NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Bowl Season (Sat., Dec. 16 - Mon., Jan. 8)

[Udog]

Week Bowl Season


NCAAF Trends and Indexes

Saturday, December 16 - Monday, January 8

Additional trends and information will be added as available.

NOTE:

As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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[Udog]

Published 12-4....

College Football Playoff opening line report: Alabama opens favorite over Clemson, Oklahoma-UGA spread already on the move
Patrick Everson

Alabama and Clemson meet for the third straight year in the postseason, but this time a ticket to the National Championship is on the line.

Let the debate begin!

No, not over Alabama getting into the four-team College Football Playoff over Big Ten champion Ohio State. But rather, over the opening lines for the two national semifinal showdowns. Patrick Everson gets you right into those numbers and early action in Las Vegas, with insights from Chris Andrews, sportsbook director at the South Point, and Jay Kornegay, who runs the Superbook as vice president of race and sports for the Westgate Las Vegas.

No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 1 Clemson Tigers – Open: Pick; Move: -1

Alabama had the weekend off, missing out on the SEC Championship Game after falling to Auburn 26-14 as a 6-point road favorite in the regular-season finale. The Crimson Tide (11-1 SU, 5-7 ATS) still managed to edge out Ohio State for the final CFP berth.

Defending national champion Clemson (12-1 SU, 8-4 ATS) boatraced Miami in the ACC final, winning 38-3 as a 12.5-point neutral-site favorite in Charlotte, N.C. Saturday. The Tigers and Tide met in the last two CFP Championship Games, with Bama winning two years ago and Clemson winning last year. The Tigers covered the spread in both games.

“We opened at pick. I kept saying I really thought Clemson should be the favorite, but that they’d bet Alabama,” Andrews said. “We’re up to -1 on Bama, a little public, a little sharp. I don’t mind Clemson at plus anything. We’ll see where bettors take me.”

The Superbook opened the Tide -1, briefly shot to -2, then dropped to -1 before splitting the difference at -1.5. The modest discrepancies between books doesn’t surprise Kornegay.

“The market’s just trying to settle down,” Kornegay said. “Every book is like that right now, flying around. There are a lot of respected opinions out there. It’s not like we’ve got guys with both hands full of money, making bets. Most people are just soaking it in. If respected players make a bet, you’re gonna move it, and you’ll also moved based on what the market is doing.”

No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners – Open: -3; Move: -2.5; Move: -2; Move: -1.5

Georgia took advantage of a revenge opportunity to win the SEC crown and reach the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS), who got trounced at Auburn three weeks ago, rolled the Tigers 28-7 as a 2-point neutral-site chalk in Atlanta Saturday.

Oklahoma (12-1 SU, 8-5 ATS) had no trouble in Saturday’s Big 12 final, dispatching Texas Christian 41-17 laying seven points at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“We opened Oklahoma -3, now we’re down to 1.5. I’m seeing anywhere from pick to 1.5” at other books, Kornegay said. “In our eyes, we think Oklahoma could be the highest-ranked team. But these games are so close. It really is splitting hairs here.”

The South Point opened Oklahoma -2 with a plan in mind, but the line has stayed there so far.

“I thought that was a good number, because when you open on a number like two, if the wiseguys lay the two, you go right to -3, and if they take the +2, you go right to -1,” Andrews said. “We were the first ones up, and I really thought we’d go a point either way with wiseguy money. So far, we’ve got active play, but we’re still at two.”

[Udog]

College football bowl schedule: Matchups and betting odds for all of the games

The college football regular season is over but the FBS bowl season will keep NCAAF bettors busy during the winter holidays. The main course will be the two college football playoff games involving Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma and Georgia, but there is plenty of college football bowl betting action before we get to the Rose and Sugar Bowl games on New Year’s Day.

Here’s a quick look at all the matchups, dates, times, locations, betting odds for all the bowl games right down to the lesser known goofy-named ones like the Cherlbundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Matchup: North Texas Mean Green vs. Troy Trojans

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana
Date, time & TV: Dec. 16, 1:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Troy -6.5
Moneyline: Troy (-270), North Texas (+190)
Total: NA

Autonation Cure Bowl

Matchup: Georgia State Panthers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Location: Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
Date, time & TV: Dec. 16, 2:30 PM ET on CBSSN

Pointspread: Western Kentucky -5
Moneyline: Western Kentucky (-215), Georgia State (+165)
Total: NA

Las Vegas Bowl

Matchup: Oregon Ducks vs. Boise State Broncos

Location: Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas, Nevada
Date, time & TV: Dec. 16, 3:30 PM ET on ABC

Pointspread: Oregon -9
Moneyline: Oregon (-365), Boise State (+255)

Total: NA

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Matchup: Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Colorado State Rams

Location: Dreamstyle Stadium – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date, time & TV: Dec. 16, 4:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Colorado State -3
Moneyline: Colorado State (-175), Marshall (+135)
Total: NA

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

Matchup: Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

Location: Cramton Bowl – Montgomery, Alabama
Date, time & TV: Dec. 16, 8 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Arkansas State -3.5
Moneyline: Arkansas State (-175), Middle Tennessee State (+135)
Total: NA

Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl

Matchup: Akron Zips vs. Florida Atlantic Owls

Location: FAU Stadium – Boca Raton, Florida
Date, time & TV: Dec. 19, 7:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Florida Atlantic -17
Moneyline: Florida Atlantic (-1040), Akron (+540)
Total: NA

DXL Frisco Bowl

Matchup: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs

Location: Toyota Stadium – Frisco, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 20, 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Southern Methodist -7
Moneyline: SMU (-290), Louisiana Tech (+210)
Total: NA

Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl

Matchup: Florida International Golden Panthers vs. Temple Owls

Location: Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, Florida
Date, time & TV: Dec. 21, 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Temple -7
Moneyline: Temple (-290), FIU (+210)

Total: NA

Bahamas Bowl

Matchup: UAB Blazers vs. Ohio Bobcats

Location: Thomas Robinson Stadium – Nassau, Bahamas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 22, 12:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Ohio -8.5
Moneyline: Ohio (-350), UAB (+250)
Total: 60

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Matchup: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Wyoming Cowboys

Location: Albertson’s Stadium – Boise, Idaho
Date, time & TV: Dec. 22, 4:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Central Michigan -3
Moneyline: Central Michigan (-160), Wyoming (+120)

Total: NA

Birmingham Bowl

Matchup: Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. South Florida Bulls

Location: Legion Field – Birmingham, Alabama
Date, time & TV: Dec. 23, 12:00 PM on ESPN

Pointspread: South Florida -3.5
Moneyline: South Florida (-175), Texas Tech (+135)
Total: NA

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Matchup: San Diego State Aztecs vs. Army Black Knights

Location: Amon G Carter Stadium – Fort Worth, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 23, 3:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: San Diego State -5
Moneyline: San Diego State (-210), Army (+160)
Total: NA

Dollar General Bowl

Matchup: Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Toledo Rockets

Location: Ladd-Pebbles Stadium – Mobile, Alabama
Date, time & TV: Dec. 23, 7:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Toledo -7.5
Moneyline: Toledo (-290), Appalachian State (+210)
Total: NA

Hawaii Bowl

Matchup: Houston Cougars vs. Fresno State Bulldogs

Location: Aloha Stadium – Honolulu, Hawaii
Date, time & TV: Dec. 24, 8:30 PM on ESPN

Pointspread: Houston -2.5
Moneyline: Houston (-150), Fresno State (+110)

Total: NA

Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl

Matchup: Utah Utes vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Location: Cotton Bowl – Dallas, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 26, 1:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Utah -3.5
Moneyline: Utah (-165), WVU (+125)
Total: NA

Quick Lane Bowl

Matchup: Duke Blue Devils vs. Northern Illinois Huskies

Location: Ford Field – Detroit, Michigan
Date, time & TV: Dec. 26, 5:15 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Duke -5
Moneyline: Duke (-210), NIU (+160)
Total: NA

Cactus Bowl

Matchup: Kansas State Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins

Location: Chase Field – Phoenix, Arizona
Date, time & TV: Dec. 26, 9:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Kansas State -2.5
Moneyline: Kansas State (-150), UCLA (+110)
Total: NA

Walk On’s Independence Bowl

Matchup: Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles vs. Florida State Seminoles

Location: Independence Stadium – Shreveport, Louisiana
Date, time & TV: Dec. 27, 1:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Florida State -16
Moneyline: FSU (-855), Southern Miss (+485)
Total: NA

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Boston College Eagles

Location: Yankee Stadium – New York, New York
Date, time & TV: Dec. 27, 5:15 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Iowa -3.5
Moneyline: Iowa (-170), Boston College (+130)
Total: NA

Foster Farms Bowl

Matchup: Arizona Wildcats vs. Purdue Boilermakers

Location: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California
Date, time & TV: Dec. 27, 8:30 PM ET on FOX

Pointspread: Arizona -2.5
Moneyline: Arizona (-145), Purdue (+105)
Total: NA

Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl

Matchup: Texas Longhorns vs. Missouri Tigers

Location: NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 27, 9:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Texas -3.5
Moneyline: Texas (-170), Mizzou (+130)
Total: NA

Military Bowl presented by Northrop Brumman

Matchup: Virginia Cavaliers vs. Navy Midshipmen

Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium – Annapolis, Maryland
Date, time & TV: Dec. 28, 1:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Virginia -1.5
Moneyline: Virginia (-135), Navy (-105)
Total: NA

Camping World Bowl

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Location: Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
Date, time & TV: Dec. 28, 5:15 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Oklahoma State -5
Moneyline: OSU (-210), VT (+160)
Total: NA

Valero Alamo Bowl

Matchup: Stanford Cardinal vs. Texas Christian Horned Frogs

Location: Alamodome – San Antonio, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 28, 9:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: TCU -3
Moneyline: TCU (-160), Stanford (+120)
Total: NA

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

Matchup: Washington State Cougars vs. Michigan State Spartans

Location: SDCCU Stadium – San Diego, California
Date, time & TV: Dec. 28, 9:00 PM ET on FS1

Pointspread: Pick ‘em
Moneyline: WSU (-120), MSU (-120)

Total: NA

Belk Bowl

Matchup: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Texas A&M Aggies

Location: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina
Date, time & TV: Dec. 29, 1:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Wake Forest -5
Moneyline: Wake Forest (-215), Texas A&M (+165)
Total: NA

Hyundia Sun Bowl

Matchup: NC State Wolfpack vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Location: Sun Bowl – El Paso, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 29, 3:00 PM ET on CBS

Pointspread: NC State -6
Moneyline: NC State (-245), ASU (+175)
Total: NA

Music City Bowl

Matchup: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Location: Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennesseee
Date, time & TV: Dec. 29, 4:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Northwestern -10.5
Moneyline: Northwestern (-410), Kentucky (+290)
Total: NA

Arizona Bowl

Matchup: Utah State Aggies vs. New Mexico State Aggies

Location: Arizona Stadium – Tucson, Arizona
Date, time & TV: Dec. 29, 5:30 PM ET on CBSSN

Pointspread: Utah State -7.5
Moneyline: Utah State (-285), New Mexico State (+205)
Total: NA


Cotton Bowl

Matchup: Southern California Trojans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Location: AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
Date, time & TV: Dec. 29, 8:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Ohio State -6.5
Moneyline: OSU (-260), USC (+220)
Total: NA

Taxslayer Bowl

Matchup: Louisville Cardinals vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Location: Everbank Field – Jacksonville, Florida
Date, time & TV: Dec. 30, 12:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Louisville -5
Moneyline: Louisville (-210), Mississippi State (+175)
Total: NA

Liberty Bowl

Matchup: Iowa State Cyclones vs. Memphis Tigers

Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium – Memphis, Tennessee
Date, time & TV: Dec. 30, 12:30 PM ET on ABC

Pointspread: Memphis -3
Moneyline: Memphis (-150), Iowa State (+130)
Total: NA

Fiesta Bowl

Matchup: Washington Huskies vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
Date, time & TV: Dec. 30, 4:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Penn State -2.5
Moneyline: Penn State (-135), Washington (+115)
Total: NA

Orange Bowl

Matchup: Miami Hurricanes vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Location: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida
Date, time & TV: Dec. 30, 8:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Wisconsin -6.5
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-255), Miami (+215)
Total: NA

Outback Bowl

Matchup: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Michigan Wolverines

Location: Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay, Florida
Date, time & TV: Jan. 1, 12:00 PM ET on ESPN2

Pointspread: Michigan -8.5
Moneyline: Michigan (-355), South Carolina (+265)
Total: NA

Peach Bowl

Matchup: Central Florida Knights vs. Auburn Tigers

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia
Date, time & TV: Jan. 1, 12:30 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Auburn -9.5
Moneyline: Auburn (-355), UCF (+295)
Total: NA

Citrus Bowl

Matchup: LSU Tigers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Location: Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
Date, time & TV: Jan. 1, 1:00 PM ET on ABC

Pointspread: LSU -2
Moneyline: LSU (-130), Notre Dame (+110)
Total: NA

Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual

Matchup: Georgia Bulldogs vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Location: Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California
Date, time & TV: Jan. 1, 5:00 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Pick ‘em
Moneyline: Georgia (-110), Oklahoma (-110)
Total: NA

Sugar Bowl

Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Clemson Tigers

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana
Date, time & TV: Jan. 1, 8:45 PM ET on ESPN

Pointspread: Alabama -2
Moneyline: Bama (-130), Clemson (+110)
Total: NA

[Udog]

NCAAF
Long Sheet

If this report updates, I'll edit this reply to show it.

