Game Info
Michigan Wolverines vs Kansas State Wildcats
Saturday – December 28 – 9:15 PM
TV: ESPN
Sun Devil Stadium – Tempe
The Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl matches to 7-5 teams though while possessing identical records are considered to be heading in different directions. Kansas State comes in having won five of their final six while Michigan has managed to lose five of their last seven. An interesting note is that in Michigan’s 134 year old storied history this will be the first time the two schools have met. Also of note is that the Wildcats haven’t won a bowl game since the 2002 Holiday Bowl (Arizona State).
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan added even more mayhem to their current situation by announcing that starting quarterback Devin Gardner will miss the bowl game due to a turf toe injury. Gardner, in the last game of the season almost pulled off the upset against Ohio State passing for 451 yards and four touchdowns. It’s rumored that it was in the third quarter of that game the injury occurred. Freshman Shane Morris will make his first start in the bowl game. The southpaw has played in three games earlier this season attempting nine passes. His teammates though are confident in his ability and need be since their run game is in sad shape. Fitzgerald Toussaint is the main running back with 646 yards under his belt this season with 12 touchdowns. QB Morris will look early and often to senior wideout Jeremy Gallon and sophomore Devin Funchess to get the aerial attack going. The defense is certainly average at best only holding Central Michigan to single digit points.
Kansas State Wildcats The Wildcats are going with their two-headed quarterback beast for this bowl game. When it comes to passing the ball junior Jake Waters is clearly superior while sophomore Daniel Sams is more of a rushing threat. The Wolverines defense will have its hands full throughout the game as Kansas State will rotate their quarterbacks as needed. Senior running back John Hubert will carry the rock when called upon. He has a solid offensive line to run behind. Junior wide receiver Tyler Lockett has smooth hands and a burst of speed for yards after the catch. The defense became a stronger unit as the season progressed and ended up 35th nationally. Look for defensive end Ryan Mueller to have a field day in Michigan’s backfield.
Prediction: The Wildcats dominate this one winning 38-17.
