSU (8-4) of the SEC against Notre Dame (7-5) an Independent in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. LSU is one of the best defensive teams in the country.  The Tigers are 3rd in the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to 16.4 points a game.  On the other side of the ball, LSU is 29th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 219.5 a game.  Les Miles is in his tenth-year coaching the Tigers.  LSU’s best wins were over Wisconsin (28-24), Ole Miss (10-7) and Texas A&M (23-17). After nine games, the Tigers were 7-2, but then they lost of their final three games.  Notre Dame got off to a hot start going 6-0.  Then the Irish lost five of their final six games.  Notre Dames best wins were over Stanford (17-14) and North Carolina (50-43).  The Irish had a quality loss to Florida State (31-27).  Senior quarterback Everett Golson led Notre Dame with 3,355 yards passing.  Sophomore receiver William Fuller had 71 catches for 1,037 yards. The Irish are 16th in the country in passing, averaging 293.8 yards a game.  Brian Kelly is in his fifth-year coaching Notre Dame.          

The football scene moves to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Belk Bowl, pitting Georgia (9-3) from the SEC against Louisville (9-3) of the ACC.  Georgia has several impressive statistics.  The Dawgs are 8th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 41.7 points a game, and 25th in the nation in scoring defense, holding foes to 21.3 points a game.  Georgia also is 13th nationally in rushing, averaging 255 yards a game.  The Dawgs had several good wins over Clemson 45-21), Tennessee (35-32), Missouri (34-0), Arkansas (45-32) and Auburn (34-7).  Mark Richt is in his 14th-year coaching Georgia.  With junior running back Todd Gurley out much of the time, freshman Nick Chubb picked up the rushing for the Dawgs, tallying 1,281 yards.  Louisville is coached by Bobby Petrino who is in his 5th year – over two stints – with the Cardinals.  This was Petrino’s first year back after leaving Louisville after the 2006 season.  The Cardinals had some great wins over Miami-Florida (31-13), NC State (30-18), Boston College (38-19) and Notre Dame (31-28).  Louisville finished strong, winning its last three games.  The Cardinals are 18th nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to 20.5 points a game.

The final bowl on December 30 takes place on the West Coast in Santa Clara, California, with Stanford (7-5) of the Pac-12 going up against Maryland (7-5) from the Big Ten in the Foster Farms Bowl.  At the beginning of the season, Stanford had no offense.  The defense kept the Trees in their games.  The offense developed by the end of the season. Under coach David Shaw in his fourth year with Stanford, the Trees were 2nd in the country in scoring defense, allowing only 16 points a game.  Stanford’s best wins were over Washington (20-13) and UCLA (31-10).  Senior quarterback Kevin Hogan passed for 2,603 yards.  The Trees are on a two-game winning streak coming into the bowl game.  Maryland was up-and-down all season, but mostly up.  The Terrapins best wins were over Iowa (38-31) and Penn State (20-19).  Coached by Randy Edsall in his fourth year, Maryland was one of the worst teams in the country in rushing offense – only 130.4 yards a game.  Senior quarterback C.J. Brown had 2,083 yards passing and was also the team’s leading rusher with 569 yards.   

The first of three bowls on New Year’s Eve is the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between TCU (11-1) from the Big 12 and Ole Miss (9-3) of the SEC in Atlanta.  It’s not a playoff bowl that TCU wanted, but it is a chance for the Horned Frogs to prove they belonged in a playoff bowl.  TCU ended the season with some impressive numbers.  The Frogs were 2nd in the country in scoring offense, averaging 46.8 points a game.  At the same time, TCU was 16th nationally in scoring defense, only allowing 16.3 points a game.  In addition, the Frogs were 7th in the nation in passing, averaging 332.8 yards a game.  TCU junior quarterback Trevone Boykin led the Frogs with 3,714 yards passing and was second in rushing with 642 yards.  TCU’s best wins were over Minnesota (30-7), Oklahoma (37-33), West Virginia (31-30), Kansas State (41-20) and Texas (48-10).  The Frogs’ one loss was by 3 points to Baylor.  In his 14th-year, Gary Patterson coaches TCU.  Ole Miss started very strong winning its first seven games.  The Rebel Bears lost three of their last five games.  Under coach Hugh Freeze in his third year, Ole Miss played the best defense in the country, holding opponents to 13.8 points a game.  The Hotty Toddies were also 30th nationally in passing, averaging 275.6 yards a game.  Senior quarterback Bo Wallace threw for 3,085 yards.  Ole Miss’ best wins were over Boise State (35-13), Memphis (24-3), Alabama (23-17) and Mississippi State (31-17).  

