Bowl season has arrived. It’s a month long college football smorgasbord, and just like any other buffet there are some really tasty vittles, a few offerings that you might be kind of curious about but are somewhat hesitant to sample, and some things that most everyone looks at with an expression of nauseous antipathy. There are two schools of thought when it comes to bowl games. Many of us feel like there are too many of them and are troubled by the idea of rewarding mediocrity. Others opine that even bad football games are good entertainment and have no issue with having as many meaningless post-season games as possible. Regardless of one’s outlook it is undeniable that the next few weeks will be fun. Some games will live up to high expectations, while others will be just as boring as anticipated. The best games are the ones that no one thinks will be at all remarkable, but then all the sudden you find yourself glued to the television watching the 4th quarter of an epic battle involving two teams you know nothing about and now you are strangely invested in the outcome. That’s why bowl season concurrently matters yet doesn’t matter. It’s very odd.
Picking these games is pretty much a crapshoot. There are just so many wildcards. Injuries. Coaching changes. Neutral sites. Last year I was 18-23 with these picks, while Zach was 21-20. The whole idea of a bowl game is to pit two unfamiliar opponents against one another, so I assume much goes into scouting & film study. For Zach & I there are many teams that we know virtually nothing about outside of their record, and since we have lives and aren’t paid to spend time doing research most of our picks are semi-educated guesses based on the general knowledge we have as fans. We don’t do point spreads for these picks, and no money is on the line. We’re just having fun, which is what football fans should do this time of year. As usual I have broken down the games into three tiers. Tier 1 are the games that hold very little interest for me. Two .500 teams from a bottom dweller conference playing in a bowl game on a weekday afternoon in December is kind of like watching an Adam Sandler movie…I have very low expectations and if the result is even mildly entertaining I’ll be pleasantly surprised. Tier 2 games come with somewhat higher hopes. I might not go out of my way to watch them, but if I happen to be home and flipping thru the channels I’ll probably check out such a game if it is on. Tier 3 are the games that I’m really looking forward to and have the potential to be tremendous fun.
Tier 1
New Orleans
12/16 at 1pm.
Troy (10-2) vs. North Texas (9-4)
I’ll give credit where it is due…these two teams have won their fair share of games and actually earned a post-season reward (unlike the plethora of bowl bound 6-6 
teams). Having said that, they are teams that very few outside their respective fan bases pay any attention to, so it’s difficult to be excited about the matchup. I’m feeling generous, so allow me to suggest…free of charge…some ideas to the game’s organizers for a name with a bit more pizzazz: Bayou Bowl, Cajun Bowl, Creole Bowl, Lagniappe Bowl, Jazz Bowl, Crawfish Bowl, Beignet Bowl, Big Easy Bowl, Gumbo Bowl, Jambalaya Bowl. See, it’s not that hard. You’re welcome.
My Pick: Troy
Zach’s Pick: Troy
Cure (Orlando, FL)
12/16 at 2:30pm
Georgia State (6-5) vs. Western Kentucky (6-6)
Proceeds from the game go to breast cancer awareness, which is admittedly quite charitable. Still though, it’s a dull name for a game featuring two prosaic opponents.
My Pick: Georgia St.
Zach’s Pick: Western Kentucky
Camellia (Montgomery, AL)
12/16 at 8pm
Middle Tennessee (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-4)
A camellia is a type of flower. Fans of the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird might recognize it as the flower grown by mean old Mrs. Dubose that was destroyed by an 
angry Jem Finch. The game itself holds zero interest for me. Zach has actually watched an Arkansas St. game, so he knows more about what’s going on here than me.
My Pick: Middle Tennessee
Zach’s Pick: Arkansas St.
Boca Raton
12/19 at 7pm
Florida Atlantic (10-3) vs. Akron (7-6)
I’m surprised FAU head coach Lane Kiffin hasn’t been mentioned as a serious candidate for one of the many jobs that have been open recently. Perhaps the football 
community feels like he needs another season of being humbled?? Anyway, I don’t expect this to be much of a game. Zach likes FAU’s offense to make it look easy.
My Pick: FAU
Zach’s Pick: FAU
Frisco (Frisco, TX)
12/20 at 8pm
Southern Methodist (7-5) vs. Louisiana Tech (6-6)
Point of clarification: this game does not take place in San Francisco, CA. Frisco, TX is a suburb of Dallas and has been amongst the fastest growing cities in America for 
over a decade. So essentially this is a home game for the SMU Mustangs, whose coach just left for Arkansas.
