Tuesday, Dec. 26

Quick Lane Bowl

Bowling Green: Terion Stewart RB – 762 YDS, 8 TD

Bowling Green runs the ball a ton, and Terion Stewart is a massive part of that. He averaged over six yards a carry and helped make sure that the Falcons were consistently ahead of the sticks. He only stands 5-foot-9, but at 225 pounds he is an absolute load to bring down and a threat on the goal line. 

Minnesota: Tyler Nubin SAF – 53 TKL, 1 sack, 5 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF

The Golden Gophers haven’t had quite the year they hoped for but were lucky enough to get a bowl game despite only having five wins. A favorable draw gives them a chance to end the season on a high note, and with Nubin patrolling the secondary, they have a great shot. The ballhawk safety was among the nation’s leaders in interceptions and will be a player that Bowling Green quarterback Connor Bazelak will have to keep a constant eye on. 

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Texas State: TJ Finley QB – 3,287 YDS, 24 TD, 5 rush TD

TJ Finley was a revelation at quarterback for the Bobcats this year. He spearheaded new head coach GJ Kinne’s offense to perfection, putting up over 50 points three times. The former Auburn quarterback has great pocket presence and a fantastic arm; he should be able to shred what was a leaky Rice defense.

Rice: Luke McCaffrey WR – 68 REC, 963 YDS, 12 TD

While the Owls’ defense was fairly leaky, their offense was able to keep them in games. They will be without starter JT Daniels, so backup AJ Padgett should look to McCaffrey early and often. The 6-foot-2 wideout is fantastic in the middle of the field and should be a safety net for Padgett all game. 

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Kansas: Devin Neal RB – 1,209 RUSH YDS, 214 REC YDS, 16 total TD

With Jalon Daniels out, Kansas leans on its run game a bit more and Devin Neal is able to keep the train moving. He has good vision and is great in both phases of the passing game. He is one of the best three-down backs in the country and will be one of the first names the Rebels focus on slowing down. 

UNLV: Jayden Maiava QB – 2,794 YDS, 14 TD, 261 RUSH YDS, 3 RUSH TD

The Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year came off of the bench in Week 3 and did not look back. He was fantastic all year, leading all FBS freshmen in yards per attempt and completion percentage. The Rebels are pretty big underdogs entering the bowl, but if they are able to pull off the upset, it will be because Maiava powered the offense to victory. 

Wednesday, Dec. 27

Military Bowl Presented by GoBowling.com

Virginia Tech: Dorian Strong CB – 21 TKL, 3 INT, 8 PD

Virginia Tech has a penchant for producing good defensive backs, and this year is no exception. Strong is a phenomenal zone corner with a natural feel for the ball. He is rarely caught out of position, and quarterbacks recorded a 24.2 quarterback rating when targeting him this year. With Tulane expected to go through a fair amount of turnover, he is someone the Green Wave would be wise to avoid throwing to. 

Tulane: Kam Pedescleaux SAF – 52 TKL, 4 TFL, 2 INT, 12 PD

The Green Wave will be without a massive amount of their starters with the departure of Willie Fritz. One of the players expected to play in the game is Pedescleaux, which will be massive for their defense. He is around the ball all the time, with his 12 pass deflections good for top 13 in the country.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

North Carolina: Omarion Hampton RB – 1,442 RUSH YDS, 215 REC YDS, 16 total TD

Similarly to Tulane, North Carolina dealt with a massive amount of transfers and opt-outs heading into the bowl. Luckily for Tar Heels fans, their star running back is expected to play and will likely be the focal point of the offense. The hometown boy placed fifth in the country in rushing yards and will lead the charge against the Mountaineers.

West Virginia: CJ Donaldson Jr. RB – 798 YDS, 11 TD

Donaldson was one of the more fun breakouts in 2022. The tight end-turned-running back started out of necessity because West Virginia dealt with multiple injuries, then everyone realized he could really tote the rock. He moved to running back full time and had a solid year, which he improved upon in every way this year.

DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Louisville: Ashton Gillotte DL – 45 TKL, 14.5 TFL, 11 sacks, 3 FF

Louisville’s defense was one of the best units in the country, and Gillotte was a cornerstone on the defensive line. He ranked ninth in the country in sacks and in the top 30 in tackles for loss. With a fairly inexperienced quarterback under center for the Trojans in Miller Moss, he will look to feast. 

