College Football Extra – Touchdown Tom’s Bowl Game Preview
Everybody knows bowl games and
Irish mules help to make the season bright
Football fans with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
And so I’m offering these
Post-season games to kids from
One to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times
Many ways
Happy Bowl games to you
Your 2019 Bowl Game Preview
The good news is there aren’t any new bowls this year. Wait till next year. Not only are there not any new bowls, but all the existing bowls, all 39 of them, retained their same names and their same locations. None were renamed and none moved.
Of the 130 FBS teams, 79 qualified (6-6 record or better) to go to a bowl. That’s a good thing because with 39 bowls, at least 78 teams needed to qualify. So that means one of the qualifying teams was passed over during the selection process – nobody, or should I say no bowl, wanted them. You can imagine how they must feel. That team was Toledo. The Rockets were denied an invitation.
The 39 bowls, plus the national championship game will be played over a 25-day period from December 20 to January 13. That’s almost a month of games. The Bahamas Bowl and the Frisco Bowl open the bowl extravaganza on Friday, December 20. The last of the 39 bowls – the Mobile Bowl – will take place on Monday, January 6. The national championship game will be played on Monday, January 13.
The busiest day during the bowl extravaganza is Saturday, December 21 – six games will be played. Five bowl games each will be played on Friday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve).
For bragging rights, the ACC has the most teams in bowls at 10. The ACC is followed by the Big Ten and the SEC with nine teams each. C-USA comes in with eight teams. The AAC, MAC, MWC and the Pac-12 each have seven teams playing in bowls, while the Big 12 has six. Of the 10 conferences, the Sun Belt has the fewest teams in bowl games with five. There are three Independents participating.
Now that you have all the bowl facts, let’s look at the contests.
The Bahamas Bowl from Nassau on December 20 has the honor of being the first bowl of the season. The Bahamian bowl features Buffalo (7-5) from the MAC against Charlotte (7-5) of C-USA. Buffalo finished the season in a three-way tie for second place in the MAC’s East Division. Buffalo began the season at 2-4, but won 5 of its last six games. The Bulls are led by sophomore running back Jaret Patterson who rushed for 1,626 yards this season. He scored 18 touchdowns. Patterson was the fifth leading rusher in the country. On offense, Buffalo is 11th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 254.2 yards a game. On defense, the Bulls are 6th in the country in rushing yards allowed and 8th in total yards allowed. They held opponents to 95.6 yards a game rushing and only 293.3 total yards a game. Buffalo’s biggest wins were over Temple, 38-22, and over Central Michigan, 43-20. Charlotte finished its season in third place in C-USA’s East Division. The 49ers enter the bowl on a five-game winning streak. Charlotte began the season at 2-5. The 49ers are led by sophomore quarterback Chris Reynolds who passed for 2,366 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. On offense, Charlotte is 27th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 211.2 yards a game. On defense, the 49ers are 27th in the country in passing yards allowed. They held opponents to 198.3 passing yards per game. Charlotte’s biggest wins are over Marshall, 24-13, and over North Texas, 39-38. This is Charlotte’s first bowl game since starting its football program a few years ago.
On the same day, December 20, the Bahamas Bowl is followed by the Frisco Bowl from Frisco, Texas, featuring Kent State (6-6) from the MAC against Utah State (7-5) of the MWC. Kent State is led by junior quarterback Dustin Crum, who passed for 2,333 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Golden Flashes are an average team on offense and defense. But better on offense. Kent State’s best win was over Buffalo, 30-27. The Golden Flashes began their season at 3-6. Then they reeled off three-straight wins to finish the year. This is Kent State’s first bowl since 2012 and only their third bowl since 1972. Utah State is led by junior quarterback Jordan Love. He passed for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Aggies are a good team on offense; not so good on defense. On offense, Utah State is 32nd in the country in passing yards at 276 yards a game. The Aggies biggest wins were over San Diego State, 23-17, and over Wyoming, 26-21. Both Kent State and Utah State are under first-year coaches.
The bowl action gets crowded on December 21 with six games – all starting between 2 pm ET to 8 pm ET. That’s a lot of overlap. The first of the six is the New Mexico Bowl from Albuquerque. The bowl matches Central Michigan (8-5) of the MAC against San Diego State (9-3) from the MWC. This is the second game between MAC and MWC teams. CMU won the MAC’s West Division. But the Chippewas, though favored, lost to Miami (Ohio) in the MAC title game. Perhaps because first-year coach Jim McElwain was busy trying to get one of the head coach openings at a Power Five school – instead of being focused on his team. And in the end, McElwain lost on both accounts. On offense, CMU’s claim to fame is being 27th in the country in total yards per game – 447 yards. On defense, the Chippewas are 21st in the country in rushing yards allowed – 116.7 yards per game. San Diego State is an awesome team on defense and a lousy team on offense. The Aztecs literally have no offense. But the defense is a different story. San Diego State is 2nd in the country in rushing yards allowed – 72 yards per game; 4th in the country in points allowed – 12.8 per game, and 5th in total yards allowed – 288.7 yards per game. The Aztecs biggest wins were over UCLA, 23-14, Wyoming, 26-22, and BYU, 13-3. San Diego State is under ninth-year coach Rocky Long.
Next up on the 21st in the Cure Bowl from Orlando, Florida, between Liberty (7-5) and Independent and Georgia Southern (7-5) from the Sun Belt. This is Liberty’s first bowl game. The Flames are led by senior quarterback Stephen Calvert. He passed for 3,393 yards and 26 touchdowns. Liberty is a strong team on offense and a bad team on defense. The Flames are 21st in the country in passing yardage at 290.5 yards per game. Liberty is coached by the controversial Hugh Freeze. Georgia Southern is a strong running team. The Eagles were 8th in the country in rushing yards at 260.8 yards a game. Georgia Southern had good wins over Appalachian State, 24-21, and Georgia State, 38-10.
