Air Force Falcons

College Football Bowl season: Score predictions, players to watch, etc.

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:21 p.m. ET

Fansided, Anthony Messenger/FanSided via Rubbing the Rock

College football bowl games at the current average point spread and which teams will cover their spread or beat them.

Breaking down the 2016 College Football bowl season from the best game to the worst game. Who will this years big upset be? Who will burst onto the stage like Lamar Jackson did last bowl season? Last but certainly not least, who will be crowned the 2016-2017 National Champion?

There is nothing like this time of year, you get all the football you can watch, paired with 25 days of Christmas. Enjoy guys! Let us know what your thoughts on the bowl season are, we’d love to hear!

North Carolina CentralEagles

Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
North Carolina Central (9-2, 7-0 MEAC) vs. Grambling State (11-1, 10-0 SWAC)
Dec. 17 – 12 p.m., ABC
Georgia Dome, Atlanta

Average Line: Grambling, -15

It is great to see some smaller schools getting some love! I remember watching the Grambling State vs Southern game every year as a kid. Grambling state is pretty darn good this year. I don’t think that NCCU has enough to keep up with the Tigers.

Score prediction: 42-14 Grambling

Players to watch:

Ole Miss Transfer Devante Kincade (QB) Grambling

Chad Williams (WR) Grambling

Reggie Hunter (LB) NCCU

New MexicoLobos

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico (8-4, 6-2 MWC) vs. UTSA (6-6, 5-3 C-USA)
Dec. 17 – 2 p.m., ESPN
University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.

Average Line: New Mexico, -7

UTSA is slowing creeping their way up to relevancy as a program which is good to see. I realize that New Mexico has the better record, however, this Roadrunners team comes to play. They played Arizona State down to the wire and kept things close with Texas A&M as well. I’m going UTSA.

Score prediction: 31-30 UTSA

Players to watch:

Dalton Sturm (QB) UTSA
Josaiah Tauaefa (LB) UTSA

Teriyon Gipson (RB) NMU

HoustonCougars

Las Vegas Bowl Presented by Geico
Houston (9-3, 5-3 AAC) vs. San Diego State (10-3, 6-2 MWC)
Dec. 17 – 3:30 p.m., ABC
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas

Average Line: Houston, -3

I love the way that this Houston team plays defense, however, without Tom Herman, I don’t know what to expect from the Cougars. True freshman defensive tackle, Ed Oliver is a budding superstar and Greg Ward Jr is one of the toughest players in the country. San Diego State on the other hand has Donnel Pumphrey. Being as though this is Pumphrey’s last time to impress the NFL scouts before the pre-draft process begins, I expect him to take full advantage of it. I’m going San Diego State.

Score Prediction: 30-24 SDSU

Players to watch:

Donnel Pumphrey (RB) SDSU

Ed Oliver (DT) HOU
Greg Ward Jr (QB) HOU

Appalachian StateMountaineers

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Appalachian State (9-3, 7-1 Sun Belt) vs. Toledo (9-3, 6-2 MAC)
Dec. 17 – 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Ala.

Average Line: Toledo, -1

This is a match-up of two of the best group of five programs in the country. I have always had admiration for the quite confidence that App State plays with. With that being said, I think I’m going to go with Toledo in this one. The MAC is a solid conference that not to many people talk about. The Rockets have a dynamite quarterback in junior Logan Woodside.

Score prediction: 45-31 Toledo

Players to watch:

Logan Woodside (QB) Toledo

Clifton Duck (DB) App State

Taylor Lamb (QB) App State

UcfKnights

AutoNation Cure Bowl
UCF (6-6, 4-4 AAC) vs. Arkansas State (7-5, 7-1 Sun Belt)
Dec. 17 – 5:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

Average Line: UCF, -6

Arkansas State was able to turn their season around after starting out 0-4. Hats off to head coach Blake Anderson for being able to keep his players invested. I do think the Red Wolves lose in this one, but, regardless the outcome they have proven their metal this season. UCF head coach, Scott Frost has done a tremendous job in his first season leading the Knights to six wins after going 0-12 the season before.

