When betting on bowl games against the spread, there are several key factors to keep in mind to make informed wagers and improve your chances of success. Here are the most crucial elements to consider:

1. Team Motivation:
   Bowl games are often a mixed bag of motivation levels. Some teams may be highly motivated, especially those with something to prove, while others may be less focused. Be sure to consider a team’s emotional and mental state heading into the game.

2. Injuries and Opt-Outs:
   Injuries, suspensions, and opt-outs are significant factors in bowl games. Players, especially stars, may choose to sit out to protect their future prospects in the NFL. Always check for the latest injury reports and opt-out announcements before making your betting decisions.

3. Coaching Changes:
   Bowl games can sometimes feature teams with new head coaches, either temporarily or for the long term. Coaching changes can affect a team’s performance, so keep an eye on how teams are adjusting to new leadership or preparing for the future.

4. Weather Conditions:
   Weather can have a major impact on game strategy, especially in outdoor bowl games. Wind, rain, or extreme cold can affect the game plan, potentially leading to a lower-scoring game or one that favors the ground game. Always check the weather forecast before placing your bet.

5. Strength of Schedule:
   Teams with tougher schedules may be better prepared for the challenges of a bowl game. On the other hand, a team with a weaker schedule may have inflated stats that don’t translate to success against a more seasoned opponent. Analyzing the strength of each team’s schedule can provide insight into how they might perform.

6. Betting Lines & Public Betting Trends:
   Be sure to keep an eye on the betting lines and how they move leading up to the game. If a line is moving significantly, it could indicate sharp money or public betting trends. Understanding these movements can give you an edge in making your bets.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be in a better position to make smart bowl game bets against the spread. Stay tuned for the latest odds and lines updates, and don’t forget to check out our College Football News section for more insights leading up to the games!

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The College Football Bowl Season kicks it up a notch on Monday, December 25 when ranked College Football Playoff teams start ending their seasons in bowl game matchup. The first contest on our college football bowl game betting value list pits 15 Louisville against soon to be Big Ten squad USC. Also showing up on our list are both CFP matchups, Alabama versus Michigan and Texas against Washington.

Check out college football odds, analysis, and free picks for the top value betting bowls.  

We have broken down our favorite 10 games in the college football bowl season, with our sure winners. Here they are:

2023 Top College Football Bowls with Top Betting Value | MyBookie NCAAF Betting Preview

2023 NCAA Division I FBS season | 154th season of college football in the United States
Monday, December 25th – Monday, January 1st, 2024

Holiday Bowl

15 Louisville Cardinals vs USC Trojans
NCAAF ATS Odds: Louisville Cardinals -7.5
Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 8:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Petco Park, San Diego, CA

The bad news keeps coming for USC. The Trojans not only failed to live up to massive expectations, but Lincoln Riley this season’s top recruit, quarterback Malachi Nelson. Caleb Williams already said he was sitting out the bowl game.

Louisville should be close to full force, which is why the Cards cover. Louisville will have a field day destroying USC’s porous defense and without Williams, the Trojans will struggle to move the ball.

Holiday Bowl Pick: Louisville -7.5 | Louisville vs USC
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

TaxAct Texas Bowl

Texas A&M Aggies vs 20 Oklahoma State Cowboys
NCAAF ATS Odds: Texas A&M Aggies -2
Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 5:45 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

The odds don’t make much sense. Texas A&M fired coach Jimbo Fisher during the season and doesn’t have much of an offense.

Sure, the Aggies have the better roster on paper, but Mike Gundy gets the most out of the Pokes. Every season, we write off Oklahoma State and every season they contend for the Big 12 title. The Pokes get it done.

Texas Bowl Pick: Oklahoma State +2 | Texas A&M vs Oklahoma State
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Pop-Tarts Bowl

18 NC State Wolfpack vs 25 Kansas State Wildcats
NCAAF ATS Odds: Kansas State Wildcats -2.5
Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 5:45 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

It’s tough to have faith in any ACC team in their bowl game outside of the Louisville Cardinals versus hapless USC. The North Carolina State Wolfpack is up against it versus a Arkansas State offense that begun to click late in the season.

