December 30 Bowl Games: Previewing four bowl games today

Intro:

Greetings Faithful! The San Francisco 49ers are NFC West champions, and have home field advantage throughout the playoffs! Congratulations to all the players, coaching staff, the entire front office, and THE FAITHFUL for what has been an exciting 2019 season so far for our San Francisco 49ers! The best is still to come!

Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Meanwhile, in the college ranks, LSU absolutely blasted Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. However, it was the Fiesta Bowl, where we had a classic between Ohio State and Clemson. It was the defending champion Clemson Tigers, who withstood the heavyweight fight. We will have LSU and Clemson in the national championship game, and if one thing is for certain…The Tigers will be crowned national champions.

Until the 49ers, along with LSU and Clemson kickoff, we have plenty of college football action to look forward to starting with four bowl games today that includes a New Year’s 6 Bowl! Let’s jump in and preview each game, and meet some prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft!

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

First Responder’s Bowl:

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

How to watch

Western Kentucky (8-4) vs Western Michigan (7-5)

Date: Monday, Dec. 30 | Time: 9:30 a.m. PT
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas, Texas)
TV: ESPN
Follow: CBS Sports App
Line: Western Kentucky -3.5

Prediction:

I like Western Michigan in a tight affair. There should be plenty of scoring from both teams. I like Western Michigan winning 31-29.

Prospect Spotlight:

DeAngelo Malone, DE, No. 10 – Western Kentucky
Height: 6’4” - Weight: 230 lbs.
2019 Stats: 91 Tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.

DeAngelo Malone had a productive career at Western Kentucky. Malone was often active and full of energy coming off the edge of the line of scrimmage. Malone plays till the whistle and often finishes his tackles cleanly. Looks to be disruptive within the pocket, and will chase the passer and not give up on a play. He has a high motor and good initial burst off of the snap. Malone looks bets fit in a 4-3 base scheme playing in the outside linebacker’s role.

Redbox Bowl:

Photo by Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

How to watch

Cal (7-5) vs Illinois (6-6)

Date: Monday, Dec. 30 | Time: 1:00 p.m. PT
Location: Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco, California)
TV: FOX | Stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Line: Cal -6.5

Prediction:

Levi’s Stadium will play host to this game featuring two teams that are even on paper. I expect as much on the field. I like Cal in this game, however Illinois should cover the spread. Cal wins 24-18.

Prospect Spotlight:

Ashtyn Davis, DB, No. 27 – Cal
Height: 6’1” - Weight: 200 lbs.
2019 Stats: 55 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions.

The defensive back out of Cal brings with him elite straight-line speed, and the ability to track down the football. Davis began his career as a walk-on and has slowly built up his resume and now his draft stock. He has a good blend of athleticism and football instincts. Can track down the football and can knock receivers off of their routes. He has risen the ranks, and Davis looks to be a day two, and dare I say fringe day one prospect at the safety position.

Music City Bowl:

Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

How to watch

Mississippi State (6-6) vs Louisville (7-5)

Date: Monday, Dec. 30 | Time: 1:00 p.m. PT
Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
TV: ESPN
Follow: CBS Sports App
Line: Miss. State -4.0

Prediction:

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

This should be a back and forth game, with each side’s offense showcasing their talents. I like Mississippi State edging out a tight victory. Miss. State wins, however Louisville covers the current 4-point spread. Miss. State wins 34-31.

Prospect Spotlight:

T.J. McCoy, OL (Center), No. – Louisville
Height: 6’1” - Weight: 305 lbs.
Highlight Video is from his time with the Florida Gators.

The offensive lineman was highly productive for the Cardinals. The transfer from Florida played a pivotal role for the Cardinals. It is never easy to play the center position along the line, and McCoy had positive production at that spot. He moved very well along the line of scrimmage in the team’s zone-based blocking scheme. His quick feet and reliable hands allowed McCoy to challenge defensive tackles, McCoy is a late-round prospect for a team to develop further.

Orange Bowl (New Year’s 6 Bowl):

Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

How to watch

#24 Virginia vs #9 Florida

Date: Monday, Dec. 30 | Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)
TV: ESPN
Follow: CBS Sports App
Line: Florida -14.5

Prediction:

Hats off to Virginia and the season that they had. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall has the team on the right track and the future looking bright. However, things may not be so bright at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. I expect Florida to win and easily cover the spread in this one. Florida wins 42-20 in one-sided affair.

Prospect Spotlight:

Van Jefferson, WR, No. 12 – Florida
Height: 6’2” - Weight: 197 lbs.
2019 Stats: 43 receptions, 528 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Here is another transfer, this time from Ole Miss. Van Jefferson was one of the focal points in the Gator’s offense this season. His stats down scream off of the paper, however much of his play was held back by poor quarterback play. What the tape reveals is a seasoned and polished route runner with the ability to track down the ball. Is not afraid to get physical with defensive backs for jump balls at the catch-point in man to man coverage. Jefferson is one of my under the radar players who can make an impact as he continues to expand his abilities at the pro level.

Who are YOU excited to see in today’s college football action? Please share in the comments below!