Predicting every 2019-2020 college football bowl game winner

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin (Jan. 1)

The Pac-12 Championship Game between Oregon and Utah stands as a strong template for how the Rose Bowl should play out. In that contest, the Ducks dared the Utes to beat them through the air. That should again be the case against Wisconsin as Oregon will look for anyone but Jonathan Taylor to beat them. And with Justin Herbert facing a slightly worse defense this time around, the Ducks should pick up the victory comfortably.

Winner: Oregon

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Baylor (Jan. 1)

When Georgia played in the Sugar Bowl last year, we saw a number of Bulldogs elect to sit out in order to begin preparing for the NFL Draft — and then UGA got handled by Texas. With offensive tackle Andrew Thomas already choosing that path and the Dawgs now facing a relentless Baylor defense (in addition to the Bulldogs depleted wide receiver corps), give me the Bears grinding out a close one over short-handed Georgia.

Winner: Baylor

Birmingham Bowl: Boston College vs. Cincinnati (Jan. 2)

Any seasoned college football fan knows that Boston College is going to try and ride A.J. Dillon to victory in this game. However, Cincinnati’s run defense has been fine this season while the Eagles defense has not been fine in any capacity. The Bearcats should be able to put up enough points that the one-dimensional BC offense will struggle to keep up.

Winner: Cincinnati

Gator Bowl: Indiana vs. Tennessee (Jan. 2)

Jeremy Pruitt showed signs that he is the right guy for Tennessee after taking them from dead in the water to bowl-eligible. And while Peyton Ramsey has been good as a replacement for Michael Penix Jr., Indiana just isn’t as dangerous with him helming the offense. As such, give me the SEC-caliber defense to bottle up the Hoosiers and win a low-scoring affair.

Winner: Tennessee

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs. Nevada (Jan. 3)

In all honesty, I don’t see this one being all that close. While Ohio is far from a perfect team (as their 6-6 record on the year would indicate), they have a high-quality offense and Nevada’s defense has essentially been a saloon door. Given that and the Wolfpack’s limitations on offense, the Bobcats should be able to put up a big number that Nevada will be unable to match.

Winner: Ohio

Armed Forces Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Tulane (Jan. 4)

Sneakily, Southern Miss and Tulane are a great matchup for one another. While the Green Wave has a prolific rushing offense (249.8 yards per game), the Golden Eagles run defense has been stout in allowing only 111.8 yards per contest. Contrarily, the Tulane pass defense has been lights out, which could stop the strength of the Southern Miss offense. Ultimately, I prefer the ability of the Green Wave to control the clock and flow of the game with the rushing attack, giving them the edge.

Winner: Tulane

Lendingtree Bowl: Louisiana vs. Miami (OH) (Jan. 6)

The final bowl game to be played before a week off leading up to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game might be a bit of a dud. The Ragin’ Cajuns have been a balanced team with a potent offense and strong defense. Meanwhile, Miami has a bad defense and a mediocre offense. That’s a recipe for a Louisiana victory and one by a wide margin at that.

Winner: Louisiana

CFP National Championship: Clemson vs. LSU (Jan. 13)

As much belief as I have in Dabo Swinney, Brent Venables and the Clemson program, I just as much believe that no team has an answer for Joe Burrow and the LSU offense. While Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers can put up points on an inconsistent LSU defense, give me the playmakers for Ed Orgeron’s club getting the edge and sitting atop the College Football Playoff when it’s all wrapped up.

Winner: LSU

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