(NOTE: This story has been updated with the latest College Football Playoff outcomes.) 

The college bowl season features the first-ever 12-team college football playoff. In addition to the six bowls that make up the playoff, 4 games will be played at campus sites on December 20 and 21. 

That means 36 bowl games and 11 College Football Playoff games. 

We've got you covered. Check out our complete college playoff and college bowl betting guide. We’ll offer best bets and odds on each of the 36 bowls, and the college football playoff games. We’ll update this page with matchups and changes as news warrants. 

The college bowl season began on Saturday, December 14, with the Crampton Bowl at Montgomery, Alabama, between South Alabama and Western Michigan. The first bowl featuring an AP Top 25 team takes place on Tuesday, December 17. No. 25 Memphis and Big 12 entrant West Virginia meet in the Scooters Coffee Frisco Bowl. The final non-playoff bowl game has Buffalo and Liberty playing in the Bahamas Bowl on January 4. 

RELATED: College Football Playoff Teams Ranked By Miles Traveled    

Bettors will be taking a deep look at college football odds with serious interest throughout bowl season and the college football playoff. College football betting sites will be posting multiple betting markets on each of these games. 

The top-four ranked conference champions have earned byes in the College Football Playoff. Oregon, Georgia, and Arizona State don’t play again until January 1. Boise State plays on New Year’s Eve.  

Take a look at our favorite college football picks for the College Football Playoff games and all 36 bowl games. 

All rankings are from the final regular-season AP Top 25 poll unless noted. 

College Football Playoff Betting Guide: Game-By-Game Picks, Analysis

College Football Playoff - National Championship 

Monday, January 20
(8) Ohio State (-8.5) vs. (7) Notre Dame 
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Buzz: Ohio State has wrecked everything in its path since losing to Michigan. Meanwhile, Notre Dame's only defeat this season came to mighty Northern Illinois. The Buckeyes will complete their miraculous title run in Atlanta. Ohio State is stacked on both sides of the ball and will control the line of scrimmage and pace of this game. They rolled past Oregon and Texas. Notre Dame's offense remains one-dimensional. The Irish will keep it close early. But ND won't be able to keep pace with OSU in the second half. If Will Howard & his offense can limit the turnovers, it will be a very long night for Notre Dame. And the ultimate comeback for Ryan Day. O-H-I-O. 

Moneyline: OSU -335; ND +280
Over/Under: 46.5 (-110) at DraftKings 
Best Bet: Ohio State -8.5  (-110) at DraftKings 

College Football Playoff - Semifinals 

Friday: Cotton Bowl 
(8) Ohio State 28, (5) Texas 14
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Buzz: Friday Night Lights was never quite like this. The Longhorns should enjoy the quasi-home-field advantage at Jerry World. But it won't matter. The Buckeye's transformation since losing to Michigan has been nothing short of miraculous. They easily dispatched Tennessee in Round 1 and demolished Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State led 34-0 against a team that did not lose in the 2024 calendar year. Texas needed OT to beat Arizona State and was gifted that after an egregious non-call on a missed targeting penalty.  OSU QB Will Howard couldn't get onto the podium after the Rose Bowl win. But he's got 2 of the best wideouts in the nation (led by Jeremiah Smith) and a top-tier RB (TreVeyon Henderson) at his disposal here. OSU's offensive line can give him enough time against Texas' fearsome front to get it done. The Buckeyes' defense will wreak havoc upon Texas QB Quinn Ewers. 

Moneyline: Ohio State (-220); Texas (+180)
Over/Under: 53.5 (-110)
Best Bet: 💰 Ohio State -5.5 (-110) at FanDuel 

Thursday: Orange Bowl 
(7) Notre Dame 27, (6) Penn State 24 
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 

Buzz: Two OG independents meet for a spot in the national championship. The Irish scored an impressive and dominant on both sides win over Georgia. Notre Dame's defense held the Dawgs to just 10 points, forcing a pair of crushing turnovers. We also saw Marcus Freeman outfox Kirby Smart. The Irish should control both lines against the Nittany Lions, as well. Penn State handled Boise State in its semifinal game. But these ARE your grandfather's Fighting Irish. Penn State's defense keeping ND QB Riley Leonard off his feet will be their best hope. However, Notre Dame's ferocious pass rush will also make this a long night for Penn State's Drew Allar. This one sets up to be another Old School rock fight between 2 college football legendary franchises. Freeman will clean up his team's mistakes and guide the Irish to the final. 

