Big-Ass College Football Bowl Preview, Part II: From The New Mexico Bowl To Eternity

Editor's note: College Football Bowl season is here, so we're previewing every single game, from the Cure Bowl to the Playoff, to let you know what to watch, why to watch and who to pick. There are only a few bowls that really matter, but any bowl can be fun. This is Part II of our Preview; to read Part I, click here.

Basics: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This is New Mexico's first bowl game since 2007, and the Lobos will be fired up. Arizona is more talented, but the Wildcats were disappointing this year. New Mexico has a legitimate chance to win this one and pull off the upset to drop the Pac-12 to 0-1 in an already disappointing season.

Who to watch: Arizona QB Anu Solomon. Solomon led Arizona to the Pac-12 Championship Game as a freshman, but between injuries and erratic play, he's had a rough sophomore campaign. If he struggles against New Mexico … yikes.

Fun Fact: New Mexico has played in three bowl games since 2006 … all in the New Mexico Bowl.
Prediction against the spread: New Mexico +8

Prediction straight up: Arizona

Basics: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Why to watch: THE HOLY WAR IN THE POSTSEASON! Somehow, the Las Vegas Bowl is one of the most exciting games of the bowl season. BYU and Utah don't play each other regularly anymore, but boy, do they hate each other. A Utah player has already called BYU out for being dirty, and there could be some extracurriculars in this one.

Who to watch: BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall. How will Mendenhall coach this one? He's leaving BYU for Virginia after this game, but he wanted to coach in the bowl. BYU is the underdog, so expect him to pull out all the stops.

Fun Fact: For awhile, the Las Vegas Bowl was the second hottest ticket this bowl season.

Prediction against the spread: BYU +2.5

Prediction straight up: BYU

Basics: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: The Sun Belt has some very good teams, including Appalachian State, which is most famous for upsetting Michigan in 2007 when the Mountaineers were still an FCS team. Watch this one if you're a football junkie and want to study up on great mid-major teams.

Who to watch: Appalachian State QB Taylor Lamb. Lamb threw for more than 2,200 yards this season, completing over 61 percent of his passes, and he had a 29:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Oh, and he's only a sophomore.

Fun Fact: A camellia is a Himalayan flower that is also the state symbol of Alabama.

Prediction against the spread: Appalachian State -7.5

Prediction straight up: Appalachian State

Basics: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Why to watch: Low key, I'm super excited for this game, because it might actually be the worst bowl game ever. Really! Georgia State is 6-6, while San Jose State was 5-7 in a bad conference, and the Spartans only made a bowl this year because there weren't enough eligible 6-6 teams. There will be incompetence, and it will be fun.

Who to watch: Georgia State QB Nick Arbuckle. Arbuckle has been the best quarterback in the Sun Belt this year, and he should be able to throw all over the Spartans.

Fun Fact: This is the worst bowl game ever, and it will still out-rate every NBA and college basketball game that day.

Prediction against the spread: Georgia State +2.5

Prediction straight up: Georgia State

Basics: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Do you like offense? Then you will like this game! That's what Arkansas State and Louisiana Tech do best, and both were effective in their respective conferences. These might not be brand names, but this will be fun football.

Who to watch: Arkansas State RB Michael Gordon. The Red Wolves running back is electric, with over 1,000 yards rushing on the year and 6.4 yards per carry.

Fun Fact: Arkansas State went undefeated in the Sun Belt, scoring at least 50 points in each of its last three games.

Prediction against the spread: Arkansas State +2

Prediction straight up: Arkansas State

Basics: 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This has one of the best storylines of the early games, as South Florida coach Willie Taggart faces his former team. USF has been a pleasant surprise this year, and 11-2 Western Kentucky has been predictably solid, especially on offense. USF has an explosive offense at times, too, though. It could be a shootout or a defensive battle.

Who to watch: Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty. Doughty has almost 4,600 yards passing and 48 (!!!) touchdowns this season. So, yeah, he has the potential to go off.

Fun Fact: Last year's Miami Beach Bowl featured a brawl between BYU and Memphis.

Prediction against the spread: Western Kentucky -3

Prediction straight up: Western Kentucky

Basics: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This guy:

Who to watch: Utah State OC Josh Heupel. Heupel was hired by Missouri, but will coach this game for Utah State. Will he open up the playbook, Poochie-style, to the extreme?

Fun Fact: Akron has zero wins over teams with winning records.

Prediction against the spread: Utah State -7

Prediction straight up: Utah State

Basics: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: The Boca Raton Bowl got a steal, as both of these teams have been ranked at some point this season, and Toledo currently sits at No. 25. The Rockets didn't even win their division, but they have wins over Arkansas and Iowa State. They'll be without coach Matt Campbell in this one, though. Can the Temple defense slow down the high-flying Toledo offense? Expect a good, close game.

