Boxengasse » of those guys. Hes a self-made guy, coac

OK, heres the deal: The following information is for entertainment purposes only. Please dont copy my selections and paste them into your bowl confidence pools and then curse me out on Twitter three weeks from now about my (possibly) horrible selections.To be honest, Im confident in about the first 10 selections. After that, theyre pretty much toss-ups, and the outcomes might come down to what always matters most during bowl season: motivation.Here are my bowl predictions, ranked in the order of most confident to least confident.?40. St. Petersburg Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State?(Dec. 26, 11 a.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida)Im betting the Bulldogs will be highly motivated to finish 6-7. Prediction: Mississippi State 45, Miami (OH) 2439. Miami Beach Bowl: Central Michigan?vs. Tulsa?(Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Marlins Park, Miami)The football gods apparently frowned on the Chippewas controversial, 30-27 win at Oklahoma State. Central Michigan dropped six of its last nine games. Prediction: Tulsa 48, Central Michigan 2738. Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: South Alabama?vs. Air Force?(Dec. 30, 5:30 p.m. ET, Campus Insiders) (Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona)Air Forces biggest win this season might have been somehow keeping coach Troy Calhoun for another year. Prediction:?Air Force 34, South Alabama 2037. College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 4 Washington?vs. No. 1 Alabama?(Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Georgia Dome, Atlanta)We can try to pretend the Peach Bowl will be close because we want to watch a competitive game. It wont be. Tide roll. Prediction:?Alabama 27, Washington 1036. San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: BYU?vs. Wyoming?(Dec. 21, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego)The Cougars quietly won seven of their last eight games, with the only loss coming by one point at Boise State. Prediction:?BYU 28, Wyoming 1735. Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: Boise State?vs. Baylor?(Dec. 27, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Chase Field, Phoenix)The Bears -- and much of their coaching staff -- checked out a while ago. Prediction: Boise State 38, Baylor 2134. Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan?vs. Old Dominion?(Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas)The Monarchs have lost once since September and wont fall in their first-ever bowl game. Prediction: Old Dominion 38, Eastern Michigan 2833. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Idaho vs. Colorado State?(Dec. 22, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho)Georgia fans might want to tune in to see what the Bulldogs offense used to look like under Rams coach and former UGA OC Mike Bobo. Prediction: Colorado State 41, Idaho 2432. Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee?(Dec. 24, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Aloha Stadium, Honolulu)Ill like the Blue Raiders chances of winning a lot more if quarterback Brent Stockstill returns from a broken collarbone. Prediction: Middle Tennessee 48, Hawaii 3431. National Funding Holiday Bowl: Minnesota?vs. Washington State?(Dec. 27, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego)The Gophers were underdogs to begin with, and now theyll be missing 10 players who are suspended. Cougars coach Mike Leach does look a little bit like Carl Spackler. Prediction: Washington State 41, Minnesota 2130. Foster Farms Bowl: Indiana?vs. No. 19 Utah?(Dec. 28, 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox) (Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, California)The Utes beat exactly two teams (BYU and USC) that are playing in bowl games. Theyll make it three against Indiana. Prediction: Utah 24, Indiana 1729. Birmingham Bowl: South Florida?vs. South Carolina?(Dec. 29, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama)Even without coach Willie Taggart, who left for Oregon, the Bulls have too much firepower in quarterback Quinton Flowers and tailback Marlon Mack for the Gamecocks. Prediction: South Florida 34, South Carolina 2728. Gildan New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico?vs. Texas San Antonio?(Dec. 17, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico)The Lobos are playing at home. They might have lost at New Mexico State and, ahem, Rutgers, but they rarely lose at home. Prediction: New Mexico 38, UTSA 3127. Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 15 Western Michigan?vs. No. 8 Wisconsin?(Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)The undefeated Broncos did an amazing job rowing their boats to a New Years Six bowl, but Wisconsins defense is going to feel like whitecaps. Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Western Michigan 2026. Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech?vs. No. 25 Navy?(Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas)Im guessing that loss to Army still stings. Prediction: Louisiana Tech 30, Navy 2125. New Era Pinstripe Bowl: No. 23 Pittsburgh?vs. Northwestern?(Dec. 28, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York)The Panthers and Wildcats last played in 1973, when Pitt freshman Tony Dorsett ran for a then-school-record 265 yards in a 21-14 victory. Prediction: Pittsburgh 49, Northwestern 3524. AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: Texas A&M?vs. Kansas State?(Dec. 28, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas)While Kansas States Bill Snyder has accomplished some amazing things, he hasnt enjoyed postseason success. The Wildcats have dropped seven of their past eight bowl games. Prediction: Texas A&M 31, Kansas State 2123. Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman: No. 24 Temple?vs. Wake Forest?(Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland)Im waiting for our President-elect to weigh in on #WakeyLeaks before I make my official selection. Prediction: Temple 23, Wake Forest 1322. Belk Bowl: Arkansas?vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech?(Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina)Being Bret Bielema might not be that fun at the Belk Bowl. Prediction: Virginia Tech 41, Arkansas 3121. Hyundai Sun Bowl: No. 18 Stanford?vs. North Carolina?(Dec. 30, 2 p.m. ET, CBS) (Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas)Stanford star Christian McCaffreys final college game might be pretty memorable against North Carolinas defense. Prediction: Stanford 42, North Carolina 3820. Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual:?No. 9 USC?vs. No. 5 Penn State?(Jan. 2, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California)The Trojans probably shouldnt take a big lead over Penn State in the first half. Prediction: USC 31, Penn State 2719. Zaxbys Heart of Dallas Bowl: Army?vs. North Texas?(Dec. 27, noon, ESPN/ESPN App) (Cotton Bowl, Dallas)The Mean Green beat the Black Knights 35-18 on Oct. 22, but its hard to defeat a team twice in the same season. Ask LSU. Prediction: Army 23, North Texas 1418. Boca Raton Bowl: Memphis?vs. Western Kentucky?(Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida)How much will the Hilltoppers miss head coach Jeff Brohms playcalling? He has already left to become Purdues new coach. Prediction: Western Kentucky 48, Memphis 4217. Capital One Orange Bowl:?No. 6 Michigan?vs. No. 11 Florida State?(Dec. 30, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida)The Wolverines better be ready to play, or FSU tailback Dalvin Cook might be running around like a jive turkey. Prediction: Michigan 27, Florida State 2016. Camping World Independence Bowl: NC State?vs. Vanderbilt?(Dec. 26, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN2/ESPN App) (Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana)Youre not in the SEC East anymore, Commodores. Prediction: NC State 27, Vanderbilt 2015. AutoNation Cure Bowl: UCF?vs. Arkansas State?(Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network) (Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida)After going 0-12 in 2015, the Knights can finish with a winning record in coach Scott Frosts first season. Plus, UCF is playing at home. Prediction: UCF 27, Arkansas State 2014. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Mississippi?vs. Louisiana Lafayette?(Dec. 17, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans)Its going to be a Ragin party in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday night -- before the game kicks off. Prediction: Southern Miss 31, Louisiana-Lafayette 2813. Dollar General Bowl: Ohio?vs. Troy?(Dec. 23, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama)Touchdowns wont come cheap in what might be one of the better defensive battles of the postseason. Prediction: Troy 21, Ohio 2012. Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Nebraska?vs. No. 21 Tennessee?(Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee)Regardless of the outcome, theyre both champions in my book. Prediction: Tennessee 34, Nebraska 2811. TaxSlayer Bowl: Georgia Tech?vs. Kentucky?(Dec. 31, 11 a.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida)Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson would like nothing more than a 3-0 record against SEC teams this season. Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, Kentucky 2710. Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl:?No. 20 LSU?vs. No. 13 Louisville?(Dec. 31, 11 a.m. ET, ABC/ESPN App) Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida)LSU tailback Leonard Fournette will run wild against a shaky Louisville defense in his final college game. Prediction: LSU 38, Louisville 319. AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia?vs. TCU?(Dec. 30, noon, ESPN/ESPN App) (Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee)Georgia wasnt great in coach Kirby Smarts first season, but the Horned Frogs were even more inconsistent. Prediction: Georgia 24, TCU 208. Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 14 Auburn?vs. No. 7 Oklahoma?(Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans)OU coach Bob Stoops takes down the big, bad SEC once again. Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Auburn 247. Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico: Houston?vs. San Diego State?(Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN App) (Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas)Motivation might be a concern for the Cougars, who lost coach Tom Herman to Texas. But on the flip side: Aztecs senior Donnel Pumphrey?can become the FBS all-time leading rusher in his hometown. Prediction: San Diego State 35, Houston 316. Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State?vs. Toledo?(Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama)It looks to be a very even matchup, but Ill go with the Rockets because of quarterback Logan Woodside, who threw 43 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. Prediction: Toledo 27, Appalachian State 245. Outback Bowl: No. 17 Florida?vs. Iowa?(Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN App) (Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida)Florida ranks ninth in the FBS in net punting with a 40.9-yard average; Iowa is 45th at 38.4 yards. Give me the Gators. Prediction: Florida 17, Iowa 134. College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Ohio State?vs. No. 2 Clemson?(Dec. 31, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona)Its going to be a classic. Prediction: Clemson 42, Ohio State 403. Valero Alamo Bowl: No. 12 Oklahoma State?vs. No. 10 Colorado?(Dec. 29, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)Colorados defense will be rested and ready for OSUs high-powered offense. Prediction: Colorado 31, Oklahoma State 282. Russell Athletic Bowl: No. 16 West Virginia?vs. Miami?(Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida)The U is back -- maybe next season. Prediction: West Virginia 34, Miami 311. Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland?vs. Boston College?