Heading west, the next bowl pits Arizona (10-3) of the Pac-12 against Boise State (11-2) from the MWC in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.  Arizona doesn’t have to travel far for its bowl game – about 115 miles.  The Wildcats are 28th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 34.8 points a game.  They are also 28th in the country in rushing, averaging 277.7 yards per game.  Under coach Rich Rodriguez in his third year, Arizona’s best wins were over Oregon (31-24), Utah (42-10) and Arizona State (42-35). Freshman quarterback Anu Solomon passed for 3,458 yards and freshman running back Nick Wilson rushed for 1,289 yards.  Boise State comes into the bowl game riding an eight-game winning streak.  The Broncos, under first-year coach Brian Harsin, are 9th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 39.8 points a game. They are 26th-nationally in passing, averaging 278.2 yards a game, and 31st in rushing, averaging 217.8 yards a game.  Boise State is led by senior quarterback Grant Hedrick who passed for 3,827 yards, and junior running back Jay Ajayi who rushed for 1,689 yards.  The Broncos were champions of the MWC.

The last football game of the year takes place in Miami Gardens, Florida, in the Orange Bowl between Mississippi State (10-2) of the SEC and Georgia Tech (10-3) from the ACC. Mississippi State won its first nine games.  Then the Bulldogs finished 1-2.  They are one of the best teams on offense in the country.  Miss State is 15th in scoring offense – 37.2 points a game; 20th in rushing – 239.8 yards a game, and 36th in passing – 266.3 yards a game.  On defense, the Bulldogs are 10th-nationally in scoring, holding foes to 19.4 points a game.  Miss State’s best wins were over LSU (34-29), Texas A&M (48-31), Auburn (38-23) and Arkansas (17-10).  The Bulldogs are led by junior quarterback Dak Prescott who passed for 2,996 yards, and junior running back Josh Robinson who rushed for 1,128 yards.  Miss State is coached by Dan Mullen in his sixth season.  Georgia Tech won its first five games of the season.  Then the Yellow Jackets lost two consecutive games before coming back and winning their final five games.  Tech then lost to Florida State in the ACC championship game by 2 points.  Under coach Paul Johnson in his seventh year, the Jackets best wins were over NC State (56-23), Clemson (28-6) and Georgia (30-24 in overtime).  Tech is the 3rd-best team in the country rushing, averaging 333.6 yards a game.  The Jackets are 18th in scoring offense, averaging 37 points a game. 

The first football game of 2015 will be played between Auburn (8-4) from the SEC and Wisconsin (10-3) from the Big Ten in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida. Auburn comes into the bowl as the 12th-best team in the country in rushing, averaging 258.5 yards per game.  The Tigers are 23rd in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 35.8 points a game.  Auburn began the season at 5-0, but then lost four of its remaining seven games.  The Tigers best wins were over Kansas State (20-14), LSU (41-7) and Ole Miss (35-31).  Auburn is led by senior quarterback Nick Marshall and senior running back Cameron Artis-Payne.  Artis-Payne rushed for 1,482 yards this season. Marshall rushed for 780 yards. The Tigers are coached by Gus Malzahn in his second year.  Wisconsin’s chances of winning this game may have taken a hit with the departure of head coach Gary Andersen.  Andersen is leaving the Badgers for the job at Oregon State.  The Badgers finished their regular season with a seven-game winning streak.  Then they lost to Ohio State in the Big Ten title game.  Wisconsin has some impressive stats.  The Badgers are 4th in the country in rushing – 314 yards per game; 13th in scoring defenses – allowing only 20 points a game, and 31st in scoring offense – 34.6 points a game.  Wisconsin’s best wins were over Nebraska (59-24), Iowa (26-24) and Minnesota (34-24).  The Badgers’ junior running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 2,336 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez will coach the Badgers in the bowl game.

