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**TheGame** · 12-10-2014, 06:18 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

College Playoff Outlook
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Whether it's football or basketball, every Selection Sunday leaves a few teams disappointed in their fate. In the first College Football Playoff, the snubs include Baylor and TCU from out of the Big 12 Conference.

The Horned Frogs blasted Iowa St. 55-3 as 35-point home favorite in their regular-season finale this past weekend. Nevertheless, they fell from third to sixth in the committee's rankings.

Gary Patterson's team finished the regular season with an 11-1 straight-up record. TCU's only loss came by three at Baylor in a game it led by 21 early in the fourth quarter. Since then, the Frogs have won seven in a row and their quality resume wins include scalps of Minnesota (30-7), Oklahoma (37-33), West Va. (31-30) and Kansas St. (41-20), not to mention a 48-10 win at Texas.

Baylor, ranked sixth last week, climbed one spot to fifth after beating Kansas St. 37-28 in Waco. The Bears also finish 11-1 with their lone defeat coming at West Va. They had quality wins vs. TCU (61-58), at Oklahoma (48-10) and vs. K-St. Yes, Art Briles's team played an extremely weak non-conference slate, but its loss at West Virginia isn't nearly as bad as Ohio State's home loss to Virginia Tech (at home, by double digits).

But it's hard to argue against Ohio State getting 'in' with the fourth seed after finishing so strong. I mean, with their third-string quarterback making his first career start, the Buckeyes smashed a quality Wisconsin team 59-0 at the Big Ten Championship Game. Since the loss to the Hokies, Urban Meyer's squad has won 11 in a row, including a 49-37 win at Michigan St.

Ohio State will take on top-seeded Alabama on New Year's Day at the Superdome in New Orleans. Most books opened the Crimson Tide as a 10-point 'chalk.' As of Monday afternoon, the number for the side was 9.5 and the total was 58.

Nick Saban's team took care of business in Atlanta, coasting to a 42-13 win over Missouri as a 14.5-point favorite in the SEC Championship Game. The Tide has been No. 1 since beating previously-unbeaten Mississippi St. three weeks ago.

Saban hasn't faced Meyer since 'Bama trounced Florida 31-6 in 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. In the previous meeting, the Tide thumped the Gators 32-13 at the Ga. Dome in Atlanta. Hours later, Meyer was rushed to the hospital after a fainting spell.

Although Meyer won't acknowledge anything of the sort, you can make a strong case that Saban ran him out of the SEC. So there's that storyline on top of all that's already at stake in the first CFP.

The 2/3 game will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. This contest will pit second-seeded Oregon against third-seeded and unbeaten Florida State Most spots have the Ducks favored by nine with a total of 71.

The Seminoles will be underdogs for the first time since early in the 2011 campaign when they lost 35-30 at Clemson as 2.5-point 'dogs. Jimbo Fisher's team hasn't tasted defeat since a 2012 home loss to arch-rival Florida.

Since then, FSU has won 29 consecutive games, including last week's 37-35 non-covering win over Georgia Tech at the ACC Championship Game. The 'Noles failed to cover the number as four-point 'chalk' due to a late TD that gave the Yellow Jackets a backdoor cover. They went 3-10 ATS this year and are mired in a 3-11 ATS slump dating back to a non-cover vs. Auburn to win it all last season.

The next set of significant bowl games include Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech (Orange Bowl), Ole Miss vs. TCU (Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl), Baylor vs. Michigan State (Cotton Bowl) and Boise State vs. Arizona (Fiesta).

The Bulldogs are favored by seven over the Yellow Jackets, while the Rebels are three-point underdogs to the Horned Frogs. Baylor is a three-point favorite vs. the Spartans, while the Wildcats are four-point 'chalk' to the Broncos, who have a pair of Fiesta Bowl wins over TCU and Oklahoma over the last decade.

5Dimes has posted lines for the potential matchups in the CFP finals in Arlington at Jerry World. FSU is a three-point favorite over Ohio State, but the 'Noles are 10-point underdogs vs. Alabama.