Staying in Florida, the next bowl is the Boca Raton Bowl showcasing SMU (10-2) of the AAC against Florida Atlantic (10-3) of C-USA. This is the first bowl that has two teams will really impressive records. SMU is under second-year coach Sonny Dykes. The Mustangs are led by junior quarterback Shane Buechele. The former Texas quarterback passed for 3,626 yards and 33 touchdowns. SMU also has a good senior running back in Xavier Jones who rushed for 1,249 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Mustangs are excellent on offense and terrible on defense. On offense, they are 7th in the country in points scored – 43 per game; 9th in total yards – 495 per game and 12th in passing yards – 309 per game. SMU’s best wins were over TCU, 41-38, Temple, 45-21, and Tulane, 37-20. The Mustangs two losses were by a combined 13 points to Memphis and Navy. At one point in the season, SMU was 8-0. Florida Atlantic won the C-USA championship under third-year coach Lane Kiffin. But Kiffin won’t be coaching the Owls in the bowl game, as he is the new coach at Ole Miss. FAU is led by sophomore quarterback Chris Robinson who passed for 3,292 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Owls are pretty good on offense and defense. On offense, they are 16th in points scored – 35.2 a game. FAU began the season at 0-2 and then won 10 of their next 11 games. The Owls best wins were over Charlotte, 45-27, Western Kentucky, 35-24, FIU, 37-7, Southern Miss, 34-17, and UAB, 49-6.
The fourth bowl on December 21 is the Camellia Bowl from Montgomery, Alabama, matching Florida International (6-6) of C-USA against Arkansas State (7-5) from the Sun Belt. FIU is coached by Butch Jones in his third season with the Panthers. FIU is bad on offense and fair on defense. They are 6th in the country in passing yards allowed – 178.5 a game. The Panthers best wins were over Charlotte, 48-23, and Miami (Florida), 30-24. Arkansas State is coached by Blake Anderson, who lost his wife to cancer at the beginning of the season. The Red Wolves are led by freshman quarterback Lane Hatcher who came on strong towards the end of the season. Hatcher passed for 2,553 yards and 23 touchdowns. Arkansas State is pretty good on offense and terrible on defense. The Red wolves are 14th in the country in passing yards – 305.3 yards per game. The Red Wolves best win was over Georgia Southern, 38-33.
Heading out West, Boise State (12-1) from the MWC plays Washington (7-5) of the Pac-12 in the Las Vegas Bowl. Boise State won the MWC championship. The Broncos are average on offense and defense. On offense, they are 14th in the country in points scored – 36.8 a game. On defense, Boise State is 19th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 113 per game, and 24th in points allowed – 20.6 a game. The Broncos best wins were over Florida State, 36-31, Marshall, 14-7, Air Force, 30-19, Hawaii, 59-37, Wyoming, 20-17, Utah State, 56-21, and again over Hawaii, 31-10. Their lone loss was to BYU – 28-25. Needless to say, Washington was a disappointing team in 2019. The Huskies were supposed to be serious challengers to Oregon for the Pac-12 North Division title. Washington is led by junior quarterback Jacob Eason, a former Georgia quarterback, who passed for 2,922 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Huskies are an average team on offense and defense. On defense they are 23rd in the country in points allowed – 20.4 points a game. Washington coach Chris Petersen, in his fifth season, is stepping down after the bowl game. Petersen says he is burnt out and needs a break. Ironically, Boise State is Petersen’s former team. He coached the Broncos from 2006-2013. The huskies best wins were over Hawaii, 47-14, BYU, 45-19, USC, 28-14, and Washington State, 31-13.
And finally, the final bowl on December 21 is the New Orleans Bowl featuring Appalachian State (12-1) from the Sun Belt against UAB (9-4) of C-USA. Appalachian State won the championship of the Sun Belt Conference. Appalachian State was coached this year by first-year coach Eli Drinkwitz. At the end of the season, Drinkwitz accepted the head coaching job at Missouri. The Little Mountaineers are led by junior running back Darrynton Evans. Evans rushed for 1,323 yards and 23 touchdowns. App State has a good quarterback in junior Zac Thomas. Thomas passed for 2,576 yards and 26 touchdowns. App State has a pretty good offense and defense. On offense, they are 9th in points scored – 39,4 a game, and 17th in rushing yards – 229.2 yards a game. On defense, the Little Mountaineers were 22nd in points allowed – 20.2 a game, and 25th in total yards allowed – 336 yards a game. App State’s best wins were over Charlotte, 56-41, North Carolina, 34-31, Louisiana, 17-7, South Carolina, 20-15, Georgia State, 56-27, and again over Louisiana, 45-38. Their lone loss was 24-21 to Georgia Southern. UAB were the runners-up in C-USA. The Blazers are bad on offense, but good on defense. On defense, UAB is 8th in total yards allowed – 295.2 a game, 13th in passing yards allowed – 186.8 yards a game, and 13th in rushing yards allowed – 108.3 yards a game. The Blazers best win was over Louisiana Tech, 20-14. Appalachian State deserved a better opponent than UAB.
There is one bowl on December 23. UCF (9-3) of the AAC takes on Marshall (8-4) from C-USA in the Gasparilla Bowl from Tampa, Florida. After two back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, UCF took a step back this year and lost three games. The Knights are led by freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He passed for 3,393 yards and 27 touchdowns. UCF is awesome on offense. The Knights are 4th in the country in total yards – 536.6 yards a game, 6th in points scored – 43 points a game, 8th in passing yards – 320 yards a game and 21st in rushing yards – 216.6 yards a game. On defense, the Knights are just average. UCF’s best wins were over Florida Atlantic, 48-14, Stanford, 45-27, Temple, 63-21 and 34-31 over Tulane. The Knights three losses were by a total of seven points. Marshall is led by sophomore running back Brenden Knox. He rushed for 1,284 yards. The Herd is bad on offense and average on defense. Marshall’s best wins were over Ohio, 33-31, Florida Atlantic, 36-31, Western Kentucky, 26-23, Louisiana Tech, 31-10, and FIU, 30-27.