My Pick: SMU
Zach’s Pick: SMU
Pinstripe (New York City)
12/27 at 5:15pm
Boston College (7-5) vs. Iowa (7-5)
The draw here is that the game is contested at Yankee Stadium, which I guess is supposed to be cool. Unfortunately for players & fans it’ll also be cold, but I suppose 
spending Christmas in The Big Apple will be fun for all involved. Zach isn’t a fan of playing a football game in a baseball stadium.
My Pick: Iowa
Zach’s Pick: Iowa
Foster Farms (Santa Clara, CA)
12/27 at 8:30pm
Arizona (7-5) vs. Purdue (6-6)
In the past this game was known as the Fight Hunger Bowl and the Emerald Bowl. Foster Farms is a California poultry company, which means that they really should 
call this the Turkey Bowl. The matchup involves middle-of-the-road teams from the Pac 12 & Big Ten, so I suppose one could think of it as a really mediocre version of a Rose Bowl.
My Pick: Arizona
Zach’s Pick: Arizona
Texas
12/27 at 9pm
Texas (6-6) vs. Missouri (7-5)
If it were up to me I’d call it the Lone Star Bowl, but no one asked for my opinion. These two teams are better than their record shows, but playing in a competitive 
conference and having a little bad luck tends to have a negative impact on the numbers. It might end up being a more entertaining game than I’m giving it credit for, which would be fine with me. Zach expects a relatively low scoring defensive struggle.
My Pick: Texas
Zach’s Pick: Missouri
Military (Annapolis, MD)
12/28 at 1:30pm
Virginia (6-6) vs. Navy (6-6)
I like the idea of a bowl game to honor the military, but it’s probably a bit unfair to have the Midshipmen be playing a home game.
My Pick: Navy
Zach’s Pick: Navy
Belk (Charlotte, NC)
12/29 at 1pm
Wake Forest (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (7-5)
I’m praying that fans show up to this game with bells that they ring throughout the entire contest. If you don’t know why I’ll point you in the right direction to find the answer. A&M recently fired head coach Kevin Sumlin and hired Jimbo Fisher away from Florida St. That news made quite the splash, but really has no bearing here except for the fact that the Aggies…I assume…will be led by an interim coach. Wake Forest fans should have an easy time traveling 80 miles to cheer their team, and it might be their best opportunity to get a victory over a (perceived) top tier SEC opponent. Zach thinks A&M will have the game in the bag by halftime.
My Pick: Wake Forest
Zach’s Pick: Texas A&M
Sun (El Paso, TX)
12/29 at 2pm
NC State (8-4) vs. Arizona State (7-5)
The Sun Bowl is the third oldest bowl game and one of the few not telecast by Disney (ESPN/ABC). The Sun Devils will also be playing for an interim coach as former 
NFL head coach & ESPN commentator Herm Edwards prepares to take the reins in 2018.
My Pick: NC St.
Zach’s Pick: Arizona St.
Music City (Nashville, TN)
12/29 at 4:30pm
Kentucky (7-5) vs. Northwestern (9-3)
Hey, what do you know…they can do something besides play basketball & race horses in Kentucky!! Unfortunately for fans in the Bluegrass State Northwestern has 
been an above average program for awhile. One thing is for sure…the Wildcats will win this game.
My Pick: Northwestern
Zach’s Pick: Northwestern
Arizona
12/29 at 5:30pm
New Mexico State (6-6) vs. Utah State (6-6)
Part of me wants to suggest better names for this game like I did for the New Orleans Bowl, but sadly my creativity is zapped for the moment. All I know is that this is a 
second-rate game with subpar teams being played at 5:30pm on a Friday. Perhaps they could call it the Who Cares Bowl.
My Pick: Utah St.
Zach’s Pick: Utah St.
Tier 2
Las Vegas
12/16 at 3:30pm
Boise State (10-3) vs. Oregon (7-5)
Okay NOW we’re getting somewhere!! I’m guessing the players won’t be permitted to roam free thru the plethora of casinos in Sin City, but I am confident that they’ll 
have plenty of fun. Boise has had the kind of season they usually have…ten wins & the Mountain West title. However, due to the success of Central Florida the Broncos aren’t playing on New Year’s Eve/Day like they’ve become accustomed to doing. The Ducks have fallen off a bit from the days when they were winning 10+ games and competing for the national championship, but were a few games better this year than last. Unfortunately head coach Willie Taggert has already bolted after just one season to take over at Florida St. Zach likes Boise’s defense to make the difference in a close game.
