Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN
1/2 3:20 PM
Kansas State (6-6) vs. Arkansas (7-5)
Arkansas
Confidence: 39
Kansas State is among the teams skidding the hardest going into the bowl games despite winning the last three. One of those was against Kansas, the others were by one over West Virginia and by three over Iowa State. They lost six in a row before that. They don’t score like the rest of the Big 12 and they don’t play defense like them. Arkansas on the other hand is much better than the record shows. They do have wins at LSU and at Ole Miss this year. According to ESPN, they are number one in offensive efficiency despite losing their starting RB before the season. Senior QB Brandon Allen put together a great season for them and was lucky enough to have the countries best TE Hunter Henry to throw to. Henry might be able to sneak into the first round if he declares. Everything points to Arkansas in this one.
Arkansas 41 Kansas State 17
Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, TX
1/2 6:45 PM
Oregon (9-3) vs. TCU (10-2)
Oregon
Confidence: 6
I think this might be my pick for best bowl game to watch. These are two evenly matched teams and Vegas have the odds at even. Expect a high scoring one from this game. The over/under is set at 78.5 and the only other bowl in the seventies is LSU Texas Tech at 73. Both teams prefer to win by outscoring you and not playing any defense. Oregon looked like this season might be a waste going 3-3 but was able to turn it around winning six straight. Vernon Adams has had success at the big level with 25 TDs to just 6 INTs. The Ducks run effectively too at 6.1 YPC. TCU has the dynamic duo of pre-season Heisman possible QB Trevone Boykin and WR Josh Doctson. Doctson has caught 1327 yards and 14 TDs. The winner will be whoever plays defense. In terms of points allowed, TCU has the edge but I don’t think they have played anywhere near the caliber of offenses Oregon has despite playing in the Big 12. Oregon has the best defensive player in this game, DE Deforest Buckner who looks to be a first rounder.
Oregon 52 TCU 45
Cactus Bowl
Phoenix, AZ
1/2 10:15 PM
West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6)
Arizona State
Confidence: 18
This is the last game before the National Championship but it’s far from remarkable. There’s not a whole ton for me to really say about this game. Both teams are middle of the road and there’s no real glaring standout. On paper it’s a pretty even matchup. In terms of location, it’s pretty much a home game for Arizona State and that’s why I’ll give them the victory.
Arizona State 31 West Virginia 30
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