2019 Bowl Predictions
Last Week: When you last heard from us the Buckeyes were preparing to defend their Big Ten title, which they did, and Ohio State was preparing for a playoff bid, which they received. OSU took care of Wisconsin for the second time in 2019 and will play unbeaten Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Coach Ryan Day finished the year his rookie season unbeaten at 13-0 and for a couple weeks was the #1 team in all the land. Can they win two more and end the season on top? For our season long predictions it was Pat “PJSBuck” Steger who took the title by just a half game over Brent “Bbaver” Baver, the two men who are responsible for there being a Buckeye50 website. Pat went with Oregon over Utah where everyone else picked the Utes and that ended up being the difference. Great job Pat!
This Year’s Bowl Games: It is time to get down to the biggest bowl games now. Certainly the Buckeyes are in one of the key games against the Tigers. A rematch to the Fiesta Bowl playoff game four years ago. Can Ohio State reverse their fortunes and earn the victory? …. Iowa will take on USC in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl. USC’s athletic office has made their statement to get behind Coach Helton, will that be the inspiration the Trojans need to defeat the Hawkeyes? ….
Buckeye Greats: As with the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the fifth straight year.
Here we go with our Bowls Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(2)Ohio State vs. (3)Clemson
Andy: The last two times Clemson has played Ohio State, the Tiger have won both. And the worst part is this is the best Clemson team out of all three. A lot of people say this should be one of the best games of this entire college football season, on paper I can’t say they’re wrong. Both teams are top 5 in total offense and defense and have an embarrassment of wealth in terms of talent at their skill positions. Generally speaking an elite defense can stop an effective running game easier than stopping an effective passing game. Clemson and Ohio State have both of those things on offense. Trevor Lawrence has two of the best receivers in the country (Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins) and the best running back in the country who nobody seems to be talking about with Travis Etienne who is averaging almost 8 yards per carry. I think the biggest thing to watch in this game match up wise is the Ohio State defensive front vs the Clemson offensive line. If the Buckeyes front seven can win the day, I think Ohio State will win the game. If Trevor Lawrence has time and isn’t pressured, this Clemson offense can move the ball on anybody. I think this game will be competitive and close. Ohio State 28 – Clemson 24
Bbaver: Pick: Ohio State
Coach Rick: Ohio State
Cory: Ohio State 31, Clemson 28
Dr. Mark: Ohio State 31-20 – This is a great exciting game, Clemson run defense got beat by NC – think Bucks come out running with some play action- Speed of both teams is good.
Gregg: This bowl game just feels different for some reason for the Buckeyes. They were strong post season with Tressel, and even stronger under Urban who was 5-2 in bowls. But those two loses were both to Clemson to give OSU an 0-3 record against Clemson all-time. But Ohio State goes into this game with 3 of the top six vote getters in this year’s Heisman race. They have a running back that is just 99 yards away from the all-time season yardage total. They have a defense that is in the tops in most every category nationally. They have 5 wins against playoff ranked teams and have the second longest winning streak in the country. If it sounds like I am not talking about the opponent enough,well, the media is talking about them enough for everyone. Both are great teams, but I believe OSU finds a way to get it done this time. Ohio State 31 Clemson 24
Jason: The most intriguing matchup in the bowl season takes place in Glendale pitting the defending national champion against a program looking to get back to the top of the mountain for the first time in 5 years. This is the defending national champ that won two of the last titles and has won 28 games in a row and is 71-2 against teams not named Alabama since mid-November of 2014. Ohio State comes in maybe the most talented and deep team in the country and has beaten everyone they have faced by double digits. These are probably the two best and most dominant teams in college football and the winner very likely will be hoisting the trophy as the nation’s best in a couple weeks. This will be the first time either team has faced someone who can match them athletically at almost every position so who breaks first? Clemson has been here before and Ohio State is new to the party, at least for most of the current roster, including the head coach Ryan Day. The matchup within the matchup to watch is the brilliant offensive mind of Day against the defensive tactician that is Brent Venables. Which coach schemes better against the other and who adjusts first will likely determine