2019-20 College Football Bowl Season: Picks

Here are bowl picks for the 2019-20 College Football season.

Friday, December 20th
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo (7-5) vs Charlotte (7-5)- 2:00, ESPN: The Bulls finished the season strong winning five of their last six games. The 49ers exceeded everyone's expectations this season and are currently riding a five game winning streak. This is the Niners first bowl game in school history, so you can argue they will have a motivation for them. The fact of the matter here is the Bulls are the better team and I think they'll win this by double digits.
Pick: Buffalo

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State (7-5) vs Kent State (6-6)- 7:00, ESPN2: The Aggies are a team that has kind of underwhelmed this season despite winning three of their last four games. The Golden Flashes meanwhile have overachieved this season and have won their final three games. Jordan Love is dealing with off field issues and he is going to play for the Aggies, but I think it's a distraction and I like the Flashes to pull off the upset.
Pick: Kent State

Saturday, December 21st
New Mexico Bowl: Central Michigan (8-5) vs San Diego State (9-3)- 2:00, ESPN: The Chippewas overachieved this season and coach Jim McElwain deserves credit for that as they won six of their final seven regular season games before losing in the MAC title game to Miami. The Aztecs had a solid season, despite not even making the MWC title game since they lost two of their last three conference games. I feel that the Aztecs are the better team as their defense will lead the way.
Pick: San Diego State

FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl: Liberty (7-5) vs Georgia Southern (7-5)- 2:30, CBSSN: The Flames in their second FBS season are bowl eligible although they lost three of their final five games. The Eagles are a team that split their final four games although they aren't as good as they were last season. The difference in this one is the Eagles run game is prolific and the Flames defense is not good at all, although I can see the Flames hanging around a little bit due to their offense.
Pick: Georgia Southern

Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU (10-2) at FAU (10-3)- 3:30, ABC: The Mustangs have had a great season this year despite starting unbeaten and dropping two of their final four. The Owls have had a great season, currently riding a six game winning streak, despite Lane Kiffin departing for Ole Miss. I expect this to be a high scoring affair and I think the Mustangs are the better team and will get it done sans it being on the Owl's home turf.
Pick: SMU

Camellia Bowl: FIU (6-6) vs Arkansas State (7-5)- 5:30, ESPN: The Panthers finished the season dropping three of their final five, although one of the wins came against Butch Davis's alma matter in Miami. The Red Wolves won four of their final five games to finish the regular season. This was a tough game to pick and I like the Red Wolves to pull it out.
Pick: Arkansas State

Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: (19) Boise State (12-1) vs Washington (7-5)- 7:30, ABC: The Broncos won their conference title yet again and are riding a six game winning streak. The Huskies are among the biggest disappointments this season in the sport and have dropped three of their last five. This is Chris Petersen's final game as Huskies coach and it's ironic that it comes against his former school, but his former school is the better team and I think they'll be motivated here and get the win.
Pick: Boise State

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: (20) Appalachian State (12-1) vs UAB (9-4)- 9:00, ESPN: The Mountaineers are one of the better Group of Five teams in the country as they won the Sun Belt again and are riding a five game winning streak. The Blazers won their final three regular season games, but are a team that has been more lucky than good this season as they caught breaks and wound up in the C-USA title game and lost. I think this is a blowout victory for the much superior Mountaineers.
Pick: Appalachian State

Monday, December 23rd
Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF (9-3) vs Marshall (8-4)- 2:30, ESPN: The Knights finished their season strong winners of five of their final six games. The Thundering Herd are winners of six of their last seven to get to this point. It's just plain and simple that the Knights are more talented team led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Pick: UCF

Tuesday, December 24th
Sofi Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii (9-5) vs BYU (7-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Rainbow Warriors won their final four regular season games, but lost the conference title game against Boise State. The Cougars finished strong winning five of their final six games to get here. There's no doubt is will be a high scoring affair and despite being the road team in this game, I feel that the Cougars are the more talented team and will take this one.
Pick: BYU

Thursday, December 26th
Walk On's Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech (9-3) vs Miami (6-6)- 4:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs have had a solid year although they dropped two of their final three to end the regular season. The Hurricanes have had a underwhelming first year under Manny Diaz and they've played down to opponents a ton throughout the season and I believe this could be the case here again.
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh (7-5) vs Eastern Michigan (6-6)- 8:00, ESPN: The Panthers have dropped three of their final five games after starting the season strong. The Eagles have won two of their final three to become bowl eligible. I won't be surprised if this game is closer than people expect, although I believe Kenny Pickett will lead the Panthers to a win.
Pick: Pittsburgh

Friday, December 27th
Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman: North Carolina (6-6) vs Temple (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN: The Tar Heels started very well, but had to win three of their final five to just become bowl eligible. The Owls have had a solid season and have won three of their final four contests. This should be a fun game with a lot of points, but I think Mack Brown will get his team ready for this one as Sam Howell leads them to a win.
Pick: North Carolina

