College Football Bowl Matchups: Stats, advice, rankings for every game in your pick 'em pool

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College Football Bowl Matchups: Stats, advice, rankings for every game in your pick 'em pool image

With so many matchups to consider this college football bowl season, you're officially forgiven for not having an intricate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of teams like UAB and Georgia State. However, if you want to win your college bowl pick 'em pool or make some money betting on the games, you need to educated advice based on stats and not simply on hunches.

On that front, TeamRankings.com provides expert picks for bowl pick 'em contests and algorithmic bowl betting picks that do all the number crunching for you. In fact, in past years our customers have won bowl pick 'em pools more than three times as often as expected -- a huge edge. Follow TeamRankings on Twitter.

MORE: Triple your odds to win a college bowl pick 'em pool!

College Football Bowl Picks: Stats, matchup highlights

If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer or just curious about the numbers, we've compiled stat highlights for every 2017-18 college bowl team on both offense and defense (games listed in order of when they're scheduled to be played).

(Note that Predictive Ranking is our proprietary measurement of team quality, designed to best predict the outcomes of future games. Among other factors, it takes into account a team's schedule strength, point margins of victories and losses, and game locations. Finally, these stats ONLY include games against other FBS teams this year; FCS matchups are excluded.)

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New Orleans Bowl: North Texas vs. Troy

North Texas ranks 17th in passing yards per game, but it could be without No. 1 wide receiver Jalen Guyton (concussion), who has missed the Mean Green’s past two games. His loss would be a blow.

North Texas

Predictive Ranking: No. 95

Offense Highlight: Pass Yards Per Game (295.9, No. 17)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Completion Percentage (54 percent, No. 21)

Troy

Predictive Ranking: No. 63

Offense Highlight: Points Per Play (0.442, No. 34)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (58.97 percent, No. 1)  

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Cure Bowl: Georgia State vs. Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky had the third-highest passing play percentage in college football and the seventh-most passing yards. Now, it's facing a Georgia State squad that ranks 103rd in pass yards allowed per game (252.1).

Georgia State

Predictive Ranking: No. 116

Offense Highlight: Completion Percentage (62.71, No. 27)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage  (79.41 percent, No. 38)

Western Kentucky

Predictive Ranking: No. 102

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (62.24 percent, No. 3)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Passing Yards Per Game (190.3, No. 23)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State vs. Oregon

The strength of Oregon is its running game, and as a result Mario Cristobal was just promoted from co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach to head coach, replacing the recently departed Willie Taggert.

Boise State

Predictive Ranking: No. 38

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (0.8, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Play (4.7, No. 15)

Oregon

Predictive Ranking: No. 31

Offense Highlight: Rush Yards Per Game (260.7, No. 11)

Defense Top Ranking: Opponent Third Down Conversion Percentage (33.33 percent, No. 22)  

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

New Mexico Bowl: Marshall vs. Colorado State

These teams were similarly mediocre over their past five games (CSU ranks 91st in our "Last 5 Games" ranking, while Marshall ranks 99th), but Vegas has CSU favored by 5.5 early on.

Marshall

Predictive Ranking: No. 78

Offense Highlight: QB Sacked Percentage (1.91 percent, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone percentage (71.05 percent, No. 8)

Colorado State

Predictive Ranking: No. 71

Offense Highlight: Third Down Conversion Percentage (50.65 percent, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Completion Percentage (56.89 percent, No. 52)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com 

MORE: The secret the pros use to win more bowl pick 'em contests

Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State

Arkansas State quarterback Justice Hansen has put up big numbers this season, but he’s also been a turnover machine, contributing to the Red Wolves ranking No. 7 in giveaways per game.

Middle Tennessee State

Predictive Ranking: No. 98

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (52.72 percent, No. 22)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Play (4.8, No. 20)

Arkansas State

Predictive Ranking: No. 75

Offense Highlight: Passes Per Game (41.9, No. 7)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Completion Percentage (50.6 percent, No. 5)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Boca Raton Bowl: Akron vs. Florida Atlantic

Lane Kiffin’s Florida Atlantic squad is favored by the most points of any bowl game, thanks in large part to their overpowering running game, which averages 270 yards rushing per contest.