the outcome. Offensively Clemson will need to be sharp. QB Trevor Lawrence has struggled at times when pressured and if the Tigers struggle to get their run game going it could be a long night for the Tigers. Not even Jonathan Taylor in two games, save a half of football, has been able to run on the Buckeye defense. If Travis Etienne can’t get going, the pressure falls to Lawrence and with Ohio State’s pass rush and NFL talent in the secondary, it could make life difficult for Lawrence. For Ohio State on offense, QB Justin Fields leads an offense full of playmakers. Look for the Buckeyes to try to establish the run early with J.K. Dobbins. If Fields is healthy, and that is a question, he adds the element of the run from the QB position and may force Clemson to pull a LB as a spy, which opens up the middle for the talented Buckeye tight ends. Look for both teams to feel out the other early and there very possibly could be some back and forth for a quarter or so. There is NFL talent on both sides of the ball for both teams and it will likely be 60 minutes of entertaining football. The winner of this game will likely be determined by the group that wins the turnover battle and finds success on the ground. The one weakness for Clemson is their D line and the Buckeye O line will open enough room for Dobbins to take advantage and he breaks a few big runs to open things up for Fields to get the ball to a myriad of talented wideouts. It won’t be won until the fourth quarter but Ohio State gets it done, pulls away with a big TD late and advances to the title game. Ohio State 38 Clemson 24
John: While it can be argued that Oklahoma has truly been disrespected going into their game with LSU, Dabo has been whining to anyone that will listen about how disrespected Clemson has been. If you want respect, play teams with a pulse and don’t rely on a missed two point conversion in OT to survive against a really average North Carolina team. Ohio State is the more battle tested of these two teams. They are also the more physically beat up of these two teams, having survived a gauntlet of three straight top ten matchups. Assuming everyone is close to 100% for OSU, I like the Buckeyes in this one. Ohio State 34 Clemson 28
Josh: Can Ohio State shake the monkey off its back and get past the ever annoying 31-0 chants. This version of the Buckeyes is different than the 2016 team, but so is the same for Clemson. They Buckeyes will be well represented in Glendale, with a strong alumni base. If Ohio State is really as glued in as they say they are and not listening to the media, then they are not hearing how everyone expects them to lose. I like the Buckeyes in this one, and they make a statement against Dabo, and face off with LSU for the title. Ohio State 42 – Clemson 20
PJSBuck: Ohio State wins by 6 points over a tough Clemson team
Steven: OSU in Overtime
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): The Buckeyes come through to edge Clemson 35-31
Final Score: Clemson 29 Ohio State 23
(16)Iowa vs. (22)USC
Andy: USC actually has a really strong offense this season. Offensive coordinator Graham Harrell has been the subject of many coaching job searches, but USC was smart and locked him in with a new coaching contract. It appears he might be the coach in waiting at USC. On the flip side, the Trojan defense is horrendous. Currently the 67th worst scoring defense in the country, the Trojans are giving up and average of 27.8 points per game. Now the Iowa Hawkeyes aren’t the most efficient offense (averaging 5.5 yards per play), but against a porous defense I think Iowa has a really good chance. I usually side with the team that has a good defense and a good quarterback. USC has a good quarterback, but a bad defense. Iowa 28 – USC 24
Bbaver: Pick: Iowa
Coach Rick: USC
Dr. Mark: USC
Gregg: A lot of people think USC is an up and coming team, I am not one of them. The Big Ten is so much stronger that the Pac-12 and the Hawkeyes will prove that in this game, even without the kids in the hospital looking down on them. They will need a solid game from Nate Stanley but Hawkeyes should be victorious. Iowa 28 USC 17
Jason: Another Big Ten, Pac 12 matchup in the Holiday Bowl matches two programs who are trying to take the next step but go about it in different ways. Iowa does a good job of staying in football games and controlling the pace. USC has the size and speed to create mismatches on the edge against the Hawkeyes but the Trojans defense has struggled at times and can surrender the big play. The Hawkeyes aren’t built to come from behind if the deficit is big enough so USC will try to take their shots early. Look for Iowa to play ball control and control the line of scrimmage early to keep it close going into the fourth quarter. A late score from the Hawkeyes puts the game away and Iowa gets the victory sending USC home looking for answers heading into 2020. Iowa 30 USC 20
John: Another good Big Ten Pac 12 match up. Hawkeyes match up really well with the Trojans. You have to wonder how much fight is left in a USC team that has heard nothing but “your coach is on the hot seat and here comes Urban” basically all year. Iowa 31 USC 17
