NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Bowl Season (Saturday, December 15 - Monday, January 7)

[Udog]

NCAAF

Thursday, December 27

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Holiday Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Baylor vs. UCLA (-3, 81.5)

BRIDGEPORT EDUCATION HOLIDAY BOWL STORYLINES

1. UCLA, ranked 19th, is looking for a 10-win season for the first time since 2005 as first-year coach Jim Mora has engineered an impressive turnaround. Baylor is playing in a third straight bowl game for the first time in school history and is also playing a bowl game outside the state of the Texas for the initial time.

2. The Holiday Bowl has a reputation for offensive fireworks and the Bruins and Bears should only add to the bowl’s lore. Baylor leads the nation in total offense at 578.8 yards per game and ranks fifth in scoring (44.1). UCLA is 20th in total offense (474.5) and 28th in scoring (35.1). Both teams have been very shaky defending the pass.

3. UCLA senior running back Johnathan Franklin is ninth in the nation in rushing yards per game (130.8) and is the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,369 career yards. Baylor allows 190.8 rushing yards per game, so there will be opportunities for Franklin to conclude his career in style.

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: UCLA -3, O/U 81.5

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-50s and clear skies at Qualcomm Stadium. Winds will blow out of the NW at 5 mph.

CONSENSUS: Just over 50 percent of Covers Consensus players believe Baylor will cover.

TRENDS:

* Bears are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 6-0 in Bruins’ last six games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Bears’ last five neutral site games.

ABOUT BAYLOR (7-5, 4-5 Big 12): Senior quarterback Nick Florence was up to the arduous task of replacing Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and leads the nation in total offense at 387.7 yards per game. Florence has passed for 4,121 yards and 31 touchdowns while being intercepted 13 times. He has a superb target in senior receiver Terrance Williams, who set a school-record with 1,764 receiving yards. Williams has 12 touchdowns among his 95 receptions. Sophomore running back Lache Seastrunk (874 yards) has played well down the stretch. Sophomore middle linebacker Bryce Hager has a team-leading 115 tackles, which leads the Big 12. Junior weak-side linebacker Eddie Lackey has a team-high four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns.

ABOUT UCLA (9-4, 6-3 Pac-12): The Bruins are coming off back-to-back losses to Stanford – the latter in the Pac-12 championship game – after winning five consecutive games. Franklin has rushed for a school-record 1,700 yards and was a runner-up for the Doak Walker Award won by Wisconsin’s Montee Ball. Redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley has completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 3,411 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has been intercepted 11 times. Junior outside linebacker Anthony Barr is a force with 20.5 tackles for loss – including 13.5 sacks – and four forced fumbles. Sophomore inside linebacker Eric Kendricks has a team-best 137 tackles while senior cornerback Sheldon Price and senior safety Andrew Abbott share the team lead with four interceptions.


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[Udog]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

Friday, December 28

Independence Bowl (Shreveport)
UL-Monroe is in its first-ever bowl; they'll be excited and have lot of fan support- this is game Louisiana Tech didn't want to play in, due to their animosity with ULM. Faves won/covered last six Independence Bowls; MAC teams are 0-2 in this bowl the last nine years, losing 17-13/17-10. Ohio is playing in 5th bowl in last eight years, upsetting Utah St 24-23 in LY's Potato Bowl; Bobcats could be diappointed to be here after 7-0 start that included win at Penn State- they lost last three games, allowing 35.3 ppg- they're 1-2 as underdog this year. ULM stumbled when QB Browning was hurt, but he's back now; they're 4-3 vs spread as favorite this year, and also won at Arkansas, lost to Auburn/Baylor by combined total of 8 points. Ohio QB Tettleton is son of former big league catcher; he threw 16 TDs with only three INTs, but Browning (27 TDs, 7 INTs) is key to this game for ULM/ Sun Belt non-conference favorites are 6-3 vs spread this year, 1-1 in bowls; MAC dogs are 18-18, 1-2 in bowls.

Russell Athletic (Orlando)
This is worst Hokie team since an 8-5 team in '03; they lost 40-12/23-20 in BCS bowls last two years. Virginia Tech covered only 7 of its last 26 games (3-9 this year); they had just three offensive starters back from LY and it showed, going 3-5 SU in last eight games, covering two of eight as a favorite. Rutgers is 5-0 in bowls over last five years, but Schiano is now in NFL and Flood is first-time HC; Knights lost last two games to slip out of BCS game to here, but they've got lot of Florida kids, should still be motivated. Problem is, they scored total of 33 points in last three games, but they also covered three of four as underdog, with SU wins at USF/Arkansas/Cincinnati. Tech allowed 27+ points in all six losses this year; Rutgers scored 27+ in only two of its last eight games. ACC teams are 7-2 in this bowl last nine years; underdogs covered five of last seven, with average total in last three just 32.0.

Meineke Car Care (Houston)
Domed stadium has lent to high-scoring games in this bowl; average total in last four Car Care Bowls is 51.8. Favorites are 6-2-1 vs spread in this bowl last nine years. 6-6 Minnesota's best WR (walk-on) quit team and trashed coach on his way out door; Gophers are in a bowl for first time in three years- they've lost last four bowls, with three losses by 3 or less points. Minnesota scored 13.5 ppg in last four games. Texas Tech didn't play in bowl LY but is 4-1 in last five bowls, scoring 39 ppg in five games- they played three OT games in last six, winning two of three OT tilts. Tuberville bolted for Cincinnati, so yet another interim coach here. Big X teams lost four of last five appearances in this bowl, with Texas A&M winning here LY, in its last game as a Big X member. Tech (-7) beat Gophers 44-41 in bowl game six years ago, in only series meeting. Houston setting favors Tech; so does Minnesota's 2-6 spread record as an underdog. Big Dozen non-conference underdogs are 4-3 vs spread.