Akron

Predictive Ranking: No. 94

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (53.45 percent, No. 25)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (2.1, No. 11)

Florida Atlantic

Predictive Ranking: No. 52

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (5.9, No. 7)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (2.0, No. 14)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

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Frisco Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. SMU

SMU head coach Chad Morris has departed for Arkansas, but not before a complete three-year offensive turnaround with one of the top passing offenses in the country.

Louisiana Tech

Predictive Ranking: No. 93

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (1.1, No. 23)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (71.88 percent, No. 10)

SMU

Predictive Ranking: No. 66

Offense Highlight: Points Per Game (38.5, No. 10)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (1.9, No. 22)  

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Gasparilla Bowl: Temple vs. Florida International

Temple’s defense can get to the quarterback, which could pose a problem for a Florida International team that ranks just 54th in offensive sack percentage.

Temple

Predictive Ranking: No. 88

Offense Highlight: Passes Per Game (35.5, No. 34)

Defense Highlight: Sack Percentage (8.5 percent, No. 14)

Florida International

Predictive Ranking: No. 105

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (97.3 percent, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (77.08 percent, No. 24)  

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: How to maximize your edge in college bowl pick 'em pools

Bahamas Bowl: UAB vs. Ohio

Ohio leading rusher A.J. Ouellette will miss the game due to a shoulder injury, and No. 2 running back Dorian Brown is questionable with a hip pointer. The team may need to rely on mobile quarterback Nathan Rourke even more than normal.

UAB

Predictive Ranking: No. 106

Offense Highlight: Third Down Conversion Percentage (48.68 percent, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Completion Percentage (51.93 percent, No. 8)

Ohio

Predictive Ranking: No. 61

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (5.8, No. 10)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (44.11 percent, No. 2)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Wyoming

Top NFL prospect quarterback Josh Allen missed Wyoming’s last two games with a shoulder injury, and his team lost both contests. He’s questionable for the bowl game.

Central Michigan

Predictive Ranking: No. 85

Offense Highlight: Quarterback Sacked Percentage (4.12 percent, No. 25)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Pass (5.8, No. 5)

Wyoming

Predictive Ranking: No. 79

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (96.3 percent, No. 5)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways (2.6, No. 1)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech vs. South Florida  

South Florida senior quarterback Quinton Flowers could run wild against a Red Raiders defense that’s allowed 33.7 points per game this season (No. 102), albeit in a tough Big 12 conference.

Texas Tech

Predictive Ranking: No. 43

Offense Highlight: Passes Per Game (40.6, No. 10)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (46.92 percent, No. 5)

South Florida

Predictive Ranking: No. 41

Offense Highlight: Rushes Per Game (53.7, No. 5)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Interception Thrown Percentage (4.68 percent, No. 4)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Armed Forces Bowl: San Diego State vs. Army

Teams typically don’t run often on the Aztecs due to their 3.6 yards per rush allowed (No. 20), but it’s pretty much a certainty that Army will try early and often.

San Diego State

Predictive Ranking: No. 48

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (0.8, No. 6)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Game (303.5, No. 10)

Army

Predictive Ranking: No. 60

Offense Highlight: Rush Play Percentage (91.56 percent, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Percentage (70.83 percent, No. 8)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: Triple your odds to win a college bowl pick 'em pool!

Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo

Appalachian State has thrived, partly thanks to turnover margin (where they rank No. 10). They'll likely need to hope that trend continues against a prolific Toledo offense that’s putting up 38.5 points per game (No. 11).

Appalachian State

Predictive Ranking: No. 68

Offense Highlight: Quarterback Sacked Percentage (2.16 percent, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Interception Thrown Percentage (4.5 percent, No. 9)

Toledo

Predictive Ranking: No. 45

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Play (7.0, No. 6)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Completion Percentage (53.79 percent, No. 18)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Hawaii Bowl: Houston vs. Fresno State

The key to stopping Houston will likely be getting them off the field on third down. Houston ranks No. 21 in third down conversion percentage this season thanks to their efficient passing game.

Houston

Predictive Ranking: No. 53

Offense Highlight: Completion Percentage (70.11 percent, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (76.19 percent, No. 21)

Fresno State

Predictive Ranking: No. 55

Offense Highlight: Quarterback Sacked Percentage (2.23 percent, No. 5)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Play (0.273, No. 14)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah vs. West Virginia

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has the best bowl game winning percentage in history (10-1 record all-time), and he gets a fortunate draw, as West Virginia will be without quarterback Will Grier (finger).

