2015-16 College Football Bowl Season Predictions, Picks and Preview

It’s that time of the year once more for the best teams from the NCAA college football season to have one last shot at going out with a bang by partaking in the annual bowl games.

The 41 matches set to run from this Saturday up until the beginning of 2016 are individually compelling in their own way, and we’ve just rubbed our crystal ball for our very own game-by-game predictions to assist you with your own upcoming wagering and viewing needs.

And if our rather extensive coverage below still isn’t enough, head on over to our feature on the experts’ predictions to see how the web’s pundits weighed-in on all these exciting and pivotal games on tap.
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2015-16 College Football Bowl Season Complete Preview

Saturday, December 19

Celebration Bowl

Alcorn State Braves (9-3) vs. North Carolina A&T Aggies (9-2)

Location: Atlanta, GA

Time: 12:00 PM ET

[sc:NCAA240banner ]The Aggies will likely abuse star running back Tarik Cohen’s ability to torch Alcorn State’s mediocre run defense and come away with the victory. The two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year should be able to rack up huge numbers in this game.

Writer’s Prediction: North Carolina A&T 27, Alcorn State 17

New Mexico Bowl

Arizona Wildcats (6-6) vs. New Mexico Lobos (7-5)

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Time: 2:00 PM ET

In an attempt to avoid ending the season with a losing record, the Wildcats (-8) pull out all the stops to prevent their Southwest rivals from ending their campaign on a sour note. Key players in quarterback Anu Solomon and linebacker Scooby Wright come back from their respective injuries for this season finale and lead Arizona to the victory.

Writer’s Prediction: Arizona 33, New Mexico 24

Las Vegas Bowl

BYU Cougars (9-3) vs. Utah Utes (9-3)

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Time: 3:30 PM ET

BYU’s freshman QB Tyler Mangum (3,062 yards, 21 TDs, seven INTs) needs no Hail Mary this time around to secure a win in this season’s Holy War against the Utes. The Cougars (+3) finally their four-game losing skid against Utah, and also give head coach Bronco Mendenhall, who will join Virginia’s program next season, a nice send-off.

Writer’s Prediction: BYU 28, Utah 24

Camellia Bowl

Ohio Bobcats (8-4) vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-2)

Location: Montgomery, AL

Time: 5:30 PM ET

The Mountaineers (-7.5) showed that they are still as dominant in the FBS as they were in the FCS with a 10-win showing in just their second season with the real heavyweights of the NCAA. Quarterback Taylor Lamb, who has over 2,500 total yards on offense and 33 touchdowns this season, prevents the Bobcats from making Saturday’s game a little more interesting with some dazzling plays both with his arm and his feet.

Writer’s Prediction: Appalachian State 37, Ohio 20

Cure Bowl

San Jose State Spartans (5-7) vs. Georgia State Panthers (6-6)

Location: Orlando, FL

Time: 7:00 PM ET

For the past three-and-a-half seasons, including this campaign’s early stretch, the Panthers (+2.5) had a dismal 4-39 record. Then, quarterback Nick Arbuckle came to life and led Georgia State to four-straight victories to close out this regular season. Arbuckle, who threw for over 4,000 yards in 2015, will complete his team’s feel-good story in the making with another strong outing against the Spartans, losers of three of their past four contests.

Writer’s Prediction: Georgia State 31, San Jose State 20

New Orleans Bowl

Arkansas State Red Wolves (9-3) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-4)

Location: New Orleans, LA

Time: 9:00 PM ET

No defensive playbooks required for this shootout in the making. The Red Wolves (+2) have exhibited the most firepower of late, having scored 50 or more points over their last three games. Look for 5-foot-11 quarterback Fredi Knighten to outgun Louisiana Tech’s Jeff Driskel for Arkansas State’s fourth 10-win season in school history.

Writer’s Prediction: Arkansas State 43, Louisiana Tech 39

Monday, December 21

Miami Beach Bowl

South Florida Bulls (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (11-2)

Location: Miami, FL

Time: 2:30 PM ET

Senior Western Kentucky (-2.5) QB Brandon Doughty could not have his final stint of collegiate play end on a better note. Well, a win at the Miami Beach Bowl will cement his season as one of the school’s best, and he will be ready to carve South Florida’s defense on Monday. Doughty finished a few yards shy of a 4,600-yard season while efficiently completing nearly 72 percent of his passes along with 45 TDs to just seven interceptions.

