Champs Sports Bowl Preview: Michigan State Vs. Boston College

The Champs Sports Bowl, featuring the Michigan State Spartans and Boston College Eagles, is sure to be one of the most exciting college football bowl games of the year. When analyzing the matchup, one can see that this is another classic ACC-Big Ten football game. Boston College was one of the best teams in the ACC this season, ranked as high as #2 in the polls. Michigan State, one of the Big Ten's most underachieving teams for years, has finally turned out and churned out a respectable 7-5 record.

Boston College Eagles

Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski has completely transformed the offense in Chestnut Hill, turning it into one of the most prolific passing offenses in the country behind star quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan projects as one of the top NFL quarterback prospects, and he will bring his terrific skills and poise in the pocket to this game.

Andre Callender is the starting running back for the Eagles, and he is one of the most underappreciated players in the country. He keeps the offense moving and grinds out tough yards, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. He has also scored nine rushing touchdowns on the season. Callender leads the Eagles in catches, as well, with 72 for 705 yards and four touchdowns. Backup LV Whitworth is one of the best in the ACC, as he has run for 343 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

The wide receiving core is deep and is one of the best units in the ACC. The four wide receivers - Rich Gunnell, Brandon Robinson, Kevin Challenger, and Ryan Purvis - all split catches and are reliable possession targets. If there is one thing this unit lacks, it is a true breakaway speed wide receiver.

Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State runs a run-first offense, and relies heavily on Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. Javon Ringer is the speed-back, as he can be very difficult to take down once he gets into the open field. Jehuu Caulcrick is a fan favorite in East Lansing, as he has scored an incredible 21 touchdowns on the ground this season.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer is one of the most effective caretaking quarterbacks in the NCAA, as he has shown a constant ability to make plays when the team decides not to run the football. Devin Thomas is one of the Big Ten's best wide receivers, and he is clearly the top target on a receiving-starved offense. On the season, Thomas has 75 catches for 1226 receiving yards and six scores.

Defense Overview and Prediction

Both the Boston College and Michigan State defenses are quality units, but the Eagles get the edge in this matchup. Expect to see CB DeJuan Tribble and MLB JoLonn Dunbar to have huge days stopping the Michigan State offense.

The Champs Sports Bowl is sure to be one of the best bowls this bowl season. Boston College should win this one by a small margin. Be sure to catch this game on Friday, December 27, at 5:00PM on ESPN.