In their final 7 games, K-State scored 38 in a win over Texas Tech, 41 in a dominating victory over TCU, 30 in a 3-point overtime loss to Texas, 59 in a win against Baylor, 31 in a win agianst Kansas, and 35 in a loss to Iowa State. The Wildcats get the cover victory.

Pop-Tarts Bowl Pick: Kansas State -2.5 | NC State vs Kansas State
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Valero Alamo Bowl

14 Arizona Wildcats vs 12 Oklahoma Sooners
NCAAF ATS Odds: Arizona Wildcats -3
Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 9:15 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX

It’s surprising that the Oklahoma Sooners are just 3-point underdogs. The Sooners must play without Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to play for Oregon in 2024.

Zona finished their season on a 6-game winning streak where they beat four ranked opponents, including dusting Utah 42-18. Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan decimate Oklahoma’s defense.

Alamo Bowl Pick: Arizona Wildcats -3 | Arizona vs Oklahoma
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

22 Clemson Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats
NCAAF ATS Odds: Clemson Tigers -5
Friday, December 29th, 2023 at 8:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL

Sure, Clemson finished the regular season going bonkers, beating four good teams Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and South Carolina, but the Tigers didn’t have to face one of the best running backs in the country.

Kentucky star Ray Davis is a senior but will play. Running backs don’t get drafted in the first round unless the name is Jahmyr Gibbs. So Davis sees this as an opportunity to show off his skills. Back Kentucky to cover.

Gator Bowl Pick: Kentucky +5 | Clemson vs Kentucky
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

9 Missouri Tigers vs 7 Ohio State Buckeyes
NCAAF ATS Odds: PK
Friday, December 29th, 2023 at 8:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

It makes no sense while Ohio State is even a pick. Kyle McCord will quarterback Syracuse next season and Marvin Harrison Jr. is likely to skip the game.

Even if Marv Jr. plays, who will throw the pigskin to him? Mizzou boasts the best QB and WR combination in the SEC in quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Missouri wins.

Cotton Bowl Pick: Missouri | Missouri vs Ohio State
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

11 Ole Miss Rebels vs 10 Penn State Nittany Lions
NCAAF ATS Odds: Penn State Nittany Lions -4
Saturday, December 30th, 2023 at 4:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

The Big Ten is likely overrated. We’ll know for sure if Alabama beats Michigan in the Rose Bowl. When it comes to the Peach Bowl on Saturday, Penn State’s offense has no chance of keeping up with Jaxon Dart and the Ole Miss offense.

So although Penn State’s defense will play okay in this one, Dart and the Rebels will do enough to get the Ole Miss straight up victory.

Peach Bowl Pick: Ole Miss +4 | Ole Miss vs Penn State
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Capital One Orange Bowl

6 Georgia Bulldogs vs 5 Florida State Seminoles
NCAAF ATS Odds: Georgia Bulldogs -14.5
Saturday, December 30th, 2023 at 4:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

Florida State has done nothing but complain how Alabama leaped over them and into the College Football Playoff. All of those complaints end in the Orange.

Georgia is leap years better than Florida State. The Seminoles won the ACC over Louisville, a team that only made it to the ACC title game because Jeff Brohm is an unbelievable head coach. The Cardinals aren’t a great team.

Neither are the Seminoles. Not with so many injuries to deal with UGA beats FSU by at least 20. A 24 to 30 point victory isn’t out of the question.  

Orange Bowl Pick: Georgia -14.5 | Georgia vs Florida State
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

23 Liberty Flames vs 8 Oregon Ducks
NCAAF ATS Odds: Oregon Ducks -17.5
Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 5:00 pm | ESPN
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Liberty has an exciting offense. But the undefeated Flames had the easiest schedule in college football. We don’t mean the easiest schedule in their conference. The easiest schedule in all of college football.

There’s no way the Flames keep this close. Oregon is out to dominate Liberty. This is Bo Nix’s swan song. He’s going to try and throw for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns in this. Oregon wins by 30.

Fiesta Bowl Pick: Oregon -17.5 | Liberty vs Oregon
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game Pres. by Prudential

4 Alabama Crimson Tide vs 1 Michigan Wolverines
NCAAF ATS Odds: Michigan Wolverines -1.5
Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 5:00 pm | ESPN
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

The Associated Press and most college football writers love the Big Ten, which is why Michigan continues to be the favorite against the hottest team in the nation.