Saturday, December 16

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NORTH TEXAS (9 - 4) vs. TROY (10 - 2) - 12/16/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TROY is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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GEORGIA ST (6 - 5) vs. W KENTUCKY (6 - 6) - 12/16/2017, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA ST is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
GEORGIA ST is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games in games played on turf since 1992.
GEORGIA ST is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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OREGON (7 - 5) vs. BOISE ST (10 - 3) - 12/16/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 139-102 ATS (+26.8 Units) in all games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 139-102 ATS (+26.8 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 88-59 ATS (+23.1 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
BOISE ST is 79-49 ATS (+25.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
OREGON is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
OREGON is 86-61 ATS (+18.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MARSHALL (7 - 5) vs. COLORADO ST (7 - 5) - 12/16/2017, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 63-42 ATS (+16.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
MARSHALL is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in a bowl game since 1992.
MARSHALL is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MIDDLE TENN ST (6 - 6) vs. ARKANSAS ST (7 - 4) - 12/16/2017, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Tuesday, December 19

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AKRON (7 - 6) at FLA ATLANTIC (10 - 3) - 12/19/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLA ATLANTIC is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
FLA ATLANTIC is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) in home games since 1992.
FLA ATLANTIC is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
FLA ATLANTIC is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games after playing a conference game since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Wednesday, December 20

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LOUISIANA TECH (6 - 6) vs. SMU (7 - 5) - 12/20/2017, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Thursday, December 21

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TEMPLE (6 - 6) vs. FLA INTERNATIONAL (8 - 4) - 12/21/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Friday, December 22

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UAB (8 - 4) vs. OHIO U (8 - 4) - 12/22/2017, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UAB is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
OHIO U is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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C MICHIGAN (8 - 4) vs. WYOMING (7 - 5) - 12/22/2017, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Saturday, December 23

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TEXAS TECH (6 - 6) vs. S FLORIDA (9 - 2) - 12/23/2017, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ARMY (9 - 3) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (10 - 2) - 12/23/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARMY is 17-36 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
SAN DIEGO ST is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO ST is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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APPALACHIAN ST (8 - 4) vs. TOLEDO (11 - 2) - 12/23/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TOLEDO is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
TOLEDO is 83-57 ATS (+20.3 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
APPALACHIAN ST is 1-0 against the spread versus TOLEDO over the last 3 seasons
APPALACHIAN ST is 1-0 straight up against TOLEDO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, December 24

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HOUSTON (7 - 4) vs. FRESNO ST (9 - 4) - 12/24/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FRESNO ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
FRESNO ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
FRESNO ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
FRESNO ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
FRESNO ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
FRESNO ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Tuesday, December 26

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UTAH (6 - 6) vs. W VIRGINIA (7 - 5) - 12/26/2017, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
UTAH is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
UTAH is 118-87 ATS (+22.3 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
UTAH is 61-35 ATS (+22.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
UTAH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in a bowl game since 1992.
W VIRGINIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 6-20 ATS (-16.0 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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N ILLINOIS (8 - 4) vs. DUKE (6 - 6) - 12/26/2017, 5:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ILLINOIS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.
DUKE is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
N ILLINOIS is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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KANSAS ST (7 - 5) vs. UCLA (6 - 6) - 12/26/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS ST is 118-88 ATS (+21.2 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
UCLA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
UCLA is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Wednesday, December 27

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SOUTHERN MISS (8 - 4) vs. FLORIDA ST (6 - 6) - 12/27/2017, 1:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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BOSTON COLLEGE (7 - 5) vs. IOWA (7 - 5) - 12/27/2017, 5:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 79-55 ATS (+18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MISSOURI (7 - 5) vs. TEXAS (6 - 6) - 12/27/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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PURDUE (6 - 6) vs. ARIZONA (7 - 5) - 12/27/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
ARIZONA is 57-89 ATS (-40.9 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
ARIZONA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Thursday, December 28

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VIRGINIA (6 - 6) at NAVY (6 - 6) - 12/28/2017, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NAVY is 166-124 ATS (+29.6 Units) in all games since 1992.
NAVY is 166-124 ATS (+29.6 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 94-57 ATS (+31.3 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
NAVY is 57-34 ATS (+19.6 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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VIRGINIA TECH (9 - 3) vs. OKLAHOMA ST (9 - 3) - 12/28/2017, 5:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 88-61 ATS (+20.9 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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STANFORD (9 - 4) vs. TCU (10 - 3) - 12/28/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MICHIGAN ST (9 - 3) vs. WASHINGTON ST (9 - 3) - 12/28/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Friday, December 29

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TEXAS A&M (7 - 5) vs. WAKE FOREST (7 - 5) - 12/29/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
TEXAS A&M is 63-93 ATS (-39.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in games played on a neutral field since 1992.
WAKE FOREST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in December games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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NC STATE (8 - 4) vs. ARIZONA ST (7 - 5) - 12/29/2017, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC STATE is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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KENTUCKY (7 - 5) vs. NORTHWESTERN (9 - 3) - 12/29/2017, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UTAH ST (6 - 6) vs. NEW MEXICO ST (6 - 6) - 12/29/2017, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO ST is 43-72 ATS (-36.2 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
NEW MEXICO ST is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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USC (11 - 2) vs. OHIO ST (11 - 2) - 12/29/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games in December games since 1992.
USC is 33-53 ATS (-25.3 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
OHIO ST is 183-140 ATS (+29.0 Units) in all games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 183-140 ATS (+29.0 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) against Pac Twelve conference opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Saturday, December 30

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LOUISVILLE (8 - 4) vs. MISSISSIPPI ST (8 - 4) - 12/30/2017, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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IOWA ST (7 - 5) at MEMPHIS (10 - 2) - 12/30/2017, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
IOWA ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
IOWA ST is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday this season.
IOWA ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
IOWA ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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WASHINGTON (10 - 2) vs. PENN ST (10 - 2) - 12/30/2017, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENN ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PENN ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PENN ST is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PENN ST is 14-1 ATS (+12.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
PENN ST is 14-1 ATS (+12.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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WISCONSIN (12 - 1) at MIAMI (10 - 2) - 12/30/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 45 over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 49 over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Monday, January 1

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S CAROLINA (8 - 4) vs. MICHIGAN (8 - 4) - 1/1/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 28-47 ATS (-23.7 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UCF (12 - 0) vs. AUBURN (10 - 3) - 1/1/2018, 12:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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LSU (9 - 3) vs. NOTRE DAME (9 - 3) - 1/1/2018, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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GEORGIA (12 - 1) vs. OKLAHOMA (12 - 1) - 1/1/2018, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA is 66-42 ATS (+19.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ALABAMA (11 - 1) vs. CLEMSON (12 - 1) - 1/1/2018, 8:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEMSON is 60-35 ATS (+21.5 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
CLEMSON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEMSON is 2-0 against the spread versus ALABAMA over the last 3 seasons
CLEMSON is 1-1 straight up against ALABAMA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[Udog]

NCAAF

Bowl Season

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Trend Report
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Saturday, December 16

TROY @ NORTH TEXAS
Troy is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Troy is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing North Texas
North Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
North Texas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

WESTERN KENTUCKY @ GEORGIA STATE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Western Kentucky's last 7 games
Western Kentucky is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Georgia State's last 6 games
Georgia State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

OREGON @ BOISE STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oregon's last 7 games
Oregon is 8-16-1 ATS in its last 25 games
Boise State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Boise State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

MARSHALL @ COLORADO STATE
Marshall is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Marshall is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games

MIDDLE TENNESSEE @ ARKANSAS STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Middle Tennessee's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Middle Tennessee's last 9 games when playing Arkansas State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arkansas State's last 6 games
Arkansas State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Middle Tennessee


Tuesday, December 19

AKRON @ FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Akron is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Akron is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Florida Atlantic is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida Atlantic is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


Wednesday, December 20

LOUISIANA TECH @ SOUTHERN METHODIST
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Louisiana Tech's last 25 games
Southern Methodist is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games


Thursday, December 21

TEMPLE @ FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Temple's last 5 games
Temple is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida International's last 6 games
Florida International is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games


Friday, December 22

ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM @ OHIO
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Alabama-Birmingham's last 8 games
Alabama-Birmingham is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Ohio is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Ohio is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

CENTRAL MICHIGAN @ WYOMING
Central Michigan is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Central Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wyoming's last 5 games
Wyoming is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games


Saturday, December 23

TEXAS TECH @ SOUTH FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas Tech's last 6 games
Texas Tech is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
South Florida is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Florida's last 6 games

SAN DIEGO STATE @ ARMY
San Diego State is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
San Diego State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Army is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

APPALACHIAN STATE @ TOLEDO
Appalachian State is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
Toledo is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Toledo is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games


Sunday, December 24

HOUSTON @ FRESNO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 12 games
Houston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Fresno State's last 5 games
Fresno State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games


Tuesday, December 26

UTAH @ WEST VIRGINIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games
West Virginia is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
West Virginia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

NORTHERN ILLINOIS @ DUKE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 6 games
Northern Illinois is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Duke's last 10 games
Duke is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

KANSAS STATE @ CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES
Kansas State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas State is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
California-Los Angeles is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games


Wednesday, December 27

SOUTHERN MISS @ FLORIDA STATE
Southern Miss is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Southern Miss is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Florida State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Florida State is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games

BOSTON COLLEGE @ IOWA
Boston College is 8-0-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Boston College is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

ARIZONA @ PURDUE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games
Arizona is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Purdue's last 7 games
Purdue is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games

TEXAS @ MISSOURI
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Missouri
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games
Missouri is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Missouri is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games


Thursday, December 28

VIRGINIA @ NAVY
Virginia is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Virginia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Navy is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Navy's last 7 games

VIRGINIA TECH @ OKLAHOMA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games
Virginia Tech is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma State's last 5 games
Oklahoma State is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games

MICHIGAN STATE @ WASHINGTON STATE
Michigan State is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Washington State is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Washington State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games

STANFORD @ TEXAS CHRISTIAN
Stanford is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Stanford's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas Christian's last 9 games
Texas Christian is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games


Friday, December 29

WAKE FOREST @ TEXAS A&M
Wake Forest is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wake Forest's last 6 games
Texas A&M is 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 games

NORTH CAROLINA STATE @ ARIZONA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of North Carolina State's last 9 games
North Carolina State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona State's last 5 games
Arizona State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games

KENTUCKY @ NORTHWESTERN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kentucky's last 5 games
Kentucky is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Northwestern is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Northwestern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

UTAH STATE @ NEW MEXICO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah State's last 5 games when playing New Mexico State
Utah State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Mexico State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Mexico State's last 5 games when playing Utah State
New Mexico State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA @ OHIO STATE
Southern California is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern California's last 7 games
Ohio State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ohio State's last 10 games


Saturday, December 30

LOUISVILLE @ MISSISSIPPI STATE
Louisville is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Louisville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Mississippi State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Mississippi State's last 7 games

IOWA STATE @ MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Iowa State's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Iowa State's last 7 games
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

WASHINGTON @ PENN STATE
Washington is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
Penn State is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Penn State's last 6 games

WISCONSIN @ MIAMI-FL
Wisconsin is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Wisconsin is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
Miami-FL is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami-FL's last 10 games


Monday, January 1

MICHIGAN @ SOUTH CAROLINA
Michigan is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Michigan's last 7 games
South Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

CENTRAL FLORIDA @ AUBURN
Central Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Florida's last 5 games
Auburn is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Auburn's last 10 games

LOUISIANA STATE @ NOTRE DAME
Louisiana State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Louisiana State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Notre Dame is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Notre Dame is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

GEORGIA @ OKLAHOMA
Georgia is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
Georgia is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Oklahoma is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

ALABAMA @ CLEMSON
Alabama is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games
Alabama is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Clemson is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

This report is complete


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[Udog]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

As this report updates, I'll edit this reply to show it.

December 16
Troy (-6) vs North Texas- New Orleans Bowl
Troy won its last six games, is 10-2 this year, with a win at LSU; Trojans have a 4-year starter at QB, are 2-1 vs spread in games with single digit spread. North Texas won five of last six games, losing C-USA title game at FAU Dec 2. Mean Green is 4-1 vs spread in games with single digit spread. Favorites won/covered three of last five New Orleans Bowls; Conference USA teams won last two. Troy won its last two bowls, is 3-3 all-time; North Texas lost three of last four bowls; they’re 2-6 all-time in bowls. C-USA non-conference underdogs are 8-23 vs spread this season; Sun Belt favorites are 1-2. Since 2014, C-USA teams are 10-4 SU vs Sun Belt teams, covering four of last six as an underdog vs Sun Belt foes.

Western Kentucky (-5) vs Georgia State- Auto Nation Cure Bowl, Orlando
Western Kentucky is 6-6 this year, after going 40-14 the previous four years; they allowed 30+ points in each of their last six games. WKU has a senior QB who has 41 career starts- they’re 1-5-1 vs spread as a favorite, 1-5 in games with single digit pointspread. Georgia State has a senior QB who is grad transfer from Utah; Panthers are 6-5 this year, scoring 10 or less points in all five losses- they’re 2-3 vs spread as an underdog, 4-4-1 in games with single digit spread. Hilltoppers are 3-1 in bowls, winning last three years while scoring 49-45-51 points, but with a different coach. Georgia State lost its only bowl 27-16 to San Jose State in this same bowl two years ago, which was the first Cure Bowl. C-USA non-conference favorites are 7-3 vs spread; Sun Belt underdogs are 14-13. C-USA favorites covered six of last seven games when playing Sun Belt teams.

Oregon (-7.5) vs Boise State— Las Vegas Bowl
Oregon scored 117 points in winning its last two games after soph QB Herbert got healthy; they’re 7-5 but their coach already bolted for Florida State. Ducks are 4-2 vs spread as a favorite this year, 2-2 in games with a single digit spread. Boise State has a junior QB who has made 36 starts; Broncos won eight of last nine games- they won MAC title, scoring 17 points in consecutive games vs Fresno. Boise is 2-0 as an underdog this year, 4-2 in games with single digit spread. Boise is 3-2 in its last five bowls; they won Las Vegas Bowl three years in row, from 2010-12. Oregon lost its last two bowls, 42-20/47-41; average total in their last three bowls: 76.3. Favorites won/covered last three Las Vegas Bowls; Pac-12 teams won their last three visits here. Last three years, Pac-12 favorites are 14-12-1 vs spread when playing Mountain West teams.

