It’s the best time of the year for college football fans as bowl season is here!
Highlighting bowl season are the College Football Playoff semifinals on Jan. 1 and the final on Jan. 8 in Houston.
The No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (13-0) will play the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) at the Rose Bowl in one CFP semifinal, while the No. 2 Washington Huskies (13-0) will play the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl in the other semifinal.
FOX Sports will broadcast the Holiday Bowl between No. 15 Louisville (10-3) and USC (7-5) on Dec. 27 in San Diego.
With that said, if you are looking to throw a couple of bucks down on the big games, I have you covered.
Let’s jump into my picks for every single bowl game.
The only disclaimer is the picks were as of Dec. 5.
(All times ET)
SATURDAY
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Conway, South Carolina
Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-3), 11 a.m., ESPN
Point spread: Georgia Southern -1.5 (Georgia Southern favored to win by more than 1.5 points, otherwise Ohio covers)
Moneyline: Georgia Southern -128 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $17.81 total); Ohio +107 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $20.70 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 48.5 points scored by both teams combined
The Eagles love to throw the ball around, and the Bobcats are as solid as they come on both sides of the ball. This has a chance to be one of the more entertaining Sun Belt–MAC tilts.
PICK: Ohio (+1.5) to lose by fewer than 1.5 points (or win outright)
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Jacksonville State (8-4) vs. Louisiana (6-6), 2:15 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Jacksonville State -3 (Jacksonville State favored to win by more than 3 points, otherwise Louisiana covers)
Moneyline: Jacksonville State -150 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.677 total); Louisiana +126 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $22.60 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 58 points scored by both teams combined
Hats off to Rich Rodriguez and Jacksonville State for going bowling in their FBS transition year, landing in New Orleans to face an up-and-down group of Ragin’ Cajuns.
PICK: Jacksonville State (-2.5 at time of pick) to win by more than 2.5 points
Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl
Orlando, Florida
Miami, Ohio (11-2) vs. Appalachian State (8-5), 3:30 p.m., ABC
Point spread: Appalachian State -6.5 (Appalachian State favored to win by more than 6.5 points, otherwise Miami, Ohio covers)
Moneyline: Appalachian State -246 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $14.07 total); Miami, Ohio +197 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $29.70 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 41 points scored by both teams combined
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The MAC champs get some well-deserved sunshine down in Florida against one of the Group of 5’s typical banner carriers in the Sun Belt runners-up. Quite the contest that should be the best one of the first Saturday of the postseason.
PICK: Miami, Ohio (+6.5) to lose by fewer than 6.5 points (or win outright)
Can Coach Prime Rebuild Colorado (Again)?
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque
New Mexico State (10-4) vs. Fresno State (8-4), 5:45 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: New Mexico State -3.5 (New Mexico State favored to win by more than 3.5 points, otherwise Fresno State covers)
Moneyline: New Mexico State -176 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $15.68 total); Fresno State +145 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $24.50 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 52 points scored by both teams combined
Jeff Tedford won’t be around for this one while dealing with health issues, which is a shame considering the job both he and Jerry Kill have done in turning these programs into consistent winners. There should be an incredible atmosphere out in Albuquerque.
PICK: Fresno State (+3.5) to lose by fewer than 3.5 points (or win outright)
LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk
Inglewood, California
UCLA (7-5) vs. Boise State (8-5), 7:30 p.m., ABC
Point spread: UCLA -6 (UCLA favored to win by more than 6 points, otherwise Boise State covers)
Moneyline: UCLA -229 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $14.37 total); Boise State +187 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $28.70 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 47 points scored by both teams combined
Talk about programs that have trended in opposite directions over the past month. The Bruins will be without several key players and coaches, while the MWC champs have played great under their interim staff.
PICK: Boise State (+6) to lose by 6 or fewer points (or win outright)
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Shreveport, Louisiana
California (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (6-6), 9:15 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Texas Tech -3.5 (Texas Tech favored to win by more than 3.5 points, otherwise California covers)
Moneyline: Texas Tech -172 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $15.81 total); California +143 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $24.30 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 57.5 points scored by both teams combined
It’s difficult to win in both Berkeley and Lubbock, so it’s fitting the Red Raiders take on the Bears in one of the most overlooked bowls.