Alabama lost a single game this season. It happened early and it came against fellow CFP participant Texas. Outside of losing to Texas, Bama navigated a the fifth most difficult schedule in the country and beat 1-Georgia in the SEC Championship.

What did Michigan do? Beat offense challenged Iowa in the Big Ten title game after thumping rival Ohio State. Michigan had a terribly easy schedule, and it will show in this game. Like what happened versus TCU in last season’s College Football Playoff, the more battle-tested team ends Michigan’s title run.

Rose Bowl Pick: Alabama +1.5 | Alabama vs Michigan
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

CFP Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl

3 Texas Longhorns vs 2 Washington Huskies
NCAAF ATS Odds: Texas Longhorns -4
Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 8:45 pm | ESPN
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA

It’s difficult to understand the point spread. Washington beat Oregon not once, but twice this season. Not only that, but the Huskies played in arguably the top conference in college football.

Also, Washington is the team with the Heisman Trophy Finalist in Michael Penix Jr. Don’t get it wrong. Texas is worthy of making the CFP and the Longhorns are capable of beating Washington, but a 4 point favorite over the undefeated Huskies? That’s ridiculous. 

Sugar Bowl Pick: Washington +4 | Texas vs Washington
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

There you have it. Those are some sure winners for the 2023 College Football bowl season. Best of luck and enjoy the games. The bowl season goes quickly, with tons of great College Football action!

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MyBookie Odds for the Games

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2023 College Football Bowl Odds and Betting Picks: Which Bowls Are Sure Winners | MyBookie NCAAF Betting Preview

2023 NCAA Division I FBS season | 154th season of college football in the United States
Bowls Start Date: Saturday, December 16th, 2023

College Football bowl games are difficult to project. There are a bunch of them, and a ton of teams playing. A Lot of teams have guys missing for the final game, so it’s a huge impact.

We have broken down our favorite 10 games in the college football bowl season, with our sure winners. Here they are:

Isleta New Mexico Bowl

New Mexico State Aggies over Fresno State Bulldogs
NCAAF ATS Odds: New Mexico State -3.5
Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at 5:45 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM

In the New Mexico Bowl, Jerry Kill and his Aggies have the home crowd advantage. It has been a tremendous season for the Aggies with 10 wins already. They will take on a Fresno State team that has not won a game in a long time. Their coach had to step aside for health issues, you gotta wonder about the focus of the Bulldogs. New Mexico State pick up a fairly easy win to wrap up their great 2023.

New Mexico Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

Central Florida Knights over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
NCAAF ATS Odds: Central Florida -4.5
Friday, December 22nd, 2023 at 6:30 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Team from Orlando heading to Tampa. The UCF Knights should have a good crowd, as they welcome their friends from Georgia Tech. It’s the Big 12 against the Atlantic Coast Conference. Look for the Knights to play with a little more emotion in this game. This means more to the Knights to finish 7-6. The last time they played was last season, and Central Florida won by two touchdowns. They do the same here at the Gasparilla Bowl.

Gasparilla Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Birmingham Bowl

Troy Trojans over Duke Blue Devils
NCAAF ATS Odds: Troy -7.5
Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 at 12:00 pm | ABC, ESPN+
Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL

The Troy Trojans have had a fantastic season, and are seeking their 12th win. Look for a big crowd to take the short commute to Birmingham for this one. On the other side, a new coach and a new quarterback for Duke seems like a tough task. The Blue Devils will use this to prepare for the 2024 season, while Troy wants to end with their 12th win. The Trojans win this one easily in the Birmingham Bowl.

Birmingham Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

Utah Utes over Northwestern Wildcats
NCAAF ATS Odds: Utah -7
Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 at 7:30 pm | ABC, ESPN+
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

You gotta admire the season the Northwestern Wildcats have had. Many projected that they may not win a game all season following the Pat Fitzgerald drama and firing. Now they get to finish the season in Vegas. But, they are going to get a hungry and motivated Utah team. The Utes seem to always be a motivated as well coached team. Just before Christmas, the Utes get their present winning by 10 over the Wildcats in Vegas.

