College Football Bowl Games: Picks & Best Bets

It’s bowl season, baby! The combination of college football every day and holiday plans results in a packed schedule. Between Christmas dinners, wrapping presents and avoiding family, where do we have the time to research crucial betting edges for each game?

Well, Odds Shark has a gift for you as we have compiled bowl season betting picks for each of the 43 bowl games this year — including the national championship finale!

Bowl games kick off on Saturday, December 16th and roll on through until Monday, January 8th, when the champion will be crowned.

Bowl Season Betting Picks

Using tools like our database and considering our bowl season betting tips, our college football experts, Josie Costigan, David Caraviello, Daniel Coyle and Dave Consolazio, have submitted a pick for each meeting.

Rolling Records
Josie: 20-21 (-2.89 UNITS)
David: 22-18-1 (+1.82 UNITS)
Daniel: 23-17-1 (+3.02 UNITS)
Dave: 14-26-1 (-8.67 UNITS)

National Championship(Mon. January 8)

past Bowl Meetings for 2023

Myrtle Beach Bowl (Sat. December 16)

New Orleans Bowl (Sat. December 16)

Cure Bowl (Sat. December 16)

New Mexico Bowl (Sat. December 16)

LA Bowl (Sat. December 16)

Independence Bowl (Sat. December 16)

Toastery Bowl (Mon. December 18)

Frisco Bowl (Tues. December 19)

Boca Raton Bowl (Thurs. December 21)

Gasparilla Bowl (Fri. December 22)

Birmingham Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Camellia Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Armed Forces Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Ventures Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Las Vegas Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Hawai'i Bowl (Sat. December 23)

Quick Lane Bowl (Tues. December 26)

First Responder Bowl (Tues. December 26)

Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Tues. December 26)

Military Bowl (Wed. December 27)

Duke's Mayo Bowl (Wed. December 27)

Holiday Bowl (Wed. December 27)

Texas Bowl (Wed. December 27)

Fenway Bowl (Thurs. December 28)

Pinstripe Bowl (Thurs. December 28)

Pop-Tarts Bowl (Thurs. December 28)

Alamo Bowl (Thurs. December 28)

Gator Bowl (Fri. December 29)

Sun Bowl (Fri. December 29)

Liberty Bowl (Fri. December 29)

Cotton Bowl (Fri. December 29)

Peach Bowl (Sat. December 30)

Music City Bowl (Sat. December 30)

Orange Bowl (Sat. December 30)

Arizona Bowl (Sat. December 30)

ReliaQuest Bowl (Mon. January 1)

Citrus Bowl (Mon. January 1)

Fiesta Bowl (Mon. January 1)

Rose Bowl CFP Semifinal (Mon. January 1)

Sugar Bowl CFP Semifinal (Mon. January 1)

Myrtle Beach Bowl

Matchup: Georgia Southern vs Ohio
When: Saturday, December 16th 11 A.M. ET
Where: Conway, South Carolina
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: Ohio’s (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) defense is quietly lethal. The Bobcats allow just 15.9 PPG to sit sixth in the nation. They shut down opponents in every direction, conceding just 96 rushing yards and allowing just 168.4 passing yards, ranking in the top 10 in each area.

Georgia Southern’s QB Davis Brin has tried to hold the Eagles (6-6 SU, 4-8 ATS) together, tossing over 3,200 yards and 22 touchdowns. But, his 16 picks don’t help. They don’t have what it takes to get around the Bobcats, who have everything it takes to stop them.

Josie’s Pick: Ohio +3.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Ohio +3.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Ohio +3.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: UNDER 48 Points (-110)

New Orleans Bowl

Matchup: Jacksonville State vs Louisiana
When: Saturday, December 16th 2:15 P.M. ET
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Jacksonville State is in a bowl game in its first season in Division I, thanks to the fact that not enough other teams qualified for postseason contests. But the Gamecocks earned their way in, going 8-4 behind the nation’s fifth-best rushing attack.

JSU has also been excellent against the spread, covering in four of its final five games to end the regular season. Expect Rich Rodriguez’s team to keep the ball on the ground, eat clock, and gradually wear down a Louisiana (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) team that enters having lost three of its last four games.

Josie’s Pick: OVER 56.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Jacksonville State -3 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: Jacksonville State -3 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Jacksonville State -3 (-115)

Cure Bowl

Matchup: Miami (OH) vs Appalachian State
When: Saturday, December 16th 3:30 P.M. ET
Where: Orlando, Florida
Where To Watch: ABC

Dave’s Take: Appalachian State (8-5 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) compiled a 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS run prior to its disappointing loss to the Troy Trojans in the Sun Belt Championship Game. The team will have a golden opportunity to bounce back in the Cure Bowl facing a Miami-Ohio (11-2 SU, 10-3 ATS) squad that lost starting quarterback Brett Gabbert to a leg injury in its regular season finale.

The Mountaineers will have the clear edge at quarterback with Joey Aguilar starting this game after recording 3,546 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes this season, and backup running back Kanye Roberts should have no issues replacing departed starting running back Nate Noel in the backfield. Lay the points on the Mountaineers in this one.