Oregon is favored by 9.5 (with a -125 price) vs. Ohio State (+9.5, -105), while the Ducks are 3.5-point underdogs to 'Bama.

You can wager on these games at those lines right now. If the matchups don't materialize, then the wagers are refunded. The three games excluding Oregon-Ohio State have prices of -115 either way.

**TheGame** · 12-15-2014, 11:10 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Bowl Breakdown - Part 1
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Below is a quick look at the first six bowl games of the postseason from Saturday Dec. 20 through Monday Dec. 22.

New Orleans Bowl - Nevada vs. Louisiana Lafayette

New Orleans Bowl Betting Line: Louisiana Lafayette -1

The Cajuns are 5-1 ATS in their last six bowl games, and that should definitely come into play in this one. ULL had a fantastic season in the Sun Belt, though there was a troubling loss to Appalachian State at the end of the campaign as well. A 34-9 loss at Boise State could be a concern, knowing that Nevada nearly beat the Broncos in Reno on October 4th.

New Mexico Bowl - Utah State vs. UTEP

New Mexico Bowl Betting Line: Utah State -10.5

Utah State is down nine starters from the beginning of the season, and it fought through four different quarterbacks to make it to the New Mexico Bowl. Darrel Garretson could be back for this game though, and that would be a huge boost for the Aggies. UTEP was very unimpressive down the stretch of the season, and it didn't beat a team this year with a winning record.

Las Vegas Bowl - Utah vs. Colorado State

Las Vegas Bowl Betting Line: Utah -4

The Utes have huge wins this year over UCLA, USC, and Stanford, but they fizzled out down the stretch. Colorado State at least would have been up for consideration for a spot in a New Year's Six bowl game had it not lost to Air Force in the final week of the season. Remember that this is the first game without Jim McElwain on the sidelines for the Rams.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Western Michigan vs. Air Force

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Betting Line: Western Michigan -1

If Kale Pearson can't play in this one for the Falcons, they could be in a lot of trouble. They've got a hungry foe on the other side of the field in Western Michigan, and the Broncos are looking to take advantage of their huge offensive weapons. There isn't a team in America which has a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,500-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers, but Western Michigan could be there by the time this game is over with. The Broncos are searching for their first ever bowl victory.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl - South Alabama vs. Bowling Green

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Betting Line: South Alabama -2.5

South Alabama is playing in its first bowl game in school history, and it is going to look to take advantage of a Bowling Green team which has had major problems on the defensive side of the ball all year long. The Jaguars weren't great at 6-6 though, and this figures to be one of the worst bowl games of the year.

Miami Beach Bowl - BYU vs. Memphis

Miami Beach Bowl Betting Line: BYU -1

The Cougars and the Tigers make for interesting foes in the first ever Miami Beach Bowl at Marlins Park. The Cougs watched their season go down in flames when Taysom Hill was lost for the season, but they did rally for wins in each of their last four games. Memphis was a shocking 9-3 this year on the back of a defense which allowed more than 24 points just twice all season long. The Tigers haven't been in a bowl game since 2008.

**TheGame** · 12-15-2014, 11:10 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Bowl Breakdown - Part 2
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Below is a quick look at the seven bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Wednesday Dec. 23 through Friday Dec. 26.

Boca Raton Bowl - Marshall vs. Northern Illinois

Boca Raton Bowl Betting Line: Marshall -10

The Thundering Herd were one win shy of playing in a New Year's Six bowl, and it will be interesting to see how motivated they are going to be to play in this game. This isn't nearly as good of a Northern Illinois team as we are used to seeing, but it is a team which won a much underrated MAC this year.

Poinsettia Bowl - Navy vs. San Diego State

Poinsettia Bowl Betting Line: San Diego State -2

Donnel Pumphrey is the star of the show for the Aztecs, and it will be interesting to see whether he or Keenan Reynolds does more for his team on the ground. The Aztecs clearly have the better of the two defenses in this game, and they have home field advantage on their side as well.