Josh: Iowa has had a solid season, and USC has had a lot of external storylines, and Clay Helton is safe for at least one more year. Kirk Ferentz has a way to win these type of games. and I like the Hawkeyes getting a nice win for the Big Ten. Iowa 28 – USC 24
PJSBuck: Hawkeyes take it and win by a narrow 6 point margin
Steven: USC
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Iowa edges USC 24-21
Final Score: Iowa 49 USC 24
(17)Memphis vs. (10)Penn State
Andy: This is such a bad game for Memphis to lose their stud head coach for. Previous coach Mike Norvell is rumored to not be coaching Memphis in the bowl game after accepting the Florida State job just a few weeks ago. Penn State has a ton of momentum heading into this game now that Norvell is gone. After a terrible performance last year against Kentucky in their bowl game, I expect Penn State to look for redemption here. I also believe the Nittany Lion defense which has been excellent all season will show up big for this game and get pressure on Memphis QB Brady White. Penn State 31 – Memphis 21
Bbaver: Pick: Penn State
Coach Rick: Penn State
Cory: Penn State 35, Memphis 24
Dr. Mark: Penn State
Gregg: Coach Franklin will have ‘his team, his players’ ready. They did not like losing two of their last three games which knocked them out of the playoff and Big Ten race so this is the one championship they can still win. In contrast, Memphis probably used all the gas they had left in the tank to beat Cincinnati, not once but twice to end the Tiger season. But as much as Memphis struggled to beat the Bearcats, they are no match for the Lions. Expect the Big Ten to dominate in this one over the best team in the group of five. Penn State 38 Memphis 24
Jason: The AAC champ Memphis comes into this game trying to prove it can play with the big boys while Penn State is coming off a disappointing finish to their season and playing without their offensive coordinator. So the question in this one is will Penn State play motivated. If they do, they will walk all over Memphis but if not, Memphis can expose them with their explosiveness on offense. The question will be is Penn State ready to play when the game kicks off. I expect Memphis to come out on fire but once Penn State is punched in the mouth a couple times and wakes up and realizes they are in for a dog fight, the Lions will exert their will. It may take a half to get going but look for Memphis to jump out in front and potentially goes into halftime with a lead but Penn State wakes up in time to pull away late in the third quarter for the win. Penn State 42 Memphis 31
John: If Penn State decides they really want to be there, they roll. If they just phone it in…they still win, it will just be closer. Penn State 38 Memphis 10
Josh: This season did not go the way Franklin and the Nittany Lions has expected. Their two losses were against teams who challenged for the conference Championship, but the break between the last game against Rutgers and this game against Memphis should be a nice rest. Memphis has been solid, and are the AAC champions, boasting the flag for the best Group of 5 team. Penn State though has the talent, and though I see the Tigers keeping this close, Penn State wins this game. Penn State 41 – Memphis 37
PJSBuck: Penn State wins by 12 points or more
Steven: Penn State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Penn State gets by Memphis 27-24
Final Score: Penn State 53 Memphis 39
(1)LSU vs. (4)Oklahoma
Andy: This game should be pretty fun to watch. The key to success for Oklahoma is to keep that LSU offense on the sidelines as much as possible. The Tigers have struggled this season against mobile quarterbacks. Against Sam Ehlinger (Texas) and John Rhys Plumlee (Ole Miss) the Tiger defense gave up a ton of rushing yards and touchdowns to the two QBs. This game might be even tougher, Sooner QB Jalen Hurts has run for nearly 1,300 yards this season (5.7 yard average per carry) and rushed for 18 touchdowns. Oklahoma switched this year from a pass first offense to a run first offense with Hurts running the offense and it has been effective. That said, even if LSU’s defense struggles, their offense won’t. Joe Burrow is the best quarterback in the nation this year and he set all kinds of SEC and LSU records this season for yards and passing touchdowns. Also consider the three headed monster at receiver for LSU (JaMarr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrance Marshall) and you have an incredibly potent and explosive offense. If running back Clyde Edwards-Helwaire is healthy and effective, the Sooner defense will be on the field for a lot of plays on Saturday. I just don’t see anyway the LSU offense doesn’t get their way against an average Sooner defense. LSU 45 – Oklahoma 34
Bbaver: Pick: LSU
Coach Rick: LSU
Cory: LSU 41, Oklahoma 31
Dr. Mark: OKLAHOMA – Sooners have a great offense and everyone acting like they aren’t any good.
