Predicting every 2016 college football bowl game

Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland vs. Boston College – Dec. 26, 2:30 p.m. ET

Perhaps the 2016 season would have been a bit different for the Maryland Terrapins had senior quarterback Perry Hills been able to actually stay healthy this season. Alas, he’s one player who will be using the month off between the regular season finale and the Terps’ bowl game to look to get right. When on the field, Hills was quite good with a 66 percent completion rate, 1,235 passing yards, and 10 scores. He and his health will be key.

Meanwhile, he won’t have an easy day against this Boston College Eagle defense, led by junior defensive end Harold Landry. Landry set the BC record this season with 15 sacks, tied for the most in the FBS in 2016. With his ability to create pressure, Hills better hope he’s healthy or he may be exiting early. In the end, the defense of the Eagles is too scary and Hills’ health too fleeting for me to lean any other way than Boston College.

Prediction: Maryland: 14, Boston College: 20

Independence Bowl: NC State vs. Vanderbilt – Dec. 26, 5 p.m. ET

When the NC State Wolfpack have been at their best this season, they’re a strong two-way team that can both stifle their opponents with a deep defensive unit and throw the ball proficiently with Ryan Finley. However, the Vanderbilt Commodores came on strong at the end of the year with a balanced look of their own. Quarterback Kyle Shurmur played his best football at the end of the year, joining running back Ralph Webb to form a formidable attack.

However, this one should ultimately come down to which defense is more up to the task in this game. Though I trust the Wolfpack offense’s weapons a bit more, I trust the Vandy defense led by Zach Cunningham more than anything else. They’ve delivered in big moments all season, particularly in the red zone. That shines through as the Commodores pick up the win.

Prediction: NC State: 19, Vanderbilt: 23