I did okay last year at picking the games. I think I mentioned that I was much better at picking the spread versus the points. My goal this year is to be better at both. I believe in myself.
Quick rant about these bowl games. There is always this excuse that we cannot have an eight team playoff because of how many games that would add to the season. And yet, the FCS is able to do it. You could easily eliminate some of these bowl games and expand to eight teams (make those bigger bowl sites be the hosts of opening rounds). I think you also make 7-wins the bowl eligibility point. You can still have these minor bowls, but they have to be teams with at least seven wins. 6-6? Get out of here.
I think if you expand to eight teams, the committee really has to be consistent about strength of schedule and rewarding/punishing who you play. Anyways, enough ranting and back to what is important: bad bowl game picks! All betting info comes from Bovada.
Bahamas Bowl–December 20th at 2:00 p.m.
Buffalo Bulls (7-5) vs. Charlotte 49ers (7-5)
Favorite: Buffalo (-6.5)
O/U: 58.0
My Take: The MAC vs. C-USA. Charlotte won their last five games, but I think Buffalo is the better team. I think the Bulls win this one and they cover the spread. The 49ers give up points when the lose, so take the over.
Frisco Bowl–December 20th at 7:30 p.m.
Kent State Golden Flashes (6-6) vs. Utah State Aggies (7-5)
Favorite: Utah State (-7.0)
O/U: 65.0
My Take: Both teams have had some awful games against marquee opponents. The Aggies are nowhere near as good as they were a year ago, but I think they should be able to handle the Golden Flashes. I am taking Utah State and the minus seven, but also take the under here. My guess is the score ends up like 35-21.
Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl–December 21st at 11:00 a.m.
North Carolina A&T Aggies (8-3) vs. Alcorn State Braves (9-3)
Favorite: North Carolina A&T (-2.5)
O/U: 51.5
My Take: I think the Aggies win this one again. It will be close and probably a field goal. I think it is a low scoring affair, so take the under.
New Mexico Bowl–December 21st at 2:00 p.m.
Central Michigan Chippewas (8-5) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (9-3)
Favorite: San Diego State (-3.5)
O/U: 41.0
My Take: The Aztecs had a pretty good season, they defeated UCLA and BYU. The games they lost were fairly close. Central Michigan has been up and down. They were destroyed by Wisconsin and had a close one against Miami. I just think SDSU is too much for them and win this game. I also think they cover the spread and the over.
Cure Bowl–December 21st at 2:30 p.m.
Liberty Flames (7-5) vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (7-5)
Favorite: Georgia Southern (-4.5)
O/U: 60.0
My Take: Georgia Southern is fairly good this year. They gave Minnesota everything they could handle and should defeat the Flames fairly easily. My guess is 41-28. So take the Eagles to cover and hit the over.
Boca Raton Bowl–December 21st at 3:30 p.m.
Southern Methodist Mustangs (10-2) vs. Florida Atlantic Owls (10-3)
Favorite: SMU (-3.5)
O/U: 70.5
My Take: I think this ends up being a close game. FAU had a tough beginning to the season (Ohio State and UCF), but after an 0-2 start, they went 10-1. SMU had a strong start to the season with losses coming at the end of the year to Memphis and Navy. I am taking the over here and SMU for the win. I think they cover the spread, but I am shaky on that one. I feel like 45-41 could be a good score for this game.
Camellia Bowl–December 21st at 5:30 p.m.
Florida International University Golden Panthers (6-6) vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-5)
Favorite: Arkansas State (-3.0)
O/U: 63.0
My Take: Could two teams have longer names? I think the Sun Belt is a stronger conference than C-USA. Maybe I am wrong, but I think the Red Wolves win this one easily, but I am taking the under. I am thinking 24-14.
Las Vegas Bowl–December 21st at 7:30 p.m.
Washington Huskies (7-5) vs. Boise State Broncos (12-1)
Favorite: Washington (-3.5)
O/U: 50.0
My Take: This is a bit of a letdown bowl game for both teams. Boise State finished 12-1 and probably thought they would get a better game, however a loss to BYU really hurt them. The Huskies had to think they were a contender to win the Pac-12 early in the year, but the losses just kept adding up. They kept it close against Oregon and Utah. Also, they beat up on BYU, which is probably why they are the favorite. I am taking Boise State to cover the points and also the over. I think Washington wins a close one though. 30-28.
