Having a pretty good stretch in the bowls here lately, hoping to cap it off with a good first day of ‘22.
Arkansas -3 - As evidence posted in this forum shows, they’re excited to be here and beating Penn State regardless of situation would be another big step for this program returning to relevance. Far as the Nittany Lions go, Franklin is trying to say the right things but fact is their heart has to be torn out. Way the season ended coupled with their defensive opt outs…#1 Brisker is such a fine player. A shame. Hogs only way to go and hell I’d lay 10 at this point.
Iowa +3 - Toughest cap of the day for me. Think we have good motivation and coaching on both sides. Running and defense both, Goodson or not for Iowa. Here’s how I read the Hawkeyes spot here: they got burned out then had the dreamcrusher loss to Purdue (good team). That resulted in another loss at a rebounding Wisconsin. Limped through wins and into the B10 ship in which they knew they lost before they got off the plane. However, time heals wounds and I think they’ve had plenty of such with a HoF Coach to guide them to this point. They’ll bring effort like this is the defacto first game of next season. Dangerous. Wildcats meanwhile I do like, and Stoops. Looks to me though like their stats and momentum have been inflated by playing some dead in water cupcakes that last month. No demerits for winning them handidly but a hard playing Iowa team would be in my eyes the 2nd toughest opponent of the year after Georgia. Are they ready for that? With a total of 44 I’ll take the +3.
Utah ML - Right for the jugular here and I’ll keep this one short. Motivation, perhaps destiny for Wittingham and the Utes to win the Rose Bowl. Not concerned with stats or really much else in this one.
Irish -2.5 (better numbers out now) Short here too. This new coach is dead serious about winning here and his team will be too. Kelly is such a phony baloney, they must be chomping at the bit. Cowboys might come hard, but they still had the late dreamcrusher…no matter what they say. Opt outs and transfers affecting both teams here…I’m unconcerned with em.
Baylor -1.5 - I believe different numbers now but whatever, I think they win. Another “first game of next season” situation with the Bears (‘22 looking optimistic). Meanwhile the Corrall era will be ending for Ole Miss and I wonder about focus for them. Physicality could be a big gap here.
Great luck to All
Happy New Year!