Josie’s Pick: Appalachian State -5.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Miami (Ohio) +5.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Miami (Ohio) +6.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Appalachian State -6.5 (-120)

New Mexico Bowl

Matchup: Fresno State vs New Mexico State
When: Saturday, December 16th 5:45 P.M. ET
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Where To Watch: ESPN

Daniel’s Take: Fresno State (8-4 SU, 4-8 ATS) hopes to snap a three-game SU and ATS losing streak in the bowl meeting. The Bulldogs regularly ran up the score during an 8-1 SU start to the season, but have scored just 17.7 points per game during their current 0-3 SU run.

FSU will be without head coach Jeff Tedford for this contest. Limited by a concussion earlier this season, QB Mikey Keene’s ability to rediscover the form that produced 19 total TD passes through his first seven games. However, the Bulldogs must contend with a stingy Aggies (10-4 SU, 11-3 ATS) defense that allowed just 16.8 points per game while winning eight straight prior to their recent loss to Liberty in the Conference USA championship game.

Josie’s Pick: New Mexico State -3 (-110)
David’s Pick: New Mexico State -3 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: New Mexico State -3.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: New Mexico State -3.5 (-110)

LA Bowl

Matchup: UCLA vs Boise State
When: Saturday, December 16th 7:30 P.M. ET
Where: Inglewood, California
Where To Watch: ABC

Josie’s Take: UCLA (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS) will play its 38th bowl game in its backyard with a quick travel to SoFi Stadium. But, the Bruins stumbled to cap off the regular season, losing three of their last four while pinned as favorites. UCLA had a revolving door of quarterbacks with four of them earning just 21 touchdowns combined. Starting signal-caller Dante Moore has jumped into the transfer portal, which is a blow to an already weak offensive core (22.7 PPG). Boise State (8-5 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) was also forced to say goodbye to leading WR Eric McAlister. Plenty of gaps in this meeting.

Josie’s Pick: Boise State +1.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Boise State +2.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: UCLA -4.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Boise State +4 (-110)

Independence Bowl

Matchup: Texas Tech vs California
When: Saturday, December 16th 9:15 P.M. ET
Where: Shreveport, Louisiana
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: The Golden Bears (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) dropped four consecutive games against ranked opponents before winning three straight to clinch bowl eligibility. Those results have also translated to the betting window, with Cal covering four of its last five to end the regular season. While both teams have seen their share of departures, the losses have been heavier on the Texas Tech (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) side, where two starting receivers hit the transfer portal and starting RB Tahj Brooks was weighing whether to opt-out and focus on the NFL draft.

Josie’s Pick: Texas Tech -3 (-110)
David’s Pick: Cal +3 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Texas Tech -2.5 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Texas Tech -2.5 (-115)

Toastery Bowl

Matchup: Western Kentucky vs Old Dominion
When: Monday, December 18th 2:30 P.M. ET
Where: Charlotte, North Carolina
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: Western Kentucky (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS) will look to sharpen up its defense, which finished worst in Conference USA (28.7 PPG). The Hilltoppers also need to get over the hump of its offense, which has failed to earn over 30 points in five of its last six outings. While the Monarchs (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) didn’t finish with a winning record, they held down the fort against tougher competitors in James Madison and Coastal Carolina, losing by four points or fewer. Western Kentucky is also victim to the transfer portal, losing four offensive linemen which doesn’t bode well for QB Austin Reed’s 11 interceptions.

I just realized that the Bahamas Bowl is now the Famous Toastery Bowl & has moved from Nassau to Charlotte.

Goodnight, sweet prince... 👑🫡 pic.twitter.com/w0Yuixf1v2
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) December 12, 2023

Josie’s Pick: Old Dominion -2.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Western Kentucky +2.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Old Dominion -2.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: OVER 55.5 Points (-110)

Frisco Bowl

Matchup: Marshall vs UTSA
When: Tuesday, December 19th 9:00 P.M. ET
Where: Frisco, Texas
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Pick: Coach Jeff Traylor has built a nice program in San Antonio, but the Roadrunners (8-4 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) are still looking for their first victory in a bowl game. They have an excellent opportunity this time, playing in their home state against a Marshall (6-6 SU, 4-8 ATS) team that lost six of eight to close the regular season. While UTSA lost star edge rusher Trey Moore to the transfer portal, this remains a veteran team with a proven quarterback in four-year starter Frank Harris. Marshall, which was held to nine points or fewer in four of its last six regular season games, may find it tough to keep up.

Josie’s Pick: UTSA -10 (-105)
David’s Pick: UTSA -10 (-105)
Daniel’s Pick: Marshall +13 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: UTSA -13 (-110)

Boca Raton Bowl

Matchup: USF vs Syracuse
When: Thursday, December 21st 8:00 P.M. ET
Where: Boca Raton, Florida
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: With an inconsistent but sometimes explosive offense led by quarterback Byrum Brown and a scoring defense that ranked 124th in the nation allowing 34.9 points per game, South Florida (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) generated a 7-2 record on the OVER in its last nine games. The OVER is 4-1 in Syracuse’s last five games. The Orange (6-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) have allowed 30.3 points per game over their last eight games.

