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2015-16 College Football Bowl Games Picks vs. Spread

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2015-16 College Football Bowl Games Picks vs. Spread

Ohio State Buckeyes — All of the bowl matchups for the 2015-16 college football postseason have been revealed and now its time to make some picks. Here are my predictions for each 2015-16 bowl game vs. the spread. Lines are from teamrankings.com and are accurate as of Dec. 13. All lines subject to change before kickoff.

All of the bowl matchups for the 2015-16 college football postseason have been revealed and now its time to make some picks. Here are my predictions for each 2015-16 bowl game vs. the spread. Lines are from teamrankings.com and are accurate as of Dec. 13. All lines subject to change before kickoff.

Autonation Cure Bowl: San Jose State (-4) vs. Georgia State

Autonation Cure Bowl: San Jose State (-4) vs. Georgia State

Autnation Cure Bowl — Pick: San Jose State

San Jose State just barely made this bowl season with a 5-7 record, but they face a Georgia State team that also barely made this bowl season with a 6-6 record. The Spartans are led by Tyler Ervin, who has rushed for over 1,400 yards this season. Georgia State won't be able to stop Ervin, and the Spartans will run all over the Panthers.

Pick: San Jose State

San Jose State just barely made this bowl season with a 5-7 record, but they face a Georgia State team that also barely made this bowl season with a 6-6 record. The Spartans are led by Tyler Ervin, who has rushed for over 1,400 yards this season. Georgia State won't be able to stop Ervin, and the Spartans will run all over the Panthers.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona (-11.5) vs. New Mexico

Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona (-11.5) vs. New Mexico

Pick: Arizona

New Mexico had a nice season by getting to their first bowl game since 2007, but the Wildcats are a much better football team on both sides of the ball. No matter who starts at quarterback, Arizona will get the easy win.

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: BYU vs. Utah (-3)

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: BYU vs. Utah (-3)

Pick: BYU

These teams broke off their in-state rivalry a couple of years ago, but now they meet in a bowl game. Both teams were in the Top-25 at the beginning of the season, but stumbled late in the season. The Utes will be without star RB DeVontae Booker for this game, and for that alone I like BYU to win this heated rivalry.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio vs. Appalachian State (-9.5)

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio vs. Appalachian State (-9.5)

Pick: Appalachian State

Taylor Lamb and the Mountaineers offense have been rolling this season, scoring 27 or more points in all but one game this season. They face a Bobcats team that just upset Northern Illinois in their regular season finale. The Bobcats have been a good underdog this season, but the Mountaineers are an excellent team that won't be stopped.

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State (-1) vs. Louisiana Tech

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State (-1) vs. Louisiana Tech

Pick: Louisiana Tech

Kenneth Dixon and Jeff Driskel guide an elite Louisiana Tech offense against an Arkansas State team that has won nine of their last 10. The Red Wolves have four runners who have 300 yards on the ground this season, led by Michael Gordon's 1,055. This will be a shootout, but Louisiana Tech will get the job done late.

Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky (-3) vs. South Florida

Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky (-3) vs. South Florida

Pick: South Florida

Western Kentucky has an elite passing game, but South Florida has been one of the best stories this season. Willie Taggart went from the hot seat to a new five-year extension. The Bulls are led by elite running back Marlon Mack, who has over 1,200 yards. South Florida is a more balanced team, and they will get the win.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron vs. Utah State (-6.5)

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron vs. Utah State (-6.5)

Pick: Utah State

Akron has been another surprise team out of the MAC, but Utah State is a battle-tested team that has plenty of bowl-game experience. Hunter Sharp and the Aggie passing attack will be the difference as Utah State gets the job done.

Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo vs. Temple (-1)

Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo vs. Temple (-1)

Pick: Toledo

Toledo will be without coach Matt Campbell, who left for the Iowa State Cyclone, but they face a fading Temple team that has lost three of their last six after winning their first seven. I like the Rockets to run all over the Owls in a convincing win.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State (-8) vs. Northern Illinois

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State (-8) vs. Northern Illinois

Pick: Northern Illinois

Boise State has had quarterback problems all season long while Northern Illinois has been led by a dominant running attack. Despite losing the MAC Championship, Northern Illinois will bounce back and knock off the Broncos.

GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green (-7.5)

GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green (-7.5)

Pick: Bowling Green

Georgia Southern's triple-option attack will get their yards on the ground, but Bowling Green's passing combination of Matt Johnson and Roger Lewis will be too much for the Eagles to handle.

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Western Michigan (-3) vs. Middle Tennessee

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Western Michigan (-3) vs. Middle Tennessee

Pick: Western Michigan

This will be a shootout as both teams rank in the top-30 in passing offense. Middle Tennessee has won four games in a row, but three have been to poor competition. Western Michigan, meanwhile, just defeated a top-25 team in Toledo and gave Michigan State a stiff test in their season debut. I like the Broncos to get the W.