Las Vegas Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels over Kansas Jayhawks
NCAAF ATS Odds: UNLV +12.5
Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 at 9:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ

The day after Christmas in Arizona. This spread seems too high. Sure, UNLV is coming off a complete blowout loss in the Mountain West title game, but expecting them to not be ready to come back and compete is a little silly. The Jayhawks are a fun team, and will be good in 2024, but there are too many questions to be willing to take the 12.5 point spread. Take the Rebels to cover the spread.

Guaranteed Rate Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Military Bowl Presented by GoBowling.com

Tulane Green Wave over Virginia Tech Hokies
NCAAF ATS Odds: Tulane +8
Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 2:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD

December 27th at the Military Bowl will feature the Green Wave and the Hokies. Tulane continues to emerge as one of the most underrated College Football programs. Out of the AAC, they won 11 games. They can score, and should be able to score on Virginia Tech. The Hokies needed a win in their season finale to get into a bowl game. The spread is too high here, take the Green Wave to cover.

Military Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

TaxAct Texas Bowl

Oklahoma State Cowboys over  Texas A+M Aggies
NCAAF ATS Odds: Oklahoma State +3
Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 9:00 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

The winner of the Doak Walker Award – Ollie Gordon is expecting to play in this game on December 27th. If he plays, Oklahoma State wins this game. Texas A+M has no answer for him. This should be a fun regional battle at night on the 27th. The Texas Bowl! Texas A&M is going through a coaching change, and will use this to see what they have going forward into 2024. Cowboys win straight up!

Texas Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Valero Alamo Bowl

Arizona Wildcats over Oklahoma Sooners
NCAAF ATS Odds: Arizona Wildcats +3
Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 9:15 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX

It was a very overlooked season for the Arizona Wildcats. This is a team that is competing at the top of the standings in a very tough Pac-12. The Wildcats won their final six games of the season. Now, Arizona goes to San Antonio and takes on a Sooners team in the middle of a transition. Oklahoma lost Dillion Gabriel, as he will transfer to Oregon. Sure, a new quarterback gets a month to prepare, but Arizona is ready to finish with their 10th win. Take the Wildcats.

Alamo Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Ohio State Buckeyes over Missouri Tigers
NCAAF ATS Odds: Ohio State +2.5
Friday, December 29th, 2023 at 9:15 pm | ESPN, ESPN+
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

This should be an interesting game, with both teams going through some roster transitions. Chip Trayanum, one of the Buckeyes running backs has transferred to Kentucky. Kyle McCord, the Buckeyes quarterback is also on his way out, and Miyan Williams is going to the NFL. Despite that, you gotta expect the Buckeyes to field a very competitive team. The Missouri Tigers had a great season, and heading to the Cotton Bowl was a feather in their cap. But, in the end, the Buckeyes are too much in Dallas.

Cotton Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

ReliaQuest Bowl

LSU Tigers over Wisconsin Badgers
NCAAF ATS Odds: LSU -10.5
Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 12:00 pm | ESPN2
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

The LSU Tigers would love to finish strong after the momentum of their quarterback winning the Heisman. Now, whether he plays in this game or not is the next question. Regardless of his status, not sure Wisconsin has the pieces to compete with the Tigers. Got to imagine the Tigers are too much for the Badgers on New Year’s Day!

ReliaQuest Bowl Odds to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Bowl

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Most Anticipated Matches of the 2023 College Football Season | MyBookie NCAAF Betting Preview

2023 NCAA Division I FBS season | 154th season of college football in the United States
August 26, 2023–December 9, 2023

Like every season, college football has games that will determine which teams win their respective conferences, land in the top bowls, and end up in the College Football Playoff with a chance to win the title.

Check out college football betting lines and analysis of this seasons most significant and anticipated college football matches. .

LSU Tigers at Florida State Seminoles

NCAAF Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 3
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

The SEC Championship runner up boasts arguably the top quarterback in the conference, Jaylen Daniels. FSU has their own Heisman Trophy candidate in QB Jordan Travis. The winner should rank in the top four.

Texas Longhorns at Alabama Crimson Tide

NCAAF Week 2: Saturday, Sep. 9
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Alabama must play this season without EDGE Will Anderson and QB Bryce Young. Texas believes they’re good enough to win the title.