Score prediction: 35-31 UCF

Players to watch:

McKenzie Milton (QB) UCF

Adrian Killians (KR/RB) UCF

Chris Odom (DL) Ark St.

Southern MissGolden Eagles

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Southern Mississippi (6-6, 4-4 C-USA) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt)
Dec. 17 – 9 p.m., ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

Average Line: Southern Miss, -3.5

Man I tell you what, the food at this game is going to be off the chain! C’mon you got to southern schools playing at the Superdome. Can you say Gumbo, Jambalaya? I’d be there if I could. On the football side of things, I like Southern Miss in this one because of their ability to run the football with Ito Smith.

Score prediction: 31-17 So Miss

Players to watch:

Ito Smith (RB) So Miss

Dylan Bradley (DL) So Miss

Tre’maine Lightfoot (LB) ULL

Central MichiganChippewas

Miami Beach Bowl
Central Michigan (6-6, 3-5 MAC) vs. Tulsa (9-3, 6-2 AAC)
Dec. 19 – 2:30 p.m., ESPN
Marlins Park, Miami

Average Line: Tulsa, -11.5

Gone are the days of Dan LeFevour at Central Michigan. That kid could ball. I can’t see this one being very close, I think Tulsa just has too much firepower for the Chippewas.

Score Prediction: 42-27 Tulsa

Players to watch:

Dane Evans (QB) Tulsa

Joe Ostman (DL) CMU

Amari Coleman (DB) CMU

MemphisTigers

Boca Raton Bowl
Memphis (8-4, 5-3 AAC) vs. Western Kentucky (10-3, 7-1 C-USA)
Dec. 20 – 7 p.m., ESPN
FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Fla.

Average Line: WKU, -4.5

This should be a high scoring affair. Both Memphis and Western Kentucky can score in bunches. Memphis averages 39.5 points per game, while the Hilltoppers average a whopping 45.1 points per game. I think Western Kentucky’s defense is slightly better than Memphis’. I also believe Western Kentucky will handle themselves better in a shootout being as though they faced high octane offenses all season long in Conference USA.

Score prediction: 52-48 WKU
Players to watch:

Riley Ferguson (QB) MEM

Anthony Wales (RB) WKU

Keith Brown (LB) WKU

ByuCougars

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
BYU (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5, 6-2 MWC)
Dec. 21 – 9 p.m., ESPN
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

Average Line: BYU, -8.5

BYU has been impressive this season considering they lost former head coach Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia in the offseason. I have to say that Wyoming has had the more impressive season in my mind. First off, the Cowboys when from 2-10 last season to 8-5 this year and their only bad loss was a blowout against 24th ranked Nebraska. Other than that the Cowboys were in every game. I’ll take BYU in this one.

Score prediction: 30-19 BYU

Players to watch:

Jamaal Williams (RB) BYU

Josh Allen (QB) WYO

Andrew Wingard (DB) WYO

IdahoVandals

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Idaho (8-4, 6-2 Sun Belt) vs. Colorado State (7-5, 5-3 MWC)
Dec. 22 – 7 p.m., ESPN
Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

Average Line: Colorado State, -13.5

Idaho has been a pleasant surprise this season. The Vandals are going to be moving down to the FCS level next season so this was a good way to go out. That being said I’m going to take the Colorado State Rams in this one, due in large part to their stellar wide receiver Michael Gallup. The junior pass catcher has 70 receptions on the season for 1164 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Score prediction: 41-27 CSU

Players to watch:

Michael Gallup (WR) CSU

Kaden Elliss (LB) Idaho

Kevin Davis (LB) CSU

MarylandTerrapins

Quick Lane Bowl
Maryland (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten) vs. Boston College (6-6, 2-6 ACC)
Dec. 26 – 2:30 p.m., ESPN
Ford Field, Detroit

Average Line: Maryland , -1.5

These old ACC foes are facing off for the first time since 2013. Both programs are a work in progress at the moment. I like what D.J. Durkin has going at Maryland he has increased the excitement around the program and is improving the product on the field which is most important. I like the Terps in this one.