Writer’s Prediction: Western Kentucky 37, South Florida 19

Tuesday, December 22

Potato Bowl

Akron Zips (7-5) vs. Utah State Aggies (6-6)

Location: Boise, ID

Time: 3:30 PM ET

Akron has a four-game winning streak entering this match, and the team will be extremely amped-up to win its first-ever bowl game in just two lifetime appearances. The Zips (+7) have a stout enough defense to contain Utah State’s prolific quarterback Chuckie Keeton. Watch out for MAC DPOY and Akron linebacker Jatavis Brown to keep the Aggies in check for most of the afternoon.

Writer’s Prediction: Akron 20, Utah State 18

Boca Raton Bowl

Toledo Rockets (9-2) vs. Temple Owls (10-3)

Location: Boca Raton, FL

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Temple’s season has been highlighted by the outstanding showing of linebacker Tyler Matakevich, who was crowned as the nation’s best defensive player this 2015. Meanwhile, Toledo lost its two games this season on the tail-end of its campaign, which should have the Owls (-1.5) and their stifling D ready to seize on their more wounded prey.

Writer’s Prediction: Temple 24, Toledo 16

Wednesday, December 23

Poinsettia Bowl

Boise State Broncos (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (8-5)

Location: San Diego, CA

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Apart from watching Boise State’s Brett Rypien – nephew of Super Bowl-winning QB Mark Rypien – blossom for one more game, the Broncos (-8.5) will also have the benefit of meeting a defeated Northern Illinois team that just lost in its conference championship game. Furthermore, the Huskies have lost all three of their last bowl games.

Writer’s Prediction: Boise State 33, Northern Illinois 27

GoDaddy Bowl

Bowling Green Falcons (10-3) vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4)

Location: Mobile, AL

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Georgia Southern’s star running back, Matt Breida, averaged a whopping 8.19 yards per carry this season to power his Eagles to an eight-win season. However, the skies still rule the NCAA, and Bowling Green’s Matt Johnson is the nation’s king of the passing game (4,700 passing yards and 43 TDs). Take the Falcons (-7.5) to win huge over the Eagles, who are making just their first appearance at an FBS bowl game.

Writer’s Prediction: Bowling Green 36, Georgia Southern 24

Thursday, December 24

Bahamas Bowl

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (7-5) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (7-5)

Location: Nassau, Bahamas

Time: 12:00 PM ET

The Western Michigan Broncos (-3.5) are due for a bowl game victory, and they are in prime position to finally end their six-bowl game drought. The team will draw its twin pistols in receivers Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis – both 1,200-yard receivers who combined for 23 touchdowns – early and often to stun Middle Tennessee’s secondary.

Writer’s Prediction: Western Michigan 30, Middle Tennessee 24

Hawaii Bowl

Cincinnati Bearcats (7-5) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (10-3)

Location: Honolulu, HI

Time: 8:00 PM ET

With Cincinnati starting quarterback Gunner Kiel not able to make it to Honolulu due to personal reasons, the stage is now set for San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey to shine. Pumphrey, who finished ninth in the FBS with over 1,500 yards rushing and 16 TDs, should be able to do enough to send the Bearcats to their third-straight bowl game loss, and give San Diego State (+1.5) 11 superb wins for the season.

Writer’s Prediction: San Diego State 23, Cincinnati 16

Saturday, December 26

St. Petersburg Bowl

Connecticut Huskies (6-6) vs. Marshall Thundering Herd (9-3)

Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Time: 11:00 AM ET

Despite boasting a top 20 scoring defense at just a few shades under 20 points allowed per contest, the Connecticut Huskies firepower on offense, which should explain their current .500 record. On the other hand, Marshall (-4) boasts a superb offensive attack en route to its nine-win campaign, and should be able to muster enough points against the Huskies in St. Petersburg.

Writer’s Prediction: Marshall 27, Connecticut 21

Sun Bowl

Miami Hurricanes (8-4) vs. Washington State Cougars (8-4)

Location: El Paso, TX

Time: 2:00 PM ET

Want a terrific QB-versus-QB bout? You got one. Miami’s Brad Kaaya and Washington State’s Luke Falk were two of the nation’s more prolific passers, with the latter’s return from concussion and overall play from the season being the more attractive option in deciding the winner of this thrilling showdown. Falk, who has 30 touchdowns to just eight INTs this season, should have his Cougars (-3) pull away with the team’s first bowl victory since 2003.

