Final Regular Season Standings
1) Draper 48-22 (7-8 upset)
1) Hoying 48-22 (4-11 upset)
3) Schweinfurth 46-24 (6-9 upset)
4) Seeberg 45-25 (2-13 upset)
Bowl creep continues. Not only are there 38 total postseason exhibition games, not counting the +1 National Championship Playoff Final, but we've expanded from 4 BCS games to 5 BCS games to 6...New Year's Eve and Day Super Important Games (TM). We'll pick the championship once 2015 arrives, but here's a six-pack of picks to last you until then.
Peach Bowl: Ole Miss Rebels vs. TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: The deciding factor will be TCU's mindset heading into the game. Yeah, they were left out of the playoff. Is this a moment to prove themselves or one in which they just don't care? TCU had this opportunity with the Ginger Ninja playing in the orange and black and took down the Badgers in the Rose Bowl so I think Coach Patterson will get the troops ready to go. This is a game for Treyvone Boykin to show off. The LandShark defense is for real and will rear its ugly head, but the TCU D is no slouch either. I actually think this is more low scoring than my counterparts, but I agree on the outcome. Rebels: 20--TCU: 24
Hoying: PEACHES AIN'T SPORTS, except in the thankfully classically-renamed Peach Bowl. What better way to kick off New Year's Eve than with a mismatch? Ole Miss hasn't been the same worldbeater since Laquon Treadwell's heartbreaking (and leg-breaking) injury against Auburn. However, as my colleagues note, this game will hinge on whether TCU comes out pouting because they got left out of the playoff (see Alabama last year) or with their hair ablaze, ready to prove to a skeptical world that they belonged after all. If it's the latter, watch out. The nation's top defense won't know what hit them. Heisman-invite worthy QB Trevone Boykin and company will be scoring early and often. The Rebel forces can't repel firepower of that magnitude! Rebels: 31--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: How overrated is the Big 12 this year? This game (and the Cotton Bowl) will bear this out. TCU has a ridiculous offense this year. Ole Miss has Bo Wallace. Saying that, both defenses are about equal. I will take TCU and Trevone Boykin. Rebels: 28--TCU: 42
Seeberg: Ole Miss saved their New Year's Eve and Day Super Important Games (TM) chances with a nice win in the Egg Bowl. Meanwhile, TCU got bumped from the playoff after the Buckeyes' thrashing of Wiscy. This game likely will come down to how motivated TCU is to be in this game after the disappointment of being left out of the playoff. If TCU comes out flat they could struggle to get into double digits on offense against the Rebels' stout D, but I think they will play with anger and purpose and finish off a great season with another W. Rebels: 20--TCU: 28
Fiesta Bowl: Boise State Broncos vs. Arizona Wildcats
Draper: Mr. Hoying and I were two of the VERY few people who believed in the Little Blue Engine that Could in 2007 as the Broncos took down the mighty Sooners. This Boise State team is a shadow of the Zabransky 'juggernaut'. Zona is a weird team that ended a fantastic season with a whimper getting stomped by Oregon. RichRod's boys can fly around the field, but they usually have inferior athletes. Not so in this case. Scooby Wright and Anu Solomon will control both sides of the ball as the Fiesta pays back the Broncos. Boise: 24--Zona: 41
Hoying: Poor, poor Fiesta Bowl. The bowl selection white elephant took a big steaming dump in the desert, plopping down 2-loss Boise State to face DickRod's Destroyers. Were he still coaching Michigan, I'd believe Rodriguez could find a way to cHoke this one away, but the Wildcats are very much a program on the rise and are solid enough in all phases of the game (except game-winning field goals). All-American LB Scooby Wright will snack on star Bronco RB Jay Ajayi, while Arizona's freshman QB Solomon will push the Wildcats another step forward toward Anu era of success. Boise: 20--Zona: 34
Schweinfurth: Why is Boise State playing in one of the "New Year's Six" games? This game will only be watchable to see how many points Arizona puts up. This game will be on in the background. Boise: 17--Zona: 45
