The Championship is now set! Padre dropped his first prognostication: “Very Confident Tigers will Win it ALL!”
Looking forward to LSU vs. Clemson in NOLA on Jan 13!! Prognostications will be more specific as to Bubba Tigers or Bayou Tigahs!!
BUT, before we get there…we got ” A Few Good Games” and some slot fillers as well. ZT NOT a fan of the games after January 1 that just fill a void ( when people should be back at work, talking about the Natty and watching the NFL playoffs ) but will prognosticate anyway.
Monday December 30 – “Sixty Minute Man” released by The Dominoes on this date in 1950……it could be a football song!!
ServPro 1st Responders Bowl — Dallas, TX
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 28 Western Michigan Broncos 21
GO WEST YOUNG MAN!! If that is your mantra, then this is your bowl game! Could be a Michigan record with 5 teams from the state playing in bowl games! Florida officially had 5 but if was deemed Miami did not actual participate in the Independence Bowl so they only get credit for 4. Anyway, the “first response” for this one is to call ServPro and yell out their motto and make this game ” Like It Never Even Happened”………it just fits this one…
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Classic – Nashvegas, TN
Louisville Cardinals 34 Mississippi State Bulldogs 31
How ’bout this story? MSU Freshman QB Garrett “should have ducked the right hook” Shrader allegedly gets into a post practice fight with LB Willie Gray. Due to damage to his orbital bone ( aka…means he got punched in the face { like many Cowboys fans want to do to Jason Garrett } he likely will not play in the bowl game. Good news? MSU has QB Tommy “Boy” Stevens ( Penn St. transfer who has game time this season ) to step in. MSU really did not live up to expectations this year. 2nd year HC Joe “I REALLY need” Moorhead needs a W to avoid finishing with a losing record. Love RB Kylin “I’ll take the” Hill who announced for the NFL draft but will play in this one…It is obviously a $$$ game for him & his agent so get ready!!! Cardinals had a nice rebound post Petrino under HC Scott Satterfield and knocked off UVA and Wake in the process. They would LOVE to beat a SEC team ( like most conferences ). ZT going against the SEC in this one & likes the Cardinals to take care of the Bulldogs…
REDBOX Bowl – Santa Clara, CA
California Golden Bears 24 Illinois Fighting Illini 20
Take this one BACK to the REDBOX and exchange it for something else!! Maybe rent Jaws: The Revenge ( 4th in the Jaws line and basically a serial killer shark that swims from Amity Island to the Bahamas just to eat the last of Chief Brody’s family….FINALLY! ). Assume REDBOX only allowed to sponsor in the Peoples Republic of California because they have a streaming service. NO WAY the negative Carbon footprint of a device that uses electricity from PG&E as well as entices one to drive a fossil fuel vehicle to a place to rent a movie would be allowed to exist in this state..
Capital One Orange Bowl – Miami, FL
#9 Florida Gators 38 #24 Virginia Cavaliers 17
Gators want a bite out of whomever they can chomp down on! Looks like it will be some disciples of King Charles’ militia who like to fight on horseback, have long hair, and wear fancy attire. In the US, King Charles Cavalier is also the name of a small spaniel classed in the toy dog division on the AKC ( so…did ZT just reference English history and the 19th most popular breed of dog in the same sentence relating to UVA?? ). Couple of issues with all this…King Charles was executed by decapitation and the is breed of dog is the gator equivalent of a Krystal Burger…….. UF HC Mullen and the Gators want a win and are very serious about this game. QB Kyle Trask and crew should perform well against this ACC defense. UVA and HC Bronco Mendenhall have an outstanding QB in Bryce ” ” Perkins. Dual-threat with 3,215 passing yards and 745 yds. on the ground. 29 Total TDs……other than Clemson, they have not played a defense like the Gators. ZT smells a blowout…… If you are a UVA fan in Tampa, no need to ask “What’s in your wallet?” because when you leave Tampa you will have no money and only a big loss to take back to the Commonwealth……
DECEMBER 31 – Send your last donation to your favorite charity and then go to the liquor store by lunch…
BELK BOWL – Charlotte, NC
Kentucky Wildcats 24 Va. Tech Hokies 35
Winner gets a coupon for 40% off Winter clothes and an extra 10% off all returned Christmas items….Kentucky BASKETBALL RPI rank is 125th?? What? That in itself has ZT calling for the Hokies to get a W in spite of a solid KY QB in Lynn Bowden, Jr. ( no relation to Bobby, Tommy, or Terry per ancestry.com ). KY Hoops ranked 125th?? Still stunned…..