Writer’s Prediction: Washington State 33, Miami 28

Heart of Dallas Bowl

Washington Huskies (6-6) vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (9-4)

Location: Dallas, TX

Time: 2:20 PM ET

It’s hard to cheer against the Golden Eagles, who went from being a one-win team in 2013 to a nine-game winner this year under head coach Todd Monken. However, the Huskies (-8.5) have a rather formidable defense to stall Southern Miss’ offfense, and freshman quarterback Jake Browning will be itching to come out with a statement bowl game victory to add onto his young career under center.

Writer’s Prediction: Washington 25, Southern Miss 21

Pinstripe Bowl

Indiana Hoosiers (6-6) vs. Duke Blue Devils (7-5)

Location: Bronx, NY

Time: 3:30 PM ET

First off, let’s not mistake this post-Christmas gift as a basketball game that’s about to be played in Yankee Stadium. Anyway, the Hoosiers (-2) should be able to out-edge struggling Duke, who lost for of its last five regular season contests. And if Indiana’s running back Jordan Howard (1,213 rushing yards, 12 TDs) suits up for this game, expect his team’s margin of victory to widen indeed.

Writer’s Prediction: Indiana 33, Duke 28

Independence Bowl

Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-6)

Location: Shreveport, LA

Time: 5:450 PM ET

As (-13.5) favorites heading into this match, the Virginia Tech Hokies are in great position indeed to send 29-season head coach and very own alumnus Frank Beamer on a positive note before retiring from the game for good. Heck, maybe Tulsa will even throw this game away out of respect for Beamer and what he has done for the college football world.

Writer’s Prediction: Virginia Tech 29, Tulsa 19

Foster Farms Bowl

Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-7) vs. UCLA Bruins (8-4)

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Time: 9:15 PM ET

Jim Mora and his Bruins (-6.5) will not turn this game into another one of Nebraska’s down-the-wire contests for the season. Quarterback Josh Rosen is too good for the Cornhuskers’ D, having thrown 3,351 yards and 20 touchdowns for the season to bag UCLA its third-straight bowl game victory.

Writer’s Prediction: UCLA 30, Nebraska 17

Monday, December 28

Military Bowl

Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4) vs. Navy Midshipmen (10-2)

Location: Annapolis, MD

Time: 2:30 PM ET

A lot of people thought during the preseason that Navy (-3.5) was going to be good, but not as good as the team really is now. Behind star running back Keenan Reynolds, who has accumulated 85 rushing touchdowns throughout his four-year collegiate career, the Midshipmen will upend Pitt for the program’s first 11-win season its 123-year tenure in the NCAA.

Writer’s Prediction: Navy 34, Pittsburgh 27

Quick Lane Bowl

Central Michigan Chippewas (7-5) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-7)

Location: Detroit, MI

Time: 5:00 PM ET

The Chippweas (+6) finished their regular season strong by winning five of their last six games, and quarterback Cooper Rush (3,705 passing yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs) has been quite the playmaker for the team that could really exploit Minnesota’s ailing secondary. By the way, the Golden Gophers have not gotten a ‘W’ from their past seven bowl game appearances.

Writer’s Prediction: Central Michigan 24, Minnesota 20

Tuesday, December 29

Armed Forces Bowl

Air Force Falcons (8-5) vs. California Golden Bears (7-5)

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Time: 2:00 PM ET

Want to witness an NFL draft-bound QB play in the college level one last time? This is it, as UCLA’s Jared Goff – a projected first round draft pick in the big leagues next season – will be ready to dissect the stumbling Falcons, losers of their last two regular season game. Bruins (-7) jump out to a huge lead early and never trail this contest.

Writer’s Prediction: California 33, Air Force 20

Russell Athletic Bowl

North Carolina Tar Heels (11-2) vs. Baylor Bears (9-3)

Location: Orlando, FL

Time: 5:30 PM ET

A 12-win season is within arm’s reach for the Tarheels (+3), who are aiming to reach said win plateau for the first time in the school’s 112-year history of college football. And luckily for them, Baylor tanked its last few games of the season to miss the CFP, has also lost its last two bowl games, and the team’s quarterback situation is a total mess right now.

Writer’s Prediction: North Carolina 37, Baylor 33

Arizona Bowl

Nevada Wolf Pack (6-6) vs. Colorado State Rams (7-5)

Location: Tucson, AZ

Time: 7:30 PM ET

This match looks like a dud on paper considering that there are two Mountain West teams with middling records. regardless of your perception for this bout, at least there will be some highlights worth looking our for from Colorado State’s star wideout Rashard Higgins, who just became the school’s all-time receptions leader in just his third year with the team. Expect the Rams (-3) and their aerial attack to dominate this one.