The January 1 party continues in Arlington, Texas, at the Cotton Bowl where Baylor (11-1) of the Big 12 takes on Michigan State (10-2) from the Big Ten. Baylor comes into the bowl, riding a five-game winning streak.  Under seventh-year coach Art Briles, the Bears have been impressive this season.  They are No. 1 in the country in scoring offense, averaging 48.8 points a game. Additionally, Baylor is 5th in passing – 346.2 yards a game, and 23rd in rushing with 235.2 yards a game.  Senior quarterback Bryce Petty passed for 3,305 yards, and sophomore running back Shock Linwood rushed for 1,226 yards.  The Bears best wins were over TCU (61-58), Oklahoma (48-14) and Kansas State (38-27). Michigan State’s only good win all season was over Nebraska (27-22).  Along the way, the Spartans did put up some good statistics.  They are 7th in the country in scoring offense – 43.1 points a game; 12th in scoring defense, giving up only 19.9 points a game, and 24th in rushing – 234.9 yards a game.  Junior quarterback Connor Cook passed for 2,900 yards.  Senior running back Jeremy Langford rushed for 1,360 yards, and senior receiver Tony Lippett had 60 catches for 1,124 yards.  Michigan State is coached by Mark Dantonio in his eighth year.

Next, it’s back to Florida for the Citrus Bowl, pitting Missouri (10-3) from the SEC against Minnesota (8-4) of the Big Ten.  Under coach Gary Pinkel in his 14th year, Missouri’s best wins were over UCF (38-10), Texas A&M (34-27), Tennessee (29-21) and Arkansas (21-14).  The Tigers finished the season winning six-consecutive games, before losing to Alabama in the SEC title game. Missouri is 26th in the nation in scoring defense – allowing 21.4 points a game.  Tigers’ sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk passed for 2,551 yards. Minnesota is 27th in the nation in rushing – 224.6 yards a game.  The Gophers best wins this season were over Iowa (51-14) and Nebraska (28-24).  Minnesota is coached by Jerry Kill in his fourth year. The Gophers were led by senior running back David Cobb who had 1,548 yards rushing.

This year, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, hosts one of the playoff games, matching No. 2 Oregon (12-1) from the Pac-12 against No. 3 Florida State (13-0) of the ACC. Oregon comes into the bowl with an eight-game winning streak.  The Ducks are a complete football team, especially on offense.  Oregon is 3rd in the country in scoring offense – 46.3 points a game; 11th nationally in passing – 308.9 yards per game, and 22nd in rushing – 237.3 yards a game.  On defense, the Ducks are 29th in scoring defense, allowing 22.5 points a game.  Oregon junior quarterback Marcus Mariota leads the Ducks with 3,783 yards passing and 669 yards rushing. Freshman running back Royce Freeman had 1,299 yards rushing.  Oregon’s best wins were over Michigan State (46-27), UCLA (42-30), Stanford (45-16), Utah (51-27) and Arizona (51-13). In his second year, Mark Helfrich coaches the Ducks.  Meanwhile, Florida State is not too shabby either.  The Seminoles are 14th in the country in passing – 299.8 yards a game; 29th in scoring offense – 34.8 points a game, and 30th in scoring defense, holding opponents to 23 points a game.  In his fifth season, Jimbo Fisher coaches Florida State.  Team leader sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston passed for 3,559 yards.  Senior receiver Rashad Greene had 93 receptions for 1,306 yards, while senior tight end Nick O’Leary had 47 catches for 614 yards. The Noles best wins were over Clemson (23-17 in overtime), NC State (56-41), Notre Dame (31-27) and Louisville (42-31).  