Bahamas Bowl - Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky

Bahamas Bowl Betting Line: Western Kentucky -3

The Hilltoppers were awesome to watch this year, as they flew up and down the field and really had the ability to stop no one on the other side of the ball. Brandon Doughty is one of the better statistical quarterbacks in th nation, and he could shine in this one. Central Michigan's 7-5 record is a complete farce outside of its win on the road against Northern Illinois.

Hawaii Bowl - Fresno State vs. Rice

Hawaii Bowl Betting Line: Rice -1.5

Fresno State has no defense whatsoever, and this could be a huge problem in this game against a Rice offense which really has the ability to light it up. The last time we saw the Owls, they had 76 points dropped on them by Louisiana Tech. Driphus Jackson will have to have the game of his life for Rice in this one.

Heart of Dallas Bowl - Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech

Heart of Dallas Bowl Betting Line: Louisiana Tech -6

Illinois feels like a weird team in a bowl game this year. The Illini went 6-6, but they only just squeaked into a bowl game because of the weaknesses of the rest of the Big Ten. La Tech was just short of the MAC title, but this might be an even better game for it to try to prove itself against one of the power conference teams in the nation.

Quick Lane Bowl - BYU vs. Memphis

Quick Lane Bowl Betting Line: North Carolina -3

Expect to see a lot of offense in this one, as these two defenses both struggled quite a bit this year. Marquise Williams and Gary Nova don't look anything like one another, but they both hold the keys to their teams' success in this game at Ford Field.

St. Petersburg Bowl - NC State vs. UCF

St. Petersburg Bowl Betting Line: UCF -2

The Knights are taking a big step backwards from last year's game against Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl, but this is still a big game for them after getting a share of the AAC crown this year. NC State ended up being a rather average team in the ACC, and it doesn't really have any signature wins which suggest to us that it can win this game.

**TheGame** · 12-15-2014, 11:10 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Bowl Breakdown - Part 3
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Below is a quick look at the eight bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Saturday Dec. 27 through Monday Dec. 29.

Military Bowl - Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

Military Bowl Betting Line: Cincinnati -3

It was a frustrating year for Frank Beamer and the Hokies. They barely snuck into a bowl game after losing a ton of games which they probably shouldn't have lost, but they have a chance to end the year on a high note. Cincinnati has a history of playing in higher scoring bowl games, but it was blown out in the Belk Bowl last year by North Carolina.

Sun Bowl - Arizona State vs. Duke

Sun Bowl Betting Line: Arizona State -7.5

Last season in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, Duke was always a big dog against Texas A&M, but it put up a heck of a fight in that game. Now, the Blue Devils are in a similar game at the Sun Bowl, one which could be one of the better bowl games of the early season. Arizona State is ranked 16th in the land and is stuck playing on Dec. 27th. That tells you how good the Pac-12 was this year.

Independence Bowl - Miami vs. South Carolina

Independence Bowl Betting Line: Miami -3

Brad Kaaya and the Hurricanes took some major steps forward this year, and though this isn't the biggest bowl game of the year, it is huge for Miami to continue to return to greatness. South Carolina had a frustrating season which saw it fall all the way out of the Top 10 to be just a 6-6 team.

Pinstripe Bowl - Boston College vs. Penn State

Pinstripe Bowl Betting Line: Boston College -2.5

Penn State's fans should be thrilled to be coming here to Yankee Stadium for the Pinstripe Bowl. Their bowl ban has been lifted, and they are playing in a bowl for the first time since the Jerry Sandusky news broke a few years ago. Boston College has to be happy to be here as well. The Eagles were up and down this year, but the bottom line is that they challenged Florida State and beat USC, and that's a pretty darn good year for the boys in Chestnut Hill.

Holiday Bowl - Nebraska vs. USC

Liberty Bowl Betting Line: USC -6.5

The Men of Troy have a good history of playing in bowl games, and they are coming off of their best game of the season, a romp of Notre Dame in the finale. Nebraska has fired Bo Pelini, and it will be interesting to see how the players react to the coaching change to Mike Riley, who will take over once this game is over with.