Seeberg: Let's be clear, this is NOT your father's Arizona Wildcats football program. Rich-Rod has them playing solid football in the second best conference in the country. Meanwhile, this is also NOT your older brother's Boise State team. Other than a nice win over Colorado State, the Broncos have beaten nobody of note and are unlikely to be able to do enough to slow down the Wildcats' potent O. Arizona posts their first relevant bowl win in, well, literally forever (seriously, they're the only original PAC-10/12 team to never even PLAY in the Rose Bowl, let alone win it). Boise: 24--Zona: 38
Orange Bowl: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Draper: This bowl game is quite intriguing. The Bulldogs faltered down the stretch but are still enormously talented. The Yellow Jackets are a one trick pony....but what a trick! Paul Johnson shows that if you commit to something wholeheartedly, you can still have success even if the technique is outdated. The Jackets potent option attack is a 'you-know-what' to stop, but the Bulldogs are really good on D. Oh yeah, Dak and the Bowling ball are good enough to roll over the overmatched Jacket D. Georgia Tech will frustrate the crap out of the MSU defense, but they won't be able to stop Dak Prescott. MSU: 38--GT: 27
Hoying: Remember when, during the month of October, and for the first time ever, the entire college football world revolved around the state of Mississippi? Since then, the shine's come off the apple a bit in Stark Vegas, but a BCS (New Year's One-of-Six? What do you call one of these non-playoff games?) bowl win would still be a huge jump forward for the program. We're about to find out just how good of a coach Dan Mullen really is. You know what Georgia Tech's going to do. You know they will do it very well. You know you have the athletes that can stop them. Can you figure out a way to get it done, with a month to prepare? Since Mullen seems to be one of the hottest young coaches in the game, and was trained by the best (Corch Irvin Meyers), I have high hopes for the Bulldogs to take this one. MSU: 31--GT: 17
Schweinfurth: Georgia Tech runs that tricky triple option offense. However, it's really only tricky if you don't have time to prepare for it. News flash, Mississippi St has had around 3 weeks to prep for this game. The only problem with the triple option is falling behind early. I think that's what happens in this game. GT keeps it somewhat close but just can't keep up with that run heavy offense. MSU: 35--GT: 31
Seeberg: This game is not getting nearly the attention it deserves. GT is a mere eight points away from being undefeated this year while the Bulldogs lost by just five to Bama. A win in that de facto SEC title game likely would have secured their spot in the playoff regardless of the Egg Bowl outcome. The triple option is a nightmare to prepare for, but the extra prep time for a bowl game will certainly help the Bulldogs. In a game likely to be close, the Yellow Jackets' one-dimensional offense may be their undoing (see Florida State). Bulldogs win a tight one. MSU: 34--GT: 27
Cotton Bowl: Michigan State Spartans vs. Baylor Bears
Draper: Another game about 'who want to be here?' I've been pretty consistent on the Sparty is overrated front all year. Yeah, the D is pretty good, but not as good as last year's No Fly Zone. The Offense...eh.... Connor Cook and Langford are nice pieces and Tony Lippett is the real deal, but that's about it. Bryce Petty has been phenomenal all year with the Baylor fast paced attack. Looking at the resume, Baylor has a clear advantage as they've actually won a game vs. a decent team (sorry Nebraska). I feel the unstoppable force vs. the immovable goes to the force. Despite the mantra of defense wins championships, a great offense beats a great defense more often than not these days. I think the Spartans get into a track meet...which is not what they're designed for. Sparty NO!! MSU: 41--Baylor: 48
Hoying: Can Sparty really handle success? There's been a conspicuous dearth of "Sparty, NO!" moments since the refs stole the Notre Dame game from State's grasp last season, but they haven't really beaten anyone of consequence since last year's Rose Bowl win. Two marquee opponents, two faceplants. Baylor's probably kicking themselves that they didn't get a chance at MSU during the regular season, since beating Sparty seems to punch a ticket to the playoff. Alas... This game has the same X-factor as the Peach Bowl: can Baylor shrug off a snub? Whereas TCU was able to graciously accept a Rose Bowl berth after an undefeated 2010 season, and come away with a win over a tough Wisconsin squad, Baylor dealt with last season's title chase stumble by Bortling all over themselves in a loss to Central freaking Florida. With all the foaming at the mouth Art Briles did in his December rants against the Big 12 Commissioner and the Playoff Committee, I'll be surprised if he has anything left to motivate his team for this one. Sparty YES! MSU: 35--Baylor: 34
