First Set for Bowl Games.

Alright, here we go. I am going to be predicting every bowl game and highlighting some players from each team to keep an eye out for come draft time. So let’s get right into it with our first two bowl games of the season.


The New Mexico Bowl: Wyoming vs. Fresno State


Wyoming is finally back in a Bowl game for the first time in five years. While this is a clear step forward for the program, they haven’t gotten an easy game in their return to the college football postseason. Fresno State’s rushing attack has been one of the best in country, lead by one of the nation’s best runningbacks, Ryan Matthews. While Wyoming has been able to maintain a fair record through a resilient offense, it’s doubtful they’ll be able to keep up with the Fresno State offense. Fresno wins.


Prospects to Watch in this Game


Wyoming, Safety, Chris Prosinski: This 6-1 junior safety led the Cowboys in tackles this past year was 9th in the country in total tackles. He also returned a fumble 98 yards for a touchdown, showing his long speed. While he is likely to return as there is likely only a small market for his services in the NFL, when he does come out he’ll probably land in the sixth or seventh round. Teams will be reminded of special teams ace John Wendling when they look at Proskinski’s tape.


Wyoming, Defensive Tackle, John Fletcher: With his big 6-6 frame, he likely projects as an “under” tackle in a 4-3 or a defensive end in a 3-4. His pass rush ability, which landed him on the First-Team All-Mountain West, got him 7 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. He will be a late-round prospect because of where he plays, but he should be a productive nickel pass-rusher.


Fresno State, Wide Receiver, Seyi Ajirotutu: The wideout who lead Fresno State in touchdown catches this season (7) has a fair chance of being drafted. He has pretty good speed and prototypical size. However, given how much the Fresno State offense focuses on Ryan Mathews, there maybe questions of Seyi’s overall talent level.


Fresno State, Runningback, Ryan Mathews: The man everyone will be watching in this game Mathews is a bruising runner with good speed. While averaging 151 rushing yards per game, a fact that can be overlooked is that he did most of these with, at best, a marginal passing game to balance off. He’ll likely go in the second round but might sneak into the late first round depending on who is drafting there.



The St. Petersburg Bowl: Rutgers vs. UCF (University of Central Florida)



While Rutgers is dreaming of bigger things, UCF is thrilled to be back in a bowl game after missing only one year. The tricky and tough UCF defense will look to try and force freshman quarterback Tom Savage to make enough mistakes to cost the Scarlet Knights the game. They likely won’t succeed, Savage is incredibly poised.


Prospects to Watch in this Game
UCF, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Bruce Miller: A classic tweener prospect, his size makes it hard to classify his role on the next level. His production, however, reminds me somewhat of Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil led the nation in sacks when he came out, but was derided for his size and playing at Louisville. Miller may not led the nation in sacks, but still has a good number, 12 He’s well suited to a 3-4 (which UCF plays) but could also work as a pass rush specialist in a 4-3, maybe even a starter in a Tampa Two. He’ll probably be in school another year, but who knows what could happen if he has a big game against Anthony Davis.


Rutgers, Wide Receiver, Tim Brown: While there will likely not be a chance to see this little dynamo play, his is a name one should pay attention to come the later rounds of draft day. While his size will force him down into the last half of the draft, his production and big play ability should keep him in scouts mind for a while.


Rutgers, Offensive Tackle, Anthony Davis: Davis is considered one of the best tackle prospects with the potential of going out into this upcoming draft. He’s enormous size and good agility make him a top quality prospect, who could make the top ten should he come out this season.


Rutgers, Cornerback, Devin McCourty: Twin to the Titans sixth rounder last year, Devin is considered the better of the two. He has good size, great athleticism and pretty good instincts. Clearly his best quality is his ability to lay the wood. As long as he doesn’t blow his 40 time, he should be selected in the first three rounds and could end up as a first year starter.