Moneyline: ND -122; PSU -102
Over/Under: 46.5 (-110)
Best Bet: 💰 Notre Dame ML (-118) at DraftKings 
Best Bet: 💰 Over 46.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings 

College Football Playoff - Quarterfinals 

Thursday, January 2
Sugar Bowl
No. 3 Notre Dame (-1.5) vs. No. 2 Georgia 

Final: Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10
Moneyline: Georgia (-108), ND (-111)
Over/Under: 45.5 (-110)
Best Bet: 🚫 Georgia +1.5 (-118) at FanDuel
Best Bet: 🚫 Over 45.5 Points (-108) at FanDuel

Tuesday, December 31
Fiesta Bowl
No. 5 Penn State (-12.5) vs. No. 8 Boise State

Final: Penn State 31, Boise State 14
Moneyline: Penn State (-380), Boise State (+300)
Over/Under: 52.5 U (-108), O (-112) 
Best Bet: 🚫 Boise State +12.5 (-110) at DraftKings
Best Bet: 💰 Under 52.5 Points (-112) at DraftKings

Wednesday, January 1
Peach Bowl
No. 4 Texas (-13.5) vs. No. 10 Arizona State
1 p.m. (ESPN) 
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta 

Final: Texas 39, ASU 31 (OT)
Moneyline: Texas (-550), ASU (+410)
Over/Under: 52.5 (-110)
Best Bet: 💰 Arizona State +13.5 (-110) vs. Texas at DraftKings
Best Bet: 💰 Over 52.5 Points at DraftKings

Wednesday, January 1
Rose Bowl
No. 5 Ohio State (-1) vs. No. 1 Oregon 
5 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Final Score: Ohio State 41, Oregon 21
Moneyline: Oregon (-105), Ohio State (-115)
Over/Under: 53.5 (-110) 
Best Bet: 🚫 Oregon +2.5 (-110) at DraftKings
Best Bet: 💰 Over 53.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings
 

College Football Playoff - Round 1 

Friday, December 20
No. 9 Indiana at No. 3 Notre Dame (-7.5)
Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana 

Final: Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17
Money line: Indiana (+225); Notre Dame (-278)
Over/Under: 50.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: 💰 Under 50.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings

Saturday, December 21
No. 12 SMU at No. 5 Penn State (-8.5)
Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Final: Penn State 38, SMU 10
Moneyline: SMU (+270); Penn State (-340)
Over/Under: 53.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: 💰 Penn State -8.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Saturday, December 21
No. 13 Clemson at No. 4 Texas (-11)
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

Final: Texas 38, Clemson 24
Moneyline: Clemson (+320); Texas (-410)
Over/Under: 51.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: 💰 Texas -11 (-110) at DraftKings

Saturday, December 21
No. 7 Tennessee at No. 6 Ohio State (-7.5)
Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio

Final: Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17
Moneyline: Tennessee (+220), Ohio State (-270) 
Over/Under: 47 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: 🚫 Tennessee +7.5 (-110) at DraftKings

College Football Bowls Betting Guide: Game-By-Game Picks, Analysis

Saturday, December 14

Salute to Veterans Bowl, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama
South Alabama (-10) vs. Western Michigan 

Final Score: South Alabama 30, Western Michigan 23
Best Bet: Under 59.5 Points

Tuesday, December 17

Frisco Bowl, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Memphis (-4.5) vs. West Virginia 

Buzz: The No. 25 Tigers (10-2) roared into the AP Top 25 by closing out the season by winning 7 of 8 games. Memphis finished third in the American Athletic Conference. West Virginia settled in the middle of the pack in the balanced Big 12. Thus the number leaning in their favor. But the Mountaineers went 0-3 against AP Top 25 teams this season. Rich Rodriguez is the Mountaineers' new coach - for next season. That news flipped this number from West Virginia being 1.5-point favorites to Memphis -4.5. We grabbed the Memphis money line at -125. The Tigers still get the cover here. 

