The NFL Draft Starts Tomorrow

With the NFL Draft starting tomorrow, I wanted to give my ten stories I am most going to follow heading into the draft. The seemingly obvious stories like Jameis being picked #1 will not be included. However, before I get into that, if Jameis isn't picked #1 I will be shocked and quite upset with the Bucs franchise. Here are my 10 biggest storylines I will be following heading into draft day.

10) Where do the QBs end up?
We think we know that Jameis will be going #1 to Tampa, but what else happens with the QB position. It is quite intriguing at this time. Does Mariota really go #2? I really want Mariota to succeed, but I have him as about the 4th QB in this class and I just don't see his skills translating to the pros. The two other QBs I have between him and Jameis, Brett Hundley, and Garrett Grayson will be good NFL QBs IMO. I want all these guys to be quite successful which puts me apart from the Winston haters. I like all 5 of these guys, but Winston is heads and shoulders above the rest. I also truly believe that Mariota and Petty are system QBs. Really want to be wrong about those two.

9) Where does my second highest rated player (Danny Shelton) go?
I haven't really gotten to get into it on here, but I love Danny Shelton as a football player. I am probably one of the only guys who has him above Leonard Williams (although I have Williams at 3). Shelton is a former state champ shot putter which just shows the amazing strength he possesses. My favorite quality of his though is that as big as he is and as hard as he is to move, he has incredible quickness. This guy is going to be an All-Pro. Williams has a great shot as well though.

8) Is Todd Gurley the 1st RB off the board and does he go round 1?
Now don't get me wrong I love Todd Gurley's game. While I don't agree with taking a RB in round 1 I would agree that Gurley is the exception to the rule, but only if he is healthy. The guy isn't healthy though. He has been banged up. The last time a RB that was damaged goods was the best back since Adrian Peterson it was Darren McFadden. The Cowboys new RB has had an injury plagued career and hasn't come close to his potential. Gurley and McFadden were very similar in college whether you want to acknowledge it or not. Picking Gurley in this spot is too big of a risk to me. Because of the injuries, I actually have Ameer Abdullah as the highest RB on my board. Abdullah is a late 2nd round pick to me as well. Likely Gurley and Melvin Gordon will be overdrafted and it might not stop there.

7) When do the Clemson defensive players come off the board?
The Clemson Tigers had the #1 defense in college football last season and absolutely shut down Oklahoma in their bowl game. Their highest rated is DE/LB Vic Beasley who can go anywhere from 5th to 15th. Beasley will be a top 15 selection though. One of the more underrated players in this draft in my opinion is DT Grady Jarrett who is projected to go in Round 2. DE Corey Crawford is a projected 6th round draft pick. This defensive line was the strength of Clemson's team last year and could make some NFL teams quite happy.

6) Who is the 1st offensive lineman selected?
Most mocks I have seen have Iowa's Brandon Scherff as the top tackle and a projected pick at #10. 10 seems low to me because there are some quality linemen in this draft. Scherff and Peat are both top 10 players I think and an argument can be made for Le'al Collins as well there. They have similar grades for me and will all be very quality pros. Which of the 3 gets picked 1st will be quite interesting to me.

5) How many defensive lineman go round 1?
The deepest position in this draft is defensive line. Based on grades myself and others have given, there should be a plethora of defensive lineman selected early. 3 of my top 5 players in this class are defensive lineman (Shelton, Williams, and Fowler). I know several others are in the same boat. Add in the aforementioned Clemson studs and FSU's own Eddie Goldman and there are a lot of options early. We haven't even mentioned guys like Randy Gregory either. My prediction is that around 10 defensive lineman go in Round 1. That is about 1/3 of the picks being used up front on defense. My highest rated of this group is Danny Shelton as I stated earlier and my favorite is Goldman.

4) Will the Gators have multiple 1st round picks?
We all know that Dante Fowler is a Top 10 pick, but DJ Humphries is also rated high. There is a very likely chance that the 4-8ers will have two first round picks. I can't really remember a time when a worse team had two first round picks. The 4-8 season wasn't this season, but both players were a part of it. The Gators have been awful in each of the last two seasons.

3) What do the Bucs do outside of the Winston selection?
It is widely believed that Jameis Winston will be the Bucs selection at Round 1, but what do they do after that. This team needs some depth up front on both sides and I hope they take advantage of the new draft format. After selecting Winston it would be nice to see the Bucs trade down in Round 2 and acquire more picks. Seeing Winston with one of his college teammates like Tre Jackson in Round 2 would be awesome. This team has a few needs and one trade down or a trade from next year's draft could really help this thing get turned around. Maybe they can trade next years 1st for the opportunity to get back in the 1st round and come away with Winston and say Andrus Peat. There are a lot of exciting options for the Bucs in this draft after they take Winston.

