Bowl Predictions: 2016-17

Bowl season is one of the most fun parts of the year for college football fans. Predictors included. You're never sure whether teams are going to play as well as they did in the regular season or not. We're sure to see a few tight battles and shocking upsets. There will be a lot of enjoyment from here on out until the championship game on January 9th. You can follow my predictions live at ESPN's Bowl Mania.

Saturday, December 17

• New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico (8-4) over UTSA (6-6)
• Las Vegas Bowl: Houston (9-3) over San Diego State (10-3)
• Camellia Bowl: Toledo (9-3) over Appalachian State (9-3)
• Cure Bowl: UCF (6-6) over Arkansas State (7-5)
• New Orleans Bowl: Louisiana (6-6) over Southern Miss (6-6)

Monday, December 19

• Miami Beach Bowl: Tulsa (9-3) over Central Michigan (6-6)

Tuesday, December 20

• Boca Raton Bowl: Memphis (8-4) over Western Kentucky (10-3)

Wednesday, December 21

• Poinsettia Bowl: BYU (8-4) over Wyoming (8-5)

Thursday, December 22

• Potato Bowl: Colorado State (7-5) over Idaho (8-4)

Friday, December 23

• Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan (7-5) over Old Dominion (9-3)
• Armed Forces Bowl: 25 Navy (9-4) over Louisiana Tech (8-5)
• Dollar General Bowl: Troy (9-3) over Ohio (8-5)

Saturday, December 24

• Hawaii Bowl: Middle Tennessee (8-4) over Hawaii (6-7)

Monday, December 26

• St. Petersburg Bowl: Mississippi State (5-7) over Miami of Ohio (6-6)
• Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland (6-6) over Boston College (6-6)
• Independence Bowl: Vanderbilt (6-6) over North Carolina State (6-6)

Tuesday, December 27

• Heart of Dallas Bowl: Army (7-5) over North Texas (5-7)
• Military Bowl: 24 Temple (10-3) over Wake Forest (6-6)
• Holiday Bowl: Washington State (8-4) over Minnesota (8-4)
• Cactus Bowl: Boise State (10-2) over Baylor (6-6)

Wednesday, December 28

• Pinstripe Bowl: 23 Pittsburgh (8-4) over Northwestern (6-6)
• Russell Athletic Bowl: 16 West Virginia (10-2) over Miami (8-4)
• Foster Farms Bowl: 19 Utah (8-4) over Indiana (6-6)
• Texas Bowl: Texas A&M (8-4) over Kansas State (8-4)

Thursday, December 29

• Birmingham Bowl: South Florida (10-2) over South Carolina (6-6)
• Belk Bowl: Arkansas (7-5) over 22 Virginia Tech (9-4)
• Alamo Bowl: 12 Oklahoma State (9-3) over 10 Colorado (10-3)

Friday, December 30

• Liberty Bowl: Georgia (7-5) over TCU (6-6)
• Sun Bowl: 18 Stanford (9-3) over North Carolina (8-4)
• Music City Bowl: 21 Tennessee (8-4) over Nebraska (9-3)
• Arizona Bowl: Air Force (9-3) over South Alabama (6-6)
• Orange Bowl: 6 Michigan (10-2) over 11 Florida State (9-3)

Saturday, December 31

• Citrus Bowl: 20 LSU (7-4) over 13 Louisville (9-3)
• Gator Bowl: Georgia Tech (8-4) over Kentucky (7-5)
• Peach Bowl: 1 Alabama (13-0) over 4 Washington (12-1)
• Fiesta Bowl: 2 Clemson (12-1) over 3 Ohio State (11-1)

Monday, January 2

• Outback Bowl: 17 Florida (8-4) over Iowa (8-4)
• Cotton Bowl: 8 Wisconsin (10-3) over 15 Western Michigan (13-0)
• Rose Bowl: 9 USC (9-3) over 5 Penn State (11-2)
• Sugar Bowl: 7 Oklahoma (10-2) over 14 Auburn (8-4)

Gator Statistics: Conference and In-State Rivals

Florida begins its SEC schedule today, so the table of statistics has been updated to accommodate for the results of the 2015 season.

