College Football Bowl Previews and Predictions

The college football bowl season kicked off Dec. 14 with 11 bowls before Christmas plus four College Football Playoff games that saw CFP teams go 4-0 SU/ATS. Bettors were cashing in early Christmas gifts from the leading online sortsbooks, and more money on the favorites are causing additional market moves as the additional 21 bowl games from Dec. 26-31. As we did in the pre-Christmas bowl games, we'll add more picks, analysis and information you can bet on for most matchups as able and shoot for more birdies than bogeys in the bowl games. 

The four most watched and wagered games the next week are the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Fiesta Bowl - No. 4 Penn State (-11.5) vs. No. 9 Boise State, 52 (Dec. 31)
Peach Bowl - No. 3 Texas (-13.5) vs. No. 12 Arizona State, 52 (Jan 1)
Rose Bowl - No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 6 Ohio State (-2.5), 55 (Jan. 1)
Sugar Bowl - No. 2 Georgia (-2) vs. No. 5 Notre Dame, 44 (Jan. 1) 

Four additional bowl games are Jan. 2-4 before the CFP national semi's Jan. 9-10 for the Orange and Cotton bowls and National Championship Game Monday, Jan. 20 in Atlanta. 

Be sure to check out my update from recent seasons on betting strategies and tips on betting the bowls. I'll be updating more games and information you can bet on as the 2024 bowl season progresses into the New Year and the national championship game.

College Football Bowl Matchups, Odds And Picks

Picks and Opinions will be added daily along with select game analysis and information you can bet on. 

College football odds from BetOnline and top online sportsbooks refresh periodically and are subject to change, including on props and live betting. All times Eastern (ET) and betting favorites (-) listed. For bettors interested in reduced juice sportsbook options, checkout BetAnySports and Heritage Sports, which also offers cash back bonuses getting the 'most squeeze for your juice." 

Thursday, Dec. 26

GameAbove Sports Bowl - Pitt (-6.5) vs. Toledo, 48.5
Ford Field - Detroit, MI, 2 p.m. | ESPN

Lean: Under

The Pitt Panthers (7-5) played a tougher schedule and have a stronger yards per play margin over Toledo (7-5) at +0.8 to +0.4. Toledo scored less than 16 points against four MAC opponents, and edge to the Panthers defense, despite losing their last five games of the season. Game day morning Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi announced that starting QB Eli Holstein would not play, and the line and total dipped. Third-string redshirt freshman walkon QB David Lynch will start with backup Nate Yarnell in the transfer portal and already signed to play at Texas State. Preferred Pitt and now lean under the total. 

Rate Bowl - Rutgers vs.Kansas State (-7), 52
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ, 5:30 p.m. | ESPN 

Opinion: Rutgers 

Rutgers (7-5) will be without their starting RB and defensive coordinator, but have better prep and more players available than Kansas State (8-4), who was 7-1 before losing 3-of-4. Now the Wildcats will play without five starters as the transfers and opt-outs are making it more difficult for many teams to prepare to play their best. Stats and strength of schedule showed K-State stronger, but with many players out, the Wildcats +1.6 yards per play margin matters little. K-State was 2-6 ATS this season as a favorite of more than a TD, and now they're missing more players and coach Klieman and his staff is more focused on the roster and recruiting.

68 Ventures Bowl- Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green (-8.5), 53.5
Hancock Whitney Stadium - Mobile, AL, 9 p.m. | ESPN

Opinion: Over 

Bowling Green (7-5) went 2-6 ATS this season as a favorite vs. FBS foes including losing in the MAC Championship Game. They'll play without 3 All-MAC performers who transfered including a linebacker, but the Arkansas State (7-5) defense is a sieve allowing 463 yards per game. Combined with the Red Wolves offense that came alive in the second half of the season scoring 27 or more points in 5-of-6 games, and this looks like more scoring than expected.  

