2015 College Football Bowl Picks: Outback Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Citrus Bowl Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 1/1/15

2015 College Football Bowl Picks: Outback Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Citrus Bowl Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 1/1/15: Is there a better way to usher in the New Year than with a full slate of college football games? The highlight of the day will be the semifinal matchups for the college football playoff, but there are also three excellent games on tap beforehand featuring six ranked teams. Here is a closer look at all three games.

Outback Bowl: No. 19 Auburn Tigers vs. No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers

Two of the top rushing attacks in the country will be on display in this game. Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon has already rushed for more than 2,300 yards as the focal point of the team’s fourth-ranked, power rushing offense. On the other side, dual-threat QB Nick Marshall and RB Cameron Artis-Payne lead a dynamic Auburn ground attack that ranks 12th in the country. Both Wisconsin and Auburn rank in the top 30 in scoring, averaging 34.6 and 35.8 points per game, respectively.

Neither side heads into this matchup with much momentum. The Tigers dropped three of their last four games and allowed at least 31 points in their final six SEC games. Meanwhile, Wisconsin was bulldozed 59-0 by Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, and the Badgers’ head coach jumped shipped to Oregon State. In the end, points are likely to be plentiful for both teams, but Auburn has a playmaker under center in Marshall while Wisconsin is still searching for a stable QB. The Tigers’ 1-2 punch in the backfield will make the difference.

Prediction: Auburn Tigers (-7) Cover the Spread

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 8 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 5 Baylor Bears

The final big six bowl before the college football playoff begins features Baylor’s top-ranked scoring offense against a Michigan State defense ranked in the top 15. Of course, the Spartans’ offense was pretty stout in its own right, ranking seventh in the country. The Bears are led by QB Bryce Pretty, RB Shock Linwood and an arsenal of speedy receivers. The Spartans counter with QB Connor Cook, RB Jeremy Langford and WR Tony Lippett.

Although the Spartans appear to be the more balanced team on paper, their overall defensive numbers may not be as impressive as they seem. Michigan State struggled in its two biggest games, losing 46-27 against Oregon and losing 49-37 at home against Ohio State. Enter a Baylor team armed with just as much speed on the offensive side of the ball as the Ducks and the Buckeyes, and the Spartans’ defense could be in trouble again. Granted, Michigan State should be able to score plenty of points against a shaky Baylor defense, but the Spartans won’t be able to keep with the Bears’ juggernaut offense for four quarters.

Prediction: Baylor Bears (-2.5) Cover the Spread

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: No. 16 Missouri Tigers vs. No. 25 Minnesota Golden Gophers

It was rarely pretty for either side, but the Tigers found a way to win the SEC East this year while the Golden Gophers had a chance to win the Big Ten West heading into the final week of regular season. Minnesota’s success can be largely attributed to Daniel Cobb, who is the workhorse running back for a one-dimensional offense. Missouri, on the other hand, relied largely on its defense and a few big plays from QB Maty Mauk.

Missouri struggled in its two biggest games, losing 34-0 to Georgia and 42-13 to Alabama. The Tigers also had an inexplicable loss to Indiana out of conference. The Golden Gophers also lost against tougher competition, but they managed to keep things respectable in losses to TCU, Ohio State and Wisconsin. In the end, Minnesota’s complete lack of a passing game will likely come back to bite them against a solid Missouri defense. Mauk may not be a star for the Tigers, but he can at least make an occasional play with his arm and his legs. Defense and a few timely plays will lift Missouri to the win.

Prediction: Missouri Tigers (-4.5) Cover the Spread