Opponent	Games	Wins	Losses	Ties	Win %	First Meeting	Last Meeting
Georgia	93	42	49	2	0.462	1915	2015
Auburn	83	38	43	2	0.470	1912	2011
Kentucky	66	49	17	0	0.742	1917	2015
LSU	62	31	28	3	0.524	1937	2015
Florida State	60	34	24	2	0.583	1958	2015
Miami	55	26	29	0	0.473	1938	2013
Mississippi State	54	33	19	2	0.630	1923	2010
Vanderbilt	49	37	10	2	0.776	1945	2015
Tennessee	45	26	19	0	0.578	1916	2015
Alabama	39	14	25	0	0.359	1916	2015
Georgia Tech	38	9	23	6	0.316	1912	1981
South Carolina	36	25	8	3	0.736	1911	2015
Mississippi	24	11	12	1	0.479	1926	2015
Tulane	21	13	6	2	0.667	1915	1984
Arkansas	10	9	1	0	0.900	1982	2013
Missouri	5	2	3	0	0.400	1966	2015
Florida Atlantic	3	3	0	0	1.000	2007	2015
Texas A&M	3	2	1	0	0.667	1962	2012
UCF	2	2	0	0	1.000	1999	2006
South Florida	1	1	0	0	1.000	2010	2010
FIU	1	1	0	0	1.000	2009	2009