Who to watch: Temple LB Tyler Matakevich. Matakevich won the Bronco Nagurski award, given to the nation's best defensive player. He could dominate this MAC offense.

Fun Fact: Temple and Toledo went a combined 3-1 against power conference teams, with wins over Arkansas, Iowa State and Penn State. The lone loss (Temple) was to Notre Dame.

Prediction against the spread: Temple -1.5

Prediction straight up: Temple

Basics: 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Why watch? Well, these are traditionally two of the best mid-majors in the country. Boise State went to last year's Fiesta Bowl, and Northern Illinois was in the Orange Bowl three years ago. But this year has been pretty disappointing for both teams. Boise inexplicably went 8-4 after being picked to maybe run the table, while NIU was a step behind Bowling Green in the MAC.

Who to watch: Northern Illinois QB Ryan Graham. Graham is the second-string quarterback (starter Drew Hare is out), and he was hurt in the Huskies' final regular season game. Is he healthy now?

Fun Fact: This is NIU's third trip to the Poinsettia Bowl. The Huskies are 0-2 so far.

Prediction against the spread: Northern Illinois +8.5

Prediction straight up: Boise State

Basics: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This is another very underrated game. Bowling Green's Baylor-like offense is other-worldly, and the Falcons lit up the MAC this year. Coach Dino Babers (what a name!) is gone, but this offense should still be legit. Georgia Southern took a bit of a step back, but the Eagles are playing in their first bowl game since making the FBS jump, and their triple option attack will be a fun contrast to Bowling Green's air it out style.

Who to watch: Bowling Green QB Matt Johnson. Here are his stats: 4,700 yards, 43 touchdowns, eight interceptions. That's insane.

Fun Fact: Bowling Green ranks third nationally in passing yards per game. Georgia Southern ranks last (128th).

Prediction against the spread: Bowling Green -7.5

Prediction straight up: Bowling Green

Basics: Noon ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Western Michigan has a very exciting offense, led by coach P.J. Fleck, and you never really know what is going to happen in a Broncos game, as they've had big wins (a 35-30 win at Toledo) and stinkers (a 43-17 loss at Georgia Southern). Middle Tennessee is a little more predictable, beating who it should beat.

Who to watch: Western Michigan QB Zach Terrell. Terrell is one of the most efficient passers in the country, completing 66 percent of his passes, and his team throws a lot.

Fun Fact: Last year's Bahamas Bowl was the best game of the bowl season. Bonus fact: The game is sponsored by Popeyes, because when you think Bahamas, you think Popeyes!

Prediction against the spread: Western Michigan -3.5

Prediction straight up: Western Michigan

Basics: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: To see if San Diego State is legit. The Aztecs went undefeated in a very weak Mountain West, but they lost all three FBS non-conference games. They'll get a good test against Cincinnati. The Bearcats aren't the class of the AAC, but they're a step up in competition from this year's Mountain West.

Who to watch: Cincinnati QB Hayden Moore. After the news that starting QB Gunner Kiel won't make the trip to Hawaii, the game falls on the shoulders of the backup Moore.

Fun Fact: Cincinnati will travel 4,436 miles for this game, the longest of any bowl team. On the other hand, they're going to Hawaii for Christmas Eve, so they've got that going for them, which is nice.

Prediction against the spread: Cincinnati +1

Prediction straight up: Cincinnati

Basics: 11 a.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: The motivation factor is always interesting in bowl games. UConn will be really excited to be here, as the Huskies weren't supposed to make a bowl game. By contrast, can Marshall really be that excited after failing to win Conference USA?

Who to watch: Marshall QB Chase Litton. Litton put up big numbers in this offense, but he wasn't always the most efficient passer. Can UConn capitalize on his mistakes?

Fun Fact: UConn won a game 7-3 this year and lost a game 6-9. That's some old-school football!

Prediction against the spread: UConn +4

Prediction straight up: Marshall

Basics: 2 p.m. ET, CBS

Why to watch: These are two really weird teams. Washington State found way to lose to Portland State, but beat Oregon. Miami is here because of the craziest, most illegal end-game play ever. There's a very good chance there will be chaos. Buckle up!

Who to watch: Washington State QB Luke Falk. Falk starred in his first year as a Pac-12 starter, and he gets to go against an inconsistent Miami defense. If he plays well, there will be lots of points.

Fun Fact: This is the first game Mike Leach will coach in the state of Texas since being fired by Texas Tech.