My Pick: Boise St.
Zach’s Pick: Boise St.
New Mexico
12/16 at 3:30pm
Marshall (7-5) vs. Colorado State (7-5)
Marshall University is my alma mater so I freely admit my bias toward the Thundering Herd. It’s nice to have them back in the post-season after the debacle of 2016. I 
believe the Rams usually have a high octane offense that scores a lot of points, so this game might be pretty fun to watch. Zach has doubts about Marshall’s ability to win big games.
My Pick: Marshall
Zach’s Pick: Colorado St.
Gasparilla (St. Petersburg, FL)
12/21 at 8pm
Temple (6-6) vs. Florida International (8-4)
This game was formerly known as the St. Petersburg Bowl and the Beef o’ Brady’s Bowl, so atleast we’re making progress with the name. Gasparilla was an 18th century 
Spanish pirate that may or may not have actually existed, but apparently he is infamous in the Tampa, FL area and in fact inspired the nickname of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That story alone makes it a much cooler game than the New Orleans, Boca Raton, & Texas Bowls.
My Pick: FIU
Zach’s Pick: FIU
Bahamas
12/22 at 12:30pm
Alabama-Birmingham (8-4) vs. Ohio (8-4)
I’m 45 years old and the closest I’ve ever gotten or likely ever will get to the Bahamas is when I occasionally got snockered on rum back in college, so congrats to these teams for scoring one of the cooler post-season destinations. UAB’s football program has actually been shut down the past couple of years due to financial concerns, but public outcry persuaded the powers-that be to resurrect it, so this is a pretty neat story. I’m sure most fans will be rooting for a positive outcome. So are we.
My Pick: UAB
Zach’s Pick: UAB
Potato
12/22 at 4pm (Boise, ID)
Wyoming (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (8-4)
The story here will be Cowboys’ quarterback Josh Allen, who is expected to be a first round pick in next spring’s NFL Draft. One would think that if he is that talented 
he’d be able to lead his team to victory in a bowl game, but Zach doesn’t think that’ll happen.
My Pick: Wyoming
Zach’s Pick: Central Michigan
Birmingham
12/23 at Noon
South Florida (9-2) vs. Texas Tech (6-6)
In my pre-season poll I ranked the Bulls 7th and thought they might have an opportunity to go undefeated. That didn’t happen and they aren’t a Top 10 team…but they 
could still finish in the Top 25 by defeating a team from a “power” conference. Zach never bought into the USF hype, but he thinks their defense can make a difference in this game.
My Pick: USF
Zach’s Pick: USF
Armed Forces (Fort Worth, TX)
12/23 at 3:30pm
Army (9-3) vs. San Diego State (10-2)
Okay, so we have an Armed Forces Bowl AND a Military Bowl. Seems a bit redundant, but it could be worse. I love the military academies, but I think the Aztecs might 
have a little too much offense. Zach believes Army’s ground game can dominate time of possession and make the difference in a victory.
My Pick: San Diego St.
Zach’s Pick: Army
Dollar General (Mobile, AL)
12/23 at 7pm
Appalachian State (8-4) vs. Toledo (11-2)
Atleast Dollar General is a step above former title sponsor Go Daddy.
My Pick: Toledo
Zach’s Pick: Toledo
Hawai’i
Christmas Eve at 8:30pm
Fresno State (9-4) vs. Houston (7-4)
Right up there with The Bahamas as a desirable bowl location is the lovely island of Honolulu. Mele Kalikimaka indeed!!
My Pick: Houston
Zach’s Pick: Fresno St.
Heart of Dallas
12/26 at 1:30pm
West Virginia (7-5) vs. Utah (6-6)
As with my Marshall Thundering Herd I am completely biased when it comes to the Mountaineers. If quarterback Will Greer is able to come back from injury in time to 
play in this game I think he’ll lead the ‘Eers to an exciting victory. Without Greer it’s going to be tough sledding. I choose to think positively. Zach’s outlook is a bit more pessimistic. He doesn’t believe Greer will be healthy enough to play, and he has no faith in WVU’s defense.