Don’t tune in to the Boca Raton Bowl looking for defense. With or without starting quarterback Garrett Shrader, who is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury, Syracuse should be able to hold up its end of the deal on offense and send this one over 62 points.

Josie’s Pick: OVER 61 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: South Florida +3 (-105)
Daniel’s Pick: South Florida +3 (-105)
Dave’s Pick: OVER 62 Points (-110)

Gasparilla Bowl

Matchup: Georgia Tech vs UCF
When: Friday, December 22nd 6:30 P.M. ET
Where: Tampa, Florida
Where To Watch: ESPN

Daniel’s Take: Georgia Tech (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) returns to bowl game action for the first time in five years and can chalk up their first winning season over that span, too. The Yellow Jackets have impressed in their return to relevancy this season, highlighted by their upset victories over ranked ACC rivals Miami and North Carolina while pegged as double-digit underdogs.

Consistency has eluded the Yellow Jackets, who have recorded consecutive wins once. The Knights (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) have overcome a brutal start to their conference schedule with wins in three of their past four. The Knights's resurgence has been fueled by quarterback John Rhys Plumlee’s return to form after being sidelined by an injury early. However, 4.5 points is a big spread to cover against a confident Georgia Tech squad that didn’t get embarrassed by Georgia on Rivalry Weekend.

Josie’s Pick: OVER 64.5 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Georgia Tech +5.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Georgia Tech +4.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Georgia Tech +4.5 (-110)

Birmingham Bowl

Matchup: Troy vs Duke
When: Saturday, December 23rd 12:00 P.M. ET
Where: Birmingham, Alabama
Where To Watch: ABC

David’s Take: Former coach Mike Elko is off to Texas A&M, former starting QB Riley Leonard is in the transfer portal and the remaining Blue Devils head to Alabama to play a very dangerous opponent from the Group of 5. Troy (11-2 SU. 8-5 ATS) has won back-to-back Sun Belt titles and five straight bowl games and closed the regular season with 10 straight wins. Elko leaves behind an elevated Duke (7-5 SU, 6-6 ATS) program, no doubt, but Troy running back Kimani Vidal could play anywhere and the Trojans have covered in eight of their last nine.

Josie’s Pick: Troy -7.5 (-105)
David’s Pick: Troy -7.5 (-105)
Daniel’s Pick: Duke +7.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: OVER 44 Points (-110)

Camellia Bowl

Matchup: Arkansas State vs Northern Illinois
When: Saturday, December 23rd 12:00 P.M. ET
Where: Montgomery, Alabama
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: Arkansas State (6-6 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) will have to battle through Northern Illinois’ (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) defense, which has allowed just 15.7 PPG in its last three performances. The Huskies are a nightmare for quarterbacks, allowing just 164.6 yards in the air (ranked sixth). Freshman signal-caller Jaylen Rayner has looked promising for the Red Wolves, with 15 touchdowns and 2,300 yards. But, when he met a defense up to the same caliber, Troy (16.1 PPG) in Week 6, it was an ugly 37-3 blowout.

Josie’s Pick: Northern Illinois +1 (-110)
David’s Pick: Northern Illinois -1 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Northern Illinois ML (-105)
Dave’s Pick: UNDER 53.5 Points (-110)

Armed Forces Bowl

Matchup: Air Force vs James Madison
When: Saturday, December 23rd 3:30 P.M. ET
Where: Fort Worth, Texas
Where To Watch: ABC

Dave’s Take: The departures of head coach Curt Cignetti and top RB’s Kaelon Black and Ty Son Lawton won’t be enough to dampen James Madison’s (11-1 SU, 8-4 ATS) excitement for the program’s first bowl appearance. With senior quarterback Jordan McCloud (3,413 passing yards and 32 passing touchdowns) and a pair of 1000-yard receivers in Elijah Sarratt and Reggie Brown set to play, the offense should be good to go.

Air Force (8-4 SU, 4-7-1 ATS) enters in awful form after finishing the regular season on an 0-4 SU and ATS slump. And now this run-heavy offense faces a Dukes squad that had the best rush defense in the nation (61.5 YPG). It’s hard not lean towards the Dukes in this one.

Josie’s Pick: James Madison -3 (-110)
David’s Pick: James Madison -3 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: James Madison -2.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: James Madison -2.5 (-110)

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Matchup: Georgia State vs Utah State
When: Saturday, December 23rd 3:30 P.M. ET
Where: Boise, Idaho
Where To Watch: ESPN

Daniel’s Take: What started as a promising campaign for Georgia State (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) quickly unraveled down the stretch, with the Panthers closing out their schedule with five crushing losses. Averaging just 18.6 points per game during their schedule-ending swoon, the Panthers have been equally ineffective at shutting down opponents, who have lit them up for 42 or more points in four of their five recent defeats.

The Panthers sport top-notch offensive weapon in RB Marcus Carroll, who has run for 13 scores this season. But need far more consistency under center with Darren Grainger connectinf on seven TDs against five picks over the past five games. The Aggies (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) are also motivated by recording their fourth winning season in nine years.

