College Football Week – Touchdown Tom’s Bowl Game Preview
It’s the bowl game season

The merry bowls keep playing
May your every team come through
Happy bowl games to you

Your 2016 Bowl Game Preview

Yes, the bowl game season is upon us. Beginning with five games on December 17 and running for 24 days to the national championship game on January 9, there are 41 games – 40 bowls and the title game.

Together, ESPN/ESPN2 and its parent company ABC are carrying 37 of the games (34-ESPN, 3-ABC). CBS/CBSSN is televising two of the games, while Fox is carrying one game. Only the Arizona Bowl on December 30 is not being televised by a national network.

Among the Power 5 conferences, the SEC has the most bowl teams with 12 (86% of its teams). The ACC has 11 teams (79%) and the Big Ten has 10 teams (71%). The Big 12 (60%) and the Pac-12 (50%) each have six teams in bowls.

Among the Group of 5 conferences, three have 7 teams playing in bowls – the AAC (58%), C-USA (54%) and the MWC (58%). The MAC (50%) and the Sun Belt (55%) each qualified six teams.

There are two Independents in the bowls – Army and BYU.

Of the 80 bowl spots, 77 teams qualified with a .500 record or better. To fill the remaining three spots, the three teams with the best records below .500 were selected based on their having the highest APR (Academic Progress Rate) – player graduation rate. Those teams were Hawaii (6-7), Mississippi State (5-7) and North Texas (5-7).

Now that you know more than you ever wanted to know about the holiday bowl season, let’s take a look at each of the 41 games so you’ll know even more.

The first of the five games on December 17 is the New Mexico Bowl from Albuquerque, featuring Texas-San Antonio (6-6) of C-USA against New Mexico (8-4) from the MWC. New Mexico is a 7-point favorite. This is the bowl that is sponsored by Blake Shelton’s underwear. So if you don’t want to see Blake in his underwear, I suggest you skip this game or tape it and fast forward through the commercials. UTSA was a surprise team this season, under first-year coach Frank Wilson. Picked to finish next to last in the West Division of C-USA, the Roadrunners finished second. UTSA’s best wins were over Southern Miss, 55-32, and Middle Tennessee, 45-25. New Mexico was a surprise as well. The Lobos were picked to finish next to last in the Mountain Division of the MWC. Instead, they finished in a three-way tie with Wyoming and Boise State for the Division title. New Mexico is coached by Bob Davie in his fifth season. Yes, the same Bob Davie who used to coach Notre Dame and was an analyst/commentator on ESPN. The Lobos are first in the country in rushing yards, averaging 361 a game. They are 22nd in scoring, averaging 38 points a game. New Mexico’s best win was over Air Force, 45-40. The Lobos won 6 of their last 7 games.

Next up on December 17 is the Las Vegas Bowl, matching San Diego State (10-3) from the MWC against Houston (9-3) of the AAC. Houston is a 3-point favorite. This is the first bowl featuring two quality teams. San Diego State won the MWC championship and Houston was ranked in the Top 25 throughout much of the season. The Aztecs have one of the best running backs in the country – senior Donnel Pumphrey. He rushed for 2,018 yards in 2016. San Diego State is coached by Rocky Long in his 6th season. The Aztecs were 7th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 273 a game, and 11th in the country in rushing defense, holding opponents to 112 yards a game. San Diego State’s best wins were over California, 45-40, and Wyoming, 27-24. Earlier in the season, many thought Houston would be in the Cotton Bowl. But the Cougars unexpectedly lost a few games. Houston will be coached by an interim coach in the bowl. The Cougars’ coach – Tom Herman – was recently hired as the new coach at Texas. Houston quarterback senior Greg Ward passed for 3,328 yards this season. The Cougars were 15th in passing yards – 302 yards a game, and 3rd in rushing defensive, holding opponents to 98 yards a game. Houston’s best wins were over Oklahoma, 33-23, Tulsa, 38-31, UCF, 31-24, and Louisville, 36-10. The Cougars began the season 5-0, then lost 3 of their final 7 games.

The third game on December 17 is the Camellia Bowl from Montgomery, Alabama, featuring Toledo (9-3) from the MAC against Appalachian State (9-3) of the Sun Belt. Toledo is a 1-point favorite. Toledo finished second in the MAC West Division. The Rockets’ quarterback junior Logan Woodside passed for 3,882 yards this season. Toledo senior running back Kareem Hunt rushed for 1,355 yards. Toledo was 4th in the country in total yards, averaging 530 a game, and 8th in the country in passing yards, averaging 329 per game. The Rockets’ best wins were over Arkansas State, 31-10, Eastern Michigan, 35-20 and Central Michigan, 31-17. Appalachian State tied with Arkansas State as the co-champions of the Sun Belt Conference. App State has a top-notch running back in sophomore Jalin Moore. He rushed for 1,367 yards this season. The Little Mountaineers were 14th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 247 a game, and 7th in points allowed, holding opponents to 17 points per game. Appalachian State had good wins over Old Dominion, 31-7, Louisiana-Lafayette, 24-0, and Idaho, 37-19. The Lil’ Mountaineers lost a close one to Tennessee, 20-13 (OT).

The next to last game on December 17 is the Cure Bowl from Orlando, matching home-town school UCF (6-6) of the AAC against Arkansas State (7-5) from the Sun Belt. UCF is a 6-point favorite. UCF, under first-year coach Scott Frost, was a surprise team in 2016. The Knights were picked to finish last in the AAC East Division. They finished third. The UCF defense was 29th in the nation in pass defense, holding opponents to 200 yards a game. Arkansas State got off to a rough start this season. The Red Wolves lost their first four games. Then they won six in a row and seven of their last eight games. Arkansas State was 24th in the country in points allowed, holding opponents to 22 points a game. The Red Wolves were co-champions of the Sun Belt Conference. Arkansas State had good wins over South Alabama, 17-7, and Troy, 35-3.

