Season record: 36-32-1

Last week: 1-4 (USC -3, USC/Oregon over 62.5, Oklahoma -5.5, Tennessee +14, Alabama -17)

Well, I ended the season on a sour note thanks in large part to USC’s ineptitude in the Pac 12 Championship. The Trojans fell to Oregon 31-24 in a messy affair. My only win came by a narrow margin as Oklahoma held off Iowa State by a score of 27-21.

Thankfully, I am still above .500 and bowl games provide another chance to go out on a positive note.

And here we go…

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-4) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (3-3) | December 30 | 11:00 AM CT | Bank of America Stadium

Line: Wisconsin -7.5 | Total: 51.5

Wisconsin has had an up and down season. The Badgers started the season 2-0, only to lose their next three. However, they find themselves in the Mayo Bowl, which seems very appropriate for Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is a team that is built to run the ball, and I believe they will do so against Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons have been soft against the run, allowing 191 yards a game on the ground. Last time out, Louisville ran for 254 against them.

Again, Wisconsin has not been consistent this season. The Badgers are 59th in the country with 172 rushing yards per game. However, they did bludgeon Michigan, rushing for 341 against the Wolverines.

Give me Wisconsin -7.5.

#6 Oklahoma Sooners (8-2) vs. #7 Florida Gators (8-3) | December 30 | 7:00 PM CT | AT&T Stadium

Line: Oklahoma -3 | Total: 70

The biggest storyline leading up to this game are the opt-outs coming from Florida. Tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Kadarius Toney, and wide receiver Trevon Grimes have decided to skip this game as they prepare to embark on NFL careers. In addition, receiver Jacob Copeland will also miss the Cotton Bowl due to COVID-19.

With Jacob Copeland now out…

Florida will be down:

174 of 296 receptions
2,778 of 4,272 receiving yards
34 of 45 TD receptions https://t.co/3vcJu8ORaM

— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) December 28, 2020

It will be difficult to replace that level of production from the skill positions, especially against an improved Oklahoma defense. The Sooners rank 22nd nationally, allowing only 5.06 yards per play.

It appears Florida will have to rely more heavily on their ground game, but the Gators have not been effective in that area. Florida ranks 110th nationally in rushing with 120 yards per game. Keep in mind, Toney made up part of that with 161 rushing yards on the season.

Meanwhile, the Florida defense will have its hands full with Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler has been effective, completing 68% of his passes at 9.5 yards per attempt. Florida’s defense has surrendered 258 yards per game, which ranks 100th in the country.

Give me Oklahoma -3. Keep in mind, this line could continue to move due to the Florida opt-outs.

Army Black Knights (9-2) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-4) | December 31 | 3:00 PM CT | Liberty Bowl

Line: West Virginia -7 | Total: 41

Thankfully, Army finds themselves in a bowl game after originally being shafted. With all the uncertainty surrounding how motivated teams will be to play in bowl games, that should not be a question for the Black Knights.

The last time we saw West Virginia, the Mountaineers gave up 236 rushing yards to Iowa State in a 42-6 loss. The bad news is all Army does is run the ball. The Black Knights average 281 yards per game on the ground, which is fourth in the country.

Army’s rushing attack pairs nicely with their defense. They only give up 271 yards per game, which is #2 nationally.

I am taking my country over country roads. Army +7 is my pick.

#2 Clemson Tigers (10-1) vs. #3 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) | January 1 | 7:00 PM CT | Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Line: Clemson -7.5 | Total: 66.5

This semifinal matchup is a rematch of last year’s semifinal matchup. Clemson won that matchup 29-23. I expect another competitive affair this year, however, I am not confident enough to take a side.

Rather, I will take over 66.5. Both teams are top 10 nationally in yards per game and points per game. Ohio State averages 529 yards per game and 42.5 points per game while Clemson averages 508 yards per game and 44.9 points per game.

This will be a huge game for quarterbacks Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, one of whom will be playing his last collegiate game.

OUTTA HERE!