Weekend games were fun. If you followed me on twitter, we hit 3-1 bowl pics bringing me to a record of 9-5, which is respectable for bowl season. As we hit the hear of bowl season this week, we have 3 games today, 4 games tomorrow and 4 games on Thursday, so get ready for a good week of college football. As always, some picks may be made on twitter, so be sure to follow me @thelastsnap_. But here is the slate for today.
Utah vs. West Virginia
Bowl: Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl | Time: 12:30 PM CT
Line: Utah -7
Quarterback play is huge for both teams in this game. Utah is led by banged up quarterback Tyler Huntley who missed the season finale due to a shoulder injury, and injury that also kept him out of 2 games earlier in the season. Although starting of 4-0, Utah went 1-6 after Huntley’s injury, losing 4 of those games by 8 points or less. West Virginia on the other hand will be without leading rusher Justin Crawford and QB Will Grier. QB Chris Chugunov will get the start for the Mountaineers, who will need to find some other source for offense. Chugunov was not impressive in his starts against Texas and Oklahoma, throwing for 326 yards and 2 TDs. Utah wins this one easily. Oh and Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham is 10-1 is bowls.
Northern Illinois vs. Duke
Bowl: Quick Lane Bowl | Time: 2:30 PM CT
Line: Under 47
Now MAC teams are known to score a lot of points, and in the past NIU has adopted an air raid offense, but the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl will be a defensive show down. Both teams rely on the run to make up for streaky quarterback play. Both teams also rely heavily on their defense to keep the game close. Both teams are ranked in the top 25 for total defense, with NIU leading ranking in the top 10 in all of FBS in tackles for loss, team sacks, defensive touchdowns and 3rd down defense. NIU wins, 20-17.
Kansas State vs. UCLA
Bowl: Cactus Bowl | Time: 6 PM CT
Line: K-State -6.5
Josh Rosen is out of the game after being on concussion protocol since the end of October. This means good things for Kansas State. The Bruin defense is not in any shape to stop, even a weak offensive attack and the only reason UCLA was able to be competitive throughout the season because of quarterback play by Josh Rosen. Kansas State is rolling after winning 4 of its last 5 games and should be able to win this easily. The 2 pronged Wildcat attack will be too much for the UCLA defense to keep up with. K-State wins this one easy.
College Football - Big Ten | The Final Snap 