2) Where do the Seminoles land?
I am very excited to see where the Seminoles end up as 10-11 players are expected to be drafted. Outside of Winston the next highest rated player is Goldman and he will likely be a 1st rounder. Ronald Darby and Cam Erving are also possibilities to go round 1. Tre Jackson will likely be a 2nd round selection with a lot of intrigue. At the end of Day 2 and possibly into day 3 it will get really exciting with my two favorite Noles in this draft (other than Winston of course). Nick O'Leary and Rashad Greene were fantastic Noles and seeing where they end up will be awesome.

1) Do the Seminoles break the record for most players drafted in a 3 year span?
The current record for players drafted in a 3 year span is 28. That record is held by Miami (2002-2004) and USC (2008-2010). The Seminoles have a good chance to break it. During the 2013 draft the Seminoles had 11 players selected. They had 7 more in 2014. That means that they had 18 players selected the last two years. With 10 more this year they would tie the record and with 11 more they break it. See what 29 straight wins will do for you. That #29 is special for the Noles 29 straight wins and 29 draft picks in 3 years.
FSU has 10 players considered locks
Jameis
PJ Williams
Eddie Goldman
Ronald Darby
Cam Erving
Tre Jackson
Mario Edwards
Rashad Greene
Nick O'Leary
Josue Matias (not as convinced about him)
These players would tie the record. Add in Karlos Williams and they break it. Bobby Hart is also considered a possibility to be drafted, but I don't see it happening. Hart was the weak link on the FSU offensive line and seemed to regress each season. It will be exciting to see if the Noles can do it. I think they break it with exactly 11 guys this year for a grand total of 29. These two will certainly help the Noles get there....

Next week I will let you know where all those Seminoles land and if they break the record.
Go Noles!

-Noland

My Bowl Picks And Analysis

There are some very intriguing bowl match-ups this season. Now that teams are more frequently slotted and the bowls have less choice, it has given us quite a few interesting match-ups. I love the bowl season and projecting who will win. Here, I will pick the winners of each game and give a little analysis of each game. Bowl season kicks off December 20th.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Nevada v. Louisiana Lafayette

Dec. 20 11 AM ESPN

Nevada seems to have played a more difficult schedule and played several quality teams very tough. They went toe to toe with Arizona and Boise State among others. These teams have one common opponent in Boise State. While both teams lost to Boise, Nevada lost by 5 and Louisiana Lafayette lost by 25. This is practically a home game for Louisiana Lafeyette though which is certainly a factor. Still, the Wolfpack come into this game hungry having not won a bowl game since 2010 and pull of the win.

Nevada 42 - Lousiana Lafayette 34

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Utah State v. UTEP

Dec. 20 2:20 PM ESPN

Utah State has a better record, more talent, and has played tougher competition. All of Utah State's losses were to teams that are bowl eligible while UTEP dropped a game to Texas Tech. Other than the early season hiccup against Tennessee, Utah State has looked pretty good. This team had its worst games when traveling East, but this game is in New Mexico which is not East. They have looked fantastic out West and should end the season on a high note here. Utah State should take this one easily.

Utah State 35 - UTEP 21

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl

Utah v. Colorado State

Dec.20 3:30 PM ABC

The coach for the Colorado State Rams has left for Gainesville, so it should be interesting to see how the team plays for the interim coach in this one. How they play without their coach will be the major story here. They are a very good team and this was one of the best match-ups, but will they show up with a new man in charge? It is interesting to see if team's show up or not when this happens. I believe that Colorado State is a fraction than Utah who did not play as well against Colorado as State did. However, I also believe that it will be difficult for Colorado State playing this game under the interim coach. I expect Utah to pull this one out.

Utah 30 - Colorado State 24

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Western Michigan v. Air Force 

Dec.20 5:45 PM ESPN

Air Force has a chance to win its 10th game in this one after a 2-10 campaign last year. I don't expect Western Michigan who won less games on a less competitive schedule to derail that. Not only did Air Force win the Commander and Chief trophy this year, but they were one of two teams to knock off Boise State this year. This is a legit team coming into bowl season on a mission. No disrespect to Western Michigan, but they simply are not as put together as a team. Air Force should roll in this one.

Air Force 35 - Western Michigan 17

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

South Alabama v. Bowling Green

Dec.20 9:15 PM ESPN

This is a sneaky good match-up in bowl season. Two teams that are highly motivated and highly underrated. It also happens to be the first ever bowl appearance for South Alabama who just moved up to FBS. Both teams closed poorly as Bowling Green lost their last 3 and South Alabama lost 4 of their last 5, but they should each come out swinging. Whether the MAC or the Sun Belt is more difficult to navigate is very tough to say this season as well. Usually it would be the MAC, but this year, Bowling Green's division in the MAC is awful with only 2 bowl eligible teams. While South Alabama might have a little less talent coming up from FCS so recently, I think they win this game. You can never underestimate that this is a team's first bowl appearance. Add in that they were passed up last year and these guys will come out fired up for this one.

South Alabama 24 - Bowling Green 20

Miami Beach Bowl

BYU v. Memphis

Dec.22 2 PM ESPN

This is a very exciting match-up in the Miami Beach Bowl. On one hand you have BYU who looked fantastic early on before their QB was injured and their season got a lot less interesting. Before Hill's injury, there was serious Heisman talk for him and talk about BYU in the playoff. That hope was derailed in early October with the injury, but this is a great team that went 8-4. Add in a game against the 9-3 champs from the American Athletic Conference and this is a fantastic game.