PICK: Texas Tech (-3 at time of pick) to win by 3 or more points
MONDAY
Famous Toastery Bowl
Charlotte, North Carolina
Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (6-6), 2:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Old Dominion -3.5 (Old Dominion favored to win by more than 3.5 points, otherwise Western Kentucky covers)
Moneyline: Old Dominion -163 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.13 total); Western Kentucky +138 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $23.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 54 points scored by both teams combined
This season was quite the roller coaster for both teams, but the Monarchs came closer to reaching their ceiling in a much more difficult league.
PICK: Under 55.5 points (at time of pick) scored by both teams combined
TUESDAY
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
Frisco, Texas
UTSA (8-4) vs. Marshall (6-6), 9 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: UTSA -12 (UTSA favored to win by more than 12 points, otherwise Marshall covers)
Moneyline: UTSA -475 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.11 total); Marshall +354 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $45.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 52.5 points scored by both teams combined
Jeff Traylor and Charles Huff are two of the best head coaches at the Group of 5 level, and this could be a nice preview of a bigger game down the road. This should be an excellent chance for Roadrunners QB Frank Harris to have a nice swan song, too.
PICK: UTSA (-8.5 at time of pick) to win by more than 8.5 points
THURSDAY
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Boca Raton, Florida
South Florida (6-6) vs. Syracuse (6-6), 8 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Syracuse -3 (Syracuse favored to win by more than 3 points, otherwise South Florida covers)
Moneyline: Syracuse -157 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.37 total); South Florida +131 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $23.10 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 61 points scored by both teams combined
We’ll see what impact the coaching change will have for the Orange, but this has a chance to be one of the higher-scoring games, given the style of offense with both teams.
PICK: USF (+3.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 3.5 points (or win outright)
FRIDAY
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Tampa, Florida
Georgia Tech (6-6) vs. UCF (6-6), 6:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: UCF -4.5 (UCF favored to win by more than 4.5 points, otherwise Georgia Tech covers)
Moneyline: UCF -198 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $15.05 total); Georgia Tech +164 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $26.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 66.5 points scored by both teams combined
Will George O’Leary do the coin toss for this one? The Knights will certainly revel in the opportunity to get a bowl win down I-4 at rival USF’s stadium, if nothing else.
PICK: UCF (-4.5) to win by more than 4.5 points
PICK: Under 62.5 points (at time of pick) scored by both teams combined
DEC. 23
76 Birmingham Bowl
Birmingham, Alabama
Troy (11-2) vs. Duke (7-5), noon, ABC
Point spread: Troy -7.5 (Troy favored to win by more than 7.5 points, otherwise Duke covers)
Moneyline: Troy -313 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $13.19 total); Duke +235 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $33.50 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 44 points scored by both teams combined
Points are likely to be at a premium given that the Blue Devils have one of the better defenses in the ACC and the Trojans have one of the best in the entire Group of 5.
PICK: Troy (-6.5 at time of pick) to win by more than 6.5 points
Camellia Bowl
Montgomery, Alabama
Arkansas State (6-6) vs. Northern Illinois (6-6), noon, ESPN
Point spread: Arkansas State -1 (Arkansas State favored to win by more than 1 point, otherwise Northern Illinois covers)
Moneyline: Arkansas State -114 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $18.77 total); Northern Illinois -106 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $19.43 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 53.5 points scored by both teams combined
Butch Jones really turned things around in Jonesboro this season and enters the Camellia Bowl with an impressive amount of momentum against an NIU side that scrapped its way to eligibility.
PICK: Arkansas State (+1 at time of pick) to lose by 1 point (or win outright)
PICK: Over 52.5 combined points (at time of pick) scored
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Fort Worth, Texas
James Madison (11-1) vs. Air Force (8-4), 3:30 p.m., ABC
Point spread: James Madison -2.5 (James Madison favored to win by more than 2.5 points, otherwise Air Force covers)
Moneyline: James Madison -143 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.99 total); Air Force +121 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $22.10 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 41 points scored by both teams combined
This just might be one of the best matchups among the Group of 5 teams, pitting two programs that were in the mix to nab that New Year’s Six berth. Curt Cignetti’s departure for Indiana puts a bit of a damper on things, but this still should be a fun meeting.