Florida State Seminoles at Clemson Tigers

NCAAF Week 4: Saturday, Sep. 23
Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC), Clemson, SC

Is the Clemson ACC dynasty over? If the Seminoles upset the Tigers it will be. FSU is a College Football Playoff contender. Clemson doesn’t appear to be this season.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

NCAAF Week 4: Saturday, Sep. 23
Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN

The Buckeyes have an early season test against one of the more underrated teams this season. Sam Hartman plays QB for the Irish. So Ohio State had better take ND seriously.

Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Longhorns

NCAAF Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 7
Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX

Texas is, by far, the better team in this year’s Red River Rivalry. So if Oklahoma can pull off the upset win, the Sooners will turn heads.

USC Trojans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

NCAAF Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 14
Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX

One of the most classic rivalries in all of college football should be a battle between a pair of top ten, if not top five, teams.

Tennessee Volunteers at Alabama Crimson Tide

NCAAF Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 21
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

The Vols and Tide must find starting quarterbacks after Hendon Hooker for Tennessee and Bryce Young for Alabama moved to the NFL.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio State Buckeyes

NCAAF Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 21
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

Lions versus Buckeyes is always a tough game. This season, Penn State is close to Ohio State’s level.

Utah Utes at USC Trojans

NCAAF Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 21
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

Utah dominated USC in the Pac-12 Championship game. The Utes return 14 starters. USC projects as a top five team. This will be good.

Oregon Ducks at Utah Utes

NCAAF Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 28
Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT

Oregon boasts a Heisman Trophy contender in quarterback Bo Nix. The game happens in Utah, though. So the Utes will have the edge.

LSU Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide

NCAAF Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 4
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

One of the SEC’s greatest rivalries takes place in Tuscaloosa this season. LSU upset Alabama in 2022. Can Brian Kelly’s bunch make it two seasons in a row?

Washington Huskies at USC Trojans

NCAAF Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 4
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. posted stats close to Caleb Williams’. The quarterbacks should take over this matchup. USC is not a slam dunk to win. Fully handicap this contest.

USC Trojans at Oregon Ducks

NCAAF Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 11
Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR

USC and UCLA head to the Big Ten next season. This season, the Trojans face a steep hill to climb if they want to win the Pac-12. Oregon, Washington, and Utah can upset SoCal.

Utah Utes at Washington Huskies

The Pac-12 North is loaded. Utah versus Washington will be one of the season’s most important college football matchups.

Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions

NCAAF Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 11
Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

It’s never easy beating Penn State in Happy Valley. The Wolverines should skate through the season unblemished until meeting the Lions.

Georgia Bulldogs at Tennessee Volunteers

NCAAF Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 18
Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

Georgia’s toughest game happens on Nov. 18. UGA has yet to find a starting quarterback. So if the Dawgs struggle until their Nov. 18 matchup versus Tennessee, who knows? Maybe the Vols get it done.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Wolverines

NCAAF Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 25
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

Buckeyes versus Wolverines will determine who plays the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten title game. Michigan has more returning pieces, including QB JJ McCarthy, and this happens in Ann Arbor.

Previous Betting News

NCAAF 2022 Bowls: Betting Rundown on the Games to Bet

We are about 10 days away from the start of bowl season and another round of opportunities to make some money wagering on college football. That said, it can often be tough to wager on bowl games, often because players heading to the draft will sit out, while some teams don’t really see the value in playing what they might consider to be a meaningless game. While much of the focus is going to be on the New Year’s Six Bowl Games, which we will dive into in a separate piece, there are plenty more games worth your attention leading up to that group.

Let’s look at some of the more intriguing Bowl betting matchups set to come our way over the next few weeks.

UTSA Roadrunners Vs Troy Trojans – Duluth Trading Cure Bowl – December 16

We have a couple of conference champions, as well as ranked teams, going head-to-head in the opening day of bowl season. The Roadrunners won Conference USA, while the Troy Trojans romped to victory in the Sun Belt. These two seem to be very evenly matched, with Troy in as a slender 1-point favorite. This is one that could well deliver a lot of scoring, so I’d probably be looking at the OVER in this one, so be sure to keep an eye on that number as we get closer to game time.

Florida Gators Vs Oregon State Beavers – Las Vegas Bowl – December 17

The Gators made it into bowl season by the skin of their teeth, going 6-6 in the regular season. It was a rough year for them, but they will be looking to get something out of the season, despite heading into this one as a 9 ½ point underdog to the Beavers, who finished the year at 9-3. Florida finished the season losing 2 in a row, while the Beavers won 3 straight, so momentum is on their side. I’d be inclined to take Oregon State to cover.