USC: Zachariah Branch WR – 29 REC, 311 YDS, 2 REC TD, 1 RUSH TD, 2 return TD

The Trojans’ prolific involvement in the transfer portal normally leads to them having a fair amount of players transfer out at the end of the year. With players opting out for the draft as well, they have limited options heading into the bowl. This could lead to a heavy dose of Branch, who is one of the most electric players in the country. He could take any ball to the house and will need to do so with USC needing offense. 

TaxAct Texas Bowl

Texas A&M: McKinnley Jackson DL – 27 TKL, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF

The Aggies will be missing multiple starters in this game, and with Ollie Gordon II surprisingly expected to play, they will need McKinnley Jackson to have a big game to help slow him down. At 325 pounds, he is a load in the middle of the line, and he will be the first line of defense against a strong Cowboys running game. 

Oklahoma State: Ollie Gordon II – 1614 RUSH YDS, 326 REC YDS, 21 total TD

The nation’s second-leading rusher was a surprise inclusion in the depth chart for the Cowboys, but certainly a welcome one. Their offense was based around the sophomore’s ability to find a hole and make the defense pay. He will likely be the best player on the field and should have a big game against a depleted Aggies defense.

Thursday, Dec. 28

Wasabi Fenway Bowl

SMU: Kevin Jennings QB – 427 YDS, 4 TD, 91 RUSH YDS, 1 TD

Preston Stone was a massive loss for SMU, but Kevin Jennings played well in relief and was able to lead the Mustangs to a conference championship. He has a national stage now to prove himself and gets to face a below average Boston College defense.

Boston College: Christian Mahogany OG – Good ballplayer

Our first lineman!! The First Team All-ACC guard will likely be a pro next year and will be able to prove himself both here and at the Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl

Rutgers: Kyle Monangai RB – 1,099 rush YDS, 7 TD, 61 REC YDS

Monangai is by far Rutgers’ best offensive player, and if the Scarlet Knights have a chance to beat Miami, it will be on the ground. He became the Scarlet Knights’ first 1,000-yard rusher in over 11 years and will have a chance to get loose against a Miami defense missing multiple defensive starters.

Miami: Xavier Restrepo WR – 74 REC, 993 YDS, 5 TD

Tyler Van Dyke will miss this game as he is headed to Wisconsin, but his favorite target will suit up and will man the slot for whoever is under center. After missing most of last year due to injury, Restrepo came back with a vengeance and is seven yards away from topping 1,000 yards. One of the best slot receivers in the country will get targeted often in the bowl. 

Pop-Tarts Bowl

NC State: Kevin “KC” Concepcion WR – 64 REC, 767 YDS, 10 TD, 297 RUSH YDS

NC State’s top weapon is without a doubt KC. A threat both through the air and on the ground, he is likely to get double-digit touches in every game he plays. The Wildcats would be wise to keep an extremely close eye on him every time he goes into motion.

Kansas State: Cooper Beebe OG – good blocker

Beebe is a top two guard in this class for my money and can absolutely dominate a game in the trenches.

Valero Alamo Bowl

Arizona: Noah Fifita QB – 2,515 YDS, 23 TD, 73.6% completion

The biggest part of Arizona’s shockingly successful season was Fifita, who was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. He is a very quick reader of the defense and gets the ball out quickly to his playmakers. He isn’t a scrambler but is very capable of getting out of the pocket and picking up yards when he needs to. 

Oklahoma: Danny Stutsman LB – 99 TKL, 16 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF

Stutsman returning to Oklahoma next year was a massive boost for the Sooners, as he was the master key for their defense this year. Always around the ball, he is phenomenal at filling his gap on run plays and bringing down players for a loss. He is also capable in coverage and can make a play on the ball. 

Friday, Dec. 29

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Clemson: Cade Klubnik QB – 2,580 YDS, 19 TD, 194 RUSH YDS, 4 RUSH TD

Last year’s Orange Bowl is where we saw Klubnik get his first start, and after a full season, we still have just as much information about his game as we did then. Next year should be a make-or-break year for his development. This should be a good test of his progress against a solid Kentucky defense. 

Kentucky: Ray Davis RB – 1,066 YDS, 317 REC YDS, 20 total TD

Davis was one of the nation’s leaders in touchdowns because he is a threat in both the run and pass game. He is a strong runner as well who almost always falls forward. With Clemson missing one of its best defenders in Jeremiah Trotter Jr., he could be in store for a big game. 

