Bowl Picks Part 3 – New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (Non-BCS)

Meineke Car Care Bowl (there is nothing other than the bad corporate sponsor that I don't wish to use available here), Charlotte, North Carolina – Clemson (-5.5) vs South Florida

It's Clemson in some sort of major game. Everyone knows what is about to happen. The Tigers will play well and be in position only to have whoever the opponent is play Lucy to their Charlie Brown only after a few dumb plays allow the opposing team to even be close. As for the game, neither team has any offense whatsoever. There is a good chance of defensive points.

South Florida 20, Clemson 14

Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas – Notre Dame vs Miami (-2.5)

Miami was in disarray after the season with the coach firing and the quarterback controversy. Notre Dame finished strong. Both teams have underachieving talent. When all of that is the case, go with the hot team and a coach to play for.

Notre Dame 31, Miami 20

Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tennessee – Georgia (-6.5) vs Central Florida

Central Florida has no idea what they are in for here. Georgia underachieved and will be motivated to play here. That combined with a Central Florida team that has underwhelmed despite winning ten games will lead to a surprising blowout.

Georgia 38, Central Florida 14

Peach Bowl, Atlanta, Georgia – South Carolina (-3) vs Florida St.

Which team bounces back from its ugly Conference Title Game loss better and which team wants to be here are the questions of the moment for this game? For Florida St., this is still an improvement over where they have found themselves in many recent years. The offense is good and the defense leaves much to be desired despite significant improvement. For South Carolina, it is returning to the scene of the crime in the SEC Title Game, but there is much to play for. All of the glamor skill players on the roster are set to return meaning a win here equals a very high preseason ranking next year, possibly even on the fringe of the top 10. The better balance on offense and ability to turn Florida St. one dimensional on offense will carry the Gamecocks.

South Carolina 34, Florida St. 30

TicketCity Bowl (Ugh), Dallas, Texas – Northwestern vs Texas Tech (-9.5)

Dan Persa is still out for Northwestern meaning they have no chance against any competent opponent. Texas Tech is decent and they will win this game fairly easily.
Texas Tech 37, Northwestern 17

Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida – Michigan St. vs Alabama (-10)

Which team wants to be here more? Michigan St. thinks it should be in the BCS while Alabama did not meet its goal. That said, this is where the Tide deserve to be and they will take out some frustration on the Spartans after a surprising three loss season.

Alabama 27, Michigan St. 20

Outback Bowl, Tampa, Florida – Florida (-7) vs Penn St.

Urban Meyer's last game is going to go as well as most of the season so far has gone. The offense will stink and the defense will play well attempting to survive. Luckily for the Gators, Penn St. has much the same problem. At least the Penn St. offense has shown signs of life this season. The Gators haven't.

Penn St. 17, Florida 10

Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, Florida – Mississippi St. (-5) vs Michigan

What is possibly Rich Rodriguez's last game is going to end well. Mississippi St. just doesn't have the offense to keep up with Michigan and with both teams healthy, the Wolverines will get some injured defensive players back to help in the slowdown quest. There will be points scored on both sides and the Wolverines will win.

Michigan 38, Mississippi St. 34