Hawai'i Bowl: San Diego State vs. Cincinnati (-2.5)

Hawai'i Bowl: San Diego State vs. Cincinnati (-2.5)

Pick: San Diego State

This game is a contrast in styles as San Diego State likes to control the line of scrimmage while the Bearcats like to air it out. These two teams will be dark horses next season, but Donnel Pumphrey and the Aztecs will get the best of the Bearcats in Hawaii.

St. Petersburg Bowl: UConn vs. Marshall (-4.5)

St. Petersburg Bowl: UConn vs. Marshall (-4.5)

Pick: Marshall

UConn was lucky to get to six wins this season, and while Bob Diaco has a bright future with this team, they will be no match for Doc Holliday's Thundering Herd. Marshall's offense will have their way against the Huskies.

Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami vs. Washington State (-1.5)

Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami vs. Washington State (-1.5)

Pick: Miami

Washington State has had a nice season after an embarrassing loss to Portland State, but Miami will come out with a purpose in order to impress new coach Mark Richt. Mike Leach's squad will be dangerous next season in the Pac-12, but the Hurricanes will pull off the upset to end this season.

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: Washington (-8.5) vs. Southern Mississippi

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: Washington (-8.5) vs. Southern Mississippi

Pick: Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss won only three games last season, but they reached the Conference USA Championship Game this season. This has been a great turnaround and it was led by Nick Mullens, one of the best quarterbacks no one has heard of. Washington needed a Luke Falk injury in the Apple Cup just to make it to six wins. Their luck will run out as the Golden Eagles will upset the Huskies.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Duke vs. Indiana (-2)

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Duke vs. Indiana (-2)

Pick: Indiana

Duke and Indiana just played recently, but that was in basketball. The Duke basketball team is elite, but the football team has lost three of their last four since suffering their devastating loss to Miami. Indiana's tandem of Nate Sudfeld and Jordan Howard on offense will be too much for the Blue Devils to handle.

Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech (-14)

Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech (-14)

Pick: Tulsa

Tulsa has an exciting and dynamic offense, but the Hokies will win this game for Frank Beamer, who will be retiring after this game. The Golden Hurricanes will keep the game close, though, and will cover.

Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA (-6.5) vs Nebraska

Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA (-6.5) vs Nebraska

Pick: UCLA

UCLA won't be motivated to play in this bowl game, but Nebraska barely slipped into this bowl season with a 5-7 mark. Josh Rosen will have a field day against the Cornhuskers, who have given up 28 points or more in a game seven times.

Military Bowl presented By Northrop Grumman: Pittsburgh vs. Navy (-5)

Military Bowl presented By Northrop Grumman: Pittsburgh vs. Navy (-5)

Pick: Pittsburgh

Navy has Heisman-caliber quarterback Keenan Reynolds and their triple-option attack. but Pat Narduzzi is an elite defensive mind who will contain Reynolds. On the other side of the ball, Navy has no one who can match up with Tyler Boyd on the outside. This will be a high-scoring affair, but Pittsburgh will make enough stops to get the win.

Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Minnesota (-6)

Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Minnesota (-6)

Pick: Central Michigan

Minnesota lucked into this bowl game with a 5-7 record, and they had a disappointing season after winning eight games last year. Central Michigan has a good dual-threat QB in Cooper Rush, but not much else. The Golden Gophers will cap off a disappointing season with a bowl win over the Chippewas, but CMU will cover.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California (-6.5) vs. Air Force

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California (-6.5) vs. Air Force

Pick: California

This will likely be Jared Goff's last game as a California Golden Bear, and he will cap it off with a big day against Air Force. The Falcons will get their yards on the ground, but they won't keep up with Goff and Co.

Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina vs. Baylor (-3.5)

Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina vs. Baylor (-3.5)

Pick: North Carolina

North Carolina proved on Saturday that they are a great team after taking Clemson down to the last minute in the ACC Championship. Baylor faded down the stretch, and no one actually knows who will be their quarterback for this game. For that reason, I like the Tar Heels to outscore the Bears.

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs. Colorado State (-3.5)

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs. Colorado State (-3.5)

Pick: Colorado State

This is essentially an extra conference game for both Nevada and Colorado State because both teams are in the Mountain West. Nevada has lost two straight against the Rams, and it will be three after the Arizona Bowl. Rashard Higgins will go off on the Wolfpack and have a big game.

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: LSU (-7.5) vs. Texas Tech

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: LSU (-7.5) vs. Texas Tech

Pick: LSU

Texas Tech's horrible defense will have no answer for Leonard Fournette, who will get back on track after a disappointing finish to his season. The Red Raiders' offense will also struggle moving the ball against LSU's front-seven. This will be a LSU rout.

Birmingham Bowl: Auburn (-2.5) vs. Memphis

Birmingham Bowl: Auburn (-2.5) vs. Memphis

Pick: Memphis

Memphis will have plenty to prove in this game while Auburn shouldn't bother to show up. Auburn has no legitimate quarterback and their defense without Will Muschamp has to stop Paxton Lynch and Co. In what is essentially a home game, Memphis will give Auburn another miserable ending to what has been a miserable season.