Memphis has looked really great this year and beat all the teams they were supposed to, except Houston..The other two losses came against UCLA and Ole Miss who many people had contending for the title this year. BYU went winless in October after heartbreak over the injury, but an undefeated in the other games. Can BYU remain undefeated outside of October? Yes, I think they can. There is just more talent on that BYU sideline and it should show in this game. It will be close though.

BYU 30 - Memphis 27

Boca Raton Bowl

Northern Illinois v. Marshall

Dec. 23 6 PM ESPN

This is another fantastic match-up we don't normally see in these minor bowl games. You have arguably the best two mid-major programs this year fighting against each other for respect. These teams match-up well and it should be fun. Marshall was undefeated until very late in this season when a 2 point conversion in overtime caused Western Kentucky to beat them. Until that, Marshall was bidding for the New Years Bowl spot from the Group of 5. The loss ended those hopes, but this team deserves respect and will be fighting for it in this one. However, Northern Illinois has been playing incredible football at the end of this season. They lost their last two bowl games and they have been craving respectability throughout football. I think they get it this time as they upset Marshall.

Northern Illinois 41 - Marshall 35

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Navy v. San Diego State

Dec. 23 9:30 PM ESPN

I am typically very high on Navy football and give them more credit than most people, but I do not see it in this one. The game is in San Diego making it basically a home game for San Diego State. The fact that it is in that location doesn't even bring up the point that San Diego State is a much better team than Navy this time around. This one shouldn't be close, but if I am wrong about a bowl game other than Florida State's, I hope it is this one...

San Diego State 42 - Navy 24

Popeyes Bahama Bowl
Central Michigan v. Western Kentucky
Dec. 24 Noon ESPN

This game is tough to call because the teams have similar resumes. Western Kentucky closed better and had the huge upset over Marshall to end the season. However, the two worst losses that Central Michigan endured were while their workhorse runningback was facing legal trouble. That is resolved and he is back on the team which makes this a difficult selection. Both offenses are tough to stop and both defenses leave much to be desired. A shootout should be expected.

Central Michigan 49 - Western Kentucky 47

Hawaii Bowl
Fresno State v. Rice
Dec. 24 8 PM ESPN

Now comes the most exciting location of bowl season in the Hawaii Bowl. These teams must be thrilled to get this draw, but each needs to remember to focus. Both of these teams are disappointing, but at least Fresno State played a much tougher schedule. That Rice schedule is not difficult and they lost to Old Dominion who until this season was an FCS team. Losses to Notre Dame and Texas A & M do not look as good as they did early. However, at the time it looked like those two teams were terrific. It seems these 6-7 teams that get into the bowl games when they don't really deserve it seem to find a way as well. Finally, Fresno State was in this exact game 2 years ago so the seniors know this atmosphere. Rice is still at the point where they are happy to be in this game. That is a big difference when preparing for a bowl game.

Fresno State 28 - Rice 20

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Illinois v. Louisiana Tech
Dec. 26 1 PM ESPN

Illinois has looked awful for the majority of Tim Beckman's tenure, but they have looked pretty good these past two games. They were able to knock off Penn State and Northwestern the final two weeks of the season to earn a bowl bid. If not for those two weeks, I would pick Louisiana Tech in a rout, but I love the way Illinois finished the season. That being said, Louisiana Tech has looked pretty good this entire season and has an offense that will be incredibly difficult for Illinois to stop. That Illini defense is not a strong unit. In 8 of their 13 games, Louisiana Tech has put up 40+ points and if this gets into a shootout, they likely win because they have more offense. The biggest issue for Louisiana Tech is motivation in this game after a tough loss in the conference championship game to Marshall. That being said, I think they are ready to play and ready to win.

Louisiana Tech 45 - Illinois 40

Quick Lane Bowl
Rutgers v. North Carolina
Dec. 26 4:30 PM ESPN

North Carolina has been trashed on by fans outside of the ACC all year and they really are not THAT bad. Their defensive play is not good, but they have outscored quite a few opponents and don't have any awful losses. They have given up at least 27 in every game this year, but scored at least 28 in all but three of the games. These guys played Notre Dame tough while Notre Dame was clicking on all cylinders and were one of two teams to beat Georgia Tech in the regular season. They then sent Georgia Tech to the ACC Championship by beating Duke. Some may not understand this team, but they are a decent squad and a better one than Rutgers. Rutgers best win was against 7-5 Maryland and they just have not looked very good all season. Carolina SHOULD dominate this game.

