FAVORITE TEAMS

AAC FINAL RESULT: 8-16

USF (4-8)

TULSA (4-8)

ACC FINAL RESULT: 17-10

#23 VIRGINIA (9-3) vs. #3 Clemson (ACC Conference Championship)– lost 62-17

VIRGINIA (9-4) vs. #9 Florida (Orange Bowl) – lost 36-28

• The conference championship was a loss for Virginia. Clemson was too talented to compete against, but you can’t help but see quarterback Bryce Perkins still work to get a few points on the board.
• But at the Orange Bowl, they surprisingly performed well against Florida. Bryce Perkins and the receivers attacked Florida’s coverage and their defense did as best as they could to make some stops against Kyle Trask and their offense.

WAKE FOREST (8-4) vs. Michigan State (New Era Pinstripe Bowl) – lost 27-21

• It looked like Wake Forest was going to run away after an early start against Michigan State. Then Michigan State’s defense took over and Wake Forest couldn’t do anything on offense anymore. The Spartans’ offense eventually had the upper hand and ran over their injury-riddled defense.

BIG TEN FINAL RESULT: 20-6

#14 MICHIGAN (9-3) vs. #13 Alabama (Citrus Bowl)– lost 35-16

• Michigan wasn’t going to beat Alabama, but give them props for their first half performance by sticking with them. The post-game comments about Alabama, however, didn’t sit well with some people including me. Alabama outplayed Michigan in the second half overall so there’s no excuse.

#18 MINNESOTA (10-2) vs. #12 Auburn (Outback Bowl)– won 31-24

• The Gophers got their second biggest win of the season since the start of November. Their offense outplayed Auburn’s defense in a back and forth situation. Minnesota proved they have one of the best receivers in college football and their quarterback Tanner Morgan was smart with his decision-making. Their run game proved to be a big impact of the game as well.

BIG 12 FINAL RESULT: 15-11

IOWA STATE (7-5) vs. Notre Dame (Camping World Bowl)– lost 33-9

• Iowa State couldn’t stop Notre Dame or move the ball well against them either. The Irish were too talented for the Cyclones to keep up with. They managed just three field goals, punted too often, lost a fumble, and failed to convert on fourth down twice.

KANSAS STATE (8-4) vs. #23 Navy (Liberty Bowl)– lost 20-17

• Kansas State kept it close with Navy for the majority of the game despite Malcolm Perry having a huge day. Kansas State could’ve attempted their win over their second ranked opponent this season, but Navy’s trick play gave them the first down, and a game-winning field goal.

C-USA FINAL RESULT: 10-15

FIU (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (Camellia Bowl)– lost 34-26

• FIU struggled in the first half, but managed to get things going in the second quarter at least. Their defense struggled to stop Arkansas State on third down plays, but they eventually woke up in the second half. Quarterback James Morgan was finding receivers and the big plays finally came through. They were a touchdown and a two-point conversion away from forcing overtime at least, but the last two late interceptions ended their chances.

NORTH TEXAS (4-8)

INDEPENDENT FINAL RESULT: 5-8

ARMY (5-7) vs. #23 Navy – lost 31-7

• Army played like a team that lost some of their 14-straight games to Navy. They struggled to stop All-purpose quarterback Malcolm Perry. Army’s offense struggled to respond after scoring their first touchdown. It was definitely a down season knowing their defense wasn’t what they used to be.

MAC FINAL RESULT: 15-12

MIAMI (OH) (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (MAC Conference Championship)– won 26-21

MIAMI (OH) (8-5) vs. Louisiana (LendingTree Bowl)– lost 27-17

• The Redhawks were in control in the first and third quarter. Their defense slowed a seemingly high-scoring Central Michigan offense. The Chippewas failed to score in those quarters and was unable to complete their comeback in the fourth quarter.
• But against Louisiana, their offense struggled to move the ball knowing that Louisiana’s defense was better. Freshmen quarterback Brett Gabbert wasn’t bad in that game and will grow as their future quarterback.

WESTERN MICHIGAN (7-5) vs. Western Kentucky (First Responder Bowl)– lost 23-20

• This game was as even as it gets. Western Michigan’s defense mostly played well, including getting a pick six. But their offense could’ve done better to capitalize on some opportunities when their defense made stops. It wasn’t a bad loss, but Western Michigan’s offense had plenty of scoring opportunities that they failed to follow through on. I still cringe on quarterback Jon Wassink’s trip trying to get the first down on third and short.