Saturday, December 29

Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth)
Have to wonder if a bowl is lame when it starts at 10:45am local time; any oddity like that favors an academy team, since they’re trained not to let distractions bother them. Rice had to win last four games just to get to 6-6 and be eligible for this; not only didn’t Owls have any solid wins, they beat Kansas 25-24, Tulane 49-47, two awful teams. Rice is 5-2-1 vs spread as an underdog. Fourth time in six years in this bowl for Flyboys, who lost two of prior three visits; they’re 2-3 in bowls under Calhoun, with losses by combined total of nine points. Falcons are 1-6 vs spread as a favorite this year. Never liked one-dimensional teams in bowls; other side has too much time to prepare for it. Rice is in a bowl for first time in four years (beat Western Michigan 38-14 in ’08 Texas Bowl), so both sides figure to be enthused, but Owls allowed 5.1 yards/rush, could have trouble stopping the option, even with the extra prep time. Air Force lost to UNLV/Army, so they’re not very good, though they also lost 31-25 at Michigan. Rice scored 33+ points in five of its six wins. Air Force is 1-5 away from home, with only win 28-27 (-3) at Wyoming. Dogs won this bowl SU last three years, with four of last five decided by six or less points.

Fight Hunger Bowl (San Francisco)
Arizona State started season 5-1, then lost next four games, allowing 40.5 ppg, before winning last two games 46-7/41-34; they’re 5-1 vs spread as favorites under first-year Coach Graham (favorites are 9-2 vs spread in ASU games this year). Again, do not like one-dimensional offenses in bowls- too much time to prepare to stop/contain them, but Middies have covered 13 of last 17 when getting points. Navy coach Niumatalolo is 1-3 in bowls (2-2 vs spread). Well-traveled Graham won three of four bowls for three different schools. Navy’s big games are Army/Air Force plus they played Notre Dame in Ireland, so this might not be as big a deal to them as it is to Sun Devils. Middies were 3-3 as dogs this year, covering last three tries. Underdogs are 5-3 vs spread in this bowl last eight years; losing side scored 13 or 14 points four of last five Hunger Bowls; damp Bay Area weather and odd configuration of field in a baseball stadium doesn’t lend itself to high scoring action. ASU lost last three bowls, allowing 41-52-56 points. Navy lost four of last five bowls (3-2 vs spread). Pac-12 teams are 2-3 in this bowl. .

Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx)
Holgorson hung 70 on Clemson in first bowl as HC (won 70-33); West Virginia’s offense is so potent, they won games this year while allowing 63-45-34 points; they also lost games scoring 38-34-49 points (all in consecutive weeks), so potential winter weather doesn’t figure to help them. Syracuse lost 42-29 to USC in Swamp Stadium across river back in September; you’d think they’d have a home crowd edge here, but Syracuse alums back basketball team more than football, especially for an outdoor game (Orangemen play in a dome). Syracuse beat K-State in this bowl two years ago, its only bowl game since 2004; they won last three games to get here, scoring 45-31-38 points. Bowl game in Bronx on December 29 figures to be cold/wintry. Big East teams are 6-0 in this bowl (four of six wins vs lowly MAC), but West Virginia was a Big East team until this year, and Syracuse won’t be one after this year. Favorites are 3-1 here (game was pick ‘em last two years), with surprisingly high average total of 55.2 in bowl history.

Alamo Bowl (San Antonio)
Texas is an underdog in the Alamo? Underachieving Longhorns are 4-4 in last eight games, losing last two to TCU/K-State; three of their eight wins were by six or less points, as jackals circle over Mack Brown, whose OC is new HC at Arkansas State. Texas is 1-2 as an underdog this year. Oregon State historically starts slow, but this year they were 3-0 in September, upsetting Wisconsin/UCLA/Arizona, so 9-3 finish was little disappointing, especially 20-17 loss at Washington; Beavers will start Vas at QB, as neither signal caller distinguished himself during 3-3 end to regular season. Beavers are 3-2 as a favorite this year. Big X teams won six of last seven Alamo Bowls; favorites covered four of last five, with only two of last nine Alamo Bowls decided by less than seven points. Both sides won four of last five bowls; Texas beat Iowa 26-24 in this game back in '06. Domed stadium takes elements out of play, encourages high scoring tilt; totals last seven years: 60-50-41-53-70-46-113 (average of 76.3 last three years). From everything I read, Mack Brown is not highly thought of as a tactician (recruited RGIII to play DB) while Riley has been HC in CFL/NFL. Coaching edge has to go to Oregon State.

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl (Tempe)
Michigan State limps in with 6-6 record, despite being favored in nine of 12 games; seven of their last eight games were decided by 4 or less points, with underdogs covering six of last seven. A 20-3 loss to Notre Dame is Spartans’ only loss by more than four points (2-0 as underdog). This is old Insight Bowl, where Big X team beat Big Dozen team five of last six years, but TCU is in first year in Big X; underdogs are 5-4 vs spread in this game the last nine years. TCU lost its QB early on in its first year in new, tougher league; they started out 4-0, then losing five of last eight games, scoring 10-20-17 points in last three. Horned Frogs are 1-3 as a favorite in ’12; this is first time they’re favored in game since October 6 vs Iowa State, game they lost 37-23 at home (-7)- they're 4-1 in last five bowls, but were favored in all five (1-4 vs spread). Spartans lost four of last five bowls, allowing 39.7 ppg in last three.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Friday, December 28

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Independence Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Ohio Bobcats vs. UL Monroe Warhawks (-7, 60)

ADVOCARE V100 INDEPENDENCE BOWL STORYLINES

1. It did not take long for either team to make a major splash on the national scene this season. One week after Ohio opened its season Sept. 1 with a victory at Penn State, Louisiana-Monroe started what would become a historic campaign with a win over then-No. 10 Arkansas. The Warhawks are playing in the first bowl game in program history. The Bobcats gained a bowl bid for the fourth straight time and the fifth time since 2006.

2. Both teams had some bumps in the road following their season-opening victories over major-conference opponents, most notably Ohio. The Bobcats gained a Top 25 ranking after going 7-0, but lost four of their last five, the last three by a combined score of 106-47.