North Carolina 49 - Rutgers 24

Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl
NC State v. UCF
Dec. 26 8 PM ESPN

The Wolfpack may be 7-5, but they are a good 7-5 team. I would have liked to see them get an SEC team like Arkansas, but they got UCF and that is ok. These guys have something to prove and are much better than people give them credit for. The way they played that 1st half against the Seminoles was the best anyone has played against the Seminoles all year long. While the Seminoles crushed their hopes and dreams that day, they rebounded nicely after a mid-season meltdown. They actually even dismantled their rivals from Chapel Hill in the last week of the regular season. This team is out to prove something and not many teams can derail them. That includes American Athletic Conference Champ UCF. The Knights have had a strong season, but NC State just has more to play for and was playing better down the stretch. They should keep that going and pull off what most would consider an upset. This isn't an upset to me, but it will surprise many.

NC State 37 - UCF 30

Military Bowl
Cincinnati v. Virginia Tech
Dec. 27 1 PM ESPN

The Hokies and Bearcats had two common opponents, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the East Carolina Pirates. Against East Carolina, Virginia Tech lost, but Cincinnati won. However, against Ohio State Cincinnati lost and Virginia Tech won. Both teams were inconsistent this season, with up and down performances all season long. Virginia Tech did have the more difficult schedule. One is playing for respect and a possible spot in a better conference maybe the Big 12 and the other is playing for Frank Beamer's job. This one should be interesting because the teams are so evenly matched. I think Cincinnati has slightly more motivation though trying to prove they belong with the big boys.

Cincinnati 24 - Virginia Tech 21

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Arizona State v. Duke
Dec. 27 2 PM CBS

Until both of these teams had some late losses, we were talking about each of these teams in the New Years Day Bowls. Duke in particular seemed destined for an Orange Bowl Bid after beating Georgia Tech on the road. However, the Blue Devils looked awful in November losing to Virginia Tech and North Carolina. Arizona State meanwhile followed a blowout win over Notre Dame by losing in Corvallis. The Sun Devils then closed out the season with a loss at Arizona. This match-up pits two really good teams with awful finishes. These teams should be in a better game, but this gives us a great matchup. Arizona has more talent and will be heavily favored, but their pass defense is horrific. If Duke can take advantage of that they should win. The Sun Devils also have a bit of quarterback controversy after a switch in the Arizona game. Duke has more motivation in this one and getting to 10 wins for that program is still huge. I like the upset in this one.
Duke 38 - Arizona State 33

Duck Commander Independence Bowl
Miami v. South Carolina
Dec. 27 3:30 PM ABC

This game has become somewhat controversial between two fanbases that want no part of playing in this game. Shreveport has been dissed as a city as a result and Tim Brando is not happy about that. The lack of fan excitement has got to make the company sponsoring this bowl and the city of Shreveport ticked off. Ya, these are two teams that expected to do much better, but all these teams are showing is a lack of dedication in their fanbases. South Carolina should be able to sell more tickets to this game and the fact that they don't kind of shows the arrogance of the SEC. If their team isn't as good, then they just pick up the conference banner and root for the top SEC team instead (usually Alabama) and talk about conference pride. How about you cheer on your own team that you said could win the SEC (and never has) and quit with the political BS. No motivation for South Carolina in this game, they are the weaker team, and Miami is trying to prove they are back. Miami should be able to prove something in this game and ACC teams should always be fired up against the SEC. I am excited to see this game for those reasons and because of the great company that is sponsoring this bad boy. Seeing the old ball coach finish with a losing record won't be something I shed any tears over as much as I despise Miami.

Miami 30 - South Carolina 17

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Boston College v. Penn State
Dec. 27 4:30 PM ESPN

People really underrate this Boston College team. In fact, they may be the most underrated team in the country. BC absolutely dominated USC in their match-up this season. These guys gave FSU a run for their money and won all the games they were supposed to win. This rebuilding job at Boston College is looking really good with how the team has played. Winning 8 games is a big step forward for this program and it should happen. Penn State does not have the resume or the talent of Boston College, but they do have motivation. This game is Penn State's first bowl since their bowl ban was lifted. That alone should have the Nittany Lions fired up, but in the end Boston College is too much.

Boston College 28 - Penn State 24

National University Holiday Bowl
Nebraska v. USC 
Dec. 27 8 PM ESPN

Nebraska curiously fired Bo Pelini and hired Mike Reilly so it would be difficult seeing them pull off the win over a better USC team. It remains to be seen how these Cornhuskers respond to the interim coach and that will be the biggest story in this one. However, they could respond great and still lose because USC simply has better players. This USC team that could build some momentum towards 2015 and a potential playoff berth next season. If they win this game, that momentum will help them in next season as they build for that excitement.

USC 35 - Nebraska 17

Autozone Liberty Bowl
Texas A & M v. West Virginia 
Dec. 29 2 PM ESPN

Texas A & M dodging Texas in a bowl game is a punk move. For that reason alone I am pulling for the Mountaineers (I probably would have anyway). This A & M team was a trendy pick by many early to win the SEC title after they beat South Carolina. We later found out that South Carolina just wasn't that good and A & M wasn't either. They now match-up with another 7-5 team in West Virginia. West Virginia meanwhile was pretty impressive this season and even notched a big win over #4 Baylor. They were in every game this year including a week 1 match-up with Alabama. Senior QB Clint Trickett looks to go out with a win as West Virginia should roll against the Aggies.