How about Christmas in Hawaii? On Christmas Eve, Hawaii (9-5) of the MWC meets BYU (7-5) an Independent in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu. Hawaii were the runners-up in the MWC. The Rainbow Warriors are led by junior quarterback Cole McDonald. He passed for 3,642 yards and 29 touchdowns. Hawaii is good on offense and terrible on defense. On offense, the Warriors are 6th in passing yards – 326 yards per game and 13th in the country in total yards – 469.7 yards a game. Hawaii’s best wins were over Arizona, 45-38, Oregon State, 31-28, Nevada, 54-3, and San Diego State, 14-11. BYU had a strange season – good one week and bad the next. The Cougars were average on offense and defense. On offense, they are 24th in the country in passing yards – 285.6 yards a game. Their best wins were over Tennessee, 36-29, USC, 30-27, Boise State, 28-25, Utah State, 42-14, and Liberty, 31-24. At one point, the Cougars were 2-4. Then they won five of their last six games.
Following a Christmas Day break, there are two bowls on December 26. First up is the Independence Bowl from Shreveport, Louisiana, matching Louisiana Tech (9-3) of C-USA against Miami (Florida) (6-6) from the ACC. Louisiana Tech is led by senior quarterback J’Mar Smith. Smith passed for 2,814 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Bulldogs are just average on offense and defense. Their best wins were over FIU, 43-31 and Southern Miss, 45-30. The Bulldogs are coached by Skip Holtz in his seventh year. At one point in the season, Louisiana Tech was 8-1. Miami is under first-year coach Manny Diaz. As would be expected the Hurricanes are bad on offense and good on defense. They are 13th in the country in total yards allowed – 307.8 yards a game, 16th in rushing yards allowed – 109.8 yards a game, 22nd in passing yards allowed – 198 yards a game and 25th in points allowed – 20.8 points a game. Miami was a disappointment in 2019. At preseason, many had the Canes pegged to win the ACC Coastal Division. Miami’s best wins were over Central Michigan, 17-12, Virginia, 17-9, Pitt, 16-12, Florida State, 27-10, and Louisville, 52-27.
The same day, December 26, Pitt (7-5) of the ACC plays Eastern Michigan (6-6) from the MAC in the Quick Lane Bowl from Detroit. Pitt is led by junior quarterback Kenny Pickett. He passed for 2,737 yards. The Panthers are bad on offense and good on defense. On defense, they are 10th in rushing yards allowed – 107 yards per game, 11th in total yards allowed – 302.5 yards a game and 20th in passing yards allowed – 195.6 yards a game. Pitt’s biggest wins were over Ohio, 20-10, UCF, 35-34, and North Carolina 34-27. EMU is led by senior quarterback Mike Glass. Glass passed for 2,844 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Eagles have a so-so offense and a so-so defense. EMU’s best wins were over Illinois, 34-31, and Western Michigan, 34-27.
December 27 is a busy day with five bowls on tap, starting between 12 noon ET and 10 pm ET. The first of the bunch is the Military Bowl from Annapolis, Maryland, pitting North Carolina (6-6) of the ACC against Temple (8-4) from the AAC. North Carolina is coached by Mack Brown in his first year back at the school. The Tar Heels are led by freshman quarterback Sam Howell. He passed for 3,347 yards and 35 touchdowns. North Carolina is good on offense and average on defense. On offense, they are 14th in the country in total yards – 469 yards per game, and 25th in the country in passing yards – 285 yards a game. The Tar Heels biggest wins were over South Carolina, 24-20 and Miami (Florida), 28-25. Temple is led by junior quarterback Anthony Russo. Russo passed for 2,733 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Owls are just average on both offense and defense – not good, but not bad. Temple’s biggest wins were over Memphis, 30-28 and Tulane, 29-21. Temple was the only team to beat Memphis.
Moving on up East, Michigan State (6-6) from the Big Ten tackles Wake Forest (8-4) of the ACC in the Pinstripe Bowl from Yankee Stadium in New York City. Michigan State was a disappointment in 2019. The Spartans are led by senior quarterback Brian Lewerke. He passed for 2,759 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Spartans were downright terrible on offense, but pretty good on defense. They are 14th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 109.5 yards a game and 18th in total yards allowed – 320 yards a game. Michigan State’s one and only biggest win was over Indiana, 40-31. Wake Forest is led by junior quarterback Jamie Newman. He passed for 2,693 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Demon Deacons had a strong offense and a weak defense. On offense, they are 12th in the country in total yards – 473.4 yards a game and 18th in passing yards – 297.8 yards per game. Wake’s biggest wins were over Utah State, 38-35 and North Carolina, 24-18. The Deacons started the season 5-0.
The last three bowls on December 27 all take place out West. The first of those three bowls is the Texas Bowl from Houston, with Oklahoma State (8-4) of the Big 12 taking on Texas A&M (7-5) from the SEC. Oklahoma State is led by sophomore running back Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard, a Canadian, rushed for 1,936 yards and 21 touchdowns. A typical Big 12 team, the Cowboys are good on offense and sorry on defense. Okie State is 16th in the country in rushing yards – 236.2 yards a game and 17th in total yards – 464 yards per game. The Cowboys biggest wins were over Kansas State, 26-13 and Iowa State, 34-27. At 7-5, Texas A&M was disappointing this season, although all five of the Aggies losses were to top-ranked teams – Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and LSU. The Aggies are led by junior quarterback Kellen Mond. He passed for 2,802 yards and 19 touchdowns. Texas A&M’s offense was weak and the defense was average at best. Texas A&M’s biggest win was over Mississippi State, 49-30. The Aggies are coached by second-year coach Jimbo Fisher.
