Predicting every 2016 college football bowl game
Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo – Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET
Which way do you want your defense to be exploited, because both the Appalachian State Mountaineers and Toledo Rockets offenses can let you pick your poison. These are two of the most balanced and explosive offenses outside of the Power 5 conferences in the country. App State can move the ball on the ground with Jalin Moore, Marcus Cox, and quarterback Taylor Lamb, while Lamb can also go through the air.
That said, Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside has been even more prolific through the air this season and is a huge weapon. As good as Woodside is, though, he’s secondary to running back Kareem Hunt, who stands as one of the most underrated weapons in college football. Though the over/under is set in the high 50s for this matchup, I see this one turning into a shootout where, in essence, whoever has the ball last wins. In a crapshoot, I’m going with Toledo to have the edge in the end.
Prediction: Appalachian State: 42, Toledo: 45
Cure Bowl: UCF vs. Arkansas State – Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET
The offense of the UCF Knights doesn’t exactly wow you by any stretch. McKenzie Wilson at quarterback has been respectable, but nothing flashy. Dontravious Wilson and Jawon Hamilton running the ball earn the same description. However, it’s the Knight’s defense, led by linebacker Shaquem Griffin that really leads the way for this team. After winning the AAC Defensive player of the year, he’s ready to make an impact.
However, the Arkansas State Red Wolves have a stout defense of their own that led them to going 7-1 in a competitive Sun Belt this season. Defensive end Ja’Von Rolland-Jones is a pass-rush monster, notching 11 sacks on the season. But what gives the Red Wolves the edge in this game is ultimately a better offensive attack, led by workhorse running back Warren Wand and a solid quarterback in Justice Hansen. Though the underdog, Arkansas State picks up the victory.
Prediction: UCF: 14, Arkansas State: 17