Josie’s Pick: UNDER 62 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Utah State -1 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Utah State -1 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Utah State -1 (-110)

Ventures Bowl

Matchup: Eastern Michigan vs South Alabama
When: Saturday, December 23rd 7:00 P.M. ET
Where: Mobile, Alabama
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: South Alabama (6-6 SU, 4-8 ATS) is the definition of inconsistent, literally going back-and-forth between a couple of wins and losses. So, it’s oddly generous of them to be hefty 16-point favorites. The Jaguars get the advantage of playing at their home field and host a less-than mediocre Eastern Michigan (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) core, that scores 19.2 PPG. At least the Jags’ defense is pretty steady, allowing just 22.4 PPG. Playing at Hancock Whitney Stadium and coughing up 52-points in its last appearance should toughen up South Alabama’s play.

Josie’s Pick: UNDER 47 Points (-115)
David’s Pick: Eastern Michigan +16 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Eastern Michigan +16 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Eastern Michigan +16 (-110)

Las Vegas Bowl

Matchup: Northwestern vs Utah
When: Saturday, December 23rd 7:30 P.M. ET
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Where To Watch: ABC

David’s Take: What a turnaround for Northwestern (7-5 SU, 8-4 ATS), which emerged from scandal to win four of its last five and clinch an unlikely bowl berth. The Wildcats’ offense has come to life under quarterback Ben Bryant and Northwestern has been among the sports betting darlings of the season, with covers in six straight and eight of 11. Utah (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) was beaten down by the rough Pac-12 slate, but this remains an elite team along the line of scrimmage that dominates time of possession. The Wildcats are capable of staying in the game, though winning is another story.

Josie’s Pick: OVER 41.5 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Northwestern +7 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: Utah -6.5 (-105)
Dave’s Pick: Utah -7 (-105)

Hawai’i Bowl

Matchup: San Jose State vs Coastal Carolina
When: Saturday, December 23rd 10:30 P.M. ET
Where: Honolulu, Hawai’i
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: San Jose State (7-5 SU, 8-3-1 ATS) ended its season on an impressive 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS run, averaging 38.7 points per game in those six wins. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro had a 13-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in those six games and should feel right at home in the Hawai’i Bowl as a Honolulu native.

Coastal Carolina (7-5 SU, 8-4 ATS) wrapped up its regular season on an 0-2 SU and ATS skid and will be without starting quarterback Grayson McCall. The price is a bit steep with the Spartans going off at -10, but this offense is hot enough to get the job done.

Josie’s Pick: San Jose State -9.5 (-115)
David’s Pick: San Jose State -9.5 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: San Jose State -10 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: San Jose State -10 (-115)

Quick Lane Bowl

Matchup: Bowling Green vs Minnesota
When: Tuesday, December 26th 2:00 P.M. ET
Where: Detroit, Michigan
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: The Golden Gophers will have their knees knocking ahead of this outing. While neither group has many promising attributes, Bowling Green’s (7-5 SU, 8-4 ATS) pass defense sits in the nation’s top 25 conceding just 192.7 YPG. Before enterting the portal, starting QB Athan Kaliakmanis struggled this year, having a 14:9 TD:INT ratio with his Minnesota (5-7 SU, 3-9 ATS) group posting just 153.2 passing YPG, the eighth worst in Division 1. The Falcons defense should stop the Golden Gophers well enough for their offense to sneak ahead.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are headed to this year's Quick Lane Bowl under 7th year Head Coach P.J. Fleck. The Gophers finished the season with a record of 5-7.

Under Coach Fleck, the Gophers are 4-0 in bowl games and those four wins are the most in school history. pic.twitter.com/F9WJ5UKewp
— Quick Lane Bowl (@quicklanebowl) December 13, 2023

Josie’s Pick: Bowling Green +4 (-110)
David’s Pick: Bowling Green +4 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Bowling Green +4 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Bowling Green +4 (-110)

First Responder Bowl

Matchup: Texas State vs Rice
When: Tuesday, December 26th 5:30 P.M. ET
Where: Dallas, Texas
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Texas State (7-5 SU, 6-6 ATS) completely rebuilt its roster through the transfer portal, and the result is a first-ever bowl game for a Bobcats squad that ranked 10th nationally in total offense during the regular season. Texas State, which beat Baylor to open the season, presents a 1,200-yard rusher in Ismail Mahdi and has a proven quarterback in former Auburn and LSU starter T.J. Finley. Rice (6-6 SU, 8-3-1 ATS) hasn’t won a bowl game in a decade and won’t have starting quarterback J.T. Daniels, who ended his playing career after suffering a concussion.

Josie’s Pick: Texas State -4 (-110)
David’s Pick: Texas State -4 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Texas State -4.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Rice +4.5 (-110)

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Matchup: Kansas vs UNLV
When: Tuesday, December 26th 9:00 P.M. ET
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: The Rebels (9-4 SU, 10-3 ATS) ended their regular season on an 0-2 SU and ATS low note after going 9-2 SU and 10-1 ATS to open the season. That could work to bettors’ advantage though as UNLV is being undervalued here as a 12.5-point underdog.

UNLV is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games as an underdog, and five of Kansas’ (8-4 SU, 7-5 ATS) last six games have been decided by a touchdown or less. Look for the Rebels to keep this one close enough to cover the spread in what should be a fun bowl game between two high-powered offenses.