West Virginia 56 - Texas A & M 42

Russell Athletic Bowl
Oklahoma v. Clemson
Dec. 29 5:30 PM ESPN

I would pick Clemson big in this one, but DeShaun Watson will be playing with a torn ACL. He did the same against South Carolina, but Oklahoma is not South Carolina. The Sooners aren't allergic to defense like the Gamecocks. It is a very poor decision in my opinion for Clemson to play Watson as I think this guy has a bright future. This is a team that could win the ACC next year with a healthy Watson so I don't see risking that in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Playing games with an injury of this magnitude can bite the Tigers in the long term and possibly in this game as well. Oklahoma doesn't have much to play for and was very disappointing this season, but it's hard for me to see them coming out flat. That being said, the Tigers should still win.

Clemson 38 - Oklahoma 35

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Arkansas v. Texas 
Dec. 29 9 PM ESPN

Arkansas supposedly is the greatest 6-6 team ever and would win the majority of conferences in America. That is at least if you listen to SEC fans, or I guess SEC West fans now since they seem to have dropped the East...

The reality is that Arkansas is a good squad, but that the SEC West is highly overrated. That being said, Texas isn't exactly setting the world on fire this season. Their one common opponent in Texas Tech was beaten by 21 points by a visiting Texas and by 21 points by a visiting Arkansas. It is crazy that the common opponent was beaten by the same margin by both teams. That should show you about how evenly matched these teams are. The difference in this match-up has to be coaching. Coaches don't get much better than Charlie Strong and therefore you have to give the edge to Texas, This team likely is sick of the SEC as well from the overhype to A & M dodging them. No way they don't come out ready to play against the SEC.

Texas 30 - Arkansas 24

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
LSU v. Notre Dame
Dec. 30 3 PM ESPN

You can't like the way the Irish closed the season or the health of this team that has been decimated defensively by injuries. That would spell trouble against any team, but against a very talented LSU team it is a nightmare. LSU wants to make sure to put on a show with the rumors of Miles to Michigan ramping up again. However, if Miles does bolt for Michigan prior to this game it changes the outlook. Assuming things stay the same, LSU wins big.

LSU 28 - Notre Dame 10

Belk Bowl
Georgia v. Louisville
Dec. 30 6:30 PM ESPN

This game features the player that I like to watch the most in the country (not on the Noles), Gerod Holliman. He is a physical beast that will be making an impact on Sundays for years. It is a good opportunity to watch him and the rest of a surprising loaded Louisville roster. They get to match up with a loaded Georgia roster. The Belk Bowl will have a ton of talent out there. Louisville though is underrated and disrespected. I also don't think Georgia cares about this game at all. Those factors favor Louisville in a big way. Expect the Cards to look very impressive on December 30.

Louisville 35 - Georgia 21

Foster Farms Bowl
Maryland v. Stanford
Dec. 30 10 PM ESPN

Stanford had a disappointing year, but I don't think many people expect Maryland to hang with them. Stanford is clearly the better team with clearly the better coach. If Maryland pulls off the upset I will be shocked. Nothing else to say here, Stanford big.

Stanford 38 - Maryland 13

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
Ole Miss v. TCU
Dec. 31 12:30 PM ESPN

This game will just be awesome. I am really curious what happens in this game. You have a great team in Co-Big 12 champ TCU who is playing the only team that knocked off Alabama. Both teams are trying to prove they belong with the nation's elite. Both looking to make strides towards a playoff run next year. There is no team that will come out as motivated as TCU after dropping out of the Top 4 while winning by 52 in its last game. These guys are good and while Ole Miss is too, I think TCU is just a tad better. Expect a shootout that eventually goes TCU's way.

TCU 63 - Ole Miss 59

Vizio Fiesta Bowl
Boise State v. Arizona 
Dec. 31 4:00 PM ESPN

Boise State is back in the game where they shocked the nation 8 years ago. However, unlike that Oklahoma team, this Arizona team is motivated. They want to erase that embarrassment of the Pac-12 championship. Arizona also wants to have their best season since 1998 and prove they are a threat in the national championship race next season. These guys want to announce their presence with authority and will dismantle the Broncos. The Wildcats are simply better than Boise and look to prove it in the Fiesta Bowl.

Arizona 45 - Boise State 33

Capital One Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech v. Mississippi State
Dec. 31 8 PM ESPN

If this game was on a normal week with one week to prepare, I would definitely take Georgia Tech against Mississippi State. With multiple weeks to prepare though, it is a pretty even match-up. Georgia Tech's strengths do not lineup perfectly with Mississippi State's glaring weakness. That weakness in their secondary if exploited will lead to a sure win for the Jackets. Can they pass the ball though? Georgia Tech's attack doesn't lead to an ability to throw it. However, their running attack is so good that they might not need to pass to win. This game is very intriguing because it will be interesting to see if GT goes after that weakness or they just go with their normal gameplan. I know they will mostly run the ball, but that secondary is so bad. If Mississippi State had a secondary they could have easily won it all. As it stands, we will see what happens, but I think the Jackets pull it out.

