Pac-12 Bowl Preview

Bowl season is here. The most wonderful time of the year for College Football Fans. As bowl season gets rolling, the Pac-12 begins it’s conquest today. While the Beavs are not bowling this year (again, sigh), it is always fun to take a peek at the games and make some totally accurate predictions (this may or may not be true).

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Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: #19 Boise State Broncos vs Washington Huskies

December 21st, 4:30pm PT, ABC

In an underrated matchup, the MWC champion Boise State Broncos take on the Huskies in the Las Vegas Bowl. Boise State rolled through the Mountain West Conference to a 12-1 record and a conference championship. The Broncos narrowly missed out on a New Year’s Six appearance, and will now turn their attention to the Las Vegas Bowl. In the Las Vegas Bowl, the Huskies await the Broncos after an up-and-down season to this point. A brief look at this game shows a very even matchup between the two teams. Both teams average more than 30 points per game and both allow almost exactly 20 points per game. NFL Draft fans will have to tune in to see Jacob Eason’s last game as a Husky. Ultimately, expect a close game in this matchup.

Staff Picks:

Boise St: Marcus, Ross, Albert

Washington: Travis, Coach

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San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: #22 USC Trojans vs #16 Iowa Hawkeyes

December 27th, 5:00pm PT, Fox Sports 1

The Holiday Bowl will be a story of two totally different teams. USC features a high scoring offense that puts up over 33 points per game, but Iowa relies on a defense that allows 13 points per game. Iowa has proven they can win tough matchups with a big win against Minnesota, so don’t overlook the Hawkeyes in this game. Meanwhile, USC has shown that when Kedon Slovis is rolling, they can beat anyone in the country. USC is being slightly favored in this game, but this could end up being the closest matchup on the Pac-12 slate.

Staff Picks:

USC: Marcus, Ross, Albert

Iowa: Travis, Coach

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

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Cheez-It Bowl: Washington State Cougars vs Air Force Falcons

December 27th, 7:15pm PT, ESPN

Okay, expect a LOT of points in this game. We all know the Cougs can score a bunch, and their defense can’t stop much. What is overlooked is how good Air Force has been this year. The Falcons are 10-2 on the season, and average 34.3 points per game while allowing less than 20 points per game. The triple-option attack that Air Force brings will give the Cougs a whole new set of headaches to a struggling defense. After having a Cheez-It Bowl last year that saw nine interceptions and 17 total points, this year’s could see a shootout of two totally different offenses.

Staff Picks:

Air Force: Marcus, Coach, Ross

WSU: Travis, Albert

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Redbox Bowl: Cal Golden Bears vs Illinois Fighting Illini

December 30th, 1:00pm PT, FOX

Cal finds itself in a second straight bowl game that could end in a defensive slugfest. Both teams average under 30 points scored and allowed per game. Much of Cal’s offensive struggles can be attributed to Chase Gabbers absence, but Cal has grown to become a good defensive team, and this game could play into their strengths. Cal is a 6.5 point favorite in this game, and they could take over early against and Illinois team that squeaked into bowl season with a 6-6 record. Expect an ugly defensive game in this contest.

Staff Picks:

Illinois: Travis, Coach

Cal: Marcus, Ross, Albert

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Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State Seminoles vs Arizona State Sun Devils

December 31st, 11:00am PT, CBS

First things first, this might be the best bowl name in College Football, and I won’t have any disputes about this. Now for the game itself, we have a pretty even matchup. Florida State fought early season woes and the firing of Willie Taggart to get to 6-6 and sneak into bowl season, and boast a solid offense. On the other side, ASU is a very young team that has impressive wins on the year, including a win against the Oregon Ducks. Jayden Daniels has shown that he can be the future of ASU and is a fun reason to turn into Sun Devils games. This could be a fun game for CFB fans to tune into that should be a close contest.

Staff Picks:

FSU: Travis, Coach, Albert

ASU: Marcus, Ross

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Valero Alamo Bowl: #11 Utah Utes vs Texas Longhorns

December 31st, 4:30pm PT, ESPN

After a let down performance against Oregon, Utah could be out for blood in this game. Texas started the year as a possible CFP contender, but fell off after losing to LSU and finished a tough year at 7-5. Both teams average about 35 points, but Utah’s defense has been drastically better than Texas’. Sam Ehlinger is a game changer that has to be respected, but Utah will look to impose their will after missing their shot at the CFP. Utah could pull away in this one if Texas isn’t careful.

Staff Picks:

Utah: Travis, Marcus, Coach, Ross

ASU: Albert

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Rose Bowl: #6 Oregon Ducks vs #8 Wisconsin Badgers

January 1st, 2:00pm PT, ESPN

The Grandaddy of them All. At first glance, Oregon looks to be a solid favorite, but a closer look could lead to a closer matchup than expected. Oregon boasts the 15th ranked scoring offense in the nation, but Wisconsin is 8th in the land in total defense. Wisconsin may not have the offense to beat Oregon in a shootout, but they have the defense that can keep it close. Wisconsin can’t afford Oregon to hang up 35+ points, so the Badgers will have to hope for a tight contest. The Rose Bowl is always a spectacle, but this game could turn into an instant classic.

Staff Picks:

Wisconsin: Travis, Coach

Oregon: Marcus, Ross, Albert

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What are your predictions for Bowl season? Make your predictions in the comment section!