Josie’s Pick: UNLV +12.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: UNLV +12.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: UNLV +12.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: UNLV +12.5 (-110)

Military Bowl

Matchup: Tulane vs Virginia Tech
When: Wednesday, December 27th 2:00 P.M. ET
Where: Annapolis, Maryland
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: This could wind up being a let-down game for Tulane (11-2 SU, 5-8 ATS) after the team had a 10-game win streak snapped in the AAC Championship Game and then lost head coach Willie Fritz to the Houston Cougars. With that said, laying 8.5 points to take Virginia Tech (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) doesn’t look too appealing either.

Instead, let’s go with the UNDER 46.5. The UNDER is 11-1 in Tulane’s last 12 games, and even if the team comes out flat on offense, the defense should play well enough to keep this one tight.

Josie’s Pick: UNDER 46.5 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Tulane +7.5
Daniel’s Pick: Virginia Tech -7.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: UNDER 46.5 Points (-110)

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Matchup: North Carolina vs West Virginia
When: Wednesday, December 27th 5:30 P.M. ET
Where: Charlotte, North Carolina
Where To Watch: ESPN

Daniel’s Take: After closing out their ACC conference schedule with losses in four of their final five games, North Carolina (9-3 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) now face the daunting task of snapping three-game slide in bowl game action when they meet West Virginia (8-4 SU, 7-5 ATS). The Tar Heels were humiliated in their schedule-ending defeats at the hands of NC State and Clemson.

QB Drake Maye’s decision to opt into the NFL Draft further complicates matters for a UNC offense that has averaged just seven points scored before the half over their past two games. Conversely, the Mountaineers return to bowl game action riding high after posting character wins over Cincinnati and Baylor, but their recent struggles to score after recess will likely make this contest closer than it should be.

Josie’s Pick: North Carolina +3 (-115)
David’s Pick: North Carolina +3 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: West Virginia -6 (-105)
Dave’s Pick: OVER 56.5 Points (-110)

Holiday Bowl

Matchup: No. 15 Louisville vs USC
When: Wednesday, December 27th 8:00 P.M. ET
Where: San Diego, California
Where To Watch: FOX

Josie’s Take: It’s not a shocker but Caleb Williams, after failing to make the CFP the last two seasons, is packing for the NFL and taking his 2022 Heisman Trophy with him. We really haven’t gotten a good look at back-up Miller Moss. Regardless who’s tossing the pigskin, USC’s (7-5 SU, 3-9 ATS) defense can’t stop anything, allowing 34.9 PPG. Meanwhile, Louisville (10-3 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) has seen a handful of athletes off its defensive unit leave for the portal, like CB Derrick Edwards. But, I wouldn’t sound off any alarms yet. Point is, the Trojans ended the season losing five of their last six even with Williams.

Josie’s Pick: Louisville -7.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Louisville -8 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: USC +7.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Louisville -7.5 (-110)

Texas Bowl

Matchup: No. 20 Oklahoma State vs Texas A&M
When: Wednesday, December 27th 9:00 P.M. ET
Where: Houston, Texas
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Texas A&M (7-5 ATS, 5-6-1 ATS) finished the regular season with a third-string quarterback starting behind center, an interim head coach on the sideline, and a squad that covered the spread just once in its last seven games. The Aggies have been overvalued by sportsbooks all season, and that seems the case again here, particularly with star receiver and return man Ainias Smith likely out with a broken finger. Oklahoma State (9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS) won seven of its last nine, covering in six of those, and 1,600-yard Cowboys tailback Ollie Gordon is a workhorse who’s tough to bring down.

Josie’s Pick: Oklahoma State +3 (-115)
David’s Pick: Oklahoma State +3 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: Oklahoma State +3 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Oklahoma State +3 (-115)

Fenway Bowl

Matchup: No. 24 SMU vs Boston College
When: Thursday, December 28th 11:00 A.M. ET
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: SMU (11-2 SU, 8-5 ATS) ended its season on a 9-0 SU and 6-3 ATS run capped off with a win in the AAC Championship Game, but despite making a strong case for a New Year’s Six bid, the Mustangs wind up here instead. Boston College (6-6 SU, 4-8 ATS) ended the year in an 0-3 SU and ATS slump.

If Mustangs starting quarterback Preston Stone wasn’t out with a broken leg, I’d happily lay the points on SMU. But with Stone out, the Mustangs will likely lean on their strong defense, which ranks 12th in the nation in both total defense (299.5 total yards against per game) and scoring defense (17.4 points against per game). Whether they cover the spread or not, the total should fall under 51 points.

Josie’s Pick: UNDER 51 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: SMU -11.5 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: SMU -11 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: UNDER 51 Points (-110)

Pinstripe Bowl

Matchup: Rutgers vs Miami (FL)
When: Thursday, December 28th 2:15 P.M. ET
Where: The Bronx, New York
Where To Watch: ESPN

Daniel’s Take: Two teams looking to reverse late-season slides and losing narratives as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-6 SU, 6-4-2 ATS) battle the Miami Hurricanes (7-5 SU, 6-6 ATS) at Yankee Stadium. Losers in their past four bowl game appearances, the Canes lost three of four after clinching bowl game eligibility.

