2022 [2022] Big XII Bowl Game Preview Week 1

[Vivid]

 

Big XII Bowl Game Preview

 

Camellia Bowl

:iowastate:Iowa State (6-6) vs. UAB (6-6) :uab:

This matchup of 6-6 teams is basically a home game for UAB hosted in Montgomery, AL. But the Cyclones have been known to travel well just see their road wins at Kansas and Iowa.

UAB is led by there QB Rey Scott who has thrown for 4237 yards and 22 TDs compared to only 11 INTs this year. Rey has two stellar options at WR with both Severino Rodriguez and Donovan Uzomah going over 1000 yards receiving. However, Scott has been sacked 28 times this year, so if ISU can get to him it might be a different game yet this is not their strong suit as their sack leader Tomlinson (DE) only has 4 on the year. Look for Clark Whitehead to try to capitalize in the secondary on any mistakes.

 

On the other sideline, ISU is paced by Johnny Young at RB with over 1,500 yards rushing on the season. The offense relies on his legs (329 carries) as they look to slow down the high-octane UAB offense. He will have to compete with Dixon Pressly (DE) and Nick Golson (DT) and their 18 and 15 tackles for loss respectively.

This game will come down to who can control the ball and keep drives alive. I like the consistency of Johnny Young and think he will have a ball game. ISU 24-UAB 17

Sun Bowl (CFP 1st Round)

:louisville:#5 Louisville (11-2) vs. #12 Kansas State (9-3) :kansasstate:

Our first of two College Football Playoff matchups in the big ten pits the ACC Champion Louisville Cardinals against the Kansas State Wildcats. Louisville has looked strong throughout the year whereas Kansas State has shown stretches of greatness mixed in with a mid-season slide.

Both teams are very balanced with QBs throwing over 3,000 yards passing and RBs with over 1,400 yards rushing. Louisville's Chanceller Stewart does have a few more weapons at his disposal corresponding to roughly 700 more yards than KSST's Brandon Smith. Smith will look to target Big 12 standout Danny Cichy most of the night while Stewart can spread it around to Jefferson, Deayon, or Smith.

 

Both teams rely on strong ILBs and DTs on the defensive side of the ball. KSST needs a big game out of Ryan Hicks racking up an astounding 90 tackles and 26 TOLs in the regular season who will be paired with JT Travis with 50.5 and 22 respectively. Similarly, Louisville has Tyler Hall and Alejandro Rua with around 60 tackles and 30 TOLs each. In the secondary Davis Lamb (LOU) and Simeyon McCoy (KSST) will look to find every errant pass possible.

This game looks so close on paper. I think this may come down to the kicking game. I think I trust Greg Wolf and KSST a bit more here coming down to the wire. KSST 24 - LOU 21

Citrus Bowl (CFP 1st Round)

#7 Alabama (11-2) vs. #10 Baylor (9-4)

The final game of the night sees powerhouse BAMA matched with our very own Big 12 Conference Champion Baylor Bears. Bama has only dropped 2 games all season with both being against other CFP teams (TENN and WKU). On the other hand, Baylor has alternated between an unstoppable running force and a team that just can't keep drives alive.

Alabama has way too much talent. They not only have more A's in their name they also have more A's on their roster. Bama is led by their stud Speed RB Chris Williams who has tallied 2,192 rushing yards with a 6.25 average and 24 rushing TDs. Their passing game has been a bit more suspect as Connor Bennett has only completed 57% of his passes with 23 TDs and 13 INTs. On defense, Bama is led by Weston Shackelford with 71.5 tackles. Look for Marcus Sirles to be in Baylor's backfield early and often as he has racked up 31 TOLs on the season.

 

On Baylor's side, it really depends which Travis Knebel shows up. The RS SO QB has been elite on the ground with 1,656 yards and 18 TDs but has struggled through the air matching 9 TDs with 11 INTs on the season. Baylor also uses SR RB Detrich Smith as a solid between-the-tackles runner to the tune of 1,333 yards and 7 TDs. Coach Vivid has discussed going with Sr QB Orlando Gronkowski as a more reliable passing option with Knebel utilized in the running game to stretch the defense. Baylor will need big games from Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Garrett Smith the do it all SS with 83.5 tackles and 16 TOLs. Baylor will need to shut down the run and force some turnovers if they want a chance here.

As much as I would want to be a homer and pick Baylor, I think there is just too much talent on BAMA. BAMA 34- BAYL 10

[tsweezy]

34-10?? I don't see it being that bad

[Vivid]

Gods be good