Sugar Bowl: (7) Baylor vs. (8) Ole Miss

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)

Time: Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. on ESPN

Teams: No. 7 Baylor (11–2) versus No. 8 Ole Miss (10–2)

Line: Baylor -1.5

Summary

This could very well be the most electric New Year's Six game on the schedule. Lane Kiffin in the Big Easy? Extracurricular activities aside, he is going to have the time of his life preparing for and coaching this game. The Rebels quietly finished 10-2, good for second-place finish in the SEC West. While they were overshadowed by Alabama and Georgia, Kiffin put together one of the most high-powered offenses in the country.

Then you have Baylor, almost the exact opposite team. They come into the game with an elite run game and a stout defense, finishing 11-2 and ending in their Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State.

Our Pick

With how mediocre the Ole Miss defense has been this season, expect Kiffin to be pulling all the stops on the offensive side of the ball to grab this win. We like Ole Miss to pull off the small upset, assuming Matt Corral plays.

The Score: Ole Miss, 35-31

(We do most of my guessing based on a combination of The Smell Test and gut. If you’re looking for stat-based expertise to help you pick your games, check out our friends over at TeamRankings.com. They have a fantastic strategy guide and expert picks, too.)