College football bowl game predictions: Week 1 (Dec. 16-22)

LA Bowl: UCLA (-5.5) vs. Boise State -- 7:30 PM EST, ABC (Dec. 16)

Chip Kelly saved his job with the win over Boise State and losing this game in his own backyard would be less than ideal. Boise State is another team without its starting quarterback yet Ashton Jeanty will be back and just rushed for over 150 yards in the Mountain West Championship game. Call me crazy, but I think the Broncos pull the upset.

Prediction: Boise State 28, UCLA 24

Independence Bowl: Texas Tech (-3.5) vs. Cal -- 9:15 PM EST, ESPN (Dec. 16)

These are very similar teams. Both have 1,000-yard rushers as Tahj Brooks led the Big 12 in rushing yards for Texas Tech. Jadyn Ott rushed for 1,260 yards and 11 touchdowns for Golden Bears who won their last three games to reach a bowl game. Whichever team runs the ball better is probably going to win and I see that being the Red Raiders.

Prediction: Texas Tech 31, California 24