Disclaimer: The following list excludes all semifinal College Football Playoff games and will only feature Power Five conferences.
#1: Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl
Contenders: No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 6 TCU
Location: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA.
Date: December 31, 2014
Game Expectations: With TCU failing to make the College Football Playoffs, the Horned Frogs look to make an impact on the selection committee next year by facing a tough former number one Ole Miss Rebels team. With one of the top pass-offenses in the country, TCU will try to entertain a versatile style of play against an Ole Miss defense that has allowed on average 13.8 points per game.
Predicted Outcome: TCU 28, Ole Miss 14
#2: Good Year Cotton Bowl Classic
Contenders: No. 8 Michigan State vs. No. 5 Baylor
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Date: January 1, 2015
Game Expectations: Some of the greatest match ups in the history of college football have featured the Big 10 versus the Big 12. This game is no exception. With Baylor also being spurned from the College Football Playoffs, the point-hungry Bears will face an all-powerful Michigan State rush defense who held star Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah to under 50 rushing yards while also maintaining one of the top offenses in the country. Look for this one to be a shootout.
Predicted Outcome: Baylor 56, Michigan State 49
#3: Belk Bowl
Contenders: No. 13 Georgia vs. No. 20 Louisville
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.
Date: December 30, 2014
Game Expectations: After missing the SEC Championship game and losing their final regular season matchup in overtime to their much-hated rival Georgia Tech, the Georgia Bulldogs look to seek revenge and Louisville is unfortunately in their way. Watch for Georgia to turn up the gears against the Cardinals and ultimately send a message for next season.
Predicted Outcome: Georgia 49, Louisville 9
#4: Outback Bowl
Contenders: No. 19 Auburn vs. No. 17 Wisconsin
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL.
Date: January 1, 2015
Game Expectations: After a dysfunctional loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl and a relatively lopsided season, the Auburn Tigers must entertain a win in order to maintain their stature as one of the best teams in the SEC. A victory will not be served on a silver platter though, as the Wisconsin Badgers have one of the top defenses in the nation and a Heisman finalist out of a running back.
Predicted Outcome: Auburn 21, Wisconsin 14
#5: Duck Commander Independence Bowl
Contenders: Miami vs. South Carolina
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA.
Date: December 27, 2014
Game Expectations: What separates this bowl game from the rest is the lack of implications. This game will be a bout of pride and integrity. With two young, developing programs contending for such an ideal, this game will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.
Predicted Outcome: South Carolina 23, Miami 20 (OT.)