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State (6-6) vs Wake Forest (8-4)- 3:20, ESPN: The Spartans have underwhelmed this season and they had to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Demon Deacons have had a solid season, although they've lost three of their final four regular season games. Rumors are flying around about Mark Dantonio's future and I think that can distract the Spartans and I feel that the Demon Deacons offense will steal the show here.
Pick: Wake Forest

Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: (25) Oklahoma State (8-4) vs Texas A&M (7-5)- 6:45, ESPN: This is a very interesting contest here. The Cowboys finished the season strong winning four of their final five although you can argue they should not be ranked. The Aggies are better them their record indicates due to the fact their five losses were against all very good teams. I think this is an opportunity for the Aggies to prove to the country that the perception about them is true as Vegas believes it is too.
Pick: Texas A&M

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (22) USC (8-4) vs (16) Iowa (9-3)- 8:00, FS1: This is actually a great game. The Trojans have finished the year strong as they decided to keep coach Clay Helton around. The Hawkeyes have had a great year as they closed out the season winning five of their final six games. I think the best player on the field here is Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis and he'll lead them to a nice win to close the season.
Pick: USC

Cheez-it Bowl: Air Force (10-2) vs Washington State (6-6)- 10:15, ESPN: The Falcons have had a phenomenal season closing the regular season out with seven straight wins. The Cougars regressed from a season ago and dropped three of their final five regular season games. The Falcons really did get snubbed from the College Football Playoff rankings this season and I think they have a lot to prove here as I think they win this game going away.
Pick: Air Force

Saturday, December 28th
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (17) Memphis (12-1) vs (10) Penn State (10-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The a Tigers have had a phenomenal season with their lone loss coming in Philadelphia against Temple. The Nittany Lions have had a great season too although they split their final four games. Although the Tigers lost their coach Mike Norvell to Florida State, I still think Brady White and that offense will rise to the occasion against a Lions team that probably is disappointed they're not playing in Pasadena.
Pick: Memphis

Camping World Bowl: (15) Notre Dame (10-2) vs Iowa State (7-5)- 12:00, ABC: The Irish are a team that failed to win it's two most important games of their season, but finished strong winning five straight games. The Cyclones are a team that underachieved this season from a record standpoint, but have been just flat out unlucky. That said, the Irish are the better and more talented team led by Ian Book.
Pick: Notre Dame

Monday, December 30th
Servpro First Responder Bowl: WKU (8-4) vs Western Michigan (7-5)- 12:30, ESPN: The Hilltoppers had a very nice year and finished strong winning three in a row. The Broncos won four of their final six contests and the two losses were by a combined ten points. This should be a good game, but I feel the Hilltoppers are the better team here.
Pick: WKU

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State (6-6) vs Louisville (7-5)- 4:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs have been an enigma this season and had to win their final two games of the season to become bowl eligible. The Cardinals had a nice first season under Scott Satterfield and they had some nice moments throughout the season. I feel that the Bulldogs are a team that seems not to care for being in this spot and I think Satterfield gets his team up and they get the win.
Pick: Louisville

RedBox Bowl: California (7-5) vs Illinois (6-6)- 4:00, FOX: The Golden Bears have had a nice year and overachieved courtesy of their defense and they've finished the regular season strong winning three of their final four. The Illini are another team that overachieved this season as they perhaps saved Lovie Smith's job. The Bears defense is probably the best unit on the field, but I don't love their offense and I think Smith will get his guys up for this game as they'll pull it out.
Pick: Illinois

Capital One Orange Bowl: (9) Florida (10-2) vs (24) Virginia (9-4)- 8:00, ESPN: These two teams are both talented and well coached and both earned their respective ways to this game. The Gators finished the regular season strong winning their final three games. The Cavaliers did lose the ACC title game to the superiorly talented Clemson Tigers, but that can't take away what a good season they've had. The best unit on the field in this game is the Gators defense and they'll lead the way.
Pick: Florida

Tuesday, December 31st
Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech (8-4) vs Kentucky (7-5)- 12:00, ESPN: The Hokies had a solid season yet again and they won three of their final four games to close out the regular season. The Wildcats lost their starting quarterback due to injury and rallied the troops to get here. I just feel that the Hokies are the better team here.
Pick: Virginia Tech

Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State (6-6) vs Arizona State (7-5)- 2:00, CBS: The Seminoles had a disappointing season and fired Willie Taggart mid season. The Sun Devils had their ups and downs, but their ups were highlighted with upset wins over Michigan State and Oregon. Cam Akers won't play in this game for the Seminoles and I think that Herm Edwards will get his team up for this game and they'll get it done.
Pick: Arizona State

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: (23) Navy (10-2) vs Kansas State (8-4)- 3:45, ESPN: The Midshipmen have had a great season and have won their final three games. The Wildcats overachieved in Chris Klieman's first season, but they did split their final four games. I just feel the best player on the field in this matchup is Malcolm Perry III as he'll run all over the Wildcats defense.
Pick: Navy