The other playoff game features Alabama (12-1) of the SEC against Ohio State (12-1) from the Big Ten in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.  Alabama’s strength is defense as the Tide is 4th in the country in scoring defense, allowing only 16.6 points a game.  But Bama isn’t too shabby on offense either.  The Tide is 17th in the nation in scoring offense – 37.1 points a game, and 22nd in passing, averaging 281 yards a game.  Alabama’s best wins were over West Virginia (33-23), Texas A&M (59-0), LSU (20-13 in overtime), Mississippi State (25-20), Auburn (55-44) and Missouri (42-13).  The Tide is currently on an eight-game winning streak.  Bama is led by senior quarterback Blake Sims who threw for 3,250 yards.  The Tide has two dangerous runners in junior T.J. Yeldon (932 yards) and sophomore Derrick Henry (895 yards).  Junior receiver Amari Cooper had 115 receptions for 1,656 yards. Nick Saban, in his eighth year, coaches Alabama. Ohio State comes into the playoff on an 11-game winning streak.  The Buckeyes haven’t lost since September 6.  Ohio State’s best wins were over Michigan State (49-37), Minnesota (31-24) and Wisconsin (59-0).  Urban Meyer, in his third year, coaches the Buckeyes.  His record in Columbus is an impressive 36-3.  Ohio State is 4th in the country in scoring offense – 45.2 points a game; 11th in rushing – 260.8 yards a game, and 23rd in scoring defense, holding opponents to 21.2 points a game.  The leading rusher for the Buckeyes is sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott with 1,402 yards.  Interesting that Alabama and Ohio State each had a 59-0 win this year.

On the second day of January, four bowl games take place.  The first is the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, featuring Pitt (6-6) of the ACC against Houston (7-5) from the AAC.  Pitt began the season winning its first three games.  Then the Panthers lost six of their last nine games.  Paul Chryst, in his third year, coaches Pitt.  The Panthers biggest asset is sophomore running back James Conner, who rushed for 1,675 yards.  Sophomore receiver Tyler Boyd had 69 catches for 1,149 yards.  Pitt is 16th in the country in rushing, averaging 251.3 yards a game. Houston finished the season 7-5, but still fired its coach Tony Levine – not enough offense.  The Cougars were 11th in the nation in scoring defense, holding foes to 19.5 points a game.  Houston’s best win was over Memphis (28-24).    

The second game on January 2 is in Jacksonville, Florida, where Tennessee (6-6) from the SEC and Iowa (7-5) from the Big Ten go at it in the TaxSlayer Bowl. This is Tennessee’s first bowl game since 2010.  Butch Jones, in his second year, coaches the Vols.  Tennessee’s best win was over South Carolina (45-42 in overtime).  The Vols are one of the worst teams in the country in rushing.  Iowa is coached by Kirk Ferentz, in his 16th season. The Hawkeyes come into the bowl 2-4 in their last six games.  Junior quarterback Jake Rudock passed for 2,404 yards, and senior running back Mark Weisman rushed for 802 yards.       

Moving over to Texas, Kansas State (9-3) of the Big 12 and UCLA (9-3) from the Pac-12 meet in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.  The Alamo Bowl landed two of the better and most interesting teams in the country.  Kansas State started the season at 7-1 before going 2-2 in its final four games.  The Wildcats are 20th in the country in passing – 283.2 yards a game; 23rd in scoring offense – 35.8 points a game, and 27th in scoring defense, allowing 21.8 points a game.  K-State is led by senior quarterback Jake Waters who threw for 3,163 yards.  The Wildcats also have one of the nation’s best receivers in senior Tyler Lockett – 93 receptions for 1,351 yards.  K-State is coached by Bill Snyder in his 23rd year over two stints at the school. The Wildcats best wins were over Oklahoma (31-30), Texas (23-0) and West Virginia (26-20).  UCLA began the season 4-0, lost two games, went 5-0 and then lost their finale. The Bruins best wins were over Memphis (42-35), Texas (20-17), Arizona State (62-27), Arizona (17-7) and USC (38-20).  UCLA was the only Pac-12 team to beat both Arizona and Arizona State.  In his third season, Jim Mora coaches the Bruins.  Junior quarterback Brett Hundley passed for 3,019 yards, and sophomore running back Paul Perkins rushed for 1,378 yards.

