Connecticut Huskies vs. Marshall Thundering Herd
If there ever was a defensive grudge match for the ages, it begins and ends right here in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Allowing only 19.8 PPG (17th in FBS), the Huskies live and died by how effective their defense can be as their offense (17.8 PPG, 122nd in FBS) lacks any real playmakers who can score consistently. Although the Thundering Herd are heavily reliant on their potent defense as well (18.4 PAPG, 14th in FBS), their offense is capable scoring in hurry when they get into a rhythm (32.6 PPG, 46th in FBS). This due largely in part to the rapid maturation of freshman quarterback Chase Litton (22 TD's on season). At 6'6", Litton has the vision and arm strength to get the ball downfield and is especially dangerous when he gets into a groove. In the end, while the Huskies potent defense is inspiring, their stagnant offense has been their Achilles heel all season long. Despite having some offensive missteps themselves, the Thundering Herd at least have the talent to score when they need to.
Huskies 20 Thundering Herd 30
Sun Bowl: El Paso, Texas
Miami Hurricanes vs. Washington State Cougars
Sporting the best passing game in the league (397 PYPG, 1st in FBS), the Cougars are at their best when sophomore quarterback Luke Falk (70.7 CMP%, 36 TD's) leads the way. Under head coach Mike Leach, Falk has been able to reach his true potential as the Cougars starting quarterback and has made a name for himself as one of the best pocket passers in the game. Although the Hurricanes have a strong armed quarterback as well in Brad Kaaya (15 TD's, 8.43 YPA), their lack of a sufficient defense could prove to be a problem against this pass happy Cougar offense (28.8 PAPG, 83rd in FBS). Ironically, the Cougars defense is just as weak, which will result in an undoubtedly high scoring affair. When all is said and done, the Cougars have an unprecedented passing attack that has allowed them to stay competitive in a tough PAC-12 conference. While the Hurricanes will attempt to keep respectable, the Cougars offense will reign supreme when it matters most.
Hurricanes 40 Cougars 52
Heart of Dallas Bowl: Dallas, Texas.
Washington Huskies vs. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Although most people would heed the warning of "never put all of your eggs in one basket," both of these teams have shamelessly done just that. For the Huskies, smash mouth defense is the name of the game (17.8 PAPG) while their offense can only be relied upon for the occasional scoring outburst. Conversely, the Golden Eagles are heavily reliant on their dynamic offense which consists of junior quarterback Nick Mullens (36 TD's, 63.4 CMP%) along with senior running back Jalen Richard (14 TD's, 1098 RY). While it may be hard to imagine the Huskies pulling out a victory in this game, they have proven that they can suppress even the toughest offensive opponents (see 45-10 victory over Washington State). On top of that, the Huskies have a freshman passer in Jake Browning (16 TD's, 8 YPA), who has the capabilities to help this team score in a hurry. In the end, the Golden Eagles are the better team on paper, but Huskies have proven that they can be up to the challenge when facing a statistically superior opponent.
Huskies 27 Golden Eagles 21
Pinstripe Bowl: New York, New York.
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Duke Blue Devils
As far as competitive match ups go, this one touts two of the most evenly matched teams thus far this bowl season. For the pesky Hoosiers, it's all about utilizing the talents of their aggressive quarterback Nate Sudfield (24 TD's, 8.82 YPA), while including junior running back Jordan Howard (1213 RY, 9 TD's) in the mix. While the Blue Devils may not have the same caliber of offensive talent, junior quarterback Thomas Sirk (15 passing TD's, 6 rushing TD's) is dual threat as both a capable passer and even more effective runner. However, Duke's chances at victory won't necessarily be completely passed around their finicky albeit dynamic offense. Rather, Duke's chances of victory will be largely based on how well their defense plays (24.1 PAPG, 45th in FBS). While the Blue Devil's defense struggled mightily down the stretch, they certainly have the talent and coaching staff to rediscover a facet of their game that made them so dominant early on in the season. Although it may appear that the Blue Devils are simply limping their way into this one, the fact they have been on the verge of a post season victory for the last three seasons should be more than enough motivation for this pesky Blue Devils team to rise from the ashes of their past transgressions.
Hoosiers 27 Blue Devils 29
Independence Bowl: Shreveport, Louisiana.
Tulsa Golden Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Normally, a bowl game between two 6-6 teams would hardly garner any recognition as a notable match up. However, the departure of long time Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer gives this game a tremendous amount of meaning and intrigue. Although the Golden Hurricanes have every reason to be confident in their passing game (329.8 PYPG, 11th in FBS), the defensive minded Hokies (24.2 PAPG, 47th in FBS) will look to secure a coveted bowl victory for their beloved coach. The key to victory for the Hokies is to keep the opposition from scoring 30 or more points, as all but one of their losses have resulted from this occurrence. While the Golden Hurricanes have been up to task when it comes to scoring (35.9 PPG, 27th in FBS), their paper thin defense (38.6 PAPG, 120th in FBS) has been the frustrating hinderance that has kept this team from being an exceptional playoff contender. When all is said and done, it's hard to bet against a team that's playing for more than just a trophy. More than likely, the swan song of Frank Beamer will result in tears of joy rather than tears of unfathomable sadness.
Golden Hurricanes 27 Hokies 31
Foster Farms Bowl: Santa Clara, California.
UCLA Bruins vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Despite a head scratching 5-7 record, the Cornhuskers have a lot more going for them than most people think. When the Cornhuskers have won, it's been almost always the result of Tommy Armstrong jr. (21 TD's), playing tenaciously and intelligently. For the Bruins, it's always been about being a complete team rather than a lopsided juggernaut. Freshman QB Josh Rosen has admittedly had his struggles, but when he's on his game it's nearly impossible to stop him from scoring consistently. Luckily, junior running back Paul Perkins (1275 rushing yards, 13 TD's) has been a huge crutch for this team as a capable runner as well as dynamic receiving threat coming out of the backfield. While the Bruins talent level may surpass that of the Cornhuskers, there is something to be said for this Nebraska team who's losses have all been by a touchdown are less. If Bruins hope to win, it wold behoove them to not underestimate this Cornhuskers team that can score quickly when they are firing on all cylinders. Although it would be nice to see the underdog come out on top, the Bruins simply have a better team that can score in a multitude of ways while utilizing a capable defense that suppress even the most tenacious of offenses.
Bruins 30 Cornhuskers 29
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