Yesterday

UAB got clobbered by Ohio, 41-6, and Wyoming stud quarterback Josh Allen, who’s looking like a possible elite NFL quarterback in the future, defeated Central Michigan, 37-14. Wyoming got 8 turnovers off of Central Michigan.

It just wasn’t the Blazers’ day in Nassau. Good season even though the victories were against weaker competition. But a tough ending. A lot to be optimistic for next season though, I guess. You never know. 

Birmingham Bowl

Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6, 3-6 Big 12) vs. South Florida (9-2, 6-2 American Athletic)

Legion Field, 71,594

11 AM

ESPN

Tom Hart, Chiz, Lauren Sisler

Refs: MAC, Ron Hudson

South Florida by 3

Texas Tech has an air raid attack. Quarterback Nic Shimonek completed 296-of-434 passes, 68%, for 3,547 yards, 30 TDs against 8 ints. HIs leading receiver is the explosive Keke Coutee who pulled in 85 passes for 1,242 yards and 9 TDs. The USF offense is commandeered by quarterback Quinton Flowers who threw for 21 TDs against 6 ints, and ran for 972 more yards and 10 TDs. Darius Tice posted 878 yards and 11 TDs and D’Ernest Johnson rushed for 745 yards and 7 TDs. The defense posted 18 interceptions, which is tied for 7th in the country. Devin Abraham led the team with 4. Linebacker Auggie Sanchez intercepted 2 passes and took both of them back to the house.

The winner of this game will take care of the ball better and run it better and be efficient throwing the ball. I really think the winner of the turnover battle wins in B’ham as their is a lot of rain expected. I like the Bulls with their ball hawking defense to get the W.

South Florida 24, Texas Tech 20

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Army Black Knights (9-3) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (10-2, 6-2 Mountain West)

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX, 50,00

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Adam Amin, Mack Brown, Paul Carcaterra

Refs: Big Ten, Ron Snodgrass

SDSU by 6 1/2

I want to pick the Cadets. I really like their football team. Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw is terrific as he rushed for 1,566 yards and 12 TDs this season. Fullback Darnell Woolfolk added 725 yards and 12 TDs himself. West Point defeated Duke, 21-16, Temple-a Gasparilla Bowl winner the other night over FIU- 31-28, and defeated the Midshipmen of Navy in a classic in Philly, 14-13. They’re a really solid team. But Rashaad Penny is a guy who’s aiming to impress the pro scouts in this one. The senior rushed for 2,027 yards and 19 TDs this season. He’s fantastic. I just don’t think the Cadets have an answer for him today. This will be a competitive game though.

San Diego State 38, Army 31

Dollar General Bowl

Toledo Rockets (11-2, 7-1 MAC)  vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers (8-4, 7-1 Sun Belt)

Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, 40,000

6 PM

ESPN

Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Dawn Davenport

Refs, Mountain West, Kevin Hassell

Toledo by 6 1/2

Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside completed 248-of-382 passes, 65%, for 3,758 yards, 28 TDs against 5 ints. His leading target is Diontae Johnson, who caught 72 passes for 1,257 yards and 13 TDs. Running back Terry Swanson rushed for 1,319 yards and 14 TDs. On defense, linebacker Adeniyi Olasunkanmi posted 19 1/2 tackles for loss and 8 1/2 sacks. Safety Kahlil Robinson led the team in ints with 4. 

App State quarterback Taylor Lamb completed 198 of 321 passes, 62%, for 2,606 yards, 27 TDs against only 6 ints. Jalin Moore rushed for 912 yards and 9 TDs. Ike Lewis caught 47 passes for 666 yards and 8 TDs, and wide out Thomas Hennigan caught 44 passes for 556 yards and 7 TDs. Linebacker Eric Buggs led the team in tackles with 97, and cornerback Clifton Duck was the the team leader in interceptions with 5.

I’m going to take the upset here. I like App State to knock off Toledo in a bowl game for the second year in a row after defeating them 31-28 last year in the Camellia Bowl. I do expect a highly competitive contest in the Port City.

App State 38, Toledo 35