College Football New Year's Six Predictions

Irish Breakdown makes predictions for the upcoming New Year's Six Bowl Games

Notre Dame finished its season off with a big win, but the college football season is far from over. The New Year's Six Games are still to be played (with one exception) and the College Football Playoff games are still on the docket. The matchups are certainly entertaining, and the Irish Breakdown staff has made predictions for the games.

Let's begin with the New Year's Six games.

#11 Ole Miss (10-2) vs #10 Penn State (10-2)

Time: 12:00 PM ET (Dec. 30)
Network: ESPN
Line: Penn State -4.5; O/U: 50.5

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Ole Miss 30, Penn State 20

I'm just not all that impressed with Penn State, who hasn't shown they have to firepower to beat a team like Ole Miss. With the defense less than 100%, the Nittany Lions will have a tough time completely shutting down Ole Miss, who uses big plays in the pass game to get this one done.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Ole Miss 31, Penn State 24

Both teams should be relatively healthy and in tact. The Rebels brings some outstanding playmakers to the table. For a large part, Penn State has been a letdown at the skill positions. That’s the difference in the game.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Ole Miss 27, Penn State 17

Penn State is allowing just 11.4 points per game but they gave up more than double that in their two losses to Michigan and Ohio State. Ole Miss has one of the top scoring offenses in the nation.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Ole Miss 31, Penn State 23

Penn State played two ranked teams this year and struggled in both. Now, they have to take on Ole Miss, whose only losses this season came at the hands of Georgia and Alabama. The Rebels got a big boost when QB Jaxson Dart announced that he would return in 2024 and play in the bowl game, and expect them to carry that positive momentum to victory. 

Shaun Davis, IB Contributor - Penn State 27, Ole Miss 23

Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss football program comes into this Peach Bowl with a lot of momentum and excitement off a successful National Signing Day via the transfer portal and high school ranks. Now, the task of sealing the deal on a successful season with a win over the Nittany Lions. Penn State will field a formidable defense that will aim to make Jaxson Dart and the Rebel offense one dimensional. The Ole Miss offense and defense have both struggled in their biggest games this season. This one is all about different styles, and styles make fights. 

#6 Georgia (12-1) vs. #5 Florida State (13-0)

Time: 4:00 PM ET (Dec. 30)
Network: ESPN
Line: Georgia -20.0; O/U: 44.5

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Georgia 34, Florida State 13

It's a shame how bad this matchup has become after a huge chunk of Florida State's starting lineup decided to opt out. It's really a sad end to what was otherwise a great season, and it will likely end with the Seminoles getting smashed.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Georgia 31, Florida State 14

Georgia is just the healthier team. Florida State’s quarterback position is a mess right now, and they will be without a few key players like Jared Verse. The overall depth of Georgia wins out.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Georgia 42, Florida State 20

It was bad enough for Florida State to lose Jordan Travis to injury and fall out of the CFP, but it hits even harder for this game to also lose Tate Rodemaker to the transfer portal. There are too many other opt outs to overcome Georgia’s stacked talent.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Georgia 38, Florida State 6

Florida State was not one of the four best teams at the end of the regular season, but I do believe that games on the field have to matter and the Seminoles earned a CFP berth. With FSU missing the playoff though, the rash of opt outs is going to cost the Seminoles the chance to compete in this game and make the ESPN talking heads feel validated. 

Shaun Davis, IB Contributor - Georgia 41, Florida State 17

As a college football fan, this was the game I was looking forward to watching the most due to the controversy surrounding Florida State’s omission from the College Football Playoff and Georgia being one of the best teams to not make the playoff. The Seminoles roster is in flux with many of its top players opting out and Georgia has lost Its share of losses via the transfer portal as well. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs overall talent and depth with quarterback Carson Beck having a big day through the air will turn this one into a blowout at some point.  

#23 Liberty (13-0) vs #8 Oregon (11-2)

Time: 1:00 PM ET (Jan. 1)
Network: ESPN
Line: Oregon -16.5; O/U: 67.5

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Oregon 38, Liberty 20

The Flames have been an entertaining team to watch this season, but this is by far the toughest opponent they'll face all season, even with the Oregon opt outs. Liberty might keep it close early, but Oregon's stout run defense and overall team speed will be too much for the Flames.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Oregon 42, Liberty 24

This bowl may be a little bit of a letdown for the Ducks, but talent wise, they are still much better than Liberty. The Flames hang tough for awhile but eventually the talent wins out. Explosive plays is the name of the game.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Oregon 45, Liberty 17

Liberty’s the biggest underdog this bowl season. Bo Nix and company will just be too much for this to be competitive.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Oregon 44, Liberty 13

Liberty may be undefeated and there's no denying that the Flames were a feel-good story this season, but they played arguably the weakest schedule in the FBS. With Bo Nix expected to play for Oregon, expect a big performance from the Ducks in his final collegiate game. 

Shaun Davis, IB Contributor - Oregon 42, Liberty 24

Liberty deserves a lot of credit for going undefeated in Conference USA, but I’m not sure if they’re ready to deal with the Ducks in the trenches in this matchup. Even with some opt-outs, the Ducks will be the most difficult defense Liberty has seen this season. Bo Nix has been spectacular all season and this should be another opportunity for the signal caller to display his efficiency before heading to the NFL. 

Ryan, Shaun and Sean all picked Missouri to beat Ohio State. Andrew picked the Buckeyes.

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