Moving further West, USC (8-4) from the Pac-12 hooks up with Iowa (9-3) of the Big Ten in the Holiday Bowl from San Diego. USC finished in second place in the Pac-12’s South Division. The Trojans are led by freshman quarterback Kedon Slovis. Slovis passed for 3,242 yards and 28 touchdowns. USC is strong on offense and not so good on defense. On offense, USC is 5th in passing yards – 336 yards per game and 19th in total yards – 462.2 yards per game. USC’s best wins were over Utah, 30-23, Arizona State, 31-26 and California, 41-17. Iowa is led by senior quarterback Nate Stanley. He passed for 2,738 yards. The Hawkeyes are very weak on offense, but very strong on defense. They are 5th in the country in points allowed – 13.2 per game, 10th in passing yards allowed – 183.7 yards per game, 12th in total yards allowed – 304.6 yards per game and 25th in rushing yards allowed – 120.9 yards per game. Iowa’s best wins were over Iowa State, 18-17, Minnesota, 23-19 and Illinois, 19-10. Iowa is coached by Kirk Ferentz in his twenty-first season.
The last game on December 27 is the Cheez-It Bowl from Phoenix, Arizona, pairing Air Force (10-2) of the MWC against Washington State (6-6) from the Pac-12. Air Force is a well-balanced team. The Falcons are good on offense and defense. On offense, the Falcons are 3rd in rushing yards – 293.2 yards a game and 22nd in points scored – 34.3 points a game. On defense, Air Force is 11th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 107.8 yards a game, 16th in total yards allowed – 315.8 yards a game and 19th in points allowed – 19.8 points a game. The Falcons best wins were over Colorado, 30-23, Hawaii, 56-26, Utah State, 31-7 and Wyoming, 20-6. Air Force is under coach Troy Calhoun in his 13th year. Washington State is led by senior quarterback Anthony Gordon. Gordon passed for 5,228 yards and 45 touchdowns. The Cougars are very good on offense but very bad on defense. On offense, Washington State is 1st in passing yards – 444.3 yards a game, 6th in total yards – 516.8 yards a game and 11th in points scored – 39.2 yards a game. The Cougars had no good wins during the season. Washington State is coached by Mike Leach in his 8th year.
The first New Year’s Six bowl and the two College Football Playoff bowls take place on December 28, along with a fourth game. The day begins with the Cotton Bowl Classic from Arlington, Texas, featuring Memphis (12-1) from the AAC against Penn State (10-2) of the Big Ten. Memphis was the highest ranked Group of Five team. The Tigers were the champions of the AAC. Memphis is led by junior quarterback Brady White and freshman running back Kenneth Gainwell. White passed for 3,560 yards and 33 touchdowns. Gainwell rushed for 425 yards and 15 touchdowns. Memphis is good on offense and average on defense. On offense, they are 8th in the country in points scored – 40.5 points a game, 10th in total yards – 480.7 yards a game and 26th in passing yards at 284,5 yards per game. The Tigers best wins were over Navy, 35-23, Tulane, 47-17, SMU, 54-48 and twice over Cincinnati, 34-24 and 29-24. Memphis’ coach Mike Norvell has become the new head coach at Florida State. Norvell will not be coaching the Tigers in the bowl game. Penn State is average on offense and decent on defense. On offense, the Nittany Lions are 24th in the country in points scored – 34.3 points a game. On defense, Penn State was 5th in rushing yards allowed – 98 yards per game, 7th in points allowed – 14.1 points a game and 22nd in total yards allowed – 330.5 yards a game. Penn State’s best wins were over Buffalo, 45-13, Pitt, 17-10, Iowa, 17-12, Michigan, 28-21, Michigan State, 38-7 and Indiana, 34-27. Penn State is coached by James Franklin in his sixth season.
Next up is the Camping World Bowl from Orlando, Florida, between Notre Dame (10-2) an Independent and Iowa State (7-5) from the Big 12. Notre Dame is led by senior quarterback Ian Book. Book passed for 2,792 yards and 33 touchdowns. The Irish are average on offense; better on defense. On offense, they are 13th in the country in points scored – 37.1 points a game. On defense, they are 3rd in passing yards allowed – 163.7 yards a game, 14th in points allowed – 18.7 points a game and 21st in total yards allowed – 325.6 yards a game. Notre Dame’s best wins were over Louisville, 35-17, Virginia, 35-20, USC, 30-27, Virginia Tech, 21-20 and Navy, 52-20. Iowa State had a disappointing season. The Cyclones are led by sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy. He passed for 3,760 yards and 27 touchdowns. Iowa State was good on offense and average on defense. On offense, they are 9th in passing yards – 318.3 yards a game, 21st in total yards – 459 yards a game and 26th in points scored – 34.1 points a game. Iowa State’s best and only good win was over Texas, 23-21. The Cyclones are coached by Matt Campbell in his fourth season.