Georgia Tech 25 - Mississippi State 21

Outback Bowl
Auburn v. Wisconsin
Jan. 1 NOON ESPN2

Auburn is the better team and they have the harder offense to stop. However, Wisconsin will be coached in this game by Barry Alvarez and they are going to be wanting to wipe out the embarrassment of their last game. The Alvarez factor will lead to victory over the Tigers who have been distracted by the Muschamp hiring. That being said nobody in Auburn will care because they will be a favorite to win it all next year due to the hiring. For this game though Wisconsin has a lot more motivation and will pull it out.

Wisconsin 28 - Auburn 24

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Michigan State v. Baylor
Jan. 1 12:30 PM ESPN

TCU and Baylor are quite upset that they were left out of the playoff. Having beaten TCU, Baylor has a legitimate gripe. These guys should have more motivation than anybody else not in the playoff. However, "motivation doesn't win games, execution does." The Baylor Bears will have to be focused an execute and I think they pull it off. They are better than Michigan State is and want to prove it. Look for Baylor to win here.

Baylor 38 - Michigan State 30

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Missouri v. Minnesota
Jan. 1 1 PM ABC

Missouri already lost to a Big 10 team they had no business losing to. It is unlikely to happen again. Missouri is better than Minnesota, but they were better than Indiana and lost at home. This will be closer than most will predict because Minnesota is closer to Missouri than most think. However, at the end of the day Missouri is the better team. The Tigers also have no desire to end on a two game losing streak or to lose to two big 10 teams.

Missouri 35 - Minnesota 31

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Houston v. Pittsburgh
Jan. 2 Noon ESPN

We will talk about my preseason prediction on another date, but it is safe to say I was off on Pitt. I picked Pitt to win 10 games and win the ACC Atlantic and they won 6 and finished 4th. However, they did close with a win at Miami and did show flashes of what I was predicting before the season. Losing their coach to Wisconsin, I don't see Pittsburgh showing that potential in a bowl game though. They will likely be more focused on their coach of the future than this January match-up with Houston and it will show on the field. My preseason ACC Atlantic pick will finish with a losing record...
Yes, I realize that Houston is in the same position technically, but they have already named an interim man and a new coach. Pittsburgh's head man is still in discussions with Wisconsin and is not devoting all of his time to this game. The players also have no idea who their new coach is. While the situation is similar it is not 100% the same and the Houston players should have more of a comfort level with the situation at hand.

Houston 27 - Pittsburgh 20

TaxSlayer Bowl
Iowa v. Tennessee
Jan. 2 3:20 PM ESPN

These are two teams that were very up and down this year. 

Is Iowa the team that won at Pitt and took Nebraska and Wisconsin to the brink, or are they the team that dropped a home game to in-state rival Iowa State?

Is Tennessee the team that pummeled Utah State or the team that lost at home to a Florida team with no offense and lost to every other meaningful opponent?

These teams both disappointed in my eyes although that Utah State win was impressive. The difference in this one is that Tennessee while disappointing, seems to be trending upwards and has the more impressive win. Tennessee also hasn't appeared in a bowl game since 2010 which should have them be ready to play in this one.

Tennessee 27 - Iowa 17

Valero Alamo Bowl
Kansas State v. UCLA
Jan. 2 6:45 PM ESPN

UCLA came into this season with so much hype. I was riding that bandwagon and picked them to make the college football playoff. I also picked Brett Hundley to win the Heisman and remain on that bandwagon. In this match-up of teams that each finished 3rd in their conference I pick UCLA because of Hundley. He is the best player on the field and should be looking to prove his value heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Although he could be back to accomplish what he didn't this year following his regression from 2014. Either way, I expect a big game from Hundley.

UCLA 49 - Kansas State 45

TicketCity Cactus Bowl
Washington v. Oklahoma State
Jan. 2 10:15 PM ESPN

I firmly believe that Oklahoma State is the better team in this match-up. However, Oklahoma State has been here before and likely doesn't care as much about this game. They wouldn't even be bowl eligible if it wasn't for Tyreek Hill either. That individual was dismissed from the Oklahoma State team following his arrest. With that fact and the fact that this team just seems gassed, it is difficult to see them beating a hungry Washington team.

Washington 35 - Oklahoma State 21

Birmingham Bowl
East Carolina v. Florida
Jan. 3 1 PM ESPN

Florida's defense is outstanding, but their offense isn't up to par. ECU is the opposite of that with a solid offense and a lackluster D. We got strength on strength with two pretty evenly matched teams. Florida does have more talent than East Carolina, but East Carolina is desperate for respect from the big teams. They also have 4 wins over Power 5 teams the last two seasons. Florida hasn't won a bowl game since 2011 though and the Gators likely will want to impress new coach Jim McElwain. I am conflicted on what I think will happen in this one, but I think Florida pulls it out.