PICK: Over 41 combined points scored
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Boise, Idaho
Georgia State (6-6) vs. Utah State (6-6), 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Utah State -1 (Utah State favored to win by more than 1 point, otherwise Georgia State covers)
Moneyline: Utah State -120 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $18.33 total); Georgia State -100 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 62.5 points scored by both teams combined
The vast majority of games the Aggies played came down to the fourth quarter, and that could be the case in this one against a very evenly matched Sun Belt side like GSU.
PICK: Utah State (+2.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 2.5 points (or win outright)
68 Ventures Bowl
Mobile, Alabama
South Alabama (6-6) vs. Eastern Michigan (6-6), 7 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: South Alabama -15.5 (South Alabama favored to win by more than 15.5 points, otherwise Eastern Michigan covers)
Moneyline: South Alabama -758 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $11.32 total); Eastern Michigan +518 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $61.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 47 points scored by both teams combined
Nice additional home date for the Jaguars against an Eagles team which is scrappy as can be. Don’t be surprised if both head coaches involved in this one wind up at bigger programs in the near future.
PICK: Eastern Michigan (+15.5) to lose by fewer than 15.5 points (or win outright)
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Utah (8-4) vs. Northwestern (7-5), 7:30 p.m., ABC
Point spread: Utah -6.5 (Utah favored to win by more than 6.5 points, otherwise Northwestern covers)
Moneyline: Utah -247 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $14.05 total); Northwestern +200 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $30 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 42 points scored by both teams combined
One of the nation’s longest-tenured head coaches (Kyle Whittingham) meets one of the newest after David Braun had his interim tag taken off. Who knows the state of the rosters in this one, but expect a close one in Sin City decided by a few key trick plays.
PICK: Utah (-6.5) to win by more than 6.5 points
EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl
Honolulu
Coastal Carolina (7-5) vs. San Jose State (7-5), 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: San Jose State -10 (San Jose State favored to win by more than 10 points, otherwise Coastal Carolina covers)
Moneyline: San Jose State -382 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.62 total); Coastal Carolina +295 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $39.50 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 54 points scored by both teams combined
A fond farewell just before Christmas for Hawaii native and dynamic signal-caller Chevan Cordiero as the Spartans and Chants clash following an impressive surge in the second half of the year.
PICK: San Jose State moneyline (-350 at time of pick, bet $10 to win $12.86 total) to win outright
Jalen Milroe, Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix headline RJ Young’s Top 5 Heisman candidates
DEC. 26
Quick Lane Bowl
Detroit
Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7), 2 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Minnesota -3.5 (Minnesota favored to win by more than 3.5 points, otherwise Bowling Green covers)
Moneyline: Minnesota -182 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $15.49 total); Bowling Green +150 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $25 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 38.5 points scored by both teams combined
BGSU has been among the more overlooked teams in the MAC this season, coming closer than expected to capturing a division title. There is still a tall task at hand, however, even with the Gophers backing into the bowl at 5-7.
PICK: Minnesota (-3.5) to win by more than 3.5 points
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Dallas
Texas State (7-5) vs. Rice (6-6), 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Texas State -4.5 (Texas State favored to win by more than 4.5 points, otherwise Rice covers)
Moneyline: Texas State -191 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $15.24 total); Rice +158 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $25.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 60.5 points scored by both teams combined
Hats off to the Bobcats for reaching their first ever bowl game, which will appropriately come in the state of Texas against their I-10 rivals to the East.
PICK: Under 60.5 points scored by both teams combined
Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Phoenix
Kansas (8-4) vs. UNLV (9-4), 9 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Kansas -12.5 (Kansas favored to win by more than 12.5 points, otherwise UNLV covers)
Moneyline: Kansas -465 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.15 total); UNLV +352 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $45.20 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 64.5 points scored by both teams combined
Andy Kotelnicki’s departure for Penn State means this will be our first chance to see what the Jayhawks offense looks like with a new play-caller. The Rebels will be hoping to end the year on a high note after that MWC title game loss, too.
PICK: Kansas moneyline (-461 at time of pick, bet $10 to win $12.17 total) to win outright
DEC. 27
Military Bowl Presented by GoBowling.com
Annapolis, Maryland
Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulane (11-2), 2 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Virginia Tech -7.5 (Virginia Tech favored to win by more than 7.5 points, otherwise Tulane covers)
Moneyline: Virginia Tech -311 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $13.22 total); Tulane +247 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $34.70 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 46.5 points scored by both teams combined
When it comes to wanting to play in this game more, you have to figure the Hokies are ecstatic over their postseason return, while the Green Wave have to be a tad disappointed about missing out on the AAC title, losing their coach and landing here.