• Starting from the top of the table, one notices Georgia is the Gators' most frequent opponent. Florida and Georgia have met 93 times between 1915 and today, and have been playing annually every year since 1926 (excluding two years during World War II, when UF suspended its football program).
• But perhaps Georgia should not be considered Florida's oldest rival. The first game against Auburn was played in 1912. Except for three years during the early Forties, the Gators and Tigers played every year from 1927 to 2002. When the annual UF-AU game was terminated after the 2002 season, Florida had played Auburn and Georgia 80 times each. In addition, Auburn is the closest SEC university to Gainesville. For at least a few more years, Auburn will still have played Florida more frequently than their arch-nemesis, Alabama.
• Kentucky has played Florida more than anyone besides UGA and Auburn... this may be surprising considering the distance between Lexington and Gainesville. Indeed, for many years (1933 to 1992) UK was the farthest conference opponent from UF. Kentucky was also the northernmost SEC school (now Missouri), while Florida is the southernmost. Today, only Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas A&M are farther than Lexington. Nonetheless, they have played every year since 1967. This series has been terribly lopsided in the last half-century; since the teams began playing annually, Florida has won 44 times while Kentucky's won five.
• Louisiana State is the Gators' most frequent opponent currently in the SEC's West division and still playing Florida annually. They had never played each other until both teams joined the SEC, but have played fairly regularly since 1953 (annually since 1971). When the conference split into East and West, it was decided that Florida would still play two western teams annually. While the Auburn choice was obvious (it was an old and competitive rivalry), LSU was neither the Gators' most frequently nor second-most frequent western team. As a matter of fact, they were third, but that will be explained farther down.
• Not surprisingly, Florida State is the most frequent non-conference rival of the Gators. The game has been played annually since its inception in 1958. Florida State has played each the Gators and the Miami Hurricanes 60 times. Although the Seminoles and the Hurricanes first met in 1951, they did not start play annually until 1969. That series is led by Miami 31-29.
• Miami is the most frequent non-conference opponent that Florida no longer plays annually. Opinion among Gator fans is split as to whether this series or that with Auburn is the most unfortunate casualty of scheduling changes. Other than two years during the war, the Gators and the 'Canes played every year from 1938 to 1987. When the UF athletic department decided to cut its number of annual in-state opponents from two to one, it was decided that Florida State would be the one to remain. By that time, Florida State, the other large public university in northern Florida, had displaced the smaller private school in South Florida as the Gators' #1 in-state rival.
• When the conference split in 1992, the Gators needed two western schools to play annually. Auburn was the first, but who would be the second? Surprisingly, before the split Florida had played Mississippi State more frequently than any other western opponent besides Auburn (48 times to LSU's 39). However, that series had been far less competitive to that point (Florida had led it 30-16-2). The decision for Florida and LSU, whose series at the time was led by LSU 18-17-3, to play annually was made partially in the interest of balancing and competitiveness. Ironically, the series between UF and MSU has been split 3-3 while Florida leads LSU 14-10 since the conference division.
• Of all series between current annual opponents, that with Vanderbilt is the most lopsided. It was played somewhat infrequently until the SEC East division was created in 1992, though at the time Florida only led 14-9-2. Florida has dominated since then, with 23 wins to Vanderbilt's single victory.
• Although they first met in 1916, Florida and Tennessee have only been playing each other annually since 1990. Tennessee had previously dominated the series, though that changed after Tennessee-native-son-but-Gator-alum Steve Spurrier took the helm as Gator head coach. Florida has led 20-6 since the day Spurrier was hired. The series peaked in intensity during the 1990s, when both teams battled for domination of the SEC East.
• Alabama has played Florida on 39 occasions. The Gators and the Crimson Tide have played infrequently since first facing off in 1916. Of their 39 meetings, eight have been SEC Championship games. In such games, Florida and the Tide have split victories with four each. The Gators have a lower winning percentage against Alabama, the traditional hegemon of the conference, than they have against any other remaining SEC charter member.
• It may surprise many that Florida has played Georgia Tech so frequently. As a matter of fact, the Yellow Jackets have played the Gators 38 times – as many or more times than five modern members of the SEC! However, the Gators did play Georgia Tech quite regularly from 1929 until the Jackets left the SEC after 1963. This is also the most lopsided series against the Gators of any opponent they have played more than ten times. The Orange and Blue only triumphed on nine occasions in 38 attempts against the Yellow Jackets. Had that series continued, one would imagine, that trend probably would have reversed. The Gators have not met the Yellow Jackets on the gridiron since a 27-6 triumph in 1981.
• Before South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, they had only played the Gators on 12 occasions (and not since 1964). Before the expansion, the Gators had led the series 6-3-3, but since have led 19-5. However, during the tenure of head coach Steve Spurrier at South Carolina from 2005 until 2014, Florida and Carolina both defeated each other five times.
• Despite both being charter members of the SEC, Florida and Mississippi have only met 24 times. Since first playing in 1926, the Gators and the Rebels have only played more than two consecutive years on one occasion (1944-1948). As of the most recent conference alignment, this is unlikely to change any time soon. The Gators have also defeated Ole Miss less frequently than any other charter member of the SEC still a member of the conference.
• Like Georgia Tech, Tulane was once a member of the SEC and thus have some history playing the Gators. Until 1958, the Green Wave actually led the series with Florida 6-2-2. However, in 1958 the Gators won for the first time in 36 years and have not lost since. Since Tulane left the conference after 1966, they have only played Florida five times (the last being a 63-21 Gator victory in 1984).
• Florida and Arkansas have played on ten occasions – the first was in Houston for the Bluebonnet Bowl while two others were in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Arkansas has not won in the series since that 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl. Thus, this is the most lopsided series between Florida and any of their SEC opponents.
• Missouri has only played the Gators five times, though they are currently scheduled to play on an annual basis. The Tigers won the first match-up, the 1966 Sugar Bowl, despite a furious comeback-attempt led by quarterback Steve Spurrier. Since then, Florida and Mizzou have split the series with two wins each.
• Florida has only played Texas A&M three times, less than any other conference opponent. As members of different SEC divisions, they only play infrequently. The first game was played in 1962 and won handily by the Gators in Gainesville. The second game was the January 1977 Sun Bowl in El Paso. That game was won by the Aggies. The most recent game was in 2012, played in College Station, and won by Florida (20-17).
• The Gators have played Florida Atlantic three times and UCF twice; they have only played South Florida and FIU once each. The Gators have never lost to one of the four newer in-state programs. The only occasion Florida came close to losing to one of those four was in 2015, when it took overtime for the Gators to put away Florida Atlantic in the Swamp.
• Not included in the table above but also of note: Florida leads Sewanee (another charter member of the SEC who left in 1940 and now play in Division III) in their series, 7-2-0; UF leads Florida A&M 1-0-0, Florida Southern 13-1-0, Rollins 13-2-1, Stetson 15-2-2, and Tampa 5-0-0.