Moneyline: Memphis (-192); West Virginia (+160)
Over/Under: 58.5 (O -110, U 110)
Best Bet: Memphis -4.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Wednesday, December 18

Boca Raton Bowl, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida 
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison (-9)

Buzz: Western (8-5) has lost 3 of 4, including a split with Jax State ahead of and in the CUSA title game. Stewart is the player to watch for the Hilltoppers. JMU (8-4) dropped its final 2 games. This number has moved 5 points since the opening. But the Dukes are up for this one. Especially after Western QB Caden Veltkamp hit the transfer portal. 

Moneyline: Western Kentucky (+270); James Madison (-340)
Over/Under: 52.5 (O -105, U 115)
Best Bet: JMU -9 (-110) at DraftKings

LA Bowl, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California 
California (-1.5) vs. UNLV

Buzz: The Rebels slid to No. 24 in the AP poll after an uninspired performance and 21-7 loss at a cold and snowy Boise State in the Mountain West Title Game. They're hiring Dan Mullen to be their head coach for next season. UNLV head coach Barry Odom is taking the job at Purdue. Cal was an also-ran as a newbie in the ACC this year. The Bears haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since Week 2. And they’re winless against Top 25 teams. This number was cut in half on the news of Mullen taking over at UNLV, guaranteeing a stable transfer for the Rebels. 

Moneyline: California (-120); UNLV (+100)
Over/Under: 50.5 (O -110, U 110)
Best Bet: UNLV +1.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Thursday, December 19

New Orleans Bowl, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Georgia Southern (-5.5) vs. Sam Houston

Buzz: The Golden Eagles (8-4) finished second in the Sun Belt Conference. Two of those losses came to Ole Miss and Boise State. Georgia Southern closed strong with a 29-20 win over App State. Jalen White ran for 3 TDs and 125 yards in that win. This line opened at Georgia Southern -4. Sam Houston (9-3, 2^nd in CUSA) has given up more than 21 points just twice since Week 2. 

Moneyline: Georgia Southern (-200); Sam Houston (+170)
Over/Under: 46.5 (O -115, U -105)
Best Bet: Under 46.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings

Friday, December 20

Cure Bowl, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
Ohio (-3) vs. Jacksonville State
Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Buzz: The first bowl of the season in Orlando has the 10-3 MAC Champion Ohio Bobcats rolling into the City Beautiful after an impressive 38-3 win over Miami (Ohio) in the conference title game. Outside an earlier loss to Miami in the Battle of the Bricks, Ohio’s only other losses came to Syracuse and Kentucky. The Bobcats have won 6 straight. Jacksonville State beat Western Kentucky to win the CUSA title game after losing to WKU a week earlier.

Moneyline: Ohio (-162); Jacksonville State (+130)
Over/Under: 54 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Ohio -3 (-115) at DraftKings

Gasparilla Bowl, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
Florida (-14) vs Tulane
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Buzz: The Gators went from on the verge of firing Billy Napier to closing the season with 3 straight impressive wins over then-No. 22 LSU, then-No. 9 Ole Miss, and long-time rival Florida State. The Gators finished 7-5 with the toughest consensus schedule in the nation. Florida will use this bowl game – being played just 2 hours down I-75 from Gainesville – as a launching pad for the 2025 season. Tulane (9-4) closed with lopsided losses to Army and Memphis. It was winless against the Top 25 teams. And Tulane QB Darian Mensah has already landed at Duke via the portal. This is a big number, but the Gators have the size on both sides of the line, and the QB in D.J. Langway, to put plenty of points on the board at Raymond James. And the Gator faithful will be cheering them on for more. 