Florida 17 - East Carolina 14

GoDaddy Bowl
Toledo v. Arkansas State
Jan. 4 9 PM ESPN

 This is Arkansas State's 4th straight trip to Mobile. Toledo wasn't in a bowl last year. Toledo should care more than Arkansas State and can pull off the win. This game really should not be played after New Years. It simply is not an enticing game, but I'm going with Toledo.
Toledo 24 - Arkansas State 21

My playoff predictions are coming too. However, with all of this in one post and these games fast approaching, I thought I would put the playoff analysis in a different post since that will go much more in depth. Happy Bowl Season everyone! If my picks win you money do not hesitate to share...

-Noland

College Football Preview 2014

Today we take a break from the greatest coaches ever countdown because...

Football season is finally upon us. Since it is upon us, it is officially prediction time. In the past, I have predicted the Top 25 and some bowl matchups. However, with the playoffs happening this year, I thought I would structure my predictions differently. I feel as though people care more about who you pick to win than the actual rankings. Therefore, I am picking the major conference champions, and 1 team in each conference that will do better than expected. That better than expected team I am calling the darkhorse. I will make a couple other predictions and point out some under the radar games that I want to see. Finally, at the end of this piece, I will make my predictions on the 4 team playoff.

ACC
Champion
Florida State

Everyone is picking FSU to win the ACC and be a threat nationally. There is good reason for people to be high on the Seminoles. FSU has the most talented roster and they are defending National Champions. They should run away with the ACC, but there are a few teams that can give the Noles some problems.

Darkhorse
Pittsburgh

The ACC Atlantic is wide open with many people picking Miami to win it. However, Miami has not yet reached the ACC Championship game and always seems to come up short. Additionally, UNC always seems to come up short of expectations as well. Virginia Tech is breaking in a new QB that looked pretty awful in the bowl game, and Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and UVA don't look close. That opens the door wide open for Pitt who has a talented roster and is a threat to make the ACC Title game. Most people have them predicted to finish 4th in the Atlantic or lower, but I expect a better finish than that.

Big 10
Champion
Michigan State

The Braxton Miller injury certainly makes Michigan State the favorite in the Big 10. It was a toss up before, and with a major injury two weeks before the season, you have to like the odds for Sparty. However, the Big 10's SOS takes a major hit with the Ohio State injury. If Ohio State loses a couple of games, then it will be difficult for any Big 10 team to make the inaugural college football playoff. Michigan State almost certainly needs to go undefeated including a win over Oregon to make the playoff at this point.

Darkhorse
Rutgers
Rutgers is joining the Big 10 this year and predicted to be the worst team in the conference. I am not saying that Rutgers will be any sort of force to win the conference, but I just can't see them finishing dead last.

Big 12
Champion
Oklahoma

Oklahoma is predicted to be a top 4 team. They just smoked Alabama in a BCS game. Bob Stoops was awesome in the BCS era. It is incredibly difficult to go with anyone else to win this conference or to make the playoff. These guys should win the Big 12, but Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Texas could threaten it.

Darkhorse
Texas
I will not get into my prediction of Texas last year...However, with Charlie Strong at the helm and a talented returning roster, they should beat the 7 win prediction I saw on ESPN a few days ago. Not only should they beat it, but they should be a top 4 team in the Big 12. This team could easily be a double digit win team. I expect Charlie Strong's boys to exceed expectations this season.

Pac 12
Champion
UCLA

Most people are picking Oregon to win the Pac 12, but UCLA has the better team and the better QB in my opinion. They are more complete and should win the Pac 12. This should be the tightest conference race though outside the SEC. There are a few teams very capable of winning the conference.

Darkhorse
Colorado
I am not predicting Colorado to do much, but they should finish better than last place where they are predicted. I actually agree with most of the rankings I have seen for the Pac 12, but I think UCLA and not Oregon will win. The nect most likely upset to me is Colorado better than last.

SEC
Champion
Alabama

Everyone is picking Alabama not Auburn to win the SEC and start #2 in the country. That prediction is with good reason and I 100% agree with it. Alabama has more talent and a legendary coach. They are sitting pretty for this football season and could easily win the championship. Jacob Coker has more arm talent than any QB I can remember under Nick Saban. The FSU Coaching staff said he had a better arm than Jameis Winston, even with Winston putting up those ridiculous numbers. That is scary for the rest of the nation when you really think about it.

Darkhorse
Kentucky

Somebody has to be picked to finish last in the SEC, and it just happens to be Kentucky this year. I just don't buy it happening again. Kentucky has a great coaching staff that had a year to put the things it wanted into place and get some recruits in. That coaching staff will not allow the Kentucky Wildcats to be dead last in the conference. I do not care how loaded the SEC is, Kentucky is on the weaker side and will not finish in last place. Do not be surprised if they get a decent bowl this year. Depending on how far they exceed expectations, Mark Stoops is a coach of the year candidate.

Heisman Winner
Brett Hundley

If I am right about UCLA winning the Pac 12 and going to the inaugural college football playoff, then it will be behind the arm of Brett Hundley. He is as talented and gifted as any quarterback in college football. Yes, that includes Jameis Winston. This guy is the favorite in my opinion, but is not a lock to win the award. There are about 10 guys I identify now as strong candidates and there are always one or two surprise candidates. Hundley is my prediction to win though.