Gregg: This should not be a game. To me, this is the reason why we do not need to expand the playoffs to 8 teams. There are not 4 elite teams this year, let alone 8. Oklahoma had a nice season with newcomer Jalen Hurts, but Jalen is going to end his career with a loss in the playoffs. Expect Joe B to have a great game and probably set out the fourth quarter, to get rested for the Buckeyes in New Orleans. The Big 12 will continue to be winless in the playoff era. LSU 45 Oklahoma 28
Jason: LSU has the Heisman trophy winner and an explosive offense and although they haven’t faced a truly elite defense, it isn’t seeing one again in this one and don’t expect them to slow down now. Oklahoma has Jalen Hurts, and an offense that can score with LSU and although their defense is the best they have had under Lincoln Riley, it’s not going to be enough. The story lines are the QB’s but it will take more than those two to win a game like this and both defense’s can be scored on. The Sooners will keep up the pace, and may even lead at half but the LSU offense will just keep coming. Which team makes a mistake first could go a long way in determining the outcome. I expect LSU to be just a bit too much for Oklahoma and their consistency throughout the game will ultimately decide the game. Behind Joe Burrow, the Tigers pull away late and punch their ticket to the title game. LSU 45 Oklahoma 34
John: The Sooners have the offense to score on LSU. Nobody, is giving OU a chance – they are a 13 ½ dog to the Tigers. All they’ve hears, even before the playoff pairings were set was how no one wanted to play Clemson. The implication being that whoever ended up as the 4 seed would be a walkover for either Ohio State or LSU. This is going to be a hungry, angry, disrespected Sooner team, and I don’t see any way LSU covers a two TD spread, This game should be close into the forth quarter. I do think that LSU has too much talent on both sides of the ball. Tigers in a close one in a shootout. LSU 38 Oklahoma 35
Josh: This one is only close if Jalen Hurts is able to move the ball against this LSU defense, which he has a good chance. CeeDee Lamb is going to go against the Thorpe award winner in Delpit, and the LSU Tigers will be led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow. The Sooners are losing a lot of players due to suspension, including their leading pass rusher. I see the Tigers winning this game by double digits, and march their way back home to NOLA. LSU 45 – Oklahoma 28
PJSBuck: LSU by 6 points
Steven: LSU
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): LSU outscores Oklahoma 48-45
Final Score: LSU 63 Oklahoma 28
(13)Alabama vs. (14)Michigan
VRBO CITRUS BOWL
Andy: The biggest issue for this game is whether or not Alabama will be emotionally up for this game. For a school that implies National Championship or bust mentality, this game is a rare one for Alabama as they are usually in the playoff. The last time this happened Alabama played Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl and lost to a surging Sooner offense. Alabama still has a ton of talent and an incredible coaching staff, but if their coaches and players are disinterested in this game, this Michigan team is good enough to hurt them. On the flip side, if Michigan can pull out an upset win over Alabama, some of the Jim Harbaugh haters might settle down, so this win would mean a LOT to Michigan and Jim Harbaugh. This biggest issue for Michigan is whether or not they can get enough pressure on Alabama QB Mac Jones, because if he has time to throw to those amazing receivers (Juedy, Ruggs, Waddle, Smith) then it’s going to be a high scoring affair. If the Wolverine defense can get consistent pressure on Jones that is their path to victory. I think Alabama will do enough to win. Alabama 35 – Michigan 28
Bbaver: Pick: Alabama
Coach Rick: Michigan
Cory: Alabama 35, Michigan 14
Dr. Mark: Bama – I think this is hard to pick- Some Bama guys may sit out because of draft and Michigan can quiet some big game demons by beating big bad Bama
Gregg: In some ways, these two teams are similar. They both basically won the games they were supposed to and lost to their tough opponents. Michigan’s best win may be their dominant win over the Irish. Not sure who you would consider the best win for the Tide, maybe A&M a team that lost 5 games this year going into the bowl season. If Alabama fields their best team sans Tua, they should win. But if too many 5-stars sit this one out for the Tide, it will open the door for the Wolverines. Harbaugh will be desparate for a bowl win to salvage a successful season. For Buckeye fans, this is probably a win-wn no matter who comes out on top. Ultimately, the better coach is on the Crimson sideline so I will go will Alabama. Alabama 24 Michigan 17