Colorado State (-5.5) vs Marshall— Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque
Colorado State is 7-5, dropping 3 of last 4 games, losing 59-52 at home to Boise when they led 35-17 at the half; Rams are 0-6 vs spread in their last six games- they’re 3-5 vs spread as a favorite, 3-5 in games with a single digit spread. CSU has a senior QB who has started 38 games. Marshall lost four of its last five games, losing last two games by total of three points. Thundering Herd is 5-0 vs spread as an underdog this year, 5-1 in games with a single digit spread- they’ve got a junior QB who has 33 starts. Rams lost their last three bowls, allowing 44.7 ppg- average total in their last five bowls: 74- they lost 61-50 in the Potato Bowl LY. Marshall won its last five bowls, allowing 16 ppg; they’re 10-2 all-time in bowls. Rams won 27-24 here October 20. C-USA teams covered seven of last ten games with Mountain West foes.

Arkansas State (-4) vs Middle Tennessee State, Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Montgomery, AL
Arkansas State split its last four games, losing 32-25 to Troy in Sun Belt title game; Red Wolves won a game 67-50 this year- they also lost 43-36 at Nebraska, but five of their last six games stayed under total. ASU is 3-2 in games with single-digit spread. Middle Tennessee is 6-6; they were favored by 7+ points in five of six wins- they’re 1-4 as an underdog this year. Blue Raiders’ last three games went over. MTSU lost its last four bowls, allowing 45-52 points in bowls the last two years; ASU is 3-2 in its last five bowls; they scored 34.3 ppg in last three. Sun Belt teams won two of first three Camellia Bowls. with an average total of 60. C-USA underdogs are 8-23 vs spread in non-league games this year. Last four years, C-USA teams are 9-5 vs spread when playing a Sun Belt opponent.

December 19
Akron @ Florida Atlantic (-22.5), Boca Raton Bowl
7-6 Akron is 4-3 vs spread as a double digit underdog this year; you don’t see many bowl games with a 22-point spread. Over last five years, double digit favorites are 18-12 vs spread in bowls, with biggest spread Oklahoma St (-17) over Purdue in a 2012 bowl they won 58-14. Zips are 1-1 in bowl games, winning 23-21 (+7) in Potato Bowl two years ago. Florida Atlantic is in its first bowl since 2008, but they’re at home here; Owls won last nine games (7-2 vs spread) after a 1-3 start; they’re 3-1 as a double digit favorite this year. FAU won both its bowl games; Kiffin was 0-2 in bowls at Tennessee/USC, scoring total of 21 points and he was favored in both games. Under is 9-3 in Akron games, 3-5 in last eight FAU games. Last three years, MAC teams are 13-6-1 vs spread when facing a C-USA opponent.

December 20
Louisiana Tech vs SMU (-5), Frisco Bowl, Frisco, TX
SMU is playing 25 miles from home, in its first bowl since 2012; this game is in the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility, which seats 12,000 people. Mustangs are 2-3 vs spread as a favorite this year, 1-3-1 in games with single digit spread. Skip Holtz is 8-3 in bowls, 3-0 at Tech, scoring 35-47-48 points. Bulldogs are 3-2 as an underdog this year, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Mustangs won four of their last five bowls- underdog won all five of those games SU. SMU scored 40+ points in their last three games overall, but lost two of the three- they allowed 31+ points in last five games, an average of 279 rushing yards in last seven games. Last four years, Tech is 12-5 vs spread as an underdog. Last five years, AAC teams are 12-7 vs spread when playing a C-USA team.

December 21
Temple (-7) vs Florida International. Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, St Petersburg
Temple won three of last four games; they’re 3-3 vs spread as a favorite, 5-0 in games with a single digit pointspread this year. Owls scored 34+ points in their last four wins. FIU allowed 37+ points in all four of its losses this year; they’re 7-0 when allowing less than 37 points. Panthers are 7-3 vs spread as an underdog this season, 4-1 in games with single digit spread. Temple lost bowls the last two years, giving up 32-34 points; they were favored in those games. FIU split its two bowls; this is their first once since 2011. Favorites are 3-2 vs spread in this bowl the last five years, with an average total of 46.4. AAC non-conference favorites are 9-5 vs spread this season; C-USA underdogs are 8-23. Last two years, AAC teams are 7-2 vs spread when playing a C-USA opponent.

December 22
Ohio (-7.5) vs UAB, Bahamas Bowl
UAB didn’t even field a team the last two years, after briefly dropping the sport. Blazers went 6-2 in last eight games after a 46-43 loss to North Texas; UAB is 5-2 as an underdog this year, 5-1 in games with single digit spread. Ohio U lost its last two games after an 8-2 start; Bobcats are 5-3 as a favorite this year, 6-2 in games with a single digit spread. MAC teams are 5-18 in their last 23 bowls, but they’re 7-1 vs spread when opposing a C-USA team. MAC squads are 5-4 as a non-conference favorite this year. C-USA underdogs are 8-23 vs spread. UAB is in its 2nd bowl; they lost 59-40 to Hawai’i in the 2004 Hawai’i Bowl. Ohio lost its last three bowls, giving up 32 ppg; they’re 2-8 all-time in bowls. C-USA is 2-1 vs MAC in the Bahamas Bowl, with average total of 72.3— underdogs covered two of the three games.

Wyoming vs Central Michigan, Idaho Potato Bowl, Boise
Wyoming QB Allen (shoulder) missed last two games; Wyoming lost both, 13-7/20-17. He is expected to play here, to quiet doubts of NFL scouts. Cowboys were 7-3 when he got hurt; they are 5-1 vs spread this season in games with single digit spread. Wyoming lost its bowl 24-21 LY, its first bowl in five years. Central Michigan lost bowls the last three years, allowing 41.7 ppg; they lost 55-10 in a bowl LY. Chippewas won their last five games after a 3-4 start; they’re 5-3 vs spread in games with single digit spread- they scored 37.2 ppg in last five games. Underdogs won last three Potato Bowls SU; average total in last five, 69.2. Since 2011, Mountain West teams are 14-10 vs spread when playing a MAC opponent.

December 23
South Florida (-2.5) vs Texas Tech, Birmingham Bowl
South Florida won this bowl 46-39 in OT LY; I’m not fond of teams going back to same bowl two years in row, especially minor bowls. USF split its last four games after a 7-0 start; their season was disrupted early on by Hurricane Maria. Bulls are 4-6 as a favorite this year; this is their first game all year with a single digit pointspread. Texas Tech lost five of last seven games after a 4-1 start; Red Raiders are 3-3 as an underdog this year, 2-4-1 in games with single digit spread. Charlie Strong was 2-1 vs Texas Tech when he was coach at Texas from 2014-16, with average total of 74 in those games; Strong is 3-3 in his career in bowls. Red Raiders won four of last five bowls, with average total of 72.6 in those games. Last five years, Big X teams are 10-9 vs spread when facing AAC opponents. Favorites won this bowl the last five years (4-1 vs spread), with average total of 58.8- AAC teams are 1-3 in this bowl the last four years.

San Diego State (-7) vs Army, Armed Forces Bowl, Ft Worth, TX
Army is 4-2 all-time in bowls; all six games were decided by 4 or less points, or in OT. Cadets won seven of last eight games overall after a 2-2 start, and the loss was 52-49 to North Texas; they’re 4-2 as an underdog this year, 3-4 in games with single digit spread. San Diego State is 10-2 this year; they were held to 14-3 points in their losses, both of which were at home; Aztecs are 6-3 vs spread as favorites this year, 4-3 in games with single digit spread- they won three of last four bowls, winning 42-7/34-10 last two years. Army won its first Commander-in-Chief trophy since 1996; they’re Underdogs are 3-2 vs spread in last five Armed Forces Bowls; academy teams are 1-3 in this bowl, 2-2 vs spread. One thing here; Aztecs’ last played on Nov 24, Army beat Navy on December 9th, so two less weeks of rest.

Toledo (-7.5) vs Appalachian State, Dollar General Bowl, Mobile, AL
Toledo is 10-2 this season, with losses by 22-28 points; Rockets scored 49.3 ppg in winning their last three games since their last loss. Toledo is 7-5 vs spread as a favorite this year, 2-2 in games with single digit spread. Appalachian State is 8-4, allowing total of 30 points in winning their last three games; ASU is 1-1 as an underdog this year, 2-2 in games with a single digit spread. Sun Belt teams are 4-1 vs MAC teams in this bowl (favorites 3-2 vs spread, average total of 63). Rockets are 3-2 in last five bowls, with average total of 72.8; Toledo played in this bowl three years ago, beating Arkansas State 63-44 (-3.5), back when it was GoDaddy Bowl. Appalachian State won its first two bowls 31-29/31-28 the last two years, both in Montgomery, AL. Since 2012, MAC teams are 13-10 vs spread when playing Sun Belt teams.

December 24
Houston (-2.5) vs Fresno State, Hawai’i Bowl
Fresno lost its last five bowl games, scoring only 13.3 ppg in last four. New coach Tedford is 5-3 in bowls in his career. Bulldogs lost this game 30-6/43-10 in 2012, ’14; they won 31-21 here Nov 11, but can you get sick of going to Hawai’i? Fresno is 9-4 this year; they were held to 16 or less points in all four losses. Bulldogs are 6-0 vs spread as an underdog this year, 6-0 in games with single digit spread. Houston won three of last four games; Cougars are 4-5 as a favorite, 2-3 in games with single digit spread. Houston is 3-2 in its last five bowls; Applewhite lost 34-10 in Las Vegas Bowl LY, his first game as a head coach. Favorites covered three of last four Hawai’i Bowls, with average total of 57.2- last five Hawai’i Bowls were all decided by 15+ points. Last five years, Mountain West teams are 8-4 vs spread when playing an AAC opponent.

December 26
Utah (-6.5) vs West Virginia, Heart of Dallas Bowl, Cotton Bowl
Utah coach Whittingham is 10-1 in bowl games, winning last four in row; Utes are 16-4 all-time in bowls, but they’ve lost six of last eight games overall after a 4-0 start. Utah is 5-2 vs spread as a favorite this year, 4-1-1 in games with single digit spread. Utes are 6-1 this year when they allow 24 or less points, 0-5 when they allow more. West Virginia lost its last two games after a 7-3 start; they allowed 87 points in last two games. Mountaineers are 1-3 as an underdog this year, 3-4 in games with single digit spread. WVU is 1-3 in its last four bowls; they’ve allowed 37.8 ppg in last five bowls (2-3) with average total of 73.4. Favorites covered this bowl four of last five years, with an average total of 61.8. Pac-12 favorites are 9-12 vs spread this year out of conference; Big X underdogs are 3-3. Last seven years, Pac-12 teams are 14-8-1 vs spread when playing a Big X team.

Duke (-4.5) vs Northern Illinois, Quick Lane Bowl, Detroit
Duke started out 4-0, then lost six in a row, then won last two games to become bowl eligible; Blue Devils are 1-3 vs spread as a favorite this year, 3-4-1 in games with single digit spread. Northern Illinois split its last four games after a 6-2 start; Huskies are 3-1 as an underdog this year, 2-5 in games with single digit spread. NIU lost 23-20 to Boston College of the ACC back in their season opener. Duke lost four of last five bowls, but beat Indiana 44-41 in OT in their last bowl, two years ago; this is first time since at least 1960 that Duke is favored in a bowl. NIU lost its last four bowls, losing last two 52-23/55-7. MAC teams are 5-18 in their last 23 bowls. ACC favorites are 9-6 vs spread this season out of conference; MAC underdogs are 13-14. Since 2011, ACC teams are 15-10 vs spread when facing a MAC opponent.

Kansas State (-2) vs UCLA, Cactus Bowl, Chase Field, Phoenix
This is likely 78-year old Bill Snyder’s last game as K-State’s coach; the job he’s done making the Wildcats a winning program cannot be overstated. Wildcats won four of last five games; their last three games were all decided by 5 or less points. K-State is 1-4 vs spread as a favorite this year, 1-5 in games with single digit spread. UCLA already fired Jim Mora, hired Chip Kelly; Bruins are 6-6 and scored 30+ points in 3 of the 6 wins. UCLA is 1-3 as an underdog this year, 2-7 in games with single digit spread. Last seven years, Pac-12 teams are 14-8-1 vs spread when playing a Big X team. Big X favorites are 10-5 vs spread out of conference this year; Pac-12 underdogs are 3-3. Underdogs covered four of last five Cactus Bowls; Big 12 teams won the last four Cactus Bowls, with average total of 56.3.

December 27
Florida State (-15.5) vs Southern Miss, Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LA
Jimbo Fisher bolted for Texas A&M; star DB Derwin James is sitting this game out to preserve his NFL Draft status. Seminoles had to win their last three games just to get to 6-6 to be eligible for this game, and FSU plays a true freshman QB. State is 2-6-2 vs spread as a favorite this year, 1-2 in games with double digit spread. Seminoles are 3-2 in last five bowls, with an average total of 62.8. Southern Miss is bowling for 3rd year in row; they split last two bowls, with average total of 62. Eagles are 4-1 vs spread as an underdog this year, 3-2 in games with double digit spread- they lost 24-17 to Kentucky in their only game vs a Power 5 team. Underdogs are 3-2 vs spread in this bowl the last five years, with average total of 66; ACC teams are 1-3 vs spread in Shreveport. ACC teams covered 8 of last 10 meetings with C-USA squads.