Score prediction: 27-21 Maryland

Players to watch:

Teldrick Morgan (WR) UMD

Harold Landry (DL) BOS

Shane Cockerille (LB) UMD

Nc StateWolfpack

Camping World Independence Bowl
NC State (6-6, 3-5 ACC) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5 SEC)
Dec. 26 – 5 p.m., ESPN2
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.

Average Line: NC State, -4

NC State has had some bright moments this year such as their overtime game with Clemson. Dave Doeren is slowly building this program in the right direction. Taking all that into account, I still like Vandy in this one. Derrick Mason can coach some defense. Linebacker Zach Cunningham is my favorite defensive player in the country, he is absolutely tenacious.

Score Prediction: 17-14 Vandy

Players to Watch:

Zach Cunningham (LB) Vandy

Ryan Finely (QB) NCST

Ralph Webb (RB) Vandy

ArmyBlack Knights

Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl
Army (7-5) vs. North Texas (5-7, 3-5)
Dec. 27 – 12 p.m., ESPN
Cotton Bowl, Dallas

Average Line: Army, -9

Army. No offense but teams without winning records should not be in bowl games.

Score prediction: 38-10 Army

TempleOwls

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman
No. 24 Temple (10-3, 7-1 AAC) vs. Wake Forest (6-6, 3-5 ACC)
Dec. 27 – 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Md.

Average Line: Temple, -13

I like Temple in this football game despite the departure of Matt Rhule. Wake Forest has more distractions as a program with the Announcer scandal.

Score prediction: 35-21 Temple

Players to watch:

Phillip Walker (QB) Temple

Delvon Randall (DB) Temple

Duke Ejiofor (DE) Wake

Boise StateBroncos

Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
Boise State (10-2, 6-2 MWC) vs. Baylor (6-6, 3-6 Big 12)
Dec. 27 – 10:15 p.m., ESPN
Chase Field, Phoenix

Average Line: Boise State, -7.5

Baylor is reeling as a program. Boise is more consistent. I’m going with Boise in this one.

Score Prediction 34-20 Boise

Players to watch:

Jeremy McNichols (RB) BSU

Brett Rypien (QB) BSU

Terrence Williams (RB) Baylor

PittPanthers

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
No. 23 Pittsburgh (8-4, 5-3 ACC) vs. Northwestern (6-6, 5-4 Big Ten)
Dec. 28 – 2 p.m., ESPN
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.

Average Line: Pitt, -5.5

This is a match-up between two blue-collar football teams. I have a lot of respect for the job that Pat Fitzgerald has done at Northwestern, but, I like Pitt in this one. What better way to send off James Conner than with a bowl victory?

Score prediction: 24-21 Pitt

Players to watch:

James Conner (RB) Pitt

Anthony Walker (LB) NW

West VirginiaMountaineers

Russell Athletic Bowl
No. 16 West Virginia (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) vs. Miami (8-4, 5-3 ACC)
5:30 p.m., ESPN
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

Average Line: Miami, -3

Miami is in big need of a win in this game. West Virginia is a scrappy bunch on defense, but, Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya should be able to handle the presssure that the Mountaineers bring. I was torn over this game, but, I’m going to go with WVU. Mark Richt has a knack for losing the big game.

Score prediction: 31-24 WVU

Players to watch:

Ahmmon Richards (WR) MIA

Skylar Howard (QB) WVU

Mark Walton (RB) MIA

IndianaHoosiers

Foster Farms Bowl
Indiana (6-6, 4-5 Big Ten) vs. No. 19 Utah (8-4, 5-4 Pac-12)
Dec. 28 – 8:30 p.m., Fox
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.

Average Line: Utah, -8

Texas A&mAggies

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Kansas State
Dec. 28 – 9 p.m., ESPN
NRG Stadium, Houston

Average Line: TAMU, -2

UsfBulls

Birmingham Bowl
South Florida (10-2, 7-1 AAC) vs. South Carolina (6-6, 3-5 SEC)
Dec. 29 – 2 p.m., ESPN
Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala.