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Oregon State: Silas Bolden WR – 51 REC, 718 YDS, 8 total TD

The Beavers’ leading receiver Anthony Gould will miss this game, so Silas Bolden will take a bigger role. He is normally used on deep routes, but will likely be looked for underneath so he can use his speed to make a big play. A fairly small receiver, he makes up for it with excellent ball tracking and surprisingly long arms. 

Notre Dame: Xavier Watts SAF – 47 TKL, 2.5 TFL, 7 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF

In what should be a pretty low-scoring game, one turnover could be the difference. Luckily for the Fighting Irish, they have the nation’s leader in interceptions in Watts. He won the Nagurski Trophy for his fantastic season and is someone that the offense needs to identify every play. With a backup quarterback in for Oregon State, he will be looking to prey on that experience and add to that tally. 

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Memphis: Seth Henigan QB — 3,519 YDS, 28 TD, 247 RUSH YDS, 4 RUSH TD

Henigan has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country for the last three years and had another excellent season this year. He will miss two starters on the right side of his line but should have all of his playmakers available. The Tigers are underdogs in this game, and Henigan makes them very live ones. 

Iowa State: Beau Freyler DB – 95 TKL, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 5 PD

The Cyclones were not expected to be bowling after their scandal in the preseason, but their defense helped lift them to eligibility. Freyler was a massive part of that, getting his hand on the ball and always being around to make a tackle. With multiple starters of the secondary expected to miss the game, Freyler will be leaned on more than ever.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Missouri: Cody Schrader RB – 1,489 YDS, 191 REC YDS, 13 TD

Missouri’s strong offensive line and Schrader’s great contact balance helped get him a top 10 Heisman finish. He now gets to face a Buckeyes defense that is likely to miss a few of its NFL-bound stars. I expect him to have another big game and potentially lead Missouri to a massive bowl win.

Ohio State: Devin Brown QB – 197 YDS, 2 TD, 35 RUSH YDS, 1 TD

With Kyle McCord leaving Columbus, Devin Brown should be stepping up to the plate to start. Brown gives the Buckeyes a bigger running threat at quarterback, and that could make a big difference for what was generally a stale offense even with Marvin Harrison Jr. This is a good test for him against a very good Tigers defense.

Saturday, Dec. 30

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Ole Miss: Quinshon Judkins RB – 1,052 YDS, 135 REC YDS, 16 TD 

While he did not quite live up to the massive expectations after his fantastic freshman season, Judkins was still one of the better backs in the country. Ole Miss passed the ball a bit more this season, which allowed him to show his passing game chops, but I think the Rebels will lean on Judkins here in a big game.

Penn State: Adisa Isaac DE – 35 TKL, 15 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 FF

Penn State will be missing a few starters on the defensive side of the ball, but one of its best in Isaac will be playing. He was one of the nation’s leaders in tackles for loss and will be key in helping slow down Judkins. If he can get a sack as well, Jaxson Dart struggled a bit when put behind the sticks.

TransPerfect Music City Bowl

Auburn: Eugene Asante LB – 84 TKL, 8.5 TFL, 5 sacks

With Taulia Tagovailoa opting out of the game, Maryland will likely be running the ball more than usual. That plays right into a big game for Asante, as he was the Tigers’ leading tackler by almost 40. He is also a good pass rusher, stacking up five sacks on the year, making him a threat on the occasional blitz.

Maryland: Roman Hemby RB – 663 RUSH YDS, 288 REC YDS, 7 total TD

With Taulia out, short passes and runs will be the majority of the Terrapins offense. Hemby is a big part of that, as their leading rusher and their fourth-leading receiver among players in the bowl. He should have a big game against the Tigers,and will be a focal point of Maryland’s offense.

Capital One Orange Bowl

Georgia: Carson Beck QB – 3,738 YDS, 22 TD, 126 RUSH YDS, 4 TD

Getting Beck back was a big win for the Bulldogs. He was extremely solid for them this year, which is all they really need from the quarterback position. He is a prototypical pocket passer and has a lightning quick release. With some of his top weapons potentially opting out, he will need to spread the ball around, making this a big game for his development.

Florida State: Kalen DeLoach LB – 66 TKL, 10.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF

After a disappointing relegation from the College Football Playoff to the Orange Bowl, many of the Seminoles have opted to miss the game. With the drama surrounding them currently, it’s difficult to blame the players. DeLoach will be playing though, and he was a massive part of the defense and the Seminoles’ undefeated season. He will be looking to get after Beck and make a splash play. 