Bowls in Review: 2015-16

This will be the last scheduled post for Sanctimonium, as the blog will now go on hiatus due to my present workload. It's the long overdue review for last year's bowl games! I thought I'd mail this one in before the beginning of the next season. Well, I didn't write the review, unfortunately, but I did update my final season record for 2015. Thank you to everyone who has been a reader and hope you enjoyed your stay. I may post things sporadically but I will not make regular full posts like the last two seasons. Keep watching football and happy Saturdays!

• New Mexico Bowl: Arizona (7-6) over New Mexico (7-6), 28-21 45-37

• Las Vegas Bowl: 22 Utah (10-3) over BYU (9-4), 19-16 35-28

• Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State (11-2) over Ohio (8-5), 35-21 31-29

• Cure Bowl: San José State (6-7) over Georgia State (6-7), 35-28 27-16

• New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State (9-4) over Louisiana Tech (9-4), 41-34 47-28

• Miami Beach Bowl: South Florida (8-5) over 25 Western Kentucky (12-2), 34-27 45-35

• Potato Bowl: Utah State (6-7) over Akron (8-5), 20-14 23-21

• Boca Raton Bowl: Temple (10-4) over Toledo (10-2), 27-20 32-17

• Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State (9-4) over Northern Illinois (8-6), 31-14 55-7

• GoDaddy Bowl: Bowling Green (10-4) over Georgia Southern (9-4), 38-24 58-27

• Bahamas Bowl: Western Michigan (8-5) over Middle Tennessee (7-6), 45-42 45-31

• Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State (11-3) over Cincinnati (7-6), 34-24 42-7

• St. Petersburg Bowl: Marshall (10-3) over Connecticut (6-7), 21-17 16-10

• Sun Bowl: Washington State (9-4) over Miami (8-5), 38-34 20-14

• Heart of Dallas Bowl: Washington (7-6) over Southern Mississippi (9-5), 31-21 44-31

• Pinstripe Bowl: Duke (8-5) over Indiana (6-7), 40-34 44-41 (OT)

• Independence Bowl: Virginia Tech (7-6) over Tulsa (6-7), 35-24 55-52

• Foster Farms Bowl: Nebraska (6-7) over UCLA (8-5), 30-27 37-29

• Military Bowl: 21 Navy (11-2) over Pittsburgh (8-5), 35-28 44-28

• Quick Lane Bowl: Minnesota (6-7) over Central Michigan (7-6), 24-20 21-14

• Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force (8-6) over California (8-5), 41-38 55-36

• Russell Athletic Bowl: 10 North Carolina (11-3) over 17 Baylor (10-3), 45-28 49-38

• Arizona Bowl: Colorado State (7-6) over Nevada (7-6), 31-24 28-23

• Texas Bowl: 20 LSU (9-3) over Texas Tech (7-6), 38-31 56-27

• Birmingham Bowl: Memphis (9-4) over Auburn (7-6), 35-30 31-10

• Belk Bowl: Mississippi State (9-4) over North Carolina State (7-6), 38-24 51-28