My Pick: West Virginia
Zach’s Pick: Utah
Quick Lane (Detroit, MI)
12/26 at 5:15pm
Duke (6-6) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4)
Every single year, whether it’s called the Motor City Bowl, Little Caesar’s Bowl, or now the Quick Lane Bowl I poke fun at the fact that, while other teams get to go to 
cool places like Hawaii, The Bahamas, or Las Vegas, there are two teams that are rewarded for allegedly successful seasons with a trip to Detroit. I’ve never been there to be honest though. Perhaps it is nicer than I think?? Feedback is always welcome.
My Pick: Northern Illinois
Zach’s Pick: Duke
Cactus (Phoenix, AZ)
12/26 at 10pm
UCLA (6-6) vs. Kansas State (7-5)
WVU fans were kind of hoping for another trip out west to this game, especially with an opportunity to face Bruins’ quarterback Josh Rosen, who could be the #1 
overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Alas, K-State gets that chance. Zach points out that Rosen can be somewhat inconsistent, but thinks he’ll play well in what is basically an NFL audition.
My Pick: UCLA
Zach’s Pick: UCLA
Independence (Shreveport, LA)
12/27 at 1:30pm
Florida State (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (8-4)
The Seminoles have been bowl eligible for 36 straight seasons, which I’m pretty sure is some sort of record. However, head coach Jimbo Fisher has already left for 
Texas A&M, and All-American defensive back Derwin James will not play in the bowl game to protect his NFL Draft status. Despite all of that I have to think that the Golden Eagles would count beating Florida St. in a bowl game amongst their biggest all-time victories. Zach believes the upheaval in Tallahassee may serve as motivation for the team.
My Pick: Southern Miss
Zach’s Pick: Florida St.
Holiday (San Diego, CA)
12/28 at 9pm
Michigan State ( 9-3) vs. Washington State (9-3)
The Holiday Bowl has become one of my favorites over the years. Not only has it stubbornly held onto its cool & festive name, but it’s a west coast game which means 
late night football here in the east. What can I say…I’m easily amused. The Spartans have rebounded nicely from an abysmal 9-3 season in 2016, but the Cougars have top NFL prospect Luke Falk at quarterback. Zach likes Michigan St.’s defense better than he likes Falk.
My Pick: Washington St.
Zach’s Pick: Michigan St.
Gator (Jacksonville, FL)
12/30 at Noon
Louisville (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (8-4)
As has become tradition I refuse to call this game by its corporate name. The Gator Bowl was just dandy for nearly seven decades, and I see no reason to change. 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson had, in my opinion, a fairly quiet season under center for the Cardinals, but he still managed another invite to the Downtown Athletic Club and finished a distant third in this year’s voting. The Bulldogs will be playing for an interim coach after Dan Mullen bounced to Gainesville, FL to helm the Gators.
My Pick: Louisville
Zach’s Pick: Louisville
Liberty (Memphis, TN)
12/30 at 12:30pm
Iowa State (7-5) vs. Memphis (10-2)
This is where most Mountaineer fans here in West Virginia wanted their team to play since it would’ve been a fairly easy drive, but the Cyclones got the nod instead. 
The Tigers have won atleast eight games in four straight seasons, and this is really a home game for them. Zach has high expectations for this to be a really good game.
My Pick: Memphis
Zach’s Pick: Memphis
Outback (Tampa, FL)
New Year’s Day at Noon
Michigan (8-4) vs. South Carolina (8-4)
For its first eight years this was called the Hall of Fame Bowl, but for the past couple of decades it’s taken on the name of its sponsor Outback Steakhouse. As I’ve made 
clear I am not a fan of such things, but in this case I can atleast imagine that the game is an homage to Crocodile Dundee or kangaroos & koalas. The Wolverines & Spartans have been participants more than any other teams, so if the matchup seems familiar there’s a reason for that. Surprisingly Zach is picking against his beloved Wolverines because he just doesn’t feel like their offense is good enough.