Liberty Bowl - Texas A&M vs. West Virginia

Liberty Bowl Betting Line: West Virginia -3.5

There's a question as to how good either of these teams really are. Clint Trickett and the Mountaineers had a great start to the year, but in the end, they really only finished 7-5. Was the Big XII that good? If not, why is it not represented in the playoff? Texas A&M ended up ranked in the Top 10 early this year, but let's be realistic. This team was only ranked that high because of Johnny Manziel, who hasn't been here all season.

Russell Athletic Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Clemson

Russell Athletic Bowl Betting Line: Oklahoma -6

Now that we know that Trevor Knight is going to be able to play in this game for the Sooners, Oklahoma has to feel better about its chances of winning this game. Clemson's quarterback problems followed it all year long, and it was unlucky not to be placed into a better bowl game this year. Deshaun Watson could end up being a hero by the time his career is done with. This is the first bowl game between two ranked teams.

Texas Bowl – Arkansas vs. Texas

Russell Athletic Bowl Betting Line: Arkansas -6

Shame on Texas and Texas A&M for not figuring out their differences and playing against each other in this game. As it is, we get an awesome old Big 8 game between two teams which were better than 6-6 suggested this year. Still, this is an old rivalry which has been renewed, and a winning record is on the line for both teams. Texas can send a real message to the SEC if it can win this game.

**TheGame** · 12-15-2014, 11:11 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Bowl Breakdown - Part 4
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Below is a quick look at the six bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Tuesday Dec. 30 through Wednesday Dec. 31.

Music City Bowl - Notre Dame vs. LSU

Music City Bowl Betting Line: LSU -7

It was only two months ago that Notre Dame was ranked fifth in America and was on the verge of being ranked first in the land if not for an offensive pass interference call that cost it a game against Florida State. LSU of course, also had the No. 1 team in the land on the ropes earlier this year, as it could have beaten Alabama in the Bayou. That said, both of these teams finished the year with unacceptable records by their own standards, and the Music City Bowl is no consolation for either one.

Belk Bowl - Georgia vs. Louisville

Belk Bowl Betting Line: Georgia -6.5

The nation is going to find out just how good Louisville really is in this game, even with Reggie Bonnafon playing under center instead of the injured Will Gardner. Georgia has already split games with ACC teams this year, beating Clemson in the opening week and losing to Georgia Tech in the final game.

Foster Farms Bowl - Maryland vs. Stanford

Foster Farms Bowl Betting Line: Stanford -14

The Cardinal are the biggest favorites of the bowl season for a good reason. They're essentially playing a home game, and most believe that their 7-5 record was really a farce, knowing what a great schedule they played. Maryland's first year in the Big Ten was a success to get to a bowl game, but just competing here at the Foster Farms Bowl would be a triumph.

Peach Bowl - Ole Miss vs. TCU

Peach Bowl Betting Line: TCU -3

The first of the New Year's Six bowl games takes place in Atlanta, where Ole Miss couldn't quite get to for the SEC Championship Game. Bo Wallace and Trevone Boykin were both Heisman candidates once upon a time this year, and if both are on their game, this could be a heck of a battle. TCU's psyche must be analyzed here though, after it was left out of the playoff.

Fiesta Bowl - Boise State vs. Arizona

Fiesta Bowl Betting Line: Arizona -3

Boise State cracked into the New Year's Six lineup to go to the Fiesta Bowl for the third time in its history. The Wildcats were good enough to stun Oregon once this year, but when push came to shove for the second matchup, they couldn't hang in there. For our money, this is the best of the New Year's Six bowls outside of the two playoff games.

Orange Bowl - Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech

Orange Bowl Betting Line: Mississippi State -7

The ACC dominated the SEC at the end of the season this year, and this is another chance for the boys from the ACC to prove their worth. Georgia Tech's triple option attack tends to get slowed down in these bowl games, and MSU has a defense which is legit enough to do the job. QB Dak Prescott probably lost the Heisman Trophy when he played against Alabama in a game which feels like forever ago, but he has a chance to rekindle some of that fire in the last game of the season in Miami.