PICK: Virginia Tech (-6 at time of pick) to win by 6 or more points
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Charlotte, North Carolina
North Carolina (8-4) vs. West Virginia (8-4), 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: West Virginia -6.5 (West Virginia favored to win by more than 6.5 points, otherwise North Carolina covers)
Moneyline: West Virginia -250 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $14 total); North Carolina +203 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $30.30 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 55.5 points scored by both teams combined
Does Drake Maye play in this game one more time in Carolina Blue before heading to the NFL Draft [Editor’s note: Maye opted out]? Even if he doesn’t, this has the potential to be a fun back-and-forth between two offenses that know how to find the end zone.
PICK: West Virginia (-3 at time of pick) to win by more than 3 points
DIRECTV Holiday Bowl
San Diego
No. 15 Louisville (10-3) vs. USC (7-5), 8 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports App
Point spread: Louisville -7.5 (Louisville favored to win by more than 7.5 points, otherwise USC covers)
Moneyline: Louisville -293 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $13.41 total); USC +234 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $33.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 58 points scored by both teams combined
Couldn’t have asked for a better matchup on FOX in what might be a game between two of the best offensive playcallers in college football — Jeff Brohm and Lincoln Riley.
PICK: Over 57.5 points (at time of pick) scored by both teams combined
TaxAct Texas Bowl
Houston
Texas A&M (7-5) vs. No. 20 Oklahoma State (9-4), 9 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Texas A&M -2 (Texas A&M favored to win by more than 2 points, otherwise Oklahoma State covers)
Moneyline: Texas A&M -136 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $17.35 total); Oklahoma State +114 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $21.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 53 points scored by both teams combined
Mike Elko will have a close eye on his new team in this one as the Aggies aim to get a victory over their former Big 12 rivals, while the Cowboys will look to put their performance against Texas well behind them.
PICK: Oklahoma State (+4.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 4.5 points (or win outright)
DEC. 28
Wasabi Fenway Bowl
Boston
No. 24 SMU (11-2) vs. Boston College (6-6), 11 a.m., ESPN
Point spread: SMU -11 (SMU favored to win by more than 11 points, otherwise Boston College covers)
Moneyline: SMU -443 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.26 total); Boston College +333 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $43.30 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 51 points scored by both teams combined
Poor SMU, which memorably won its first conference title since 1984 but is sent to the newest bowl game around, playing an Eagles side very lucky to make it to .500 on the year.
PICK: SMU (-10 at time of pick) to win by 10 or more points (or win outright)
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
Bronx, New York
Rutgers (6-6) vs. Miami, Fla. (7-5), 2:15 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Miami -1 (Miami favored to win by more than 1 point, otherwise Rutgers covers)
Moneyline: Miami -120 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $18.33 total); Rutgers +100 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 41 points scored by both teams combined
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Greg Schiano will be thrilled to head over to the Bronx and rekindle an old Big East rivalry against the Hurricanes, whose motivation may be similar to a team arriving at Yankee Stadium on a getaway day.
PICK: Rutgers (+3.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 3.5 points (or win outright)
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Orlando, Florida
No. 18 North Carolina State (9-3) vs. No. 25 Kansas State (8-4), 5:45 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Kansas State -3 (Kansas State favored to win by more than 3 points, otherwise North Carolina State covers)
Moneyline: Kansas State -159 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.29 total); North Carolina State +132 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $23.20 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 47.5 points scored by both teams combined
If you love scrappy, hard-nosed football, this is the bowl game for you. Quarterback drama takes away somewhat from the matchup, but it’s still a great one. Plus, there’s an edible Pop-Tart mascot to look forward to at the end.
PICK: North Carolina State (+4.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 4.5 points (or win outright)
Valero Alamo Bowl
San Antonio
No. 14 Arizona (9-3) vs. No. 12 Oklahoma (10-2), 9:15 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Arizona -3 (Arizona favored to win by more than 3 points, otherwise Oklahoma covers)
Moneyline: Arizona -155 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.45 total); Oklahoma +128 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $22.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 62.5 points scored by both teams combined
No doubt about it, this is the best of the non-New Year’s Six bowls, as it pits two teams that were right near the cutoff line for the selection committee. There’s a fascinating chess match between the two head coaches, too, given their specialties on either side of the ball.