Average Line: USF, -10.5

I think USF is slightly better at this point in time than South Carolina, however, they are going through a coaching change so I am going with the Gamecocks in this one.

Score prediction: 27-24 USCjr

Players to watch:

Quinton Flowers (QB) USF

Jake Bentley (QB) USCjr

Marlon Mack (RB) USF

ArkansasRazorbacks

Belk Bowl
Arkansas (7-5, 3-5 SEC) vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech (9-4, 6-2 ACC)
Dec. 29 – 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

Average Line: Virginia Tech, -7

This game should be a treat. Virginia Tech is a very physical football team as is Arkansas. Justin Fuente has done a great job of revamping that Tech offense in his first year under the helm. Arkansas has lost some luster as a program this year. Bret Bielema has yet to have a winning record in conference play. I wonder how long he will be in Fayetteville.

Score prediction: 41-28 Va Tech

Players to watch:

Jerrod Evans (QB) Va Tech

Cam Phillips (WR) Va Tech

Rawleigh Williams III (RB) Ark

Oklahoma StateCowboys

Valero Alamo Bowl
No. 12 Oklahoma State (9-3, 7-2 Big 12) vs. No. 10 Colorado (10-3, 8-1 Pac-12)
Dec. 29 – 9 p.m., ESPN
Alamodome, San Antonio

Average Line: Colorado, -3

Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre deserves a world of credit for the job that he has done in turning this Buffaloes program around. On the flip side, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy deserves a world of credit for cultivating that luscious mullet of his. Go Buffs in this one.

Score prediction: 35-20 Colo

Players to watch:

Sefo Liufau (QB) Colo

Tedric Thompson (LB) Colo

Mason Rudolph (QB) OKSU

GeorgiaBulldogs

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Georgia (7-5, 4-4 SEC) vs. TCU (6-6, 4-5 Big 12)
Dec. 30 – 12 p.m., ESPN
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tenn.

Average Line: UGA, -1

This is a match-up between two gritty football teams. Kirby Smart has superior talent in my opinion and Georgia seems to have a good buzz surrounding them now that practically all of their draft eligible players are returning for their senior seasons.

Score prediction: 24-20 UGA

Players to watch:

Nick Chubb (RB) UGA

Jacob Eason (QB) UGA

Kenny Hill (QB) TCU

StanfordCardinal

Hyundai Sun Bowl
No. 18 Stanford (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) vs. North Carolina (8-4, 5-3 ACC)
Dec. 30 – 2 p.m., CBS
Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas

Average Line: Stanford, -3.5

Stanford finally figured things out offensively near the tail end of the season. That being said, I don’t think this Cardinals defense can stop Mitch Trubisky and his plethora of weapons on offense. Larry Fedora has done an impressive job of improving that North Carolina program.

Score Prediction: 37-28 UNC

Players to watch:

Ryan Switzer (WR) UNC

TJ Logan (RB) UNC

Christian McCaffrey (RB) Stanford

NebraskaCornhuskers

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Nebraska (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) vs. No. 21 Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC)
Dec. 30 – 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.

Average Line: Tennessee, -3

This game is a match-up of two of the historically good programs in College Football. Both teams are climbing their way back to relevancy. I’m not sure I like the way that things are going on Rocky Top at the moment. There just seems to be a negative energy surrounding the team. However, if anybody can motivate their team it is Butch Jones. I’ll take Tommy Armstrong and the Cornhuskers in this one.

Score prediction: 28-24 Nebraska

Players to watch:

Tommy Armstrong (QB) Neb

Derrick Barnett (DE) Tenn

Alvin Kamara (RB) Tenn

South AlabamaJaguars

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl
South Alabama (6-6, 2-6 Sun Belt) vs. Air Force (9-3, 5-3 MWC)
Dec. 30 – 5:30 p.m., Campus Insiders
Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz.