The last of the for bowls on January 2 is the Cactus Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, matching Oklahoma State (6-6) from the Big 12 against Washington (8-5) of the Pac-12.  Oklahoma State had a disappointing season.  The Cowboys began 5-1 – the loss being by six points to Florida State.  Then Okie State lost its starting quarterback – J.W. Walsh – to injury.  The Pokes lost their next five games, before coming on to upset intrastate rival Oklahoma (38-35 in overtime) in their season finale.  Mike Gundy, in his 10th season, coaches Okie State. Washington finished the season 8-5, but the Huskies didn’t beat a single team with a winning record.  Washington also is one of the worst passing teams in the country.  Former Boise State coach Chris Petersen was in his first year, coaching the Huskies. 

The next day, Florida (6-5) of the SEC plays East Carolina (8-4) from the AAC in the Birmingham Bowl – alias the Where UAB Doesn’t Play Anymore Bowl.  Florida’s defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is the Gators interim coach for the game.  Florida had a disappointing season which resulted in the firing of coach Will Muschamp.  The Gators were one of the worst teams in the country in passing, but they were 24th in the nation in scoring defense – giving up 21.2 points a game.  Florida’s best win was over Georgia (38-20).  East Carolina had a disappointing season too. After starting out 6-1, with impressive wins over Virginia Tech (28-21) and North Carolina (70-41), the Pirates only won two of their final five games.  East Carolina is an impressive passing team – 2nd in the country, averaging 367.3 yards a game.  The Pirates also are 15th in the nation in scoring offense – 37.2 points a game.  Senior quarterback Shane Carden passed for 4,309 yards.  Senior receiver Justin Hardy had 110 receptions for 1,334 yards.  East Carolina is coached by Ruffin McNeill in his fifth year.  

The final bowl game of the season is on January 4 in Mobile, Alabama, between Toledo (8-4) from the MAC and Arkansas State (7-5) of the Sun Belt in the Go Daddy Bowl.  Toledo’s best wins during the season were over Central Michigan (42-28), Western Michigan (20-19 in overtime) and Bowling Green (27-20).  The Rockets are coached by Matt Campbell in his third year.  Toledo is 18th in the country in rushing – 247.3 yards a game.  Sophomore running back Kareem Hunt rushed for 1,360 yards.  Arkansas State is 21st in the country in scoring offense – 36.1 points a game, and 25th in rushing 229 yards a game.  Junior quarterback Fredi Knighten passed for 2,874 yards and rushed for 775 yards.  Blake Anderson, in his first year, coaches the Red Wolves.  Arkansas State’s best wins were over Utah State (21-14 in overtime) and South Alabama (45-10).     

The College Football Playoff National Championship game will take place on January 12 in Arlington, Texas.    

That’s the lineup.  Now you can plan your Holiday schedule.

From Atlantic to Pacific
Gee, the bowl games are terrific

For bragging rights, the SEC has the most teams in bowl games with 12, followed by the ACC with 11 and the Big Ten with 10.  The Pac-12 has 8 teams playing in bowls, followed by the Big 12 and the MWC with 7. Three conferences placed 5 teams in bowl games – the AAC, C-USA and the MAC.  The Sun Belt trailed the pack, placing 3 of its teams in bowl games.  There are 3 Independents playing in the games.  

Five bowl-eligible teams from four conferences failed to get bids – two from C-USA, one from the AAC, one from the MAC and one from the Sun Belt.  The two C-USA teams are Middle Tennessee (6-6) and UAB (6-6).  The AAC team is Temple (6-6), the MAC team is Ohio (6-6) and the Sun Belt team is Texas State (7-5).

It’s the second year in a row that Texas State has been jilted. UAB’s chances for a bowl invitation were all but crushed when the school announced – before the bowl invitations were made and not afterwards – that it was suspending the football program. 

Three more teams had bowl-eligible records, but were not sanctioned by the NCAA to compete in a bowl since it was their first year at the FBS level.  Teams moving up from one level to another – called in-transition – have to sit out of bowl games for one year.  One of the teams is from C-USA – Old Dominion (6-6).  The other two are Sun Belt teams – Georgia Southern (9-3) and Appalachian State (7-5).

My annual predictions for each of the 38 bowls and the national championship game will be posted Monday, December 15 in College Football Week 17 – CFW Week 17.

Go Navy, Beat Army!

Touchdown Tom
December 12, 2014
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com