Let's go bowling

The Bowl season kicks off in earnest

Saturday sees the opening of the 2016 NCAA bowl season with a few good match ups on the cards all culminating with the NCAA Championship in Tampa on January 9. 

Ok, let's pick some games...

Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl

UNC-Central vs Grambling

This one may be the best game of the day as Central's only losses were to cross Durham rivals Duke and undefeated Western Michigan. The G-Men went down by 10 to Arizona on the road for their only blemish.

Part of me feels like going with the close to home crew but my head says go with the traditional powers. It will be a good show with Grambling staying ahead and pulling off the win.

Grambling 33-28

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

New Mexico vs Texas-Sn Antonio

A home game for the Lobos. I wonder if the team feels cheated for not getting to travel for a Bowl Game? 

Settings aside, I think UTSA will have trouble with the New Mexico running game so their first bowl appearance may not be a pleasure.

New Mexico 40-24

Las Vegas Bowl Presented By Geico

Houston vs San Diego State

Houston had mch higher aspirations bowl wise for this season but will make the trip to Vegas to face a solid San Diego State crew.

The Aztecs will mean business but the Cougars should be prepared for battle and looking to close out the season solidly.

Houston 38-31

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

Appalachian State vs Toledo

App State nearly took the nation by surprise again early in the season when they gave Tennessee a major scare. They went on to put together a solid season and face a solid MAC team in Toledo.

I'm going to give the Mountaineers the edge in this one.

Appalachian State 22-17

Autonation Cure Bowl

Cental Florida vs Arkansas State

Close to home for UCF which will be to their benefit. Arkansas State had another solid season in the Sun Belt conference but will fall short in what is essentially a road game.

Central Florida 30-22

R-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Southern Miss vs Louisiana-Lafayette

Though a home state game for La-Lafayette, Southern Miss has a huge following in NOLA so it will be even crowd wise.

On the field, the Golden Eagles limped home with a few losses late in the season but have to be prepared with a couple of weeks off under their belt. 

It will be back and forth with Southern Miss pulling ahead late.

Southern Miss 34-30

Back with more picks over the next few days....