Iowa (-2.5) vs Boston College, Pinstripe Bowl, Bronx, NY
From 2000-07, Boston College won 8 bowls in a row; since then, they’re 1-5 in bowls, beating Maryland 36-30 LY. Eagles lost Pinstripe Bowl in OT in 2014. Iowa lost its last five bowls, four by 17+ points; last time they were favored in a bowl was 2008. Hawkeyes are 6-0 when they score 24+ points, 1-5 when they score less. BC won five of its last six games overall; they’re 5-1-1 vs spread as underdogs, 3-1-1 in games with single digit spread. BC is 7-0 when it scores 23+ points, 0-5 when they score less. Iowa is 3-3-1 as a favorite this year, 1-4-1 in games with single digit spread. Hawkeyes Underdogs covered last five Pinstripe Bowls, winning four SU; average total in last five, 59.6. Weather can be an issue in NYC in late December. Last three years, ACC teams are 10-8-1 vs spread when playing Big 14 teams.

Arizona (-4) vs Purdue, Foster Farms Bowl, Santa Clara, CA
Arizona plays high-scoring games; they won three of last four bowls, scoring 42+ points in all three wins. Average total in Wildcats’ last four bowls, 76.5. RichRod is 5-5 overall in bowls. Arizona lost three of last four games after a 6-2 start, giving up 42+ points in last three losses. Wildcats allowed 30+ points in four of last five wins. Purdue is in its first bowl since 2012; Brohm was 2-0 in bowls at WKU, scoring 51-45 points. Boilers won 3 of last 4 games to get to 6-6- they’re 4-2 as an underdog this year, 5-3 in games with single digit spread. held four of last five opponents under 100 rushing yards- how will they contain Arizona’s running QB Tate? Pac-12 teams won four of last five Foster Farm Bowls; favorites covered 3 of 5, with average total, 63.8. since 2013, Big 14 teams are 17-10-1 vs spread when playing Pac-12 foes.

Missouri (-3) vs Texas, Texas Bowl, Houston
Three of last four teams Mizzou beat fired their coach after season- they’re 0-5 vs bowl teams this season. Missouri was 1-5 after a 53-28 loss at Georgia Oct 14; they went 6-0 after that, scoring 51.6 ppg, mostly against dregs of SEC, plus Idaho/UConn. Tigers are 5-3 vs spread as favorites this year, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Mizzou had lot of off-field issues last few years- this is their first bowl in 3 years- they won last three bowls, scoring 41-41-33 points. This is Odom’s first bowl as a HC. Texas is on its 3rd HC in five years; Texas lost last two bowls 30-7/31-7- their last bowl was here in Houston in ’14. Herman won his only bowl when he was at Houston. Texas is 4-1 as an underdog this year, 5-2 in games with single digit spread. Favorites won/covered last three Texas Bowls; average total in last five Texas Bowls, 57.

December 28
Virginia @ Navy (-1), Military Bowl, Annapolis
Virginia is in its first bowl in six years; they lost five of last six games after a 5-1 start, with all five of those losses by 10+ points. Virginia allowed 200+ rushing yards in five of last seven games, a red flag vs Navy’s option attack. Cavaliers are 2-3 SU on road this year, 2-2 as road underdog- they won at Boise/North Carolina. Navy lost six of its last seven games after a 5-0 start, scoring 17 or less points in last three games; Middies are 4-1 at home this year, with only loss to unbeaten UCF. Navy won three of its last four bowls, scoring 44-45 points in last two bowls. Middies won this bowl 44-28 (-3) over Pitt two years ago. Favorites are 3-2 vs spread in this bowl, with average total, 56.4. Last three years, AAC teams are 13-8 vs spread when playing an ACC team. ACC teams are 11-7 vs spread this season in true road games.

Oklahoma State (-4.5) vs Virginia Tech, Camping World Bowl, Orlando
Virginia Tech won its last three bowl games, scoring 33-55-35 points; Fuente is 2-0 in bowls as a HC. Hokies allowed 17 or less points in its last eight wins; they allowed 31-28-28 points in their three losses. Hokies are 0-2 as an underdog this year. Oklahoma State scored 31+ points in every game but one this year; they scored 40+ in their last five games. split its last four games after a 7-1 start; Cowboys are 5-6-1 vs spread as favorite this year, 1-4 in games with single digit spread. OSU is only +1 in turnovers this year, after being +31 the last four years. Since 2012, ACC teams are 8-6 vs spread when playing a Big X opponent. Cowboys are 3-2 in last five bowls, with average total, 62. ACC teams are 4-1 vs Big X in this bowl the last five years; favorites are 3-2 vs spread here, with average total. 49.2.

TCU (-2.5) vs Stanford, Alamo Bowl, El Paso
TCU split its last six games after a 7-0 start; Horned Frogs are 5-4 vs spread as a favorite this year, 5-3 in games with a single-digit spread. TCU was held to 7-20-17 points in its three losses. Stanford won eight of last ten games after a 1-2 start; Cardinals is 3-1 as an underdog this year, 4-3-1 in games with single-digit spread. Stanford won its last three bowls, scoring 45-45-25 points; this is first time since 2011 they’re a bowl underdog. Shaw is 4-2 in bowl games. TCU is 3-2 in its last five bowls; underdogs covered four of the five games. Underdogs are 3-2 in this bowl last five years, with average total, 60.8. TCU won this bowl 47-41 in OT over Oregon two years ago. Since 2011, Big X teams are 14-8-1 vs spread when playing a Pac-12 opponent.

Washington State (-1.5) vs Michigan State; Holiday Bowl, San Diego
Underdogs covered last five Holiday Bowls, winning four of them SU. Michigan State pulled four SU bowl upsets in row before getting smoked 38-0 in bowl in ’16- they didn’t go bowling LY. Washington State is 1-2 in bowls under Leach, scoring only 20-12 points last two years; they lost this bowl 17-12 (-10) to Minnesota LY, won it 28-20 (+9.5) in ‘03. Leach is 6-6 overall in bowls. Underdogs cover four of Wazzu’s last five bowls. Spartans allowed 38+ points in all three of their losses; MSU is 2-2 as an underdog this year, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Coogs split their last six games after a 6-0 start; all three of their losses were by 21+ points. WSU is 4-2 as a favorite this year, 5-3 in games with single digit spread. Since 2013, Big 14 teams are 18-10-1 vs spread when playing Pac-12 teams.

December 29
Texas A&M vs Wake Forest (-3); Belk Bowl, Charlotte
Texas A&M lost its first game this year 45-44 at UCLA, after leading 44-10, which led to eventual ouster of HC Sumlin. Aggies went 3-4 in last seven games after a 4-1 start; they’re 3-2-1 as an underdog this year, 4-2 in games with single digit spread. New A&M coach Jimbo Fisher isn’t coaching this game; interim coach Jeff Banks will coach. Wake Forest went 3-5 in its last eight games after a 4-0 start; they’re 2-2 as favorites this year, 5-2 in games with single digit spread. This is an unusual bowl, in that favorites won/covered last five Belk Bowls, with average total of 65.4. Aggies lost last two bowls 27-21/33-28 after winning three n row before that. This is essentially a home game for Deacons, who won their bowl 34-26 (+12) LY, their first bowl since 2011. Wake is 7-4 all-time in bowls, so getting in a bowl is a big deal for them.

NC State (-6.5) vs Arizona State; Sun Bowl, El Paso
Sun Devils in Sun Bowl? Arizona State fired its coach, kept both coordinators, but they both quit anyway; WRs coach was moved up to OC. ASU won three of last four games, scoring 37+ points in all four games; they’re 5-2-1 as an underdog this year, 3-3-1 in games with single digit spread. NC State went 2-3 in its last five games after a 6-1 start; State is 1-4-1 as favorites this year, 1-3-1 in games with single digit spread. Wolfpack is 3-2 in their last five bowls, with average total 63. Favorites covered four of the five games. Sun Devils are 2-3 in last five bowls, winning Sun Bowl 36-31 (-7) vs Duke three years ago- dogs covered their last three bowls. Average total in their last five bowls, 76.4. Favorites won this bowl the last four years (2-1-1 vs spread); average total in the last five Sun Bowls is 46.2.

Northwestern (-7.5) vs Kentucky; Music City Bowl, Nashville
Northwestern won its last seven games after a 2-3 start, including three OT wins in a row; they are 6-2 as favorites this year, 6-1 in games wth single digit spread. Wildcats won their last two games by combined scored of 81-7. Kentucky lost four of last six games after a 5-1 start; they’re 3-3 as underdogs this year, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Wildcats lost last two games, 42-13/44-17. Kentucky lost its last three bowls by 8-17-15 points, scoring 13.7 ppg; LY was their first bowl since ’10- they lost this bowl 21-13 in ’10, won it 35-28 in ’07. Wildcats won two of last three bowls after Fitzgerald lost his first four bowls- this is first time in 20+ years that Northwestern is favored in a bowl. Favorites won four of last five Music City Bowls (4-1 vs spread); SEC teams are 3-2 in this game the last five years.

Utah State (-4) vs New Mexico State; Arizona Bowl, Tucson
New Mexico State is in its first bowl since 1960- they’ve got to be excited. NMS won three of last four games to become bowl eligible; they’re 4-2 vs spread as an underdog this year, 4-2 in games with single digit spread- they upset New Mexico 30-28 (+7.5) of Mountain West early in season. USU is 3-4 in its last seven games; they’re 2-0 as favorites this year, 4-3 vs spread in games with single digit spread. NMS lost 41-7 at Utah State in teams’ last meeting, five years ago. USU won three of its last four bowls, scoring exactly 21 points in last three- they didn’t go bowling LY. Favorites split first two Arizona Bowls; average total was 58.5. Last three years, Mountain West teams are 6-4-1 vs spread when facing a Sun Belt opponent. Over is 8-3 in USU games this year, 5-3 in NMS’s last eight games.

USC vs Ohio State (-7.5), Cotton Bowl, Arlington, TX
USC won its last five games, last two by total of 8 points; they didn’t have an off-week during season until week before ac-12 title game, so they will be lot fresher here. Trojans are 0-1 as an underdog, 3-3 in games with single digit spread. Ohio State won three of last four bowls, losing 31-0 to Clemson LY; fair to question Buckeyes’ state of mind since they weren’t voted into playoff. Buckeyes won their last four games; they’re 6-7 as a favorite this year, 1-2 in games with single digit spread. USC won three of last four bowls, beating Penn State 52-49 in wild Rose Bowl LY; Trojans are 1-4 vs spread in last five bowls- this is first time they’ve been bowl underdog since since ’06 Rose Bowl, which they won. Favorites are 3-2 vs spread in last five Cotton Bowls, with average total of 57.4.

December 30
Louisville (-6.5) vs Mississippi State, Tax Slayer Bowl, Jacksonville
Bolting a job for a team in the same league is a serious kick in the teeth; Dan Mullen is now the coach at Florida- not good for Miss State, which also lost QB Fitzgerald to injury in Egg Bowl loss to Ole Miss. Bulldogs are 2-2 as an underdog this year, 2-2 in games with dingle digit spread. Likely last college game for Louisville QB Jackson; Cardinals are 17-8 SU last two years. Cards won last three games, scoring 46 ppg; they’re 4-6 as favorites this year, 0-3 in games with a single digit spread. Favorites won/covered this game last three years; SEC teams are 2-3 in this game last five years, with average total of 52.4- Miss State lost 34-20 (-1) here in 2012. Louisville is 3-2 in its last five bowls; favorites covered their last four. Bulldogs won three of last four bowls, but they were favored in all four, with average total of 62.3.

Memphis (-3.5) vs Iowa State, Liberty Bowl, Memphis
Iowa State had a great year, coming from nowhere to go 5-4 in tough Big X despite using four different QB’s, one of whom is also starting MLB; Cyclones are 6-2 vs spread as an underdog this year, 6-2 in games with a single digit spread. This is ISU’s first bowl game since 2012. Memphis lost four of its last five bowls, allowing 31+ points in all five, 41+ in 4 of 5. Tigers are 5-2 as favorites this year, 2-3 in games with single digit spread. In their last three games, Tigers allowed 477-466-726 yards- they have a great WR (Miller) and a terrible defense. I’m serious; Iowa State’s starting QB was OK with being a middle LB, and their coach didn’t bolt for more ca$h— they have outstanding team chemistry. Obviously a home game for Memphis; this is first time in five years there is no SEC team here. Average total in last five Liberty Bowls: 60.6. Iowa State is 3-1 vs spread as a road underdog this season.

Penn State (-2) vs Washington, Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, AZ
Penn State is a bully team; they’ve got nine wins by 19+ points this year, but their two losses are by total of 5 points, in consecutive weeks at Ohio State/Michigan State. PSU’s only close win was 21-19 at Iowa. Nittany Lions are 6-5 as a favorite this year, 2-0 in games with single digit spread. Washington is 10-2, with losses at ASU/Stanford; Huskies were favored by 7.5+ points in every game this year- they’re 5-6 as an underdog under Petersen. PSU is favored in a bowl for first time since they beat LSU 19-17 (-1) in ’09 Capital One Bowl. Lions lost four of last five bowls, allowing 34.6 ppg. Washington is 2-3 in its last five bowls. Underdogs are 3-2 vs spread in last five Fiesta Bowls, all of which were decided by 8+ points; average total is 57.4. Big 14 teams are 18-10-1 vs spread in last 29 games when playing Pac-12 teams.

