LAS VEGAS — Some quarterbacks are sport managers, and others are gunslingers. Bailey Zappe might be a personality from the Wild West, and he pulls the set off on a wide-open passing assault that may make Saturday’s Boca Raton Bowl price watching.
Zappe has handed for five,545 yards and 56 touchdowns this season — greater numbers than many quarterbacks put up in a profession — and is ready so as to add to these totals when he leads Western Kentucky towards favored Appalachian State.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Zappe is a late-round NFL draft prospect. He transferred from Houston Baptist after passing for 10,004 yards and 78 touchdowns in 36 video games on the FCS stage. For the Hilltoppers, Zappe has accomplished 69.2 p.c of his 639 passes whereas minimizing errors (11 interceptions) and adverse performs (15 sacks).
The Mountaineers may have the ability to management the sport with their superior protection, however the higher offenses usually shine early within the bowl season when the groups are looser and the stakes not as excessive. The Hilltoppers completed November with a seven-game profitable streak and have scored 41 factors or extra in all six video games since Oct. 30.
The choose: Western Kentucky, +3
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl (Sat.): Utah State (+7.5) over Oregon State
Beavers coach Jonathan Smith has accomplished an exceptional job since 2018, when he took over a 1-11 staff. Oregon State made the climb to 7-5 in Smith’s fourth season and will likely be fired up for this uncommon bowl look. Each groups are excited to be right here, so overlook any motivational edge.
The Aggies’ Logan Bonner handed for 36 touchdowns, together with 4 in a 33-point victory over San Diego State within the Mountain West title sport. Utah State is 7-0 away from house.
Frisco Bowl (Tue.): San Diego State-UTSA (Underneath 49.5)
It’s crucial to know who’s in and who’s out in the course of the bowl season. Roadrunners working again Honest McCormick, one of the best offensive participant on this sport, opted out to declare for the NFL. The Texas-San Antonio offense revolves round McCormick, who rushed for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Aztecs win with a protection that overcomes their poor quarterback play. San Diego State allowed 20 factors or fewer in six of its final 9 video games.
Hawaii Bowl (Fri.): Memphis (-7.5) over Hawaii
Warriors quarterback Chevan Cordeiro was a one-man wrecking crew within the regular-season finale at Wyoming, passing for 323 yards, working for 86 yards and accounting for 4 touchdowns. In an enormous shock, Cordeiro entered the switch portal and introduced plans to go away for San Jose State. The staff’s high working again can also be transferring.
In line with reviews, a number of gamers need coach Todd Graham ousted. Hawaii was a bet-on staff within the house canine function this season (4-0 towards the unfold), but it surely’s now a a lot totally different staff with out Cordeiro and with dissension within the locker room.
Final Week: 2-2. Iowa (L), Alabama (W), Wake Forest (L), Utah State (W)
Season: 28-22-2