3. Louisiana-Monroe lost only two of its last nine games. It is not a coincidence that those two games came with quarterback Kolton Browning on the sidelines with a foot injury. Since coming back, Browning has returned to form and enters this one on a roll. In his last two games of the regular season, the junior completed 77.8 percent (56-for-72) of his passes and accounted for six touchdowns, including two on the ground.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Louisiana-Monroe opened as low as -6 and has been bet up as high as -7.5. The total opened at 60 and has moved to 61 points.

CONSENSUS: 56 percent of Covers Consensus plays are on UL Monroe while 54 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: There is a 60 percent chance of rain for Independence Stadium and temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s. Winds are expected to blow NNW at 6 mph.

TRENDS:

* Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
* Warhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. MAC.
* Over is 4-0 in Bobcats' last four vs. S-Belt.
* Over is 6-0 in Warhawks' last six non-conference games.

ABOUT OHIO (8-4, 4-4 MAC, 4-8 ATS): The Bobcats' 7-0 start was their best since 1968 and it came on the heels of a victory over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last season. However, to finish on a strong note again they will need to get over the late-season skid. In the finale against Kent State, Ohio's own mistakes hurt. Frank Solich's squad had two turnovers in the first quarter, both of which were returned for touchdowns. The Bobcats got the usual contributions from junior running back Beau Blankenship, whose 145 rushing yards gave him exactly 1,500 for the season, good enough to rank ninth nationally. Junior quarterback Tyler Tettleton was a steady presence under center. He had 16 touchdowns against only three interceptions and ran for four more scores. Ohio was invited to participate in the Independence Bowl after Louisiana Tech, which finished 9-3, did not immediately act on an invitation from bowl officials.

ABOUT LOUISIANA-MONROE (8-4, 6-2 Sun Belt, 8-4 ATS): Browning's primary target has been Brent Leonard, who ranks sixth nationally with 97 catches, 10 of which have gone for touchdowns. Leonard had 13 catches, including two on the game-winning drive in overtime, in the Warhawks' 23-17 victory over Florida International in the last game of the regular season. That was one of four overtime games for Louisiana-Monroe. They won three of them, including the opener against Arkansas, showing the late-game mettle that has made this the best Warhawks team since it joined what would become the FBS in 1994. This game will be played less than two hours away by car from the Warhawks' campus, making this a veritable home game for Todd Berry's team.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Friday, December 28

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Russell Athletic Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (-2.5, 41)

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL STORYLINES

1. The two participants in the Russell Athletic Bowl, Rutgers and Virginia Tech, come into the game via different paths. The Scarlet Knights had a shot at the Big East crown and a BCS berth but lost their last game to Louisville, allowing the Cardinals to tie for the league title and take the BCS berth. Meanwhile, the Hokies are just happy to be in a bowl, needing wins in their last two contests to climb to 6-6 on the season and become bowl eligible.

2. These two teams aren't exactly strangers. Before Virginia Tech made the move to the ACC, both schools were in the Big East, where they met 12 times. The Hokies dominated the series 11-1, with the Scarlet Knights' victory coming in the first meeting in 1992.

3. Both teams run very balanced offenses, with Rutgers getting 63.1 percent of its yardage through the air, compared to Virginia Tech's 59.7 percent. The biggest difference is the Scarlet Knights had only six rushing touchdowns on the season compared to the 18 scores on the ground for the Hokies.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Virginia Tech opened as low as -2 and has been moved to -2.5. The total opened 40.5 and fell as low as 39.5 before coming back up to 41.

CONSENSUS: 52 percent of Covers Consensus plays are on Rutgers while the over/under consensus is split 50/50.

WEATHER: The forecast in Orlando is calling for cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 60s. Winds are expected to blow ESE at 6 mph.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Scarlet Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Under is 4-1 in Hokies' last five Bowl games.
* Under is 15-5 in Scarlet Knights' last 20 non-conference games.

ABOUT RUTGERS (9-3, 5-2 Big East, 7-5 ATS): The Scarlet Knights have won five straight bowl games, tied with Mississippi State for the nation's longest current streak. Coach Kyle Flood is looking to become the third Rutgers coach - and only first-year coach - in school history to win 10 or more games in a season. The Knights have been stingy on defense all year long, ranking fourth in the nation in scoring defense (14.3 points) and 14th in total defense (321.3 yards per game). Offensively, look for a lot of sophomore running back Jawan Jamison, who rushed for 1,054 yards and can help set up the Rutgers' passing game. Sophomore quarterback Gary Nova is solid, throwing for 2,566 yards in his first full season as a starter.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (6-6, 4-4 ACC, 3-9 ATS): The Hokies struggled this year after a trip to the Sugar Bowl last season. Quarterback Logan Thomas is a big key for Virginia Tech's success as he ranks as the team's top passer (2,783 yards, 17 touchdowns) and rusher (526, nine). The Virginia Tech defense has been solid against the pass, allowing 204.9 yards per contest. Linebacker Jack Tyler has been a force this year, leading the team in total tackles (112) and tackles for loss (11) while recording 2.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hurries. Getting off to a fast start is important for the Hokies, but it hasn't been easy this year, with the team leading at halftime in only three of its contests.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Friday, December 28

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Meineke Car Care Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-13, 55.5)

MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL OF TEXAS STORYLINES

1. Offensive line coach Chris Thomsen, who has seven years of coaching experience at Abilene Christian, will guide the Red Raiders following the surprise departure of Tommy Tuberville to Cincinnati. The good news is that some players, angered by Tuberville's decision to leave, said they want to take out their anger on Minnesota.

2. Beside stumbling to the finishing line on the field, Minnesota also had its share of issues off it. Wide receiver A.J. Barker, who had a team-best 30 receptions and seven touchdowns, quit the squad late in the season claiming mistreatment by coach Jerry Kill and the training staff over an ankle injury while backup quarterback Max Shortell announced he was transferring.

3. The Gophers, who scored 30 or more points in a game only three times this season, must find a way to slow down a high-scoring Red Raiders' offense that averaged 37.75 points and scored 41 or more points in a game seven times.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Texas Tech opened around -12.5 and has been bet up to -13. The total opened at 57 and has been bet down to 55.5.