The first of the two College Football Playoff bowls is between Oklahoma (12-1) of the Big 12 and LSU (13-0) from the SEC in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. LSU is No. 1 and Oklahoma is No. 4. LSU is led by senior quarterback Joe Burrow and junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Burrow passed for 4,715 yards and 48 touchdowns. Edwards-Helaire rushed for 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns. Burrow is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. The Tigers are strong on offense and fair on defense. On offense, they are 1st in the country in total yards – 554.5 yards a game, 2nd in passing yards – 386.8 yards a game and 3rd in points scored – 47.8 points a game. On defense, they are 24th in rushing yards allowed – 120.3 yards a game and 27th in points allowed – 21.2 points a game. LSU’s best wins were over Texas, 45-38, Utah State, 42-6, Florida, 42-28, Mississippi State, 36-13, Auburn, 23-20, Alabama, 46-41, Texas A&M, 50-7 and Georgia, 37-10. The Tigers are the champions of the SEC. They are coached by Ed Orgeron in his third-plus season. Oklahoma won the championship of the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners are led by senior quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts passed for 3,632 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,255 yards. The Sooners are good on offense and not bad on defense. On offense, they are 2nd in the country in total yards – 554.2 yards per game, 5th in points scored – 43.2 points a game, 11th in rushing yards – 251.4 yards a game and 16th in passing yards – 302.8 yards a game. On defense, the Sooners are 24th in the country in total yards allowed – 331.3 yards a game and 25th in passing yards allowed – 198.5 yards a game. OU’s best wins were over Texas, 34-27, Iowa State, 42-41, Baylor, 34-31, Oklahoma State, 34-16 and again Baylor, 30-23. Oklahoma is coached by Lincoln Riley in his third season.
The second Playoff game is the Fiesta Bowl from Glendale, Arizona, showcasing Clemson (13-0) from the ACC against Ohio State (13-0) of the Big Ten. Clemson is No. 3 and Ohio State is No. 2. Ohio State is led by sophomore quarterback Justin Fields, junior running back J.K. Dobbins and defensive end Chase Young. Fields passed for 2,953 yards and 40 touchdowns. Dobbins rushed for 1,829 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Buckeyes are outstanding on both offense and defense. On offense, they are 1st in points scored – 48.7 points a game, 5th in total yards – 531.5 yards a game and 5th in rushing yards – 272.8 yards a game. On defense, the Buckeyes are 2nd in the country in total yards allowed – 248 yards a game, 2nd in passing yards allowed – 148 yards a game, 3rd in points allowed – 12.5 points a game and 6th in rushing yards allowed – 99.8 yards a game. Ohio State’s best wins were over Florida Atlantic, 45-21, Cincinnati, 42-0, Indiana, 52-10, Michigan State, 34-10, Wisconsin, 38-7, Penn State, 28-17, Michigan, 56-27 and Wisconsin again, 34-21. The Buckeyes are under first-year coach Ryan Day. Clemson is led by sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne. Lawrence passed for 3,172 yards and 34 touchdowns. Etienne rushed for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns. Clemson is good on offense; better on defense. On offense, the Tigers are 3rd in total yards – 547.7 yards a game, 4th in points scored – 46.5 points a game, 10th in rushing yards – 253 yards a game and 20th in passing yards – 294.8 yards a game. On defense, Clemson is 1st in total yards allowed – 244.7 yards a game, 1st in passing yards allowed – 138.5 yards a game, 1st in points allowed – 10.6 points a game and 9th in rushing yards allowed – 106.2 yards a game. Clemson’s best wins were over Texas A&M, 24-10, Charlotte, 52-10, North Carolina, 21-20, Florida State, 45-14, Louisville, 45-10, Wake Forest, 52-3 and Virginia, 62-17. Clemson is coached by Dabo Swinney in his eleven-plus years.
Following a day off, the bowl activity resumes on December 30 with the First Responder Bowl from Dallas between Western Kentucky (8-4) from C-USA and Western Michigan (7-5) of the MAC. It’ll be a Western kind of game. WKU is bad on offense and average on defense. On defense, they are 21st in the country in points allowed – 20.1 points a game and 28th in total yards allowed – 337.6 yards a game. The Hilltoppers bet wins were over FIU, 201-4, UAB, 20-13, Charlotte, 30-14, Arkansas, 45-19 and Southern Miss, 28-10. WMU is by senior quarterback Jon Wassink and senior running back LeVante Bellamy. Wassink passed for 2,904 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bellamy rushed for 1,412 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Broncos were okay on offense and terrible on defense. On offense, WMU is 22nd in total yards – 457.2 yards per game, 24th in rushing yards – 212.7 yards a game and 25th in points scored – 34.2 points a game. WMU’s best wins were over Georgia State, 57-10, Central Michigan, 31-15, Miami (Ohio), 38-16 and Ohio, 37-34.
The second game on December 30 is the Music City Bowl from Nashville, with Mississippi State (6-6) from the SEC going against Louisville (7-5) of the ACC. Mississippi State is led by junior running back Kylin Hill. Hill rushed for 1,347 yards. The Bulldogs were average to bad on offense and defense. On defense, they are 18th in the country in rushing – 227 yards per game. Mississippi State biggest wins were over Southern Miss, 38-15, and Kentucky, 28-13. Louisville is under first-year coach Scott Satterfield. The Cardinals are led by freshman running back Javian Hawkins. He rushed for 1,420 yards. Louisville is average on offense and awful on defense. On offense, the Cardinals are 23rd in the country in rushing yards – 215.2 yards a game. Louisville’s biggest wins are over Western Kentucky, 38-21, Wake Forest, 62-59 and Virginia, 28-21.
Jumping out West, California (7-5) of the Pac-12 takes on Illinois (6-6) from the Big Ten in the Redbox Bowl from Santa Clara. California has one of the worst offenses in the country. The Golden Bears are average on defense. They are 26th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 123 yards per game. California is coached by Justin Wilcox in his third season. Cal’s best wins were over Washington, 20-19, and Washington State, 33-20. Illinois is bad on offense and not quite as bad on defense. The Banned Indians began the season 2-4 and then won four of their last six games. Illinois’ best wins were over Wisconsin, 24-23 and Michigan State, 37-34.