Prediction against the spread: Washington State -3

Prediction straight up: Washington State

Basics: 2:20 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: I'm not going to lie — this is the most boring bowl game on a jam-packed day. But should you watch? Absolutely! It's more football! Plus, it's always fun to see whether an upstart mid-major can compete with a mediocre established team like Washington. But what's most likely to happen is Good Washington shows up and blows out the Golden Eagles, or Bad Washington shows up and this game is close, but sloppy.

Who to watch: Washington QB Jake Browning. The freshman quarterback has been solid this season, but he also has been very conservative. It will be interesting to see if that approach works against an underdog with a good resume.

Fun Fact: Southern Miss went 9-4, just three years after an 0-12 season and two years after a 1-11 season.

Prediction against the spread: Washington +8.5

Prediction straight up: Washington

Basics: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Why to watch: This is going to be fun. Indiana is nicknamed #CHAOSTEAM by fans because the Hoosiers have an uncanny ability to make every game chaotic. They came back against Maryland to preserve bowl eligibility, lost to Rutgers after leading by 25, and nearly beat Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan and Iowa. Duke, on the other hand, is boring and predictable. Quite the stylistic contrast.

Who to watch: Indiana QB Nate Sudfeld. Sudfeld is a senior and has never been to a bowl game. He's a great passer, and he'll be motivated.

Fun Fact: Indiana gave up a 25-point lead to Rutgers. That's still hilarious. #CHAOSTEAM

Prediction against the spread: Indiana -2

Prediction straight up: Indiana

Basics: 5:45 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This might not be the most exciting game, but you absolutely need to watch, since it's Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer's last game. Beamer is the dean of FBS coaches, having been with the Hokies since 1987. He'll get tested against a great Tulsa offense, but even if Virginia Tech loses, this game is all about Frank.

Who to watch: Beamer. Did I mention him? Win or lose, Beamer will get carried off the field by his team.

Fun Fact: In 28 years of coaching, this will be Beamer's first time facing Tulsa.

Prediction against the spread: Tulsa +14

Prediction straight up: Virginia Tech

Basics: 9:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Don't let Nebraska's 5-7 record fool you. The Huskers aren't that good, but they aren't as bad as their record. They've lost a lot of close games, and are prety good when they play mistake-free, a rare occurrence. They have a good chance to upset UCLA, which tailed off at the end of the season, losing to Washington State and USC.

Who to watch: Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong. Sometimes, Armstrong throws three interceptions. Sometimes, he dazzles with great downfield throws. Which Tommy shows up?

Fun Fact: Nebraska is one of three 5-7 teams playing in bowl games.

Prediction against the spread: Nebraska +6.5

Prediction straight up: Nebraska

Basics: 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This might be the best Military Bowl ever. A very strong Navy team gets a shot against a power conference team, while Pitt also gets a chance to showcase its strength in coach Pat Narduzzi's first season. It will be grind-it-out football, with the triple option meeting a standard pro-style offense.

Who to watch: Navy QB Keenan Reynolds. Reynolds broke the career Division I rushing touchdowns record this year, and as the quarterback, he'll be the architect of Navy's gameplan to run through Pitt.

Fun Fact: With a win, Navy can finish the season ranked for the first time since 2004.

Prediction against the spread: Pitt +3.5

Prediction straight up: Navy

Basics: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Why to watch: Remember how I said the Cure Bowl would be the worst bowl game ever? Well, perhaps I spoke too soon, because we have another strong contender! Minnesota ended the season playing better, but the Gophers are still 5-7. Central Michigan is a meh 7-5 in the MAC. Gonna be a lot of #funbad in this one!

Who to watch: Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner. After an awful start to the season, Leidner has been much better, but he has a new offensive coordinator for this game. If he plays well, Minnesota will win, but will he revert back to his early-season ways?

Fun Fact: This game used to be called the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl. Here's a hot take for you: Little Caesar's is a totally fine pizza choice for five dollars.

Prediction against the spread: Minnesota -6

Prediction straight up: Minnesota

Basics: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This is the ultimate clash of styles. Air Force runs the triple option and rarely throws the ball. Cal runs the Air Raid and (seemingly) only throws the ball. It should be fascinating to watch, particularly since both defenses are mediocre at best.

Who to watch: Cal QB Jared Goff. This is likely Goff's last game before leaving for the NFL, and he has a chance for a showcase gameagainst a weak Air Force defense.

Fun Fact: After a month of seemingly wanting to coach anyone but Cal, Sonny Dykes is still coaching Cal and has a contract extension.