CONSENSUS: 66 percent of Covers Consensus players are on Texas Tech while 69 percent are on the over.

TRENDS:

* Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
* Red Raiders are 1-5 ATS in their last six Bowl games.
* Under is 7-3 in Golden Gophers' last 10 non-conference games.
* Over is 5-0 in Red Raiders' last five bowl games.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (6-6, 2-6 Big Ten, 5-7 ATS): Despite a 2-6 finish in the Big Ten that saw the Gophers outscored by a combined 64-24 in back-to-back regular season ending losses to Nebraska and Michigan State, Jerry Kill's squad is making its first appearance in a bowl game since losing to Iowa State in the 2009 Insight Bowl. Only seven seniors on the squad played in that contest so the Gophers, who went 3-9 in both 2010 and 2011, are happy to be here, especially the 13 players on the team that hail from Texas. Kill, who has had epilepsy for nine years, missed the second half of the season finale against Michigan State after suffering a seizure. The Gophers are solid on defense but have struggled badly on offense, ranking 111th nationally with an average of 317.5 yards. Freshman quarterback Philip Nelson, who took over the starting job for the final month of the season, completed only 50 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six).

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (7-5, 4-5 Big 12, 6-6 ATS): Like Minnesota, the Red Raiders also sputtered to the finish line, losing four of their last five games with the only victory a 41-34 double overtime victory over 1-11 Kansas. That win was sandwiched between losses to Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State and to Baylor in double overtime in the season finale. Senior quarterback Seth Doege passed for 3,934 yards and 38 touchdowns while completing 70.4 percent of his passes, including 81 to senior wide receiver Darrin Moore. Although the defense allowed almost 32 points per game in the wild, wild Big 12, it ranked a respectable 39th nationally in total defense allowing 367 yards per game.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 29

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Alamo Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Texas Longhorns vs. Oregon State Beavers (-3, 57.5)

WHEN: 6:45 PM ET, Saturday, December 29, 2012
WHERE: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

VALERO ALAMO BOWL STORYLINES

1. After stumbling to the finish line of the regular season, No. 25 Texas and No. 14 Oregon State will head to San Antonio, Texas, for their third meeting. The Beavers dropped three of their last five in Pac-12 play but still finished six games better than their 3-9 mark last season. The Longhorns lost their last two games but still held on for third in the the Big-12. They missed out on a BCS bowl berth for the third consecutive season, however.

2. Another common thread connecting these teams is the uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterbacks. David Ash started the first 11 games for Texas before he was benched in the second-to-last game against TCU. Sean Mannion started the first four games for the Beavers, missed two with a knee injury and then was benched after a four-interception performance against Washington, resulting in Oregon State's first conference loss. After his replacement, Cody Vaz, injured his ankle Nov. 10 against Stanford, Mannion started the final three games.

3. Oregon State has one of the nation’s top pass rushers in Scott Crichton, who had nine sacks during the season, earning all-conference first-team honors. Texas will be without its best offensive lineman in left guard Trey Hopkins, who suffered a stress fracture in his lower right leg in the regular-season finale against Kansas State. Behind Crichton is a defense that snared 19 interceptions, sixth-most in the nation. Jordan Poyer led the way with seven picks.

4. Texas head Mack Brown suspended two unidentified players from the team Friday following a probe into sexual assault allegations. He did not specify if they players were starters or not. No charges have been filed.

TV: 6:45 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Oregon State opened as a 1.5-point favorite and has been bet up to -3. The total has moved from 56 to 57.5 points.

CONSENSUS: 68 percent of Covers Consensus is on Oregon State while 60 percent are on the over.

TRENDS:

* Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
* Beavers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games in December.
* Over is 4-1 in Longhorns' last five vs. Pac-12.
* Over is 6-2 in Beavers' last eight non-conference games.

ABOUT TEXAS (8-4, 5-4 Big-12, 5-7 ATS): Two key players for the Longhorns will be their only All-Big 12 First-Team selections - senior safety Kenny Vaccaro and senior defensive lineman Alex Okafor. Vaccaro was second on the team in tackles and will lead a secondary that will responsible for corralling a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks. Okafor had eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Since losing linebacker Jordan Hicks to a season-ending hip injury in the third game, sophomore Steve Edmond had stepped up and led the team with 101 tackles.

ABOUT OREGON STATE (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12, 8-4 ATS): Wheaton and Cooks might be the best wide-receiver duo in the nation and the main reason the Beavers own the 15th-ranked passing offense. Wheaton, a senior, has caught 88 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooks, a sophomore, has grabbed 64 balls for 1,120 yards and five scores. He's averaging 17.5 yards per catch. Wheaton became the school’s career leader in receptions (224) this season. He has at least one catch in 35 straight games, which leads the Pac-12.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 29

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Armed Forces Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Rice Owls vs. Air Force Falcons (-3, 61.5)

WHEN: 11:45 AM ET, Saturday, December 29, 2012
WHERE: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL STORYLINES

1. Rice and Air Force enter the contest with mediocre records, but they took differing routes to get there. The Owls won four in a row and five of their last six contests to secure a berth in their first bowl game since 2008. Playing the final 10 weeks without a break, the exhausted Falcons were outscored 124-66 en route to losing three of their last four to limp toward the end of the season.

2. Ironically, Air Force attacks on the ground with its one-dimension offense. Led by diminutive senior Cody Getz (1,219 yards, nine touchdowns), coach Troy Calhoun's triple-option offense averages 328.8 rushing yards - a gaudy number which ranks second-best in the nation. Considering that Rice yields nearly 193 rushing yards per game, the Owls could be in for a long day.

3. Rice's offense features a more balanced game plan as junior quarterback Taylor McHargue has both thrown and rushed for 11 touchdowns this season. Charles Ross is averaging a team-best 5.7 yards per carry and 743 yards total. The Owls amassed 381 points and 5,053 yards of total offense - with both numbers ranking behind only the 2008 club in program history.