Moneyline: Tulane (+400); Florida (-550)
Over/Under: 50 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Florida -14 (-115) at FanDuel

Tuesday, December 23

Myrtle Beach Bowl, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA (-8.5)
Brooks Stadium, Conway S.C.

Buzz: Two evenly matched teams finished 6-6 and finished 6^th in their respective conferences. This offers the best nickname matchup of the bowl season: the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. the UTSA Roadrunners. This time, the Chanticleers try to avoid playing the role of the coyote. These teams have gone over this total of 56 points in 7 of their past 10 games. Coastal Carolina will be using a new QB in this game, after losing its starter to the transfer portal. UTSA’s offense is led by QB Owen McCown, who has 3,124 yards passing and 24 TDS.

Moneyline: Coastal Carolina (+280); UTSA (-355)
Over/Under: 56 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Over 56 Points (-110) at DraftKings

Idaho Potato Bowl, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Northern Illinois (-3) vs. Fresno State
The Blue Field, Boise, Idaho

Buzz: The famous Albertson's Stadium Blue Field will be on display one more time this season as the mighty Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) face another set of Bulldogs – these from Fresno State (6-6). NIU knocked off Notre Dame earlier this season, handing the Irish their only loss in Week 2. Then they lost 4 of their next 6 games. Neither team has played since November 30. Both of these teams lean into their defense, hence this total which is among the lowest of any bowl game. Keep an eye on the weather here.  

Moneyline: Northern Illinois (-148); Fresno State (+124)
Over/Under: 40.5 (O -105, U -115)
Best Bet: NIU -3 (-115) at DraftKings

Wednesday, December 24

Hawaiʻi Bowl, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
South Florida vs. San Jose State (-4)
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu

Buzz: The USF Bulls (6-6) are 3-point underdogs despite being given a 55% chance to win outright by ESPN Analytics. Both teams finished their regular season with victories. The Spartans are too deep and diverse on offense for South Florida to handle. This is San Jose State’s 2^nd straight trip to this game. Meanwhile, USF is traveling across 6 time zones just to get to the 8 p.m. local time, Christmas Eve kickoff. This number has moved from 2.5 to 4 points. SJSU will cover that and more. 

Moneyline: South Florida (+115); San José State (-135)
Over/Under: 62.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: San Jose State -4 (-110) at DraftKings

Thursday, December 26

Game Above Sports Bowl, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
Pittsburgh (-9) vs. Toledo
Ford Field, Detroit

Buzz: Six weeks ago, Pittsburgh was still dreaming of a spot in the ACC championship game, if not the CFB Playoff. The Panthers opened the season 7-0 before dropping 5 straight and losing their starting QB to injury. Can they recover from what’s been a terribly disappointing season for an afternoon bowl game in Detroit? The crowd – or what crowd there will be here – should lean heavily toward the 7-5 Rockets. Toledo is just one hour down I-75. Its defense has overachieved. It will do the same here.

Moneyline: Pittsburgh (-360); Toledo (+280)
Over/Under: 51.5 (O -110, U -110)  
Best Bet: Toledo +9.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Rate Bowl, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Rutgers vs. Kansas State (-7.5)
Chase Field, Phoenix

Buzz: Despite being also-rans in their respective conferences, both teams had considerable pre-season hype. Kansas State crumbled late. The Wildcats closed the season losing 3 of 4. Rutgers, meanwhile, won 3 of its final 4 games. But these are 2 teams that could see some considerable losses to the portal. Two run-first teams will deliver a close, evenly fought matchup that might be worth your time as you pack up the Christmas returns.