December 30 concludes with a New Year’s Six bowl – the Orange Bowl from Miami Gardens, Florida, matching Florida (10-2) from the SEC against Virginia (9-4) of the ACC. Florida is led by junior quarterback Kyle Trask. Trask passed for 2,636 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Gators are average on offense and pretty good on defense. On offense, they are 17th in the country in passing yards – 300.4 yards per game. On defense, 8th in points allowed – 14.4 points a game, 10th in total yards allowed – 301.6 yards a game, 15th in rushing yards allowed – 109.6 yards a game and 17th in passing yards allowed – 192 yards a game. Florida is coached by Dan Mullen in his second season. Virginia were the runners-up in the ACC. They are led by senior quarterback Bryce Perkins. Perkins passed for 3,215 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Cavaliers are just average on both offense and defense. Virginia’s biggest wins were over Pitt, 30-14, Florida State, 31-24, North Carolina, 38-31, Liberty, 55-27 and Virginia Tech, 39-30. The Cavaliers are coached by Bronco Mendenhall in his fourth season. Ranked at No. 24, Virginia has no business playing in a New Year’s Six bowl. Florida was dealt a poor opponent.
Five bowl games are on schedule for New Year’s Eve, starting between 12 noon ET and 7:30 pm ET. The first of the five is the Belk Bowl from Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring Virginia Tech (8-4) from the ACC against Kentucky (7-5) of the SEC. Virginia Tech is average on offense and defense. On defense, their best the Hokies are 25th in the country in rushing yards allowed – 123.4 yards a game. Virginia Tech’s best wins were over Miami (Florida), 42-35, North Carolina, 43-41, Wake Forest, 36-17, and Pitt, 28-0. The Hokies are coached by Justin Fuente in his fourth season. Kentucky is led by junior running back Lynn Bowden. He rushed for 1,235 yards. The Wildcats are not good on offense and only slightly better on defense. On offense, they are 4th in the country in rushing yards – 274.8 yards a game. On defense, they are 4th in passing yards allowed – 172.7 yards a game, 12th in points allowed – 18.4 points a game and 20th in total yards allowed – 324 yards a game. Kentucky’s biggest wins were over Eastern Michigan, 38-17 and Louisville 45-13.
Heading to the great Southwest, Florida State (6-6) from the ACC tangles with Arizona State (7-5) of the Pac-12 in the Sun Bowl from El Paso, Texas. Florida State is hurting on both offense and defense. There’s not much good that can be said about either. The Noles only good win was over Louisville, 35-24. Arizona State is led by freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels. He passed for 2,748 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Sun Devils are not good on offense, but fair on defense. They are 22nd in the country in rushing yards allowed. ASU is coached by Herm Edwards in his second year.
Next on New Year’s Eve is the Liberty Bowl from Memphis, Tennessee, between Navy (9-2) of the ACC and Kansas State (8-4) from the Big 12. Both Navy and Kansas State were surprise team in 2019. Both performed much better than expected. Navy is led by senior quarterback Malcolm Perry who rushed for 1,500 yards. The Middies are good on offense and fair on defense. On offense, they are 1st in rushing yards – 361.1 yards a game, 10th in points scored – 39.3 points a game and 16th in total yards – 464.6 yards a game. On defense, Navy is 17th in rushing yards allowed – 110 yards per game. Navy was pone of only two teams to beat Air Force (34-25) and SMU (35-28). Navy also beat Tulane, 41-38. Kansas State was so-so on offense and defense. The Wildcats best mark was on defense: 28th in the country in points allowed – 21,5 points a game. K-State had good wins over Mississippi State, 31-24, Oklahoma, 48-41, and Iowa State, 27-17. The Wildcats were the only team to beat Oklahoma. Kansas State is coached by Chris Klieman in his first year.
From Memphis we move to Tucson for the Arizona Bowl, between Wyoming (7-5) from the MWC and Georgia State (7-5) of the Sun Belt. Wyoming is generally weak on offense and pretty good on defense. On offense, the Cowboys were 28th in rushing yards – 208.7 yards a game. On defense, they are 7th in rushing yards allowed – 101.6 and 11th in points allowed – 17.8 points a game. Wyoming’s best wins were over Missouri, 37-31 and Nevada, 31-3. Georgia State is led by senior running back Tra Barnett. He rushed for 1,389 yards. The Panthers are good on offense and poor on defense. On offense, they are 14th in the country in rushing yards – 245.2 yards a game and 28th in total yards – 447 yards a game. Their best wins were over Tennessee, 38-30 and Arkansas State, 52-38.
The final football game of 2019 is the Alamo Bowl from San Antonio, Texas, matching Utah (11-2) from the Pac-12 against Texas (7-5) of the Big 12. Utah won the South Division of the Pac-12. The Utes are led by senior quarterback Tyler Huntley and senior running back Zack Moss. Huntley passed for 2,966 yards and 18 touchdowns. Moss rushed for 1,359 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Utes were fair on offense and outstanding on defense. On offense, they are 29th in points scored – 34 points a game and 29th in rushing yards – 207 yards a game. On defense, the Utes are 1st in rushing yards allowed – 70.5 yards a game, 3rd in total yards allowed – 256.4 yards a game, 6th in points allowed – 13.2 points a game and 12th in passing yards allowed – 186 yards a game. Utah’s best wins were over BYU, 30-12, Washington State, 38-13, Arizona State, 21-3, California, 35-0 and Washington, 33-28. Utah is coached by Kyle Whittingham in his fifteenth-plus years. Texas is led by junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger passed for 3,462 yards and 29 touchdowns. Texas was substantial on offense and weak on defense. On offense, the Longhorns are 15th in total yards – 468.8 yards a game, 18th in points scored – 35 points a game and 19th in passing yards – 296.2 yards a game. Texas’ best wins were over Louisiana Tech, 45-13, Oklahoma State, 36-30 and Kansas State, 27-24. The Longhorns are coached by Tom Herman in his third year.