• Music City Bowl: Texas A&M (8-5) over Louisville (8-5), 31-24 27-21

• Holiday Bowl: Wisconsin (10-3) over 25 USC (8-6), 24-17 23-21

• Peach Bowl: 9 Florida State (10-3) over 18 Houston (13-1), 30-23 38-24

• Orange Bowl: 4 Oklahoma (11-2) over 1 Clemson (14-0), 41-38 37-17

• Cotton Bowl: 3 Michigan State (12-2) over 2 Alabama (13-1), 24-21 38-0

• Outback Bowl: 23 Tennessee (9-4) over 13 Northwestern (10-3), 27-14 45-6

• Citrus Bowl: 19 Florida (10-4) over 14 Michigan (10-3), 14-10 41-7

• Fiesta Bowl: 7 Ohio State (12-1) over 8 Notre Dame (10-3), 24-17 44-28

• Rose Bowl: 5 Iowa (12-2) over 6 Stanford (12-2), 17-14 45-16

• Sugar Bowl: 12 Ole Miss (10-3) over 16 Oklahoma State (10-3), 38-31 48-20

• Gator Bowl: Georgia (10-3) over Penn State (7-6), 20-17 24-17

• Liberty Bowl: Arkansas (8-5) over Kansas State (6-7), 35-24 45-23

• Alamo Bowl: 15 Oregon (9-4) over 11 TCU (11-2), 42-21 47-41 (OT)

• Cactus Bowl: Arizona State (6-7) over West Virginia (8-5), 41-35 43-42

• Championship: 2 Alabama (14-1) over 1 Clemson (14-1), 27-20 45-40

Bowl Record: 24-17 (59%)

Season Record: 305-99 (75%)

Bowl Predictions: National Championship

This year's Clemson Tigers are the best in over three decades.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Later tonight, a new national champion will claim their crown in Glendale, Arizona. Once again, this season's winner will come from Dixie. The Alabama Crimson Tide can claim their 16th national title and their first since 2012 while the Clemson Tigers can earn their second title since winning it all in 1981. These two storied programs have met on 15 occasions since the turn of the last century. Clemson won the first game in 1900 as well as the following two in 1904 and 1905, but Alabama has won all 12 games since 1909. Alabama enters their final game with a 13-1 record while Clemson is a perfect 14-0. Recap how both teams got to the playoffs in my previous post.

Clemson's defense excelled in the Tigers' 37-17 victory over Oklahoma. Although outplayed throughout the game, the Sooners had kept the game close until halftime (the Sooners actually led 17-16 at the break). However, the Tigers continued to dominate and shut out the Sooners for the remainder of the game. Oklahoma was limited to just 67 rushing yards all game. Clemson moved the ball effectively, and oftentimes at will, against the Sooner defense. The Tigers put up a total of 530 offensive yards, mostly on the ground, against the Big 12's best defense.

Just as, or more, impressive was Alabama's 38-0 shutout of Michigan State. Similar to the day's earlier game, Alabama was the better team through all 60 minutes, although Michigan State kept the game competitive during the first half. The Crimson Tide asserted themselves after halftime, putting up 28 unanswered points in the final two quarters. The Tide gained 440 yards on offense, 201 more than the Spartans. Crucially, Michigan State was held to just 29 rushing yards.

The Tide can continue their dynasty with another
championship. Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

As it should be, the nation's two best teams are meeting in the season finale. Both squads have great defenses and playmakers on offense. The Crimson Tide feature Heisman-winning running back Derrick Henry, but he'll need a spectacular performance to gain yardage on the Tiger defense. He will be aided by a threatening Crimson Tide passing attack. Clemson will be led by Heisman runner-up Deshaun Watson, who has a bevy a talent surrounding him. They'll be up against what may be the country's best defense and an incredible front seven.

Hopefully, this will be an excited game decided in the final minutes. Superior defense may be what wins another championship for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

• 2 Alabama (13-1) over 1 Clemson (14-0), 27-20

Bowl Predictions: After New Year's

Jacksonville's bowl game could be the lowest-scoring of the
entire season. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Today is the final day of college football before the championship game. Surprisingly, none of yesterday's games were competitive. Hopefully, at least a couple exciting games await us over the next few hours.

