12/21 — Frisco Bowl: San Diego State vs. Texas-San Antonio
For a school from a city with such a strong naval presence, the Aztecs place a surprising premium on ground defense, ranking second nationally with a stifling 77.5 yards per game average. UTSA claims its own second-place chart position in turnover margin.
Mac’s pick: San Diego State
12/22 — Armed Forces Bowl: Missouri vs. Army
The SDSU defense would receive a stout challenge from either of these participants. Mizzou’s Tyler Badie is the country’s third-leading rusher with 1,604 yards. Army’s second-rated running game meshes with a notably efficient third-ranked passing attack.
Dennis’ pick: Missouri
12/23 — Frisco Football Classic: Miami (OH) vs. North Texas
UNT will kickoff Christmas eve eve with another display of rushing excellence. Its attack is the most prolific among non-service academies, averaging more than 245 yards per contest. Miami’s last outing was a 48–47 OT loss to MAC East champion Kent State.
Charlie’s pick: North Texas
12/23 — Gasparilla Bowl: Florida vs. Central Florida
Winners of back-to-back Peach Bowls in 2017 (UCF) and 2018 (UF) meet under unusually unstable circumstances. Florida is transitioning to a new coach with the hiring of Louisiana’s Billy Napier. UCF is stretching the Big 12 boundary south to Orlando.
Sweet Dee’s pick: Florida
12/24 — Hawaii Bowl: Memphis vs. Hawaii
For the first time since its inception in 1982, a bowl game in the Islands will not be played at Aloha Stadium. The on-campus Ching Complex will host the Tigers and Warriors, whose DB, Cortez Davis, ranks second nationally in passes defended.
Frank Reynolds’ pick: Hawaii
12/25 — Camellia Bowl: Ball State vs. Georgia State
The most insightful thread connecting this disparate MAC-Sun Belt matchup may be its common opponent. GSU hosted Army in its season-opener and lost 43–10, despite the Cadets completing just three passes. BSU scored a 28–16 week-five win in West Point.
The Waitress’ pick: Georgia State
12/27 — Quick Lane Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Nevada
Pace, meet opportunism. The pace car is WMU, who extends drives with the country’s fourth-ranked third down conversion rate and third-best time of possession average. Nevada takes the quick lane with its second-rated passing attack and turnover margin.
Rickety Cricket picks Nevada. And crack.
12/27 — Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Boston College
Fittingly, any scoring that occurs on the Naval Academy campus is less likely to occur through the air. BC plays a lockdown pass defense that places fourth nationally; ceding fewer than 174 yards per game. Pirate CB Ja’Quan McMillian is FBS’ top pass defender.
Artemis’ pick: Boston College
12/28 — Birmingham Bowl: Houston vs. Auburn
If motivation is at all a factor, Auburn should still be seething about failing to knock Alabama out of the playoffs in its 4OT loss to the Tide. The Cougars are the custodians of a frustrating defense that allows the lowest third-down conversion rate in the country.
The McPoyle twins simultaneously pick Houston
12/28 — First Responder Bowl: Air Force vs. Louisville
Given its proficiency on both sides of the ball, it’s surprising that Air Force ever loses. The Falcons post the nation’s highest rushing average by more than 54 yards per game. They also top FBS in time of possession and rank fifth in total defense.
Gail the Snail’s pick: Louisville