Jason: A couple of college football blue bloods matchup in the land of the Mouse and all eyes will of the college football world will be on this one as the Tide is playing in their first non playoff game of the playoff era. This is the type of game Jim Harbaugh loses. In his Michigan career, he has just one loss against a team that didn’t win ten games or more. Alabama, although disappointed they aren’t playing in the ‘dance’, will be ready to go and it seems most of their players will be trying to finish out 2019 with a win and not sitting out for the NFL. If Alabama plays fairly well defensively, Michigan doesn’t have the horses to hang. If this game turns into a shootout, Michigan’s offense doesn’t have enough weaponry in their arsenal to keep up. There are some holes in the Bama secondary that Michigan can exploit but the question remains, can they do it consistently? Although it’s Mac Jones under center for Alabama and not Tua, Alabama has plenty of playmakers on offense and how will Michigan’s defense respond? I expect a close, high scoring game, but Alabama just has too many athletes at key positions for Michigan to come away with a win. Alabama 40 Michigan 31
John: Assuming Alabama doesn’t have half the team skip this one to get ready for the NFL combine, they destroy Capt. Khaki and the Underachievers. Similar to Penn State, it really depends on if Saban can get the Tide up to play in a non playoff bowl game for the first time in the playoff era. Alabama 35 Michigan 12
Josh: Michigan does well against inferior teams, and Alabama is not that. So far, almost everyone who is draft ready is expected to play, and Mac Jones will be leading the Crimson Tide in a game that might not carry any signifigance besides bragging rights. I see Alabama beating Harbaugh, and keeping him winless in Bowl games since taking over Michigan. Alabama 38 – Michigan 17
PJSBuck: Alabama wins by 10 points or more
Steven: Alabama
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Michigan doesn’t disappoint and gets hammered by Alabama 45-17
Final Score: Alabama 35 Michigan 16
Indiana vs. Tennessee
TAXSLAYER GATOR BOWL
Andy: The Hoosiers have played really good defense all season, they have been efficient on offense behind their two stud quarterbacks Penix and Ramsey. Indiana relies heavily on special teams and defense for field position. Tennessee has got hot towards the end of the year winning their last 5 games of the season after starting the season 2-5. Right now Tennessee has a ton of momentum and currently have the 9th best recruiting class. Vols head coach Greg Pruitt and his staff started out slow, but they are sure finishing the season very strong. I think Indiana is the better team here and I like them to win a close one despite a surging Vols team. Indiana 31 – Tennessee 24
Bbaver: Pick: Indiana
Coach Rick: Indiana
Cory: Tennessee 31, Indiana 27
Dr. Mark: Tennessee
Gregg: Tennessee started the season 2-5 which included losses to Georgia Southern and BYU and it looked it would be another down year for the Vols. But they created a bit of a turnaround to win the final five games on their schedule to go 7-5. They may have the momentum going into bowl season to earn win number 8 but I think (hope) that the Hoosiers are a bit underrated and come out with a win over the SEC. Go B1G! Indiana 27 Tennessee 24
Jason: The Vols, playing in their first bowl game in the Jeremy Pruitt era come in playing with confidence and both teams have had dominating victories, and both have had their share of losses by teams that are just better than they are. Indiana’s offense has a lot of playmakers, but Tennessee’s defense is playing well but will be challenged. The QB’s have similar numbers but have taken different paths to get where they are. Vols QB Jarret Guarantano started the season as the starter but was benched in favor of freshman Brian Maurer. Maurer is dealing with a concussion, which has forced Guarantano back as the QB1 while Peyton Ramsey for IU started the season as a backup and was forced into starting duties due to injury of QB Michael Penix. Both QB’s are capable of putting up big numbers but this game may come down to which defense can rise to the occasion and slow the opposition offense. The Hoosiers ultimately just have too many playmakers at wideout and come away with a close win in Jacksonville. Indiana 34 Tennessee 31
John: The only time I forced myself to actually watch Tennessee this year, they were getting rolled by an FCS team. Hard to believe they even got bowl eligible, let alone be favored over the Hoosiers by 1 ½. Guess Vegas is still buying into the whole SEC speed thing. I like IU in this one in a mild upset. Indiana 27 Tennessee 17
Josh: Tennessee came back from what could have been a spiraling season, and Indiana has had one of their best seasons in the recent past. The Hoosiers should be rested in this game, and have a chance to get a nice Big Ten win over an SEC opponent. Indiana 35 – Tennessee 24
PJSBuck: Indiana wins by 7
Steven: Indiana
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Indiana will roll over Tennessee 35-17.