Coach of The Year
Craig Bohl

Okay, I may be higher on Craig Bohl than most, but if you have been following this blog lately you will see why. This first time FBS coach knocked off 7 FBS programs in the last 10 years at FCS North Dakota State. Those upsets include last years shocker over Kansas State. He also won three straight FCS titles. Now, he may not have the talent to do anything incredible this year, but as he builds the program at Wyoming, it will eventually be a force. It is just a matter of time before we find out what kind of force and how much talent he has to do it. For the lack of a better alternative, I pick him to win the award this year, knowing I may be a year or two early.

Despite having the best run program in college football right now, I cannot pick Jimbo Fisher. The guy has accomplished so much in his 4 years at Florida State and there is no coach I would rather have. However, since he is preseason #1, there is no way he wins the Coach of the Year Award. They just don't give a Coach of the Year for being wire-to-wire champs and if he doesn't accomplish it, he will finish even further back. I like having Jimbo at FSU though.

Five Under the Radar Games to Watch
1) Ohio State @ Navy
I think people are paying more attention to this game now already. Braxton Miller just got hurt which you have to think increases the odds of a competitive game. Ohio State is likely more worried now about getting their QB ready for Big 10 play than with Navy now that there are only 2 weeks left and they have to break in a new starter. This one should be really competitive and fun to watch.

2) Akron @ Penn State
The Akron Zips are now coached by Terry Bowden who has had a winning record everywhere he has gone. Now, in year three at Akron, I expect him to turn the ship around. Bowden now has some recruits he wanted and the program just the way he wanted it. He also has a great looking matchup and likely trap game for Penn State. This game is right in between a huge rematch with UCF and the start of Big 10 play. The schedule could not be any more open to an upset for the Zips. This should be a fun one. The Zips closed on a three game win streak and look to be turning that corner into being a winning football team.

3) Wyoming @ Oregon
The Oregon Ducks welcome Craig Bohl's Wyoming Cowboys in week 3 and nobody is talking about it or will talk about it. However, perhaps they should. This would be a perfect trap game if Wyoming has the talent to pull it off. I am not sure they do, but regardless it will be closer than the spread. This game rests in between a huge contest with Michigan State and the beginning of Pac 12 play for Oregon. I want to see what tricks Craig Bohl has for this game and how much talent his team has. I look forward to this Week 3 game.

4) Kentucky @ Florida
Everyone seems to be saying the Florida Gators will be much improved over last year, while the Wildcats will be the worst team in the SEC. Well, not so fast my friends as Lee Corso would say. In another Week 3 interesting matchup, Kentucky takes on Florida. Florida has historically dominated the Wildcats, but this years game should be quite interesting. I consider this game my early upset special.

5) Pittsburgh @ Miami
Nobody is talking about this game now, but they probably will by the time this game rolls around because it will likely settle the ACC Atlantic. This game is at the end of the season too, which adds to the intrigue of it. I definitely want to see this game and hope it is not during FSU-Florida. Pitt has a lot more talent than people think.

Five Other Predictions For This Season
1) If Coker wins the Alabama job then they make the playoff and he finishes Top 5 in Heisman voting.

2) If Coker does not win the Alabama job, they will lose three games.

3) Jameis Winston will not finish in the top 3 of Heisman voting. To do so, he would have to have a better year and FSU more dominant than last year. Voters do not want to pick him in consecutive years. I would not be surprised if his former back-up (Jacob Coker) and his runningback (Karlos Williams) finished ahead of him in voting.

4) Ohio State loses one or both of their opening games. Ohio State opens with Navy, then they get Virginia Tech. Now, they have to do this without Braxton Miller. They also lost 4 of 5 starters on their O-line and their monster runningback. This will be Urban's toughest coaching job for the Buckeyes to date.

5) Navy enters the Notre Dame game at 7-1 or 8-0. If Navy can pull the mega-upset over Ohio State, I expect them to be a perfect 8-0 heading into the Notre Dame game. If they cannot, than they will be 7-1 entering that game. Either way, that will be the Gameday game likely and it will have huge implications on the major bowls.

Four Team Playoff Participants
Alabama
Florida State
Oklahoma
UCLA

I just put these teams in alphabetical order when I got here. All of them are who I expect to make the playoff. The most likely team to crash the party is Michigan State. However, to do so, the Spartans almost certainly have to knock off the Oregon Ducks. Oregon is another team that is fully capable of making the playoff. Those other two powerhouses in the SEC West could easily make it as well. Notre Dame behind Everett Golson again could be the wildcard this year. Don't forget that they beat a really good Michigan State team last year. If not for Notre Dame, we may have had FSU-Michigan State in the title game.
I pick Florida State to win this playoff because they have the best team and the most talent. Assuming they don't have any disappointments, they are the favorites to repeat this year. I will say though that none of these four or those other teams I mentioned would surprise me if they won the inaugural playoff. If it comes outside of those teams though, that would be quite a shock.

-Noland