Prediction against the spread: Cal -7

Prediction straight up: Cal

Basics: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Expect offense galore in one of the best non-New Year's Six bowls. Baylor dropped here after losing all of its quarterbacks—the Bears played a wide receiver at QB in a season-ending loss to Texas—but third-stringer Chris Johnson is back for this one. North Carolina's offense held its own against Clemson and should be just as formidable. Points, points, points.

Who to watch: Baylor QB Chris Johnson. Johnson's the third-stringer, and while he's been up-and-down, he's shown his skill this season, including dominating Oklahoma State.

Fun Fact: North Carolina will not have offensive coordinator Seth Littrell for the bowl game, as he left to coach North Texas.

Prediction against the spread: North Carolina +2.5

Prediction straight up: North Carolina

Basics: 7:30 p.m. ET, not on national TV

Why to watch: It's an all-Mountain West game in a bowl! That's not super exciting on its surface, but you should definitely watch since neither team wants to play this game. The Mountain West is really angry, and its commissioner called the bowl system "broken." He went as far to call the game a "travesty." A travesty!

Who to watch: Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson. Watch, this game is going to be awful, and Thompson will release a "told you so" statement.

Fun Fact: This is the first bowl game since 1994 to not be on national TV, and many people in Arizona won't even get it.

Prediction against the spread: Colorado State -3

Prediction straight up: Colorado State

Basics: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This is another complete contrast of styles. Texas Tech is Air Raid through and through, while LSU prefers to slow the game down and grind it out. It will be fun to see whether the Air Raid works against a good defense like LSU, but it will be even more fun to watch an abysmal Texas Tech defense try to stop LSU running back Leonard Fournette.

Who to watch: LSU RB Leonard Fournette. Fournette leads the nation in rush yards per game. Texas Tech is 126th in rush yards allowed per game. Uh oh.

Fun Fact: The game is in Texas, but it's being played at NRG Stadium, where LSU plays its pseudo-home games.

Prediction against the spread: LSU -7

Prediction straight up: LSU

Basics: Noon ET, ESPN

Why to watch: The SEC already has an embarrassing loss to Memphis, as Ole Miss got blown out by the Tigers. There's danger of that happening again. Memphis has one of the best offenses in the country, and Auburn's defense is a mess, plus it just lost defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. If Memphis can overcome losing coach Justin Fuente for this game, the SEC schadenfreude would be fun to watch.

Who to watch: Memphis QB Paxton Lynch. The senior picked apart Ole Miss, and pretty much everyone else this season. He can absolutely do the same to Auburn.

Fun Fact: Both teams are nicknamed the Tigers.

Prediction against the spread: Memphis +2.5

Prediction straight up: Memphis

Basics: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Both of these teams are just "meh," making this game pretty boring on the surface, but you should watch it to see two of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. Dak Prescott is the best quarterback in Mississippi State history, while Jacoby Brissett is a dynamic player who can get it done with his arm or feet. The problem? Both teams are pretty irrelevant, so nobody watches these players.

Who to watch: The quarterbacks. There will be lots of points and lots of big plays. You won't be disappointed.

Fun Fact: The Belk Bowl Twitter account is something else.

Time: 20:30.00 ESTAccount: Belk Bowl TwitterStatus report: Checking ticket sales — Belk Bowl (@belkbowl)December 18, 2015

Prediction against the spread: Mississippi State -5

Prediction straight up: Mississippi State

Basics: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: To see what the hell Texas A&M ends up looking like. The Aggies lost both of their starting quarterbacks from this year to transfers within a one-week span. And both of them—freshman Kyler Murray and sophomore Kyle Allen—are five-stars. There's a lot of dysfunction in College Station.

Who to watch: Texas A&M QB Jake Hubenak. He's the Aggies' only hope now that the other two quarterbacks are gone.

Fun Fact: There's a 0.00000001 percent chance Johnny Manziel will don glasses and a fake moustache, pretend to be Hubenak and lead A&M to a huge win. You never know.

Prediction against the spread: Louisville -1.5

Prediction straight up: Louisville

Basics: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This might not be the most exciting game, because Wisconsin doesn't really do "exciting" in the sense of great offense or explosive plays on defense. However, the Badgers will keep this one close. USC is the opposite, having wild swings on offense and defense that can vault them ahead or drop them back.

Who to watch: USC WR Juju Schuster Smith. In the serious, matchup sense, he faces a very good Wisconsin secondary. In the more fun sense, he can do this:

Fun Fact: This will be Wisconsin's fourth bowl trip to California in six years. The other three were for the Rose Bowl.

