Hello once again oh wonderful college football fans. Let’s start with the Texas A&M dropping out of the Gator Bowl vs Wake Forest. Look, COVID is once again wreaking havoc with all sports at all levels, and that’s a significant part of the Aggies’ issue. They also have some injuries. They also have opt-outs which I understand, but still think is selfish. All of that said, Wake Forest had one of its best seasons ever and is currently on the waiting list if another team drops out of another bowl. With all of the craziness, I think it’s likely, but with just 9 days to go…
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Yesterday there were two games, two GCR upset picks and two GCR losses. That gives Vegas a 1-game lead, 9-5 to 8-6. Today won’t change anything as we have agreement. Let’s recap first. In the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Wyoming 7-6 (95) out-offensed Kent St 7-7 (105) 52-38, and 31-14 in the second half. It was an exciting game with just under 1200 yards of offense and 51 first downs – and just 4 punts. The GCR did pick Kent St’s offense if they scored enough early, which they did, but they had no way of stopping Wyoming dropping the MAC to 0-4. The Mountain West moved to 4-0 when San Diego St 12-2 (15) put 489 yards on UTSA 12-2 (19) to win 38-24 in the Frisco Bowl. With just one bowl left, C-USA is 3-4.
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Here are the current standings (Texas A&M removed from SEC totals, but Wake Forest still in ACC totals):
| Conference | Bowls | Overall Record | Power 5 Record | Group of 5 Record |
| American | 7 | 1-0 | 0-0 | 1-0 |
| ACC | 10 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Big 12 | 7 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Big Ten | 9 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| C-USA | 8 | 3-4 | 0-0 | 3-4 |
| Indies | 4 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 1-1 |
| MAC | 8 | 0-4 | 0-0 | 0-4 |
| Mtn West | 8 | 4-0 | 1-0 | 3-0 |
| Pac-12 | 6 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 |
| SEC | 12 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Sun Belt | 4 | 2-1 | 0-0 | 2-1 |
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Today we shift attention to Fort Worth, Texas (largest city in the US starting with the letter F) and the Armed Forces Bowl featuring a really interesting matchup. Independent Army 8-4 (68) coming off a surprise loss to Navy a couple of weeks ago faces Missouri 6-6 (58) of the SEC. Army, of the famous triple option offense, is 3rd in rushing in the nation and Missouri is just awful against the run (248th). When Army has the ball, the run helps produce an Offensive Efficiency Rating (OER) of 118 (they score 11.8 points for every 10 their opponents normally allow) while Mizzou as a DER (Defensive) of just 85 (they give up 10 points for every 8.5 their opponents normally score) – good for 203rd in the country. I expect long drives, lots of first downs, and steady scoring from Army. When the Tigers have the ball, they counter with an OER of 122 to the Black Knight’s DER of 118. If Missouri can get some big plays, they will score and can score in droves. If Army gets behind, they do not have the offense to play catch up. Vegas thinks Army wins this game -6.5 (up from an opening of -3.5) and the GCR agrees: 55.2%.
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That’s it for today – it’s a short one. Tune in tonight at 8:00 (all times Eastern) to watch and to the GCR tomorrow to read about the next two bowls. Thanks, G
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