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Wyoming (7-5) vs Georgia State (7-5)- 4:30, CBSSN: The Cowboys have had a solid season, but they have dropped three of their final four regular season contests. The Panthers have had a nice season too, but they've also lost three of their final four games. The best unit in this contest is the Cowboys defense and I think they'll stop the Panthers offense enough to get the win.
Pick: Wyoming

Valero Alamo Bowl: (11) Utah (11-2) vs Texas (7-5)- 7:30, ESPN: The Utes have had a great season, despite losing in the Pac-12 Championship game in which it cost them a College Football Playoff spot. The Longhorns badly underachieved this season sans having a lot of talent on their roster. Tom Herman is excellent as an underdog, but the Utes have a chip on their shoulder and I think they'll dominate this one.
Pick: Utah

Wednesday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: (18) Minnesota (10-2) vs (12) Auburn (9-3)- 1:00, ESPN: This should be a great game between two teams that had great seasons. The Golden Gophers started unbeaten, but dropped two of their final three games. The Tigers won three of their final four games including a win over Alabama (without Tua Tagovailoa). The better team here is the Tigers, who have some key players including Derrick Brown playing in this game and I believe they'll get the win.
Pick: Auburn

VRBO Citrus Bowl: (14) Michigan (9-3) vs (13) Alabama (10-2)- 1:00, ABC: Heres a battle of big brands of the sport, who each didn't meet expectations for different reasons. The Wolverines won four of their final five with the loss coming against Ohio State. The Crimson Tide lost quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the season due to a serious hip injury, but they lost one with Tagovailoa, granted he was coming off his ankle injury. The Tide will be sitting some key players although Jerry Jeudy will play. This is a good opportunity for Jim Harbaugh to get a signature win as Wolverines coach and I believe with some of the Tide's players sitting, I think Harbaugh finally gets a big time win.
Pick: Michigan

Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: (6) Oregon (11-2) vs (8) Wisconsin (10-3)- 5:00, ESPN: This is a neat Rose Bowl between two awesome teams. The Ducks won the Pac-12 this season and had not been for an improbable Auburn comeback in Week 1, this team is certainly in the College Football Playoff. The Badgers had a nice season too winning their division and making it to the Big-10 title game. The best player on the field in this game is Jonathan Taylor and I believe he'll lead the Badgers to a nice win to close the season.
Pick: Wisconsin

Allstate Sugar Bowl: (5) Georgia (11-2) vs (7) Baylor (11-2)- 8:45, ESPN: This should be an interesting Sugar Bowl between two teams that have had great seasons to this point. The Bulldogs lost in the SEC title game against LSU in a contest that wasn't close. The Bears lost in the Big-12 title game against Oklahoma in overtime, so you can argue the Bears were somewhat closer to the College Football Playoff than the Bulldogs, despite what the rankings suggest. The Bulldogs are the more talented team, but I won't be surprised if they have a letdown and the Bears rise to the occasion, despite heavy rumors of Matt Rhule leaving Baylor to coach in the NFL.
Pick: Baylor

Thursday, January 2nd
Boston College (6-6) vs (21) Cincinnati (10-3)- 3:00, ESPN: The Eagles canned coach Steve Addazio after a .500 season and they had to win their final game to become bowl eligible. The Bearcats have had a great season, despite losing their last two games in Memphis, including the AAC title game. The Eagles won't have star running back AJ Dillon for this game and I think the Bearcats close the season with a win.
Pick: Cincinnati

Indiana (8-4) vs Tennessee (7-5)- 7:00, ESPN: The Hoosiers have had a good season under Tom Allen although they dropped two of their final three games against much superior competition. The Vols have won their final five games to become bowl eligible after a slow start. The Hoosiers are a team I believe will play with a lot of heart and fight and will get this win over a Vols team that I'm not sure is going to get up for it.
Pick: Indiana

Friday, January 3rd
Ohio (6-6) vs Nevada (7-5)- 3:30, ESPN: The Bobcats underwhelmed this season and had to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Wolf Pack finished the season winning three of their final four games. I think this will be a competitive game and I think the Wolf Pack can pull off this upset.
Pick: Nevada

Saturday, January 4th
Southern Miss (7-5) vs Tulane (6-6)- 11:30, ESPN: The Eagles have had a nice year, but they dropped their final two games. The Green Wave did not have a strong finish to their season, dropping five of their final six games. This is a very tough call, but I'll take the Green Wave to get off their skid to end their season on a high note.
Pick: Tulane

Monday, January 6th
Louisiana (10-3) vs Miami-Ohio (8-5)- 7:30, ESPN: The Ragin Cajuns have had a sensational season and they won their final six regular season games before losing in Boone against Appalachian State in the conference title game. The RedHawks won six of their final seven games, including their conference championship game. I think this will be a high scoring affair and I think the Ragin Cajuns will take it.
Pick: Louisiana