My sixth year of picking all the bowl games. I am not even sure how I do at this each year. Not well probably. I am sure some of these odds will change and some of the situations will change. It is hard to know which players will opt out of bowl games. Also, I should probably mention that I am not an expert and if you follow my gambling advice there is a good chance you will lose money.
Bahamas Bowl–December 17th at 12:00 p.m.
Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (6-6) vs. Toledo Rockets (7-5)
Favorite: Toledo (-10.0)
O/U: 53.0
My Take: I think Toledo wins this one easily. I am taking the points and the over. Toledo can score, so it could get ugly fast. 41-17
Cure Bowl–December 17th at 6:00 p.m.
Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (10-2) vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (9-4)
Favorite: Coastal Carolina (-10.0)
O/U: 62.5
My Take: Grayson McCall should be fully healthy and they should be able to handle the Huskies. I think Rocky Lombardi is the wildcard for Northern Illinois, if he can play well, then it will be close. I am taking them to cover the ten points and the over. 43-35
Boca Raton Bowl–December 18th at 11:00 a.m.
FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida
Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-3) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5)
Favorite: Appalachian State (-2.5)
O/U: 67.0
My Take: Western Kentucky can score points. The App State defense has shown they can stop teams when they need to. This could be a fun game. I am taking the Mountaineers in a close one. I am also taking the under. 34-28
Celebration Bowl–December 18th at 12:00 p.m.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Jackson State Tigers (11-1) vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs (6-5)
Favorite: Jackson State (-12.0)
O/U: 41.5
My Take: I think Coach Sanders and Jackson State win this game with zero troubles. I am taking the points and the under. 27-3
New Mexico Bowl–December 18th at 2:15 p.m.
Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico
UTEP Miners (7-5) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (9-3)
Favorite: Fresno State (-12.5)
O/U: 52.0
My Take: These teams actually have some common opponents. They both lost to Boise State and they both beat New Mexico. Not very helpful. Fresno State has some quality wins this year, they beat San Diego State, UCLA, and barely lost to Oregon. UTEP does not have the resume, but Fresno State is without their head coach and starting QB (both heading to Washington).I think the Bulldogs win, but it is close. Take the over. 34-28
Independence Bowl–December 18th at 3:30 p.m.
Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana
#13 BYU Cougars (10-2) vs. UAB Blazers (8-4)
Favorite: BYU (-7.0)
O/U: 54.5
My Take: I feel bad for BYU. I think they deserve to be in a bigger bowl game, but alas that is the crappy thing about being an independent. If they were in the PAC-12 (they went 5-0 against the conference), they probably would have played in the title game. I think the Cougars come out angry and stomp the Blazers. Taking the points and the over. 45-17
LendingTree Bowl–December 18th at 5:45 p.m.
Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama
Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-5) vs. Liberty Flames (7-5)
Favorite: Liberty (-8.5)
O/U: 57.5
My Take: It will be closer than people think. I am taking the Eagles with the upset and the under. 23-21
LA Bowl–December 18th at 7:30 p.m.
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
Oregon State Beavers (7-5) vs. Utah State Aggies (10-3)
Favorite: Oregon State (-7.5)
O/U: 64.5
My Take: I think this is a high scoring game. I think Utah State can cover the 7.5, but the Beavers come out on top. 41-38
New Orleans Bowl–December 18th at 9:15 p.m.
Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
#23 Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (12-1) vs. Marshall Thundering Herd (7-5)
Favorite: ULL (-6.0)
O/U: 52.0
My Take: Marshall lost a close game to App State early in the year. The Ragin’ Cajuns owned App State the first time they played and then won with little troubles in the Sun Belt championship game. I think ULL is just too much for Marshall. I am taking the -6 and the under. 28-14.
Myrtle Beach Bowl–December 20th at 2:30 p.m.
Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-6) vs. Old Dominion Monarchs (6-6)
Favorite: Tulsa (-9.5)
O/U: 52.0
My Take: The Monarchs won their final five games to become bowl eligible. Tulsa played a tough schedule this year with losses to Oklahoma State, Ohio State, Houston, Cincinnati, but also a loss to FCS UC Davis. Yikes. I think Ricky Rahne has ODU ready for this game against Tulsa (is this the Monarchs first bowl game?) and it ends up being close. I think Tulsa pulls it out though. 24-20
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl–December 21st at 3:30 p.m.
Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho
Kent State Golden Flashes (7-6) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (6-6)
Favorite: Wyoming (-3.0)
O/U: 58.5
My Take: Wyoming played Northern Illinois early in the year and it was a high scoring game. I think we have a similar result in this one. I am taking Kent State for the upset and the over. 49-45
Frisco Bowl–December 21st at 7:30 p.m.
Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas
#24 San Diego State Aztecs (11-2) vs. UTSA Roadrunners (12-1)
Favorite: UTSA (-2.5)
O/U: 49.5
My Take: Both teams seem to play close, low-scoring games. I am taking SDSU for the win and the under. 21-18
Armed Forces Bowl–December 22nd at 8:00 p.m.
Amon G.Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas
Missouri Tigers (6-6) vs. Army Black Knights (8-4)
Favorite: Army (-3.5)
O/U: 59.0
My Take: I think Army wins this one. I am taking the points and the over. 35-30
Frisco Football Classic–December 23rd at 3:30 p.m.
Toyota Stadium in Frisco Texas
Miami RedHawks (6-6) vs. North Texas Mean Green (6-6)
Favorite: Miami (-3.5)
O/U: 53.5
My Take: They added this game so that all the eligible teams could make a bowl game. I am not complaining. I think this ends up being close. I think North Texas wins it and if they do, this one goes way past the over. 45-42
Gasparilla Bowl–December 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
Florida Gators (6-6) vs. UCF Knights (8-4)
Favorite: Florida (-7.5)
O/U: 57.0
My Take: Florida has a new coach, but I am not sure he will be enough to make this team good. I think the Gators win this one, but UCF covers the 7.5. Take the under. 28-24
Hawai’i Bowl–December 24th at 8:00 p.m.
Clarence T.C.Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawai’i
Memphis Tigers (6-6) vs. Hawaii Warriors (6-7)
Favorite: Memphis (-6.0)
O/U: 60.0
My Take: Memphis should have been better than 6-6. They beat Mississippi State, but then lost a bunch after that. They will put up some points on Hawaii. Take the -6 and the under. 30-20
Camellia Bowl–December 25th at 2:30 p.m.
Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama
Ball State Cardinals (6-6) vs. Georgia State Panthers (7-5)
Favorite: Georgia State (-4.5)
O/U: 50.0
My Take: Georgia State started off bad, but then turned things around. Ball State was up and down all year. I think the Panthers win a close, low-scoring game. 17-13
Quick Lane Bowl–December 27th at 11:00 a.m.
Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (8-4)
Favorite: Western Michigan (-3.0)
O/U: 59.5
My Take: I think this one comes down to Carson Strong. If he plays, then I think this ends up being a good game. If he does not play, then WMU probably wins easily. With Strong, I am taking Nevada for the upset and the over (35-30), but if he opts out, then I take the Broncos and the under (27-17).
Military Bowl–December 27th at 2:30 p.m.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland
East Carolina Pirates (7-5) vs. Boston College Eagles (6-6)
Favorite: Boston College (-3.5)
O/U: 51.0
My Take: I do not think BC is very good. I am taking the Pirates and the under.
Birmingham Bowl–December 28th at 12:00 p.m.
Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama
#20 Houston Cougars (11-2) vs. Auburn Tigers (6-6)
Favorite: Auburn (-3.0)
O/U: 51.5
My Take: I hate/love this type of game. I hate that a team that is 11-2 and ranked has to play a 6-6 SEC team. However, I love this matchup because I think Auburn was a good team this year and would have probably had a much better record in a lesser conference. This is that great test of how the conferences compare. However, it sucks for Houston. If they do not win, everyone justifies that G5 Conferences are not even close to the level as the P5. And if they win, well then Auburn was not that good. Haha, see the problem? Anyways, I think Houston gets the upset here. Take the under as well. 17-14
First Responder Bowl–December 28th at 3:15 p.m.
Gerald J.Ford Stadium in Dallas Texas
Louisville Cardinals (6-6) vs. Air Force Falcons (9-3)
Favorite: Louisville (-1.5)
O/U: 55.0
My Take: The Cardinals are better than their record. At least I think they are. They should win this game. I am also taking the over. 52-45
Liberty Bowl–December 28th at 6:45 p.m.
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee
Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6) vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-5)
Favorite: Mississippi State (-8.5)
O/U: 60.0
My Take: My first thought is to take the Bulldogs. And I do think they will win, but I have this feeling that the game ends up being close. So take Texas Tech to cover the points. I am also taking the over. 42-38
Holiday Bowl–December 28th at 8:00 p.m.
