When the NFL coaching carousel starts spinning, a few teams should take a look at Jeff Tedford. The coach who recruited Aaron Rodgers to California has pulled off an impressive turnaround at Fresno State. The Bulldogs, 1-11 the year before Tedford arrived, are 21-6 in his two seasons and just won the Mountain West title game on the blue turf at Boise State.
Fresno is a 4¹/₂-point favorite over Arizona State and Herm Edwards in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday. Tedford got the max out of senior quarterback Marcus McMaryion (69.8 percent completions, 25 touchdowns), and the Bulldogs defense allows 13.7 ppg.
The Sun Devils will ride or die with dual-threat QB Manny Wilkins and running back Eno Benjamin (1,524 yards, 15 touchdowns). The Pac-12 team does not have a major speed or talent advantage, partly because the Devils’ top wide receiver, N’Keal Harry, will sit this one out to prepare for the NFL draft.
The play: Fresno State, -4¹/₂
Florida (+7½) over Michigan (Dec. 29, Peach Bowl): This is a case of a fragile favorite. Why would the Wolverines, who were humiliated by Ohio State, be inspired to play in the Peach Bowl? Jim Harbaugh will try his motivational tactics, but defensive tackle Rashan Gary is skipping the bowl to focus on the draft. The Gators at least have a three-game win streak and momentum.
Alabama (-14) over Oklahoma (Dec. 29, Orange Bowl): Nick Saban has extra time to prepare for Kyler Murray, who swiped the Heisman from Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Sooners defense is bad, and this one could get ugly.
Northwestern (+7) over Utah (Dec. 31, Holiday Bowl): Utes coach Kyle Whittingham is 11-1 straight up (9-3 ATS) in bowls, but after losing QB Tyler Huntley and star running back Zack Moss to injuries, Whittingham ran out of magic in a 10-3 loss to Washington in the Pac-12 title game. Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald heads to the Holiday Bowl at 6-1-1 ATS in the ’dog role this season.
Two weeks ago: 1-1
Season: 15-13.
This story was originally published by NY Post
via USAHint.com
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