Belk Bowl: North Carolina State vs. Mississippi State (-7)

Belk Bowl: North Carolina State vs. Mississippi State (-7)

Pick: Mississippi State

North Carolina State won seven games this season, but all seven have been against bad teams. Against what I call legitimate opponents (Louisville, Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech), they went 0-5. Dak Prescott and Mississippi State will dominate this matchup and it will be over quickly.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Texas A&M (-2.5) vs. Louisville

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Texas A&M (-2.5) vs. Louisville

Pick: Texas A&M

I would avoid this game all together because both teams have been led by terrible quarterbacks. The biggest difference will be Myles Garrett and the Aggie defense against the woeful Louisville offense. Texas A&M wins an ugly contest.

Holiday Bowl: USC (-3) vs. Wisconsin

Holiday Bowl: USC (-3) vs. Wisconsin

Pick: USC

Wisconsin won nine games this season, but all came against poor teams. USC has been more battle-tested, and the combination of Cody Kessler and JuJu Smith-Schuster will torch the Badgers' secondary.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston vs. Florida State (-6.5)

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston vs. Florida State (-6.5)

Pick: Florida State

Houston is just happy to be in a New Year's Six Bowl, but they face a juggernaut in Florida State. The Seminoles are too good on both sides of the ball, and Dalvin Cook will run all over the Cougars.

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Alabama (-9.5) vs. Michigan State

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Alabama (-9.5) vs. Michigan State

Pick: Alabama

Michigan State has been a great story this season, but the last time Sparty faced Alabama, they were annihilated 49-7 in the 2010 Capital One Bowl. The score won't be as lopsided as 2010, but the Crimson Tide will roll to an easy win.

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Oklahoma (-4)

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Oklahoma (-4)

Pick: Oklahoma

Clemson and Oklahoma are the two hottest teams in the country, and there will be plenty of points scored. DeShaun Watson and Baker Mayfield are Heisman contenders, plus these teams also have very good defense. However, I like the Sooners and their running game to dethrone the only undefeated team in the country.

Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs. Tennessee (-9)

Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs. Tennessee (-9)

Pick: Tennessee

Josh Dobbs and the Tennessee offense will have a field day against a Northwestern team that gave up 40 to Iowa. Butch Jones will cap off another disappointing season with Tennessee's ninth win of the season.

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Michigan (-4) vs. Florida

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Michigan (-4) vs. Florida

Pick: Michigan

Florida can't score, and Michigan is one of the best defenses in the country. Not much more needs to be said,

BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State (-6)

BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State (-6)

Pick: Notre Dame

Despite a big win over Michigan, the Ohio State Buckeyes will not be ready for this game. Ezekiel Elliott and Cardale Jones have already announced their intentions, and most of the team will have to worry about their NFL Draft prospects. Notre Dame will look to get past their choke-job against Stanford, and the Fighting Irish will win a close game.

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual: Stanford (-6.5) vs. Iowa

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual: Stanford (-6.5) vs. Iowa

Pick: Stanford

Iowa was overrated all season long, and couldn't get the job done against Michigan State. Stanford will be plenty motivated for this game, and Christian McCaffrey will torch the Hawkeyes.

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss (-7)

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss (-7)

Pick: Ole Miss

Oklahoma State was exposed in their last game against Oklahoma, and while they had a great season, most of their wins came against bad teams. Ole Miss, while inconsistent, has proved that they can play well in big games. The Rebels and their Landshark defense will shut down the Pokes and get a convincing win.

TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs. Georgia (-7)

TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs. Georgia (-7)

Pick: Georgia

Georgia won't be motivated for this game after Mark Richt was fired, but Penn State has even more issues than the Bulldogs do. Penn State can't protect Christian Hackenberg, and that isn't good against an elite pass rusher like Leonard Floyd. Georgia will get the win, but it will be ugly.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs. Arkansas (-13)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs. Arkansas (-13)

Pick: Arkansas

Kansas State barely made this game with a 6-6 record, and their road doesn't get any easier against a very good Arkansas team. Brandon Allen has been a good passer this season while Alex Collins has been good on the ground. Bill Snyder's team will get run off the field by an emerging Razorback team.

Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs. TCU (Pick'em)

Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs. TCU (Pick'em)

Pick: Oregon

At the beginning of the season, this kind of a matchup was expected to be in the College Football Playoff, but both teams struggled and they now play in the Alamo Bowl. TCU has been resilient all season, but not having Josh Doctson will hurt them against a hot Oregon team that is playing elite football once again.

Cactus Bowl: West Virginia vs. Arizona State (-1.5)

Cactus Bowl: West Virginia vs. Arizona State (-1.5)

Pick: Arizona State

Both the Sun Devils and Mountaineers have been disappointing this season, but none more so than the Sun Devils. ASU was expected to be a sleeper for the College Football Playoff, but struggled to a .500 record. With that being said, Arizona State will expose a West Virginia defense without Karl Joseph and will win going away.

Brian Kalchik is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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