The fifth and last game on December 17 is the New Orleans Bowl, featuring Southern Miss (6-6) of C-USA against Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6) from the Sun Belt. Southern Miss is a 3-point favorite. Southern Miss is led by senior quarterback Nick Mullens who passed for 2,926 yards this season. The Eagles also have a talented running back in junior Ito Smith. He rushed for 1,321 yards. The Eagles were 23rd in the country in passing yards, averaging 294 per game, and 11th in passing defense, holding opponents to 182 yards per game. Southern Miss’ best wins were the first and last games of the season. In the opener, the Eagles beat Kentucky, 44-35, and in the finale, Southern Miss beat Louisiana Tech, 39-24. The Eagles began the season 4-1, then lost 5 of their final 7 games. Louisiana-Lafayette was 24th in the country in rushing defense, holding opponents to 127 yards a game. The Ragin’ Cajuns best wins were over South Alabama, 28-23, and Arkansas State, 24-19.

Two days later, on December 19, Tulsa (9-3) of the AAC plays Central Michigan (6-6) from the MAC in the Miami Beach Bowl. Tulsa is a 12-point favorite. Tulsa has an outstanding running back in senior James Flanders and an outstanding quarterback in senior Dane Evans. During the season, Flanders rushed for 1,529 yards and Evans passed for 3,044 yards. The Golden Hurricanes were 6th in the nation in total yards – 523 per game, 8th in rushing yards – 262 per game and 11th in scoring – 41 points per game. Tulsa’s best wins were over Memphis, 59-30, and UCF, 35-20. Central Michigan has an outstanding quarterback in senior Cooper Rush. He passed for 3,292 yards this season. The Chippewas are 26th in the country in passing, averaging 276 yards per game. CMU’s best wins were over Oklahoma State, 30-27, and Ohio, 27-20.

The following day, December 20, Memphis (8-4) from the AAC meets Western Kentucky (10-3) of C-USA in the Boca Raton Bowl. Western Kentucky is a 5-point favorite. This should be an outstanding game with two high-powered offenses. Memphis, under first-year coach Mike Norvell, had another good year. The Tigers have an exceptional quarterback in junior Riley Ferguson. He passed for 3,326 yards this season. Memphis was 17th in the nation in points scored – 40 per game, and 20th in passing yards – 295 per game. The Tigers’ best wins were over Temple, 34-27, and Houston, 48-44. Western Kentucky won the Conference-USA title. The Hilltoppers’ coach – Jeff Brohm – was just hired by Purdue this week. WKU has a talented running back and quarterback. Senior Anthony Wales rushed for 1,376 yards and junior Mike White passed for 4,027 yards. The Hilltoppers are 2nd in the country in points scored, averaging 45 per game, 5th in passing yards, averaging 337 per game and 7th in total yards, with 517 per game. On defense, WKU is 4th in the country in rushing yards, holding its opponents to 99 yards per game. The Hilltoppers come into the bowl riding a 7-game winning streak.

The next day, December 21, is the Poinsettia Bowl from San Diego, matching BYU (8-4) an Independent against Wyoming (8-5) of the MWC. BYU is an 8-point favorite. On defense, BYU is 8th in the nation in rushing yards, holding opponents to 108 yards per game. Playing under first-year coach Kalani Sitake, the Cougars had good wins over Arizona, 18-16, Toledo, 55-53, Michigan State, 31-14, and Mississippi State, 28-21. BYU began the season 1-3, then won 7 of its last 8 games. Wyoming won the Mountain Division of the MWC, losing to San Diego State in the conference championship game. The Cowboys were one of the surprise teams of 2016. Wyoming has a good running back in junior Brian Hill. He rushed for 1,767 yards this season. The Cowboys were 24th in the country in points scored, averaging 37 points a game. Under third-year coach Craig Bohl, Wyoming had good wins over Colorado State, 38-17, Air Force, 35-26, Boise State, 30-28, and San Diego State, 34-33.

Next up, on December 22, is the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl from Boise, featuring Colorado State (7-5) of the MWC against Idaho (8-4) from the Sun Belt. Colorado State is a 13-point favorite. On defense, Colorado State is 21st in the country in passing, holding opponents to 191 yards per game. Under second-year coach Mike Bobo, the Rams had good wins over UTSA, 23-14, New Mexico, 49-31, and San Diego State, 63-31. Colorado State’s offense came alive at the end of the season, averaging 47 points a game in its last five games. The Rams won four of those five games. Idaho was a surprise team in 2016. The Vandals finished third in the Sun Belt Conference. They have a good quarterback in junior Matt Linehan. Idaho’s best wins were over Louisiana-Lafayette, 23-13, and South Alabama, 38-31. The Vandals come into the bowl riding a 4-game winning streak.

The first of three bowls on December 23 is the Bahamas Bowl from Nassau, pitting Eastern Michigan (7-5) of the MAC against Old Dominion (9-3) from C-USA. Old Dominion is a 4-point favorite. Eastern Michigan was a surprise team of 2016. The Eagles have an exceptional quarterback in junior Brogan Roback. He passed for 2,394 yards during the season. EMU’s strong point is its passing offense. The Eagles were 17th in the nation in passing yards, averaging 296 yards a game. EMU’s best wins were over Wyoming, 27-24, Ohio, 27-20, and Central Michigan, 26-21. Old Dominion was also one of the surprise teams of the season. The Monarchs have a good running back in junior Ray Lawry. He rushed for 1,122 yards during the season. ODU was 27th in the country in points scored, averaging 36 points a game. The Monarchs best wins were over UTSA, 33-19, and Southern Miss, 51-35. ODU comes into the bowl riding a 5-game winning streak.