Friday, Dec. 27

Armed Forces Bowl- Navy vs.Oklahoma (-3), 42.5
Amon G. Carter Stadium - Fort Worth, TX, 12 p.m. | ESPN

Lean: Navy 

A massive line move from +10 to +3 shows the support for Navy (9-3), who rides the momentum off their rivalry win over Army in America’s Game. Oklahoma would have been more than a 3 TD favorite if this game was played at the start of the season. But the Sooners have more than 20 players in the transfer portal with far less continuity and commitment. 

Birmingham Bowl - Georgia Tech (-3) vs.Vanderbilt, 51
Protective Stadium - Birmingham, AL, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN

Opinion: Vanderbilt 

A surprisingly strong season for Vanderbilt (6-6), who beat Alabama, Kentucky and Auburn and lost by just a field goal to Texas. But 3-straight losses to close the season as TD+ ‘Dogs to South Carolina, LSU and Tennessee has bettors wondering if the ‘Cocks will rise to the occasion again vs. Georgia Tech (7-5), who was just 1-5 away from home but lost to Georgia 44-42 in overtime in their 'Bowl' game. The Yellow Jackets were also good enough to beat Miami down the stretch as a 10-point ‘Dog while turning to their running game for 271 yards and also rushing for 260 vs. Georgia. Vanderbilt is playing to complete a winning season, and the Commodoes were 7-2 ATS as an underdog in 2024. 'Dores as 'Dog do it again. 

Liberty Bowl - Arkansas (-1.5) vs.Texas Tech, 51.5
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium - Memphis, TN, 7 p.m. | ESPN 

Lean: Arkansas 

This line has flipped both ways with Arkansas back to a -1.5 point favorite. The 'Hogs played a tougher schedule and have a +1.1 yards per play differential in this matchup. But that means little with both teams dealing with injuries and absences on offense, causing a 3+ point move downward on the total. Arkansas has more than 25 players in the portal and is down up to 12 starters in this contest, while Texas Tech is missing 7 starters including their quarterback, along with both offensive and defensive coordintors.  

Holiday Bowl - No. 21 Syracuse (-17) vs.Washington State, 59.5
Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego, CA, 8 p.m. | FOX

Lean: Syracuse

The sad part of the portal and bowl season has hit Washington State hard with about 12 starters and nearly 30 players opting out. That includes their prized QB Mateer, who followed his OC and QB coach to Oklahoma. Washington State lost their final three games, and clearly the players attention is elsewhere with so many leaving the program. Perhaps they should have cancelled and opted out of their bowl game with so few players and coaches remaining (HC, OC, DC and other coaches out). This line was Syracuse -4.5 a week ago. Now the Orange can peel and claw the Cougars while laying 17 points. Don't feel bad for the Washington State and the Pac 12 after they raided the Mountain West and purged five teams to leave and join the new Pac-12.  

Las Vegas Bowl - USC vs. Texas A&M (-4), 51.5
Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas, NV, 10:30 p.m. | ESPN

Opinion: USC

One of the better non-playoff bowls, but still too many transfers, opt-outs and injuries with USC missing 6 starters and A&M 5. Prefer the Trojans with head coach Lincoln Riley trying to avoid his first-ever losing season as a head coach. You can read more of my Las Vegas Bowl preview in Forbes. 

More updates, stats and any upgrades on game days as available. 

Saturday, Dec. 28

Fenway Bowl - UConn vs.North Carolina (-2.5), 52.5
Fenway Park - Boston, MA, 11 a.m. | ESPN

Lean: Connecticut

UConn (8-4) went from 3 wins to 8 this season under head coach Jim Mora, and the Huskies should be fired up to play an ACC opponent less than 100 miles from campus. North Carolina (6-6) fired longtime head coach Mack Brown, and the TE coach will lead the team in this bowl game before NFL legend Bill Belichick takes over as head coach next season. Both teams are missing at least 5-6 starters, including 3 along the defensive line for the Tar Heels plus top RB Hampton. The Tar Heels lost their last two games as favorite, and have a good strength of schedule edge in this matchup. Still, lean the hungry Huskies way with Playbook Sports noting that bowl 'Dogs coming off a win who won 3 or fewer games last year are 33-12 ATS.  

