Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. Navy – Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. ET
To say it’s unfortunate that Will Worth won’t be starting at quarterback for the Navy Midshipmen in this matchup is a vast understatement. If he were, this matchup against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs would be a battle of contrasting attacks full of total intrigue. Instead, you’re looking at a Navy team that blew their 14-game winning streak to Army on Dec. 10 and that looks a shell of their former selves.
Zach Abey simply isn’t as proficient or dangerous as Worth proved to be this season, which is to be expected considering he’s their third-stringer. However, Bulldogs quarterback Ryan Higgins is a beast when dropping back to throw, tossing the pigskin for over 4,200 yards in 2016 to go along with 37 touchdowns. With Navy’s attack far from worrying the Bulldogs, Louisiana Tech should win handily.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech: 45, Navy: 21
Dollar General Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy – Dec. 23, 8 p.m. ET
While it may not have the big names or star-power that you’re looking for, this is a classic offense vs. defense matchup with the Troy Trojans taking on the Ohio Bobcats. Ohio showed in the MAC Championship game in largely limiting the explosive Western Michigan attack what their D is capable of and they’ll look to put that same thing on display once again in their bowl game.
Troy certainly has the weapons to counter that, though, led by the duo of quarterback Brandon Silvers and running back Jordan Chunn. Silvers accrued 2,945 yards passing and 26 total touchdowns on the season, looking like a real weapon still as a junior. That’s in addition to Chunn carrying the load on the ground with 1,232 yards and 13 scores as a ball-carrier this season. Though it’ll be hard-fought, expect this to play out much like the MAC title game with the Trojans doing just enough to get by the Bobcats.
Prediction: Ohio: 17, Troy: 24