Bowl Week 2 Ramps Up the Intensity
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
What a mess. Minnesota certainly has done plenty to get in the spotlight, but unfortunately it's been for the wrong reasons. 10 players have been suspended from the team indefinitely due to the school's Title IX investigation for sexual assault. The team boycotted, then they ended it and resumed practice without those 10 reinstated. Regardless of the controversy, Minnesota needs to regroup and refocus quickly. Yes, their opponent lost to an FCS school, but that was at the beginning of the year and this is a completely different team. Washington State has rebounded from two early season losses and put up points at a blistering pace. The matchup everyone will be watching is the Cougars pass offense against the Gophers pass defense. Whoever wins that battle should determine the outcome. With multiple members of the secondary suspended, it could be a long day for the Gophers.
My pick: Washington State 44 Minnesota 14
This game is one of the most underrated games of the year. Both teams have produced surprising records in 2016, and look to cap their seasons off with a win. Colorado has been the biggest surprise in college football, going from last place in the Pac 12 to playing for the conference championship. It seemed like a lost season after Davis Webb snubbed the Buffs and transferred to Cal, but they proved they are more than one player. QB Sefo Liufau was considered questionable most of the offseason, but has turned in his best performance in Boulder. Oklahoma State's season is best known for the debacle against Central Michigan, and technically should have 10 wins. But after moving on from arguably the college football Play of the Year, the Cowboys and Mike Gundy's mullet have powered their way back to relevance.
My pick: Colorado 28 Oklahoma State 24
If you like dark horses for 2017, these are two teams to consider. With both teams expecting big things from their quarterbacks next year, quality performances would help immensely. Bulldogs freshman Jacob Eason has weathered the storm of a new coach and a tough schedule, and things are looking up with his two top weapons returning in Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. TCU's Kenny Hill has shown flashes of his potential, but hasn't been consistent. Whichever quarterback can keep his composure should provide a significant advantage in this game.
My pick: Georgia 24 TCU 21
Michigan was an inch away from being in the playoff, so it was disappointing when they were passed over by a team they destroyed for the Big Ten Championship. The Wolverines talent is hard to ignore, but so was their less than stellar schedule. A big reason why their points for average is so high is because they put up 63 points against Hawai'i, 51 against UCF, 78 against Rutgers, and 59 against Maryland. While they were still able to score plenty, it's not a surprise that they played closer games against quality competition. Florida State's schedule was far more difficult, and they endured plenty of adversity on top of coaching drama. With HC Jimbo Fisher rumored to be leaving for LSU, it was hard for the players to focus, and at times they looked disinterested. Yet, here they are in the Orange Bowl, and looking to show people why 2017 could be a great year. Even with what could be Dalvin Cook's last game as a Seminole, Florida State should show why their young talent will bring high expectations into next year.
My pick: Michigan 35 Florida State 34
