The Cactus Bowl features a ton of talent, but also plenty of "what ifs."
Baylor has been the story of the year in college football because of the university rape scandal that resulted in the firing of coach Art Briles in the offseason. The football team, left in the hands of acting coach Jim Grobe and a staff of Briles' assistants, moved forward with mixed results at best.
Boise State's season has been far calmer by comparison, but two losses in the second half of the season moved the Broncos out of the New Year's Six conversation. Ultimately, in their own ways, Boise State and Baylor are trying to end things on a positive note.
Viewing information
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 27
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
Location: Chase Field -- Phoenix, Arizona
TV: ESPN
Live streams: WatchESPN / WatchESPN apps
Storylines
Baylor: It's easy to say 2016 has been a year to forget for Baylor, but no one should forget the rape scandal that rocked the university. However, it's plain to see Baylor wants 2016 to be over. The Bears lost their final six games, their starting quarterback Seth Russell (again), and running back Shock Linwood -- the school's all-time leading rusher -- won't play in the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. (Linwood was not a factor in Baylor's offense in the last two games of the season and missed the Oklahoma game because of "attitude issues.") Motivation will be the key storyline for the Bears in their final game.
Boise State: A 10-win season is nothing to be dismissive of, but it could have been so much more for the Broncos. Boise, which did not make the Mountain West Championship Game, was nine points away from being undefeated and potentially playing in the Cotton Bowl. Still, this is an excellent team led by quarterback Brett Rypien that should test the line between the Power Five and Group of Five.
Players to watch
KD Cannon, WR, Baylor: Not only is Cannon an explosive wideout with the most appropriate name possible, he's confident. Cannon promised new Baylor coach Matt Rhule a Cactus Bowl win over the Broncos. Cannon is one of two deep threats the Bears have in the passing attack and he leads the team with 989 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State: McNichols doesn't get a ton of love nationally when stacked up to the likes of Leonard Fournette or D'Onta Foreman -- hell, the Mountain West alone was several players deep at running back -- but his production has been off the charts. He was the fifth-leading rusher nationally with 1,663 yards and led the conference with 23 touchdowns on the ground. He's also a capable receiving threat out of the backfield for Rypien. Reports state McNichols is headed to the NFL, though he maintains no final decision has been made. Still, this might be your last chance to watch him in college.
Prediction
It all comes down to motivation for this game, at least for Baylor. Though the Bears lost six in a row, the little secret no one talks about is they looked like a motivated team at the end of the year against West Virginia. Perhaps there is some hope for this team yet. Both teams are familiar with higher scoring games, so it may come down to which defense makes a critical stop late. Pick: Baylor +8.5
