Fansided

Predicting every 2016 college football bowl game

By Cody Williams

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) runs the ball for a 58 yard touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Kinnick Stadium. Northwestern won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) runs the ball for a 58 yard touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Kinnick Stadium. Northwestern won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Pinstripe Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern – Dec. 28, 2 p.m. ET

Yankee Stadium again plays host to a bowl game in one of the most unique environments of college football’s postseason. In doing so, they host the Pittsburgh Panthers and Northwestern Wildcats. The latter is bowl-eligible yet again, though you could argue that running back Justin Jackson and company failed to meet expectations. Meanwhile, Pitt has an upset win over Clemson to their credit, but a slew of disappointing losses marring the season as a whole.

There’s no question that Jackson for Northwestern and James Conner—the unquestioned best story in college football—for the Panthers will lead their respective offenses in this matchup. However, I think this game, which should be tight, comes down to both field position and big play from either defense or special teams. With Quadree Henderson returning kicks for Pitt and having four return scores on the year, I think that makes the difference.

Prediction: Pittsburgh: 28, Northwestern: 24

Russell Athletic Bowl: West Virginia vs. Miami – Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. ET

At their best, the West Virginia Mountaineers were one of the most fun teams in college football. Quarterback Skyler Howard could move the ball at will to a variety of weapons while the Mountaineers defense was ball-hawking and creating a ridiculous amount of turnovers. The issue, though, was that they never seemed to bring that level of play into big games. And though the Miami Hurricanes were a bit lackluster in Year 1 under Mark Richt, the Russell Athletic Bowl is a big game.

Brad Kaaya at quarterback for the Canes continues to be a mixed bag of unmet potential. When he’s on, he has all the tools to one day be an NFL starting quarterback. The issue, of course, is that those heights aren’t reached nearly often enough. I think in the end, West Virginia gets up for a game, finally, and Kaaya struggles once again in a high-pressure situation. It’ll be close, but the Mountaineers get their elusive 10th win.

Prediction: West Virginia: 34, Miami: 24

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