2017 College Football Bowl Picks & Predictions: Celebration, New Orleans, AutoNation Cure, Las Vegas, New Mexico & Camellia Bowls: If you are a fan of college football, the most wonderful time of year is about to begin. With the conference championship games in the books and the College Football Playoff set, it is officially time to kick off bowl season.
The action begins Saturday, Dec. 16, with a full slate of games. There are six games on the schedule, and while only one ranked team is in action, you don’t need a bunch of powerhouses in action to make some money.
With that in mind, here is a closer look at the matchups for the Celebration Bowl, New Orleans Bowl, AutoNation Cure Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, New Mexico Bowl and Camellia Bowl and my picks to win the first wave of bowl games.
2017 College Football Bowl Picks: Celebration, New Orleans, AutoNation Cure, Las Vegas, New Mexico & Camellia Bowls
Celebration Bowl: North Carolina A&T vs. Grambling
This is actually a bowl game rematch for these two teams, and while Grambling won a 10-9 defensive battle last year, an offense shootout could be on tap this time around. Both teams are averaging more than 32 points per game, dominating lesser conferences on both sides of the ball. North Carolina A&T went 11-0 and won the MEAC, and quarterback Lamar Raynard took home conference player of the year honors. Grambling went 11-1 on the way to a SWAC title. I think Raynard is the best player on the field in this one and will lead North Carolina A&T to a win.
Prediction: North Carolina A&T Aggies Win
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Troy vs. North Texas
North Texas looks better on paper, but the Mean Green have definitely padded their numbers against weaker competition while struggling against decent opponents. Meanwhile, the Trojans bring a six-game winning streak and the momentum into this matchup, and they also boast a win over LSU. I think Troy has the superior athletes on both sides of the ball and ends up winning a lower-scoring game.
Prediction: Troy Trojans (-6) Cover the Spread
AutoNation Cure Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State
When you hear arguments about their being too many bowl games, matchups like this come to mind. Georgia State has an anemic offense that is averaging less than 20 points per game, and Western Kentucky has been falling apart down the stretch, losing four of its last five games. Of course, somebody has to win, and the Hilltoppers can at least score some points once and a while. Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White has thrown for nearly 4,000 yards, and he will be the difference in this one.
Prediction: Western Kentucky (+4.5) Cover the Spread
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon vs. No. 25 Boise State
The Broncos are the ranked team in this matchup and boast a stingy defense, but while it has been a hard fall the last couple of years for Oregon, the Ducks have shown some muscle since quarterback Justin Herbert got back under center. Overall, Oregon is 6-1 when Herbert starts, and the Ducks scored 48 and 69 points, respectively, when he returned for the last two games. With Herbert and workhorse running back Royce Freeman leading the offense, I think the Broncos’ highly-ranked defense is going to be in for a rude awakening.
Prediction: Oregon Ducks (-7) Cover the Spread
GILDAN New Mexico Bowl: Marshall vs. Colorado State
Marshall has been scuffling to the finish line, dropping four of its last five. More importantly, the Rams have a potent offense, averaging over 500 yards per game. They also have the best player on the field in receiver Michael Gallup. He has 94 catches for 1,345 yards, and he might earn himself the Biletnikoff Award. Whether Gallup does the damage himself or draws enough attention to make life easier for 1,300-yard back Dalyn Dawkins, I expect the Colorado State offense to overwhelm Marshall.
Prediction: Colorado State Rams (-5.5) Cover the Spread
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State
Arkansas State boasts a powerful offense and a shaky defense, but Middle Tennessee just isn’t built to exploit this matchup. The Blue Raiders are averaging just 24.8 points per game, so there is no guarantee they will be able to put up a lot of points. More concerning, Middle Tennessee is allowing almost 300 passing yards per game and doesn’t force many turnovers, so Arkansas State quarterback Justice Hansen and his 34 passing touchdowns should light up the scoreboard. I think the Red Wolves win comfortably.
Prediction: Arkansas State Red Wolves (-4) Cover the Spread
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