On December 23, Navy (9-3) from the AAC plays Louisiana Tech (8-5) of C-USA in the Armed Forces Bowl from Fort Worth. Navy is a 1-point favorite. Navy won the West Division of the AAC and then lost to Temple in the conference championship game. On offense, the Middies were 3rd in the nation in rushing yards, averaging 328 per game and 18th in points scored – 39 per game. Navy had good wins over Houston, 46-40, Memphis, 42-28, Notre Dame, 28-27, and Tulsa, 42-40. Louisiana Tech won the West Division of C-USA, then lost to Western Kentucky in the conference title game. The Bulldogs have an outstanding quarterback in senior Ryan Higgins. He passed for 4,208 yards this season. On offense, Louisiana Tech is 3rd in the nation in passing yards – 360 per game, 5th in points scored – 44 per game and 8th in total yards, averaging 516 a game. Under fourth-year coach Skip Holtz, the Bulldogs had quality wins over Western Kentucky, 55-52, North Texas, 45-24, and UTSA, 63-35.

The third and last bowl on December 23 is the Dollar General Bowl from Mobile, Alabama, between Troy (9-3) of the Sun Belt and Ohio (8-5) from the MAC. Troy is a 3-point favorite. Troy has talent at running back and quarterback. Junior running back Jordan Chunn rushed for 1,232 yards this season, and junior quarterback Brandon Silvers passed for 2,951 yards. On defense, the Trojans are 18th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 124 per game and 22nd in points allowed – 22 per game. Troy’s best wins were over Southern Miss, 37-31, Idaho, 34-13, South Alabama, 28-21, and Appalachian State, 28-24. Ohio is very weak on offense, but talented on defense. The Bobcats are 6th in the nation in rushing yards allowed – 106 per game and 26th in points allowed – 22 per game. Ohio’s best wins are over Miami (Ohio), 17-7, and Toledo, 31-26.

On Christmas Eve, Middle Tennessee (8-4) of C-USA meets Hawaii (6-7) from the MWC in the Hawaii Bowl from Honolulu. The odds makers don’t have a favorite in this game – you pick ’em. Middle Tennessee is 10th in the country in total yards – 515 per game and 12th in passing yards – 317 per game. But the Blue Raiders are atrocious on defense. Middle Tennessee’s had good wins over Louisiana Tech, 38-34, North Texas, 30-13, and Missouri, 51-45. Hawaii was a surprise team in 2016. The Warriors finished second in the West Division of the MWC. Under first-year coach Nick Rolovich, Hawaii’s best win was over Air Force, 34-27.

In the first of three games the day after Christmas, Mississippi State (5-7) from the SEC takes on Miami (Ohio) of the MAC in the St. Petersburg Bowl from St. Petersburg, Florida. Mississippi State is a 12-point favorite. Thanks to a good APR, Mississippi State unexpectedly found itself in a bowl game. The Bulldogs are weak on defense, but on offense, they did finish the season 24th in rushing yards, averaging 234 yards a game. Miss State had good wins over South Carolina, 27-14, Texas A&M, 35-28, and Ole Miss, 55-20. The Bulldogs came on strong at the end of the season under sophomore quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Miami was a surprise team in 2016. The RedHawks had been picked to finish last in the East Division of the MAC. They finished second. Miami is stronger on defense than on offense. The RedHawks began the season 0-6 and ended it, 6-0. Miami had good wins over Eastern Michigan, 28-15, and Central Michigan, 37-17.

In the second game, Boston College (6-6) of the ACC meets Maryland (6-6) from the Big Ten in the Quick Lane Bowl from Detroit. Maryland is a 3-point favorite. Boston College finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division of the ACC, but still managed to win six games. The Eagles are bad on offense, but strong on defense. Boston College was 7th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 107 per game and 8th in total yards allowed – 310 a game. The Eagles two best wins were over NC State, 21-14, and Wake Forest, 17-14. Maryland is bad on offense and defense. The Terrapins won their first four games, but then lost six of their last eight games. Maryland’s best wins were over UCF, 30-24 (2OT), and Michigan State, 28-17.

The final game on December 26 is the Independence Bowl from Shreveport, Louisiana, matching NC State (6-6) of the ACC against Vanderbilt (6-6) from the SEC. NC State is a 4-point favorite. On defense, NC State is 5th in the country in rushing yards, holding opponents to 105 yards per game. The Wolfpack had good wins over Old Dominion, 49-22, Wake Forest, 33-16, Notre Dame, 10-3, and, best of all, North Carolina, 28-21. Vanderbilt was a bit of a surprise in 2016, finishing 6-6. The Commodores play better defense than offense. But sophomore quarterback Kyle Shurmur came on strong at the end of the season. Vandy had several good wins over Middle Tennessee, 47-24, Western Kentucky, 31-30, Georgia, 17-16, Ole Miss, 38-17, and Tennessee, 45-34. The win over Tennessee knocked the Vols out of the Sugar Bowl.

