In this era of the 4-team playoff and 8 gazillion bowls, the prestige of playing in a non-playoff bowl just ain’t what it used to be. Some teams are less than fired up to go bowling.
In your bowl picks, we would be reluctant to back 3 teams that may not be fully geared to go:
Miami: Nobody had two November embarrassments even close to those endured by the Hurricanes: Losing at home to FIU and to a bad Duke team. Miami travels to Shreveport to play a road game against Louisiana Tech. Tech likely would have represented the Conference USA’s West division if not for two untimely suspensions. Miami supporters at the Independence Bowl will number about 17. Oh, did we mention that a couple Hurricane players have announced their sit out in order to save themselves for the NFL?
Florida State: To the Seminoles’ credit, FSU did not fold their tent after the sacking of Willie Taggart. However, the Seminoles finished with a faceplant against the hated Gators. Meanwhile, Arizona State will have a lot of support in El Paso following an exuberant November which featured a massive upset of Oregon and a win in the Territorial Cup. The NFL draft will have an impact on the game. Two Sun Devil offensive standouts, Brandon Aiyuk and Eno Benjamin, will sit out as will FSU’s leading rusher, Cam Akers. Regardless, standout freshman QB Jayden Daniels remains front and center for the Sun Devils. ASU is now a 4-point favorite but we would not be surprised if Sun Devils roll.
Utah: Unlike the previous two cautionary teams, the Utes are a terrific squad. Alas, their playoff hopes were cruelly smashed in getting pummeled on both lines of scrimmage against Oregon. Utah travels to San Antonio to play an underachieving Texas team (where have we heard that before?) The Utes are a 7.5 point favorite. Remember that Texas’ recruiting classes always rank higher than the Salt Lakers. The Utes’ two losses have come against QBs who could really sling it. Sam Ehlinger is more than capable. We would not be stunned to see the Longhorns Remember the Alamo and pull an outright upset.
Happy holidays from the Odyssey!!