Vegas College Football Bowl Predictions Part II (Christmas to New Year’s): Georgia-Louisville and More

Nov 29, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers fans celebrate with defensive end Vic Beasley (3) after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Athletic Bowl- Orlando, Fla.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 17 Clemson Tigers

Line: Oklahoma by 3

Saturday Blitz Vegas Bowl Prediction: Clemson Wins 30-27

It makes all the sense in the world to favor this Oklahoma team over the Clemson Tigers. With Deshaun Watson out the Sooners certainly being a more talented team, it would appear that they’ll have no trouble cruising in this game. But let’s analyze who is more excited about being here. Oklahoma was thinking national title and stumbled to an 8-4 season to get here. Clemson was thinking rebuilding year and hoped for a bowl like this to set the stage for the future.

Much like the way Oklahoma benefitted from Alabama’s apathy in the Sugar Bowl last year, Clemson will benefit from Oklahoma’s apathy in the Russell Athletic Bowl this year. Even without Watson, Tigers fans know they have an amazing future with Dabo Swinney still at the helm, and Cole Stoudt should be able to do enough to win the game in his final outing. He has played well, or at least efficient enough, at times throughout the season.

Now is the time for Stoudt to shine. The Clemson defense isn’t so bad either, And with Trevor Knight back in the game for the Sooners, you can count on at least four mistakes to be made by him. Those mistakes will nullify a good day Samaje Perine has on the ground for the Sooners.

And Clemson will come away with a victory to reach another 10-win season in a rebuilding year, making a huge statement about where the program stands.

Next: Texas Bowl Prediction: Arkansas vs. Texas