Pinstripe Bowl - Boston College vs.Nebraska (-3.5), 45.5
Yankee Stadium - Bronx, NY, 12 p.m. | ABC

Opinion: Nebraska

This line has crossed over the key number 3, but still supporting Nebraska, who should have a solid fan following for their first bowl game in 8 years. Boston College was better in November winning 3-of-4 with improved offensive efficiency since QB James took over. They still rely on the run more, and the Huskers defensive front is solid allowing less than 105 rushing yards per game. Nebraska's defensive coordinator left, and the Huskers are down four starters. But Nebraska competed well against the stronger teams this season in one-score losses to Ohio State, USC, Iowa and Illinois. Highly-touted QB Raiola can lead the offense to more scoring in this matchup against a sub-par BC defense with new OC Dana Holgorsen proving a good match over the final three games calling plays. That included Nebraka piling up a a balanced 473 yards and season-high 44 points in a win over Wisconsin.  

New Mexico Bowl - TCU (-12) vs.Louisiana, 59
University Stadium - Albuquerque, NM, 2:15 p.m. | ESPN

Lean Under, and spread is dropping to TCU -10. 

Pop-Tarts Bowl - No. 13 Miami (-3.5) vs. No. 18 Iowa State, 55.5
Camping World Stadium - Orlando, FL, 3:30 p.m. | ABC

Opinion: Miami 

Fewer opt outs or impactful transfers in this game, which should be most entertaining. Miami QB Cam Ward led the nation with 37 regular-season touchdown passes, and he'll play in this bowl game. Good for him to stick with his teammates despite late season disappointment, as Ward is expected to be a top 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 'Canes (10-2) lost 2-of-3 games to close the season with both as double-digit favorites to miss out on the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff. How much will that sting still hang over the Hurricanes? Hopefully not much in support of the stronger team statistically with Miami having a +2.4 yards per play margin vs Iowa State (+0.3). Miami also outgained all eight bowl teams they played this season. The Cyclones (10-3) played a stronger schedule, and have a pair of 1,000 yard receivers while Miami star WR Xavier Restrepo likely sits. Iowa State scored at least 28 points in 7 of their final 8 games, but Miami scored at least 36 points in all by one game this season and they rise up in victory in their home state.  

Arizona Bowl - Colorado State vs. Miami, Ohio (-2.5), 40.5
Arizona Stadium - Tucson, AZ, 4:30 p.m. | CW Network

Opinion: Miami, Ohio

I was at this bowl game last year to see Wyoming kick a last second field to beat Toledo 16-15 and send their head coach off into retirement with a win. Another low-scoring, close contest is expected between the Mountain West and MAC foes with this line dipping from Miami -3 to -2.5, and under the total taking money. Both teams are down 5-6 starters and key contributors, and Miami had better stats this season with a +1.3 yards per play margin vs. Colorado State (+0.2), who missed out on the Mountain West championship game in the final two contests. The Red Hawks were also stingier on defense allowing just 14 points or less in 5 of their final 7 regular season games and no more than 21 points. Miami was on a 7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS run before getting blown out by rival Ohio in the MAC title game, and like them to bounce back in Tucson.  

Military Bowl - NC State (-7) vs. East Carolina, 58.5
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - Annapolis, MD, 5:45 p.m. | ESPN

Lean East Carolina, with line up a point to NC State -7. 

Alamo Bowl - No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado (-4), 54.5
Alamadome - San Antonio, TX, 7:30 p.m. | ABC

Opinion: BYU

Line has dipped to Colorado -3.5 and some 3's showing after initially sitting as low as -1.5. Rare bowl game between conference opponents, and Colorado (9-3) exceeded expectations for the second straight season under coach Prime while going 8-2 SU and 9-1 ATS in their final 10 games. Prime Time's kid, QB Shadeur Sanders, passed for nearly 4,000 yards and 35 TD's, and he might be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. And top-3 is WR/CB uber talented Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. So the Buffs have top talent in those two stars, but these Buffaloes did not stampeded opponents overland, ranking last in the country in rushing at 71 yards per game. Both teams were slightly above average in total offense 380-390 yards per game. BYU (10-2) has the superior running game and top 20 scoring defense (< 20 PPG), making them the side to support. 