**TheGame** · 12-15-2014, 11:11 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Bowl Breakdown - Part 5
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Below is a quick look at the five bowl games of the postseason scheduled on Jan. 1, which include the two semifinal matchups of the College Football Playoff.

Outback Bowl - Auburn vs. Wisconsin

Outback Bowl Betting Line: Auburn -6.5

Wisconsin couldn't figure out how to even remotely hang in there against Ohio State, and now that Gary Andersen has fled for Oregon State, this could be a tricky game against an Auburn team which is trending in the right direction.

Cotton Bowl - Michigan State vs. Baylor

Cotton Bowl Betting Line: Baylor -3

Baylor really believed that it was going to be in the playoff this year, and Art Briles will forever state that this year's Baylor team was the legitimate Big XII champ this year, not just a co-champ. It might not matter against a Michigan State team which, as most tend to forget, probably only didn't get into the playoff this year because it had the fortitude to schedule Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Week 2 of the season.

Citrus Bowl - Missouri vs. Minnesota

Citrus Bowl Betting Line: Missouri -6

Good for Jerry Kill for getting the Gophers into a New Year's Day game! Sure, the Big Ten was down this year, but Minnesota hung in there and ended up playing a brutal schedule, one which included TCU, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. The Tigers weren't quite good enough to win the SEC this year, but the two-time SEC East winners are no slouches.

Rose Bowl - Florida State vs. Oregon

Rose Bowl Betting Line: Oregon -9.5

The first of the two national semifinals will take place in Pasadena, and the undefeated and Unconquered Seminoles will look to rattle some more cages in a game no one expects them to win against Oregon. This is a rare matchup of Heisman Trophy winners going against each other, as Jameis Winston, who clearly had a down year after last season, faces Marcus Mariota, who was virtually perfect this year.

Sugar Bowl - Ohio State vs. Alabama

Sugar Bowl Betting Line: Alabama -9.5

Cardale Jones is going to be making just his second career start, and he is going to have to do it against one of the best teams in the nation. Ohio State though, had no problems in his first go around against Wisconsin, winning 59-0 in a game which was emphatic enough of a statement to get into the playoff. The Tide might have the No. 1 team in the land, but they have looked human in games played outside of Tuscaloosa this year. Blake Sims is just far too inconsistent to absolutely pencil in Alabama to the National Championship Game at this point,

**TheGame** · 12-15-2014, 11:11 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Bowl Breakdown - Part 6
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Below is a quick look at the six bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Friday Jan. 2 through Sunday Jan. 4.

Armed Forces Bowl - Houston vs. Pittsburgh

Armed Forces Bowl Betting Line: Pittsburgh -3

Houston's head coaching gig is still up in the air as preparation continues for the Armed Forces Bowl, but the job at Pittsburgh is now open as well with Paul Chryst going back to Wisconsin where he came from. These two teams are definitely in flux, and it should make for a tricky bowl game to handicap.

Taxslayer Bowl - Iowa vs. Tennessee

Taxslayer Bowl Betting Line: Tennessee -3.5

Iowa was really the quiet team all year long. The Hawkeyes were supposed to quietly be challengers to the Big Ten throne this year, but they quietly became just another 7-5 team instead. Tennessee was good enough to get to a bowl game this year, and that has to be a bit of a relief for Butch Jones, who knows that he has to make some marked improvements very soon with this team to keep his job on Rocky Top.

Alamo Bowl - Kansas State vs. UCLA

Alamo Bowl Betting Line: Pick 'Em

Perhaps the best non-New Year's Six bowl game. Kansas State and UCLA were both Top 10 teams at points this season, and even though both ended with three losses, the Selection Committee seemed to love them both. This could be the swan song for Brett Hundley, who could be headed to the NFL after this one is said and done with.

Cactus Bowl - Washington vs. Oklahoma State

Cactus Bowl Betting Line: Washington -5.5

The Huskies were good this year, but they weren't fantastic. Essentially, they did what they had to do to beat the bad teams in the Pac-12 Nor, but when it came to the big time games, they just weren't able to get there in the first year under Chris Petersen. Oklahoma State stunned the world by winning Bedlam to get to a bowl game, but that doesn't erase the misery of what was a frustrating season, including the loss of JW Walsh to injury early on in the campaign.