PICK: Under 62.5 points scored by both teams combined
DEC. 29
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, Florida
No. 22 Clemson (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5), noon, ESPN
Point spread: Clemson -5 (Clemson favored to win by more than 5 points, otherwise Kentucky covers)
Moneyline: Clemson -278 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $14.69 total); Kentucky +174 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $27.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 47 points scored by both teams combined
We’re going to read way too much into this game for whoever emerges victorious, but there’s little question that it could be huge for both head coaches to take a little momentum into the offseason.
PICK: Clemson (-5) to win by 5 or more points
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
El Paso, Texas
No. 19 Oregon State (8-4) vs. No. 16 Notre Dame (9-3), 2 p.m., CBS
Point spread: Notre Dame -6.5 (Notre Dame favored to win by more than 6.5 points, otherwise Oregon State covers)
Moneyline: Notre Dame -247 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $14.05 total); Oregon State +199 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $29.90 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 42.5 points scored by both teams combined
Sombreros for everybody! This is an excellent matchup between top-20 teams out in El Paso, and the first bit of good news in the past month for the Beavers in particular.
PICK: Notre Dame (-6.5) to win by more than 6.5 points
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis (9-3) vs. Iowa State (7-5), 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Iowa State -8.5 (Iowa State favored to win by more than 8.5 points, otherwise Memphis covers)
Moneyline: Iowa State -337 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.97 total); Memphis +263 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $36.30 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 57.5 points scored by both teams combined
Matt Campbell had one of the better coaching jobs in the Big 12 to get ISU to this game, while the Tigers quietly improved by a good amount to contend in the AAC.
PICK: Memphis (+8.5) to lose by fewer than 8.5 points (or win outright)
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Arlington, Texas
No. 9 Missouri (10-2) vs. No. 7 Ohio State (11-1), 8 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Missouri -2.5 (Missouri favored to win by 2.5 or more points, otherwise Ohio State covers)
Moneyline: Missouri -140 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $17.14 total); Ohio State +118 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $21.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 49 points scored by both teams combined
How motivated will the Buckeyes be, and will key players like Marvin Harrison Jr. be around for this one? Don’t sleep on the Tigers trying to validate their season and notch a first major bowl victory.
PICK: Missouri (+2.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 2.5 points (or win outright)
Dec. 30
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Atlanta
No. 11 Ole Miss (10-2) vs. No. 10 Penn State (10-2), noon, ESPN
Point spread: Penn State -3.5 (Penn State favored to win by more than 3.5 points, otherwise Ole Miss covers)
Moneyline: Penn State -173 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $15.78 total); Ole Miss +145 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $24.50 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 48.5 points scored by both teams combined
This has a chance to be a compelling meeting of one of the best offenses in the country against one of the best defenses. Typically, the latter travels better as the Nittany Lions get some more wind in their sails going into 2024.
PICK: Ole Miss (+4.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 4.5 points (or win outright)
TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Nashville, Tennessee
Auburn (6-6) vs. Maryland (7-5), 2 p.m., ABC
Point spread: Auburn -2.5 (Auburn favored to win by more than 2.5 points, otherwise Maryland covers)
Moneyline: Auburn -138 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $17.25 total); Maryland +115 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 50.5 points scored by both teams combined
Defense might just be optional in this one, given the two head coaches involved, who also enjoy calling plays.
PICK: Auburn (-2) to win by 2 or more points
Capital One Orange Bowl
Miami Gardens, Florida
No. 5 Florida State (13-0) vs. No. 6 Georgia (12-1), 4 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Georgia -14 (Georgia favored to win by more than 14 points, otherwise Florida State covers)
Moneyline: Georgia -651 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $11.54 total); Florida State +454 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $55.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 44.5 points scored by both teams combined
Will the ‘Noles proclaim themselves national champions if they emerge victorious in this one? Both sides can play up the “nobody believes in us” card ahead of this extremely compelling CFP-caliber bowl.