Independence Bowl - No. 22 Army (-16.5) vs.Louisiana Tech, 44
Independence Stadium - Shreveport, LA, 9:15 p.m. | ESPN

Lean Louisiana Tech (5-7), who replaces Marshall in this bowl game after the Herd back out. Line is down to Army -14.5, and Black Knights can run their way to victory, but they play at a slow pace and were just taken out by Navy in America's Game. Tough short prep for LT against the Army option attack, but the Bulldogs did go 5-0 ATS as an underdog this season, all as double-digit 'Dog.   

Monday, Dec. 30

Music City Bowl - No. 19 Missouri (-3) vs.Iowa, 40
Nissan Stadium - Nashville, TN, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN

Pass

Tuesday, Dec. 31

ReliaQuest Bowl - No. 11 Alabama (-11.5) vs. Michigan, 43
Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL, 12 p.m. | ESPN 

Lean: Michigan 

Line is up to 'Bama -16.5 and total 44. Plenty of players in the transfer portal or sitting for NFL Draft. 'Bama QB Jalen Milroe will play, but trusting him without enough supporting cast players is not advised, although the Wolverines defense is nearly decimated. Can't offer much in this rematch of last year’s CFP semifinals, as the stats don't matter much either with more key players missing. FWIW, Michigan (7-5) is 7-1 when running the ball for at least 115 yards this season, and Big Blue as big ‘Dog will need to do that since their pathetic passing attack averaged just 133 per game – No. 130 in the country. Both defenses were top 20 this season allowing 4.7 to 4.8 yards per play, and the Wolverines defense allowed just 3.6 yards per play over their last three games. But again, key players missing. Both Oklahoma and Tennessee rushed 40+ times for 210+ yards against Alabama (9-3), and while i planned to play under the total, injuries and Michigan's defense won't be as strong. If 'Bama dosn't reach 28 points, then it's Michigan's game to cover, and that's the way we'll lean.

Sun Bowl - Louisville (-3) vs.Washington, 49.5
Sun Bowl - El Paso, TX, 2 p.m. | CBS 

Lean: Louisville. 

Louisville (8-4) is down to a -1 or 1.5-point favorite, and their starting QB opted out. Reports are the backup redshirt senior Bailey (from UNLV) is fine, but he won't be passing to Louisville's top receiver (out). The Cardinals scored at least 24 points in every game this season inculding 31+ in their last five while going 4-1 and beating Clemson on the road. Washington (6-6) scored 270 and allowed 274 points, and the Huskies were 0-5 when they allowed more than 21 points, and also 0-5 when allowing 175 rushing yards or more. Louisville is pretty solid running the ball at 174 per game including 244 over their last three contests. Anticipate they lean on the pound the ground game more with replacement quarterback, and less scoring than expected without big play punches. 

Citrus Bowl - No. 15 South Carolina (-9.5) vs. No. 20 Illinois, 47.5
Camping World Stadium - Orlando, FL, 3 p.m. | ABC 

Opinion: South Carolina 

Very solid Citrus Bowl matchup between two 9-3 teams with veteran, sharp head coaches. Line is SC -8.5 game day at BetOnline. South Carolina is missing their starting RB Sanders, but QB Sellers is playing his best down the stretch when the 'Cocks offense really rose to the occasion. South Carolina had 430+ yards offense agianst Clemson in the season finale, but score just 17 in victory. Illinois is without their top WR and SC without top edge rusher, SEC Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Kennard. Still, SC has a strong DL, top-10 yards per play defense and plenty of pressure on Illinois QB Altmyer poses problems, especially without the running game able to get untracked. South Carolina nearly beat 'Bama on the road, then won their final 6 games including three on the road at OKL, VAN, CLEM. Illinois won their final 3 games against inferior foes.   