Moneyline: Rutgers (+250); Kansas State (-300)
Over/Under: 51.5 (O -115, U -105)
Best Bet: Rutgers +7.5 (-110) at DraftKings

68 Ventures Bowl, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green (-7)
Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, Alabama

Buzz: Bowling Green has ridden a top-25 defense in points allowed to its third straight bowl appearance. Arkansas State won 4 of its final 6 games. But the Falcons hold enough of an edge on both sides to win the first bowl game in a decade. We liked this number a lot more when it was 6.5 instead of 7. Still, the Falcons' defense will deliver here. 

Moneyline: Arkansas State (+200); Bowling Green (-245)
Over/Under: 50.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Bowling Green -7 (-110) at DraftKings

Friday, December 27

Armed Forces Bowl, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
Oklahoma (-9.5) vs. Navy
Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth

Buzz: The Sooners lost QB Jackson Arnold and several other key players to the portal. The 6-6 Sooners got lost in the SEC this season and Brent Venables is by no means certain to return next season. The Navy doesn’t have the same transfer issues as Oklahoma. The Middies can score (see their 31-13 rout of Arny) and will surprise many watching here given the traditional buzz that a school like Oklahoma brings to this time of year.

Moneyline: Oklahoma (-310); Navy (+250)
Over/Under: 43.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Navy +9.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Birmingham Bowl, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Georgia Tech (-2.5) vs. Vanderbilt
Protective Stadium, Birmingham

Buzz: The Yellow Jackets pushed Georgia to 8 Ots in their season finale before losing. They also upset Miami. Vanderbilt won its national championship for the next decade with an upset of Alabama at home. Those goalposts are floating somewhere in the Tennessee River. Tech QB Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes nearly beat the top Dawgs. Georgia Tech controls the line, and the clock, and gets the win.

Moneyline: Georgia Tech (-142); Vanderbilt (+120)
Over/Under: 51.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Georgia Tech -2.5 (-130) at DraftKings

Liberty Bowl, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Texas Tech (-3) vs. Arkansas 
Liberty Stadium, Memphis

Buzz: This is a home game for the Razorbacks, given that Arkansas is just across the Mississippi River. Arkansas was a doormat for the top-tier SEC schools this season and went 1-6 against Top 25 teams. Tech won 3 of 4 down the stretch and scored 108 points against Oklahoma State and West Virginia in its final 2 games. This game will become a battle of attrition in terms of losses in the portal and on the coaching staff. Look for a simple game plan and lots of old-school football. Throw in a cold night along the Mighty Mississippi and look for lots of punts. This number flipped 6 points from Arkansas -3 to Tech -3. 

Moneyline: Texas Tech (-142); Arkansas (+120)
Over/Under: 60.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Under 60.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings

Holiday Bowl, 8 p.m. (FOX)
No. 21 Syracuse (-8) vs. Washington State
Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California

Buzz: Syracuse knocked off Miami in its regular-season finale in a game whose dominoes pushed SMU into the College Football Playoff. The Orangemen have plenty of motivation here and the offense behind QB Kyle McCord to justify high hopes here. Washington State may lose QB John Mateer to the portal. Mateer is a mini-Josh Allen – having thrown for 29 TDs and run for another 15. All signs point to him running elsewhere next season. This number has already moved 2 points in that direction.

Moneyline: Syracuse (-310); Washington State (+250)
Over/Under: 62 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Syracuse -8 (-110) at DraftKings

Las Vegas Bowl, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Texas A&M (-3.5) vs. USC
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

Buzz: These teams for the first time in 47 years in a year of firsts for both. USC entered the Big Ten. Texas A&M joined the SEC. The (8-4) Aggies beat 2 Top 25 teams this season but saw Mike Elko’s offense kept out of the end zone by Texas in their defacto SEC title game after suffering a crushing OT loss at Auburn. Lincoln Riley’s USC team fell off after a 3-1 start. And QB Miller Moss has entered the transfer portal. His replacement, Jayden Maiva, comes back to Sin City after leaving UNLV last year. 