Wisconsin (-6) @ Miami, Orange Bowl, Miami
Underdogs won last four Orange Bowls SU; ACC teams won/covered last five Orange Bowls, with two of the upset wins over Big 14 teams. Richt is 10-5 in bowls; his 31-14 bowl win LY ended Miami’s 7-game bowl losing streak. Hurricanes lost their last two games after a 10-0 start; they’re 1-1 as underdogs this year, 4-1 in games with single digit spread. Wisconsin was 12-0 before losing Big 14 title game 27-21 to Ohio State; Badgers are 8-4 as favorites this year, 1-1 in games with single digit spread. Wisconsin won its last three bowls, by 3-2-8 points; underdogs are 3-1-1 vs spread in their last five bowls. Since 2011, Miami is 6-2 as a home underdog; they waxed Notre Dame 41-8 in their only game as a home dog this season. Wisconsin is 9-2 as road favorites under Chryst.

January 1
Michigan (-8) vs South Carolina; Outback Bowl, Tampa
South Carolina is 8-4; they were held to 17 or less points in all four losses. Gamecocks are 6-1 vs spread as an underdog this year, 6-2-1 in games with single digit spread. Michigan held 8 of 12 opponents to 17 or less points; they’re also 8-4, losing last two games to Ohio St/Wisconsin. Wolverines are 4-4-1 as favorites this year, 1-2-1 in games with single digit spread. SEC teams are 4-1 vs Big 14 in this bowl last five years, winning 30-3/45-6 last two years; favorites are 2-2-1 vs spread in this bowl last five years. Michigan lost three of last four bowls; they lost this game 33-28 (+5) to So Carolina in 2012. Gamecocks had their 4-bowl win streak snapped by South Florida in OT LY- they’re 4-0-1 vs spread in last five bowls. Harbaugh is 2-2 overall in bowls, but Michigan scored 73 points in splitting his two bowls the last two years.

Auburn (-9.5) vs Central Florida, Peach Bowl, Atlanta
You get 9.5 points with undefeated UCF whose coach quit 45 seconds after their last game, but those coaches are going to coach this game, which is odd. Knights scored 38+ points in nine of 11 games- they scored 31 in each of other two. UCF is 1-0 as an underdog this year, 4-0 in games with a single digit spread. Auburn lost SEC title game on this field Dec 2nd; Tigers are 11-2- they scored 6-7 points in losses to Clemson, Georgia, but they also beat Auburn 40-17 at home Nov 11. Tigers are 3-4-1 vs spread as a favorite this year, 3-3 in games with a single digit spread. Knights went 0-12 two years ago, so this is big deal to them- they’re 3-5 all-time in bowls, losing last two, allowing 35.7 ppg in last three. Auburn lost three of its last four bowl games. Underdogs are 3-2 vs spread in last five Peach Bowls; last three were all decided by 14 points.

LSU (-3) vs Notre Dame, Citrus Bowl, Orlando
LSU won three of last four bowls; loss was 31-28 (-8) to Notre Dame in Music City Bowl three years ago. Notre Dame is 2-3 in last five bowls (1-4 vs spread)- average total in their last four bowls is 58. LSU won six of its last seven games after a 3-2 start; they covered last six games, are 5-4 as favorites this year, 2-2 in games with single digit spread. Notre Dame lost two of last three games after an 8-1 start, losing 41-8 at Miami, 38-20 at Stanford; they were favored in every game this season. Irish are 3-3 in games with single digit spread. SEC teams are 4-1 in last five Citrus Bowls, all of which were decided by 10+ points; Tigers won this game 29-9 over Louisville LY. I’m not fond of backing bowl teams going to same place 2nd year in row, although Orlando/DisneyWorld is better than average bowl destination.

Georgia (-1.5) vs Oklahoma; Rose Bowl, Pasadena
SEC/Big X Rose Bowl is just weird. Georgia’s soph QB Fromm vs Oklahoma’s senior Mayfield. Dawgs’ only loss this year was 40-17 at Auburn- they avenged that three weeks later in SEC title game. Georgia ran ball for 238+ yards in each of their last eight wins, allowed 13 or less points in last five wins- they’ll try and run ball here and keep ball away from Sooners, who allowed 31+ points in four of their wins this year. Dawgs are 8-3 as favorites this year, 3-1 in games with single digit spreads. Oklahoma won its last eight games after Iowa State upset them; Sooners scored 38+ points in each of last seven games. Favorites won four of last five Rose Bowls (2-2-1 vs spread); average total in last five was 63.8. Georgia won its last three bowls, allowing 18 ppg; they covered four of last five bowls. Oklahoma is 2-3 in its last five bowl games.

Alabama (-3) vs Clemson; Sugar Bowl, New Orleans
Crimson Tide was 11-0 until they lost Iron Bowl, then they didn’t even win their half of SEC. Alabama is 4-7 as favorites this year, 1-1 in games with single digit spread. Clemson has a soph QB; they won last six games after October loss at Syracuse (in a dome)- they covered last four games. Tigers are 3-0 vs spread in games with single digit spread- they’re underdog for first time this season. Alabama’s soph QB Hurts is 24-2 as a starter; Tide lost 35-31 (-6) to Clemson in national title game LY, after beating Tigers 45-40 (-6.5) in title game two years ago. Bama is 6-2 in last eight bowl games, counting SEC title games, which they missed this year. Clemson is 4-1 in its last five bowls; they scored 40 points in the one loss. SEC teams are 1-4 in this bowl the last five years; favorites won/covered last two years, after the underdogs won SU previous three years. Clemson coach Swinney is 5th Clemson head football coach who was an Alabama grad.

2017-18 bowl results
Troy (-6.5) 50, North Texas 30
Georgia State (+6.5) 27, Western Kentucky 17
Boise State (+7) 38, Oregon 28
Marshall (+4) 31, Colorado State 28
Middle Tennessee State (+3) 35, Arkansas State 30
Florida Atlantic (-22) 50, Akron 3
Louisiana Tech (+5) 51, SMU 10
Temple (-7) 28, Florida International 3
Ohio U (-6.5) 41, UAB 6
Wyoming (-2.5) 37, Central Michigan 14
South Florida (-2) 38, Texas Tech 34
Army (+6.5) 42, San Diego Satte 35
Appalachian State (+6.5) 34, Toledo 0
Fresno State 33 (+3), Houston 27
Utah (-6.5) 30, West Virginia 14
Duke (-5.5) 36, Northern Illinois 14
Kansas State (-6.5) 35, UCLA 17
Florida State (-12) 42, Southern Mississippi 13
Iowa (-2.5) 27, Boston College 20
Purdue (+2.5) 38, Arizona 35
Texas (+3) 33, Missouri 16

Favorites: 10-10 vs spread
totals: over 12-8

[Udog]

Wiseguys are advising to jump on these early bowl odds now
Steve Merril

Sharps have flagged these bowl games as early lines to keep an eye on.

Spread to bet now

Florida International (+7) vs. Temple

This line for the Gasparilla Bowl opened +8 and was quickly bet down to +7 before it even opened at some other major sportsbooks. Play it now before it dips below this key number. Florida International will be excited for this game after a 4-8 SU season last year. It is the Panthers' first bowl game in six years. They were a solid 8-4 SU this year and finished the regular season with back-to-back wins in which they scored 104 points combined on offense.

Temple will be less excited for this game after a mediocre 6-6 SU regular season. The Owls were 10-3 SU last year before losing their bowl game as a 12-point favorite. Temple was also 10-3 SU in the 2015 regular season when they lost by 15 points as a 2.5-point bowl favorite. The Owls were a weak offensive team this season, averaging just 24.8 points per game on 5.5 yards per play (versus opponents that allow 28.6 ppg and 6.1 yppl).

Spread to bet now

Appalachian State (+7.5) vs. Toledo

This line for the Dollar General Bowl opened at +8 and was quickly bet down to +7.5. Play it now while it remains above the key number of +7. Appalachian State enters with solid offensive momentum as they scored 31 points or more in three of their final four regular season games. Overall, the Mountaineers averaged 33.4 points per game on 6.5 yards per play this year, while allowing just 21.9 points per game on 5.5 yards per play.

Toledo also enters off three straight wins, but might be a little flat after winning the MAC championship game. Toledo probably was hoping for a better bowl bid after a solid 11-2 SU season. The Rockets were strong offensively this year, but weak on defense as they allowed 5.6 yards per play versus a schedule of weak offensive opponents that averaged just 5.3 yppl overall. Toledo's defense is now taking a substantial step-up in class. The Rockets lost last year, 31-28, versus Appalachian State in the Camellia Bowl.

Total to bet now

Georgia State vs. Western Kentucky (52)

This total for the Autonation Cure Bowl has risen a couple points higher since opening. These early minor bowl games do have a tendency to be higher scoring, but that might not be the case in this game with two weak offensive teams. Georgia State averaged a paltry 19.7 points per game this season on just 5.4 yards per play (versus opponents that allowed 26.4 ppg on 5.8 yppl). Meanwhile, Western Kentucky averaged just 26.2 points per game on only 5.3 yards per play (versus opponents that allowed 29.7 ppg on 5.8 yppl).

Both offenses were particularly weak down the stretch. Western Kentucky scored 23 points or less in three of their final four regular season games. Georgia State scored only 10 points in each of their final two games. The Panthers have a 5-1 Under mark in their past six games overall. Last year, Georgia State managed just 16 total points in this same bowl game.

[Udog]

NCAAF
Dunkel

Bowl Season

Saturday, December 16

NC A&T @ Grambling

Game 199-200
December 16, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC A&T
64.289
Grambling
58.334
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC A&T
by 6
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC A&T
by 9 1/2
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Grambling
(+9 1/2); Under

North Texas @ Troy

Game 201-202
December 16, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
North Texas
82.335
Troy
86.417
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Troy
by 4
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Troy
by 6 1/2
62
Dunkel Pick:
North Texas
(+6 1/2); Over

Georgia State @ Western Kentucky

Game 203-204
December 16, 2017 @ 2:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Georgia State
74.812
Western Kentucky
84.336
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Western Kentucky
by 9 1/2
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Western Kentucky
by 6
52
Dunkel Pick:
Western Kentucky
(-6); Under

Oregon @ Boise State

Game 205-206
December 16, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon
100.773
Boise State
90.674
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oregon
by 10
63
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oregon
by 7
59 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon
(-7); Over

Marshall @ Colorado State

Game 207-208
December 16, 2017 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Marshall
76.405
Colorado State
83.467
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado State
by 7
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado State
by 5 1/2
58
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado State
(-5 1/2); Under

Middle Tennessee St @ Arkansas St

Game 209-210
December 16, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Middle Tennessee
80.403
Arkansas St
87.553
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arkansas St
by 7
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arkansas St
by 3 1/2
62
Dunkel Pick:
Arkansas St
(-3 1/2); Over


Tuesday, December 19

Akron @ Florida Atlantic

Game 211-212
December 19, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
77.302
Florida Atlantic
94.779
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida Atlantic
by 17 1/2
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida Atlantic
by 23
61 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Akron
(+23); Over


Wednesday, December 20

Louisiana Tech @ SMU

Game 213-214
December 20, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisiana Tech
79.822
SMU
81.732
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
SMU
by 2
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
SMU
by 5
70
Dunkel Pick:
Louisiana Tech
(+5); Under


Thursday, December 21

Temple @ FIU

Game 215-216
December 21, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Temple
81.975
FIU
76.899
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Temple
by 5
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Temple
by 7 1/2
56
Dunkel Pick:
FIU
(+7 1/2); Over


Friday, December 22

UAB @ Ohio

Game 217-218
December 22, 2017 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UAB
76.334
Ohio
79.872
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio
by 3 1/2
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio
by 8
57 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
UAB
(+8); Under

Central Michigan @ Wyoming

Game 219-220
December 22, 2017 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Central Michigan
83.665
Wyoming
80.740
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Central Michigan
by 3
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Central Michigan
Pick
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Central Michigan
Over


Saturday, December 23

Texas Tech @ South Florida

Game 221-222
December 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas Tech
87.322
South Florida
93.567
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Florida
by 6
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Florida
by 2
67
Dunkel Pick:
South Florida
(-2); Under

Army @ San Diego St

Game 223-224
December 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Army
87.882
San Diego St
92.719
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego St
by 5
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego St
by 7
46
Dunkel Pick:
Army
(+7); Over

Appalachian St @ Toledo

Game 225-226
December 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Appalachian St
88.443
Toledo
92.819
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toledo
by 4 1/2
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toledo
by 8
63
Dunkel Pick:
Appalachian St
(+8); Under


Sunday, December 24

Houston @ Fresno State

Game 227-228
December 24, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
92.404
Fresno State
88.337
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 4
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-2); Under


Tuesday, December 26

Utah @ West Virginia

Game 229-230
December 26, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
99.409
West Virginia
89.335
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 10
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 6 1/2
56 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-6 1/2); Over

Northern Illinois @ Duke

Game 231-232
December 26, 2017 @ 5:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northern Illinois
88.403
Duke
95.957
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 7 1/2
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 5 1/2
47 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Duke
(-5); Under

Kansas State @ UCLA

Game 233-234
December 26, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas State
98.103
UCLA
92.556
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas State
by 5 1/2
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas State
by 2
63 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas State
(-2); Over


Wednesday, December 27

Southern Miss @ Florida State

Game 235-236
December 27, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Southern Miss
83.445
Florida State
95.509
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida State
by 12
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida State
by 15 1/2
49
Dunkel Pick:
Southern Miss
(+15 1/2); Over

Boston College @ Iowa

Game 237-238
December 27, 2017 @ 5:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston College
97.203
Iowa
96.445
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston College
by 1
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iowa
by 3
46 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston College
(+3); Under

Missouri @ Texas

Game 239-240
December 27, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Missouri
100.703
Texas
93.664
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Missouri
by 7
66
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Missouri
by 3
60 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Missouri
(-3); Over

Purdue @ Arizona

Game 275-276
December 27, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Purdue
92.135
Arizona
98.226
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 6
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 3 1/2
66 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-3 1/2); Under