Birmingham Bowl - East Carolina vs. Florida

Birmingham Bowl Betting Line: Florida -7

Florida's season was as tumultuous as it gets, and new coach Jim McElwain will be watching intently as his new team gets ready for its bowl game. East Carolina was a Top 25 team this year for several weeks, and there was a point that it legitimately threatened the New Year's Six bowls. Shane Carden could give the Gators troubles. Remember that ECU did beat South Carolina, the same South Carolina team which went to the Swamp and beat Florida in November.

GoDaddy Bowl - Toledo vs. Arkansas State

Birmingham Bowl Betting Line: Toledo -3

Arkansas State has made a living out of coming to the GoDaddy Bowl, and it is back once again this year with a chance to score a season-ending victory. Toledo was overmatched every time it went up against a Power Five team this year, but aside from that, its only loss was a three-point defeat at Northern Illinois in November.

**TheGame** · 12-17-2014, 11:38 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

2014-15 Bowl Predictions
ESPN.Com

For the first time, college football's national championship will be decided by a four-team playoff.

We'll have to wait until Jan. 12 for the College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T. Between now and then, we'll get to see 38 bowl games, starting with five on Saturday.

Here's everything you need to know about this season's bowl lineup:

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Nevada vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, Dec. 20 (ESPN, 11 a.m. ET)

Why to watch: It's the first bowl game of the year, and the game will feature two of the country's more underrated quarterbacks: Nevada's Cody Fajardo and Louisiana-Lafayette's Terrance Broadway. Together, they accounted for more than 6,000 yards of offense and 46 touchdowns this season.

Who to watch: Fajardo is one of only two players in FBS history to pass for more than 9,000 yards and run for more than 3,000 in his career. Current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a former Nevada star, was the other player to accomplish the feat. Fajardo is also one of only six active FBS players who has been responsible for at least 100 touchdowns in his career.

Motivation for Nevada: The Wolf Pack haven't won a bowl game since beating Boston College 20-13 in the 2010 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Nevada's Brian Polian is also seeking his first postseason victory as a head coach.

Motivation for Louisiana-Lafayette: The Ragin' Cajuns are playing close to home and are trying to improve to 4-0 in bowl games. They've played only in the New Orleans Bowl and are 3-0 in their previous trips.

Prediction: Nevada 35, Louisiana-Lafayette 31

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Utah State vs. UTEP, Dec. 20 (ESPN, 2:20 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: You can see the quarterback who lost the Texas A&M job to Johnny Manziel. UTEP senior Jameill Showers, who left the Aggies after losing the starting job to Manziel in 2012, has been pretty good for the Miners, throwing for 1,732 yards with 12 touchdowns and running for 288 yards with four scores. Showers has thrown only one interception in the past seven games.

Who to watch: Linebacker Zach Vigil became the first Utah State player to be named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with 145 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss. He also piled up nine sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Motivation for Utah State: And you thought Ohio State has dealt with injuries this season. The Aggies have lost nine starters to season-ending injuries, including three quarterbacks, but still managed to finish 9-4. They might as well continue overcoming adversity in the bowl game.

Motivation for UTEP: Talk about a postseason drought. The Miners haven't won a bowl game since defeating Ole Miss 14-7 in the 1967 Sun Bowl. UTEP has dropped its past five bowl games, most recently a 52-24 loss to BYU in the 2010 New Mexico Bowl.

Prediction: Utah State 34, UTEP 21

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl

No. 22 Utah vs. Colorado State, Dec. 20 (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Florida fans can get a peek at the offense new coach Jim McElwain helped produce at Colorado State. Spoiler alert: It's much better than what the Gators have been putting on the field recently. Quarterback Garrett Grayson threw for 3,779 yards with 32 touchdowns and six interceptions, and Rashard Higgins was a Biletnikoff Award finalist with 89 catches for 1,640 yards with 17 touchdowns.