Gator Bowl: Georgia (5-3 SEC East) and Penn State (4-4 Big Ten East) face off for the first time since the 1983 Sugar Bowl, in which the Nittany Lions defeated the Bulldogs and captured their first national championship.

Georgia began their season with four wins over inferior competition. The Bulldogs then ran into the buzzsaw that is the Alabama defense. After a decisive defeat at the hands of the Tide, the Bulldogs suffered a come-from-behind victory by Tennessee. After beating Missouri 9-6, the Bulldogs dropped another game to Florida, dooming their efforts through turnovers. Georgia finished the year beating their last four opponents, although they seemed to limp by Georgia Southern and Georgia Tech.

Penn State started the year with the program's first loss to Temple since the Second World War. After five-straight wins, the Nittany Lions were handily defeated by Ohio State. Penn State slipped by Maryland and shut out Indiana before entering their final three-game stretch. Facing tough competition, the Nittany Lions lost these three games against Northwestern, Michigan, and Michigan State (the latter two in lopsided fashion).

Defense should dominate this matchup between the Bulldogs and the Nittany Lions. Georgia has a respectable running game, but in all other aspects neither offense is particularly formidable. Both teams tend to play at a similar level. Georgia's defense should be a key advantage.

• Georgia (9-3) over Penn State (7-5), 20-17

Liberty Bowl: At different points of the season many would have doubted that Arkansas (5-3 SEC West) or Kansas State (3-6 Big 12) would be playing in a bowl. The Razorbacks started the year losing four of their first six games (losing to Toledo, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Alabama, but also beating Tennessee). Arkansas finished the year winning five of their last six. During this run, the Razorbacks conquered Auburn, Ole Miss, and LSU; their lone loss was by a single point to Mississippi State. Kansas State won their first three games (including a win over Lousiana Tech), but dropped the following six. During their mid-season losing streak, the Wildcats lost close games to Oklahoma State, TCU, and Baylor, but were also shut out by Oklahoma (55-0). At this point the Wildcats' record was 3-6; however, winning their final three over Iowa State (by three points), Kansas, and West Virginia (by a single point) ensured they would be granted a bowl invitation. Arkansas has played better during the later half of the year and has generally played better than Kansas State for much of the season. The Razorbacks will probably pick up another win here.

• Arkansas (7-5) over Kansas State (6-6), 35-24

Oregon can earn their eighth-consecutive 10-win season with
a win over TCU in San Antonio. Cole Elsasser/Emerald

Alamo Bowl: Two of the country's most productive offenses go head-to-head when Oregon (7-2 Pac-12 North) meets TCU (7-2 Big 12).

Oregon began the year splitting their first six games, following each win with a loss. In the Ducks' second game, they fell after a spirited effort against Michigan State. A couple weeks later, Oregon lost in a rare blowout against Utah. After another win, the Ducks were defeated in overtime against Washington State. Since then, Oregon's had a perfect record, winning all six of their final games. Three of these games were close (Washington, Arizona State, and Stanford), but the wins over Cal and USC were accomplished with relative ease. All five of these aforementioned teams were invited to bowl games.

In contrast, TCU began their season with a winning streak, running through their first eight games without a loss. These wins weren't always easy, with the games against Minnesota, Texas Tech, and Kansas State all being close. After impressively crushing West Virginia, the Horned Frogs lost their first game, and fairly decisively, against Oklahoma State. The next week, the Frogs struggled to get by Kansas at home. TCU put up an admirable effort against Oklahoma, losing by just one point after a late two-point conversion failed. The battered Horned Frogs finished their year with an overtime win over rival Baylor.

At one point in the season, TCU would have been favored heavily over the Ducks. Now, the Horned Frogs have been hampered by injuries and suspensions, the pendulum of fate has swung in Oregon's direction. Expect the Ducks to have superior personnel at hand.

