DECEMBER 30, 2022

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL

TENNESSEE VS. CLEMSON (THE ALL-ORANGE MATCHUP) 5PM PT/8PM ET [ESPN]

Tennessee surprised the college football nation in 2022 with an electric offense that was led by Hendon Hooker. Yes, they ran into a speed bump with Georgia and were somehow outplayed offensively against South Carolina, including losing Hendon Hooker for the rest of the season. The team still had a great season nonetheless and hope to cap off 2022 with a bowl win. As for Clemson, it was a not-so-great season involving plenty of ebb-and-flow. The offense was ebbing with inconsistencies by DJ Uiagalelei, the offensive line, and the receivers. Once Cade Klubnik finally took over, he sparked the offense to an ACC championship. Tennessee’s defense came through in spurts but needs more consistency with some pressure on Clemson’s freshmen quarterback. I think Clemson’s offense has enough confidence in Cade to outplay Tennessee for the whole game.

MY PICK: CLEMSON

DECEMBER 31, 2022

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL

KANSAS STATE VS. ALABAMA – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ESPN]

Kansas State makes their first ever Sugar Bowl appearance with their first Big 12 title since being co-champs in 2012 and first ever Big 12 championship victory. Chris Klieman can’t seem to get enough credit for turning this program around swiftly in his four seasons. Adrian Martinez, Will Howard, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Knowles, Feliz Anudike-Uzomah, and more are responsible for the Wildcats’ illustrious run to a Big 12 title victory. Alabama finished with double-digit wins again, but some games they’ve played weren’t convincing and could’ve ended with more than two losses this season. Quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson were the cogs of the team, but it eventually turned into Bryce Young carrying the team. This team hasn’t looked like the Tide we’ve watched a couple of seasons ago, but they are still elite, nonetheless. As the two teams collide, the masses see Alabama as the favorite. But if anyone watched the GameDay preview for the TCU/Kansas game, Pat McAfee said that TCU had SEC bodies. Kansas State had enough mentality twice to challenge TCU and the Wildcats should be ready for this challenge. The Wildcats should squeak by with their first ever Sugar Bowl victory.

MY PICK: KANSAS STATE

JANUARY 2, 2023

COTTON BOWL CLASSIC

#16 TULANE VS. #10 USC 10AM PT/1PM ET [ESPN]

Both Tulane and USC had a great season. USC was a Pac-12 title win away from a playoff berth. They ran through most teams early in their schedule prior to Utah. After their loss to them, the margin of victory dwindled, and the separation of competition became much closer down the stretch. No matter the adversity, everyone looked to #13 Caleb Williams to carry them to victory (or almost). Tulane upset Kansas State to make a name for themselves and hold the top spot in the AAC to rematch with UCF and equalize them. They looked like the best non-Power 5 team from start to finish. Quarterback Michael Pratt and running back Tyjae Spears were the backbone of the offense while veterans Nick Anderson and Dorian Williams were leaders of an experienced defense. Believe it or not, USC will be challenged. Tulane plays some nasty defense and could create a problem for skilled players if the Trojans don’t catch them off guard. However, even if Tulane’s defense succeeds, the offense must play smart and not turn the ball over at all costs. Unless USC can throw some pressure and contain to the two-headed monster of the backfield, Tulane could come up with a big upset.

MY PICK: TULANE

ROSE BOWL GAME

#11 PENN STATE VS. #8 UTAH 2PM PT/5PM ET [ESPN]

Last, but not least, the game will conclude with the Granddaddy of Them All, The Rose Bowl. Utah returns for their second straight appearance while Penn State returns to smell the roses. Both failed to make a playoff run, but they will make this probably one of the best games in the best venue of all college football venues again. Penn State has one of the better defenses in the country, but their offense relies on quarterback Sean Clifford with a renewed run game. Meanwhile, Utah put on their best offensive performance in program history under Kyle Whittingham, and the reason is Cam Rising. When their defense can’t come through, Rising plays poised under pressure to keep this team alive in most situations. His performance with this offense helped defeat a Lincoln Riley and a Caleb Williams-led USC twice in one season to win the Pac-12 title for the second straight time. The Rose Bowl rarely disappoints, so expect this to be the best game and matchup of the postseason. Penn State has some leverage since Utah’s defense hasn’t been consistent. As long as Cam Rising’s on the field, no team should expect an easy victory until it hits zero. Unlike last year, Utah should pull through and hang on for their first Rose Bowl victory in program history.

MY PICK: UTAH