NCAAF Bowls: Kern picks Navy vs Kansas State, Michigan vs Alabama, Cincinnati vs Boston College, Ohio vs Nevada, & Tulane vs Southern Miss
I’m not overly excited about too many of the bowls between now and the national-title game. But I’m sure we can find a few matchups to get us at least a little bit interested. Just as I’m sure you can come up with a few more on your own. There’s certainly enough possibilities. It’s just a matter of finding the profitable ones.
I don’t have a strong opinion on Kentucky-Virginia Tech, but I do know that it is the last game for longtime Hokie defensive coordinator Bud Foster. So that might be enough to give Tech, which is giving 2.5 points, some kind of motivational advantage. How much that is worth, well, that’s the obvious whatever. But I figured I’d throw it out there anyway.
Navy (-3) over Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl
Kansas State has served me well this season. But I tend to like the military academies in bowl games, and this is no different. I already got a win with Air Force over Washington State, which was also an anti-Mike Leach play. I think it could be close, but I’ll take my chances with the Mids. Also, their quarterback, who rushed for like 800 yards against Army, is playing at home. Maybe that will help.
Two-team teaser
Alabama (-1) over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, to go with Cincinnati (-1) over Boston College in the Birmingham (Alabama) Bowl
If you want to play Bama just to cover the spread, I wouldn’t argue with you. Naturally you worry about how much The Tide cares about being here. And the fact that they’re playing their second-string QB. But we all know about Michigan’s issues in big spots. So there’s that. I think Nick Saban will want to show folks that maybe his team was actually playoff worthy, if they hadn’t lost to Auburn. Oh well. As for Cincy, it was a pretty decent club all year long. And it almost won at Memphis twice in the last two weeks. So maybe the Bearcats will be somewhat less than thrilled to be here, but I think they want to go out on a good note. My main concern with BC is that it might be better off without Steve Addazio, who was let go and is now at Colorado State. Good luck with that one in Fort Collins. I’ll take a chance that Cincy is at least good enough to get another W.
Two-team teaser
Ohio (-2) over Nevada in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, with Tulane (-1) over Southern Miss in the Armed Forces Bowl
Much the same line of thinking, as is the case with many of my teasers. I like both of these favorites to win, but maybe not to cover a touchdown or so. Just don’t ask me to name too many players on either side. That’s OK. It’s the numbers that count more. I would have thought about making this a three-teamer and throwing in Georgia at +4 over Baylor. But I like Matt Rhule too much. Georgia was in a similar position last year and lost to Texas after losing in the SEC final. Not sure the Bulldogs will let it happen again. But like I said, I’m a Rhule guy. And he might be coaching the Giants soon.
That’s about it. Watch for my golf pick for the opening PGA Tournament of Champions from Maui. We did well last year, and will try to continue. Then we’ll be back for the first weekend of the NFL playoffs. So be on the lookout. And above all else, be careful out there.
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