The first of four games on December 27 is the Heart of Dallas Bowl, pitting North Texas (5-7) of C-USA against Army (6-5) an Independent. Army is a 9-point favorite. This is a strange bowl, because the two teams met during the regular season. North Texas won that game 35-18. There’s not much you can say about North Texas on offense or defense. The Mean Green are bad at both. North Texas lost four if its last five games. In addition to beating Army, the Mean Green’s only other good win was over Southern Miss, 29-23. Surprisingly, Army has a few amazing figures. The Cadets are 2nd in the nation in rushing yards – 327 per game. On defense, Army is 5th in total yards given up – holding opponents to 290 a game, and 6th in passing defense, holding opponents to 165 yards per game. The Cadets have a solid quarterback in junior Ahmad Bradshaw. Army has lost 5 of its last 8 games. The Cadets play Navy tomorrow. Army’s best win was its first game of the season. The Cadets beat Temple, 28-13. Army’s only other good win was over Wake Forest, 21-13.

Next on December 27 is the Military Bowl from Annapolis, Maryland, between Wake Forest (6-6) from the ACC and Temple (10-3) of the AAC. Temple is a 13-point favorite. Temple really deserves a better opponent than Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons are awful on offense. On defense, Wake Forest is 21st in the nation in points allowed – 22 per game. The Deacons actually began 4-0 and then lost 6 of their last 8 games. Wake’s best win is over Indiana, 33-28. Temple won the AAC conference championship. The Owls’ coach, Matt Rhule, was just named the new head coach at Baylor. The Owls have an excellent quarterback in senior P.J. Walker. He passed for 2,899 yards during the season. The Owls strength is its defense. They are 2nd in the nation in passing yards allowed – 145 per game; 3rd in the nation in total yards allowed – 276 per game, and 8th in points allowed – 17 per game. Temple’s best win are over UCF, 26-25, South Florida, 46-30, and Navy, 34-10. The Owls come into the bowl on a 7-game winning streak.

The third game on December 27 is the Holiday Bowl from San Diego, matching Minnesota (8-4) from the Big Ten against Washington State (8-4) of the Pac-12. Washington State is a 7-point favorite. Minnesota is pretty weak on offense, but the Gophers have some strength on defense. They were 19th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 124 per game and 23rd in total yards allowed – 353 per game. Minnesota’s best wins are over Colorado State, 31-24, Maryland, 31-10, and Northwestern, 29-12. The Gophers won 5 of their last 7 games. Washington State has a strong passer at quarterback in junior Luke Falk. He threw for 4,204 yards this year. The Cougars can kill you on offense. They were 2nd in the nation in passing yards, averaging 371 per game; 14th in points scored – 40 per game, and 15th in total yards – 499 per game. Washington State lost its first two games, won eight straight and then lost its last two games. The Cougars’ best wins are over Idaho, 56-6, Oregon, 51-33, Stanford, 42-16, and California, 56-21.

The last game on December 27 is the Cactus Bowl from Phoenix, Arizona, where Baylor (6-6) of the Big 12 plays Boise State (10-2) from the MWC. Boise State is a 7-point favorite. On offense, Baylor is 5th in the country in total yards – 523 per game and 12th in rushing yards – 250 per game. The Bears won their first six games and then lost their last six games. Baylor’s only good win was over Oklahoma State, 35-24. Boise State has three outstanding players on offense – sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien, junior running back Jeremy McNichols and senior receiver Thomas Sperbeck. Rypien passed for 3,341 yards. McNichols rushed for 1,663 yards and Sperbeck had 1,193 yards receiving. The Broncos are pretty good on defense, but better on offense. They were 16th in the nation in passing yards, averaging 298 yards a game and 20th in total yards, averaging 480 per game. Boise State began the season winning its first 7 games. The Broncos have good wins over Louisiana-Lafayette, 45-10, Washington State, 31-28, New Mexico, 49-21, Colorado State, 28-23, BYU, 28-27, and Hawaii, 52-16.

There are four more games on December 28. First up is the Pinstripe Bowl from New York City, where Pitt (8-4) of the ACC goes up against Northwestern (6-6) from the Big Ten. Pitt is a 4-point favorite. The Panthers have a solid running back in junior James Conner. He rushed for 1,060 yards this year. On offense, Pitt is 10th in the country in points scored, averaging 42 points a game and 26th in rushing yards, with 230 per game. On defense, the Panthers are 9th in rushing yards allowed – 109 per game. Pitt is the only team to beat Clemson, 43-42, this season and one of the only two teams that beat Penn State, 42-39. Other good wins for the Panthers were over Georgia Tech, 37-34, and Duke, 56-14. Northwestern has a good running back in junior Justin Jackson. He rushed for 1,300 yards this season. But, in general, the Wildcats were weak on offense. On defense, Northwestern was 22nd in the nation in points allowed – 22 per game. The Wildcats’ best wins were over Iowa, 38-31, and Indiana, 24-14.

Also on December 28 is the Russell Athletic Bowl from Orlando, matching Miami (Florida) (8-4) from the ACC against West Virginia (10-2) of the Big 12. Miami is a 4-point favorite. Miami, under first-year coach Mark Richt, finished tied for second in the Coastal Division of the ACC. The Hurricanes are led by outstanding quarterback junior Brad Kaaya. He passed for 3,250 yards this season. On defense, Miami is 13th in points allowed – 19 per game and 26th in total yards allowed – 354 per game. The Canes won their first four games, lost their next four and finished up winning their last four games. Miami had good wins over Appalachian State, 45-10, Georgia Tech, 35-21, Pitt, 51-28, and NC State, 27-13. West Virginia finished tied for second in the Big 12 Conference. The Mountaineers are led by senior quarterback Skyler Howard and junior running back Justin Crawford. Howard passed for 3,194 yards and Crawford rushed for 1,168 yards. On offense, WVU is 12th in the nation in total yards – 507 per game and 19th in rushing yards at 240 per game. The Mounties began the season at 6-0. WVU’s best wins were over BYU, 35-32, Kansas State, 17-16, TCU, 34-10, and Baylor, 24-21.

