College Football Bowl Games: Week 3 Predictions

Football

No correct score predictions this week as we went 5-3 in the bowl game predictions. The closest game to a correct score was Marshall beating South Florida which we missed by 14. Of the predictions that were wrong, Wake Forest beat Memphis in a thriller, FIU showed plenty in beating Toledo, and Troy was too much for Buffalo. Also, a shout out to Army who put up 70 points in destroying Houston.

By Steve Wright

Last week’s record: 5-3

Overall record: 100-36

Exact scores predicted (on the season): 1

Here are some score predictions for the first games after Christmas:

Wednesday, December 26

First Responder Bowl

Boston College (7-5) vs. (25) Boise State (10-3) – The Broncos have an efficient and stingy defense that hasn’t allowed over 24 points since way back in October. While the academic ineligibility of wide receiver John Hightower and an injury to receiver Khalil Shaker will slow the Broncos attack down, they will still have more than enough for a bounce back win after losing the Mountain West title game. Boise State 28, Boston College, 14.

Quick Lane Bowl

Minnesota (6-6) vs. Georgia Tech (7-5) – This will simply come down to whether the Golden Gophers can stop the No. 1 rushing attack in the nation. The Yellow Jackets rush for 335 yards per game and they are experience and deep across the board in the offense backfield. Minnesota is a young team and they will struggle to slow down Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech 34, Minnesota 17.

Cheez-It Bowl

TCU (6-6) vs. Cal (7-5) – TCU has been in bowl mood for the last month after having to win its last two games just to reach eligibility in what has to be seen as a disappointing year. Injuries cursed this team all season, with three different quarterbacks starting games. Watch for sophomore wide out Jalen Reagor to star here after posting 1,000 yards and riding a streak of seven-straight games with a touchdown into the bowl game. TCU 28, Cal 14.

Thursday, December 27

Independence Bowl

Temple (8-4) vs. Duke (7-5) – Temple won eight of its last 10 after starting 0-2 while Duke was blasted 94-13 over its final two games of the regular season. A fully healthy Daniel Jones at quarterback will keep Duke competitive, but the Temple pass defense has been battle tested in the AAC and will be more than good enough to shut down the attack of the Power Five school. Temple 31, Duke 14.

Pinstripe Bowl

Wisconsin (7-5) vs. Miami (7-5) – A rematch of last year’s Orange Bowl sees these two squads battling in a much lower ranked environment. This game will be all about Doak Award winner Jonathan Taylor passing 2,000 yards rushing on the season and running over the Hurricanes defense. Playing in New York in December against a physical, run first team will be a problem for the Hurricanes. Wisconsin 27, Miami 20.

Houston Bowl

Baylor (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6) – The SEC finally gets in on the bowl action as a dangerous Vanderbilt squad takes on Baylor in Houston. The Bears improved from 1-11 in 2017 to 6-6 this season with Matt Rhule turning the team’s fortunes around in his second year in charge. Baylor puts up big yardage totals behind quarterback Charlie Brewer, but both these squads average around 28 points per game. Vanderbilt is much better defensively, and specifically in getting turnovers, and that will be the difference here. Vanderbilt 35, Baylor 27.

 

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