Petco Park in San Diego, California
#18 North Carolina State Wolfpack (9-3) vs. UCLA Bruins (8-4)
Favorite: NC State (-1.0)
O/U: 60.0
My Take: Both teams had good seasons and were playing well during the final few games. It looks like Chip Kelly is leaving UCLA for Oregon. However, I looked at coaches leaving before a bowl game a few years ago and the results were all over the place. Anyways, I am taking NC State and the over. 35-30
Guaranteed Rate Bowl–December 28th at 10:15 p.m.
Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona
Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-4) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6)
Favorite: Minnesota (-4.0)
O/U: 45.0
My Take: I think Minnesota wins this one easily. WVU is not that good. I am taking the points and the under. 27-13
Fenway Bowl–December 29th at 11:00 a.m.
Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
Virginia Cavaliers (6-6) vs. SMU Mustangs (8-4)
Favorite: Virginia (-1.5)
O/U: 71.0
My Take: The Cavaliers ran into a rough patch of schedule at the end of the year. They were sitting at 6-2 then hit BYU, Notre Dame, and Pitt. After those beatings, they limped into their rivalry game with VA Tech. They dropped to 6-6 and find themselves playing against SMU. And now they have a new coach. But Bronco is coaching the bowl game. SMU can score points and I think this one turns into a shootout. I am taking SMU and the over. 55-49
Pinstripe Bowl–December 29th at 2:15 p.m.
Yankee Stadium in New York, New York
Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) vs. Maryland Terrapins (6-6)
Favorite: Maryland (-1.0)
O/U: 55.0
My Take: Maryland sucks. This game is going to suck. I am going with VA Tech and the under. 21-13
Cheez-It Bowl–December 29th at 5:45 p.m.
Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida
#19 Clemson Tigers (9-3) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (7-5)
Favorite: Iowa State (-1.0)
O/U: 45.5
My Take: If I told you back in August that Clemson and Iowa State would be playing in a bowl game, you would have assumed that it was the playoffs, right? And yet, here we are…I think Clemson wins this game, but it is low-scoring. 20-17
Alamo Bowl–December 29th at 9:15 p.m.
Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
#14 Oregon Ducks (10-3) vs. #16 Oklahoma Sooners (10-2)
Favorite: Oklahoma (-4.5)
O/U: 61.5
My Take: The first bowl game between two ranked teams and it has the potential to be a great one. A few weeks ago it looked like they would be in the playoffs and then they both lost some big games. The Sooners defense will not shut down the Ducks like Utah did. I am taking Oklahoma to win, but Oregon to cover. Also taking the over. 35-32
Duke’s Mayo Bowl–December 30th at 11:30 a.m.
Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6)
Favorite: UNC (-7.0)
O/U: 57.7
My Take: I think Sam Howell has a big game before heading to the NFL. I am taking UNC, the points, and the under. 35-14
Music City Bowl–December 30th at 3:00 p.m.
Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee
Purdue Boilermakers (8-4) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7-5)
Favorite: Tennessee (-4.0)
O/U: 63.0
My Take: I think Tennessee wins this game. But I think it ends up being close. If Purdue had Bell, they may actually win it. I am taking Purdue to cover and the under. 31-28
Peach Bowl–December 30th at 7:00 p.m.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
#10 Michigan State Spartans (10-2) vs. #12 Pittsburgh Panthers (11-2)
Favorite: MSU (-1.5)
O/U: 60.0
My Take: The Spartans pass defense is terrible. Kenny Pickett is going to throw for like 900 yards. If the Panthers can stop Kenneth Walker, then they should cruise to an easy win. If neither Ken plays, who the hell knows what happens. I think Pitt wins this game and I think it ends up close and there are tons of points. 44-40
Las Vegas Bowl–December 30th at 10:30 p.m.
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
Wisconsin Badgers (8-4) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4)
Favorite: Wisconsin (-7.0)
O/U: 42.5
My Take: The exact opposite of the previous game. I think the Badgers win, but it will be a slow game. I think ASU covers and I am taking the under. 21-17
Gator Bowl–December 31st at 11:00 a.m.
TIAA Bank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida
#17 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (10-3) vs. #25 Texas A&M Aggies (8-4)
Favorite: TAMU (-7.0)
O/U: 60.0
My Take: Texas A&M is one of the better four loss teams out there. I think they give Wake Forest a beat down. Take the points and the under. 31-17
Sun Bowl–December 31st at 12:30 p.m.
Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas
Washington State Cougars (7-5) vs. Miami Hurricanes (7-5)
Favorite: Miami (-2.5)
O/U: 59.5
My Take: The Hurricanes are a much better team than people probably give them credit for. They actually have some quality wins (there are definitely a bunch of 8-4/9-3 teams out there without any quality wins). The Cougars won games despite all of their coaching insanity. I think Miami wins easily, but I am taking the under. 35-21
Arizona Bowl–December 31st at 4:30 p.m.
Arizona Stadium in Tuscon, Arizona
Boise State Broncos (7-5) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (8-4)
Favorite: Boise State (-7.5)
O/U: 55.0
My Take: I think Boise State wins this game, but CMU covers. 31-28
Outback Bowl–January 1st at 12:00 p.m.
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
#21 Arkansas Razorbacks (8-4) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-5)
Favorite: PSU (-2.0)
O/U: 47.0
My Take: I want to say that Penn State will win, but I just do not think they are good enough to win this game. I hope I am wrong. 24-20
Citrus Bowl–January 1st at 1:00 p.m.
Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida
#15 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (9-3)
Favorite: UK (-2.5)
O/U: 44.0
My Take: I hope Will Levis destroys Iowa. The Wildcats should be able to shutdown the Hawkeyes crappy offense. It is an Iowa game, so the score should be very low. 17-9
Fiesta Bowl–January 1st at 1:00 p.m.
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
#5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) vs. #9 Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-2)
Favorite: ND (-2.0)
O/U: 45.5
My Take: I feel like the Irish have something to prove. Everyone (myself included) dismissed them after the Cincinnati loss and the fact that they had a bunch of really close games. But they were playing great at the end of the year. I think this is a defensive struggle, but the Irish pull it out. 24-20
Rose Bowl–January 1st at 5:00 p.m.
Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
#6 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) vs. #11 Utah Utes (10-3)
Favorite: Ohio State (-6.5)
O/U: 66.0
My Take: Utah started off the season with a few rough losses to SDSU and BYU. Then a loss to Oregon State put them at three losses. After that they ran the table by beating UCLA, Stanford, and blowing Oregon out twice. However, they come against an Ohio State team that has to be angry after losing their Big Ten title chance and a playoff spot to Michigan. I think Stroud and the Buckeyes put on a show. Take the under. 44-17
Sugar Bowl–January 1st at 8:45 p.m.
Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
#7 Baylor Bears (11-2) vs. #8 Ole Miss Rebels (10-2)
Favorite: Baylor (-1.0)
O/U: 54.5
My Take: I have no clue on this game. I think it comes down to whether or not Matt Corral plays. I am going to take a gamble here and say he is going to declare for the draft and sit out the Sugar Bowl. Baylor wins in a close, defensive game. 28-21
Texas Bowl–January 4th at 9:00 p.m.
NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas
Kansas State Wildcats (7-5) vs. LSU Tigers (6-6)
Favorite: Kansas State (-1.0)
O/U: 47.0
My Take: Can a new coach make a huge difference and lead the Tigers to victory? Who knows. I took LSU a bunch this year and each time they let me down. So I am taking K-State and the over. 31-21
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Orange Bowl–December 31st at
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
#2 Michigan Wolverines (12-1) vs. #3 Georgia Bulldogs (12-1)
Favorite: Georgia (-8.0)
O/U: 44.5
My Take: Alabama showed teams a way to beat Georgia: have Bryce Young. Michigan does not have Bryce Young. They have a great running game, but I think if Georgia shuts that down, the Wolverines will be in trouble. It should be a defensive battle and I think it ends up closer than the 8.0 points. Georgia wins it by a touchdown or less. 24-17
Cotton Bowl Classic–December 31st at
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (13-0)
Favorite: Alabama (-13.5)
O/U: 58.0
My Take: I want to say that Cincinnati has a chance, but I just do not believe it. I think the Alabama offense is too much for the Bearcats. And I do not think Cincinnati can score enough points to keep up. I think this one turns ugly. I hope I am wrong. I hope the Bearcats can pull off the upset and prove to everyone that they belong, but I think what happens is a blowout and people say stupid shit like “see, any team could have been beat up by ‘Bama! Should have put in Baylor or Notre Dame.” 49-21
I will do a separate post about the national championship game. I hope I end up being wrong and we get a cool match up like Cincinnati vs. Michigan.