Thursday, December 28

Virginia @ Navy

Game 241-242
December 28, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Virginia
85.445
Navy
86.908
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Navy
by 1 1/2
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Virginia
by 1 1/2
54
Dunkel Pick:
Navy
(+1 1/2); Over

Virginia Tech @ Oklahoma State

Game 243-244
December 28, 2017 @ 5:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Virginia Tech
97.988
Oklahoma State
99.452
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma State
by 1 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma State
by 4 1/2
63
Dunkel Pick:
Virginia Tech
(+4 1/2); Under

Stanford @ TCU

Game 245-246
December 28, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Stanford
101.802
TCU
101.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Stanford
Even
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
TCU
by 2 1/2
49
Dunkel Pick:
Stanford
(+2 1/2); Under

Michigan State @ Washington St

Game 277-278
December 28, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Michigan State
96.404
Washington St
94.812
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan State
by 1 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington St
by 3
45
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan State
(+3); Over


Friday, December 29

Texas A&M @ Wake Forest

Game 247-248
December 29, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas A&M
90.976
Wake Forest
96.404
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wake Forest
by 5 1/2
61
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wake Forest
by 3
65
Dunkel Pick:
Wake Forest
(-3); Under

NC State @ Arizona State

Game 249-250
December 29, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC State
100.780
Arizona State
92.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC State
by 8
65
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC State
by 6
59 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NC State
(-6); Over

Kentucky @ Northwestern

Game 251-252
December 29, 2017 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kentucky
95.559
Northwestern
99.677
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northwestern
by 4
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northwestern
by 7 1/2
51
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(+7 1/2); Over

Utah State @ New Mexico St

Game 253-254
December 29, 2017 @ 5:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
80.782
New Mexico St
78.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah State
by 2
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah State
by 4
62
Dunkel Pick:
New Mexico St
(+4); Under

USC @ Ohio State

Game 255-256
December 29, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
USC
101.987
Ohio State
114.886
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 13
69
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 7
64 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio State
(-7); Over


Saturday, December 30

Louisville @ Mississippi St

Game 257-258
December 30, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisville
103.669
Mississippi St
92.147
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisville
by 11 1/2
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisville
by 6 1/2
63
Dunkel Pick:
Louisville
(-6 1/2); Under

Iowa State @ Memphis

Game 259-260
December 30, 2017 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Iowa State
97.335
Memphis
102.419
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 5
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 3 1/2
66
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(-3 1/2); Under

Washington @ Penn State

Game 261-262
December 30, 2017 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
106.710
Penn State
111.229
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Penn State
by 4 1/2
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Penn State
by 2
55
Dunkel Pick:
Penn State
(-2); Over

Wisconsin @ Miami-FL

Game 263-264
December 30, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wisconsin
105.791
Miami-FL
100.675
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 5
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 7
45
Dunkel Pick:
Miami-FL
(+7); Over


Monday, January 1

South Carolina @ Michigan

Game 265-266
January 1, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
South Carolina
94.366
Michigan
97.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan
by 3
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 7 1/2
43
Dunkel Pick:
South Carolina
(+7 1/2); Under

Central Florida @ Auburn

Game 267-268
January 1, 2018 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Central Florida
97.665
Auburn
110.785
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Auburn
by 13
72
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Auburn
by 9 1/2
66 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Auburn
(-9 1/2); Over

LSU @ Notre Dame

Game 269-270
January 1, 2018 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LSU
102.479
Notre Dame
96.012
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LSU
by 6 1/2
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LSU
by 3
51 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LSU
(-3); Under

Georgia @ Oklahoma

Game 271-272
January 1, 2018 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Georgia
113.909
Oklahoma
116.239
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma
by 2 1/2
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Georgia
by 2
60
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma
(+2); Under

Alabama @ Clemson

Game 273-274
January 1, 2018 @ 8:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Alabama
113.525
Clemson
115.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Clemson
by 2
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alabama
by 3
47
Dunkel Pick:
Clemson
(+3); Over

[Udog]

CAPPING THE COACHES
Jason Logan

One of the biggest differences between wagering on college and professional sports is the impact of the coaching. In the college ranks, these coaches are the molders of young men and build a program from the bottom up, having a bigger influence on how the game is played. Oddsmakers factor coaching into the lines in college sports more than any other option.

That’s why it’s such a big deal when coaches are swapped out just before bowl season. Whether it be a coach taking a new job and leaving his former team in the hands of his assistants or a team firing its coach just before the postseason and pretty much hoping for the best in the bowl game. Bettors can find added value when handicapping the turnover on the sidelines.

“Teams and players often rally behind a new coach or departing coach, while other times players and teams are disappointed and provide a weak effort,” says Covers Expert Steve Merril.

Perhaps the biggest coaching change, as it pertains to bowl season, is Scott Frost leaving Central Florida for the job at Nebraska ahead of the Knights' showdown with Auburn as 9.5-point underdogs in the Peach Bowl. Central Florida was snubbed by the CFP committee, despite an undefeated record, and is hoping Frost will be on the sideline for this finale against a SEC power. As of mid-December, Frost is back with the team and running practices and looks like he will coach on New Year’s Day. But, should those plans fall through closer to kickoff, it will be interesting to see where the team’s head is at.

Another big-name coaching move this bowl season is Jimbo Fisher bailing on Florida State for Texas A&M, replacing Kevin Sumlin and putting interim coach Jeff Banks in charge of the Aggies (+3) versus Wake Forest in the Belk Bowl. Fisher’s former programs, the Seminoles, barely became bowl eligible after a disastrous season, and will now face Southern Mississippi in the Independence Bowl, giving 15.5 points to the Golden Eagles on December 27.

Long-time defensive line coach Odell Haggins will step in as interim coach for the bowl game. While Haggins commands a lot of respect, being with the programs since 1994, many of those FSU standouts have to be thinking about their place in new head coach Willie Taggart’s system in 2018. Even Haggins has to be polishing his resume, not knowing his future in Tallahassee.

Taggart left Oregon before its showdown with Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl, and had Mario Cristobal in place as an interim for the bowl game. However, with so much support – especially from the Ducks roster - Cristobal was eventually promoted to head coach and is hoping to ride that momentum to a victory over the Broncos on December 16. Oregon opened -5.5 and is now giving 7.5 points in Las Vegas.

In a funny twist, Arizona State will have recently-fired head coach Todd Graham on the sideline for the Sun Devils' matchups with North Carolina State in the Sun Bowl. Graham was axed at the end of the year - replaced by former NFL head coach Herm Edwards - but he and his staff are hoping the players send them off as winners, despite oddsmakers pegging ASU as a 6.5-point underdog against the Wolfpack in El Paso, Texas.

Mississippi State takes on Louisville in the TaxSlayer Bowl on December minus head coach Dan Mullen, who leaves the Bulldogs for SEC rival Florida. That has interim Greg Knox running things this month as new head coach Joe Moorehead hits the recruiting trail and puts his staff together for 2018. Mississippi State is a 6.5-point underdog for this game at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Rounding out the coaching moves this bowl season is Chad Morris leaving SMU for Arkansas, with the Mustangs as 5-point faves versus Louisiana Tech in the DXL Frisco Bowl. Southern Methodist will look to interim coach Jeff Traylor, who will then go with Morris to the run the Razorbacks. So, who knows where his focus will be for this December 20 game in Frisco, Texas.


DO NOT PLACE MONEY WITHOUT KNOWING MOTIVATION
Jason Logan

Bowl season is many things to many teams.

To some, it’s the culmination of a hard-fought season. To others, it’s a relief from years of losing. And to a few programs, it’s a reminder of missed opportunities and wasted potential. Understanding the mindset of a bowl team is paramount before placing any bets.

Which programs are just happy to be invited to a bowl game and which ones are actually serious about winning? The first step college football bettors should take when looking at potential plays, is to call out any teams disappointed with the bowl they’ve drawn. While some could lack motivation, this situation usually serves as motivation with a chip on the team’s shoulder.

With the implementation of the College Football Playoffs, there has been a new factor thrown into the bowl betting mix with teams sitting just outside the Final Four feeling the sting of the playoff snub heading into their respective bowl game. This time around, Big Ten champ Ohio State didn’t receive an invite, leaving football bettors to question how the Buckeyes players will react to this letdown.

Ohio State settles for a showdown with Southern Cal in the Cotton Bowl, despite winning the Big Ten Championship over then-undefeated Wisconsin. The Buckeyes were edged by Alabama – a one-loss SEC team that didn’t play for its conference title. Oddsmakers currently have OSU pegged as a 7.5-point favorite versus the Trojans in Texas.

Another team feeling disrespected this bowl season could be Central Florida, which finished the regular season 12-0 following a victory in the AAC Championship Game. The Knights were a long shot to squeak into the CFP Final Four but still held out hope of a playoff berth. Instead, UCF is playing Auburn in the Peach Bowl, getting very little respect from books and bettors. It opened +8.5 and is now up to a 9.5-point underdog in Atlanta on New Year’s Day.

Motivation just isn’t reserved for the big boys, though. Programs that barely qualified for bowl eligibility and still earned a berth in a postseason game can often times feel a sense of accomplishment. Covers Expert Art Aronson of AAA Sports calls these “Just glad to be there” teams.

“This might take some digging, but there are teams which are just happy to be aboard the gravy train,” says Aronson. “Coaches get a little more job security and players get to brag when they go home for semester break. With dozens of games, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Littering the bowl season landscape are a number of six-win squads, that just barely qualified for postseason consideration: Western Kentucky, Georgia State, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, Temple, Texas Tech, Utah, Duke, UCLA, Florida State, Texas, Virginia, Navy, New Mexico State, and Utah State all made the bowl grade by the skin of their teeth. Football bettors should do a deep dive into how coaches, players, and even fan bases feel about their respective postseason contests.

Bettors must also measure the motivation of teams that are ending an extended bowl drought, and determine whether they're feeling a false sense of accomplishment – bound for a letdown – or using that big stage to push the program even further up the food chain.

The longest bowl drought being quenched this month is a 57-year bowl absence by the New Mexico State Aggies, making their first bowl appearance since 1960. The Aggies just became bowl eligible with a win in the season finale and now travel to Tucson to play Utah State in the Arizona Bowl on December 29. New Mexico State opened as a 3-point favorite but action against the Aggies has moved this spread all the way to NMSU +4.

The UAB Blazers will be pumped up for their first bowl appearance since 2004, when they face Ohio in the Bahamas Bowl on December 22. There is extra emotion rolling into this bowl appearance as well, as UAB’s football program was shuttered for two years before returning to action this season, finishing 8-4 SU and 8-3-1 ATS. Alabama-Birmingham is a 7.5-point underdog in Nassau.

Lane Kiffin has Florida Atlantic playing in its first bowl game since 2008, guiding the Owls to a 10-3 SU record (9-4 ATS). They face the Akron Zips as 22.5-point chalk in the Boca Raton Bowl, playing on their home field for this December 19 contest.

Other teams snapping bowl droughts this month are: Southern Methodist (2012), Arizona State (2012), Purdue (2013), as well as Missouri and Texas, who both haven’t been to a bowl game since 2014 and met in the Texas Bowl on December 27 with the Tigers set as field-goal favorites.

One of the most underlying motivational capping tools is finding a team playing in the same bowl as it did last season. The 2014-15 bowl schedule found Arkansas State back in the GoDaddy Bowl for the fourth straight season, losing to Toledo 63-44 as a 3.5-point underdog in Mobile, Alabama.

“Teams returning to the same minor bowl game they played in last year tend to become disinterested,” notes Covers Expert Marc Lawrence.

South Florida is back in the Birmingham Bowl for the second straight year, set as a 2.5-point favorite versus Texas Tech on December 23. The Bulls, who edged South Carolina in a wildly-entertaining 46-39 overtime victory in this bowl last season, could be a little flat after earning another trip to Alabama following a crushing loss to UCF in their regular season finale. On top of that, the bowl organizers somehow messed up the school’s name on the official game t-shirts, going with “South Florida University” instead of the proper title, “University of South Florida”.

Mike Leach and his Washington State Cougars are back in the Holiday Bowl, facing Michigan State as 2.5-point favorites. The Cougars lost to another Big Ten school, Minnesota, as 8.5-point chalk in San Diego last year. The venue switches to SDCCU Stadium in 2017 and Leach will be on the sideline for WSU after rumors he was in the running for the Tennessee job. He’s also in the hunt for a new contract extension.

Louisiana State makes its second straight stint in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day, sitting as a field-goal fave to Notre Dame. The Tigers beat down Louisville and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson 29-9 as 3-point chalk. While this is a repeat bowl appearance, LSU doesn’t mind a spot on the January 1 schedule against the Fighting Irish.

And while it’s not a repeat in a particular bowl, Appalachian State and Toledo meet in a rematch of last year’s Camellia Bowl – a 31-28 win by the Mountaineers as 1-point favorites – when the connect for a December 23 date in the Dollar General Bowl. The Rockets are 7.5-point favorites in this rare bowl revenge spot in Mobile, Alabama.


TIME BETWEEN BOWLS GIVES AND TAKES AWAY
Jason Logan

The Ravages of time. Idle hands do the Devil’s work. Time, time time… is on my side. YES IT IS!

All three famed phrases have everything to do with the time between a college football team’s final game of the regular season and its postseason bowl appearance.

Some programs are thrust right into the bowl schedule with a small break between the finale, finals and the bowl game. Other teams are collecting dust for almost a month while they prepare for their year-end showcase.

“The long layoff - several weeks - before the game is played can often lead to bizarre Over or Under-performance by teams involved,” says Steve Merril.

A team that gained momentum late in the year may not have that same mojo working for them in bowl season, thanks to the extended hiatus. Depending on the break between games, programs could be completely different come game day and that opens up a lot of value to go against, with oddsmakers setting these lines based on their past accomplishments.