Utah

Predictive Ranking: No. 36

Offense Highlight: Pass Yards Per Game (259.1, N0. 39)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (48.46 percent, No. 12)

West Virginia

Predictive Ranking: No. 37

Offense Highlight: Pass Yards Per Game (323.9, No. 10)

Defense Highlight: Third Down Conversion Percentage (34.97 percent, No. 30)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Quick Lane Bowl: Duke vs. Northern Illinois

A defensive struggle is expected for two teams that both rank in the bottom 16 in yards per pass and the top 30 in points allowed per game.

Duke

Predictive Ranking: No. 40

Offense Highlight: Passes Per Game (35.9, No. 33)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Interception Thrown Percentage (4.95 percent, No. 3)

Northern Illinois

Predictive Ranking: No. 62

Offense Highlight: Rushes Per Game (43.5, No. 26)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Rush (3.0, No. 5)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: The secret the pros use to win more bowl pick 'em contests

Cactus Bowl: Kansas State vs. UCLA

Teams don't run on Kansas State, and they’ve averaged 7.7 yards per attempt (No. 93) when they've passed. That could be great news for UCLA quarterback and possible No. 1 overall NFL draft choice Josh Rosen.

Kansas State

Predictive Ranking: No. 34

Offense Highlight: Points Per Play (0.474, No. 21)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (42.11 percent, #1)

UCLA

Predictive Ranking: No. 50

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (58.76 percent, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Pass Play Percentage (37.3 percent, No. 6)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Independence Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Florida State

The Seminoles have been getting maimed in the turnover battle this season (-0.8 per game, No. 119), and Southern Miss will likely need to pray that trend continues as big underdogs.

Southern Miss

Predictive Ranking: No. 89

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (4.9, No. 33)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Game (338.5, No. 20)

Florida State

Predictive Ranking: No. 23

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (90 percent, No. 22)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Pass (5.9, No. 7)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa vs. Boston College

Boston College is set to miss starting quarterback Anthony Brown (knee) for a third straight game, but it managed to win two straight games on the road at the end of the season by leaning more heavily on running back A.J. Dillon.

Iowa

Predictive Ranking: No. 17

Offense Highlight: Interceptions Thrown Percentage (1.76 percent, No. 24)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Pass (5.9, No. 8)

Boston College

Predictive Ranking: No. 32

Offense Highlight: Rushes Per Game (47.9, No. 10)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Interception Thrown Percentage (4.57 percent, No. 6)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona vs. Purdue

Arizona's combination of quarterback Khalil Tate and running back J.J. Taylor has been nearly impossible to stop on the ground, but Purdue has allowed only 3.6 yards per carry (No. 25).

Arizona

Predictive Ranking: 44

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (6.5, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (1.9, No. 22)

Purdue

Predictive Ranking: #39

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (53.43 percent, No. 26)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Play (0.264, No. 12)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: Triple your odds to win a college bowl pick 'em pool!

Texas Bowl: Texas vs. Missouri

Missouri’s offense has emerged as elite during the second half of the season -- we rank them as the No. 11 team in the country over their last five games -- but offensive coordinator Josh Heupel recently left to take over as head coach of UCF.

Texas

Predictive Ranking: No. 25

Offense Highlight: Passes Per Game (39, No. 15)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Rush (3.0, No. 4)

Missouri

Predictive Ranking: No. 42

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Pass (8.9, No. 7)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Rush (4.1, No. 45)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

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Military Bowl: Virginia vs. Navy

Virginia’s run defense has been poor (4.5 yards per rush, No. 73), while Navy’s pass defense has been even worse (9.0 yards per pass, No. 120). This sets up as an awful matchup for both defenses.

Virginia

Predictive Ranking: No. 70

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (58.10 percent, No. 6)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (69.7 percent, No. 5)

Navy

Predictive Ranking: No. 54

Offense Highlight: Rush Yards Per Game (343, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Passes Per Game (24.8, No. 7)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Camping World Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State has put up an astounding 46.2 points (No. 3) and 578.9 yards (No. 2) per game, but it's facing a Virginia Tech defense that only allows 14.7 points per game (No. 5).

Virginia Tech

Predictive Ranking: No. 16

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (1.0, No. 15)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Third Down Conversion Percentage (24.84 percent, No. 1)

Oklahoma State

Predictive Ranking: No. 11

Offense Highlight: Pass Yards Per Game (392.3, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Rush (3.5, No. 15)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Holiday Bowl: Washington State vs. Michigan State

Michigan State has plenty of experience facing the pass, as opponents have passed against them the seventh-most often of any defense. That certainly won’t change facing Mike Leach’s pass-heavy offense.