Writer’s Prediction: Colorado State 23, Nevada 21

Texas Bowl

Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-5) vs. LSU Tigers (8-3)

Location: Houston, TX

Time: 9:00 PM ET

Although LSU ultimately missed out on the CFP, at least stud running back Leonard Fournette can still make a literal run for the 2,000-yard rushing mark this season. Fournette needs 259 yards on the ground to reach that goal, and going up against the Red Raiders’ leaky run defense (over 271 rushing yards allowed per game) should not only spell a sure victory for the Tigers (-7), but also have their main man reach a rather elusive milestone.

Writer’s Prediction: LSU 21, Texas tech 20

Wednesday, December 30

Birmingham Bowl

Memphis Tigers (9-3) vs. Auburn Tigers (6-6)

Location: Birmingham, AL

Time: 12:00 PM ET

Thanks to Paxton Lynch, another high-round, NFL-bound quarterback, the Memphis Tigers (+2.5) are on the verge of back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history. Auburn, meanwhile, has been quite a disappointment this season and should not be able to contain Lynch and Memphis’ prolific passing game.

Writer’s Prediction: Memphis 34, Auburn 28

Belk Bowl

Mississippi State Bulldogs (8-4) vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack (7-5)

Location: Charlotte, NC

Time: 3:30 PM ET

Swiss Army knife and Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (35 total TDs this season) has done all the heavy lifting for his team in his final year. It’s only fitting, then, that the Bulldogs (-5.5) pull out all the stops to have arguably the school’s best player of all-time end his stint with a bang.

Writer’s Prediction: Mississippi State 38, North Carolina State 28

Music City Bowl

Louisville Cardinals (7-5) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (8-4)

Location: Nashville, TN

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Two underwhelming teams from this season will head into Nashville trying not to sing a somber tune. Louisville (-2.5) has played much better football all-around compared to Texas A&M, and the Aggies are also mired in some quarterback drama and inconsistent offensive display.

Writer’s Prediction: Louisville 27, Texas A&M 24

Holiday Bowl

Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) vs. USC Trojans (8-5)

Location: San Diego, CA

Time: 10:30 PM ET

In a meeting between two teams fueled by new head coaches either at the start or mid-way through this season, the Wisconsin Badgers (+3) should muster enough offense and flex their renowned defensive muscle with for a solid win over the Trojans, who are in the post-Sarkisian era now. Expect Wisconsin linebacker Joe Schobert (9.5 sacks and a school-record five forced fumble this season) to constantly disrupt USC’s normally productive offense.

Writer’s Prediction: Wisconsin 23, USC 20

Thursday, December 31

Peach Bowl

Houston Cougars (12-1) vs. Florida State Seminoles (10-2)

Location: Atlanta, GA

Time: 12:00 PM ET

The Houston Cougars shocked a lot of viewers with their breakout of a season, but the Florida State Seminoles (-7) will show them what it’s really like to be a tested bowl veteran. FSU running back Dalvin Cook, who had four-straight 200-yard rushing games to close the season and eight overall, should run rampant frequently enough to keep his team on track for the victory.

Writer’s Prediction: Florida State 30, Houston 27

Orange Bowl

Clemson Tigers (13-0) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (11-1)

Location: Miami, FL

Time: 4:00 PM ET

Finally, we have reached the semifinal matches of the CFP. Clemson’s unbeaten run in this campaign could very well end with a thud, as standing in its way are the Sooners (-3.5), who are known to have come through in the clutch during this season. The Tigers’ DeShaun Watson puts up some gaudy numbers, but it’s Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield who wins the game for his team down the stretch of a closely-contested bout.

Writer’s Prediction: Oklahoma 30, Clemson 27

Cotton Bowl

Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) vs. Michigan State Spartans (12-1)

Location: Arlington, TX

Time: 8:00 PM ET

The second New Year’s ever semifinal contest should just be as equally thrilling, with Alabama head coach Nick Saban looking to beat his former team. The Tide (-9.5) have the benefit of having this year’s Heisman Trophy winner on their side in Derrick Henry, who needs just 13 more yards on the ground to reach the 2,000-yard mark this season and move his team one step closer towards the school’s fourth national title in seven years.