Already struggling to generate points, with just two TDs scored after recess during their recent swoon, the Hurricanes will have to do without quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who has announced his plans to transfer to Wisconsin next season. However, the Scarlet Knights arrive in the Big Apple riding a four-game SU and ATS skid during which they have averaged just 11.5 points per game and been outscored by an average margin of 20 points.

Josie’s Pick: UNDER 41 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Miami -2.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: UNDER 41 Points (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Miami -1 (-110)

Pop-Tarts Bowl

Matchup: No. 18 NC State vs No. 25 Kansas State
When: Thursday, December 28th 5:45 P.M. ET
Where: Orlando, Florida
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: No one is more pumped for this matchup than Avery Johnson, who will make his starting quarterback debut for Kansas State (8-4 SU, 8-4 ATS). The freshman gets the go-ahead after plenty of Wildcats pounced on the transfer portal, including QB Will Howard and CB Will Lee.

Mission hasn’t changed@avery2johnson pic.twitter.com/aoavAwKp4Y
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) December 7, 2023

NC State (9-3 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) hasn’t been hurt by the portal and its nine wins are solid. But, the Wolfpack’s trio of losses were against top 25 ranked squads. We’re all eager to see the Avery Johnson era begin, including Avery Johnson himself.

Josie’s Pick: Kansas State -3 (-105)
David’s Pick: N.C. State +3 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: N.C. State +3 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: NC State +3 (-115)

Alamo Bowl

Matchup: No. 12 Oklahoma vs No. 14 Arizona
When: Thursday, December 28th 9:15 P.M. ET
Where: San Antonio, Texas
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Meet Jackson Arnold — he’s the freshman likely to start at quarterback for Oklahoma (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) in the Alamo Bowl, now that Dillon Gabriel has entered the transfer portal. And Gabriel isn’t the only loss for the Sooners, who have also said goodbye to a pair of running backs and a safety, among others. It’s a stark comparison to the contentment at Arizona (9-3 SU, 10-2 ATS), which has won six straight and covered in 10 of 12 games this season. The Wildcats expect to have star quarterback Noah Fifita and a full complement of regulars in San Antonio.

Josie’s Pick: Arizona -3 (-110)
David’s Pick: Arizona -3 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Arizona -3 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Arizona -3 (-110)

Gator Bowl

Matchup: No. 22 Clemson vs Kentucky
When: Friday, December 29th 12:00 P.M. ET
Where: Jacksonville, Florida
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: Clemson (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) shook off a slow start to the season to go 4-0 SU and ATS down the stretch in a run that included a 31-23 upset win over Notre Dame. Kentucky (7-5 SU, 6-6 ATS) ended its regular season on a less impressive note going just 2-5 SU and ATS over its final seven games.

Even in a down year, Clemson’s defense ranked seventh best in the country in total defense allowing only 278.7 total yards per game. That unit should play well with a month to prepare for Kentucky, and facing a Wildcats defense that has allowed over 30 points in five of the team’s last seven games, the offense should manage to produce enough points to cover the spread.

Josie’s Pick: Clemson -5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Clemson -7 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Clemson -5.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Clemson -5 (-110)

Sun Bowl

Matchup: No. 16 Notre Dame vs No. 19 Oregon State
When: Friday, December 29th 2:00 P.M. ET
Where: El Paso, Texas
Where To Watch: CBS

Daniel’s Take: The Fighting Irish (9-3 SU, 8-3-1 ATS) are expected to hand the ball to sophomore quarterback Steve Angeli when they take on Oregon State (8-4 SU. 6-6 ATS) Replacing Hartman, Angeli has big shoes to fill after being used sparingly in his first collegiate season.

But, the Irish sport a potent ground game, led by rusher Audric Estime, who ranked third in the nation this season with 18 scoring runs. No. 21 Oregon State’s starting QB DJ Uiagalelei and backup Aidan Chiles both entered the transfer portal. That leaves the offense in the hands of Ben Gulbranson, who has made just one pass so far this season. The Beavers enjoy fewer backfield options, and could be hard pressed to score against an Irish defense that has allowed just 21 second-half points over the past four games.

Josie’s Pick: Notre Dame -8 (-110)
David’s Pick: Notre Dame -8 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Notre Dame -6.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Notre Dame -6.5 (-110)

Liberty Bowl

Matchup: Memphis vs Iowa State
When: Friday, December 29th 3:30 P.M. ET
Where: Memphis, Tennessee
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: Memphis (9-3 SU, 4-7-1 ATS) have an easy travel route by staying local to meet Iowa State (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS) in Tennessee. The Tigers average 38.2 PPG (ranked seventh) and will play infront of their bias crowd with an intact roster. The Cyclones have been a whirlwind of wins and losses but freshman QB, Rocco Becht, has managed to catch a grip. The Florida native collected seven touchdowns in his last three appearances. This outcome can tip in either direction, but either one should result in a heavy scoreboard.

