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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Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) walks off the field after a play against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-6. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) walks off the field after a play against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-6. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Idaho vs. Colorado State – Dec. 22, 7 p.m. ET

If you look at the overall body of work for the Colorado State Rams, you might not be impressed—and you wouldn’t be alone. However, it’s important more to look at their progression throughout the season. By year’s end, the Rams looked like the best team in the Mountain West, even blowing out San Diego State in a bit of a shocker. Their offense boasts a balanced rushing attack and a real receiving weapon in Michael Gallup. Moreover, their defense has playmakers that can affect the game in a number of ways.

For the Idaho Vandals, their defense too has been impressive this season, and so too has quarterback Matt Linehan. Linehan, most notably, has a handful of key late-game drives and plays to add to his resume heading into this matchup. Even at home, though, I don’t think they’ll be able to withstand the multi-faceted attack of Colorado State, a team with something to prove to end the year and heading into next season.

Prediction: Idaho: 24, Colorado State: 35

Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion – Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET

If you’re looking for two unsung stars at quarterback doing battle in bowl season, look no further than the matchup between the Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Old Dominion Monarchs. EMU’s junior signal-caller, Brogan Roback, not only sounds like a fictional jock in a sports movie, but also has shown the ability to air it out and to a variety of targets this season for the Eagles. Moreover, it’s been almost 30 years since Eastern Michigan has experienced a bowl game, so both nerves and motivation will be in play for this team.

Old Dominion senior quarterback David Washington will be ready to show what he’s capable of in the Bahamas as well, though, Washington enters this game as one of the most secure quarterbacks in the FBS, throwing 28 touchdowns on the year while only tossing four picks. Perhaps the key in this matchup is the Monarchs having more of a running game with Ray Lawry in the backfield. Because of that, ODU has the slight edge in this matchup.

Prediction: Eastern Michigan: 42, Old Dominion: 48

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