Washington State

Predictive Ranking: No. 30

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (70.87 percent, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Third Down Conversion Percentage (26.03 percent, No. 2)

Michigan State

Predictive Ranking: No. 33

Offense Highlight: Interception Thrown Percentage (1.49 percent, No. 14)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rushes Per Game (30.0, No. 1)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: The secret the pros use to win more bowl pick 'em contests

Alamo Bowl: Stanford vs. TCU

It’s no secret that defenses need to stop Heisman candidate Bryce Love on the ground to stop Stanford’s offense, and TCU could be up to the task, ranking No. 8 in yards allowed per rush (3.2).

Stanford

Predictive Ranking: No. 13

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (6.0, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (1.9, No. 20)

TCU

Predictive Ranking: No. 12

Offense Highlight: Completion Percentage (65.18 percent, No. 8)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Conversion Percentage (66.67 percent, No. 2)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Belk Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M

Texas A&M has done a fantastic job getting to the quarterback this season, but that strength could be nullified by a Wake Forest offense that has been relatively run-heavy.

Wake Forest

Predictive Ranking: No. 26

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (93.02 percent, No. 9)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (49.95 percent, No. 24)

Texas A&M

Predictive Ranking: No. 47

Offense Highlight: Points Per Game (31.7, No. 36)

Defense Highlight: Quarterback Sacked Percentage (10.11 percent, No. 3)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Sun Bowl: NC State vs. Arizona State

Arizona State has shown a leaky defense, especially with yards allowed per game (447.2, No. 103), which is a major concern against an NC State squad that ranks 28th in yards per game.

NC State

Predictive Ranking: No. 28

Offense Highlight: Quarterback Sacked Percentage (2.52 percent, No. 6)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (45.55 percent, No. 3)

Arizona State

Predictive Ranking: No. 46

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (0.9, No. 11)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rushes Per Game (35.2, No. 25)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Northwestern

Northwestern's balanced defense ranks well vs. the run and pass and ranks 45 spots ahead of Kentucky in our predictive rankings. The Wildcats also enter bowl season with momentum, ranking No. 16 in our "Last 5 Games" rankings.

Kentucky

Predictive Ranking: No. 69

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (92.11 percent, No. 12)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Play Percentage (50 percent, No. 25)

Northwestern

Predictive Ranking: No. 24

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (90.2 percent, No. 21)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (67.74 percent, No. 3)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: How to maximize your edge in college bowl pick 'em pools

Arizona Bowl: Utah State vs. New Mexico State

Utah State’s exposure to pass-heavy teams has been limited because their rush defense has been a weakness (4.5 yards allowed per rush, 229.6 rush yards allowed per game). So, it's a question how much pass-happy New Mexico State offense will exploit that weakness.

Utah State

Predictive Ranking: No. 76

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (89.29 percent, No. 26)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (2.2, No. 8)

New Mexico State

Predictive Ranking: No. 109

Offense Highlight: Pass Play Percentage (65.5 percent, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Third Down Conversion Percentage (31.36 percent, No. 9)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Cotton Bowl: USC vs. Ohio State

The offenses of both USC and Ohio State rank well across the board, but the Buckeyes are No. 7 in yards allowed per game compared to No. 69 for the Trojans. Top NFL quarterback prospect Sam Darnold will have to be at his best, as he was in the Rose Bowl last year.

USC

Predictive Ranking: No. 15

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Game (490, No. 12)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Red Zone Scoring Percentage (69.57 percent, No. 4)

Ohio State

Predictive Ranking: No. 2

Offense Highlight: Points Per Game (42.5, No. 5)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Play (4.2, No. 5)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

TaxSlayer Bowl: Louisville vs. Mississippi State

An even matchup on paper has been tilted toward Louisville with the loss of Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (ankle), wide receiver Donald Gray (hernia), and head coach Dan Mullen (to Florida).

