Bowl Predictions: After Christmas

Marshall has finished with 10 or more wins in each of the last
two seasons. They must defeat UConn to make it three years
in a row. Falecia Collier/Collier Photography

This Saturday is a big day for college football, with six bowls on our docket. None of the teams are ranked, but its another day full of football, so I'm not complaining. Let's preview what'll be going on.

St. Petersburg Bowl: UConn (4-4 American East) will seek to earn their first winning season since 2010 when they find Marshall (6-2 C-USA East) at Tropicana Field. Anticipate a defensive struggle, as both teams play better defense than they do offense. However, the Thundering Herd's superior scoring attack should raise them above the Huskies in this matchup.

• Marshall (9-3) over Connecticut (6-6), 21-17

Sun Bowl: Those who love passing offenses shouldn't miss Washington State (6-3 Pac-12 North) face Miami (5-3 ACC Coastal) in El Paso. Both schools possess prolific aerial attacks, particularly Washington State (who's passing game is ranked highest in the country), although both are paired to mediocre ground games (Washington State's is ranked worst in the nation). Both defenses are comparably average. All accounted for, hope for two similarly built, fun-to-watch, and evenly-matched teams to play close into the final quarter.

• Washington State (8-4) over Miami (8-4), 38-34

Heart of Dallas Bowl: Expect something different when Washington (4-5 Pac-12 North) plays Southern Miss (7-1 C-USA West). Washington finished with a losing record in one of the best conferences, the Pac-12, while Southern Miss won their division of Conference USA, a lower-tier FBS conference. Against another, strength will face strength. The Huskies's strength is their resilient, steadfast defense, who frustrated all of the Pac-12's most high-powered offenses. The Golden Eagles excel offensively, running effectively, but passing even better. Offensively, Washington has not been so efficient on offense, so expect them to have issues with Southern Miss's respectable defense. If the Husky offense puts together a decent game, their defense should have enough to ensure a victory.

• Washington (6-6) over Southern Mississippi (9-4), 31-21

Pinstripe Bowl: Duke (4-4 ACC Coastal) and Indiana (2-6 Big Ten East) are playing an intriguing ballgame, but not on the basketball court. In fact, it will be in Yankee Stadium, but it won't feature a baseball diamond. The Hoosiers have one of the Big Ten's best offenses, but they are attached to one of the weakest defenses from the conference. In sharp contrast, Duke does not excel at any certain aspect, but they are well-coached and lack a great weakness like Indiana. This game could swing any number of ways, although better preparation could give the Blue Devils an advantage.

• Duke (7-5) over Indiana (6-6), 40-34

The Hokies can send Coach Beamer out a winner if they
manage to slow down the Tulsa passing game.
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Independence Bowl: Frank Beamer will end his career in Shreveport, where Virginia Tech (4-4 ACC Coastal) meets Tulsa (3-5 American West). Beamer's fist bowl game was held at the same site in 1993, when the Hokies defeated Indiana 45-20. This year's edition of the Virginia Tech Hokies is not one of the best from Beamer's tenure. However, they won't face one of their best opponents when they play the Golden Hurricane. Tulsa has one of the country's most productive passing attacks; in all other aspects, they are highly flawed. Virginia Tech is also flawed, although to a lesser extent. The Hokies should come out on top given a few playmakers have good days.

• Virginia Tech (6-6) over Tulsa (6-6), 35-24

Foster Farms Bowl: The day will end with an odd game between Nebraska (3-5 Big Ten West) and UCLA (5-4 Pac-12 South). Due to a shortage of six-win teams, the Cornhuskers have made it to a bowl despite finishing the season with just five wins against seven losses. However, don't consider the Huskers to be one of the worst or least-talented bowl teams. Nebraska has suffered many close losses this season, many within the game's final minute. Yet, they also managed to defeat playoff semifinalist Michigan State in controversial fashion. UCLA began the season with much hope, but finished seemingly far from their aspirations. Despite winning eight games, three blowout losses (and a fourth loss to Washington State) have left the Bruins somewhat disappointed. The Bruins should still be the better team to take the field in Santa Clara. However, they might be lacking in motivation playing seven-loss Nebraska. A disparity in motivation and preparation could favor Nebraska enough to give them the edge.

• Nebraska (5-7) over UCLA (8-4), 30-27