Schweinfurth: Both of these teams can put up points, that much is undeniable. However, Baylor does not have a defense. I really expect Connor Cook to flat light up the Bear's defense. MSU's defense will have a tough time with the Bear offense, but they should get a stop or two. That will be the difference in this game. MSU: 42--Baylor: 35
Seeberg: Ah yes, "Big 12 team who thinks they should be in the playoff" part two. Baylor laid a big fat egg in their last bowl game, giving up a whopping 52 points to Blake Bortles and UCF. They may have some extra motivation this year to prove they belonged in the playoffs, but they're also playing a much better team in Michigan State, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Art Briles went all Andrew Jackson nepotism, promoting his son to offensive coordinator, and Dantonio and Co. should have some interesting wrinkles to throw at Briles, Jr. Sparty gets a second consecutive high-profile bowl win. Sparty: 42--Baylor: 28
Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. Florida State Seminoles
Draper: I've got a weird feeling about this playoff-possibly, due to my alma mater-but I think FSU has something to say. Every game has been a nail-biter it seems, but they always seem to 'escape'. Eventually, it's not escaping but winning. Winston has yet to play a complete game this year but many fantastic halves. This is the game in which he blows up. The Seminole D hasn't been good due to injuries piling up all year, but many will return for the Rose Bowl. Oregon has trouble with complete teams that can play both sides of the ball (OSU, Stanford, Auburn,etc.). While FSU's D is not the same as last year's squad, they have the athletes to disrupt any team. The loss of Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will loom large as Winston shows why NFL scouts will prefer him to the Duck counterpart. Mariota is fantastic and will be a nice pro for 5-10 years, but Jameis has superstar talent...if he can stay clean. This will be the shock of the bowl season to most, but I'm going with the Noles. I've got a feeling... UO: 31--FSU: 41
Hoying: Another classic Rose Bowl matchup: Pac-12 vs. ACC. Somehow, Florida State still has not lost a game since Obama's first term, but their style points make 2002 Ohio State look like 2001 Miami. Oregon exorcised some demons in their Blowout...err...Championship Saturday win over Arizona, but do they have the weapons to bring a 29-game win streak to an end? Bluntly, yes. The Ducks feature a high-powered balanced offensive attack behind dual-threat Super Mariota and talented RB Royce Freeman, and I don't think anyone is about to forget what the Duck D did to a terrific Wildcat attack on December 5th. Jameis has been playing with fire all season, actively hurting his team in the first half only to ride to astounding heroics late. Problem is, this only works if you can stop your opponent for a few drives, and this year's Seminole D is like the Chicago Bears compared against last year's Seattle Seahawk-level juggernaut. Root hard for Florida State, Buckeye Nation, but this Duck Hunt will leave the dog laughing all day long. UO: 45--FSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Which Heisman QB will shine the brightest? That is the question everyone is asking. Winston has been giving the ball away like Oprah gives away gifts (you get a pick and you get a pick...). If Winston throws 2 or more this time, game over. The Ducks will make the Noles pay. I expect a good game and a FSU comeback, but Oregon's powerful offense is just too much. UO: 35--Noles:31
Seeberg: For weeks us Buckeye fans were convinced a Seminole loss was our only shot to get into the playoff. Now, we must ironically root for them to beat Oregon because, in my opinion, the Ducks are the best team in the country. If this game is anywhere close in the fourth quarter, I genuinely believe that (in)famous Jameis will find a way to win it. The only problem is that the Ducks aren't going to allow it to be that close. Mariota inches closer to equaling Winston's resume with a Heisman and a ring. Ducks: 43--Noles: 24