Two bowl games share the spot for being the first football games played in 2020. One is the Outback Bowl from Tampa, Florida, featuring Minnesota (10-2) from the Big Ten against Auburn (9-3) of the SEC. Minnesota was a surprise team in 2019. The Gophers are led by sophomore quarterback Tanner Morgan. Morgan passed for 2,975 yards and 28 touchdowns. Minnesota is pretty good on offense and defense. On offense they are 23rd in the country in points scored – 34.3 points a game. On defense, Minnesota is 11th in passing yards allowed – 185 yards a game, 15th in total yards allowed – 312.8 yards a game, and 28th in rushing yards allowed – 128 yards a game. Minnesota’s best wins were over Georgia Southern, 35-32, Illinois, 40-17, and Penn State 31-26. The Gophers are coached by P.J. Fleck in his third season. Auburn is led by freshman quarterback Bo Nix. Nix passed for 2,366 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Tigers were so-so on offense and pretty good on defense. On offense, they are 25th in rushing yards – 211.3 yards a game and 27th in points scored – 34 points a game. On defense, the Tigers are 13th in points allowed – 18.6 points a game, 19th in total yards allowed – 324 yards a game and 20th in rushing yards allowed – 115.5 yards a game. Auburn’s best wins were over Oregon, 27-21, Tulane, 24-6, Kent State, 55-16, Texas A&M, 28-20, Mississippi State, 56-23 and Alabama, 48-45.
The other one is the Citrus Bowl from Orlando, Florida, between Michigan (9-3) of the Big Ten against Alabama (10-2) from the SEC. Michigan is led by senior quarterback Shea Patterson. He passed for 2,828 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Wolverines are weak on offense but very good on defense. Defensively, the Wolverines are 5th in passing yards allowed – 173.8 yards a game, 7th in total yards allowed – 294 yards a game, 18th in points allowed – 19.5 points a game and 23rd in rushing yards allowed – 120.2 yards a game. Michigan’s best wins were over Iowa, 10-3, Illinois, 42-25, Notre Dame, 45-14, Michigan State, 44-10 and Indiana, 39-14. The Wolverines are coached by Jim Harbaugh in his fifth year. Alabama is good on offense and defense, but better on offense. Offensively, the Tide is 2nd in the country in points scored – 48.2 a game, 3rd in the country in passing yards – 343.5 yards a game, and 7th in total yards – 513.5 yards a game. Alabama’s best wins were over Southern Miss, 49-7, Texas A&M, 47-28, Tennessee, 35-13 and Mississippi State, 38-7. The Tide is coached by Nick Saban in his thirteenth season.
The next two bowls on New Year’s Day are both New Year’s Six bowls. The first of the two is the granddaddy of them all – the Rose Bowl from Pasadena, California, featuring Oregon (11-2) from the Pac-12 against Wisconsin (10-3) of the Big Ten. Oregon won the championship of the Pac-12 Conference. The Ducks are led by senior quarterback Justin Herbert and sophomore running back C.J. Verdell. Herbert passed for 3,333 yards and 32 touchdowns. Verdell rushed for 1,171 yards. Oregon was good on offense and defense. On offense, the Ducks are 15th in points scored – 36 points a game and 25th in total yards – 453.3 yards a game. On defense, Oregon is 9th in points allowed – 15.7 points a game, 12th in rushing yards allowed – 108.3 yards a game and 23rd in total yards allowed – 331 yards a game. Oregon’s best wins were over Nevada, 77-6, California, 17-7, Washington, 35-31, Washington State, 37-35, USC, 56-24, and Utah, 37-15. After their first 10 games, the Ducks were 9-1. Wisconsin is led by junior running back Jonathan Taylor and junior quarterback Jack Coan. Taylor rushed for 1,909 yards and 26 touchdowns. Coan passed for 2,539 yards and 17 touchdowns. Wisconsin is so-so on offense and very good on defense. On offense, the Badgers are 15th in rushing yards – 241,2 yards a game and 21st in points scored – 34.6 points a game. On defense, they are 8th in rushing yards allowed – 104 yards a game, 9th in total yards allowed – 295.2 yards a game, 10th in points allowed – 16 points a game and 15th in passing yards allowed – 191,2 yards a game. Wisconsin’s best wins were over Central Michigan, 61-0, Michigan, 35-14, Kent State, 48-0, Michigan State, 38-0, Iowa, 24-22 and Minnesota, 38-17.
New Year’s Day closes out with Georgia (11-2) of the SEC facing Baylor (11-2) from the Big 12 in the Sugar Bowl from New Orleans. Georgia won the SEC South Division. The Bulldogs are led by junior quarterback Jake Fromm and junior running back D’Andre Swift. Fromm passed for 2,610 yards and 22 touchdowns. Swift rushed for 1,216 yards. Georgia is weak on offense and outstanding on defense. Defensively, Georgia is 2nd in the country in points allowed – 12.5 points a game, 3rd in rushing yards allowed – 76 yards a game, 4th in total yards allowed – 274,5 yards a game and 24th in passing yards allowed – 198.5 yards a game. Georgia’s best wins were over Notre Dame, 23-17, Tennessee, 43-14, Kentucky, 21-0, Florida, 24-17, Auburn, 21-14 and Texas A&M, 19-13. The Bulldogs are coached by Kirby Smart in his 4th year. Baylor was one of the surprise teams in 2019. The Bears are led by junior quarterback Charlie Brewer. He passed for 2,950 yards and 20 touchdowns. Baylor is average on offense and defense. On offense, the Bears are 17th in points scored – 35.2 points a game. On defense, they are 16th in points allowed – 19.3 points a game. Baylor’s best wins were over Iowa State, 23-21, Kansas State, 31-12, Oklahoma State, 45-27 and Texas, 24-10. Both of Baylor’s losses were to Oklahoma – by three points and by seven points. The Bears are coached by Matt Rhule in his 3rd year.