Moneyline: Texas A&M (-170); USC (+142)
Over/Under: 52 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Texas A&M -3.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Saturday, December 28

Fenway Bowl, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
North Carolina (-3) vs. UConn
Fenway Park, Boston

Buzz: Bill Belichick helping to coach North Carolina on the sidelines at Fenway Park is the final sign of the apocalypse. The Tar Heels will be coached by Freddie Kitchens – for now. The story here is about UConn. The Huskies have built a respectable football program under Jim Mora and won 8 games this season. UConn is solid on both sides and can run the ball, which will be enough here on a cold winter morning in Boston, especially with the wind blowing in from center field. UConn will have the crowd on its side – at least in terms of whoever opts to show up.

Moneyline: UConn (+130); North Carolina (-155)
Over/Under: 54.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: UConn +3 (-112) at DraftKings

Pinstripe Bowl, 12 p.m. (ABC)
Boston College vs. Nebraska (-2.5)
Yankee Stadium. Bronx, New York

Buzz: While the spirit of Bill Belichick could well be looming over the UConn-North Carolina game at Fenway Park, Bill O’Brien concludes a very successful first season as Boston College’s coach at Yankee Stadium. BC won the Fenway Bowl last year, so the universe demands balance with a win this year at Yankee Stadium. The Cornhuskers come into this game on fumes. They lost 5 of 6 down the stretch and have seen 2 defensive coaches leave for Florida State. BC won its final 2 games in the ACC and 3 of the past 4 games after moving to Grayson Grames at QB. The Eagles are poised for the cover if not an outright upset win.

Moneyline: Boston College (+114); Nebraska (-135)
Over/Under: 45.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Boston College +2.5 (-110) at DraftKings

New Mexico Bowl, 2:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Louisiana vs. TCU (-12.5)
University Stadium, Albuquerque

Buzz: The Ragin’ Cajuns take a big step up here in facing a Big 12 opponent in TCU. While the Horned Frogs were lost in a Big 12 race that went down to the final weekend of the season, they did win 5 of 6 to close the season. That disparity accounts for the double-digit spread which opened at 9.5 points. 

Moneyline: Louisiana (+330); TCU (-425)
Over/Under: 58.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: TCU -12.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Pop Tarts Bowl, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
No. 18 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Miami (-3.5)
Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Buzz: The Pop-Tarts Bowl has become the best bowl that doesn’t matter because the winners get to eat the game’s mascot. This year comes with a twist – there will be three different flavors for the victors to choose from. Even after the game, there will be something to watch. It will be the clip of the day on social media. The giant-sized Pop Tart is a terrific consolation trophy given that nobody starts their season with Pop Tarts Bowl as being the goal. The Cyclones were demolished by ASU in the Big 12 title game. And Miami knocked itself out of the ACC title game and College Football Playoff with a loss to Syracuse. Miami QB Cam Ward is the one to watch here as both teams will likely be decimated by opt-outs. Miami tends to tap out unless a title is on the line in the postseason and has lost 11 of 12 bowl games. 

Moneyline: Iowa State (+136); Miami (-162)
Over/Under: 55 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Iowa State +3.5 (-115) at DraftKings

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, 4:30 p.m. (CW Network)
Miami (Ohio) (-3) vs. Colorado State
Arizona Stadium, Tucson

Buzz: Maybe the winner gets to smoke out of the trophy with Snoop. Miami was a favorite to win the MAC Championship Game but got crushed by Ohio University. That sort of loss ahead of a low-level bowl game strains motivation. Colorado State has become a forgotten entity in its home state. The Rams could steal some nice headlines with a win here. This game could likely come down to the final possession. Both teams will be struggling for touchdowns. The under is a play to consider, too. 

Moneyline: Miami (-135); Colorado State (+114)
Over/Under: 43.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Colorado State +3 (-110) at DraftKings

Military Bowl, 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)
East Carolina vs. NC State (-5)
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis

Buzz: Two Tar Heel State rivals head to Maryland to meet for the first time in 2 years. Blake Harrell coaches his first game for the Pirates, having taken over just 2 weeks ago as the full-time head coach. NC State, meanwhile, lost its defensive coordinator to Marshall. This game will have a backyard-football feel. NC State is led by freshman QB C.J. Bailey. He could enjoy a nice national introduction here and will deliver a cover and win. 