TV: 11:45 a.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Air Force opened as low as +1 and has since been bet up to -3. The total has moved from as low as 60.5 to 62 points.

CONSENSUS: 65 percent of Covers Consensus picks are on Air Force while 53 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: The forecast in Forth Worth is calling for clear skies and temperatures in the low 40s. Winds are expected to blow NNW at 6 mph.

TRENDS:

* Owls are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Falcons are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. CUSA.
* Under is 7-3 in Owls' last 10 non-conference games.
* Under is 6-2 in Falcons' last eight games overall.

ABOUT RICE (6-6, 4-4 Conference USA, 7-4-1 ATS): Cody Bauer, among others, will be charged with deciphering the triple-option offense. Bauer leads the Owls in tackles for loss and is tied with fellow defensive end Jared Williams for the team lead with 5.5 sacks. Offensively, Jordan Taylor (48 receptions, 673 yards) and Sam McGuffie (49, 523) have proven consistent for McHargue. In addition, first team All-Conference USA selection Vance McDonald has come on strong since returning from a toe injury. Rice will be playing in its third bowl game since a postseason drought from 1961-2006. The Owls won their last bowl appearance in 2008 by taking the Texas Bowl.

ABOUT AIR FORCE (6-6, 5-3 Mountain West, 3-9 ATS): While the rushing attack secures the headlines, Ty MacArthur is traditionally the one responsible when Air Force takes to the air. The junior wideout has a team-high 411 receiving yards and two scores - although he has matched the touchdown total and surpassed the yardage (419) on the ground. Air Force has won five of the last six meetings between the former WAC members, although the last encounter took place in 1998. The Falcons, who will be playing in their school-record sixth consecutive bowl game, have plenty of experience playing in the Armed Forces Bowl. After dropping its first two appearances, Air Force posted a 47-20 triumph over Houston in the recent meeting in 2009.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 29

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Pinstripe Bowl: What bettors need to know
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West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Syracuse Orange (+3.5, 73.5)

WHEN: 3:15 PM ET, Saturday, December 29, 2012
WHERE: New Yankee Stadium, New York, New York

NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL STORYLINES

1. West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has 96 career touchdown passes, 40 this season, but has only three scoring strikes while throwing five interceptions and being sacked nine times in losses to Syracuse in 2010 and 2011.

2. Syracuse has averaged 38.5 points in winning five of its last six games and the Mountaineers are giving up 38.1 overall –114th out of 120 FBS teams. Syracuse scored 49 points against West Virginia in 2011 and leads the series 32-27.

3. West Virginia makes its 11th straight bowl appearance, tied for the nation’s eighth-longest streak, and is 14-17 overall. Syracuse is 13-9-1 in bowls, including a 36-34 victory over Kansas State in the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in 2010.

TV: 3:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: West Virginia opened as a 4-point favorite and has been bet down to -3.5. The total has stayed remotely steady at 73.5.

CONSENSUS: 66 percent of Covers Consensus is on WVU while 62 percent is on the over.

WEATHER: The forecast for Yankee Stadium is calling for an 88 percent chance of snow with temperatures in the low 30s. Winds are expected to NNE at 6 mph.

TRENDS:

* Mountaineers are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings in Syracuse. The Orange are the home team in this Bronx bowl game.
* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Road team is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (7-5, 4-5 Big 12, 5-7 ATS): Smith put up some amazing numbers this season, completing 71.4 percent of his passes and throwing for 4,004 yards with only six interceptions. However, the Mountaineers allowed an average of almost 50 points during a five-game losing streak to derail their season. West Virginia rebounded to win their last two and two of the nation’s top receivers, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, will be looking to put on a show against the Orange. Bailey has caught 106 passes for 1,501 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Austin has 110 receptions for 1,259 yards and 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 598. Andrew Buie leads the ground attack with 817 yards. West Virginia gave up only 34 points combined in the last two games.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (7-5, 5-2 Big East, 6-5-1 ATS): The Orange turned it on down the stretch, including a big comeback at South Florida and wins over Louisville and Missouri. Syracuse, which finished tied for first in the Big East this season after tying for last in 2011, averaged only 13 points in three games before beating Connecticut 40-10 to start its run. Quarterback Ryan Nassib has 13 touchdown passes and one interception over the last six games after 11 and eight, respectively, the first six. Nassib’s top target is Alec Lemon, who caught 70 passes for 1,063 yards. Marcus Sales has also caught 63 passes for 863 yards. Jerome Smith has 1,019 yards rushing overall and an average of 110.7 the last six. Syracuse has allowed an average of 28.8 points the last five games.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 29

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Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: What bettors need to know
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Navy Midshipmen vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (-14, 56)

WHEN: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 29, 2012
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California

KRAFT FIGHT HUNGER BOWL STORYLINES

1. Navy and Arizona State head to San Francisco for their first meeting on a high note, having knocked off archrivals in their respective regular-season finales. The Midshipmen took care of Army for the 11th straight time while the Sun Devils defeated fellow bowl-bound Arizona in Tucson.

2. As usual, Navy showcases a formidable ground game. It produced 275.6 rushing yards per game, sixth in the country. Arizona State also faced the third-ranked rushing unit in Oregon. Although the style and talent level between the Midshipmen and Ducks are not the same, it is worth noting that the Sun Devils gave up 406 yards on the ground against Oregon.

3. Junior Marion Grice was a potent force in the running and passing game for the Sun Devils, posting remarkably similar numbers in both realms. Grice had 520 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground while gaining 406 yards and eight TDs through the air. His 17 scores leave him one shy of moving into the top five on Arizona State's all-time single-season touchdown list.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN2.

LINE: Arizona State opened at -14.5 and has since come down to -14. The total has moved from 56 to 54.5.

CONSENSUS: 55 percent of Covers Consensus picks are on ASU while 58 percent is on the over.

WEATHER: The forecast in San Francisco is calling for a 41 percent chance of rain and temperatures in the high 40s. Winds are expected to blow NW at 6 mph.