Who to watch: Utah's Nate Orchard won the Ted Hendricks Award as the country's top defensive end, finishing with 80 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. The Rams might have a difficult time protecting Grayson; the Utes led FBS teams with 52 sacks.

Motivation for Utah: After playing in nine consecutive bowl games from 2003 to '11, the Utes missed the postseason in each of the past two years. They also have a chance to win at least nine games for the first time since going 10-3 in 2010.

Motivation for Colorado State: Offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin, a 35-year coaching veteran who has worked at 11 schools, is a candidate to replace McElwain after helping him produce record-setting offenses at CSU the past three seasons. A win in a bowl game might help him land the job.

Prediction: Colorado State 34, Utah 31

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Western Michigan vs. Air Force, Dec. 20 (ESPN, 5:45 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: The game pits two of the country's most improved teams against each other, as both the Broncos and Falcons won seven more games than they did in 2013. Air Force improved from 2-10 to 9-3; Western Michigan went from 1-11 to 8-4.

Who to watch: Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,146 yards with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He ranked 16th in total QBR (76.5), highest of any player from a Group of 5 conference. In a 51-7 rout of Eastern Michigan, he completed 17 of 19 passes for 357 yards with four touchdowns.

Motivation for Western Michigan: The Broncos have never won a bowl game. What more motivation could they need? Western Michigan is 0-5 in the postseason, starting with a 28-12 loss to New Mexico in the 1961 Aviation Bowl.

Motivation for Air Force: The Falcons haven't been great in the postseason, losing five of their past seven bowl games, including a 33-14 loss to Rice in the 2012 Armed Forces Bowl. They're seeking their first bowl victory since 2010.

Prediction: Western Michigan 34, Air Force 27

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

South Alabama vs. Bowling Green, Dec. 20 (ESPN, 9:15 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: It's the inaugural Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, although the Camellia Bowl name has been used in the past. It's also South Alabama's first trip to a bowl game.

Who to watch: Bowling Green freshman Roger Lewis had 69 catches for 956 yards with five touchdowns in his first college season. He had 16 receptions for 149 yards with one touchdown in the Falcons' 45-42 upset of Indiana on Sept. 13.

Motivation for South Alabama: The Jaguars would probably like nothing more than to win their first bowl game in their home state. South Alabama is in its third year as an FBS program and went 6-6 in each of the past two seasons.

Motivation for Bowling Green: The Falcons went 7-6 in coach Dino Babers' first season and would probably like to end the campaign with a winning record.

Prediction: Bowling Green 28, South Alabama 27

Miami Beach Bowl

BYU vs. Memphis, Dec. 22 (ESPN, 2 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: You can check out what has been one of the country's most underrated coaching jobs. Memphis coach Justin Fuente, a former TCU offensive coordinator, guided the Tigers to a 9-3 record and share of the AAC title after going a combined 7-17 in his first two seasons at the school.

Who to watch: Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch threw for 2,725 yards with 18 touchdowns, while running for 283 yards with 10 scores. He set an American Athletic Conference record with 28 total touchdowns this season and hasn't thrown an interception in the past six games.

Motivation for BYU: BYU has kind of fallen out of the spotlight as an independent, so the Miami Beach Bowl is a chance for the Cougars to make a strong showing on a national stage. BYU can finish the season with five straight wins and build momentum for 2015.

Motivation for Memphis: The Tigers can win seven games in a row for the first time since 1969 and finish a season with 10 victories for the first time since 1938.

Prediction: Memphis 31, BYU 24

Boca Raton Bowl

Marshall vs. Northern Illinois, Dec. 23 (ESPN, 6 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: The Huskies and Thundering Herd were two of the best teams from the Group of 5 conferences. Marshall started the season 11-0 and was one of only two undefeated FBS teams until losing to Western Kentucky 67-66 in overtime on Nov. 28. Northern Illinois went 11-2 and won its last seven games.