• 15 Oregon (9-3) over 11 TCU (10-2), 42-21

Cactus Bowl: The season's penultimate game may feature two of its less predictable teams, Arizona State (4-5 Pac-12 South) and West Virginia (4-5 Big 12). During their first four games, the Sun Devils were soundly beaten by both Texas A&M and USC. In their fifth, they dominated a then-hot UCLA Bruins squad. Later on, ASU lost three straight, was effectively handled by Utah and Washington, but lost a heartbreaker to Oregon. The Sun Devils reached bowl eligibility with solid wins over Washington and Arizona, but fell a couple points short in the season finale against Cal. The Mountaineers started strong with a 44-0 shutout of Georgia Southern, but would often struggle through the remaining season. West Virginia suffered through four-straight losses mid-season (against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU), but only came close to beating OK State. The Mountaineers followed this with four solid wins (including a narrow victory over Texas Tech), before dropping the finale against Kansas State by one point. The game could easily go either way. More experience with tougher teams might give a slight edge to Arizona State.

• Arizona State (6-6) over West Virginia (7-5), 41-35

Bowl Predictions: New Year's Day

The new year begins with 10 ranked teams playing in five featured bowl games. Enjoy excellent defense as 2016 begins.

Despite some setbacks, 2015 may be considered a success for
Tennessee if they manage to defeat Northwestern.
Adam Lau/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP

Outback Bowl: The first game of 2016 will be played by Tennessee (5-3 SEC East) and Northwestern (6-2 Big Ten West) in Tampa.

Tennessee fans may ask "what if?" after a season with so many close call. Early in the season, Tennessee relented second-half comebacks to Oklahoma, Florida, and Arkansas, while later on they were defeated by Alabama after a late touchdown put the Tide ahead. Just a three plays separated the Volunteers from potential playoff contention. Tennessee finished their season on a strong note, however, winning their final five games.

Northwestern's latest season stands out as one of the best of the last several decades. The Wildcats started the season winning five-straight, including a 16-6 win over Stanford at home. Northwestern lost their next two games to Michigan and Iowa by a combined score of 78-10. Never the flashiest team, the Wildcats proceeded to earn narrow victories over Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and Illinois to finish the season.

Northwestern has an excellent defense and a good running game. Tennessee's defense isn't quite as dominant, but their running game is also strong and the Volunteer offense is generally better than their Northwestern counterparts. Tennessee should have the overall edge.

• 23 Tennessee (8-4) over 13 Northwestern (10-2), 27-14

Citrus Bowl: A couple of the nation's best defenses go to battle this afternoon in Orlando. Both Michigan (6-2 Big Ten East) and Florida (7-1 SEC East) are led by first-year head coaches who guided their teams into the national conversation during the season.

Michigan opened their season with a hard-fought loss to Utah on the road. Over the course of the next five games, the Wolverines outscored opponents 160-14, blowing out Oregon State, UNLV, BYU, Maryland, and Northwestern (shutting out the final three). This winning streak was broken by Michigan State, who beat the Wolverines on a miracle punt-block return as time expired. Michigan won their next four games against conference opponents before losing badly to Ohio State in the season finale.

Florida had a surprisingly good start to the year, winning the first six games of the season. While the Gators struggled to beat East Carolina and Kentucky, they also pulled a remarkable comeback victory over Tennessee and routed Ole Miss in the Swamp. The Gators suffered a narrow loss to LSU before defeating rival Georgia 27-3 in Jacksonville. In Florida's next three games, they had a difficult time scoring against Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Florida Atlantic. These offensive woes continued into the home finale, as the Gators could only manage to score a safety against Florida State. Florida lost 29-15 to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

The strength to both teams is their defenses. Both teams prefer passing the ball to running it, although neither team (especially Florida) is particularly strong offensively. Florida might have a slightly better defense. If the Gators hope to win, they will need much help from their defense and special teams to score.

• 19 Florida (10-3) over 14 Michigan (9-3), 14-10

Fiesta Bowl: Two of the best teams in the country, Notre Dame and Ohio State (7-1 Big Ten East), play tonight in Glendale.