Josie’s Pick: OVER 48.5 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Memphis +8.5
Daniel’s Pick: Iowa State -8.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: OVER 57.5 Points (-110)

Cotton Bowl

Matchup: No. 7 Ohio State vs No. 9 Missouri
When: Friday, December 29th 8:00 P.M. ET
Where: Dallas, Texas
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Ohio State (11-1 SU, 7-5-1 ATS) opened as a 6.5-point favorite, but that line has changed substantially since starting quarterback Kyle McCord entered the transfer portal. Mizzou (10-2 SU, 6-4-2 ATS) is now a slight favorite, and there’s reason to believe the Tigers can cover that margin coming off a 10-2 campaign where they’ve beaten the spread five times in their last six. Missouri doesn’t get to play in these kinds of games very often, so expect the motivation to be off the charts. A well-balanced offense doesn’t hurt, either, and now everyone waits to see if (or when) star Buckeyes receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. opts out.

Josie’s Pick: Missouri -2.5 (-115)
David’s Pick: Missouri -2.5 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: Missouri -2.5 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Ohio State +2.5 (-110)

Peach Bowl

Matchup: No. 10 Penn State vs No. 11 Ole Miss
When: Saturday, December 30th 12:00 P.M. ET
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Where To Watch: ESPN

Dave’s Take: Ole Miss (10-2 SU, 6-4-2 ATS) had plenty of strong performances on offense this year, but facing the toughest teams on its schedule, the offense fell flat scoring only 10 points against Alabama and 17 points against Georgia. Now the Rebels will face a Penn State (10-2 SU, 9-3 ATS) defense that ranks No. 1 nationally in total defense allowing 223.3 total yards per game and third in scoring defense giving up 11.4 points per game.

The Nittany Lions also fell short against elite opponents in losses to Michigan and Ohio State, but that wasn’t the defense’s fault as the team gave up an average of 22 points per game in those two defeats. Penn State’s defense should be the difference-maker in the Peach Bowl.

Josie’s Pick: Ole Miss +3.5 (-115)
David’s Pick: Ole Miss +3.5 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: Penn State -3.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Penn State -3.5 (-110)

Music City Bowl

Matchup: Auburn vs Maryland
When: Saturday, December 30th 2:00 P.M. ET
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Where To Watch: ABC

Daniel’s Take: Auburn (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) hopes to overcome both its loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl and a three-game slide in bowl game action when they take on Maryland (7-5 SU, 6-6 ATS). QB Payton Thorne will be looking to atone after completing just 31.3% of pass attempts against the Crimson Tide, and has often been left to fend for himself by an OL that has allowed eight sacks over the past two games.

Conversely, the Terrapins have shown signs of life with wins in two of three contests. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is coming off one of his best performances in the team’s 42-24 rout of Rutgers to close their schedule. And with the Music City Bowl representing Tagovailoa’s college football swan song, you can expect his Terrapins teammates to be highly motivated to get him the win.

Josie’s Pick: OVER 50 Points (-110)
David’s Pick: Maryland +2.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Maryland +2.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Auburn -2.5 (-110)

Orange Bowl

Matchup: No. 5 Florida State vs No. 6 Georgia
When: Saturday, December 30th 4:00 P.M. ET
Where: Miami Gardens, Florida
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Does anybody really want to play in this game? Georgia (12-1 SU, 4-8-1 ATS) is coming off the sting of seeing its 29-game win streak ended, Florida State (13-0 SU, 8-5 ATS) is dealing with the outrage of being snubbed by the College Football Playoff. There may not be much motivation on either side of a matchup that once seemed destined to be a CFP semifinal. Georgia coach Kirby Smart has indicated that he expects only minimal opt-outs on his side, but who knows if that will end up the case. If so, this remains a potent Bulldogs squad going up against a Seminoles offense that’s now a shadow of its former self.

Josie’s Pick: Georgia -14 (-115)
David’s Pick: Georgia -14 (-115)
Daniel’s Pick: Georgia -14 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Florida State +14 (-105)

Arizona Bowl

Matchup: Wyoming vs Toledo
When: Saturday, December 30th 4:30 P.M. ET
Where: Tucson, Arizona
Where To Watch: CW Network

Josie’s Take: After nearly a decade of dedication, Wyoming (8-4 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) head coach Craig Bohl will be retiring and his like hurrah will be the Arizona Bowl meeting with Toledo (11-2 SU, 6-7 ATS). Bohl helped the Cowboys to six bowl appearances, winning three of them. Wyoming has seen noble wins this season against stiff competition like Texas Tech, Appalachian State and Fresno State. Though all of those victories were decided by 5-points or fewer, the Cowboys don’t shy from riding into battle and will want to send Bohl off with a appreciative goodbye.

Josie’s Pick: Wyoming -3 (-115)
David’s Pick: Toledo +3 (-120)
Daniel’s Pick: Wyoming -3 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Wyoming -3 (-115)

ReliaQuest Bowl

Matchup: No. 13 LSU vs Wisconsin
When: Monday, January 1st 12:00 P.M. ET
Where: Tampa, Florida
Where To Watch: ESPN

Daniel’s Take: Wisconsin (7-5 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) will be facing the highest scoring team in the nation when they take on LSU (9-3 SU, 8-4 ATS). The Tigers averaged 50 PPG while ending their schedule with three straight wins. However, QB Jayden Daniels seems set to enter the NFL Draft after his epic senior campaign, tossing for 40 TD's and 3,812 yards. It remains uncertain who the Tigers will have under center on New Year’s Day.