TRENDS:

* Midshipmen are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Bowl games.
* Sun Devils are 0-4 ATS in their last four bowl games.
* Over is 5-2 in Midshipmen's last seven Bowl games.
* Under is 11-5 in Sun Devils' last 16 non-conference games.

ABOUT NAVY (8-4, 4-8 ATS): The vaunted rushing attack sputtered early as the Midshipmen began the year 1-3. However, things turned around once freshman Keenan Reynolds took over under center for the injured Trey Miller. Reynolds threw for three touchdowns in his first start Oct. 12 at Central Michigan. He finished the regular season with 628 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns while passing for 884 yards and eight TDs. From the time Reynolds took over late in an overtime affair against Air Force, Navy went 7-1. The Midshipmen made eight straight bowl game appearances before falling short in 2011. They have lost four of their last five bowl games.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (7-5, 5-4 Pac-12, 7-5 ATS): It was a bit of a roller coaster ride for the Sun Devils in coach Todd Graham's first season. After opening 5-1, they lost four straight to the best the Pac-12 has to offer, only to rebound with consecutive wins to finish it out, including a wild 41-34 victory over the Wildcats. Arizona State scored 24 straight points in the fourth quarter of that one. It was actually the only game all season in which sophomore Taylor Kelly failed to throw for a touchdown. Kelly ranked third in the Pac-12 in passing efficiency this season, helping the Sun Devils score 36.4 points, also third-best in the league. Defensive tackle Will Sutton was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and will be instrumental if Arizona State is going to slow down Navy's option attack.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 29

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Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: What bettors need to know
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TCU Horned Frogs vs. Michigan State Spartans (+2.5, 40.5)

WHEN: 10:15 PM ET, Saturday, December 29, 2012
WHERE: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL STORYLINES

1. A pair of sturdy defenses and Michigan State junior running back Le'Veon Bell will take center stage when a battle of teams which finished below .500 in conference play meet in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Tempe, Ariz. The teams should feel more comfortable on the road as neither won a conference game at home.

2. Texas Christian and Michigan State had high hopes for 2012 after racking up 11 wins apiece last season, but things didn't quite materialize. Michigan State dropped five conference games by a combined 11 points while TCU lost starting quarterback Casey Pachall after the fourth game of the season when he left school and checked into a rehab program for substance abuse after being arrested for DWI.

3. Bell ran for 587 yards in his final three games, including a monstrous 266 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota to cap the regular season. The Spartans' formula is simple - control the ball with Bell and rely on their powerful defense which ranked fourth in the nation at 274 yards per game. TCU is no slouch on that side of the ball either as the Horned Frogs ranked 18th in the country in total defense.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: TCU opened as a 1-point favorite and was bet up to -2.5. The total opened at 41.5 and has come down to 40.5.

CONSENSUS: 61 percent of Covers Consensus picks are on TCU while 56 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: The forecast in Tempe is calling for cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 40s. Winds are expected to blow ESE at 2 mph.

TRENDS:

* Horned Frogs are 0-4 ATS in their last four Bowl games.
* Spartans are 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. Big 12.
* Under is 6-0-1 in Horned Frogs' last seven bowl games.
* Under is 3-0-1 in Spartans' last four non-conference games.

ABOUT TCU (7-5, 4-5 Big 12, 5-7 ATS): The Horned Frogs wound up 10th in the conference in total offense and lost three of their next four games after Pachall left the team. That put the burden of running the offense on the shoulders of freshman quarterback Trevone Boykin. Pachall was 15-2 in his career and threw 25 touchdown passes last season, giving TCU plenty of hope for 2012. When he was gone, the Horned Frogs had to throw Boykin into the fire and he threw three interceptions in his first start. Boykin rebounded with a fabulous four-touchdown game against Baylor, but then battled with his consistency the rest of the season. The Horned Frogs had a signature 20-13 victory at Texas late in the season in a game when Boykin threw only nine passes.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten, 4-8 ATS): The Spartans defeated Georgia 33-30 in the Outback Bowl last season, but exceeded that point total only once in 2012. Michigan State ranked ninth in total offense in the Big Ten. Bell, however, seemed to get stronger as the year went along and finished with 1,638 yards on the ground, good for sixth in the nation. Andrew Maxwell completed only 53 percent of his passes this year as the receiving unit was labeled as one of the most unreliable corps in the nation. With top wideout Keshawn Martin now playing for the Houston Texans, the Spartans dropped passes at an alarming rate. Michigan State flashed its enormous potential with wins over Boise State and at Wisconsin, which is headed to the Rose Bowl, but it needed a win in its season-finale to even become bowl eligible. Tight end Dion Sims, who went over 100 yards receiving twice this season, will play after recovering from an ankle injury.


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[StarDust Bum]

Music City Bowl: What bettors need to know

North Carolina State vs. Vanderbilt (-7, 52)

When: 12:00 PM ET, Monday, December 31, 2012
Where: LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL STORYLINES

1. North Carolina State boasts one of the top passing offenses in the nation, ranking 20th nationally with 304 passing yards per game, while Vanderbilt ranks 10th in the nation against the pass (175.8).

2. With six straight wins, Vanderbilt is riding its longest winning streak since 1955 and trying to match the program's single-season record of nine victories set in 1904 and tied in 1915. The Commodores' last bowl victory was a 16-14 win against Boston College in the 2008 Music City Bowl.

3. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dana Bible will serve as N.C. State's acting coach. The Wolfpack hired Dave Doeren away from BCS-bound Northern Illinois, but Doeren will be a spectator on New Year's Eve.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: Vandy opened as a 5.5-point favorite at some offshores and is now a touchdown fave at most shops.

CONSENSUS: Nearly 58 percent of Covers Consensus players like Vanderbilt to cover while 54 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-40s with a 30 percent chance of showers. Winds will blow out of the south at 5 mph.

TRENDS:

* Wolfpack are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five bowl games.
* Commodores are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Over is 8-2 in Commodores’ last 10 games following a win.
* Under is 5-2 in Wolfpack’s last seven games overall.

