Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Jan. 1
Baylor vs. Michigan State

– Disappointed that it didn’t get into the playoff, the Bears can only blame themselves for not playing a real non-conference game and with a 41-27 loss at West Virginia. The co-Big 12 champions lead the nation in total offense and scoring offense, hanging up 45 points a game against everyone buy Texas, West Virginia and Kansas State. There aren’t a lot of mistakes – finishing sixth in the nation in turnover margin – and after last year’s Fiesta Bowl loss and with the playoff snub, motivation won’t be a problem.

– Michigan State has had a strangely successful season. Going 10-2 with a win over Michigan is great for the program, but coming off a Rose Bowl season, going 0-2 in the two games that really mattered – Oregon and Ohio State – was a dud. Where’s the big win? Nebraska? Not really. Maryland? Penn State? The Spartans are good, and they’re getting a sweet bowl spot, but they need to do something big to show that it’s worth of a potential top five finish. If Oregon and Ohio State play for the national title, it could be argued that MSU is the third-best team.

First Reaction: If there’s an eight-team playoff, these two are in. There’s not an eight-team playoff, so these two are playing in a bowl full of green. Baylor should come out angry and fired up after being the first ever first team out in the playoff format, but Michigan State’s offensive balance will be the key. Get ready for a lopsided time of possession in MSU’s favor thanks to a big day from Jeremy Langford.
First Prediction: Michigan State 31 … Baylor 23