The gap between the end of the regular season to the bowl game can be more than a month, so what difference does it make if a team won its last six in a row?” asks Covers Expert Art Aronson of AAA Sports.

A good example are the Central Michigan Chippewas, who finished the schedule on a five-game winning streak, becoming bowl eligible along the way and earning a ticket to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Chippewas, who are sitting at a pick’em facing Wyoming on December 22, will have had nearly a month off between the bowl and their final game of the season.

Northwestern was one of the hottest teams in college football, closing the 2017 campaign on a seven-game winning streak and earning a spot in the Music City Bowl versus Kentucky. The Wildcats will have been off for more than a month when they take on the other Wildcats as touchdown favorites on December 29.

The gap between season finale and bowl game, however, can also work in a team’s favor. A late-season swoon or a rash of injuries toward the end of the year can be remedied by a few weeks off.

Auburn is hoping the lengthy hiatus can heal up star running back Kerryon Johnson, who is listed as question with a shoulder injury for the Tigers’ date with UCF in the Peach Bowl. Johnson, who rushed for 1,320 yards and a team-high 19 touchdowns, will have just about a full month to recover between the Tigers’ loss to UGA in the SEC Championship and that New Year’s Day bowl appearance. Auburn could also get linebacker Tre Williams back from a shoulder injury as well.

The bowl break has also allowed Boise State to return two key weapons on offense for its matchup with Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl. Tight end Jake Roh and running back Alexander Mattison are expected to be back from ankle injuries, with the Broncos set as 7.5-point underdogs versus the Ducks on December 16.

Wyoming is hoping that month-long pause is enough to get quarterback Josh Allen back in working order for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl against CMU. Allen passed for 13 touchdowns and ran in another five but injured his throwing shoulder on November 11 and missed the final two games of the season – both losses for the Cowboys.

Will Grier is hoping to be under center for West Virginia’s appearance in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, taking on Utah on December 26. Grier underwent surgery on his broken middle finger on his passing hand in late November and is doubtful for the Mountaineers’ postseason game. Grier, who passed for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns, was replaced by sophomore QB Chris Chugunov in the season finale loss to Oklahoma, completely just 10 of 20 passes for 137 yards.

The Marshall Thundering Herd did get too much downtime between the end of the season and their showcase versus Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl on December 16, but it was enough of a break to get leading receiver Tyre Brady healthy. He’s caught 56 balls for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Marshall is a 5.5-point underdog to CSU.

And UCLA and top NFL Draft prospect Josh Rosen is likely to be on the field for the Bruins versus Kansas State in the Catcus Bowl on December 26. Rosen exited the season finale against Cal with a shoulder injury but the time off has allowed him to be ready for his final college outing.

While the bowl break has allowed those teams – and many others – to heal up, other programs are wishing the postseason game would just get here already. Every bowl season is plagued with news of player suspensions, from either academics or off-field issues, as well as player injuries suffered in the limited practices allowed during bowl prep.

Washington State cut top receiver Tavares Martin Jr. for a violation of team rules last week, leaving the Cougars without their two best outside receiving targets after fellow WR Isaiah Johnson-Mack decided to leave Wazzu and transfer to a school closer to his family in Florida.

Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick was running the risk of being suspended for the Bulldogs’ Rose Bowl matchup against Oklahoma due to drug charges following UGA’s win in the SEC Championship. However, the charges were dropped and the team has yet to hand down any punishment. Patrick was suspended four games earlier this year for misdemeanor marijuana possession.

With finals over and classes done, as well as practices limited by NCAA rules, players don’t have the same structured schedule to keep them busy and out of trouble. And trips home over the holidays have been the catalyst for many suspensions with players getting into fights and violating team rules while visiting with friends and family.

Local media are usually the first sources to report on these issues, so keeping a close ear to the ground and anticipating either injury or disciplinary news is the best way to stay ahead of the bookmakers during the bowl break.


Proximity to location a big factor for college football teams during bowl season
Ashton Grewal

There are three things you need to know before you bet any college football game this bowl season: who’s playing, what’s the pointspread and where is it being played.

Last year teams that traveled fewer miles than their opponents went 29-12 straight up (22-19 ATS) in the 41 college football bowls including the national championship game.

This wasn’t a one-year fluke either. Steve Yoost submitted a study to the Sport Journal in 2009 on the geographical effects on college bowl games. He looked at all 47 BCS bowl games from 1998 to 2009 to try and determine how proximity to a bowl game location can factor as an advantage.

He found that teams with the shorter trip covered the spread at a 55 percent rate (26-21) and 58 percent (24-17) when excluding games with negligible distance differences between the two traveling teams.

Yoost concluded the bowl system needs to be changed so that there wouldn’t be as much of a built-in advantage for schools playing in their own backyard. The problem is, of course, the people deciding the matchups aren’t interested in making things fair. They want the games to sellout and there to be enough local interest so that tickets can be marked up.

It’s much easier to drum up interest when one of the teams playing is essentially a home team. Take Florida Atlantic for example. The Owls will be playing in their home stadium for this year’s Boca Raton Bowl. Last year’s announced attendance for the game was a little over 25,000 in a stadium that holds 30,000, but pictures tell a story different story.

The Boca Raton Bowl committee is thrilled to have a locate team to pedal in its quest to sell this game out. Florida Atlantic opened as 17.5-point chalk against Akron but the line was quickly bet up to 22.5.

Here are a few more games with a large disparity in distance between the invited schools.

Military Bowl
Navy vs. Virginia
Odds: Pick, 55
Location: Navy’s home field

Liberty Bowl
Memphis vs. Iowa State
Odds: Memphis -3.5, 66
Location: Memphis’ home field

Orange Bowl
Miami vs. Wisconsin
Odds: Wisconsin -6.5, 45
Location: Miami’s home field

Belk Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M
Odds: Wake -3, 64.5
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte NC – a little over an hour away from Wake’s campus.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 16

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R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: Troy vs. North Texas
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Troy Trojans vs. North Texas Mean Green (+7, 62)

Game to be played at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Former Sun Belt Conference rivals Troy and North Texas will meet in the New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Dec. 16. Troy leads the series 8-2, including a 2005 win that snapped the Mean Green's 26-game conference win streak. Troy won a share of its sixth Sun Belt title this season while the Mean Green won four Sun Belt titles between 2001-2004.

Troy senior quarterback Brandon Silvers (2,985 passing yards, 13 touchdowns) and the Trojans have scored 38.7 points during a six-game win streak - 17.4 points more than their first six games. North Texas sophomore quarterback Mason Fine broke single-season school records with 3,749 yards and 28 touchdowns on the way to first-team All-Conference USA honors. The Mean Green are on track to break single-season records in scoring (467 points) and total offense (467.0).

The Trojans finished the regular season leading the nation in red-zone defense, holding opponents to 23 scores (six rushing TDs, 10 passing TD and seven field goals) in 39 attempts. The Troy defense is ranked 11th in scoring defense (17.5 points) and has 101 tackles for loss - five away from setting a single-season school record. The Trojans could get a break if North Texas is without 1,000-yard rusher Jeffery Wilson, who missed the last two games with a broken bone in his foot.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: The Trojans opened this bowl game as 6.5-point chalk and at most books were bet up slightly to a converted touchdown. The total hit the betting board at 62 and briefly went up to 62.5 before returning to the opening number.

WHERE THE ACTION IS: As of Thursday night Troy was getting 76 percent of the total tickets and 81 percent of the money according to William Hill US.

INJURY REPORT:

Troy - CB Orlando Lacey (Out For Season, Knee),

North Texas - WR Jalen Guyton (Questionable, Concussion), RB Jeffrey Wilson (Out Indefinitely, Ankle), DL Sid Moore (Out Indefinitely, Ankle), DT Bryce English (Out Indefinitely, Foot).

WEATHER REPORT: Dome

ABOUT TROY (10-2 SU, 5-7 ATS, 3-9 O/U): Silvers - who has 82 total career touchdowns and needs two sores to tie Corey Robinson's school record - has thrown 11 of his touchdowns during the win streak. Freshman cornerback Marcus Jones (44 tackles) returned an interception 100 yards in the season finale and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns on the way to a conference-record 32.9-yard kickoff return average. Troy, which is 2-1 at the New Orleans Bowl, has won 21 of its past 26 games under coach Neal Brown after he started 3-8 in 2015.

ABOUT NORTH TEXAS (9-4 SU, 8-5 ATS, 8-5 O/U): Wilson rushed for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns - and sits third in school history with 32 career rushing scores - before getting hurt. Sophomores Michael Lawrence (56 catches, 749 yards, three TDs), Jalen Guyton (48 catches, 764 yards, nine TDs) and Rico Bussey (43 catches, 613 yards, six TDs) account for more than half of Fine's touchdown passes. The Mean Green, who are playing in the New Orleans Bowl for the fifth time, are seeking their first 10-win season since 1977.

TRENDS:

* Trojans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

* Mean Green are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.

* Over is 6-0 in Trojans last 6 Bowl games.

* Over is 6-0 in Trojans last 6 neutral site games.

* Over is 5-1 in Mean Green last 6 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the favorite Troy Trojans at a rate of 56 percent and the Over is getting 53 percent of the totals action.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 16

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Autonation Cure Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: Western Kentucky vs Georgia State
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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Georgia State Panthers (+6.5, 53.5)

Game to be played at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

A first-year head coach is going to cap his debut season with a victory when Western Kentucky faces Georgia State in the Cure Bowl on Dec. 16 in Orlando, Fla. Under former Boise State quarterback Mike Sanford, the Hilltoppers went .500 in Conference USA and finished ninth in FBS in passing offense. Directed by former South Carolina offensive coordinator Shawn Elliott, Georgia State won five road games en route to a fourth-place finish in the Sun Belt.

Both teams rely on strong passing attacks. Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White is a Senior Bowl invitee who led Conference USA in total offense, passing yards, completion percentage and passing yards per game. Georgia State quarterback Conner Manning paced the Sun Belt in completion percentage and often directed his passes toward Penny Hart, who set a school record with 73 receptions for 1,094 yards and eight touchdowns.

Western Kentucky and Georgia State each stumbled to finish the regular season. The Hilltoppers dropped four of their final contests, three of those defeats by 14 or more points. The Panthers mustered only 20 points in back-to-back losses to conclude the regular season, and their defense gave up 28.3 points per game while losing two of their final three contests.

TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened Western Kentucky as 5-point favorites and money continued to come in on the Hilltoppers pushing that line to 6.5 at most shops. The total hit the betting board as 51 and has been bet up to 53.5.

WHERE THE ACTION IS: As of Thursday night Western Kentucky was getting 72 percent of the total tickets and 71 percent of the money according to William Hill US.

INJURY REPORT:

Western Kentucky - DB Marcus Ward (Probable, Knee), DL Jaylon George (Questionable, Disciplinary), WR Cameron Echols-Luper (Out for Season, Back), LB Demetrius Cain (Out for Season, Lower Body), RB Quinton Baker (Out for Season, Upper Body).

Georgia State - WR Penny Hart (Probable, Foot), OL Pat Bartlett (Questionable, Undisclosed).

WEATHER REPORT: kickoff is clear and 74 degrees - 6 mph winds

ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY (6-6 SU, 3-9 ATS, 6-6 O/U): White directed the Hilltoppers to 333.7 passing yards per game and averaged 300.3 total yards of offense per contest. Western Kentucky did not have much success rushing, averaging just 66.1 yards per contest. Linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe finished fifth in the conference with 105 tackles, including four games of 10 or more, and earned All-C-USA honors to help the Hilltoppers reach a bowl game for the fourth consecutive season.

ABOUT GEORGIA STATE (6-5 SU, 4-7 ATS, 3-8 O/U): Manning finished with 13 passing touchdowns while averaging 260.9 passing yards per game, as the Panthers ranked 31st in the nation in passing offense. Hart missed most of last season with a hamstring injury and broken foot, but the sophomore averaged 99.5 receiving yards per game in 2017 - eighth-most in the nation. Georgia State gave up 30 or more points five times, but won six out of seven games in a midseason stretch to clinch its second Cure Bowl berth in three years.

TRENDS:

* Hilltoppers are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

* Panthers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

* Over is 4-0 in Hilltoppers last 4 neutral site games.

* Under is 4-1 in Panthers last 5 games following a ATS loss.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the chalk Hilltoppers at a rate of 56 percent and the Over is getting 57 percent of the totals action.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 16

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Las Vegas Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: Boise State vs. Oregon
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Boise State Broncos vs. Oregon Ducks (-7, 61.5)

Game to be played at Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Las Vegas Bowl could come down to one man's performance as Boise State and Oregon face off in the annual Sin City spectacular on Dec. 16. Quarterback Justin Herbert will look to lead the Ducks to victory in their first Las Vegas Bowl appearance since 2006. Oregon averaged an absurd 52.1 points in the seven games Herbert played this year, and just 15 points in the five games he missed due to injury.

Oregon is garnering as much attention for who won't be at the game as it is for who will be. Head coach Willie Taggart, who turned the Ducks' fortunes around after doing the same in four years at South Florida, will forego his duties after accepting the lead job at Florida State. Co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Mario Cristobal will lead the Ducks in Las Vegas.

The Broncos had a more high-profile bowl appearance in mind heading down the stretch, but a 28-17 loss to Fresno State in their pre-championship meeting put the brakes on that. Boise State did well to bounce back with a 17-14 victory in the Mountain West title game, and will look for a similar result Dec. 16 after finishing in the top 40 nationally in both scoring offense (32.1) and scoring defense (22.5 allowed).

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

LINE HISTORY: The Ducks opened this bowl game as 6.5-to-7 point favorites and were bet as high as -7.5. Oregon is currently favored by a converted touchdown. The total hit the board at 59.5 and has risen all the way to the current number of 61.5.

WHERE THE ACTION IS: As of Thursday night Oregon was seeing 56 percent of the total tickets and 64 percent of the money according to William Hill US.

