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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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Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Anthony Wales (20) rushes against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs linebacker Brandon Durman (44) during the first half of the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Anthony Wales (20) rushes against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs linebacker Brandon Durman (44) during the first half of the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Boca Raton Bowl: Memphis vs. Western Kentucky – Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ET

If you don’t expect much from the Boca Raton Bowl just based on the name of the game itself, you’re not alone. However, this year’s edition with the Memphis Tigers and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers is one of the better games of the bowl season. Both of these offenses are dynamic and explosive, which should result in a wildly entertaining affair and potentially a shootout.

Mike White has been a beast throwing the ball for the Hilltoppers this season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and for 34 touchdown passes to only six interceptions. They’re far from one-dimensional, though, as Anthony Wales found the end zone 24 times on the season in the rushing attack. That said, Riley Ferguson stepped in adequately to replace Paxton Lynch at quarterback for Memphis, throwing for 3,326 yards and 28 scores on the season. With the talented Doroland Dorceus and a host of other running backs, Memphis can score all the same.

Ultimately, though, Western Kentucky just has too much firepower and too many ways to beat you. It likely goes down to the wire, but the Hilltoppers come out on top in one of the better games early on in bowl season.

Prediction: Memphis Tigers: 34, Western Kentucky: 38

Poinsettia Bowl: BYU vs. Wyoming – Dec. 21, 9 p.m. ET

Yeah, I wish that Taysom Hill was playing quarterback for the BYU Cougars too. But alas, it’s Tanner Mangum again taking the spot under center as Hill’s elbow injury in the season finale will have him out for this game. Mangum stepped in for Hill for all of last season as well and showed solid proficiency. However, this game could come down to a rushing battle, which means a heavy reliance on Jamaal Williams for BYU.

Opposite Williams is the Wyoming Cowboys star, Brian Hill. Hill might not be a name you recognize, but my bet would be he’s a name you’ll be hearing on Sundays in the near future. Averaging just shy of 140 yards per game this season and finding the end zone 21 times on the ground, Hill has led the resurgence of Wyoming. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, though, I have more faith in the BYU defense here to come up with the necessary stops in big moments and to earn the win.

Prediction: BYU: 27, Wyoming: 21

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