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 begins 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: SEC Teams Ranked By Miles Traveled

RELATED: Big 12 Teams Ranked By Miles Traveled

RELATED: Big Ten Teams Ranked By Miles Traveled

RELATED: ACC 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

Round 1 

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

Buzz: The 12-team College Football Playoff begins on the iconic turf of Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. As an added bonus, the No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings Fighting Irish play host to intra-state rival No. 10 Indiana of the B1G. Both teams are 11-1. Tickets start at $891, plus fees. Indiana missed its opportunity to play in the B1G title game and a shot at a possible bye by losing to then-No. 2 Ohio State 38-15. The Hoosiers went 9-3 ATS but failed to cover against both Ohio State and Michigan. Concerns about the strength of Notre Dame’s schedule haven’t kept oddsmakers from making the Irish a touchdown-plus favorite. The Irish should control the line of scrimmage, especially on offense. Look for lots of running and defense on a chilly, Winter’s Eve Night in Northern Indiana. Indiana will take its share of shots downfield deep. But ND will be ready.

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)
12 p.m. (TNT/MAX)
Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania

Buzz: Both teams lost their conference championship games and both are 11-2. SMU reached the ACC title game in its first year in the conference. The Mustangs fell behind 24-7 against Clemson before almost forcing OT. SMU felt a chill in Charlotte. They may freeze on the first day of winter in Happy Valley. SMU is ranked 11th in the CFB Playoff ranking. Penn State is No. 6 in the CFB Playoff ranking. Its losses came against Ohio State and Oregon. The strength of schedule and depth on both sides for Penn State should outweigh any potential major mistakes made by head coach James Franklin. SMU QB Kevin Jennings has been stellar. But he’s not ready for the Lions defense, 95,000 screaming fans, and whatever weather awaits in the Keystone State. This is a big number for a Round 1 game, but SMU is going to be overwhelmed at this stage. 

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)
4 p.m. (TNT/MAX)
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

Buzz: Dabo Swinney had the ACC championship game leprechauns working on his side against SMU. Clemson won't have any such magic on its side against Texas. The No. 5 in the CFB Playoff ranking Horns have only 2 losses this season – both to the Georgia Bulldogs. The Longhorns pushed Georgia to OT before losing 22-19 in the SEC championship. Clemson opened its season with a 34-3 loss to UGA. Texas QB Quinn Ewers should have an easier time getting the Longhorns into offensive rhythm than he did against Kirby Smart's defense. Texas’ defense will be the difference-maker here and could very well keep the No. 12 in CFB Playoff ranking Tigers out of the end zone. This is the largest CFB Playoff line in Round 1. No one is looking for a blowout here, given there are still 3 more games ahead on the path to a title. But the Longhorns might not be able to stop themselves at home against an overmatched Clemson defense in the second half.

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)
8 p.m. (ABC)
Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio

Buzz: This is the exact sort of matchup the Playoff Committee dreamed about when the field was expanded to 12 teams. No. 9 in the CFB Playoff ranking Tennessee, an SEC power, crosses the Mason-Dixon Line to visit B1G power and No. 8 in the CFB Playoff ranking Ohio State. Both teams are 10-2. Can the Bucks recover from their soul-sucking 13-10 loss to Michigan and post-game temper tantrum? They’ll need at least one playoff game win to take the heat off beleaguered head coach Ryan Day. Back-to-back losses at the Horseshoe to The Team From Up North and Tennessee in the CFB Playoff might be too much for Day to survive. He has the chance to shed his “Can’t Win The Big Game” moniker. And this game should settle – at least for a day or two – the “Which Conference Is Better Argument?” between the SEC and B1G. Neither team has been impressive on the line this season. The Vols were 7-5 and Ohio State was just 6-6. Tennessee will cover in a close game, if not win it outright. The Vols’ defense should dominate on the line, especially against an OSU offensive line down 2 starters. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson and Vols coach Josh Heupel will do the rest. 

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

College Football Playoff - Quarterfinals 

Tuesday, December 31
Fiesta Bowl
No. 5 Penn State (-12.5) vs. No. 8 Boise State
No. 12 SMU (-5.5) vs. No. 8 Boise State
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Buzz: The Boise State Broncos grabbed the No. 4 spot in the College Football Playoff thanks in part to Clemson's upset over SMU in the ACC title game. Ashton Jeanty can show the nation why he was a Heisman finalist to a national audience on New Year's Eve. And do it on the fast track at State Farm Stadium. There are still 2 more games to go in in this process so any line over double-digits should be viewed with caution. The argument for Penn State is that the Lions could overwhelm SMU on both sides of the ball. And stifle Jeanty. SMU and Boise State offer a much more competitive matchup. One in which both offenses could shine. 