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl – El Paso, TX
AZ State Sun Devils 27 FSU Seminoles 21
Sun Devils HC Herm Edwards is set to give new FSU HC Mike Norvell a coaching lesson in El Paso. Former FSU HC Willie Taggart is detained after attempting to sneak in the stadium in a Tony the Tiger suit with a box of Frosted Flakes. Key evidence was when asked what he thought about Frosted Flakes, He said ” They’re Ok”…… FSU has never lost to AZ State but, more significantly, haven’t had back to back losing seasons since the 70’s!! Recruiting is going well but none of those guys will play on Tuesday. ZT still reflecting on AZ State’s late season win over Oregon and believes they will scalp the Seminoles ( ZT assumes several Native American groups will come after him for that statement.. ) One reason NOT to watch this one? Covered by CBS and Gary Danielson is assigned to the booth. Word is Homeland Security will secretly grab him leaving the stadium and catapult him over the Rio Grande River into Mexico. Within 24 hours, Mexico signs a new trade deal and gives U.S. everything requested with only condition being “you must take Gary Danielson back!!”…….Trump says “not sure its worth it!”
AutoZone Liberty Bowl – Memphis, TN
Kansas State Wildcats 28 #23 Navy Midshipmen 27
This matchup has the makings of a good game! So, Get in the Zone! The Liberty Bowl Zone that is! Navy flew down on the NE Patriots plane…….word is a Masseuse from South Florida was still on board, locked in an overhead bin. Video shows when they let her out, someone yelled “this is better than Tailhook!” but then the video suddenly fades to Black…….Midshipmen had a great season ( 10-2 ) with only an early season loss to a solid Memphis team and a late season thumping by ND but bounced back to finish with 3 straight wins. QB Malcolm Perry leads this team that just loves to run the ball and does it well! Perry can throw when he must and will need to do it enough to keep the Purple Power Cats defense honest. KSU (8-4) flew on a slightly older aircraft to Memphis that was provided courtesy of the Cleveland Indians…..
Big Question? Can K. State stop the option? HC Chris Klieman is a defensive guy and has made that work through his FCS days including his last stop at powerhouse NDSU. ZT thinks K State makes it happen, in a bit of an upset, in Memphis! Thank you, Thank you Very Much……
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl – Tuscon, AZ
Georgia State Panthers 17 Wyoming Cowboys 31
Go buy a funnel, some red Solo Cups, a box of ping pong balls, a case of Natty light and start your New Years Eve drink-a-thon early and skip this one……if you run out of $$, ask the NOVA people for a HELOC…..
Valero Alamo Bowl – San Antonio, TX
#11 Utah Utes 35 Texas Longhorns 21
Lee Corso’s pre-season National Champion Utes vs. one of those Texas teams……. 5 of last 7 Alamo Bowl’s decided by 7 points or less; last 2 by 2 points!! Utes have a HC leading them that knows how to prepare for bowl games ( unlike Temple’s HC who embarrassed ZT’s support by losing to Cyndi Lauper’s Uncle Mack Brown and UNC 55-13!) with Kyle Whittingham and his 11-1 bowl record! He will need it as Utah is in a strange spot of showing up either Fired Up or comatose………which will it be?? Texas isn’t much better with HC Tom Herman still on a very warm seat. They need a win, period!! Even Matthew McConaughey , who is know for inspirational quotes like ” Man who invented the hamburger was smart; man who invented the cheeseburger was genius”, noted he can think of nothing to say to this team. Texas needs to run the ball and it won’t be easy against a Utah defense that only allowed 100+ on the ground 2 times in 2019 ( Oregon and AZ State ). On offense, Utes can run and pass. Texas hasn’t been consistent stopping either. ZT & Joe Pecci both say “UTES!”….
January 1, 2020 – 3 Advil and a Bloody Mary will fix last night and welcome in a new Decade!!!!
Outback Bowl – Tampa, FL
#12 Auburn Tigers 31 #18 Minnesota Golden Gophers 17
Minny HC PJ Fleck before his new contract? 8-0 After new contract? 2-2 Auburn HC Gus “love my bus” Malzahn LinkedIn status before the Bama game? ‘Very Available’ After the Bama game? “Here for a few more years, Suckers!” Pretty simple, Gophers OC heads to Penn State and takes the oars to the boat with him…..Auburn would love a win to get to 10 for the season and “the family” really does run deep at Auburn… Gus Bus burns rubber on the head of the Gopher and then has fun on field after the game…
VRBO Citrus Bowl – Orlando, FL
#13 Bama 38 #14 Michigan Wolverines 35
ZT impressed with the Bama team only having 1 of 7 potential NFL juniors planning to sit this one out. Would indicate they feel they have “unfinished business” for this season. 2 missing this one are LB Terrell Lewis and DB Trevon Diggs and that hurts a defense that has been plagued by injuries this year. The offense will be led by QB Mac Jones, RBs Najee Harris ( who is looking to elevate his NFL stock even more! ) & Brian Robinson along with 4 top WRs with 206 catches, 3,431 yds. & 35 TDs. No sweat there but again, what can the defense do against a solid Wolverine offense led by QB Shea Patterson ( over 2800 yds. and 22 TD’s vs. only 6 INT ). ZT very complimentary of the Wolverine team with no players sitting out related to the NFL draft although they do have some injuries. Michigan should gain some good insight from 1st year OC Josh Gattis who was in T-town last year as the WR coach. Harbaugh needs a victory to quiet some rumblings in Ann Arbor noting losses to Ohio State and 3 straight bowl losses. Bama needs a win to prove they are not descending from dynasty status ( like the Patriots…interesting connection ) and all the distractions ( RAT POISON!!! ) that comes from this. ZT sees it as a close game with Bama squeaking out a W. VRBO is the right sponsor noting both teams, while focused for different reasons, see this as a “Vacation Bowl”……
The Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA
#6 Oregon Ducks 24 #8 Wisconsin Badgers 27
Oregon, best Punk-12 team vs. the “we almost had ’em” team of the Big 10 who hasn’t won in Pasadena since 2000 ( remember, this is now 20 years ago! ). Should be one of the better bowl games this season. Both like to run the ball. Oregon averages 185.8/ RYPG while Badgers average 201.1/RYPG. Both average over 36 rushing attempts and the fun part? Both defenses allow UNDER 110/RYPG! Something has to give. Wiscy, with Jr. RB Jonathan Taylor ( 1,900+ yds. & 21 TDs ) who will need QB Jack “snow” Coan to throw ( and complete! ) enough passes to loosen up the Ducks D. Ducks still, in the back of their mind, think “what if Auburn didn’t beat us on the last play of that 1st game?” Newsflash, had you beaten AZ State you would have played LSU in ATL and be skiing on New Years day! Oregon also loves to run the ball with future NFL QB Justin Herbert and RB CJ Verdell ( had 208 vs. Utah!) but can throw as well. ZT giving the slightest of nods to the Badgers in a close contest…Sorry Punk-12…
Allstate Sugar Bowl – NOLA
#5 Georgia Bulldogs 28 #7 Baylor Bears 17
Hmmm……this bowl may require pre-game counseling for both squads. Both had chances to be in the CFP but are now in NOLA 2 weeks ahead of when they hoped to be. Best news, at least for Baylor, is QB Charlie Brewer ( 2,950 yds. & 20 TDs ) has completed concussion protocol and is cleared to play. Bad news for Brewer? He is cleared to play against the Bulldogs!! GA HC Kirby Smart is at an interesting intersection….He needs a win, and a good one, to not be considered Goliath’s step brother! Last year, the ‘Dogs just showed up and were gorged by some Longhorns from Texas that just wanted it more. MAYHEM in Athens if they don’t win! Kirby counting on QB Fromm ( 2,610 yds. & 22 TDs) and RB Swift ( 1,216 yds. & 7 TDS ) to carry the load. Kirby gets the Bears and the monkey off his back!!!
January 2, 2020 – GO BACK TO WORK PEOPLE!!!!!
TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl – per Captain Obvious: “It’s in Birmingham”
#21 Cincinnati Bearcats 38 Boston College Eagles 21
Cincy wins even with BC and their new coach…..Smart people don’t buy tickets for this one……..NOW, GO BACK TO WORK!!!
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – JAX, FL
Indiana Hoosiers 24 Tennessee Volunteers 27
Vols left for dead, like a possum run over by a 1978 Ford F-150 on a country road south of Knoxville, in September but won 6 of 7 down the stretch to make it to JAX! Hoosiers were predictable: Beat teams they should and lost to the ones we all expected. Only reason you CAN watch this one is because it is on AFTER you leave work and your other option is watch a replay of the LSU/OU semi-final game….. Pruitt gets a good momentum building win for the Vols!! Hoosiers just happy hoops RPI is currently 23 ( unlike KY at 125!! )
January 3, 2020 – Ok, even if you have the rest of this week off, don’t watch this one!
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – Boise ID
Nevada Wolf Pack 28 Ohio Bobcats 38
Better off to put a dozen very large Idaho potatoes in the oven and just watch them bake….
January 4, 2020 – OMG!! Is this STILL dragging on???
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl – Ft. Worth, TX
So. Miss Eagles 27 Tulane Green Wave 31
Actually would be a decent bowl game….if held on like December 21!!! Green Wave a solid member of the AAC conference but happens to be in the division with Memphis, SMU, and Navy ( all 10 win squads ). So. Miss in the C-USA that put 7 teams in bowl games ( yes, I know 40+ games as I prognosticated EVERY ONE, but still…. ) ZT likes the Green Wave to soak the feathers of the Eagles in the 2nd best bowl after January 1!!!! Watch this one or you may end up with a missile in your back yard….they WILL KNOW if you watched it or not!!!
January 6, 2020 – is THIS supposed to get us ready for the Natty next Monday??
Lending Tree Bowl – Mobile, AL
La. Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 42 Miami Redhawks 17
Perfect sponsor for a game that should be foreclosed on!….expect the Ragin’ Cajuns to cook some Redhawk Boudin balls in Mobile then head to the Flora-Bama Lounge and use the leftover bird carcasses as a replacement projectile for their own version of the famous Mullet Toss……
ZT is looking forward to the next decade! By the end of it, ZT expects to ride in a driverless car to a bowl game that is actually virtual/augmented reality where the Goodyear Blimp is replaced by 100 drones..all while wearing clothes that include sensors to advise ZT when he needs to switch from regular to light beer as well as advise when he has eaten his limit of burritos based on time/distance to the nearest facilities……..Back in early 2020 for the final NCAA Prognostication of the season……
Pigskin Prognostications by the Piedmont Padre and Zimmern's Twin 