Writer’s Prediction: Alabama 28, Michigan State 19

Friday, January 1

Outback Bowl

Northwestern Wildcats (10-2) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (8-4)

Location: Tampa, FL

Time: 12:00 PM ET

While the Wildcats have been quite a surprise this season, Tennessee (-8) has been slowly developing its program for the better just as well. The Vols’ offensive tandem of Joshua Dobbs and Jalen Hurd will be hard to contain, and both stars are bound to shine on this rare New Year’s Day showcase.

Writer’s Prediction: Tennessee 27, Northwestern 21

Fiesta Bowl

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1)

Location: Glendale, AZ

Time: 1:00 PM ET

If there was one non-semifinal match that’s definitely worth watching this bowl season, it would have to be this one. Ohio State (-6.5) has won its last four meetings against the Fighting Irish, and Ezekiel Elliott – the team’s prime Heisman Trophy candidate for the defending champs – looks poised to make sure that the Buckeyes make it five games in a row now over Notre Dame.

Writer’s Prediction: Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 31

Citrus Bowl

Michigan Wolverines (9-3) vs. Florida Gators (10-3)

Location: Miami, FL

Time: 1:00 PM ET

Two first-year coaches with impressive debuts and formidable defenses will go head-to-head in the Citrus Bowl. Michigan (-4.5), led by famed former NFL quarterback and head coach Jim Harbaugh, sends the Florida Gators and their late-season collapse to new lows with some crucial plays from quarterback Jake Rudock on offense.

Writer’s Prediction: Michigan 24, Florida 18

Rose Bowl

Stanford Cardinal (11-2) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (12-1)

Location: Pasadena, CA

Time: 5:00 PM ET

Exactly how gritty and impressive have the Hawkeyes been this season? Then again, did you also witness what Christian McCaffrey and Kevin Hogan have done for Stanford’s Offense? And hey, this is the Rose Bowl. That means that the Cardinal (-7) will likely prevail with a win over Iowa, who is making its first appearance in Pasadena in 25 years, with their arsenal in full display.

Writer’s Prediction: Stanford 38, Iowa 28

Sugar Bowl

Ole Miss Rebels (9-3) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-2)

Location: New Orleans, LA

Time: 8:30 PM ET

A lot of people will be watching this game for Ole Miss wideout Laqoun Treadwell, who will likely enter the NFL draft next year. He and his well-balanced Rebels (-7) will more or less take advantage of the fact that the Cowboys currently have two-game losing streak (against elite programs in Oklahoma and Baylor) heading into this match.

Writer’s Prediction: Ole Miss 29, Oklahoma State 21

Saturday, January 2

TaxSlayer Bowl

Penn State Nittany Lions (7-5) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (9-3)

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Time: 12:00 PM ET

Penn State (+6.5) seems primed to slay (not with taxes, though) a Georgia Bulldogs team that has coaching turmoil written all over it. Plus, now’s also the last time for quarterback Christian Hackenberg to prove that he can hack it with the big boys of the NFL after a subpar junior season.

Writer’s Prediction: Penn State 23, Georgia 19

Liberty Bowl

Arkansas Razorbacks (7-5) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (6-6)

Location: Memphis, TN

Time: 3:20 PM ET

Simply making it to the bowl games will not cut it for Kansas State, as the Razorbacks (-11) clearly out-edge the former in terms of talent and bowl game experience. In fact, Arkansas has the nation’s top tight end in Hunter Henry on their side and they have also won all two of their last bowl game appearances, while the Wildcats are losers of six of their last seven bowl games.

Writer’s Prediction: Arkansas 31, Kansas State 17

Alamo Bowl

Oregon Ducks (9-3) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (10-2)

Location: San Antonio, TX

Time: 6:45 PM ET

If you want one more shootout of a duel in the final day of the bowl season, then you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy the Vernon Adams vs. Trevone Boykin show, with Adams currently having the slight advantage given his red-hot play since returning from injury as the main factor, as the Ducks come away with the victory over the Horned Frogs.

Writer’s Prediction: Oregon 47, TCU 41

Cactus Bowl

West Virginia Mountaineers (7-5) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (6-6)

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Time: 10:15 PM ET

After back-to-back ten-win seasons, the Sun Devils followed-up those performances with a disappointing 2015 campaign. Given the pseudo-home field advantage and with the knowledge of having to avoid a losing record for the season, Arizona State finds enough of a spark to beat the Mountaineers to end their lackluster campaign on a high note.

Writer’s Prediction: Arizona State 24, West Virginia 19

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