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl

Toledo: Peny Boone RB – 1,400 RUSH YDS, 219 REC YDS, 16 total TD

Dequan Finn transferring will likely make this a game where Toledo will look to run the ball. This isn’t a terrible thing for the Rockets as Boone totaled 1,619 yards from scrimmage. He will be leaned upon heavily if the Rockets want to win this game.

Wyoming: Wyett Ekeler SAF – 75 TKL, 5.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INT, 6 PD, 2 FF

Austin Ekeler’s brother put together a fantastic season this year. He was a do-it-all box safety for the Cowboys, who put together multiple upsets. You will see him around the ball constantly, whether it be rushing the passer or dropping into deep coverage.

Monday, Jan. 1

ReliaQuest Bowl

Wisconsin: Hunter Wohler SAF – 113 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT, 4 PD

The safety position plays a very big role in Mike Tressel’s defense, and Hunter Wohler was brilliant in it this year. He was one of the best tackling defensive backs in the country, and with over 100, he will be around the ball early and often.

LSU: Mason Taylor TE – 29 REC, 260 YDS, 1 TD

LSU frequently has good tight ends, and Taylor is no different. While he wasn’t quite as productive as his previous season, he is still one of the better tight ends in the country. With Malik Nabers or Brian Thomas Jr. potentially opting out, he could take an even bigger role in this game.

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Liberty: Tyren Dupree LB – 115 TKL, 8 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 INT, 3 PD

Liberty faces a big test going up against the mighty Ducks offense and will need all of its players at their best to slow them down. One of its best is Dupree, who was a rock in the middle of the Flames’ defense all year long. The former high school quarterback reads the game very well and will be a massive part in stopping Oregon if they can.

Oregon: Bo Nix QB – 4,145 YDS, 40 TD, 228 RUSH YDS, 6 TD

I was personally surprised to see Nix playing in this game, but it makes it a treat for college football fans. Nix had a sparkling year in Oregon and will look to cap off his college career with a big victory in the Fiesta Bowl. The Heisman finalist will look to put on a big performance in what will be one of the last times NFL scouts get to see him. 

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Iowa: Sebastian Castro DB – 61 TKL, 8 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 8 PD, 1 FF

Truthfully, any one of Iowa’s defensive backs could have been the choice here. The Hawkeyes were absolutely dominant all year long and will now match up against Joe Milton III’s massive arm. Castro was one of the more versatile of the backs, playing more in the box but still capable of covering players in man or zone coverage.

Tennessee: Jabari Small RB – 475 RUSH YDS, 2 TD, 40 REC YDS

With Jaylen Wright opting out, there is a big opportunity for Small to have a massive game here. Throwing on the Hawkeyes is not an easy task, so the Vols may look to run the ball pretty often. Wright is an extremely capable back, more a 1B than a true backup, so he is more than talented enough to break a big run.

Rose Bowl

Alabama: Jalen Milroe QB – 2,718 YDS, 23 TD, 468 RUSH YDS, 12 TD

The Rose Bowl will likely come down to how well Milroe performs. When the Crimson Tide were struggling early in the year, it coincided with Milroe’s struggles. Once he locked in, they became the juggernaut they were by the end of the year. I personally think Alabama wins here, so I think he has a big game.

Michigan: Mike Sainristil DB – 30 TKL, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 INT, 6 PD, 2 FF

Milroe throws a beautiful deep ball, so Sainristil will be key in helping shut down that aspect of their game. The ballhawking safety snagged five picks on the year and will be looking to add to that counter in Michigan’s biggest game of the year so far.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Texas: Quinn Ewers QB – 3,161 YDS, 21 TD, 5 RUSH TD

Texas is a completely different team with Ewers under center. The Longhorns go from a solid team to a championship contender when he is slinging the rock. They will need him at the top of this game if they want to keep up with the high-powered offense of the undefeated Pac-12 champs.

Washington: Rome Odunze WR – 81 REC, 1,428 YDS, 15 total TD

This could have been Michael Penix Jr., but I think Odunze is just as big a part of Washington’s success this year. He is a top two or three receiver in the country, and I don’t think Texas has anyone that can cover him. He will likely draw two defenders most of the game, but he can still break the game at any moment.