Two bowls take place on January 2. The first of the two is the Birmingham Bowl from Birmingham. Alabama, with Boston College (6-6) from the ACC taking on Cincinnati (10-3) of the AAC. Boston College fired its coach – Steve Addazio – at the end of the season. The Eagles are led by junior running back A.J. Dillon. Dillon rushed for 1,685 yards. Boston College is fair on offense and terrible on defense. On offense, the Eagles are 6th in rushing yards – 267.4 yards a game and 26th in total yards – 450.8 yards a game. BC’s best wins were its first and last games of the season – 35-28 over Virginia Tech and 26-19 over Pitt. Cincinnati won the East Division of the AAC. The Bearcats are average on offense and defense. Cincinnati’s best wins were over UCLA 24-14, Miami (Ohio) 35-13, Marshall, 52-14, UCF, 27-24, and Temple, 15-13. The Bearcats are coached by Luke Fickell on his third year. Cincinnati deserved a better opponent than Boston College.
The other bowl on January 2 is the Gator Bowl from Jacksonville, Florida, with Indiana (8-4) from the Big Ten facing Tennessee (7-5) of the SEC. Indiana is led by junior quarterback Peyton Ramsey. He pass for 2,227 yards. The Hoosiers are fair on offense and defense. On offense, they are 13th in passing yards – 308.7 yards a game. Indiana had no big wins. Tennessee began the season 2-5 but is coming into the bowl game on a five-game winning streak. The Vols are terrible on offense but pretty good on defense. Defensively, Tennessee is 16th in passing yards allowed – 191.2 yards a game, 27th in total yards allowed – 337 yards a game and 29th in points allowed – 21.7 points a game. Tennessee biggest wins were over Mississippi State, 20-10, UAB, 30-7 and Kentucky, 17-13. The Vols are coached by Jeremy Pruitt in his second season.
The following day, Ohio (6-6) of the MAC meets Nevada (7-5) from the MWC in the Idaho Potato Bowl from Boise. Ohio is led by senior quarterback Nathan Rourke. He passed for 2,676 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Bobcats are good on offense and fair on defense. On offense, they are 20th in the country in points scored – 34.7 points a game and 22md in rushing yards – 216.5 yards a game. Ohio’s best wins were over Buffalo, 21-20 and Kent State, 45-38. Ohio is coached by Frank Solich in his fifteenth season. Nevada is terrible on offense and just as bad on defense. Nevada’s best wins were over Purdue, 34-31 and San Diego State, 17-13.
January 4, Southern Miss (7-5) from C-USA tangles with Tulane (6-6) of the AAC in the Armed Forces Bowl from Fort Worth, Texas. Southern Miss is led by junior quarterback Jack Abraham. He passed for 3,329 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Eagles are average on offense and defense. On offense, they are 23rd in passing yards – 288.6 yards a game. On defense, the Eagles are 18th in rushing yards allowed – 111.8 yards a game. The Eagles one big win was over UAB, 37-2. Tulane started out strong this season. The Green Wave won five of their first six games. Then they lost five of their last six games. Tulane is led by senior quarterback Justin McMillan. He passed for 2,229 yards. The Green Wave are fair on offense and defense. But better on offense. Offensively, they are 13th in rushing yards – 249.8 yards a game and 24th in total yards – 455.2 yards a game. Tulane’s only bug win was over FIU, 42-14. The Green Wave are coached by Willie Fritz in his fourth year.
The very last of the 39 bowl games takes place on January 6, pitting Louisiana (10-3) of the Sun Belt against Miami (Ohio) (8-5) from the MAC in the Mobile Bowl from Mobile, Alabama. Louisiana won the Sun Belt West Division. The Ragin’ Cajuns are led by junior quarterback Levi Lewis. Lewis passed for 2,804 yards and 24 touchdowns. Louisiana is potent on offense and fair on defense. On offense, the Cajuns are 7th in the country in rushing yards – 265.3 yards a game, 8th in total yards – 5-1.3 yards a game and 12th in points scored – 38.8 points a game. On defense, they are 20th in points allowed – 20 points a game. Louisiana is coached by Billy Napier in his second year. Miami won the MAC championship. They are led by freshman quarterback Brett Gabbert. He passed for 2,163 yards. Miami is terrible on offense and decent on defense. Miami’s biggest wins were over Buffalo, 34-20, Kent State, 23-16, Ohio, 24-21 and Central Michigan, 26-21. After beginning the season at 2-4, Miami finished winning six of its last seven games. The Red Hawks are coached by Chuck Martin in his sixth year.
And finally, the biggest game of all – the National Championship game – will take place one week later on January 13 from New Orleans. The game will showcase the winners of the LSU-Oklahoma and Clemson-Ohio State games.
Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, that’s your 25 days of bowl games. I hope you don’t get bowled over.
So settle down and sit back in your coziest chair prepared to watch the games. Being prepared means having your favorite TV watching food, snacks and beverages all within close reach. You don’t want to run out to the store once the action has begun. But there are a few off days during the game schedule when you can restock your favorite game food.
Twenty-five days of cold pizza. I’m happy!
Touchdown Tom
December 13, 2019
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
(Note: CFW- Week 17, with my bowl-game predictions, will be posted Monday, December 16. And then the annual, College Football Extra – Holiday Bonus (What Year Was It?) will be posted on Thursday, December 19. CFW – Week 18 will be posted on Sunday, December 22).
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