The third game on December 28 is the Foster Farms Bowl from Santa Clara, California, between Indiana (6-6) of the Big Ten and Utah (8-4) from the Pac-12. Utah is an 8-point favorite. Indiana dumped its coach last week. The Hoosiers defensive coordinator – Tom Allen – was named the new head coach. Indiana was so-so on offense and defense. The strongest point was passing yards on offense – 25th in the country. The Hoosiers averaged 278 yards a game passing. Indiana’s best wins were over Michigan State, 24-21, and Maryland, 42-36. Utah has a strong running back in senior Joe Williams. He rushed for 1,185 yards this season. The Utes are fair on offense and defense. They were best at rushing defense where they were 25th in the country. Utah held opponents to 129 yards per game rushing. The Utes began the season 4-0 and then lost 4 of their last 8 games. Utah’s best wins were over BYU, 201-9, and USC, 31-27.

The last game on December 28 is the Texas Bowl from Houston, between Kansas State (8-4) from the Big 12 and Texas A&M (8-4) of the SEC. Texas A&M is a 2-point favorite. Kansas State is led by junior quarterback Jesse Ertz. Kansas State is a better team on defense than on offense. The Wildcats were 12th in the nation in rushing yards allowed – 114 per game and 20th in points allowed – 22 per game. On offense, K-State was 25th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 233 yards a game. The Wildcats best wins were over Baylor, 42-21, and TCU, 30-6. Although Texas A&M finished 8-4, it was really a disappointing season for the Aggies. They were fourth in the SEC West Division. Texas A&M is led by senior quarterback Trevor Knight. The Aggies got off to a great start. They won their first 6 games. Then they lost 4 of their last 6 games. A&M’s best wins were over Auburn, 29-16, Arkansas, 45-24, South Carolina, 24-13, Tennessee, 45-38, and UTSA, 23-10.

December 29 begins with the Birmingham Bowl between South Florida (10-2) from the AAC and South Carolina (6-6) of the SEC. South Florida is an 11-point favorite. South Florida had an amazing season. The Bulls are led by their junior quarterback – Quinton Flowers – who led the team in passing and rushing – 2,546 yards passing and 1,425 yards rushing. South Florida is very strong on offense. The Bulls are 5th in the country in rushing yards – 292 per game; 7th in points scored – 44 per game, and 9th in total yards – 515 per game. The defense is rather weak. The Bulls best wins were over Navy, 52-45, Memphis, 49-42 and UCF, 48-31. South Florida comes into the bowl on a 4-game winning streak. At the beginning of the season, no one expected South Carolina, under first-year coach Will Muschamp, to be in a bowl game. But here they are. The Gamecocks had one of the worst offenses in the country. They are somewhat better on defense. Halfway through the season, South Carolina was 2-4. Then the Gamecocks won 4 of their last 6 games. Their best win was over Tennessee, 24-21.

Next up on December 29 is the Belk Bowl from Charlotte, North Carolina, matching Virginia Tech (9-4) of the ACC and Arkansas (7-5) from the SEC. Virginia Tech is a 7-point favorite. Virginia Tech, under first-year coach Justin Fuente, had an amazing season. The Hokies won the Coastal Division of the ACC and barely lost to Clemson in the ACC title game. Virginia Tech is led by junior quarterback Jerod Evans who passed for 3,309 yards this season. The Hokies are good on offense and defense, but better on defense. They were 19th in the country in total yards allowed – 343 per game and 23rd in passing yards allowed – 194 per game. Virginia Tech had good wins over Boston College, 49-0, North Carolina, 34-3, Miami (Florida), 37-16, and Pitt, 39-36. Arkansas was a bit of a disappointment in 2016. The Razorbacks have an excellent running back in sophomore Rawleigh Williams. He rushed for 1,326 yards this year. Arkansas was fair on offense and bad on defense. The Hogs scored an average of 31 points a game on offense, but gave up an average of 31 points a game on defense. Arkansas had good wins over Louisiana Tech, 21-20, TCU, 41-38, Florida, 31-10, and Mississippi State, 58-42.

The final game on December 29 is the Alamo Bowl from San Antonio, Texas, pitting Oklahoma State (9-3) from the Big 12 against Colorado (10-3) of the Pac-12. Colorado is a 3-ppoint favorite. Oklahoma State has an outstanding quarterback in junior Mason Rudolph. He passed for 3,777 yards this season. The Cowboys have a good offense and a bad defense. On offense, they were 9th in the country in passing yards – 323 per game, 17th in total yards – 492 per game and 20th in points scored, averaging 39 points a game. Okie State had good wins over Pitt, 45-38, West Virginia, 37-20, Kansas State, 43-37, and TCU, 31-6. The Cowboys won 7 of their last 8 games. Colorado was the biggest surprise team of all in 2016. Picked to finish last in the South Division of the Pac-12, the Buffaloes won the Division. They are led by senior quarterback Sefo Liufau and junior running back Phillip Lindsay. Lindsay rushed for 1,189 yards. Colorado is good on offense, but very good on defense. The Buffs were 12th in the nation in passing yards allowed – 182 per game, 16th in total yards allowed – 328 per game and 18th in points allowed – 21 points a game. Colorado’s best wins are over Colorado State, 44-7, Oregon, 41-38, Stanford, 10-5, Washington State, 38-24, and Utah, 27-22. The Buffs finished the season winning 6 of their last 7 games.