INJURY REPORT:

Boise State - TE J. Roh (Probable Saturday, foot), RB A. Mattison (Probable Saturday, leg), LB R. Whimpey (Questionable Saturday, upper body).

Oregon - RB T. Brooks-James (Proabable Saturday, leg), RB R. Freeman (Questionable Saturday, personal), OL J. Pisarcik (Questionable Saturday, undisclosed).

WEATHER REPORT: gametime is 60 and partly cloudy - 9 to 11 mph winds during the game

ABOUT BOISE STATE (10-3, 8-5 ATS, 5-8 O/U): The Broncos could be without one of their top offensive weapons at Sam Boyd Stadium, with running back Alexander Mattison considered questionable after he suffered an ankle injury in the title game victory over Fresno State. Mattison, who racked up 1,074 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, left the game in the third quarter and was spotted the next day in a walking boot. That said, the Broncos' offense is in good hands even if Mattison is out, with Boise State quarterbacks combining for 24 TDs against five interceptions while completing 63.5 percent of their attempts.

ABOUT OREGON (7-5, 6-6 ATS, 5-7 O/U): While Herbert will be the obvious focus for the Boise State defense, the Broncos can't afford to ignore standout running back Royce Freeman. The electrifying senior bulldozed his way to 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, and finished 2017 with six consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. Freeman has a more-than-capable sidekick in the backfield, as well, with Kani Benoit adding 573 yards on the ground and 10 scores despite seeing just 80 carries this season; Benoit erupted for 122 yards and a TD in the Ducks' season-ending 69-10 obliteration of Oregon State.

TRENDS:

* Boise State is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games vs. Pac-12 opponents.
* Oregon is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
* Under is 4-1 in Boise State's last five games vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 8-2 in Oregon's last 10 games following a SU win.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are on the underdog in this matchup, with 56 percent of wagers backing the Broncos. When it comes to the total, 63 percent of bettors arre on the Over.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 16

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Gildan New Mexico Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: Marshall vs. Colorado State
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Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Colorado State Rams (-5, 58)

Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The New Mexico Bowl at the University of New Mexico’s Dreamstyle Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 16 will feature two first-time opponents in Marshall of Conference USA and Colorado State of the Mountain West Conference. It’s also a clash of two programs that have been on opposite ends of the postseason-success spectrum of late. The Thundering Herd own an FBS-best 10-2 record in NCAA-sanctioned bowl games (among teams with a minimum of four appearances), including a 4-0 mark under current coach Doc Holliday, while the Rams possess a 6-10 all-time bowl record and have dropped three straight, including losses as a point-spread favorite in each of the last two postseasons under current coach Mike Bobo.

Although both teams are bringing 7-5 records to Albuquerque, neither exactly finished the regular season with a flourish. Marshall roared out to a 6-1 start, including a 3-0 mark in conference play, but dropped four of its final five games to finish tied for third in the C-USA’s East Division. Similarly, Colorado State opened with a 6-2 record, including a 4-0 mark in the Mountain West, but then lost three straight before routing San Jose State 42-14 in its regular-season finale to finish third in the conference’s Mountain Division.

The game will feature a classic strength vs. strength matchup pitting the Rams’ high-scoring offense against the Thundering Herd’s stout defense. Led by All-Mountain West first-team quarterback Nick Stevens and wide receiver Michael Gallup, a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, Colorado State ranks 10th nationally in total offense (501.1 yards per game) and finished the regular season as the Mountain West’s highest-scoring team at 33.8 points per outing, but the Rams will have to reconfigure the coaching responsibilities with offensive coordinator Will Friend having departed to join the new coaching staff at Tennessee. Marshall, meanwhile, had a quartet of defenders garner All-Conference USA recognition and ranks in the FBS top 25 in total (337.7 yards allowed) and scoring (19.3 points) defense.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Colorado State opened this bowl game as 5.5-point favorites and has been bet down slightly to the current number of -5. The total hit the board at 55 and has been bet up three points to the current number of 58.

WHERE THE ACTION IS: As of Thursday Night, the Rams are seeing 58 percent of the total tickets printed and 68 percent of the total dollars wagered, according to William Hill US.

INJURY REPORT:

Marshall - WR T. Brady (Probable Saturday, Undisclosed), S M. Gant (Probable Saturday, Undisclosed), OL S. Jean-Felix (Questionable Saturday, Undisclosed), DL N. Harris (Out indefinitely, Undisclosed), DL A. Dopson (Out indefinitely, Undisclosed).

Colorado State - I. Matthews (Probable Saturday, Collarbone), DL T. McBride (Questionable Saturday, Back), OL T. Bjorklund (Questionable Saturday, Concussion).

WEATHER REPORT: 43 degrees and clear at kickoff - 6 mph wind throughout the game

ABOUT MARSHALL (7-5, 8-4 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Junior quarterback Chase Litton has started 33 contests for the Thundering Herd, throwing 70 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions, and ranked third in the conference this season with 237.8 passing yards per game. His top targets are a pair of first-team All-Conference USA selections in wideout Tyre Brady, a transfer from Miami, and tight end Ryan Yurachek, who combined for 103 catches, 1,207 yards and 16 TDs even through the former missed the last two games of the season due to injury, while freshman Tyler King totaled a team-high 714 rushing yards in 10 contests. Linebacker Chase Hancock, an All-Conference Second Team selection, made 120 total tackles while cornerback Chris Jackson recorded a team-leading three interceptions and eight pass breakups for a defense which limited the opposition to 10 or fewer points in five games.

ABOUT COLORADO STATE (7-5, 4-89 ATS, 6-6 O/U): The Rams are quite familiar with Albuquerque, playing division-rival New Mexico there every other season, and now are seeking their third New Mexico Bowl victory after beating Fresno State 40-35 in 2008 and rallying late to stun Washington State 48-45 in 2013. Stevens led the conference in passing yards (289.9), TD tosses (27) and passing efficiency (152.4 rating) while the 6-foot, 200-pound Gallup is tied for third in the nation in receptions (94, seven touchdowns) and is fifth in receiving yards (1,345). Center Jake Bennett and tackle Zack Golditch also were All-Mountain West First-Team selections from an offensive line which allowed only eight sacks, while linebackers Josh Watson (103 total tackles, seven passes defensed) and Evan Colorito (11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) led a defense that struggled at times as it surrendered 27.5 points and 425.8 yards per contest.

TRENDS:

* Marshall is 5-0 ATS in its last five bowl games.
* Colorado State is 0-6 ATS in its last six games overall.
* Over is 7-1 in Marshall's last eight non-conference games.
* Under is 6-1 in Colorado State's last seven neutral site games.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are siding with Colorado State here, with 60 percent of the action on the Rams. As for the total, 55 percent of wagers are on the Over.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 16

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Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State
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Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (-3.5, 61.5)

Game to be played at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama

Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee State will face off in the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Dec. 16 in a matchup of two teams that were conference foes from 2001-13 in the Sun Belt Conference. In the last game for the Blue Raiders before they moved to Conference USA, they lost 45-0 to the Red Wolves with the Sun Belt title on the line. Don’t think that won’t come up a time or two in coach Rick Stockstill’s talks with his Blue Raiders, that his team has a chance at a bowl win and a little revenge.

The fact Middle Tennessee State is even in a bowl game is quite an accomplishment, considering the team was 3-5 heading into November. After winning three of its last four contests – and averaging 36 points over that stretch – Stockstill’s squad still didn’t think they’d made it on Selection Sunday, holding a season-ending team meeting before getting word of their selection by the Camellia Bowl. With new life, Middle Tennessee is looking to make the best of it - especially with the possibility of having a strong fan showing since the game is four hours away from Murfreesboro after their bowl games in the last two seasons were played in Hawaii and the Bahamas.

Arkansas State quarterback Justice Hansen will get a chance to prove himself on a big stage after a fantastic season that had some ups and downs. The junior threw for 3,630 yards and 34 touchdowns, including six games with three or more passing scores. But Hansen also had three contests with three or more interceptions, so he'll need to be at his best if the Red Wolves are to win their second straight bowl game.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers installed Arkansas State as 3.5-point chalk and there hasn't been much movement. There are a few locations dealing Arkansas State -4. The total opened as high as 63.5 and can be found at most shops at 61.5.

WHERE THE ACTION IS: Over 70 percent of the total ticket count and 79 percent of the money wagered on this game have both been on the favored Red Wolves according to William Hill US.

INJURY REPORT:

Middle Tennessee - RB Brad Anderson (Questionable, Leg), LB Tavares Thomas (Questionable, Ankle)

Arkansas State - DB Trent Ellis-Brewer (Out, Knee), DL Javier Carbonell (Out, Ankle)

ABOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS, 2-9-1 O/U): Quarterback Brent Stockstill really has taken over since returning from a cracked sternum and separated collarbone, which he suffered in the second game of the season. Middle Tennessee State was 3-5 when Stockstill took over as the starter again, and the team is 3-1 since his return, with the only loss coming in overtime. The junior has thrown for 1,440 yards and 14 touchdowns and has a very dangerous target in sophomore wide receiver Ty Lee (74 catches, 916 yards, five touchdowns), meaning a big game in this contest could lead to an even bigger 2018 for the duo.

ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE (7-4 SU, 7-4 ATS, 4-7 O/U): While the Red Wolves' offense is potent behind Hansen, the big name for Arkansas State is defensive end Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, the two-time Sun Belt Player of the Year. Rolland-Jones already is the career sacks leader both at Arkansas State and in the Sun Belt Conference, and his 43.5 career sacks put him one shy of breaking the NCAA FBS record of 44, set by Arizona State's Terrell Suggs. Rolland-Jones is able to take over a game with the pressure he applies, and he'll be looking for a big game in his final contest as a Red Wolf, which would only mean good things for Arkansas State.

TRENDS:

*The Blue Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last four bowl games.
*The Red Wolves are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
*The under is 9-2-1 in the Blue Raiders' last 12 games.
*The under is 16-5-1 in the Red Wolves' last 22 games.

CONSENSUS: Nearly 65 percent of contest players expect Arkansas State to cover as a 3.5-point favorite and 55 percent are picking the game to go over the 61.5-point total.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Tuesday, December 19

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Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl Betting Preview and Odds: Akron at Florida Atlantic
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Akron Zips at Florida Atlantic Owls (-23, 65)

Game to be played at FAU Football Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic won't have to travel far for its bowl game; in fact, the team won't have to travel at all. The Owls will be home for their postseason appearance on Dec. 19, when they face Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl. “Sometimes bowl games are tough to travel to,” Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin told reporters. “Some fans don’t get to go. To be right here, it’s awesome. Competitively speaking, it’s a home-field advantage. The only downside is for the players, that they don’t get to go somewhere else.”

The Owls played a competitive non-conference schedule and absorbed three losses before going 8-0 in Conference USA action. They defeated North Texas 41-17 on Nov. 30 to win the league title and possess one of the nation's top running backs in league MVP Devin Singletary, not to mention an efficient passing game led by Jason Driskel. Florida Atlantic, which is playing in its first bowl game since 2008, finished 3-9 in each of the previous three seasons before turning things around under Kiffin, the former coach at Tennessee and USC, as well as of the NFL's Oakland Raiders.

Akron fell to Toledo 45-28 in the Mid-American Conference championship game - a contest that wasn't as close as the final score indicated - but still was selected for a bowl game for the second time in three years. The Zips lost to Penn State and Iowa State by a combined 93-14 margin early this season but stabilized thereafter to go 6-2 in the MAC under the guidance of sixth-year coach Terry Bowden. Akron used three quarterbacks against Toledo in search of an offensive rhythm that arrived too late, and it remains to be seen if senior Thomas Woodson, junior Robbie Kelley or freshman Kato Nelson will get the start in Boca Raton.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened Florida Atlantic as 17.5-point home favorites and that number sky-rocketed up to the current number of -23. The total hit betting boards at 61.5 and has been bet up to 65 as of Monday night.

WHERE THE ACTION IS: As of Monday night, Florida Atlantic was drawing 54 percent of the tickets written and 52 percent of the money wagered according to William Hill US.

INJURY REPORT:

Akron - RB D. Sands (Out, Leg), RB W. Ball (Out For Season, Leg).

Florida Atlantic - TE H. Bryant (Questionable, Ankle), DB R. Williams (Out Indefinitely, Lower Body), DT R. Ellis (Out Indefinitely, Knee), OL M. Weiner (Out For Season, Knee).

WEATHER REPORT: 74 and clear at kickoff - 8mph winds throughout the game

ABOUT AKRON (7-6 SU, 9-4 ATS, 3-10 O/U): The Zips do not have an impressive rushing attack, as they average 3.3 yards per carry and didn't have a single player gain 400 during the season. Woodson saw the bulk of the action at quarterback this year and has thrown 14 touchdowns against nine interceptions, while Nelson has an 8-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, although he is completing less than 50 percent of his passes. The team allowed 93 points in two meetings with Toledo but otherwise is yielding a respectable 22.6 points per contest.

ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC (10-3 SU, 9-4 ATS, 6-7 O/U): The Owls have not lost since suffering a late setback at Buffalo on Sept. 24, winning nine straight games - eight by double digits - behind a dynamic offense. Florida Atlantic averages 39.8 points - ninth in the nation - and has not been held below 30 since Week 2 against Wisconsin, which enters bowl season with the third-best scoring defense in the country. Driskel has thrown 13 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, while Singletary has run for 100-plus yards in 11 straight games and has staggering totals of 1,796 yards - fourth nationally - and 29 rushing touchdowns, which is eight more than any other player in Division I.

TRENDS:

* Zips are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Owls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
* Under is 8-2 in Zips last 10 road games.
* Under is 6-0 in Owls last 6 games in December.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the underdog Zips at a rate of 57 percent and the Over is getting 65 percent of the totals action.


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