Final Score: Tennessee 23 Indiana 22
(6)Oregon vs. (8)Wisconsin
ROSE BOWL GAME PRESENTED BY NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL
Andy: Oregon has been built by head coach Mario Cristobal more like Big Ten and SEC teams, big and physical lines of scrimmage and the ability to move the ball down field consistently on offense. Oregon does have one of the best quarterbacks in the country with Justin Herbert, but their offensive Marcus Arroyo to UNLV. If a position coach leaves to coach another team, it is not as big of a deal as when a coordinator leaves for another position. Even if Arroyo is still coaching the Ducks for the Rose Bowl, having to set up his staff and finish recruiting for another school is a full time job on top of preparing for one of the best defenses in the country. Add in that Oregon has been inconsistent running the football and I can see the Badge defense forcing the Ducks into 3 and outs and keeping them out of the red zone. The key for Wisconsin when their offense is on the field is to not make Jack Coan win the game throwing the football, let your stud tailback Jonathan Taylor be your driving engine and ask Jack Coan to only make a few deep throws to keep the Ducks defense spread out. If Wisconsin can attack Oregon like they did Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game they should jump out to an early lead. Wisconsin 31 – Oregon 24
Bbaver: Pick: Oregon
Coach Rick: Wisconsin
Cory: Oregon 28, Wisconsin 24
Dr. Mark: Wisconsin
Gregg: Wisconsin
Jason: A tale of two opposites in Pasadena. Oregon’s high flying offense led by QB Justin Herbert, a projected first round pick at QB will look to take advantage of the Wisconsin secondary and hit a couple big passing plays early to Oregon going. The Badgers will utilize a heavy ground game behind the big offensive line will continue to grind away against the Ducks. RB Jonathan Taylor will and that line will wear on Oregon and Taylor will break a couple long touchdown runs in the second half and Wisconsin will play ball control in the fourth quarter to come away with a victory for the Big Ten and hoist the Rose Bowl trophy. Wisconsin 31 Oregon 24
John: This may be the best of the New Years Day games. Oregon has not fared well in recent bowl games versus Big Ten opponents. Pac 12 teams typically don’t like playing strong, physical defenses. Wisconsin has a stout enough defense that Oregon may have trouble scoring points. While UW won’t exactly light up the scoreboard, I think they do enough to win this one. Wisconsin 24 Oregon 21
Josh: Wisconsin has been one of the better teams in the country this season, and despite a 3 loss season, they still remained at 8th place after losing to Ohio State. Oregon showed in their Championship Game why they were in contention to make the playoffs, but the 2 losses kept them out of it, but a Rose Bowl is a good consolation, especially for senior Justin Herbert, who is looking to improve his draft stock for one last
game. This will be a big test for the Badger defense, but if Wisconsin can play their style of game, and control the ball to play keep away from Oregon, they win this one i s a close game. I like Wisconsin to take the win. Wisconsin 24 – Oregon 21
PJSBuck: Oregon over Wisconsin by 6 points
Steven: Wisconsin
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Wisconsin over Oregon 31-21
Final Score: Oregon 28 Wisconsin 27