By Eddie Middlebrook
FOXSportsSouthwest.com
The North division has tougher matchups than the South division, but should walk away with two victories between the three bowls. All three opponents have at least five losses and only Washington as any momentum heading into their bowl game.
No. 12 Missouri (10-2) vs. Iowa (7-5) Insight Bowl Dec. 28, 9 p.m.
The Tigers finished the season winning their last three games and only allowed seven points total in their last two games. They have the sixth best scoring defense in the country at 15.2 points a game, while scoring over 30 points themselves. They are led by junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert who only threw 15 touchdowns this year compared to 24 in 2009.
The Hawkeyes lost their last three games including the finale to lowly Minnesota, 27-24.
They have the seventh best scoring defense at 16.4 points a game. Iowa is led offensively by senior quarterback Ricky Stanzi who threw for over 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions.
In the end, both defenses will come up strong and should make for a low-scoring game.
Final: Missouri 17, Iowa 10
Kansas State (7-5) vs. Syracuse (7-5) New Era Pinstripe Bowl Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m.
The Wildcats lost two of their last three and gave up 41 points to North Texas in their victory over them. They excel at running the football where they average over 200 yards a game and are led by senior running back Daniel Thomas who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The Orange lost three of their last four games after starting the season 6-2. They play a low-scoring game with a solid defense, but lack offense as they only averaged 21 points a game. They do have back-to-back 1,000 yard season running back Delone Carter who has 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
In the end, Syracuse
