Predictions for New Year's Six Bowl games, College Football Playoff

College football bowl games have ramped up this week and the bowl season hits another level on Friday with the first New Year's Six Bowl game.

That matchup will be the Cotton Bowl between 11-1 Ohio State and 10-2 Missouri. It should be an exciting matchup. Saturday, there will be two more New Year's Six bowl games ahead of the College Football Playoff and another New Year's Six game on Monday.

Despite the opt-outs and the transfer portal, the New Year's Six bowl games offer plenty of reasons to watch for college football fans. Plus, we have a College Football Playoff field that feels as wide open as ever.

What will happen in the College Football Playoff and the New Year's Six Bowl games? We peer into our crystal ball and offer predictions for each game.

Dec. 29 Cotton Bowl: No. 9 Missouri vs. No. 7 Ohio State (-4.5) ESPN, 8 PM EST

This is an exciting matchup. Ohio State lost starting QB Kyle McCord to the transfer portal and it doesn't look like Marvin Harrison Jr. will play. Devin Brown is getting the start at quarterback and this is his chance to lay claim to the starting job. Brady Cook will be back next season for Missouri, which was one of the best surprises in the 2023 college football season. Missouri will also be highly motivated for this game. What about Ohio State? The Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl two years ago and with Brown and others playing for playing time next season, I see the Buckeyes showing up for this one. I also see their defense doing enough to win the game.

Prediction: Ohio State 24, Missouri 17