Well, after four years away from the blogging game, I have finally freed up enough time to continue writing here about one of my true passions: college athletics. While I know the sports world has missed some of my takes, however right or wrong they may be, do not worry anymore because I am back at it. One thing that has interested me over my hiatus is the world of sports betting, and I will be diving into some lines for upcoming bowl games while breaking down some matchups.
December 28th Bowls/Playoff Games
Memphis vs. Penn State (-7) - Cotton Bowl Classic
If you're planning on betting this game, I would hammer Penn State to cover the spread -7. This is a team that has quality wins over a lot of Big 10 teams and even though I think Memphis is a good team, I don't think they will will be within a touchdown of Penn State in this matchup.
Notre Dame (-3.5) vs. Iowa State - Camping World Bowl
This is one is a little less cut and dry, but I would still pick Notre Dame to cover -3.5 against Iowa State. Brock Purdy for the Cyclones is one of my favorite players in the country, but he's going up a Notre Dame team who only has lost to the current #5 and #14 teams in the country. I'm rolling with Brian Kelly's Irish here.
LSU vs. Oklahoma (+13.5) - Peach Bowl CFP Semifinal
It shouldn't come to a surprise to those that have followed college football all year that the dominant LSU Tigers and Heisman winner Joe Burrow are almost two touchdown favorites over the Sooners who struggled at times in a mediocre conference. However, I think two touchdowns is a lot of points against a team who boasts CeeDee Lamb, possibly the most dynamic player in the country. Keep in mind LSU's best running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, is going to be limited in action. I still think LSU will win the game, but I would take Oklahoma to beat the spread.
Clemson (-2.5) vs. Ohio State - Fiesta Bowl CFP Semifinal
Some are calling this the best semifinal game in years, and they could be correct. The two teams are very similar but what this comes down to for me is simply the health of Ohio State QB Justin Fields. He is not 100% healthy with a knee injury, and if he was, I think that this game would pretty much be a pick 'em, but without Fields I'd ride with the Clemson Tigers to cover 2.5 points.
Other Bowls
VA Tech (-2.5) vs Kentucky- Belk Bowl (12/31)
This game should be close, and the only reason why I would put money on the Hokies to cover is because Kentucky's offense is one-dimensional with Lynn Bowden at quarterback. I love Lynn Bowden's talent, but I think giving Justin Fuente a month to prepare for the Kentucky offense will result in Virginia Tech covering the 2.5 point spread.
Navy (-2.5) vs Kansas State - Liberty Bowl (12/31)
Listen to me real quick. HAMMER Navy in this game. The Midshipmen offense has been electric with Malcolm Perry at the helm and I usually trust service academies to win in bowl games, so covering 2.5 should be a small task.
Wyoming vs. Georgia State (+7) - Arizona Bowl (12/31)
This game sounds a little boring to the average viewer, but Georgia State's running attack is very tough to stop. I think this game becomes exciting and Georgia State can make it interesting with QB Dan Ellington leading the Panthers. The game will be closer than a touchdown, so I have Georgia State beating the 7 point spread.
Wisconsin vs. Oregon (+2.5) - Rose Bowl (1/1)
For the Granddaddy of them all, I'm rolling with the Ducks. While Wisconsin has looked very good at times, their offense is one-dimensional and Oregon has a talented defensive front seven (11th in the country in rushing yards allowed) who can make the Rose Bowl very tough on Jonathan Taylor and the Badgers offense. Oregon should've made the playoff, but had one slip-up, and I believe that they still have the talent of a playoff contender. They should win this game outright, so they will definitely cover the 2.5 point spread and would be a smart money line gamble.
Indiana vs. Tennessee (-1.5) - Gator Bowl (1/2)
I have been a big fan of Indiana and their offensive attack of Peyton Ramsey and Whop Philyor all season, but I would not bet against the Volunteers in this one. Tennessee went on a tear of a 5-game winning streak to end the season. The Volunteers will feature a ground attack of Tim Jordan and Eric Gray (246 yards in season finale) to go along with the 29th ranked defense in the country to beat Indiana by a margin wider than 1.5 points.
Bonus Pick
FCS Championship- North Dakota State (-11.5) vs James Madison- (1/11)
I followed the FCS a decent amount, and I learned that North Dakota State will absolutely beat anyone by however much they want. 11.5 is a lot for a championship game, but NDSU is just THAT good.
All lines were provided by Action Network as of 12/28/2019.
