Season record: 32-28-2
Last week: 0-1 (LSU +17.5)
We are on to bowl season, and despite a loss in Championship Week, I am still four games over .500. However, with bowl season upon us, there is still work to be done.
Let’s go bowling, shall we?
#24 Troy Trojans (11-2) vs. #25 UT-San Antonio Roadrunners (11-2) | December 16 | 2:00 PM CT | Exploria Stadium (Orlando, FL)
Line: Troy -2
Total: 55.5
The Cure Bowl got a great draw this season featuring two eleven-win teams. Troy won the Sun Belt while UT-San Antonio won Conference USA.
The two teams are a contrast in styles. UT-San Antonio is known for their potent offense, while Troy has made their mark defensively.
The Roadrunner offense revolves around quarterback Frank Harris. Harris has been effective both through the air (3,865 passing yards) and on the ground (588 rushing yards). He has accounted for 40 touchdowns in an offense that scored 38.7 points per game this season.
The Troy defense has been good at limiting opponents’ scoring, allowing only 17.5 points per game. However, I am skeptical of the offenses they have faced. In the Trojans last seven games, here are their opponents and their rank in points per game.
Texas State – 111
South Alabama – 40
UL-Lafayette – 77
Army – 65
UL-Monroe – 104
Arkansas State – 87
Coastal Carolina – 60
To Troy’s credit, they did hold South Alabama to only six points. Still, UT-San Antonio presents an even bigger challenge.
The Trojans have had an uptick in scoring in recent weeks. In their last two games, Troy has scored 48 against Arkansas State and 45 against Coastal Carolina. Against a UT-San Antonio defense that gives up 404.8 yards and 26.5 points per game, I expect that to continue.
While this game is in a soccer stadium, and from what I can tell, soccer tends to be low scoring. However, this is football, and I expect things to play out differently. Give me over 55.5.
Florida Gators (6-6) vs. #14 Oregon State Beavers (9-3) | December 17 | 1:30 PM CT | Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
Line: Oregon State -10
Total: 52.5
Both schools are coming off games in which they took on their respective in-state rivals. Florida fell short against Florida, while Oregon State defeated Oregon in an epic comeback win.
With bowl season, you always have to monitor opt-outs. And in Florida’s case, there will be a substantial absence. Quarterback Anthony Richardson has announced his intentions to turn pro and will not play in this game.
Furthermore, backup quarterback Jalen Kitna was kicked off the team due to charges against him.
That leaves quarterback Jack Miller in line to start. Miller, who has no passing attempts this season, will face an Oregon State defense that ranks 12th nationally in team passing efficiency defense.
On the other side of the ball, the Beavers have a potent rushing attack. Freshman running back Damien Martinez leads the way. Martinez rushed for 970 yards in the regular season and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. He is joined by fellow running backs, Jam Griffin and Deshaun Fenwick, who averaged 5.8 and 4.8 yards per carry, respectively.
Florida has had issues stopping the run this season. The Gators rank 101st in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (176.2). In addition to that, Florida will be without linebacker Ventrell Miller, who is also opting out of the bowl.
This could be a long day for the Gators, so give me Oregon State -10.
Fresno State Bulldogs (9-4) vs. Washington State Cougars (7-5) | December 17 | 2:30 PM CT | SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
Line: Fresno State -3
Total: 53.5
I think we can all agree that Jimmy Kimmel sucks, but I am not going to let me from making a pick on this game.
Fresno State struggled without quarterback Jake Haener, but since he has come back the Bulldogs have reeled off six straight. Haener has been fantastic, throwing for 18 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions.
He will face a Washington State defense that was recently victimized by Washington to the tune of 485 passing yards.
The transfer portal is another issue for the Cougars.
As mentioned, Washington State has two of their top three receivers in the portal. It is also interesting that one of the first schools to offer Donovan Ollie was Fresno State.
To make matters worse, offensive coordinator Eric Morris is leaving to take the head coaching job at North Texas and fourth-leading receiver Renard Bell will miss the bowl game due to injury.
With all the departures, it is hard feel confident about Washington State’s chances. Conversely, Fresno State has been rock solid with Haener in the lineup.
Fresno State -3 is my pick.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 