Bowl Week is only heating up at this point. With some of the games already under our belt, we are getting ready for some of the big games that are about to take place. This week, we will have the New Year’s Six games and the College Football Playoff. The hope is that Bowl Week can bring in the new year right and give us a great start to the new year. Let’s dive in. We’ll start with the regular bowl games and finish with the playoff games.
Georgia (-7) Versus Cincinnati
Cincinnati is the small-school success story this season. They will have the chance to cement their legacy as one of the small schools that shocks us and upsets a top program like Georgia, capping off an undefeated season. Georgia had a down year, if we are being honest; going from National Championship talks to not even winning their own division in the SEC. While I want to pick Cincinnati with the seven points given, I will have to stick with Georgia and their sneaky good offense to pull through. Cincinnati has been a great story but Georgia is just more talented across the board.
Prediction: Georgia -7
Northwestern (-3.5) Versus Auburn
Northwestern has once again exceeded expectations while Auburn appears to have done the opposite. Northwestern won their division in the Big 10 and gave Ohio State a fight in the Big 10 Championship game. Auburn, on the other hand, had another disappointing season and the result was the firing of head coach Gus Malzahn. While Auburn has the better quarterback and possibly the better roster collectively, Northwestern should win this game and it might not be close.
Prediction: Northwestern -3.5
Indiana (-8) Versus Mississippi
Indiana has been more than impressive this season, going 6-1 with their only loss being a touchdown defeat to Ohio State. Even after Indiana lost their starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. for the season, the offense was still able to pick up where they left off. Ole Miss has won three of their last four games to give them a 4-5 record on the season. While Lane Kiffin has revamped the offense, the defense is still terrible and has been all season. Ole Miss has surrendered at least 20 points in every game they played. While Lane Kiffin can be unpredictable (in Bowl Week and all the time), the confidence lies in Indiana. eight points is a lot to cover in a bowl game, but Indiana should win this game from start to finish.
Prediction: Indiana -8
Iowa State (-4) Versus Oregon
Iowa State was having an incredible year and on the verge of winning the Big 12 Championship. Unfortunately, the Cyclones came up just short against the Sooners and will have to settle for a lesser bowl game (Fiesta Bowl). Iowa State is one of the more complete programs in College Football but Oregon is one of the select few that could beat them. Oregon hit a roadblock this season when they lost back-to-back games. However, Oregon is significantly better than their 4-2 record shows. The Ducks run a balanced offense with a strong run game and offensive line. The defense has playmakers at every level and one of the best in the nation in Kayvon Thibodeaux. Oregon can surprise a lot of people and upset Iowa State in this game.
Prediction: Oregon +4
Texas A&M (-7.5) Versus North Carolina
Texas A&M was snubbed from the College Football Playoff, there’s no way around it. The Aggies suffered a loss at the beginning of the season to Alabama, the best in the nation, but have since been one of the best in College Football. A&M had one loss on the season but was booted for another one-loss program. Regardless, Texas A&M will play North Carolina in the Orange Bowl, a program that is better than the public perceives. North Carolina is 8-3 and led by the incredible quarterback play of Sam Howell. There is no doubt for me that Texas A&M can and should win this game. The question is if they will cover the spread or not. The bitterness of being snubbed (playing a lesser game during Bowl Week) and the offense of North Carolina indicate otherwise.
Prediction: North Carolina +7.5
Alabama (-20) Versus Notre Dame
Alabama is a prohibited favorite for this game. Let’s ignore the fact that Clemson beat Notre Dame by 24 points. Let’s ignore the fact that the last time these two schools played each other, Alabama demolished Notre Dame 42-14. Let’s also ignore the fact that Alabama has won and covered the spread in seven consecutive games, a streak that ended last week against Florida. Even though it’s 20 points, there should be one underlying reason to bet on Alabama. They have three Heisman nominees on offense. This Alabama roster is more talented than Notre Dame in every position. A close game would be more entertaining but expect Alabama to cover the spread.
Prediction: Alabama -20
Clemson (-7.5) Versus Ohio State
This is a rematch of last year’s game which was a classic and one to remember. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields face off one more time in college before they get to face each other in the pros. Clemson has never lost to Ohio State (ever), but the question is if they will cover the spread. As much as I think Trevor Lawrence is going to have a great game and Clemson is slightly more talented, I am taking the points for Ohio State. Ohio State has the players to keep this game competitive. In addition, Justin Fields is going to be tough for Clemson to defend. Last year should be an indicator that this game can and will be close. Ohio State might not win but they should cover the spread.
Prediction: Ohio State +7.5