Moneyline: East Carolina (+170); NC State (-205)
Over/Under: 58 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: NC State -5 (-110) at DraftKings

Alamo Bowl, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)
No. 17 BYU vs. No. 20 Colorado (-3)
Alamodome, San Antonio

Buzz: Both BYU and Colorado were in contention for the Big 12 title heading into the final weekend of the season. Deion Sanders and his key players – including Travis Henry and both Sanders sons – are all-in for this game. BYU counters with QB Jake Retzlaff and WR Chase Roberts, who have produced stellar numbers, as well. BYU’s defensive front could cause problems for the Buffs. If Colorado’s defense can do the same, then Colorado’s offense has just enough edge to deliver on the win and cover. 
Moneyline: BYU (+114); Colorado (-135)
Over/Under: 54.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Colorado -3 (-122) at FanDuel

Independence Bowl, 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Louisiana Tech vs. No. 19 Army (-15.5)
Alamodome, San Antonio

Buzz: Marshall was tied with Arizona State for the best record ATS of any FBS team at 10-2. But since winning the Sun Belt title, Marshall has lost its coach (to Southern Miss) and its QB and others to the transfer portal before opting of the game entirely. Louisiana Tech (5-7) was chosen to replace Marshall due to its proximity and availability. Army, meanwhile, won the American Athletic Conference with a dominant 35-14 win over Tulane. The Army got stomped by the Navy 31-13. The Cadets need to wash the taste of that one out of their metaphorical mouth. 

Moneyline: Louisiana Tech (+490); Army (-675)
Over/Under: 43.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Army -15.5 (-110) at FanDuel

Monday, December 30

Music City Bowl, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Iowa vs. No. 23 Missouri (-3)
Nissan Stadium, Nashville 

Buzz: Both teams were offensively challenged before they were hit by draft opt-outs and the portal. Missouri lost its top WR Luther Burden III and Iowa will be without RB Kaleb Johnson. Iowa has a top-10 defense in terms of points allowed. But in these bowl games, the defense tends to go first in the second half. 

Moneyline: Iowa (+130); Missouri (-155)
Over/Under: 40 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Over 40 Points at FanDuel

Tuesday, December 31 

ReliaQuest Bowl, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
No. 11 Alabama (-10) vs. Michigan
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Buzz: Michigan won its national championship by upsetting Ohio State in their annual bloodletting 13-10. The Wolverines are just happy to be here. First-year Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer might not be able to afford a bowl loss. The Tide missed the College Football Playoff in his first year after finishing 9-3 with losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. And DeBoer needs to make sure he doesn’t lose too much through the portal given the magnitude of what otherwise would be a routine bowl game. If the Tide keeps enough key members on the offense and defensive line, it should clinch the win in the fourth quarter. But the Wolverines have lots of talent and should snag the cover on this number, if not win it outright. It's been bet down from 11.5 points to 10. We grabbed Michigan on the open at +11.5. 

Moneyline: Alabama (-380); Michigan (+300)
Over/Under: 43.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Michigan +10 (-110) at DraftKings

Sun Bowl, 2 p.m. (CBS)
Louisville (-2.5) vs. Washington
Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso

Buzz: Sun Bowl is a college bowl staple that hasn’t changed its time or network in decades. Both teams are on the rise here and the winner will be on the hot list in its respective conference next season. Louisville’s strength comes in running the ball and has scored more than 30 points in 6 straight games. If you buy into the strength of the Big Ten over the ACC, Washington is the play. Last year, Louisville played USC (now a Big Ten school) and gave up 42 points in its Holiday Bowl loss. We backed the Huskies at the open as 5.5-point underdogs. This number moved to 2.5 after Louisville QB Tyler Shough opted out of the game.  

