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2016-17 Bowl Projections Before Championship Weekend

By Zach Bigalke

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer speak on the field prior to the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer speak on the field prior to the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) scores a touchdown during second half action against the Colorado State Rams at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State defeats Colorado State 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) scores a touchdown during second half action against the Colorado State Rams at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State defeats Colorado State 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

December 27

Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl Cotton Bowl Army
Dallas, TX Southern Miss
Military Bowl Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium UCF
Annapolis, MD North Texas
Holiday Bowl Qualcomm Stadium Iowa
San Diego, CA Washington State
Cactus Bowl Chase Field Baylor
Phoenix, AZ Boise State

BEST GAME: Iowa v. Washington State

Last year Iowa was the surprise team, snatching the Big Ten’s spot in the Rose Bowl after winning the West over Wisconsin and Nebraska. This year, Washington State nearly stole away the Pac-12 North from rival Washington. Neither made it to a New Year’s Six bowl this season, but they have been at peak performance throughout November. If they can return from the break with the same intensity, this showdown in San Diego could be an instant classic.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeremy McNichols (RB/Boise State)

Three of the top five running backs in the country played in the Mountain West this season, and McNichols might be the most versatile and dynamic of the trio. The all-purpose back for the Broncos has averaged over 180 yards per game, finishing with over 2000 combined rushing and receiving yards and adding four kick returns over the course of the year. He provides a valuable safety outlet for young quarterback Brett Rypien, and could gash a Baylor defense allowing over 200 rushing yards per game to opponents.

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