2016 College Football Bowl Game Picks and Predictions: Celebration Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, Cure Bowl, Camellia Bowl and New Orleans Bowl: The 2016 college football bowl season kicks of Saturday, Dec. 17, with a loaded six-game slate. Of course, the big programs won’t be playing for another week or so, but it is never too early to start cashing in. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the six matchups that will kick off this year’s bowl season with some college bowl predictions. Be sure and get our very best expert college football picks this 2016 bowl season from our expert handicapping team.
2016 College Football Bowl Picks & Predictions: Celebration Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, Cure Bowl, Camellia Bowl & New Orleans Bowl
Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl: North Carolina Central vs. Grambling State
Both these teams tore through their respective conferences, with the North Carolina Central Eagles running the table in MEAC play and the Grambling State Tigers doing the same in the SWAC. The Eagles have a dual-threat playmaker under center in Malcolm Bell, but the Tigers have the most dangerous weapon in the field in running back Martez Carter, who is averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
Needless to say, both sides can put up points, but the Tigers own the more potent attack. They are averaging 42.5 points and 500 yards of offense per game, and they are backed by an underrated defense that is allowing just 16.7 points per game. Look for Grambling State to pull away in this one.
Prediction: Grambling State Tigers (-15.5) Cover the Spread
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. Texas-San Antonio
Despite being one of the newer program to the FBS, the UTSA Roadrunners clawed their way to six wins and bowl eligibility in Conference USA. Unfortunately, the surprise season could end on a sour note against the New Mexico Lobos. Granted, both teams give up nearly as many points as they score, but the Lobos own the best rushing attack in the country. Led by Teriyon Gipson, New Mexico averages 360.9 yards per game rushing, and that ground attack should wear down and eventually overwhelm the roadrunners. Throw in the fact New Mexico will be playing on its home field, and the edge goes to the Lobos.
Prediction: New Mexico Lobos (-7) Cover the Spread
Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico: Houston vs. San Diego State
It wasn’t all that long ago that the Houston Cougars seemed destined to play in a major bowl after knocking off Oklahoma. However, an uneven season in AAC play and the loss of coach Tom Herman raise some red flags as the Cougars get set to face the San Diego State Aztecs.
There is little doubt that Houston has the higher ceiling. Wins over Oklahoma and Louisville prove it. The Cougars also match up well against the Aztecs. SDSU relies heavily on running back Donnel Pumphrey and the ground game, but Houston owns the third-best run defense.
However, Pumphrey is just 108 yard shy of becoming the all-time rushing leader, and he and his teammates will be plenty motivated the get him that record. On the flip side, the Cougars will likely be disappointed playing in the Las Vegas Bowl after having visions of playing in one of the big bowls. Heart and motivation mean a lot, and I like Pumphrey and company to pull the upset.
Prediction: San Diego State Aztecs (+3.5) Cover the Spread
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo
A couple of dynamic running backs will square off in this one, as Kareem Hunt and the Toledo Rockets take on Jalin Moore and the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Despite both sides possessing strong backs, these two teams are actually much different overall.
The edge on offense goes to the Rockets, where hunt and quarterback Logan Woodside lead a unit that averages 38.8 points and more than 500 yards per game. Meanwhile, Appalachian State owns a stingy defense that allows just 17.0 points per game. In a game between two sides who aren’t overly familiar with each other, I’ll take the stout defensive unit.
Prediction: Appalachian State Mountaineers (PK) Win
AutoNation Cure Bowl: UCF vs. Arkansas State
Turnarounds will be the theme of this bowl matchup. It is remarkable that the UCF Knights are even in a bowl game after going 0-12 last season, and it was no small feat for the Arkansas State Red Wolves to become eligible after starting 0-4. A bowl win would mean a lot to either program, so expect a strong effort from both sides.
Neither team has an abundance of offensive playmakers, so I am looking for a lower-scoring, defensive battle. With defense likely winning the day, I’m going with the UCF Knights. Shaquem Griffin is an absolute terror off the edge, and the Red Wolves will be the next offense he helps shut down.
Prediction: Central Florida Knights (-6) Cover the Spread
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Mississippi vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns should be right at home in this one, and they have won their previous five appearances in the New Orleans Bowl. However, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles have won their last eight meetings against Louisiana Lafayette, and they will also have the best offensive player on the field in quarterback Nick Mullens. Look for Mullens and company to come out on top against a Ragin’ Cajuns team allowing more points per game than they score.
Prediction: Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (-3.5) Cover the Spread
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