ABOUT N.C. STATE (7-5, 4-4 ACC): The Wolfpack are one of only 12 schools from BCS automatic-qualifying conferences who have won bowl games each of the past two years. N.C. State's ability to extend that streak likely depends on which defense shows up - the one that allowed 33 or more points five times, including 62 against Clemson, or the one that shut down high-powered Florida State. Quarterback Mike Glennon (3,648 pass yards, 30 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) leads the offense, and while the run game hasn't consistently produced, freshman Shadrach Thornton rushed for 329 of his 655 yards in the final three games of the regular season.

ABOUT VANDERBILT (8-4, 5-3 SEC): The Commodores enjoyed their best regular-season in nearly three decades on the strength of a stout defense that ranked 17th in total yards allowed (326.4) and 15th in scoring (18.2). The offense is unremarkable but steady and balanced, with running back Zac Stacy (1,034 yards, nine touchdowns) leading the ground game and Jordan Rodgers (2,431 pass yards, 13 touchdowns, five interceptions) and Jordan Matthews (87 catches, 1,262 yards, seven touchdowns) providing a prolific passing connection.

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Sun Bowl: What bettors need to know

USC vs. Georgia Tech (7.5, 64)

When: 2:00 PM ET, Monday, December 31, 2012
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas

HYUNDAI SUN BOWL STORYLINES

1. USC coach Lane Kiffin on Thursday said senior quarterback Matt Barkley will not play because of a sprained shoulder he suffered Nov. 17 against UCLA. Barkley missed the Trojans’ 22-13 loss to Notre Dame the following week. Barkley passed for 3,273 yards and 15 touchdowns, but also threw a career-high 14 interceptions. Freshman Max Wittek, who made his first career start against Notre Dame, will replace Barkley.

2. Georgia Tech obtained an NCAA waiver to play in a bowl game with a losing record. But aside from a blowout loss at Georgia on Nov. 24, the Yellow Jackets were impressive down the stretch, scoring 68 points in a victory at North Carolina and nearly upsetting Florida State for the ACC title. In that game, Georgia Tech shut out the Seminoles in the second half.

3. Both teams have been brutal defensively and are looking for defensive coordinators. USC’s Monte Kiffin will resign after this game. The Trojans, who give up an average of 24.6 points, lost consecutive games to Arizona and Oregon despite scoring a combined 87 points. The Ducks shredded Kiffin’s defense for 62 points and 730 yards. Georgia Tech fired Al Groh after a 2-4 start, and secondary coach Charles Kelly serves as interim DC. Tech gave up at least 40 points six times, and averaged 29.9 points allowed.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE: USC opened as high as 10-point favorites but has since been bet down to -7.5.

CONSENSUS: Over 54 percent of Covers Consensus players believe USC will cover while nearly 60 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-40s with a 25 percent chance of rain. Winds will be strong out of the WSW at 22 mph.

TRENDS:

* Trojans are 4-0 ATS in their last four bowl games.
* Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 6-0 in Trojans’ last six games in December.
* Yellow Jackets are 0-5 ATS in their last five Bowl games.

ABOUT USC (7-5, 5-4 Pac-12): The Trojans make their third Sun Bowl appearance, first since losing to TCU in 1998. USC entered the season ranked No. 1 and started 6-1 before a 1-4 collapse ruined its BCS hopes. USC ranks 37th nationally in scoring (34.2) and boasts perhaps the nation’s finest collection of skill players: incomparable sophomore wide receiver Marqise Lee (112 catches, 1,680 yards, 14 touchdowns), wide receiver Robert Woods (73 catches, 813 yards, 11 TDs), running back Silas Redd (817 rushing yards, nine TDs) and running back Curtis McNeal (696 yards, two TDs, 6.2 yards per carry). The Trojans have won two of three meetings with the Yellow Jackets, but they haven’t met since 1973.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (6-7, 5-3 ACC): The Yellow Jackets lost 30-27 in overtime to Utah in last year’s Sun Bowl, their seventh straight bowl defeat. Georgia Tech is making its 16th straight bowl appearance, the fourth-longest active streak. With their triple option attack, the Jackets rank fourth nationally in rushing (312.5) and have run for more yards than any FBS team since 2008. Senior quarterback Tevin Washington, operating behind a line led by All-ACC guard Omoregie Uzzi, ran for 19 touchdowns this season. His 37 career rushing touchdows are the most in ACC history by a quarterback. Redshirt freshman quarterback Vad Lee, who has a stronger arm, has been rotating with Washington the second half of the season. The offense should get a boost with the expected return of senior A-back Orwin Smith (career 9.4 yards per carry), who missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Sophomore kick returner Jamal Golden could be an X-factor - he ranks ninth nationally with 29 yards per return and took two back for scores.

[StarDust Bum]

Liberty Bowl: What bettors need to know

Iowa State vs. Tulsa (1, 51)

When: 3:30 PM ET, Monday, December 31, 2012
Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial, Memphis, Tennessee

AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL STORYLINES

1. Tulsa and Iowa State will end their seasons the same way they began four months ago - playing each other. The Cyclones beat Tulsa 38-23 in the season opener on Sept. 1 behind three touchdowns from senior quarterback Steele Jantz. It is the second time the Golden Hurricanes are playing a rematch this season. Tulsa beat Central Florida twice in a two-week span, including the Conference USA title game, to earn the bowl berth.

2. The Cyclones used three starting quarterbacks this season and redshirt freshman Sam Richardson will likely start the Liberty Bowl. Richardson came off the bench to throw four touchdowns in the 51-23 victory against Kansas in Week 12 that gave Iowa State its sixth win. Jantz and sophomore Jared Barnett combined for 19 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

3. Tulsa is ranked 11th in the country in rushing, averaging 240.2 yards. Most of the yardage is divided up between juniors Trey Watts and Ja'Terian Douglas and senior Alex Singleton, although Singleton has scored 21 of the team's 37 rushing touchdowns. Watts and Douglas average six yards per carry.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: This game opened as a pick at some shops and now Iowa State is a 1.5-point favorite at some offshores.