My Pick: Michigan
Zach’s Pick: South Carolina
Peach (Atlanta, GA)
New Year’s Day at 12:30pm
Auburn (10-3) vs. Central Florida (12-0)
I was very tempted to bump this game up to Tier 3. The Tigers were just a whisper away from making the playoff until losing the SEC title game. The Knights are 
undefeated but getting very little respect because they play in one of those “other” conferences. I’ve been wondering aloud for years why Central Florida hasn’t become more of a collegiate sports powerhouse since the school itself is the largest university in the United States. Perhaps in the next round of conference realignment (you know it’s going to happen) they’ll be invited into the inner sanctum. The question is, despite their spotless record, can UCF compete on a big stage against an athletically superior opponent?? Head coach Scott Frost is leaving for his alma mater Nebraska, where he was a great quarterback in the mid-90’s, but it is my understanding that he might coach UCF one last time in the bowl game. I’d love to pick UCF, and I hope it turns out to be a really fantastic game, but I’m just not sure that’s the way this is going to go. Like me Zach loves what UCF has accomplished but doesn’t think this is a good matchup for them.
My Pick: Auburn
Zach’s Pick: Auburn
Citrus (Orlando, FL)
New Year’s Day at 1pm
Notre Dame (9-3) vs. LSU (9-3)
The Irish really turned things around this season, improving tremendously from a 4-8 record last year. But let’s not forget the 2016 turmoil for the Bayou Bengals when
they were 8-4 but fired their coach just a third of the way thru. Both programs seem to be on more familiar solid ground nowadays, which means that this might be a better game than expected.
My Pick: LSU
Zach’s Pick: LSU
Tier 3
Camping World (Orlando, FL)
12/28 at 5:15pm
Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (9-3)
This game was formerly known as the Blockbuster Bowl, Carquest Bowl, Micron PC Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl, & Russell Athletic Bowl. It’s had as many corporate 
sponsors as the Kardashians have had pro athlete boy toys. Despite my hatred for bowls with such names I cannot deny that the matchup is terrific. In my pre-season poll I ranked the Hokies 18th and had the Cowboys in the playoff conversation at 3rd. OK St. fell far short of my expectations, while VA Tech isn’t too far from where I predicted. My Mountaineers were a common opponent, unfortunately losing to both teams. The Hokies began the season by beating WVU by a touchdown, while the Cowboys won a high scoring shootout over the ‘Eers. I’d take the over on this one…if I was a gambling man.
My Pick: Oklahoma St.
Zach’s Pick: Oklahoma St.
Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
Dec. 28 at 9pm
Stanford (9-4) vs. TCU (10-3)
While neither team was ever a serious playoff contender they both played in their conference title games, where they came up short. Stanford running back Bryce Love 
has burst onto the scene and finished second in the Heisman race, which deserves props. This game is on at the same time as the Holiday Bowl, so I foresee a fun night of channel flipping in my future. Maybe I should buy some batteries. Zach thinks Love will have a big game.
My Pick: Stanford
Zach’s Pick: Stanford
Cotton (Arlington, TX)
12/29 at 8:30pm
Ohio State (11-2) vs. USC (11-2)
I am shamelessly old-fashioned, and when I was a kid New Year’s Day meant the Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton, & Fiesta bowls were on. Those were the five best bowls 
then, and that’s what they remain in my mind. But with the playoff and a bunch of other factors all bets are off and nothing is like it once was. Progress?? I don’t know. Anyway, it weirds me out that this game is being played three days earlier than what I perceive as normal, but I’m sure no one important gives a rat’s petoot about my opinion. Did Ohio St. get screwed out of a playoff spot?? Well, on one hand I find it troubling that conference titles mean nothing to the committee. By definition one of the “power” conference champs will always be left on the outside looking in, and this year two of them didn’t make it, which feels wrong. On the other hand, the Buckeyes didn’t do themselves any favors when they got beat down by 30 points at Iowa last month. The committee could have overlooked the early season loss to Oklahoma, but such a resounding defeat to a mediocre opponent apparently made a huge difference, and wins against Army & UNLV didn’t help. The powers-that-be in Columbus have to do better when putting together the schedule. The Trojans, despite winning the Pac 12 title, weren’t serious playoff contenders due to a 35 point loss at Notre Dame in October. However, they’re riding a five game winning streak and QB Sam Darnold could be a first round pick if he declares for the NFL Draft. I expect this to be a moderately high scoring game…something with both teams hovering around 28-35 point range…with turnovers and (sadly) officiating making a difference. Zach is just thrilled that Ohio St. didn’t make the playoff.
My Pick: Ohio St.