New Orleans Bowl–December 21st at 9:00 p.m.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers (9-4) vs. Appalachian State Moutaineers (12-1)
Favorite: App State (-17.0)
O/U: 48.0
My Take: Appalachian State has been one of my favorite teams to watch the past few years. They beat UNC and South Carolina. If they do not lose that game to Georgia Southern, I wonder what bowl game they would have been in? Could they have been in the Cotton Bowl against Penn State? I am going to take the over here, but also UAB to cover the 17 points. I think App State wins by two touchdowns, 35-21.
Gasparilla Bowl–December 23rd at 2:30 p.m.
Marshall Thundering Herd (8-4) vs. University of Central Florida Knights (9-3)
Favorite: UCF (-17.5)
O/U: 61.5
My Take: They have a common opponent in Cincinnati. The
Herd lost badly to the Bearcats, while the Knights almost won. I know, that does not mean too much, but I think UCF is a much better team (despite losing to Pitt). UCF can score points, which should help this game hit the over. I think they also cover the spread. I think something like 48-28.
Hawaii Bowl–December 24th at 8:00 p.m.
Brigham Young University Cougars (7-5) vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (9-5)
Favorite: BYU (-2.0)
O/U: 64.0
My Take: BYU should win this game. Both teams have some decent wins and some odd losses. BYU beat Boise State and Hawaii lost to them (twice). They both lost to Washington. I feel like BYU has the potential to be the better team here, but for some reason they seem to screw up games they should win. I will take BYU and the points, as well as the under. I will be shocked if either team hits 30.
Independence Bowl–December 26th at 4:00 p.m.
Miami Hurricanes (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (9-3)
Favorite: Miami (-6.0)
O/U: 50.0
My Take: The Hurricanes are not very good. They lost their final two games of the year to Duke and FIU. The Bulldogs beat up on FIU earlier in the year. I am going to take LA Tech for the upset and the over. I think 31-28.
Quick Lane Bowl–December 26th at 8:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-6)
Favorite: Pitt (-11.5)
O/U: 49.0
My Take: I do not like Pitt, I think most of you know that, but they should have been better than 7-5 this year. They gave Penn State everything they could handle (Kenny Pickett looked like a Heisman candidate that game), and yet for some reason they do not perform to their potential. I think the Panthers win this game, but I think the Eagles cover the 11.5. I am taking the under because 17-10 seems like a good score in this one.
Military Bowl–December 27th at 12:00 p.m.
University of North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6) vs. Temple Owls (8-4)
Favorite: UNC (-4.5)
O/U: 53.0
My Take: I think Temple will keep this one close. If it is low scoring, then I think the Owls win it outright. If it turns into a shootout, I think UNC has the edge. Take Temple and the under (I guess I am saying that Temple wins the game as well).
Pinstripe Bowl–December 27th at 3:20 p.m.
Michigan State Spartans (6-6) vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-4)
Favorite: Michigan State (-4.5)
O/U: 49.0
My Take: The Spartans are not good this year. Wake Forest started the season off strong, but faltered at the end. I would like to think the Big Ten is that much better than the ACC, but not in this one. I think the Deacons win this one. Take the over because I think 30-28 is where this one ends up.
Texas Bowl–December 27th at 6:45 p.m.
#25 Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-4) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (7-5)
Favorite: Texas A&M (-7.0)
O/U: 54.0
My Take: The Aggies five losses are fairly impressive: Auburn, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia. The Cowboys resume is not nearly as good with losses to Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Oklahoma. I think Texas A&M wins the game, but Oklahoma State covers the 7.0 points. It is a Big 12 team, take the over. A good chance the total hits 80.
Holiday Bowl–December 27th at 8:00 p.m.
#22 University of Southern California Trojans (8-4) vs. #16 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-3)
Favorite: Iowa (-2.0)
O/U: 52.0
My Take: This is a tough one. I think it will be a good game. Iowa is a good team and I think they will win this one, but I would not be at all surprised if USC comes out on top. Iowa with the points and the under. 21-17.
Cheez-It Bowl–December 27th at 10:15 p.m.
Washington State Cougars (6-6) vs. Air Force Falcons (10-2)
Favorite: AF (-3.0)
O/U: 67.5
My Take: I think the Cougars win this one. They like to score points and if it turns into a shootout, I do not think the Falcons have enough to keep up. I am taking the over because I can see Washington State winning this game 45-35.
