Wake Forest finished a disappointing 7-5, losing four of its last five games. The Wake defense allowed 410.6 yards per game, while QB Sam Hartman led the 10th-ranked passing attack (314.6). Missouri made this bowl by winning its last two games, the last of which was against Arkansas, to finish 6-6. Tigers QB Brady Cook had his best back-to-back performances in the last two wins, and he’s always a threat to run. I think the time off will help Wake and Hartman get back to scoring the way they did to start the season. The weather is good in Tampa. Wake Forest covers.

Gasparilla Bowl from Tampa. If you don't know what Gasparilla is, it's basically the Tampa version of Mardi Gras involving pirates. Major fun. Sure things don't exist in bowl games, but on paper Wake should win. The Deacons have by far the best quarterback on the field in Sam Hartman and they really haven't lost anyone of note to the draft/transfer. Missouri has been absolutely crushed by that, led by leading receiver Dominic Lovett (56 catches for 846 yards) and several key defensive players, including linemen Isaiah McGuire and D.J. Coleman and safety Martez Manuel.

Standout QBs tend to thrive in bowl settings with little at stake, so the nod goes to Wake with Sam Hartman, who can set ACC career passing records. He can pick on a defense weakened by opt-outs from three players, who collectively accounted for more than half of Mizzou's sacks and half of its forced fumbles. The Tigers' terrific WR, Dominic Lovett, also will take a pass. Wake deals with opt-outs, too, but they are not as integral. Deacons coach Dave Clawson is 4-2 outright in bowls.