Notre Dame's 10-win season is another to be proud of for Irish fans. Notre Dame began the season with four-straight wins before coming short of a comeback against Clemson on the road. Over the next several weeks, the Irish defeated Navy, USC, Temple, and Pitt. After two more wins, the Irish dropped a heartbreaker in their season finale against Stanford in Palo Alto.

The defending national champions had another good year, even if they did not win their conference or make it to the playoffs. The Buckeyes won their first 10 games; during this run, Ohio State narrowly defeated Northern Illinois and Indiana, but easily beat Western Michigan and Penn State. Against their most difficult opponent of the season, Michigan State, the Buckeyes faltered, losing 17-14 at home while being thoroughly outplayed. The Buckeyes rebounded with a lopsided rout of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Both teams are similarly talented. Both offenses are comparably productive, although while the Irish have a balanced attack, the Buckeye offense skews heavily towards the ground game. Although Notre Dame is good defensively, Ohio State is probably better. That defense should lift Ohio State to another victory here.

• 7 Ohio State (11-1) over 8 Notre Dame (10-2), 24-17

The Hawkeyes must face the challenge of defending one of
the nation's best running backs in Christian McCaffrey.
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Rose Bowl: Once again, Pasadena promises another outstanding matchup of Big Ten and Pac-12 heavyweights. This year, Iowa (8-0 Big Ten West) will meet Stanford (8-1 Pac-12 North) for all the roses.

Due to their two losses, Stanford was the only conference champion from one of the high-tier conferences not invited to the playoffs. One of those fateful losses came at the very beginning of the season, with a 16-6 defeat to Northwestern in the opener. Stanford proceeded to dominate the Pac-12 in all but two games (a narrow win over Washington State and a close defeat against Oregon). The Cardinal often made short work of such competition as USC, UCLA, and Cal. Stanford also won a close game over Notre Dame. The Cardinal crushed Southern Cal in the Pac-12 title game.

Despite their failure to capture the Big Ten title, this season was Iowa's best in at least a decade. The Hawkeye's won a school-record 12 games in 2015, and just missed out on a 13th. Iowa did not play one of the nation's strongest schedules, but did defeat Wisconsin (10-6) and Northwestern (40-10). The Hawkeyes led Michigan State until late in the fourth quarter of the Big Ten Championship Game.

Both squads possess good defenses and run-heavy offenses. Both teams play well against good competition. So, all signs point to this being an closely fought game. Iowa can win with an exceptional defensive performance.

• 5 Iowa (12-1) over 6 Stanford (11-2), 17-14

Sugar Bowl: Two great quarterbacks will duel when Ole Miss (6-2 SEC West) faces Oklahoma State (7-2 Big 12) tonight at the Louisiana Superdome.

Ole Miss began their season well, scoring more than 140 combined points in their first two games. Then it got better, when the Rebels downed Alabama 43-37 in Tuscaloosa. After another win, the Rebels walked into the Florida Gators. Things didn't go Ole Miss's way, and the Rebels fell, 38-10. A few weeks later, the Rebels lost again, this time to Memphis. Ole Miss beat Texas A&M and Auburn in their next two weeks,  The Rebels lost to Arkansas 53-52 in overtime the following Saturday, a loss that ultimately eliminated them from SEC title contention. The Rebels ended their year strong with solid wins over LSU and Mississippi State.

Oklahoma State started their season winning their first 10 games. The Cowboys avoided most of the Big 12's best teams during this run and did not have a difficult out-of-conference schedule; however, they did beat TCU by 20 points. Oklahoma State ended their season with two losses to Baylor and Oklahoma (the latter game in a blowout).

Oklahoma State has one of the nation's best passing attacks, but will be facing one of their most difficult opponents in Ole Miss. The Rebels also have a good passing game, but are better at running the ball and playing defense. Poor bowl preparation could hinder the Rebels, even if they are the better team.

• 12 Ole Miss (9-3) over 16 Oklahoma State (10-2), 38-31