Prediction against the spread: USC -3

Prediction straight up: USC

Basics: Noon ET, ESPN2

Why to watch: Both of these teams are on the rise, as Northwestern finished with 10 regular season wins for the first time since 1995 and Tennessee is finally matching recruiting success with success on the field. This could be a bit of a stalemate, too. Northwestern has by far the best (defense) and worst (offense) units on the field. Another reason to watch? Tennessee almost beat two Playoff teams this year (Alabama and Oklahoma). Are the Vols just one year away from greatness?

Who to watch: Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson. Northwestern's defense and running game will be solid. The Wildcats need a good game out of Thorson, who has struggled in his freshman season. If he can't deliver, they can't win.

Fun Fact: If Northwestern wins, everyone gets free Popcorn Shrimp at Outback Steakhouse the next day. If Tennessee wins, everyone gets a free Bloomin' Onion.

Prediction against the spread: Northwestern +8.5

Prediction straight up: Tennessee

Basics: 1 p.m. ET, ABC

Why to watch: HARBAUGH!!!!! Half the reason the Citrus Bowl wanted Michigan is because they knew you'd watch definitely not the Zodiac Killer Jim Harbaugh in a bowl game. Also watch to see if the Wolverines can build on the momentum they've established this year. Michigan just signed two top recruits, and can win 10 games in Harbaugh's first season over a beat-up Florida team. That's pretty good!

Who to watch: Florida QB Treon Harris. With starting quarterback Will Grier suspended, Harris has been less than ideal. He needs to play much better for Florida to win.

Fun Fact: Both Harbaugh and Florida coach Jim McElwain are in their first seasons at their new jobs.

Prediction against the spread: Michigan -4.5

Prediction straight up: Michigan

Basics: Noon ET, ESPN

Why to watch: With so much change coming, both of these teams need something to look forward to. Penn State is getting a new offensive coordinator, while Georgia is transitioning between former coach Mark Richt and new coach Kirby Smart. This game won't be super exciting, as neither team has much of an offense—remember when Penn State gave up 10 sacks in a game against Temple?—but there sure is a lot of mystery.

Who to watch: Penn State's offensive line. If that unit holds its own, the Nittany Lions can move the ball. If not, it will be a long day.

Fun Fact: Penn State coach James Franklin's only ever win over a ranked team came against Georgia, while he was at Vanderbilt. He's still looking for a ranked win at Penn State.

Prediction against the spread: Penn State +7

Prediction straight up: Georgia

Basics: 3:20 ET, ESPN

Why to watch: These two teams play different styles, but both coaches come from the Hayden Fry coaching tree, and they both have fun personalities. Bill Snyder is an adorable old man, while Bret Bielema talks way too much in entertaining fashion.

Who to watch: Arkansas QB Brandon Allen. Allen was quietly the best quarterback in the SEC this year, making a jump to complete 65 percent of his passes at 9.08 yards per attempt. He can shred a susceptible Kansas State secondary.

Fun Fact: Fry's coaching tree also includes Barry Alvarez, Bob Stoops and Kirk Ferentz.

Prediction against the spread: Arkansas -11

Prediction straight up: Arkansas

Basics: 6:45 ET, ESPN

Why to watch: This game features two underappreciated quarterbacks who could have been Heisman contenders had they not been injured for part or the season. Oregon FCS transfer Vernon Adams was dominant when healthy, and led the country in both yards per attempt (10.2) and passer rating (179.57). On the other sideline, Trevone Boykin was a Heisman favorite until he and star receiver Josh Doctson were injured. With Adams and Boykin both healthy, they should be able to put on a show.

Who to watch: The quarterbacks. Adams and Boykin will be the two best players on the field.

Fun Fact: The Vernon Adams experiment went so well, Oregon just added another FCS quarterback transfer for next year.

Prediction against the spread: Oregon, Even

Prediction straight up: Oregon

Basics: 10:15 ET, ESPN

Why to watch: Yeah, both of these teams disappointed this year. Arizona State was a favorite in the Pac-12 South, but the Sun Devils barely got to bowl eligibility. After a promising start, West Virginia dealt with a brutal schedule, and the Mountaineers could never beat a top-tier Big 12 team. That said … SO MANY POINTS. WVU actually has a solid defense this year, but these two teams are known for their offenses, and we should get a high-scoring affair in the desert.

Who to watch: West Virginia QB Skyler Howard. It's feast or famine with Howard, who isn't what Geno Smith was to this West Virginia offense. If he plays well, though, the Mountaineers will win.

Fun Fact: The Cactus Bowl is usually played at Arizona State's home stadium, but it will be held at the Arizona Diamondbacks' Chase Field this year.

Prediction against the spread: West Virginia, Even

Prediction straight up: West Virginia