by Another full day of bowl action is upon us and I’m targeting two games on today’s slate. Here are my winners…
Gator Bowl: Kentucky vs #22 Clemson -3
The line dropped from -7 to -3 in Kentucky’s direction, but I still give the edge to this hot Clemson team. Even though the Tigers fell short of double-digit victories for the first time since 2010, Clemson has been lights-out since that NC State loss and is looking for its fifth-straight win.
Five opt outs, such as All-ACC LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and WR Beaux Collins, has its ramifications, but the defense is still elite. Clemson has a front built to stop RB Ray Davis and the UK rushing attack behind the best rushing defense in the ACC. If the run game can’t open up for the Cats that means the game will most likely be in QB Devin Leary’s hands. He’ll be challenged against a stout secondary led by safety RJ Mickens that ranks 3rd in the FBS in yards per pass.
Aside from the X’s and O’s, if you really look at UK’s schedule, this team isn’t as good as one may think. They only have won win over a bowl eligible team (a Louisville team on the downslope) and suffered head-scratching losses to Tennessee and South Carolina, where they were outplayed offensively in both games.
Fade the Cats today in what will be a low-scoring affair that comes down to who has more explosive plays on offense, in which the Tigers have the upper hand with RB Will Shipley (last college game) and a better receiving corps. Back Clemson with the points, and I will meet you at the counter.
Liberty Bowl: Memphis vs Iowa State TT O34.5
This is more of a “fade the Memphis defense” play for me. The Tigers are giving up an absurd 422.7 YPG as well as an average of 29 PPG in a Group of Five conference. In fact, seven of their last 10 opponents have put up 31+ points against them.
Contrary to football in the state of Iowa, the Cyclones can actually light up the scoreboard as ISU scored 42 against K-State in the snow to close out the season. Iowa State’s only two opt-outs are edge rushers too, so the young offense will be in full force come kickoff this afternoon. Take the CyclOVER in the Military Bowl.