Sugar Bowl: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Ah...another game, another alma mater. The Tide roll in as heavy favorites, but no team in the country is as hot right now as the Buckeyes. Cardale is on top of the world, but he needs to sharpen up a bit against Saban's defense. Blake Sims has been quite consistent during this year but he's been serviceable. Cooper, Henry, and Yeldon will shoulder the offensive load for the Tide while Jones, Elliot, and Smith work for the Bucks. A big part of this game will be decided on the lines. The team that gets pressure will grab the advantage. Bosa needs to dominate and the Buckeye O-line needs to keep Cardale clean. While the Tide have more experience, if the Bucks can avoid mistakes they can ride the youthful exuberance to Dallas. The B1G Championship was largely a case of willpower and refusal to let a repeat occur in Lucas Oil. This time, it's about strict execution. Meyer vs. Saban battles usually turn out something special. I think the Bucks are a year away, but 'I ain't no fake Buckeye!' Bama: 27--OSU: 31
Hoying: In January 1978, the top two coaches in the game led Ohio State and Alabama to a titanic clash in the Sugar Bowl. What happened? The Tide rolled the Buckeyes, 35-6, despite fumbling the ball 10 (!) times. Don't expect either result to occur this time, as these teams are much more easily matched than one of Bear's finest squads taking on fading Woody Hayes (also, ball control is a thing now). Where is Bama vulnerable? If the midseason is any indication, it's on offense. Blake Sims, while impressive, is still learning to be a QB (glad the Buckeyes don't have that problem...) and Super Amario can only do so much to bail him out. The Lucas Oil Massacre showed that the Silver Bullets could win a game with defense; now it's time for them to actually DO it for the first time since the 2012 Wisconsin game. On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes will need a healthy dose of EzE churning out some yards and 12-gauge Cardale cocking and firing over the top of the Tide's weak safety play. Most importantly, the lines will have to impose their will upon the enemy, like they did against Michigan State and Wisconsin and did NOT do against Virginia Tech. This one's winnable. I feel lucky. The dynasty IS over! Bama: 24--OSU: 27
Schweinfurth: I am so ready for this one. This is not the Bama of the last few years. That secondary just doesn't have that killer instinct of the last few years. Alabama's offense looks like a one trick pony. Yes Amari Cooper is very good, but OSU's D has bottled up good receivers all year. Offensively, OSU knows what it has in Cardale Jones. Alabama has some garbage time against Illinois and the B1G Champ game. Not exactly a lot of film on 12 Gauge. This will be fun and I expect a lot of the same offensive formula that got Cardale into a rhythm early in the B1G Champ game. I trust the front 7 to get pressure on Sims. Finally, Urban Meyer is THE master motivator. Ohio State is a big underdog. Meyer doesn't lose at Ohio State as an underdog. This will be a pissed off OSU team coming out of the tunnel Thrusday night. Happy New Year! GO BUCKS!! Bama: 20--OSU: 28
Seeberg: Congratulations Buckeyes, you made the first EVER college football playoff! (You know, if you don't count any of the other divisions who have had playoffs for decades). Your prize? You get to play the best program of the last five years by a pretty sizable margin. Both coaches will have their teams supremely well-prepared for this game. I believe if these teams played ten teams, OSU wins 3, maybe 4. In a one-game-takes-all scenario though, things are different. Cardale will lead a couple of seamless drives thanks to some solid play-calling and in-game adjusting, but the difference in the game will be Amari Cooper. The Silver Bullets will have to devote a corner and a safety to containing him, which will leave enough gaps in the run game for Bama to have some success between the tackles. If Bosa, Bennett and Co. rattle Sims, which is possible, all bets are off, but Bama's O will make just enough plays to keep the Buckeyes at bay. An overachieving Buckeye squad falls just short, if a year ahead of schedule. Watch out for the 3-QB system in 2015! Bama: 31--Bucks: 21
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