The first of five games on December 30 is the Liberty Bowl from Memphis, matching TCU (6-6) of the Big 12 against Georgia (7-5) from the SEC. The odds makers don’t have a favorite in this game. It’s a you pick ’em. TCU has a good quarterback in junior Kenny Hill who passed for 3,062 yards this season. On offense, the Horned Frogs were 23rd in the nation in total yards, averaging 475 yards a game and 24th in passing yards, averaging 278 yards a game. TCU was weak on defense which is unusual for a Gary Patterson coached team. The Frogs won 4 of their first 6 games. Then they lost 4 of their last 6 games. TCU’s best win was over Baylor, 62-22. Georgia, under first-year coach Kirby Smart in 2016, was lousy on offense and good on defense. The Bulldogs were 17th in the nation in total yards allowed – 328 per game and 18th in passing yards allowed – 187 per game. After 8 games into the season, Georgia was 4-4. Then the Dawgs won 3 of their last 4 games. Georgia’s best wins were over North Carolina, 33-24, South Carolina, 28-14, Kentucky, 27-24, Auburn, 13-7 and Louisiana-Lafayette, 35-21.

Up next is the Sun Bowl out of El Paso, Texas, featuring North Carolina (8-4) from the ACC against Stanford (9-3) of the Pac-12. Stanford is a 4-point favorite. North Carolina is led by junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky who passed for 3,468 yards this season. On offense, the Tar Heels were 22nd in the country in passing yards, averaging 294 per game. On defense, they were 16th in the country in passing yards allowed – 186 per game. North Carolina’s had good wins over Pitt, 37-36, Florida State, 37-35, Miami (Florida), 20-13, and Georgia Tech, 48-20. Stanford is led by junior running back Christian McCaffrey, who rushed for 1,603 yards this year. The Cardinal were fair-to-midland on offense and defense. Stanford was 17th in the country in points allowed – 20 points per game. Stanford’s best wins were over Kansas State, 26-13, USC, 27-10, Notre Dame, 17-10, Oregon, 52-27, and California, 45-31. The Cardinal come into the bowl game on a 5-game winning streak.

The third game on December 30 is the Music City Bowl from Nashville, between Tennessee (8-4) of the SEC and Nebraska (9-3) from the Big Ten. Tennessee is a 3-point favorite. Tennessee is led by senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs who leads the team in rushing and passing. The Vols were average on offense and terrible on defense. On offense Tennessee is 26th in the nation in points scored, averaging 36 points a game. The Vols began the season 5-0. Then they lost 4 of their last 7 games. Tennessee’s best wins were over Appalachian State, 20-13 (OT), Virginia Tech, 45-24, Ohio, 28-19, Florida, 38-28, Georgia, 34-31, and Kentucky, 49-36. Nebraska had a good season, but the Huskers were terrible on offense. On the bright side, Nebraska played good defense. The Huskers were 21st in the country in total yards allowed – 351 per game. They also held their opponents to 23 points a game. Nebraska began the season 7-0. Then the Huskers lost 3 of their last 5 games. Nebraska’s best wins were over Oregon, 35-32, Northwestern, 24-13, Indiana, 27-22, Minnesota, 24-17, and Maryland, 28-7.

The next to last game on December 30 is the Arizona Bowl from Tucson, matching South Alabama (6-6) of the Sun Belt against Air Force (9-3) from the MWC. Air Force is a 12-point favorite. Air Force deserved a better opponent than South Alabama in a bowl game, but such is life. South Alabama is atrocious on offense, but the Jaguars have one bright spot on defense. They are 8th in the nation in passing yards allowed – 172 per game. South Alabama did have two good wins this season. The Jaguars beat Mississippi State, 21-20, and San Diego State, 42-24. Air Force had an interesting season. The Falcons won their first 4 games, lost their next 3 games and won their last 5 games. On offense, Air Force is 4th in the country in rushing yards – 323 per game. On defense the Falcons are 14th in the nation in rushing yards allowed – 118 per game. Air force had good wins over Navy, 28-14, Army, 31-12, Colorado State, 49-46, and Boise State, 27-20.

The final game on December 30 is the Orange Bowl from Miami Gardens, Florida, between Florida State (9-3) from the ACC and Michigan (10-2) of the Big Ten. Michigan is a 7-point favorite. Florida State was a disappointment in 2016, finishing third in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. The Seminoles have an outstanding running back and quarterback. Junior Dalvin Cook rushed for 1,620 yards this season and freshman Deondre Francois passed for 3,128 yards. On offense, FSU was 25th in the country in total yards, averaging 474 yards a game. On defense, the Noles were 27th in rushing yards allowed – 131 a game. FSU’s best wins were over South Florida, 55-35, Miami (Florida), 20-19, Wake Forest, 17-6, NC State, 24-20, Boston College, 45-7, and Florida, 31-13. Michigan is led by multi-talented player Jabrill Peppers, a sophomore. The Wolverines are tough on defense – not so tough on offense. On defense, Michigan is 1st in the nation in passing yards allowed – 136 per game, 2nd in total yards allowed – 253 per game, 2nd in points allowed – 13 per game, and 13th in rushing yards allowed – 117 per game. On offense, the Wolverines are 12th in the country in points scored – 41 per game. Michigan had good wins over UCF, 51-14, Colorado, 45-28, Penn State, 49-10, Wisconsin, 14-7, Maryland, 59-3, and Indiana, 20-10.

