The Pac-12 Conference will send five teams ‘Bowling’ in 2016, with one game meaning more than the rest.
Washington faces Alabama and the rest is pretty much trickle down. So much so that Star Players have decided to not play including Christian McCaffrey from Stanford. The key benefit is still pushing toward being better in 2017 with the extra practices, and chemistry building before Spring Practice.
With Minnesota now confirmed to play in the National Funding Holiday Bowl, all PAC-12 match-ups can go about their business. The annual game in San Diego will kick-off action for the league when it’s played.
Here’s a look at the slate for all six games involving the conference of champions.
National Funding Holiday Bowl (December 27): Minnesota Golden Gophers/B1G (8-4) v. Washington State Cougars (8-4), 4 pm/ESPN
This will be an interesting contrast between these teams, as the Gophers want to shorten the game with their rushing attack. Wazzu will spread you out, however unlike the past Mike Leach teams they can run the ball. Interested to see how this game plays out due to the Minnesota suspensions and how Washington State bounces back from getting blown out in the Apple Cup.
Minnesota grabbed early headlines for this one – following a brief 10 player suspension. In the end, they decided playing was better for everyone. The Golden Gophers see their fifth straight bowl game and first in California since 1961. The Gophers are powered by a solid ground game and Running Back Rodney Smith who ran for over 1000 yards during the regular season.