Louisville

Predictive Ranking: No. 18

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (6.6, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Interceptions Thrown Percentage (3.49 percent, No. 35)

Mississippi State

Predictive Ranking: No. 21

Offense Highlight: Third Down Conversion Percentage (46.43 percent, No. 8)

Defense Highlight: Sack Percentage (9.54 percent, No. 6)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

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Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs. Memphis

Memphis, playing a home game here, has had good fortune with their takeaways (particularly fumbles), which has helped hold up a defense that's allowed the 11th-most yards per game (483.8). Iowa State, on the other hand, has rarely coughed up the ball on offense.

Iowa State

Predictive Ranking: No. 27

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (0.7, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Play (0.292, No. 22)

Memphis

Predictive Ranking: No. 29

Offense Highlight: Points Per Game: (48, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (2.6, No. 1)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: Triple your odds to win a college bowl pick 'em pool!

Fiesta Bowl: Washington vs. Penn State

Washington has been terrific at stopping the run this season, which will likely be a requirement against Penn State standout running back Saquon Barkley.

Washington

Predictive Ranking: No. 9

Offense Highlight: Completion Percentage (67.7 percent, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Rush (2.8, No. 2)

Penn State

Predictive Ranking: No. 3

Offense Highlight: Points Per Play (0.582, No. 4)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Play (0.211, No. 5)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Orange Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Miami (FL)

Miami’s best offense against Wisconsin could be their defense, as the Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook has been careless with the ball (15 interceptions), while the Hurricanes defense has excelled at interceptions.

Wisconsin

Predictive Ranking: No. 7

Offense Highlight: Third Down Conversion Percentage (48.82 percent, No. 3)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Game (253.2, No. 1)

Miami (FL)

Predictive Ranking: No. 20

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (94.12 percent, No. 8)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways (2.5, No. 3)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Outback Bowl: Michigan vs. South Carolina

South Carolina fired offensive coordinator Kurt Roper after a lackluster year, and the Gamecocks offense seems unlikely to improve against a Michigan team that has feasted on opposing quarterbacks (11.64-percent sack rate, No. 1).

Michigan

Predictive Ranking: No. 19

Offense Highlight: Rush Play Percentage (59.76 percent, No. 30)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Pass Yards Per Game (142.7, No. 1)

South Carolina

Predictive Ranking: No. 51

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (1.3, No. 36)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Play (0.293, No. 25)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Peach Bowl: UCF vs. Auburn

UCF head coach Scott Frost will coach in the Peach Bowl before leaving for Nebraska, in an attempt to complete the Knights' undefeated season as heavy underdogs.

UCF

Predictive Ranking: No. 14

Offense Highlight: Points Per Play (0.652, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Takeaways Per Game (2.5, No. 4)

Auburn

Predictive Ranking: No. 8

Offense Highlight: Interceptions Thrown Percentage (0.99 percent, No. 3)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Game (17.9, No. 9)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

MORE: The secret the pros use to win more bowl pick 'em contests

Citrus Bowl: Notre Dame vs. LSU

Despite a superior season-long Predictive Ranking, Notre Dame is in a slump (just No. 39 in our "Last 5 Games" rankings) after getting blown out in two of its last three games and struggling at home against Navy.

Notre Dame

Predictive Ranking: No. 10

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (6.4, No. 3)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Pass (6.2, No. 14)

LSU

Predictive Ranking: No. 22

Offense Highlight: Giveaways Per Game (0.7, No. 2)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Game (318.0, No. 12)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

Rose Bowl: Georgia vs. Oklahoma (CFP semifinal)

Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield has contributed to an incredible 12 yards per pass attempt (tops in the FBS), but he faces the nation's best defense in that same category.

Georgia

Predictive Ranking: No. 6

Offense Highlight: Red Zone Scoring Percentage (95.65 percent, No. 6)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Yards Per Pass (5.5, No. 1)

Oklahoma

Predictive Ranking: No. 5

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Game (583.3, No. 1)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Rush Yards Per Game (144.1, No. 36)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

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Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Clemson (CFP semifinal)

Neither defense has many weaknesses in this CFP rematch, but if Alabama’s continues to protect the ball on offense (0.5 giveaways per game, No. 1), it could play an important role in this game.

Alabama

Predictive Ranking: No. 1

Offense Highlight: Yards Per Rush (6.0, No. 5)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Game (12.5, No. 1)

Clemson

Predictive Ranking: No. 4

Offense Highlight: Third Down Conversion Percentage (45.99 percent, No. 10)

Defense Highlight: Opponent Points Per Play (0.198, No. 2)

Full Stat Comparison on TeamRankings.com

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