MWC FINAL RESULT: 18-8

NEVADA (7-5) vs. Ohio (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)– lost 30-21

• Nevada’s struggled against the run, the option plays, and quarterback Nathan Rourke for three quarters. The other side didn’t look as good either, but the Wolfpack had their moments on a few good drives against Ohio’s defense. Quarterback Carson Strong, to me, had some good moments that promises a future for the program. Late in the second half, Nevada’s cardiac Wolfpack sunk in and fought back with two quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately their were miscues on the extra point and a questionable decision to go for a two-point conversion early that faltered their potential opportunity for another big comeback since Week 1 against Purdue.

AIR FORCE (10-2) vs. Washington State (Cheez-It Bowl)– won 31-21

• The Air Raid and Triple Option were on display. Both Air Force and Washington State were unable to stop each other on drives with their unpredictable/unstoppable playbook. However, Air Force’s physical run game got the better of Wazzu and their defense came up with redzone stops against Wazzu twice. They even slowed down the Air Raid offense some in the second half to hold on for their 11th win of the season.

PAC-12 FINAL RESULT: 20-7

#13 OREGON (10-2) vs. #5 Utah (Pac-12 Conference Championship)– won 37-15

#6 OREGON (11-2) vs. #8 Wisconsin (Rose Bowl)– won 28-27

• The expected conference championship matchup, but underdog Oregon was by far the better team. The defense, led by defensive back Brady Breeze, made life difficult for quarterback Tyler Huntley. Special teams made an impact and quarterback Justin Herbert made big plays and NFL-like throws, while the run game dominated Utah’s defense. Despite the upset loss to Arizona State and two bumps in the road against the Apple state, Oregon was still the best team in the Pac-12.
• Then their Rose Bowl matchup against Wisconsin was one of the best bowl games of the season. Oregon’s offense scored on their first drive before struggling in some parts of the game. However, the Ducks’ defense and special teams kept them alive throughout with Brady Breeze being the impact player in those roles.

ARIZONA STATE (7-5) vs. Florida State (Sun Bowl)– won 20-14

• Arizona State’s offense started choppy and running back Eno Benjamin not being involved in the bowl game left this young team to grow on their own, but their defense definitely came to play. The endzone interception on the first drive boosted the team’s confidence immediately. The new run game eventually woke up and they assisted this offense in moving the ball. They held on for Herman Edwards’ first bowl win in his two-year career.

SEC FINAL RESULT: 15-10

MISSOURI (6-6)

#12 AUBURN (9-3) vs. #18 Minnesota (Outback Bowl)– lost 31-24

• Auburn’s defense made an interception that would’ve broke Minnesota’s spirit. Unfortunately, they kicked the field goal and had a miscue on a punt return that kept Minnesota’s confidence high. Auburn’s offense stayed with Minnesota’s offense while Auburn’s defense struggled. Quarterback Bo Nix made some nice throws, but also had some go against him. Turnovers and miscues hurt the Tigers, but what hurt them the most was going for a fake punt on fourth down early in the fourth quarter.

SUN BELT FINAL RESULT: 21-6

ARKANSAS STATE (7-5) vs. FIU (Camellia Bowl)– won 34-26

• Arkansas State’s offense dominated FIU on third downs and made several big plays to give them a big lead throughout the game. Young quarterback Layne Hatcher was confident making throws to his top receivers. Arkansas State’s defense was in control early before FIU figured things out in the second half. When it looked like FIU was about to complete their comeback in the fourth quarter, Arkansas State’s defense came up with big stops and  responded with a big play to set themselves up for a go-ahead touchdown. Their two interceptions in the last two series guaranteed their bowl win.

#21 APPALACHIAN STATE (11-1) vs. Louisiana (Sun Belt Conference Championship)– won 45-38

#20 APPALACHIAN STATE (12-1) vs. UAB (New Orleans Bowl)– won 31-17

• This rematch was meant to be for Louisiana and Appalachian State, but this time more points were scored than the last few meetings. However, App State’s offense and defense overpowered Louisiana early and scored the first three touchdowns. They also forced turnovers to ensure Louisiana had less time to respond with a come back. Eventually, Louisiana fought back only to come up short once again while the Mountaineers won their third-straight conference title.
• Appalachian State couldn’t stop UAB’s offense, for some reason, and that was an early bad sign. Then their luck changed in the second quarter and UAB’s offense fell apart against App State’s defense. The Mountaineers forced turnovers and stops the rest of the way. There was no stopping Appalachian State and they dominated the rest of the game.

TOP 10 UNDERRATED TEAMS FINAL STANDINGS

BOWL RESULTS FOR UNDERRATED TEAMS: 6-10