Maryland (6-6) vs. Oregon State (8-4)
December 28, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Maryland sneaks into a bowl game after an absolutely mediocre, inconsistent season. Lose to Clemson one week, North Carolina the next, bounce back to beat Boston College, then fall against Florida State.
The duo of Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball are a base for the Terps offense, but Chris Turner is learning the quarterback position on the fly, which allows defenses to focus on the running backs. Oregon State will undoubtedly do this, considering the Beavers boast the country's No. 2 rush defense.
Oregon State will rely on that defense, because the offense is bland. Outside of Yvenson Bernard, there is little to discuss. Bernard averages over 100 yards a game, and if he can maneuver his way through a defense anchored by the talented linebacker E.J. Henderson, Oregon State should be fine in this game.
The line: Oregon State -5
The pick: Oregon State