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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 24
Next
Nov 5, 2016; West Point, NY, USA; Air Force Falcons defensive back Roland Ladipo (25) celebrates his interception against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; West Point, NY, USA; Air Force Falcons defensive back Roland Ladipo (25) celebrates his interception against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Bowl: South Alabama vs. Air Force – Dec. 30, 5:30 p.m. ET

The South Alabama Jaguars’ claim to fame for the 2016 season was a season-opening win over an SEC opponent, albeit a Mississippi State team that finished 5-7 and was then searching for an identity. They have a stout defense, aided by the pass-rushing ability of Randy Allen at defensive end.

Unfortunately for the Jaguars, they won’t be using that pass rush much at all against the Air Force Falcons. Still running the triple-option, Air Force had six players notch 80 carries or more on the season while having five of those players average more than four yards per carry and four of them go for over 600 yards rushing on the year. Frankly, this is a mismatch heavily favoring the Falcons. I don’t think this one will be in question throughout.

Prediction: South Alabama: 20, Air Force: 38

Orange Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida State – Dec. 30, 8 p.m. ET

Coming into the 2016 season, if you’d have said that the Michigan Wolverines and Florida State Seminoles would be playing in the College Football Playoff, no one would have batted an eye. These are two of the best programs and teams in the country. However, early-season slip-ups for Florida State and late-season woes for Michigan ultimately kept them out of that position. As a result, though, we’re treated to one hell of an Orange Bowl matchup.

Michigan’s defense, led most notably by Heisman finalist Jabrill Peppers, is without a doubt their strength, especially with Wilton Speight still likely recovering from late-season injuries that he played through against Ohio State. That said, the likes of Deondre Francois and Dalvin Cook have seen elite defenses before and had success. Even still, I don’t think they have the offensive line to hold up against Michigan nor the defense to stop a grinding Wolverines offense. It won’t be a blowout, but Jim Harbaugh’s group should walk away the decisive victors.

Prediction: Michigan: 30, Florida State: 21

Home/College Football