ReliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin (7-5) vs. LSU (9-3), Noon ET
Wisconsin should be thanking its lucky brandy sweet-flavored stars that Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels won't be playing in this contest. LSU's defense has struggled for much of the season, but the Badgers haven't cracked 28 points since September. While not a blowout in a Daniels-less game, LSU figures to win comfortably.
Prediction: LSU 31, Wisconsin 17
Citrus Bowl: Iowa (10-3) vs. Tennessee (8-4), 1 p.m. ET
Similarly, this prediction would be painless if Tennessee QB Joe Milton had decided to play. You likely know the story: Iowa averaged just 16.6 points this year. Thanks to a spectacular defense, the Hawkeyes reached the Big Ten title game anyway. Tennessee's shift to much-anticipated freshman Nico Iamaleava, on paper, should benefit Iowa. Still, that might not be enough for the Hawkeyes.
Prediction: Tennessee 16, Iowa 13
Fiesta Bowl: Liberty (13-0) vs. Oregon (11-2), 1 p.m. ET
Between coach Jamey Chadwell's unique system and quarterback Kaidon Salter's dynamism, Liberty has a really fun offense. The team has scored 38-plus points in seven straight games. Oregon, however, has largely avoided the opt-out trend and expects Bo Nix to play. Not overthinking this one.
Prediction: Oregon 43, Liberty 24
Rose Bowl: No. 4 Alabama (12-1) vs. No. 1 Michigan (13-0), 5 p.m. ET
Controversial as they are, the Crimson Tide can win it all. Mobile quarterbacks have given Alabama some fits in 2023, but Michigan tends not to lean on J.J. McCarthy in that way. If the Wolverines are forced to throw more than usual, they'd better hope an elite defense is overwhelming what has mostly been a shaky Alabama offensive line.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Michigan 19
Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Texas (12-1) vs. No. 2 Washington (13-0), 8:45 p.m. ET
Find a way, find a way, find a way. Washington's ability to squeeze out of tight games cannot be underestimated. I also believe this is the moment where the competition is strong enough that UW, for the first time, narrowly misses. Texas has a sensational run defense, so Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. might hit 350-plus yards. But the Longhorns will clip the Pac-12 champs in a thriller.
Prediction: Texas 41, Washington 38
