College Football Bowl Mania Preview: December 19th

Arguably one of the most anticipated post season events of the year, the nearly month long slew of do or die college football match ups has always been captivating for sports fans.  Although not all of the over 40 bowl games are nearly as intriguing as the last (this has been made apparent by the inclusion of three teams with 5-7 records), they are if nothing else a last hurrah for teams to salvage their underwhelming seasons. While the inaugural day of the college football post season may seem a bit scarce with noteworthy competition, it is still the start of something that is treasured by any football fan.

Celebration Bowl: Atlanta, Georgia.

Alcorn State Braves vs. North Carolina A&T Aggies

While it may an arduous task to initially discern what entertainment value there is between two FCS teams, it at least features two opponents that have impressive overall record (Braves 9-3, Aggies 9-2). Aside from this accomplishment, both of these teams are exceptional on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Although the Braves offense is slightly more prolific (40 PPG for the Braves compared to the Aggies 30 PPG), the Aggies have proven be much more efficient when it comes to their defensive prowess (15.6 PAPG for the Aggies compared to 21.1 PAPG for the Braves). In the end, this matchup has a decent amount intrigue but unfortunately not enough national relevance to be on the average sports fans radar.

Braves 23 Aggies 24

New Mexico Bowl: Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Arizona Wildcats vs. New Mexico Lobos

As the first FBS bowl game of the day, it's fairly safe to say that all eyes will be on this PAC-12 vs. Mountain West matchup that should display a little of everything. Between the Lobos' potent rushing attack (246.6 RYPG, 8th in FBS) and the Wildcats passing prowess (268.3 PYPG, 32nd in FBS), this is a game in which both of these opponents will look to execute their unique offensive strategies. However, the Lobos will have to rely on some defensive magic if they hope to throw off the unforgiving versatility of the Wildcats offense. While a last minute defensive miracle from the Lobos would be incredible, it seems more likely that Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon will find way to score enough points to put this one out of reach.

Wildcats 31 Lobos 22

Las Vegas Bowl: Las Vegas, Nevada.

BYU Cougars vs. #22 Utah Utes

As a matchup that features two stingy defenses, it would seem logical that these two teams are poised for a low scoring, physical grudge match. However, one only has to dig a little bit deeper to see that this isn't simply another one dimensional affair. Winning seven of their last eight games, the BYU Cougars have every reason to feel confident in their ability to pull out a win here, especially since they have quarterback Tanner Magnum on their side (21 TD's to just 7 INT's). However, what the Utes lack in passing efficiency, they more than make up for with a physical running game (187.8 RYPG, 43rd in FBS). Although it may be tempting to go with the passing capabilities of the Cougars, the Utes have garnered more quality wins against ranked opponents and have a little something to prove after their late season struggles.

Cougars 24 Utes 28

Camellia Bowl: Montgomery, Alabama.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers

Although this may seem like a unremarkable match up at first glance, both of these teams are much improved over last season. For the Bobcats, they have made a killing at simply being an above average team at rushing (187.1 RYPG, 45th in FBS), passing (238 PYPG, 49th in FBS) and defense (24.8 PAPG, 51st). However, while the Mountaineers may not have a well-rounded offense themselves, they more than make up for it with a formidable rushing attack (268.8 RYPG, 6th in FBS) and a opportunistic defense (18.3 PAPG, 13 in FBS). Although running back Marcus Cox may not be having the season he did last year when he had 19 rushing touchdowns (Only eight rushing TD's this season), he hasn't lost his touch when it comes to finding ways to evade tenacious line backers (5.8 YPC and 1261 yards on the season). In the end, the Bobcats well balanced nature won't be quite enough to suppress the Mountaineers physical style of play. While this will most likely be a fairly close game, Appalachian State will find a away to take advantage of a tired Ohio team during the waning moments of the game.

Bobcats 23 Mountaineers 26

Cure Bowl: Orlando, Florida.

San Jose State Spartans vs. Georgia State Panthers

Although it may seem like Georgia State has an overwhelming advantage here thanks to having one of the best passing attacks in the game (346.6 YPG, 8th in FBS), the Spartans are potent scorers themselves (28.2 PPG). Despite their unimpressive 5-7 record, the Spartans have been a handful when both their passing attack (232.8 PYPG, 56th in FBS) and rushing capabilities (181 RYPG, 54th in FBS) are in sync. However, the Spartans will have to contend with one of the most prolific passers in college football in Nick Arbuckle (4160 YPG and 26 TD's). Although the Spartans defense isn't terrible, it can hardly be expected to for this team to rely on it's inconsistent defense for a victory. More than likely, the Spartans ability to persevere will be based on how well junior quarterback Kenny Porter performs as he'll have to be at his best to come out on top here (68.5 CMP% and 14 TD's). In the end, while the Panthers have a scary efficient passing attack, the Spartans have the advantage of having a solid rushing game that is backed up by quarterback that is an supremely accurate passer and can get the ball downfield (7.55 YPPA). 

Spartans 47 Panthers 44

New Orleans Bowl: New Orleans, Louisiana.

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

The nightcap for the first day of bowl games is a matchup between two very different teams that have found ways to win through their one-dimensional ways. Although the Red Wolves may not have a tenacious defense (28.8 PAPG), they more than make up for it with a nearly unstoppable rushing threat (235.8 RYPG, 14th in FBS) that can score points quickly and efficiently (41 PPG). On the flip side, the Bulldogs have relied on a potent passing attack (311.9 YPG, 15th in FBS) to win thanks to senior quarterback Jeff Driskel (3575 PYPG and 24 TD's). Although this will clearly be a high scoring affair, it's difficult to see who has the distinct advantage here. Both teams are capable of scoring quickly and consistently, despite being one dimensional in their respective playing styles. When all is said and done, this game will come down to who has the final possession of the ball during the final seconds. The Red Wolves get the slight edge here since they are a bit more prolific when it comes to scoring.

Red Wolves 52 Bulldogs 48