Moneyline: Louisville (-135); Washington (+114)
Over/Under: 49.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Washington +2.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Citrus Bowl, 3 p.m. (ABC)
No. 14 South Carolina (-9.5) vs. No. 21 Illinois
Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso

Buzz: Both teams are 9-3 and boast winning records against AP Top 25 opponents. But Illinois’ final 3 wins came against Michigan State, Rutgers, and Northwestern. None of them have a winning record. South Carolina was one loss away from being in the College Football Playoff discussion. If the Gamecocks can limit their opt-outs and portal losses, they could serve notice to the rest of the SEC that they’ll be back to make a run at the SEC title next season. But looking for either team to win this game by double-digits is a tall ask. Take the points, even with this movement from 11.5 to 9. 

Moneyline: South Carolina (-340); Illinois (+270)
Over/Under: 48 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Illinois +9.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Texas Bowl, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Baylor vs. LSU (-1.5)
NRG Stadium, Houston

Buzz: The total in this game should be flirting with 80 points by the time is it over. Baylor Coach Dave Aranda was on the hot seat until his Bears won 6 straight to close the season. They carry all the momentum into this quasi-home game. Brian Kelly continues to underperform at Baton Rouge. LSU lost 3 “must-win” games in a row to knock themselves out of the SEC title game or CFB consideration, before beating Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. While both teams are 8-4 straight up, Baylor is 9-3 ATS while LSU is just 4-8. Take the over, here, in addition to Baylor getting the upset win.

Moneyline: Baylor (+100); LSU (-120)
Over/Under: 59.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Over 59.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings

Thursday, January 2

Gator Bowl, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Duke vs. No. 16 Ole Miss (-14.5) 
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville 

Buzz: This game now carries the largest spread of any of the 36 bowl games. It opened at 11 and has been climbing ever since. Ole Miss (9-3) saw its hopes for an SEC title die in The Swamp, which is about an hour's drive from EverBank Stadium. The number was pushed by the news that Duke starting QB Maalik Murphy was entering the portal. Lane Kiffin has voiced his anger about the portal and Ole Miss being snubbed by the College Football Playoff committee. Ole Miss QB Jackson Dart will be playing in this game. But Ole Miss could lose its share of opt-outs, as well Will he and the Rebels show some mercy toward Duke? Duke is 8-3-1 on the line and has covered in its past 7 bowl games. 

Moneyline: Duke (+440); Ole Miss (-600)
Over/Under: 53 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Duke +14.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Friday, January 3

First Responder Bowl, 4 p.m. (ESPN)
North Texas vs. Texas State (-10)
Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas 

Buzz: Texas State (7-5) carries a major edge here in this inter-conference game between the Sun Belt and American Athletic Conference. Neither team has been impressive on the line, but North Texas has lost 6 straight bowl games and failed to cover in its past 5 games. 

Moneyline: North Texas (+310); Texas State (-395)
Over/Under: 68.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Texas State -10 (-110) at DraftKings

Duke's Mayo Bowl, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Minnesota (-5.5) vs. Virginia Tech
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 

Buzz: If you didn't get enough of the winning Pop-Tarts Bowl team eating the game's mascot in victory, stick around for the postgame here. The victorious coach takes a ceremonial mayonnaise bath courtesy of the bowl's namesake sponsor. This year, Minnesota's P.J. Fleck should bring the BLT. Bettors who backed the Gophers enjoyed a quietly successful season in the Big Ten as Minnesota went 9-3 ATS. Minnesota has also won 7 straight bowl games. 
Moneyline: Minnesota (-205); Virginia Tech (+170)
Over/Under: 42.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Minnesota -5.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Saturday, January 4

Bahamas Bowl, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
Buffalo vs. Liberty (-2) 
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau

Buzz: Buffalo finished 8-4 in the MAC, while Liberty went 8-3 in CUSA. Liberty has failed to cover in 4 of its past 5 games against non-conference opponents. 

Moneyline: Buffalo (+102); Liberty (-122)
Over/Under: 52.5 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Buffalo +1.5 (-110) at DraftKings