NCAA New Year's Eve 2016

Big games on tap for the holiday

We've had some excitement, we've had some duds but overall we have to be pleased with what we've seen from the bowl season so far.

Now we get to the juicy end of the schedule for the 2016-2017 season with a menu of interesting match ups on New Year's Eve culminating with the FBS national semi finals in Atlanta and Glendale.

Ok, for the big Saturday ahead...let's pick 'em!!

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

LSU (20) vs Louisville (13)

Both teams disappointed towards the end of the season though it was the Cardinals who dropped from lofty heights into the abyss after being considered a Football Four chance. It will be interesting to see who has the drive to finish off the season on a positive note. I'm picking the Cardinals to give a final glimpse of what could have been with a win over a SEC team.

Louisville 33-20

Taxslayer Bowl

Georgia Tech vs Kentucky

This one may not be the "prettiest" game of football you'll ever see but it could be a throwback type of affair that will suit the running style of Georgia Tech as they will be less prone to mistakes. for Kentucky to have a chance they need to get in front early.

Looks like another ACC over SEC win.

Ga Tech 27-17

Chick fil A Peach Bowl

National Semifinal 1

Washington (4) vs Alabama (1)

I must admit, I am among the number that didn't think Washington should be here. Then, I went back and had a look at their season and found them most deserving. So much so in fact that I've envisaged ways in which they could upset the defending national champions. I know 'Bama is strong from top to bottom but I equally feel there is something about the pressure to repeat that may bring them undone. If not in this one...in the championship.

Washington 24-22

Playstation Fiesta Bowl 

National Semi Final 2

Ohio State (3) vs Clemson (2)

Hopefully a disgruntled Woody Hayes will not make an appearance in this one! Though they had a few shaky moments Clemson is right where they were expected to be at the start of the season, ditto for Ohio State.

This one will be tense throughout but I'm looking for the Tigers to prevail in the end after an epic affair. Could come don to last possession!

Clemson 30-28

Enjoy....Happy New Year....more picks to come!