Let the Chaos Ensue: Bowl Games Begin
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
BOWL MANIA
Bowl mania is here. Today is the last day to sign up for ESPN's College Bowl Mania, and the group I created is waiting for you! Make sure you join the group and invited anyone know as well. The more, the better! Information is below.
Group name: TPO Bowls
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GAMES THIS WEEK
Talk about two teams who's hype quickly died. San Diego State started quickly, but stumbled multiple times. Their star back exploded in the first half of the season, but mysteriously faded towards the end. Donnel Pumphrey had an opportunity to get into the Heisman conversation, but now seems to be somewhat fighting for carries with backup Rashaad Penny. Still, the Aztecs have plenty of talent to compete with the Cougars, and this may be the best game of the first week in the bowl season. Houston's hype ended as quickly as it started. I'm not saying Major Applewhite can't continue the success that Tom Herman brought to the school, but he doesn't bring the excitement that his predecessor did. This is what is frustrating with college football. Coaches deserve to chase their dream jobs and move on to different positions, but the small schools get the bad end of the deal. It's hard to find a Group of 5 team that you can't call a stepping stone school to a better job. Even a school like Houston, who is in prime territory for top recruits can't keep a coach. If Applewhite can continue to reel in recruits similar to Ed Oliver, the Cougars will be difficult to ignore in conference expansions. The Houston freshman has been a dominant force all season with 19.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. In my opinion, this game is a Top 10 bowl game this year and should showcase plenty of talent.
MY PICK: Houston 35 San Diego State 32
What's that? You like scoring? Well you've come to the right place. Western Kentucky's offense is one of the best in the country, but Memphis is also thriving under new coach Mike Norvell. The Tigers got better as the season went on, even putting up 48 points against a good Houston defense to end the year. They face their toughest test yet in a Hilltoppers offense, who will outscore any team while not worrying about stopping the opposing offense at the same time. WKU just won the Conference USA title by outscoring Louisiana Tech 58-44. Both the Tigers' Riley Ferguson and the Hilltoppers' Mike White won't beat you with their legs (a combined -57 yards rushing), but their arms are lethal (7,353 yards and 62 touchdowns passing together). Again, people are going to sleep on these bowl games, but don't! I understand that little defense isn't exciting for everyone, but you can still appreciate the athleticism offensively. Watch for this one to be in the 100 combined points level.
MY PICK: Western Kentucky 52 Memphis 49
It's the battle of the Hill's. Ok not really, and I admit, I really just wanted to talk about one of them. BYU QB Taysom Hill has been one of my favorite players in college football, and his perseverance is something every person can learn. Hill has battled through multiple season-ending injuries, and was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. While his stats haven't been stellar, Hill has guided his team through a gauntlet of a schedule to finish 8-4. In the first year post-Bronco Mendenhall, the Cougars still look like the same team but with different leadership. On the other side of the Hill...err....field, the Cowboys' RB Brian Hill has thrived under third year coach Craig Bohl. Bohl's offense that he brought from North Dakota State has benefited Hill's game, and in just the last two years, the Cowboys have made it from two wins to the Mountain West championship game. Wyoming stumbled to end the year, but the can get back on track for 2017 with a big win over BYU.
MY PICK: Wyoming 24 BYU 21
A team that rarely runs against a team that rarely passes. Louisiana Tech plays pretty much just offense, while Navy's defense is stout and not meant to play shootouts. If the Midshipmen can keep the Bulldogs in check, they have a chance. Navy's QB Zach Abey may have found his footing in the Army-Navy game, which could benefit his team immensely. Louisiana Tech may not be prepared for the triple option as they have only seen teams that can throw. I think Navy's defense can handle the Tech offense, and the Bulldogs haven't been able to stop anyone.
MY PICK: Navy 28 Louisiana Tech 20