Cotton Bowl–December 28th at Noon
#17 Memphis Tigers (12-1) vs. #10 Penn State University Nittany Lions (10-2)
Favorite: PSU (-7.0)
O/U: 60.5
My Take: The Tigers have not played against a defense as good as the Nittany Lions this year. I think PSU wins this one and they cover the spread. I am taking the under on this one. I think 28-14. I am not sure how it will go without Norvell there, but at the same time, Penn State is unsure of their OC at the moment, plus you never know which players may decide to sit the bowl game because of the draft.
Camping World Bowl–December 28th at Noon
Iowa State Cyclones (7-5) vs. #15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2)
Favorite: Notre Dame (-3.5)
O/U: 54.5
My Take: The Cyclones always seem to play close games with everyone. They lost to Baylor, Iowa, and Oklahoma by a combined four points. Notre Dame looked good against Georgia, but then awful in their beatdown by Michigan. I think the Irish win this one and cover the 3.5. I am taking the over, I think we end up with a bit of a shootout. 41-35.
First Responder Bowl–December 30th at 12:30 p.m.
Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4)
Favorite: WKU (-3.5)
O/U: 52.0
My Take: Did they really go out and find two Western named schools to play each other? And please tell me this is sponsored by Best Western. If not, what a wasted opportunity. I think WKU wins this one and I am taking the over. 33-28.
Redbox Bowl–December 30th at 4:00 p.m.
Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6) vs. California University Bears (7-5)
Favorite: Cal (-7.0)
O/U: 43.0
My Take: I bet this would have been a pretty awesome matchup back in the 1940s or something. A win for Illinois would be their first winning season since 2011. Also the last time they won a bowl game. I am not betting on that happening though. Cal wins a close one, 21-17.
Music City Bowl–December 30th at 4:00 p.m.
Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-6) vs. Louisville Cardinals (7-5)
Favorite: Mississippi State (-4.0)
O/U: 63.5
My Take: I was pulling for the Bulldogs all year because of Tommy Stevens and Joe Moorehead, but unfortunately I do not think they will pull this one off against the Cardinals who exceeded expectations this season after going 2-10 last year. Take the Cardinals for the win and the over.
Orange Bowl–December 30th at 8:00 p.m.
#24 Virginia Cavaliers (9-4) vs. #9 Florida Gators (10-2)
Favorite: Florida (-14.5)
O/U: 54.5
My Take: The Gators are one of the better teams in the country, only losing to Georgia and LSU. They are just too much for Virginia. Take the Gators, but the under. I am thinking 34-17.
Belk Bowl–December 31st at Noon
University of Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4)
Favorite: VA Tech (-3.0)
O/U: 46.0
My Take: The Wildcats finished the season strong with a big win over Louisville, whereas the Hokies lost to Virginia. I think Virginia Tech wins this one, probably 17-10. So take the under.
Sun Bowl–December 31st at 2:00 p.m.
Florida State Seminoles (6-6) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (7-5)
Favorite: ASU (-4.0)
O/U: 55.0
My Take: I liked watching ASU all year. I really enjoy what Herm Edwards is doing there. If Jayden Daniels plays like he did against Oregon, this could end up ugly. I think the Sun Devils win by a touchdown. I am guessing 35-28.
Liberty Bowl–December 31st at 3:45 p.m.
Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) vs. #23 Navy Midshipmen (9-2)
Favorite: Navy (-2.5)
O/U: 52.0
My Take: Kansas State beat Oklahoma this year, but they also lost to WVU, who was not very good this year. Navy has been fairly good in recent bowl games and I think they win this game. Big 12 teams are never big on defense, so I could see this turning into a fun game. I will take the over, probably 45-40.
Arizona Bowl–December 31st at 4:30 p.m.
Wyoming Cowboys (7-5) vs. Georgia State Panthers (7-5)
Favorite: Wyoming (-7.0)
O/U: 48.5
My Take: Wyoming played strong at the end of the year. I think the Cowboys win it, but Georgia State covers. I am taking the over here because I think the Panthers can score points. My guess is 31-28.
Alamo Bowl–December 31st at 7:30 p.m.
#11 Utah Utes (11-2) vs. Texas Longhorns (7-5)
Favorite: Utah (-7.0)
O/U: 55.0
My Take: This has to be a huge disappointment to the Utes. They were so close to the playoffs, but then they lost to Oregon. Their defense is good and I think they win this one easily. I am taking the under here though, my guess is 28-17.
Citrus Bowl–January 1st at 1:00 p.m.