The first of four games on New Year’s Eve is the Citrus Bowl from Orlando, featuring LSU (7-4) from the SEC against Louisville (9-3) of the ACC. LSU is a 3-point favorite. Some thought LSU would win the SEC this season, but the Tigers fell short of that. The leading rusher for LSU is sophomore Derrius Guice – 1,249 yards. The Tigers are potent on defense. They were 6th in the nation in points allowed – 16 per game, 13th in total yards allowed – 323 per game and 16th in rushing yards allowed – 122 per game. On offense, LSU was 20th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 238 a game. The Tigers best wins were over Mississippi State, 23-20, Southern Miss, 45-10, Arkansas, 38-10 and Texas A&M, 54-39. Louisville is led by Heisman Trophy favorite, sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson. He led the Cardinals in both rushing (1,538 yards) and passing (3,390 yards). Louisville was very impressive on offense. The Cardinals were 1st in the country in points scored – 45 per game, second in total yards – 559 per game, 10th in rushing yards – 257 per game and 14th in passing yards – 302 per game. On defense, Louisville was 10th in the nation in rushing yards allowed – 110 per game and 11th in total yards allowed – 316 per game. After 10 games this season, Louisville was 9-1. Then the Cardinals lost their last two games. Louisville’s best wins were over Florida State, 63-20, NC State, 54-13, Boston College, 52-7, and Wake Forest, 44-12.

Alongside the Citrus Bowl is the TaxSlayer Bowl from Jacksonville, Florida, with Kentucky (7-5) of the SEC playing Georgia Tech (8-4) from the ACC. Georgia Tech is a 3-point favorite. Kentucky quarterback junior Stephen Johnson came on strong in the season finale against Louisville. On offense, the Wildcats are 15th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 244 per game. Kentucky can be pretty sloppy on defense. Kentucky’s best wins were over South Carolina, 17-10, Vanderbilt, 20-13, Mississippi State, 40-38, and Louisville, 41-38. Georgia Tech was 11th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 254 yards a game. The Yellow Jackets won their first 3 games and their last 3 games. In between, they were 2-4. Georgia Tech had good wins over Boston College, 17-14, Vanderbilt, 38-7, Virginia Tech, 30-20, and Georgia, 28-27.

Next up on December 31 is the first of the two playoff games. Alabama (13-0) of the SEC plays Washington (12-1) from the Pac-12 in the Peach Bowl from Atlanta. Alabama is a whopping 15-point favorite. Alabama is led by freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts. He passed for 2,563 yards in 2016. The Crimson Tide is overwhelming on defense. Bama is 1st in total yards allowed – 248 per game, 1st in rushing yards allowed – 64 per game, 1st in points allowed – 12 per game and 14th in passing yards allowed – 185 per game. On offense, the Tide is 13th in rushing yards – 247 per game and 13th in points scored – 41 per game. Alabama had good wins over USC, 52-6, Western Kentucky, 38-10, Kentucky, 34-6, Arkansas, 49-30, Tennessee, 49-10, Texas A&M, 33-14, LSU, 10-0, Mississippi State, 51-3, Auburn, 30-12, and Florida, 54-16. That’s quite a resume. Washington had an impressive season too. The Huskies are led by sophomore running back Myles Gaskin and sophomore quarterback Jake Browning. Gaskins rushed for 1,339 yards and Browning passed for 3,280. The Huskies can play some defense too. They are 9th in points allowed – 17 per game, 10th in total yards allowed – 316 per game, 17th in rushing yards allowed – 124 per game and 22nd in passing yards allowed – 193 per game. On offense, Washington was 4th in points scored – 45 per game and 22nd in total yards – 477 per game. The Huskies’ best wins were over Stanford, 44-6, Oregon, 70-21, Utah, 31-24, Washington State, 45-17, and Colorado, 41-10.

The second playoff game and last game on New Year’s Eve is the Fiesta Bowl from Glendale, Arizona, between Ohio State (11-1) from the Big Ten and Clemson (12-1) of the ACC. Ohio State is a 3-point favorite. Ohio State is led by its junior quarterback J.T. Barrett, who is known as a better runner than a passer. The Buckeyes are good on offense and defense. On offense they are 9th in the nation in rushing yards – 258 per game and 9th in points scored – 43 per game. On defense, Ohio State is 3rd in points allowed – 14 a game, 4th in total yards allowed – 286 per game, 5th in passing yards allowed – 165 per game and 15th in rushing yards allowed – 122 per game. The Buckeyes have good wins over Tulsa, 48-3, Oklahoma, 45-24, Indiana, 38-17, Wisconsin, 30-23, Northwestern, 24-20, Nebraska, 62-3, Maryland, 62-3, and Michigan, 30-27 (2OT). Clemson won the ACC championship. The Tigers have a talented and Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback in junior Deshaun Watson and a top running back in junior Wayne Gallman. Watson passed for 3,914 yards in 2016 and Gallman rushed for 1,002 yards. Like Ohio State, Clemson is good on offense, but excellent on defense. On offense, the Tigers are 7th in passing yards, averaging 333 per game, 13th in total yards, averaging 506 per game and 15th in points scored, averaging 40 points a game. On defense, they are 9th in total yards allowed – 314 per game, 12th in points allowed – 18 a game, 19th in passing yards allowed – 188 per game and 22nd in rushing yards allowed – 126 per game. Clemson has good wins over Auburn, 19-13, Troy, 30-24, Georgia Tech, 26-7, Louisville, 42-36, Boston College, 56-10, NC State, 24-17 (OT), Florida State, 37-34, Wake Forest, 35-13, South Carolina, 56-7, and Virginia Tech, 42-35.

