SEC Bowl and Final Four Preview 2015-2016

By - Kory Kinslow

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl

LSU vs. Texas Tech 

This is a game of very contrasting styles. You have the high flying passing attack of Texas Tech, who beat a good SEC team in Arkansas early in the year, against a ground and pound and defensive minded LSU. This game could be fun to watch early. We will see if Kliff Kingsbury can outdo the Mad Hatter on a big stage. I'm not sure if LSU will be pumped to play in this game early, which may be a factor. Texas Tech let Oklahoma run for over 400 yards on them earlier in the year and I don't see them being able to stop Leonard Fournette. If Tech's Mahommes can keep pace it might be interesting, but I don't think Tech can keep up with LSU and it ends up being a decisive victory for the Tigers. I'm saying, 27-14 LSU.

Birmingham Bowl

Auburn vs. Memphis

You would think that Memphis would be the under-dog against an SEC team, but I really think that they may have the upper hand. Auburn has not had an Auburn like year and they need to be able to throw the ball to win this. Their running attack has been largely ineffective this year and I don't know if they can stop the Memphis passing attack. Memphis has a tough time against the run, and Auburn got back to it in the end of the season. I see Auburn's defense stepping up and them having more motivation than Memphis, with a coach that's leaving. I think Auburn walks away 35-28.

Belk Bowl

NC State vs. Mississippi State

Dak Prescott has had another great season for Mississippi State. They have played well with him over the years in Mississippi, but I don't know if they have it in them to pull one more win off. They had a tough season, especially when tragedy hit the team. They seemed to just fall apart against Alabama. NC State seems to have everything to play for, but they've been banged up in the running back category. It will be interesting to see if their Quarterback can carry them. I think that NC State may have more to play for and will win in a close one, 38-35.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Texas A & M vs. Louisville

Texas A & M will win this game based on the play of Kyle Allen. If he can have a good game, they have the defense to win this. If he plays hap-haphazardly then they will lose. He needs to show up in a big way. Their defense should be able to stop a Louisville offense that simply has no big stars. I believe that A & M will win 24-14.

TaxSlayer Bowl

Penn State vs Georgia

Christian Hackenberg will lead Penn State versus Michel and Georgia. If Hackenberg can get it going, then Georgia should watch out. I fear this will be a let down game for Georgia with Chubb out and with Richt not there and going to Miamai. I think Georgia has the talent, but I think they'll come out flat. I believe Penn State wins this 21-7.

Autozone Liberty Bowl

Kansas State vs. Arkansas

Arkansas came on late in the season with some impressive wins and some impressive luck. It's not luck that kept them in games however. Quarterback Brandon Allen was much maligned in the state of Arkansas for most of his years as quarterback. I think he took this season to prove himself. They will also be showcasing running back Alex Collins, as he will most likely be headed to the NFL draft. Kansas State played a lot of close games against a lot of good teams in the conference this year. They went on an extended losing streak, but ended the season winning three. They will be motivated and star receiver/backup quarterback Kody Cook lead a decent offensive attack. In the end I don't think K State has enough to beat the ground and pound attack of the Razorbacks and Arkansas wins 28-14.

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

Florida vs. Michigan

These were two over-achieving teams this season. I think that while they both surprises us, they may have been disappointed in the end. I do believe this will be one of the better bowl games with two teams with a lot to prove and a lot to look forward to with these coaches and players. These are two teams that have explosive players on offense and very tenacious defenses. Both teams are really centered around the defense and depend on big plays from special teams and specialty offensive players. I think Florida will keep it close, but I see Michigan winning a defensive struggle 17-10.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss

This will be a great game of high ranked teams from two very competitive conferences. This should be a game with a lot of the Ole Miss and OSU fans showing up. With the SEC and Big-12 going to this game, we have a good chance for the Big-12 to prove something against the SEC. Oklahoma State had a good year and thought they might be in a playoff game, but lost the final two games of the season. Ole Miss had a heartbreaking loss to Arkansas, but a huge win at Alabama. This will be a very competitive game with two good defenses and explosive offenses. I think that Oklahoma State wins 42-38.

College Football Playoff

Alabama's chances.

I like Alabama to beat Michigan State. I think they are two teams that play with a similar style and I believe that Alabama's front 7 will be the difference. Cook does not move well for State and I don't think he can escape this big pass rush. I don't know that Henry will be able to run like he has for Alabama in this particular game, but I believe that Jake Coker will be able to hook up with Ridley and the cast of receivers enough to win this game. I think that with Alabama you also have to look out for Drake as a receiver and runner. I think he could be the difference. I like Alabama to win 24-10.

I think that Alabama will play Clemson in the championship game. Clemson has some good speed on defense and a very explosive offense. Deshaun Watson can give a team fits on the ground and through the air. They also have the running back Wayne Gallman and receiver Artavis Scott along with Deon Cain and Charone Peake. This offense is very dangerous with lots of big play personel. Alabama can stop the run, but needs to watch out for the scramble and big throws. I think that Henry can run the ball more against Clemson than against Michigan State and that will be the difference. I see this one going to the Tide by a score of 38-35.

SEC Bowl and Final Four Preview 2015-2016 to SEC Football

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