2016 College Football Bowl Game Picks & Predictions – Bahamas Bowl, Armed Forces Bowl, Dollar General Bowl & Hawaii Bowl: The 2016 college football bowl season revs back up Friday, Dec. 23, with a trio of games. The three-game slate kicks off a heavy stretch of bowl games, and for the first time, a ranked team will be in action. There are also several quality non-Power Five quarterbacks who will be action during Friday’s games. There is just a single game scheduled for Saturday, but after the holiday, the action will be non-stop. Let’s take a closer look at the next four bowl games on tap.
2016 College Football Bowl Game Picks & Predictions: Bahamas Bowl, Armed Forces Bowl, Dollar General Bowl & Hawaii Bowl
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion
A bowl win can meet a lot to a college football program, but it would mean even more to either of these teams. The Eastern Michigan Eagles will be trying for their first bowl win since 1987, and the Old Dominion Monarchs will be looking for their first-ever bowl win.
In the end, I like the Monarchs to pull out the win. Eastern Michigan struggled a bit down the stretch against tougher MAC opponents, and the Monarchs balanced offense should allow them to consistently put points on the board. Running back Ray Lawry has run for more than 1,100 yards, and quarterback David Washington has tossed 28 scores compared to just four interceptions.
Prediction: Old Dominion Monarchs (-3.5) Cover the Spread
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. No. 25 Navy
It will be a clash of styles when the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs take on the Navy Midshipmen. Led by quarterback Ryan Higgins and receiver Trent Taylor, the Bulldogs own the third-best passing attack in the country. Meanwhile, Navy’s option attack ranked fourth in the country. Despite the different approaches, both offenses rank in the top 25 in scoring.
A few weeks ago, I would have picked the Midshipmen in this matchup. They had just defeated Houston and Notre Dame and looked poised to play in a major bowl as the best non-Power Five team. However, Navy scuffled down the stretch, mustering just 27 combined points in losses to Temple and Army and losing dual-threat quarterback Will Worth to injury. Without Worth, I don’t see how Navy keeps pace.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (+1) Cover the Spread
Dollar General Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy
After winning their division in the MAC and nearly wrecking Western Michigan’s perfect season in the conference title game, it would be easy to justify picking the Ohio Bobcats. However, the Troy Trojans stack up well despite playing in the Sun Belt, and they even gave Clemson a serious scare early in the year.
Both sides boast rock solid defenses, but while Ohio struggles at times to score, Troy has some legit playmakers. Running back Jordan Chunn has rushed for more than 1,200 yards, and quarterback Brandon Silvers is a real X-factor under center. In the end, Troy’s superior firepower on offense will be the difference.
Prediction: Troy Trojans (-3.5) Cover the Spread
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee
Hawaii is playing at home, but that’s where the advantages end for the Rainbow Warriors. Even without their starting quarterback, who was lost to an injury last month, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders put up 77 in their season finale. Running back I’Tavius Mathers has rushed for more than 1,500 yards, and he should keep Middle Tennessee’s top 15 scoring offense rolling.
More concerning for Hawaii is the team’s atrocious defense. The Rainbow Warriors are allowing a staggering 51.0 points per game. They can’t stop any team from scoring, let alone a team with an offense as potent as Middle Tennessee. This one could get ugly.
Prediction: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (no line) Win the Game
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