Zach’s Pick: USC
Fiesta (Glendale, AZ)
12/30 at 4pm
Washington (10-2) vs. Penn State (10-2)
I bumped this game up to Tier 3 specifically because of the presence of Nittany Lions’ running back Saquon Barkley. At one point he was the clear leader for the 
Heisman Trophy, and I took it for granted that he’d atleast be invited to New York. However, the Heisman is a numbers award, and Barkley only topped 100 yards rushing in four games. I still believe he’s the best running back in college football, and I’ll be interested to see what he can do in the NFL behind a legit offensive line, but I understand why he fell out of favor with the talking heads. The Huskies are a pretty darn good team too, so this game could be a lot of fun. Zach isn’t nearly as enthusiastic as me because he feels like both teams have been vastly overrated.
My Pick: Penn St.
Zach’s Pick: Penn St.
Orange (Miami, FL)
12/30 at 8pm
Miami (10-2) vs. Wisconsin (12-1)
Both teams fell short in their conference title games, so this is essentially a consolation game for just missing the playoff. The Badgers haven’t gotten much respect all 
season, but with early season victories over Utah St., Florida Atlantic, & BYU (teams with a combined total record of 20-18) I understand why folks have been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. Still, if they would have beaten Ohio St. for the Big Ten championship and finished undefeated they would have probably made the playoff. The ‘Canes finished the season by dropping two games, including the ACC championship. But before that they vaguely resembled The U of the 80’s & 90’s. Miami is flash & speed, Wisconsin is old fashioned smashmouth football…a definite clash of styles. Both of us think size will outlast speed.
My Pick: Wisconsin
Zach’s Pick: Wisconsin
Rose (Pasadena, CA)
Playoff Semi-Final
New Year’s Day at 5 p.m.
Oklahoma (12-1) vs. Georgia (12-1)
The first playoff semi features Heisman Trophy winning QB Baker Mayfield versus the SEC Champions. I’ve seen no shortage of people comparing Mayfield to former 
Heisman winner and NFL bust Johnny Manziel. However, as much as it pains me to say it since he does seem like kind of a prick, in my opinion Mayfield has a Bret Favre vibe. Keep in mind that Favre was a 2nd round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons before being traded to the Green Bay Packers, and you know the rest. Mayfield obviously has a higher profile than Favre did coming out of Southern Mississippi, but there are doubts about how his talent may fit into the NFL. At any rate, casual fans are probably more familiar with Oklahoma than Georgia because, despite spending some time at #1 this season, the Bulldogs have kind of flown under the radar a bit. I expect this game to be really enjoyable and very close, with turnovers & special teams making the difference. Zach believes in the old maxim that defense wins championships, and he thinks Georgia has a better defense.
My Pick: Oklahoma
Zach’s Pick: Georgia
Sugar (New Orleans, LA)
Playoff Semi-Final
New Year’s Day at 8:45 p.m.
Clemson (12-1) vs. Alabama (11-1)
In case you may have forgotten, this is a rematch of the past two national championship games. ‘Bama beat Clemson by five points a couple of years ago, and Clemson 
won with a last second touchdown a year ago. Does Alabama even deserve to be in this game?? It’s an interesting debate. I don’t like how the playoff committee has essentially rendered conference titles meaningless. The Tide didn’t lose the SEC championship game…they didn’t even play in it. But Ohio St,’s incomprehensible mid-season loss to Iowa was deemed to be a bigger faux pas than Alabama’s fairly close loss to Auburn. I don’t totally agree with the logic, but I understand it. I honestly thought that Clemson would decline just a little after QB Deshaun Watson moved on to the NFL, but the defending national champions have looked even more impressive this year. I’m not sure what happened at Syracuse back in mid-October, but that game was definitely an anomaly. I’m kind of tired of the Alabama hype myself, although I recognize that’s a fringe viewpoint. Conversely, I really like Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who seems like a genuinely good dude. Zach feels like ‘Bama has had some extra time to get healthy, and he just can’t go against Coach Saban.
My Pick: Clemson
Zach’s Pick: Alabama
National Championship (Atlanta GA)
January 8 at 8pm
My title game is Clemson vs. Oklahoma. Zach has Georgia vs. Alabama. ‘Bama has been there before (many times), and Saban’s experience in big games is the 
difference maker in Zach’s opinion. I also think coaching is a huge factor. I never thought Oklahoma would be so successful under first year head coach Lincoln Riley. The future is bright in Norman, OK if they can find a solid replacement at quarterback next season, but in this game I can’t overlook that this is Clemson’s third straight appearance and I think that experience is the deciding factor.
My Pick: Clemson
Zach’s Pick: Alabama
The Manofesto 