Oregon Ducks Vs UNC Tar Heels – Credit Union Holiday Bowl – December 28

For a minute, the Oregon Ducks were in the playoff conversation. They started with a blowout loss to Georgia Bulldogs, but they went on a run after that, where they won 8 in a row and looked good doing it. Losses in 2 of their last 3 essentially killed their season. UNC did enough to win their division and get to the ACC Conference Championship Game, but they were blown out by Clemson. Baylor is a 10 ½ point favorite for this one and certainly have the offense to win and cover.

Texas Longhorns Vs Washington Huskies – Alamo Bowl – December 29

Another bowl game that features a pair of teams who ended the regular season in the top 25 in the national rankings. Texas is in as a 6-point favorite for this one, but they are going to have their hands full against a Washington team that ended the regular season on a 6-game winning streak to get to 10-2 on the year. Texas was very up and down all season long, which is why I think we might get a tight one here. I am on Washington to cover, and perhaps to potentially win straight up.

Bet NCAA Football to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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2019 Top Picks for First Round of College Football Bowls

Bowl season begins on Friday, December 17, with the Bahamas Bowl and runs through Tuesday, January 4, with the TaxAct Texas Bowl in Houston, followed by the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship on Monday, January 10, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The early bowl action primarily involves unranked teams from the Group of Five conferences, but the first week of games features a few appearances by Power Five squads and some that were included in the CFP top 25.

Between coaching changes, player opt-outs, and different philosophies regarding how to approach bowl games, results can be very unpredictable, making wagering difficult. Here are a few highlight games and picks for the early round of contests with College Football Bowl betting odds provided by MyBookie.

Friday, December 17, 6:00 pm EST: Tailgreeter Cure Bowl, Orlando, Florida

Northern Illinois Huskies (9-4 overall record) (+305 moneyline) vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (10-2) (-10.5 spread) (-390 moneyline) (63.5 o/u): Coastal Carolina spent much of the season as the favorite to win the Sun Belt, but after a 6-0 start, they suffered a 30-27 loss to Appalachian State and then were upset 42-40 by Georgia State three games later that eliminated the Chanticleers from the East division race.

Northern Illinois qualified for the MAC championship game by virtue of a tiebreaking victory over Central Michigan and took advantage of the opportunity with a 41-23 win over Kent State to capture the title.

Pick: Northern Illinois +10.5

Saturday, December 18, 7:30 pm EST: Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, Inglewood, California

Utah State Aggies (10-3) (+230) vs Oregon State Beavers (7-5) (-7) (-280) (67): Oregon State represents the first appearance by a Power Five team, as they take on a Utah State team that is coming off a big 46-13 upset of then 19th ranked San Diego State in the Mountain West championship game.

The Aggies enter their bowl contest after outscoring their last two opponents 81-23, while Oregon State fell to number 11 Oregon 38-29 to close out a good season that resulted in a contract extension for head coach Jonathan Smith.

Pick: Utah State +7

Tuesday, December 21, 7:30 pm EST: Tropical Smoothies Café Frisco Bowl, Frisco, Texas

UTSA Roadrunners (12-1) (-2.5) (-135) vs (24) San Diego State Aztecs (11-2) (+115) (49.5): UTSA jumped out to 42 – 13 lead over Western Kentucky in the Conference USA championship game, then withstood a furious Hilltoppers’ comeback to finally prevail 49-42 to capture their first conference title.

The Aztecs will be looking to atone for last week’s debacle against Utah State after running up an impressive record, but six of their 11 wins came by one score.

Pick: UTSA -2.5

Thursday, December 23, 7:00 pm EST: Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Tampa, Florida

UCF Knights (8-4) (+195) vs Florida Gators (6-6) (-6.5) (-245) (55.5): First-year UCF head coach Gus Malzahn finds himself in familiar territory, playing Florida from the SEC after spending 2013 – 2020 at the helm of Auburn.

Florida will be led by interim coach Greg Knox, who also was on the sideline for the Gators’ season-ending victory over Florida State following the firing of Dan Mullen and the announcement that Billy Napier from Louisiana would take over in Gainesville.

Pick: UCF +6.5