HEI5MAN.

Jayden Daniels put on a show this season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qvNH9Ukx3q
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 9, 2023

The absence of Daniels will ruin the Tigers ground game, who led the ground attack with 1,134 yards and 10 scores. Apart from a sloppy first quarter in their recent OT win over Nebraska, the Badgers have enjoyed a stout defense during their 2-0 surge. Considering they have lost three of five, their ability to limit opponents to an average of just 19.8 points per game over that stretch leaves them well positioned to keep things close.

Josie’s Pick: LSU -10.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: LSU -10.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Wisconsin +8.5 (-115)
Dave’s Pick: Wisconsin +10.5 (-115)

Citrus Bowl

Matchup: No. 17 Iowa vs No. 21 Tennessee
When: Monday, January 1st 1:00 P.M. ET
Where: Orlando, Florida
Where To Watch: ABC

Dave's Take: Given that the UNDER has hit in Iowa’s (10-3 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) last eight games and the Hawkeyes’ offense is a national laughing stock, it’s tempting to roll with the UNDER here. The problem is, there isn’t much room for error with the total set at only 36.5, especially when Tennessee (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) averages 31.5 points per game on offense and has allowed 27 points per game in its last six games.

Let’s trust the Hawkeyes defense and take the points instead. In between blowout losses to two top-three defensive teams in Penn State and Michigan, Iowa went 7-1 SU and 4-3-1 ATS with its only loss coming by two points. The Volunteers don’t have an elite defense, so Iowa should be able to scratch out enough points to at least keep the game close.

Josie’s Pick: Iowa +8.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Iowa +8.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Iowa +8.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Iowa +8 (-110)

Fiesta Bowl

Matchup: No. 8 Oregon vs No. 23 Liberty
When: Monday, January 1st 1:00 P.M. ET
Where: Glendale, Arizona
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: The decision has been made — Bo Nix will be tossing on New Year’s Day. Once the senior opted in, Oregon’s (11-2 SU, 9-3-1 ATS) line jumped to be 16-point favourites, the largest spread of bowl season. With over 2,300 and 28 touchdowns combined, the tandem of RB Quinton Cooley and Kaidon Salter push Liberty (13-0 SU, 9-4 ATS) miles ahead of other programs by averaging 302.9 rushing YPG, inflating to 386 YPG over its last three. But, it’ll go against a stout Ducks rushing defense that typically coughs up 93.3 rushing YPG. With Nix guaranteed to be on the field, Oregon’s offense will have no issues tilting the scoreboard.

Josie’s Pick: Oregon -16 (-110)
David’s Pick: Oregon -16 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Oregon -17.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: OVER 65.5 Points (-110)

Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinal)

Matchup: No. 1 Michigan vs No. 4 Alabama
When: Monday, January 1st 5:00 P.M. ET
Where: Pasadena, California
Where To Watch: ESPN

Josie’s Take: After ending Georgia’s 29-game streak in the SEC championship, No. 4 Alabama (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS) hushed the nation and snuck into the CFP. No. 1 Michigan (13-0 SU, 7-5-1 ATS), which were aggressive each week given the Harbaugh drama, have the best defense that allows just 9.5 PPG. It’s been RB Blake Corum who looks to be on a mission as the senior has ran into the end zone each meeting, totalling an elite 24 touchdowns across the season. The perfect storyline would be an Alabama/Texas rematch in the national championship — but I don’t see Michigan letting that happen.

A look at the FBS ranks between Michigan and Alabama's offense this season ⬇️

Who's getting the W in the Rose Bowl? 🌹 pic.twitter.com/SML6Ng6VAg
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 13, 2023

Josie’s Pick: Michigan -1.5 (-110)
David’s Pick: Alabama +1.5 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Michigan -1.5 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Michigan -1.5 (-110)

Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal)

Matchup: No. 2 Washington vs No. 3 Texas
When: Monday, January 1st 8:45 P.M. ET
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Where To Watch: ESPN

David’s Take: Texas (12-1 SU, 7-6 ATS) may own the single best individual victory this season--at Alabama in September--but no team has been more impressive week-to-week than Washington (13-0 SU, 6-6-1 ATS), which went survived the rugged Pac-12 unscathed. Both teams were OK if not great against the spread, with the Longhorns covering their last three and Washington in three of its last five. It should be close, it should be high-scoring, and the edge should go to the Huskies thanks to a Heisman-caliber quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. and an elite receiving corps.

🤘 @TexasFootball had the best yardage differential among the 4 playoff teams this season 💪

What will be the differential when they take on Washington in the Sugar Bowl? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/SXBqjyhDlV
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 13, 2023

Josie’s Pick: Washington +4 (-110)
David’s Pick: Washington +4 (-110)
Daniel’s Pick: Texas -4 (-110)
Dave’s Pick: Washington +4 (-110)

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