MichiganWolverines

Capital One Orange Bowl
No. 6 Michigan (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) vs. No. 11 Florida State (9-3, 5-3 ACC)
Dec. 30 – 8 p.m., ESPN
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.

This is going to be a highly emotional, physical football game. Jim Harbaugh and Jimbo Fisher are two of the best in the business. Florida State just hasn’t been themselves defensively this season, much of that can be attributed to injury’s in the secondary and honestly a lack of talent at linebacker outside of Matthew Thomas. Michigan on the other hand, has been very good on defense this season. Jabrill Peppers, Taco Charlton and Jourdan Lewis are three of the best players in the country on that side of the ball. In my personal opinion Michigan is going to thump FSU. Nothing worse than playing an angry Jim Harbaugh.

Score prediction: 42-20 UM

Players to watch:

Chris Evans (RB) UM

Chris Wormley (DE) UM

Dalvin Cook (RB) FSU

LsuTigers

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
No. 20 LSU (7-4, 5-3 SEC) vs. No. 13 Louisville (9-3, 7-1 ACC)
Dec. 31 – 11 a.m., ABC
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

Average Line: LSU, -3.5

This should be a very exciting game. I am not too worried about Leonard Fournette deciding not to play, especially since his replacement is 1st team All-SEC running-back Derrius Guice. I like LSU’s chances in this one, depending on which Lamar Jackson shows up. The kid is lightning in a bottle.

Score prediction: 31-27 LSU

Players to watch:

Lamar Jackson (QB) LOU

Derrius Guice (RB) LSU

Arden Key (DE) LSU

Georgia TechYellow Jackets

TaxSlayer Bowl
Georgia Tech (8-4, 4-4 ACC) vs. Kentucky (7-5, 4-4 SEC)
Dec. 31 – 11 a.m., ESPN
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.

Average Line: Georgia Tech, -3.5

Paul Johnson’s triple option attack is difficult to handle, it takes a very discipline defense to shut the Yellow Jackets down. I’m not sure that Kentucky is quite there yet. I think Kentucky is the more talented team, however, the triple option scheme is built to compensate for a talent gap.

Score prediction: 34-27 Georgia Tech

Players to watch:

Dedrick Mills (RB) Ga Tech

Benny Snell Jr (RB) UK

Jordan Jones (LB) UK

WashingtonHuskies

College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
No. 4 Washington (12-1, 8-1 Pac-12) vs. No. 1 Alabama (13-0, 8-0 SEC)
Dec. 31 – 3 p.m., ESPN
Georgia Dome, Atlanta

Average Line: Alabama, -16

I think Alabama will win this football game, but, I’m not buying into the blowout hype. Bama is the favorite the National Title every season as they should be, however, as soon as they lose people are quick to point out their weaknesses. I’ll do it now. Defensivley I got nothing. However on offense, Bama can get one-dimensional at times. Jalen Hurts as good as he is, has some work to do as a passer. LSU was able to keep the Tide in check allowing just 10 points. Washington has one of the best defenses in the counry and I expect the Huskies to contain Hurts through the air.

The key in this one will be field position. Washington must give Jake Browning breathing room, otherwise the Tide’s defense will eat him alive.

Score prediction: 27-13 Alabama

Players to watch:

Budda Baker (S/LB) WAS

O.J. Howard (TE) ALA

Jake Browning (QB) WAS

Ohio StateBuckeyes

College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
No. 3 Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Clemson (12-1, 7-1 ACC)
Dec. 31 – 7 p.m., ESPN
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.

Average Line: Ohio State, -3.5

This was the toughest game for me to decide on. These are two of the elite programs in all of college football coached by two of the best coaches in the country. Urban Meyer scares me in big games, he is the best motivator in the country in my opinion. Dabo Swiney isn’t too shabby either. When it comes down to it, Deshaun Watson is the deciding factor. Watson has that knack for making the big play and he has that elusive “clutch gene”.

