Rose Bowl
#5 Michigan State vs #4 Stanford
5:00 PM
These two teams are very similar and live to pound the ball. The big storyline is that Spartan Senior LB Max Bullough has been suspended for violating team rules. This came as a shock to me because of his MSU family tradition. This could really hurt the Spartans against Stanford's exceptional running game. This game will be won at the line of scrimmage, but don't underestimate the QB on both of these teams. Connor Cook (MSU) and Kevin Hogan (STAN) can both create big plays. Hogan has some great WR, but MSU has a great secondary lead by CB Darqueze "No fly-zone" Dennard. This will be a great game, but I think Stanford will pull it out and RB Tyler Gaffney will win MVP.
My Pick: Stanford 20 Michigan State 17
Fiesta Bowl
#15 Central Florida vs #6 Baylor
8:30 PM
This has been a historic season for both of these teams. This could be considered the best year for UCF and Baylor. They have been lead by great QB play. UCF's Blake Bottles is a top prospect in the draft this year. Baylor's Bryce Petty has had some great help with star RB Lache Seastrunk. UCF has a good one-two punch running the ball with Storm Johnson and Will Stanback. The UCF defense will have a troublesome time trying to stop the Baylor offense.
My Pick: Baylor 45 UCF 34
Sugar Bowl
#11 Oklahoma vs #3 Alabama
8:30 PM January 2
To be perfectly honest, I don't think Oklahoma should be in this bowl game. I really wanted to see Oregon face off with Alabama. However, you never know when it comes to college football. Oklahoma could come out and shock the world. It is really tough to pick against a Nick Saban coached team with a month to prepare. I think Bama will come out hot and will pound the ball down the Sooners' throats. I don't think the Oklahoma defense will be able to slow down the Tide.
My Pick: Alabama 38 Oklahoma 13
Orange Bowl
#12 Clemson vs #7 Ohio State
8:30 PM January 3
This matchup features two very explosive QBs in Tajh Boyd and Braxton Miller. Both of these teams are coming off losses and are the 2nd best teams in their respective conferences. This is Boyd's last game as a Tiger. The same goes for star WR Sammy Watkins, as he is entering the NFL Draft. The Clemson defense will have a challenge in trying to stop OSU RB Carlos Hyde. This game has the makings to be a classic.
My Pick: Clemson 30 Ohio State 27
Auburn/Florida State Preview to come January 5
