2022 [2022] Big XII Bowl Game Preview Week 2

[Vivid]

Big XII Bowl Preview Week 2

 

 

Armed Forces Bowl

:ucf: UCF (7-6) vs. Oklahoma (6-6) :oklahoma:

 

Both teams here have had a roller coaster of a season barely getting a bowl.

 

On the Oklahoma side, the Sooners are led by Pocket QB Pace Frandsen who has thrown for 3,391 yards and 28 TDs this year. They have also used multiple running backs as well as WRs to carry the ball; however, none are much to write home about. In contrast, WR Justin Neary is an exceptional route runner and is Frandsen's leading target. Watch out for Tim McRae in the red zone though as he has pulled in a remarkable 10 TDs on only 48 catches. On defense, Adam Cruikshank will be all over the field as he tallied 89 tackles 12 TOLs and 2 INTs this season.

 

UCFs QB will look to just manage the game. LaVine won't win you the game but you also have to hope he can do just enough to get by. They will instead turn to RB Steven Huerter with 1,193 yards and 8 TDs on the year. Albiet, both sides are not that efficient: Huerter at 4.19 per carry and LaVine with 5.96 per attempt. On defense UCF is quite balanced with 4 players over 50 tackles. FS kevin Grant will look to make Pace Frandsen pay for any errent passes (3 INTs on the year).

 

Since the addition of OU's new coach they have been on a tear. I am not betting against them this time. OU wins big 34-10

Hawai'i Bowl

:coloradostate: Colorado State (6-6) vs. Kansas (8-4) :kansas:

 

The battle of the ground games. Both of these teams will be looking to keep the ball on the ground all game long. The Rams are led by Rees Finnegan with over 1,600 yards on the ground and 11 TDs at a rate of 5.93 yards per carry. Kansas is much more balanced with not one, not two, but three ball carriers around the 1,000 yard mark. The three-headed monster of Maysonet, Casspi, and Humber will look to keep the ball moving all with 8 TDs on the year.

 

Friends of the forward pass beware, this game is not for you. CSU QBs have really struggled this year putting up 15 INTs to just 14 TDs. Kansas hasn't been much better as they rely on the ground game but their QBs don't turn the ball over as frequently.

 

On defense, both squads lean on their ILBs while CSU also asks a lot from FS Shake Deayon who has recorded 66 tackles and 3 INTs this year. Keep an eye out for Kansas Linebacker Ezekiel Sands who has been a menace to opposing rushing attacks.

 

I think the multiple options for Kansas make this a tough game for the Rams. I am taking Kansas 28-7

Edited November 11, 2022 by Vivid