Texas Bowl - LSU vs.Baylor (-1.5), 60
NRG Stadium - Houston, TX, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN 

Opinion: Baylor and Lean Over

Baylor (8-4) simply went 6-0 SU/ATS to close the season, and bettors believe in the Bears moving this line up to -3.5 and total 61. Both starting safeties are out for LSU (8-4), and Baylor's entire offense is intact without any opt-outs. The Bears scored 41 points per game during their closing 6-0 heater and 7.2 yards per play with 240+ rushing yards per game. LSU allowed 242 rushing yards and 311 rushing yards in back-to-back games against Texas A&M and Alabama. On offense, LSU is missing a pair of offensive tackles, leading WR and two other key receivers. If QB Nussmeir can get protection, he can have success against the seive pass defense of Baylor. But...Rush to the window with the Bears, despite the line move from LSU small favorite to Baylor -3.5 game day. Transfer portal clearly changing the game, and handicapping/betting with significant market moves. But CFB Bowl moves of 4 points or more are 6-3 ATS thus far when following the move.   

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Game
Fiesta Bowl - No. 4 Penn State (-11) vs. 9 Boise State, 52
State Farm Stadium - Glendale, AZ, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN 

Pick: Penn State 

A massive moment and opportunity for Boise State (12-1) as the Group of Five entrant from the Mountain West. Many clearly don't believe they belonged or deserved a bye in the CFP, and the double-digit spread says few give them a shot to beat Penn State (12-2), who is also a defensive dominator and was our opening round CFP top pick in a blowout win over SMU. Star RB Ashton Jeanty will find the running lanes much tigher and tougher against this Big Ten bully, noting that since Week 5, the Broncos offense has faced defenses with ratings of #85, 124, 130, 30 (UNLV), 119, 117, 74, 89, 120, 30. Quarterback Maddux Madsen is underrated with a solid receiving core and he had a 22/3 TD-to-INT ratio. I also believe Penn State QB Drew Allar is underrated, and Boise State will have to blitz more to get after him and add to their No. 2 ranking in sacks. But chances are they will be exposed by big plays and more missed tackles, which they rank 127th. Penn State rushed for 292 yards and passed for 226 in a Big Ten title game loss to Oregon, and they'll move the ball and score in this controlled climate. The line may be a bit inflated, but chances are the Nittany Lions roar, as the favorites did (4-0 SU/ATS) in the opening round of the CFP. 

Wednesday, Jan. 1

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Game
Peach Bowl - No. 3 Texas (-13.5) vs. No. 12 Arizona State, 52
Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta, GA, 1 p.m. | ESPN 

Lean: Texas 

This line is down to Texas -12.5 and total 51 on Dec. 31. 

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Game
Rose Bowl - No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 6 Ohio State (-2.5), 55
Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA, 5 p.m. | ESPN 

Early Pick: Ohio State (Dec. 26) and Opinion Over

See my New Year's Day College Football Playoff bowls coverage in Forbes with insight, analysis and information you can bet on. 

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Game
Sugar Bowl - No. 2 Georgia (-2) vs. No. 5 Notre Dame, 44
Caesars Superdome - New Orleans, LA, 8:45 p.m. | ESPN 

Opinion: Notre Dame and Under game total

This line is down to Georgia -1.5 and total up to 45.5 on Dec. 31. 

More separate Sugar Bowl coverage in my update at Forbes with the postponed game now played Jan. 2. Opinion released on Notre Dame as slight 'Dog, and now Fighting Irish are a 1-point favorite on game day. Still like and bet Under the game total with Notre Dame's defense facing backup QB Gunnar Stockton making his first start who struggled in relief against Texas in the SEC Championship game. The Irish defense ranks top-6 in yards allowed per game (295) and yards per play (4.4). Georgia's pass defense is top-tier and overall 'Dawgs defense is about 1.0 yards pre play better than average. Notre Dame will rely more on the running game with QB Riley Leonard capable but stuggled more in yards per attempt and QB rating vs. pressue in two games vs. top-25 pass rushes (Indiana, Louisville). Still, Notre Dame has a +1.4 net yards per play differential edge in this matchup, which is significant in a comptitively priced game, despite the Bulldogs playing a stronger schedule of opponents. Notre Dame offense 6.5, defense 4.4, Georgia offense 5.8, defense 5.1).