#14 Michigan Wolverines (9-3) vs. #13 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2)
Favorite: Alabama (-7.5)
O/U: 59.0
My Take: Here is my bold prediction…Michigan wins it. Not just covers the points, they actually beat Alabama. Minus the Ohio State game, the Wolverines looked really good the last few games (starting at the second half of the Penn State game). I think we end up with a high scoring affair, probably 45-40.
Outback Bowl–January 1st at 1:00 p.m.
#18 Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-2) vs. #12 Auburn Tigers (9-3)
Favorite: Auburn (-7.5)
O/U: 53.0
My Take: I would love for Minnesota to win this game, but I just do not see it happening. I think Auburn will probably run all over them. I think Auburn covers the spread and this game stays under the 53 points. My guess is 30-17.
Rose Bowl–January 1st at 5:00 p.m.
#6 Oregon Ducks (11-2) vs. #8 Wisconsin Badgers (10-3)
Favorite: Wisconsin (-2.5)
O/U: 51.0
My Take: The Badgers looked like a playoff caliber team at times, but then they lost to Illinois (and Ohio State twice). If they can play like they did against Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game, then they should be able to handle the Ducks. I think it will be a close game and will be over 51. I say 38-35.
Sugar Bowl–January 1st at 8:45 p.m.
#5 Georgia Bulldogs vs. #7 Baylor Bears
Favorite: Georgia (-7.5)
O/U: 41.5
My Take: The Bulldogs are the superior team here. The Bears have not went up against a good defense and I think that will be evident in this game. I think we have a low scoring game, 28-13. Yeah, scary to take the under here.
Birmingham Bowl–January 2nd at 3:00 p.m.
Boston College Eagles (6-6) vs. #21 Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3)
Favorite: Cincinnati (-7.0)
O/U: 55.5
My Take: The Bearcats are a good team. Another team that should probably be playing a better opponent, but alas that is the bowl system for ya. Take Cincinnati and the points. The under is probably safe, my guess is the game ends up 30-20.
Gator Bowl–January 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Indiana Hoosiers (8-4) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7-5)
Favorite: Tennessee (-1.5)
O/U: 51.5
My Take: Are the Vols any good? I do not think so and I think the Hoosiers are fairly decent. I am taking the Hoosiers for the upset. Also, take the over.
Potato Bowl–January 3rd at 3:30 p.m.
Ohio Bobcats (6-6) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (7-5)
Favorite: Ohio (-7.5)
O/U: 58.5
My Take: I think the Bobcats are the better team. I suppose this is a matchup that will help determine if the MAC is truly better than the MWC. Take the under and Ohio with the points. I think 28-14.
Armed Forces Bowl–January 4th at 11:30 a.m.
Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (7-5) vs. Tulane Green Wave (6-6)
Favorite: Tulane (-7.0)
O/U: 57.0
My Take: Tulane has lost four of their last five games, but I still think they are better than Southern Miss. I think the Green Wave, but I think it is a close game. Take the Golden Eagles to cover and the under, probably 24-20.
Peach Bowl–December 28th at 4:00 p.m.
#1 Louisiana State University Tigers (13-0) vs. #4 Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)
Favorite: LSU (-13.5)
O/U: 75.5
My Take: LSU has been tested over and over again this year and has proven they are the real deal. Oklahoma is good, but they have not been impressive. This year it seems like there are three teams, none of the next tier are in the same category. The Tigers have only been held under 30 points once this year and that was against Auburn. I think this could turn into a blowout, I am taking LSU for the win, for the points, and the under. Maybe 45-28. The Sooners only chance is to turn this into a shootout and hope that they hit the over, I still do not think they would win, but they could cover. I just do not see it happening though.
Fiesta Bowl–December 28th at 8:00 p.m.
#2 Ohio State University (13-0) vs. #3 Clemson Tigers (13-0)
Favorite: Clemson (-2.0)
O/U: 63.5
My Take: This should be a great game. The Clemson defense is good and I think they give Justin Fields a ton of trouble. I think Chase Young disrupts Trevor Lawrence’s pass game enough that the first half of this game ends up being low-scoring. Then things will get crazy during the second half. I think Clemson wins this one by a field goal. I also think they hit the over. My guess is 41-38.
I will make my championship prediction once these games are over (I will probably do a recap of how my predictions turned out with all of the conferences. Also, if you are interested in going up against me in a bowl game pick ’em then join my group…or send me a message and I will send you the link.
