Espn bowl game schedule 2012

Longtime Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster faces a big test in his final game: slowing down Lynn Bowden and the nation's No.

Virginia Tech has held up well against the run 27th nationally but might need to get its own ground game going against a Kentucky defense that can pressure the quarterback and defend the pass. Ultimately, it's Bowden over Bud as the Kentucky star leads his team to a second straight bowl win. But this roster still needs work, and Arizona State is building some real momentum for The Sun Devils contain Cam Akers and pull away in the fourth quarter. Both coaches did outstanding jobs this season, as Chris Klieman led Kansas State to eight wins in his first season, and Navy's Ken Niumatalolo rebounded from a clunker with nine wins entering the Army game.

Expect a very quick game, as both teams love to run the ball and control the clock. Navy's edge in run defense -- Mids are 17th nationally, Wildcats are 62nd -- is the difference as Jacob Springer leads the charge. Wyoming has a clear edge on defense and at the line of scrimmage, ranking sixth nationally in rushing yards allowed and 27th in rushing offense. Craig Bohl's team gets a lift from 1,yard rusher Xazavian Valladay against the nation's th-ranked run defense.

Wyoming's defense contains quarterback Dan Ellington in the win. Utah's no-show in the Pac championship game cost it a likely playoff spot and knocked the Utes out of a New Year's Six bowl. This game is all about Utah's motivation level.

If a prideful group of seniors show up, they'll handle Texas, which ranks th nationally against the pass and will struggle to match the Utes at the line of scrimmage. If not, Utah will lose a virtual road game and have a ton of regrets. I expect the Utah we saw for most of the season.

Kirk Herbstreit and the crew preview Michigan vs. Alabama in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl. This is one of the tougher quick-picks, as we don't know which top-level Alabama players will sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. The Tide crushed Michigan State in their last Citrus Bowl then Capital One Bowl appearance, but they also have endured motivation lapses when left out of the national title race. Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis sees his former Crimson Tide wide receivers, and Wolverines quarterback Shea Patterson faces Alabama for the first time since I think Alabama shows up ticked off, and Jim Harbaugh's bowl blues continue.

I picked a Big Ten West team over Auburn last year and paid the price in humiliation. The availability of Derrick Brown and Auburn's defensive linemen is a question, and Minnesota could neutralize them with its RPO-based offense. But Auburn has played a much tougher schedule and boasts key talent advantages. Minnesota leads early behind big plays from Rashod Bateman , but Bo Nix and Auburn take control in the second half.

These are similarly constructed teams, bolstered by elite-level offensive lines and well-coached defenses that rarely give up big plays. Both teams will be highly motivated, but I like Wisconsin's running game a little more, as Taylor finishes a historic career on a strong note. A disappointed Georgia team heads to New Orleans for the second straight year to face a Big 12 foe from the state of Texas.

Will Kirby Smart's team recharge better this time around? Both defenses are excellent and both can run the ball with multiple backs. Georgia's defense is prideful, though, and Smart will challenge the group after the LSU debacle. Boston College would love Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell to switch sidelines, but it's not going to happen.

After falling just short of an AAC title, the Bearcats take out their frustrations. After a close first half, the Bearcats take control in the third quarter and post their second straight win season. Tennessee looked really good down the stretch, winning its final five games behind an improved defense. Vols top receiver Jauan Jennings is suspended for the first half of the game, which gives Whop Philyor , Stevie Scott and Indiana's offense an opportunity for the early lead. Indiana's struggles against teams with winning records are a concern, though, and Tennessee will rally for a close win.

Ohio wasn't far away from a much better season than its record indicated, going in games decided by 10 points or fewer. Nathan Rourke is a talented dual-threat quarterback who should be able to have success against Nevada's defense. Nevada coach Jay Norvell did a good job getting his team to seven wins, but the Wolf Pack are really banged up and limited on both sides of the ball. Fresno State Rice C Michigan Western KY Navy San Diego State Marshall N Illinois BYU Memphis South Alabama Bowling Green W Michigan Air Force Utah State UTEP Nevada Louisiana All rights reserved.

Colorado RB Broussard enters transfer portal. Colorado Buffaloes. Alabama Crimson Tide. Air Force Falcons. Big Ten adds cross-divisional games to '22 slate. Penn State Nittany Lions. RB Cain leaves Penn State, enters transfer portal. Final college football power rankings: Bowl season shakes up top The Way-Too-Early college football top Valero Alamo Bowl Texas 55, Colorado Vrbo Citrus Bowl Northwestern 35, Auburn Outback Bowl Ole Miss 26, Indiana Skip to main content Skip to navigation.

College football bowl game schedule: Scores, recaps, games. Appalachian State Mountaineers. Bama's Williams, Kiper's top WR, enters draft. Ole Miss Rebels.