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: Boise State +12.5 (-110) vs. Texas at DraftKings
Best Bet: Boise State +5.5 (-110) vs. SMU at DraftKings

Wednesday, January 1
Peach Bowl
No. 4 Texas (-11.5) vs. No. 10 Arizona State
No. 13 Clemson (-4.5) vs. No. 10 Arizona State
1 p.m. (ESPN) 
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta 

Buzz: The Sun Devils tied with Marshall at 10-2 for the best record against the spread of any FBS team. Equally impressive was that Arizona State was picked to finish last in its first year in the Big 12. Instead, ASU rolled over Iowa State 45-10 in the conference title game to earn the No. 4 spot in the CFB Playoff ranking. Cameron Skattebo may have been snubbed as a Heisman finalist, but he tore up the Big 12. The human wrecking ball ran for 1,568 yards, averaging 6 yards per touch, and scored 19 TDs rushing, in addition to catching 37 passes for 506 yards and 3 more scores. The Longhorns' defense can scheme its way into slowing him down. Still, the Sun Devils can score and would keep it close against Texas. Clemson won't have a chance. 

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: Arizona State +11.5 (-110) vs. Texas at DraftKings
Best Bet: Arizona State +4.5 (-110) vs. Clemson at DraftKings

Wednesday, January 1
Rose Bowl
No. 7 Tennessee vs. No. 1 Oregon (-6,5)
No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon (-1.5)
5 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Buzz: The No. 1 Ducks are the lone unbeaten team in college football at 13-0. It's the only team in this playoff without any glaring flaws. The Ducks beat 3 other teams in the playoff during the regular season (Penn State, Ohio State and Boise State). Bettors have gotten burned by the Ducks, as they failed to cover in 6 of their victories. Here, these lines are a bit more reasonable than what they faced during the season. When Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31, they were 3.5-point underdogs. The extended break will give Dan Lanning plenty of time to game-plan for both potential opponents. Ohio State has played in 16 previous Rose Bowls. The Bucks beat Oregon 10-7 in 1958. This isn't 1958. 

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: Oregon -6.5 (-110) vs. Tennessee at DraftKings
Best Bet: Oregon -1.5 (-110) vs. Ohio State at DraftKings

Wednesday, January 1
Sugar Bowl
No. 3 Notre Dame (-2) vs. No. 2 Georgia 
No. 9 Indiana vs. No. 2 Georgia (-6.5)
8:45 p.m. (ESPN) 
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

Buzz: Georgia QB Carson Beck wrecked his elbow to end the first half of the SEC title game. Led by backup Gunner Stockton, the Bulldogs rallied against Texas and nailed the SEC title and their CFB Playoff bye with a 22-19 OT win. Beck returned to hand the ball off to Travis Etienne on the game-winning TD. The No. 2 in the CFB Playoff ranking Bulldogs need the break. Beck's college career is over. Stockton's performance showcased Georgia's never-ending depth. Kirby Smart must dig deep into his roster given the departures in the transfer portal, an injury to punter Brett Thorson, and the legal woes that sidelined Colbie Young. The Irish have yet to be thoroughly tested. Georgia's front on both sides will control the tempo against either team. Indiana and Notre Dame are both 11-1 straight up and a combined 18-5-1 ahead of their first-round CBF Playoff matchup. The 11-2 Dawgs (4-9 ATS) have been stealing money for the books all season.

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: Georgia +2 (-110) vs. Notre Dame at DraftKings
Best Bet: Indiana +6.5 (-110) vs. Georgia at DraftKings

College Football Playoff - Semifinals 

Thursday, January 9
Orange Bowl 
TBD vs. TBD
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida 

Buzz: The Orange Bowl takes over the traditional Thursday Night Football spot occupied by Amazon Prime since September.

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: TBD at DraftKings 

Friday January 10
Cotton Bowl 
TBD vs. TBD
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Buzz: Friday Night Lights was never quite like this.

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: TBD at DraftKings 

College Football Playoff - National Championship 

Monday, January 20
TBD vs. TBD
7:30 p.m. (ESPN) 
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Buzz: Georgia began the season with a 34-3 win over Clemson in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. UGA won the SEC championship 22-19 in OT over Texas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Will Kirby & The Dawgs cash on the ultimate college football 3-leg parlay? Woof! 

Moneyline: TBD
Over/Under: TBD
Best Bet: TBD 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 

Buzz: What better way to spend the penultimate Saturday night before Christmas? The South Alabama Jaguars are a 10-point favorite in what will be a virtual home game. Western Michigan lost 4 straight before beating their geographic rivals Eastern Michigan to end the season. Teams don’t like to play defense this late in the season. And you can expect lots of points in this sort of mystery matchup.

Moneyline: South Alabama (-380); Western Michigan (+290)
Over/Under: 59.5 (O -110, U 110)
Best Bet: Over 59.5 Points (-110) at DraftKings

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 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 times 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 wins 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 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, 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 staffs. 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)
Marshall vs. No. 19 Army (-16)
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. Army, meanwhile, won the American Athletic Conference with a dominant 35-14 win over Tulane. Army will run roughshod through Marshall’s defensive front. Many bowl games are affected by the decimation of teams and coaching staff. Here, Army opened as a 2.5-point favorite before this number soared to 12.  

Moneyline: Marshall (+455); Army (-625)
Over/Under: 48 (O -110, U -110)
Best Bet: Under 48 Points 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