Bowl Predictions: Round 1

My Bowl Predictions

Myrtle Beach Bowl

App State (-21.0) vs North Texas. I am taking App State based on their performance over the last 5 games of their season. It says a lot that App State played Coastal Carolina and Louisiana close considering both those teams being several of the best in the country. Even though App State hasn’t quite lived up to their normal standards of Sun Belt dominance, they have kept it close in each of their three losses and should defensively dominate Seth Littrell's squad. App State’s veteran QB Zac Thomas has too many offensive weapons around him for the Mean Green to keep pace. I will take App State 48-21 over North Texas.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Tulane (-3.0) vs Nevada. Nevada gets the nod in this one because Nevada’s QB last name is Strong, just kidding, it's his outstanding play this season that tips the scale. I will give a ton of credit to Tulane QB Michael Pratt, he has had an impressive year as well starting as a true freshmen. Despite this, I really like Nevada’s defense and their aggressive style of play under Coach Norvell. I will take Nevada in a close game. It will be 31-28 to Nevada.

Boca Raton Bowl

UCF vs #16 BYU (-6.5). These are two red hot teams with electrifying quarterbacks. We've seen the play of these two fall just short; UCF vs Cincinnati and BYU vs Coastal Carolina. They may not have won those games, but one play could have change the outcome of each. Dillon Gabriel and Zach Wilson are going to be the difference makers here. Can the BYU secondary keep up with UCF's receivers? Can the UCF defense get pressure on Wilson? Just when I thought I wouldn't struggle with these games... I guess I will take BYU. It will be BYU 45-38.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Louisiana Tech vs Georgia Southern (-6.0). I do not believe I will have much trouble with this one. I will be taking Georgia Southern because of the drubbing Louisiana Tech took by TCU last week, 52-10. Shai Werts leads the Georgia Southern triple option to win 35-24.

Montgomery Bowl

Memphis (-9.5) vs FAU. I think this one is easy too. FAU just lost to a bad Southern Miss team that has struggled throughout the season. Meanwhile, Memphis is not the same team as last year, but they still have one of the best offenses in the American conference. Brady White remains a dangerously capable quarterback and should have no trouble rolling against Willie Taggart and Co. I have Memphis 35-21.

New Mexico Bowl

Hawai’i vs Houston (-13.0). Houston had numerous games cancelled because of COVID and so should theoretically still be fresh. They will want to end the season on a strong note in HC Dana Holgerson's second year, but Hawai’i will cover the spread and only lose 37-28.

Camellia Bowl

Marshall vs Buffalo (-3.0). This will be an intriguing bowl game because of Buffalo’s offense and Marshall’s defense. Marshall will struggle to contain Jaret Patterson and ultimately lose the game thanks to their recent foray into overly conservative play calling. Buffalo wins 38-28.

Gasparilla Bowl

South Carolina vs UAB (4.5). South Carolina probably should not be here considering their 2 wins on the season. They have struggled mightily this season and I do not except that to change. With so many of their top players having opted out and an all new coaching staff arriving to town, don't be surprised to see Bill Clark's Blazers take down the Cocks. I have UAB winning 28-20.

Cure Bowl

Liberty vs Coastal Carolina (-6.0). The canceled ESPN gameday match up between two former SoCon rivals returns in a major way. The Flames haven't played in several weeks and are eager to prove themselves. I have to say, I have loved watching Coastal this season. America's Team! Grayson McCall is a not playing like he's a true freshmen so I just can't see this miracle season ending with anything other than a win. I will take Coastal winning this game 34-31.

First Responder Bowl

#19 Louisiana (-13.0) vs UTSA. Levi Lewis is one of the best non-power 5 QBs we have in college football. Louisiana beat an extremely talented Iowa State team that just split their match up with Big 12 Champs Oklahoma. Louisiana has the more complete team, but it will be a fun game to watch nonetheless. The Cajuns will win 41-21.

LendingTree Bowl

Western Kentucky vs Georgia State (-4.5). I expect this game to be close until the fourth quarter when Georgia State will pull away with Cornelious Brown IV making a few big plays. WKU has not lived up to expectations as of late and their season will end on a sour note, dropping a close one. I have got Georgia State winning 35-27.

I will have part 2 of my bowl predictions out later this weeks.

*These are win projections not betting picks. We are not responsible for any gambling gains/losses.