PICK: Over 44.5 points scored by both teams combined
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl
Tucson, Arizona
Toledo (11-2) vs. Wyoming (8-4), 4:30 p.m., CW Network/Barstool
Point spread: Wyoming -3 (Wyoming favored to win by 3 or more points, otherwise Toledo covers)
Moneyline: Wyoming -160 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $16.25 total); Toledo +134 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $23.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 44.5 points scored by both teams combined
The Rockets can at least see the silver lining in a trip to Tucson despite their MAC title game loss, but they’ve got a tough opponent to get past in a scrappy Cowboys outfit.
PICK: Wyoming (+2 at time of pick) to lose by 2 points or fewer (or win outright)
JAN. 1
ReliaQuest Bowl
Tampa, Florida
Wisconsin (7-5) vs. No. 13 LSU (9-3), noon, ESPN2
Point spread: LSU -8.5 (LSU favored to win by more than 8.5 points, otherwise Wisconsin covers)
Moneyline: LSU -340 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.94 total); Wisconsin +267 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $36.70 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 55 points scored by both teams combined
Will this game feature the Heisman Trophy winner? Even if it doesn’t, this is a nice opportunity for Luke Fickell to showcase that he’s got the Badgers back on track, while opposite number Brian Kelly is certainly hoping not to put an exclamation point on a disappointing year.
PICK: Wisconsin (+10.5 at time of pick) to lose by fewer than 10.5 points (or win outright)
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, Arizona
No. 23 Liberty (13-0) vs. No. 8 Oregon (11-2), 1 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Oregon -17.5 (Oregon favored to win by more than 17.5 points, otherwise Liberty covers)
Moneyline: Oregon -910 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $11.10 total); Liberty +598 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $69.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 65.5 points scored by both teams combined
Even if Bo Nix and a handful of other NFL players opt out of this one, stick around for the chess match that comes from Dan Lanning’s defense trying to stop what Jamey Chadwell does on offense, as the Flames try to cap off their first year in C-USA as an undefeated.
PICK: Oregon (-15 at time of pick) to win by 15 or more points
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Orlando, Florida
No. 17 Iowa (10-3) vs. No. 21 Tennessee (8-4), 1 p.m., ABC
Point spread: Tennessee -8 (Tennessee favored to win by more than 8 points, otherwise Iowa covers)
Moneyline: Tennessee -334 favorite to win (bet $10 to win $12.99 total); Iowa +256 underdog to win (bet $10 to win $35.60 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 36 points scored by both teams combined
You can’t spell Citrus without UT this year, as the Vols are going to be looking for yet another win in the Sunshine State. More intriguing will be seeing what the Hawkeyes will have going on offense after a month to figure out literally anything on that side of the ball.
PICK: Under 36 points scored by both teams combined
ROSE BOWL
Pasadena, California
No. 4 Alabama (12-1) vs. No. 1 Michigan (13-0), 5 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Michigan -1.5 (Michigan favored to win by more than 1.5 points, otherwise Alabama covers)
Moneyline: Michigan -118 favorites to win (bet $10 to win $18.47 total); Alabama -102 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $19.80 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 45 points scored by both teams combined
It’s hard to dream up a better matchup, with Jim Harbaugh and the winningest FBS team taking on the grandmaster himself in Nick Saban and the most successful CFP team of this era. Throw in that beautiful sunset at the Grandaddy of Them All, and the first of the two semifinals will be hard to top.
PICK: Over 45 points scored by both teams combined
SUGAR BOWL
New Orleans
No. 3 Texas (12-1) vs. No. 2 Washington (13-0), 8:45 p.m., ESPN
Point spread: Texas -4 (Texas favored to win by more than 4 points, otherwise Washington covers)
Moneyline: Texas -186 favorites to win (bet $10 to win $15.38 total); Washington +154 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $25.40 total)
Total scoring Over/Under: 64 points scored by both teams combined
There’s an incredible collection of skill position talent on hand down in New Orleans, plus the added storyline of Steve Sarkisian facing his former program. Both the Huskies and Longhorns played each other in a bowl last year and, even with some new faces, that could inform who has the upper hand when it comes to winning this one and advancing to Houston.
PICK: Washington (+4) to lose by 4 points or fewer (or win outright)
JAN. 8
CFP National Championship Pres. by AT&T
Houston
No. 4 Alabama-No. 1 Michigan winner vs. No. 3 Texas-No. 2 Washington winner, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
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