CONSENSUS: Nearly 53 percent of Covers Consensus players like Iowa State to cover while 60 percent are on the over.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-40s with a 75 percent of rain. Winds will blow out of the south at 5 mph.

TRENDS:

* Under is 3-0-1 in Cyclones’ last four Bowl games.
* Under is 5-1 in Tulsa’s last six Bowl games.
* Tulsa is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall.
* Cyclones are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four vs. a team with a winning record.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (6-6, 3-6 Big 12): Richardson didn't attempt a pass until the Kansas game and is 36-of-80 for 412 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in less than two full games. Richardson rushed for 119 yards in a 31-24 loss to West Virginia in the regular-season finale. That was the Cyclones' second 100-yard performance of the season. Junior Shontrelle Johnson picked up the other with 120 yards against Tulsa. Johnson leads the team with 504 rushing yards and two touchdowns and James White adds 469 yards and two scores. All-Big 12 linebacker A.J. Klein (98 tackles) leads the Cyclones' defense that is allowing 23.2 points. The Cyclones have forced 25 turnovers, including Durrell Givens' FBS-leading six fumble recoveries.

ABOUT TULSA (10-3, 7-1 C-USA): The Hurricane are looking for the second 11-win season in school history. Watts had a 54-yard punt return that tied the C-USA title game in the fourth quarter and Singleton scored the winner with a 1-yard plunge in the 33-27 overtime victory. Watts, named the championship game's MVP after a 134-yard performance, leads the team with 959 yards on 161 carries. He rushed for 125 yards against Iowa State in the season opener. Junior quarterback Cody Green went 217-of-396 for 2,499 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sophomore Keyarris Garrett (64 catches, 826 yards, nine touchdowns) is his favorite target. The Hurricane allow 24.2 points and 353.9 yards.

[StarDust Bum]

Chick-fil-A Bowl: What bettors need to know

LSU vs. Clemson (6, 58.5)

When: 7:30 PM ET, Monday, December 31, 2012
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL STORYLINES

1. The third all-time meeting between No. 7 LSU and No. 13 Clemson on New Year’s Eve in the Georgia Dome will be the first between 10-win teams in Chick-fil-A Bowl history. LSU and Clemson last met in the Peach Bowl in 1996, which was later retitled the Chick-fil-A Bowl. LSU won 10-7.

2. Clemson will bring the nation’s 13th-ranked passing offense to Atlanta. The Tigers are led by junior quarterback Tajh Boyd, who has thrown for 3,550 yards and 34 touchdowns and rushed for another 492 yards and nine scores. He’ll face a tough test against LSU, which ranks 20th in the nation in pass defense.

3. Every team in the SEC had a running back who totaled more yards this season than LSU’s leading rusher, but the Tigers still managed to finish fifth in the conference in team rushing. Jeremy Hill led the way with 631 yards and 10 touchdowns, with Spencer Ware, Michael Ford and Kenny Hilliard combining for 1,207 rushing yards and 10 scores.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: LSU opened as 3.5-point favorites at some offshores and could be a touchdown favorite by kick-off Monday.

CONSENSUS: Over 60 percent of Covers Consensus players like LSU to cover while almost 60 percent are on the under.

TRENDS:

* Clemson is 1-6 ATS in its last seven bowl games.
* LSU is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four December games.
* Over is 4-1 in LSU’s last five neutral site games.
* Under is 6-1 in Clemson’s last seven vs. SEC foes.

ABOUT LSU (10-2, 6-2 SEC): Zach Mettenberger hasn’t played to the expectations many envisioned when the Tigers opened the season ranked No. 1 in the USA Today coaches’ poll. Mettenberger, a third-stringer at LSU last season after beginning his college career at Georgia, finished the regular season with 2,489 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, leaving the Tigers 11th in the SEC in passing offense. LSU coach Les Miles has remained firmly committed to Mettenberger as no other player has attempted a pass this season.

ABOUT CLEMSON (10-2, 7-1 ACC): Boyd has had an assortment of targets to choose from this season. DeAndre Hopkins has been atop the pecking order, hauling in 69 passes for 1,214 yards and 16 touchdowns. If Hopkins is covered, Boyd usually looks to his other starting receiver, Sammy Watkins, who has caught 57 passes for 708 yards and three touchdowns, or tight end Brandon Ford, who is third on the team with 31 catches for 411 yards and eight touchdowns. The team’s fifth-leading receiver, Martavis Bryant, is suspended from the bowl game for academic reasons.

[StarDust Bum]

Where the action is: New Year's Eve bowl games

Music City Bowl

North Carolina State vs. Vanderbilt (-7, 51.5)

Public action set the tone in this game and it currently sits at a 2-to-1 bet count and 2-to-1 money position. Some respected money did back NC State at the +7.5 number giving it a slight nudge to 7, but the line has held pretty steady to this point. If late public wagering backs Vandy, then it’s possible that value could get back to where it opened.

Sun Bowl

Southern California vs. Georgia Tech (7.5, 64)

The side on this matchup has not attracted a lot of betting action and the line availability has been on and off due to injury reports. The current betting position on this game is at 3-to-1 in both wager count and money wagered in favor of the Trojans. Those counts were built on the strength of solely public action. Sharp money did chime in early on the total at under 66, creating the 2-point move to 64.

Liberty Bowl

Iowa State vs. Tulsa (1, 51)

Sharp money did back Iowa State at PK pushing the value to -1. However, that did get some respected money buying back Tulsa at the +1 value and creating two-sided action on this game.

Chick fil-A Bowl

Louisiana State vs. Clemson (5, 58.5)

This will be a game to watch as it has become a perfect storm from a betting point of view. It is currently a lopsided affair with both sharp and public money backing LSU. Sharp money came in early at the 3.5 to 4 line values and has been bolstered by the public money piling on at the 4 and 4.5 values pushing the current line to LSU -5. The bet count is currently 5-to-1 in favor of LSU and showing no signs of slowing down. The money wagered is currently a staggering 8-to-1 in favor of LSU. This line could possibly see some more movement late.