CFP Quarterfinals: Picks (2-0) and Opinions (1-0)

College Football Playoff favorites are 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS so far in the CFP heading into the Sugar Bowl.

Thursday, Jan. 2

Gator Bowl- No. 14 Ole Miss (-14.5) vs.Duke, 52
EverBank Stadium - Jacksonville, FL, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN 

Lean: Ole Miss 

This is a mismatch, but we won't add an opinion or pick with another big line move up to Ole Miss up to -17.5 and our later game day update. Both teams missing up to 5 starters, but the Ole Miss defense is only missing one and the Rebels defense ranks top-5 in sack rate and pressure rate. Duke will play without star QB Maalik Murphy who transfered to Oregon State, and backup QB is also transfering and redshirt Bro QB is up against it. Then add their top RB also opted-out, and Understand that Bowl teams who have lost their starting quarterback are just 3-9 ATS thus far, and that applies to Georgia above and North Texas and Virginia Tech in two remaining bowl games. Ole Miss has top-3 units in both red zone offense and defense and coach Kiffin will enjoy rolling up a big win over inferior foe after lobbying for inclusion in the College Football Playoffs. Did you know that ACC Bowl teams are just 1-10 SU, 0-11 ATS on closing lines this bowl season?! 

Friday, Jan. 3

First Responder Bowl - North Texas vs.Texas State (-13.5), 64
Gerald J. Ford Stadium - Dallas, TX, 4 p.m. | ESPN

Pass

Another big line move of a TD (6 points) towards Texas State. Both teams down 6-7 starters but North Texas without starting QB, top WR and 3 offensive linemen. No interest, or idea as you need a First Responder to assist with all the portal players, line moves and especially these two teams with at least 18 players on both teams entering the transfer portal. 

Duke's Mayo Bowl - Minnesota (-6.5) vs.Virginia Tech, 42
Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN 

Pick: Minnesota 

Ealy pick by Jan. 2, and line up to -8.5. My alma mater and Goldy Gopher has some solid advantages with Virginia Tech down their starting QB and a total of 14 starters sidelined. They'll have restructed offfensive and defensive lines. Minnesota has just 3 starters sidelined. Minnesota's pedestrian offense was better down the stretch, and the Gophers top-10 defense (305/game, 4.7 yppl) helped them win on the road at Illinois (25-17) and Wisconsin (24-7) holding the Badgers to 166 yards total offense in the season finale. That was a week following the big game at home when they went toe-to-toe with CFB semi-finalist Penn State before losing 26-25. Did you know the Gophers are 5-0 in their last five bowl games under head coach PJ Fleck?

Update ACC struggles following Duke game and teams records without starting QB's ahead of this contest.

Saturday, Jan. 4 

Bahamas Bowl - Liberty vs. Buffalo (-2), 51
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium - Nassau, Bahamas, 11 a.m. | ESPN2 

Pass

More updates, picks, stats and information you can bet on each game day, as we saw major line moves and player status updates affect betting, including our 5 OT loss on San Jose State that moves more than 4-points on game day.  

Update: Bowl teams who lost their starting quarterback went just 4-11 ATS. ACC teams finished 1-11SU and 0-12 ATS in bowl games.

You can bet on it. 

FairwayJay is a proven sports handicapper and loves college football. He's been handicapping and betting college football for more than two decades and is recognized as one of the sports industry's most insightful analysts. He chips in additional sports betting coverage and reporting on industry news and events. Follow FairwayJay here at OSGA.com and on X @FairwayJay for more sports and betting insights.