(Dec. 26, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN App) (Ford Field, Detroit)Both teams improved on 3-win seasons in 2015, and the Eagles will end a five-game bowl losing streak. Prediction: Boston College 21, Maryland 17Bonus pick!Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl: North Carolina Central?vs. Grambling State?(Dec. 17, noon ET, ABC/ESPN App) (Georgia Dome, Atlanta)The Tigers have suffered one loss this season -- a 10-point defeat at Arizona on Sept. 10. Prediction: Grambling 27, NC Central 21 Nike Vapormax Flyknit Cheap . Dusautoir, the former World Player of the Year, sustained a torn bicep playing for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. The flanker, who has played 65 times for France, is expected to be out for up to four months. 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EUGENE, Ore. -- Every team has one of them: A player who hasnt gotten much attention from outside the program but has made a significant impact on his teammates.It might be a scout-team regular, or even a walk-on. It might be someone who just grinded it out every day and never complained.At Oregon, that guy is senior running back Jarret LaCoste.LaCoste was a walk-on at Oregon two years ago when the Ducks went to the first College Football Playoff championship game. Hes since become a key contributor on the scout team -- last week he was tasked with simulating Stanfords Christian McCaffrey.Ask his teammates and theyll all say hes a beast in the weight room, helping younger players to keep up their offseason lifting regimens.LaCoste, who played this season against Washington and gained 55 yards on 10 carries, has already graduated and hes about to embark on a job with a Portland accounting firm. He was never on scholarship during his career with the Ducks -- but he jokes hes gotten some stylish Nike team gear.Honestly, I never would have dreamed I was going to play Division I football, ever, he said. So my expectations just from the start were low, I was like, `Wow, Im just so honored to be on this team, I cant believe they let me on. This is awesome. But then I thought, `I feel very privileged and honored to be on this team, so I better give them everything I can and never let anyone down.Arizona tight end Josh Kern was originally recruited by then-coach Mike Stoops as a quarterback but switched positions after a redshirt year. Hes had only had a dozen touches.But Kern has been the heart of the Wildcats. He gave the eulogy for senior outside linebacker Zach Hemmila, who died in his sleep in August. Kern also spoke at the funeral of fan Andrew Valdez, a local teen who lost his battle with cystic fibrosis last year.Ive never had to worry about him doing the right thing, coach Rich Rodriguez said. Hes a leader in the community. Hes our top service guy. I dont know if you can be a better role model for all of our players than Josh Kern.His teammates echoed the sentiment.People dont see the stuff that goes on inside of here, but like when we come home from a game and get off the bus, Josh is like, `Hey, you need you ride? Samajie, you want a ride? running back Samajie Grant said. Josh, even though he hasnt been playing like he wants to, is still bringing it every single day.At Colorado, quarterback Sefo Liufau pointed to junior cornerback Andrew Bergner, who joined the Buffaloes last season as a walk-on and provides the offense with a challenge during practice.Sometimes you cant always get the best looks from your scout team, sometimes you dont have the depth, Liufau said. SSometimes you dont have the players to go out there and give us a half-decent look.dddddddddddd. Hes done a really good job this year of going out there and playing ball.Some unsung heroes are players who paid their dues for years and were finally rewarded with a shot. At UCLA that guy is quarterback Mike Fafaul, a former walk-on who became a starter with Josh Rosen sidelined by a shoulder injury.A fifth-year senior, Fafaul was a scout team regular while the starting job was held by Brett Hundley and later Rosen. Last season he appeared in just one game.He learned hed make his first career start during warmups before the Bruins game at Washignton State on Oct. 15. In a 52-45 loss to Utah back the following week, Fafaul set school records for completions and pass attempts (40-for-70) while amassing 464 yards passing with five touchdowns.He got his first career win -- and the game ball -- last week when the Bruins defeated Oregon State 38-24.Hes everything that you want in a quarterback in terms of studying the game and it being serious to him, coach Jim Mora said.Sometimes an unsung hero can be a senior who has just worked unselfishly throughout his career. At Oregon State thats safety Devin Chappell, who has had to shift positions because of injuries that have struck the Beavers defense.Chappell,a walk-on transfer from nearby Western Oregon, started eight games last season, and this spring his teammates named him one of the captains.Devin is one of those guys. Hes a self-made guy, coach Gary Andersen said. He walked on, got a scholarship -- which was so important to him. Hes a good player in this league and hes proven. Hes a team captain and a great leader. He would definitely be labeled a grinder.Stanford guard Johnny Caspers, a fifth-year senior, is much like that, too, Cardinal Coach David Shaw said.Even before the coaches get to everybody, there are guys like Johnny Caspers setting the table saying, `Heres what were going to do. So theres a connection between the coaches and the leaders of the football team, Shaw said. When things are going well, Johnny is one of those guys who say `Hey, hey, hey, hey, we havent won a Super Bowl yet. We got a game this week, lets get back down to things that were supposed to do.---AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Colorado and Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report, as did AP freelancers Rick Eymer in California and Anthony Gimino in Arizona.---For more college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25---Follow Anne M. Peterson at www.Twitter.com/anniempeterson ' ' '