Score prediction: 30-23 Clemson

Players to watch:

Deshaun Watson (QB) Clemson

Isaiah Prince (RT) Ohio State

Tyler Durbin (K) Ohio State

FloridaGators

Outback Bowl
No. 17 Florida (8-4, 6-2 SEC) vs. Iowa (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten)
Jan. 2 – 1 p.m., ABC
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

Average Line: Florida, -2.5

Florida is in big need of a win in this one after their embarassing 41-7 loss to Michigan last season. I respect the job that Kirk Ferentz has done at Iowa this year, the Hawkeyes looked like a shell of themselves early on in the season. The running game was non-exsistant and there defense was inconsistent. Ferentz was able to straight the ship and upset Michigan en route to an eight win season. That being said, I think Florida will win this football game, superior athletes at every level in my opinion.

Score prediction: 31-20 Florida

Players to watch:

Jarod Davis (LB) Florda

Akrum Wadley (RB) Iowa

Jalen Tabor (DB) Florida

Western MichiganBroncos

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
No. 15 Western Michigan (13-0, 8-0 MAC) vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (10-3, 7-2 Big Ten)
Jan. 2 – 1 p.m., ESPN
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Average Line: Wisconsin, -7.5

From the outside looking in Western Michigan looks physically outmatched in this one, however, the Broncos have one of the best young coaches in the country in P.J. Fleck. We have seen great coaches have success with smaller schools before i.e. Urban Meyer at Utah, Chris Peterson at Boise State, Gary Patterson at TCU, even Tom Herman at Houston. I have a lot of respect for Wisconsin and Paul Chryst, but, I’m going to go with the upset in this one. That’s what bowl season is for!

Score Prediction: 23-20 WMU

Players to watch:

Corey Davis (WR) WMU

T.J. Watt (LB) WIS

Corey Clement (RB) WIS

UscTrojans

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual
No. 9 USC (9-3, 7-2 Pac-12) vs. No. 5 Penn State (11-2, 8-1 Big Ten)
Jan. 2 – 5 p.m., ESPN
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.

Average Line: USC, -7

These are two of the hottest teams in the country going into bowl season. Trace McSorely has been on a tear lately, the Nitanny Lions have been very explosive through the air. It will be interesting to see how Penn State fairs against USC’s talented secondary. One of these teams winning streaks has to end and I think that team will be USC.

Score Prediction: 31-28

Players to watch:

Marcus Allen (S) Penn State

Saquon Barkley (RB) Penn State

Adoree Jackson (DB) USC

Ronald Jones III (RB) USC

AuburnTigers

Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 14 Auburn (8-4, 5-3 SEC) vs. No. 7 Oklahoma (10-2, 9-0 Big 12)
Jan. 2 – 8:30 p.m., ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

Average Line: Oklahoma, -4

The bigger the stage the less I have come to expect from Oklahoma. The last big game I can recall them winning was the 2013 Sugar Bowl against an Alabama team that quite frankly, wasn’t interested in being there. That Bama team was a kick-six away from playing for their third straight national championship, but, instead they ended up in the Sugar Bowl. I think Auburn will be too physical for the Sooners at the point of attack.

Score Prediction: 38-24 Tigers

Players to watch:

Carl Lawson (DE) Auburn

Kamron Pettway (HB) Auburn

Baker Mayfield (QB) Oklahoma

College Football Playoff National Championship
Jan. 9 – 8 p.m., ESPN
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

The rematch everyone has been waiting for. If it wasn’t for poor special teams play on the part of Clemson last season, the Tigers would have won the National Championship. This time around I like Clemson’s chances much more. While Alabama’s defense is dominant once again, they were dominant last year when Deshaun Watson hung 40 points on them.

The difference is in Alabama’s offense. Jalen Hurts is outstanding for a freshman, however, he is no an apt a passer as Jake Coker was. Clemson’s defense is better this season in my opinion and I think they would be able to slow Bama enough for Watson to win the game. If the Tigers can hold Bama to 28 points max, I like Clemson’s chance.

All betting information/lines via oddsshark.com