After a break in action on January 1, the games resume on January 2. First up is the Outback Bowl from Tampa, pitting Iowa (8-4) of the Big Ten against Florida (8-4) from the SEC. Florida is a 2-point favorite. Iowa finished tied for second in the West Division of the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes are weak on offense, but stable on defense. Defensively, Iowa is 11th in the country in points allowed – 18 a game and 24th in total yards allowed – 353 per game. Iowa’s best wins were over Miami (Ohio), 45-21, Minnesota, 14-7, Michigan, 14-13, and Nebraska, 40-10. The Hawkeyes come into the bowl game on 3-game winning streak. Florida won the East Division of the SEC. The Gators are one of the worst teams in the country on offense. Their only strength on offense is sophomore field goal kicker Eddy Pineiro. Florida is decent on defense. The Gators are 3rd in the country in passing yards allowed – 156 per game, 6th in total yards allowed – 299 per game and 10th in points allowed – 18 per game. Florida has good wins over Kentucky, 45-7, North Texas, 32-0, Vanderbilt, 13-6, Georgia, 24-10, South Carolina, 20-7, and LSU, 16-10.

The second game on January 2 is the Cotton Bowl from Arlington, Texas, between Western Michigan (13-0) from the MAC and Wisconsin (10-3) of the Big Ten. Wisconsin is a 7-point favorite. Western Michigan is the darlings of the Group of 5. Under coach P.J. Fleck, the Broncos are the champions of the Mid-American Conference. They have an exceptional quarterback in senior Zach Terrell and a top running back in junior Jarvion Franklin. Terrell passed for 3,376 yards and Franklin rushed for 1,300 yards. On offense, WMU is 8th in points scored – 44 per game, 16th in total yards – 497 per game and 22nd in rushing yards – 237 per game. On defense, the Broncos are 16th in points allowed – 20 per game and 25th in total yards allowed – 353 per game. WMU has good wins over Northwestern, 22-21, Central Michigan, 49-10, Eastern Michigan, 45-31, Toledo, 55-35 and Ohio, 29-23. Wisconsin won the West Division of the Big Ten. Wisconsin is led by its defense and running back Corey Clement. Clement rushed for 1,304 yards in 2016. On defense, the Badgers are 2nd in the country in rushing yards allowed – 97 per game, 4th in points allowed – 16 per game and 7th in total yards allowed – 303 per game. Wisconsin has good wins over LSU, 16-14, Iowa, 17-9, Nebraska, 23-17, Northwestern, 21-7, and Minnesota, 31-17.

The third of four games on January 2 is the Rose Bowl from Pasadena, with Penn State (11-2) of the Big Ten playing USC (9-3) from the Pac-12. USC is a 7-point favorite. Penn State won the Big Ten Conference championship, but failed to make the playoffs. The Nittany Lions are in good shape in the backfield with sophomore quarterback Trace McSorley and sophomore running back Saquon Barkley. McSorley passed for 3,360 yards and Barkley rushed for 1,302 yards this season. On offense, Penn State ranks 25th in the nation in points scored – 37 per game. On defense, the Lions are 22nd in total yards allowed – 352 per game and 26th in passing yards allowed – 199 per game. Penn State comes into the bowl riding a nine-game winning streak. The Lions have good wins over Temple, 34-27, Minnesota, 29-26, Maryland, 38-14, Ohio State, 24-21, Iowa, 41-14, Indiana, 45-31, and Wisconsin, 38-31. USC is led by freshman quarterback Sam Darnold. He passed for 2,633 yards in 2016. The Trojans are so-so on offense and defense. Their best mark is on defense where USC is 25th in points allowed – 22 per game. After a 1-3 start, the Trojans won their next eight games. They are one of the hottest teams in the country. USC has good wins over Colorado, 21-17, California, 45-24, Oregon, 45-20, and Washington, 26-13.

The very last of the 40 bowl games is the Sugar Bowl from New Orleans, matching Oklahoma (10-2) from the Big 12 against Auburn (8-4) of the SEC. Oklahoma is a 4-point favorite. Oklahoma won the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners are solid in the backfield with senior quarterback Baker Mayfield and running backs sophomore Joe Mixon and junior Samaje Perine. Mayfield passed for 3,669 yards. OU is hurting on defense, but good on offense. They also have an outstanding receiver in senior Dede Westbrook. Offensively, the Sooners are 3rd in the country in total yards – 557 per game, 3rd in points scored – 45 per game, 11th in passing yards – 320 per game and 21st in rushing yards – 238 per game. OU got off to a rough start, winning 1 of 3 games. Then the Sooners went on a roll, winning their last nine games. OU has good wins over TCU, 52-46, Kansas State, 38-17, Baylor, 45-24, West Virginia, 56-28, and Oklahoma State, 38-20. Auburn has a talented runner in sophomore Kamryn Pettway. He rushed for 1,123 yards this season. On defense, the Tigers are 5th in the nation is points allowed – 16 per game, 20th in total yards allowed – 348 per game and 20th in rushing yards allowed – 125 per game. On offense, Auburn is 6th in rushing yards – 279 per game. Like Oklahoma, Auburn also got off to a rough start at 1-2. Then the Tigers won 7 of their next 9 games. Auburn’s best wins are over LSU, 18-13, Mississippi State, 38-14, Arkansas 56-3, and Vanderbilt, 23-16.

And the last of the post-season games is the National Championship game on January 9, from Tampa, featuring the winner of the Peach Bowl (Alabama-Washington) against the winner of the Fiesta Bowl (Ohio State-Clemson). This is the first college football playoff national championship game played in an outdoor stadium. Stay tuned!

That’s your preview of the 40 bowl games and the national championship game. All you need to do now is get plenty of your favorite snacks and beverages, your coziest chair and prepare to watch 41 football games over a span of 24 days.

Touchdown Tom
December 9, 2016
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com