Who to watch: Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato has thrown a touchdown pass in 45 consecutive games, an FBS record. He threw for 3,622 yards with 37 touchdowns this season and is the only player in Marshall history to throw 30 or more touchdowns in three seasons.

Motivation for Marshall: It was hard to gauge how good Marshall really was this season because of its soft schedule, and the Huskies will provide the Thundering Herd with one of their most difficult tests. The Herd have a chance to take a step in silencing their critics.

Motivation for Northern Illinois: As good as the Huskies have been recently, they haven't won a bowl game since defeating Arkansas State 38-20 in the 2011 GoDaddy.com Bowl. Northern Illinois lost to Florida State 31-10 in the 2012 Orange Bowl and to Utah State 21-14 in the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl.

Prediction: Marshall 45, Northern Illinois 38

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Navy vs. San Diego State, Dec. 23 (ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Two of the best runners in the country will be on display: Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds and San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey. Navy's triple-option offense is always fun to watch, especially when it's firing on all cylinders.

Who to watch: Pumphrey, a sophomore from Las Vegas, ranks No. 3 in FBS in rushing with 1,755 yards. Only Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Indiana's Tevin Coleman ran for more yards this season. Pumphrey needs 82 yards to break George Jones' single-season school record of 1,842 yards.

Motivation for Navy: The Midshipmen are playing in the Poinsettia Bowl for the fourth time, and they'll try to end a two-game slide in San Diego. They lost to Utah 35-32 in 2007 and San Diego State 35-14 in 2010.

Motivation for San Diego State: The Aztecs will try to extend their winning streak over service academies to nine games in a row. Plus, it's always nice to win in front of the home crowd.

Prediction: San Diego State 31, Navy 30

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky, Dec. 24 (ESPN, noon ET)

Why to watch: Is there a better way to spend Christmas Eve? You might be able to feel the sand between your toes as the Chippewas and Hilltoppers play the inaugural bowl game at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas. If you're lucky, you might even get a whiff of the fried chicken and rice and beans.

Who to watch: Western Kentucky's Brandon Doughty led FBS quarterbacks with 4,344 passing yards, completing 67.5 percent of his passes with 44 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He threw for 491 yards with eight touchdowns in the Hilltoppers' upset of Marshall on Nov. 28.

Motivation for Central Michigan: The Chippewas can win their third straight bowl game and beat the Hilltoppers in the postseason for the second consecutive time. Central Michigan defeated Western Kentucky 24-21 in the 2012 Little Caesar's Bowl.

Motivation for Western Kentucky: After a 67-66 upset of previously unbeaten Marshall, Western Kentucky can put a fitting bow on its season by winning the school's first bowl game.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 48, Central Michigan 35

Hawaii Bowl

Fresno State vs. Rice, Dec. 24 (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Both teams started the season by losing their first three games, but recovered nicely to reach the postseason. Fresno State was 3-6 before winning three straight games in November to reach the Mountain West Conference championship game. Rice won five games in a row after starting 0-3 and finished 7-5.

Who to watch: Fresno State's Josh Harper had 86 catches for 1,072 yards with seven touchdowns, his second straight season with more than 1,000 receiving yards. Harper has 29 touchdown catches in 40 career games; only three active FBS players with a minimum of 25 touchdown catches have scored more frequently.

Motivation for Fresno State: The Bulldogs have dropped their past five bowl games and haven't won in the postseason since beating Georgia Tech 40-28 in the 2007 Humanitarian Bowl. They lost badly in their past two bowl games: 43-10 to SMU in the 2012 Hawai'i Bowl and 45-20 to USC in the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl.

Motivation for Rice: The Owls have won at least seven games for the third straight season and have a chance to win eight for only the 10th time in school history.

Prediction: Rice 35, Fresno State 27

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl

Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech, Dec. 26 (ESPN, 1 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Two coaches who needed big seasons delivered, as Illinois' Tim Beckman and Louisiana Tech's Skip Holtz quieted their critics by guiding their teams to bowl games. The Illini upset Penn State and Northwestern in their last two games to finish 6-6; the Bulldogs won six of their last seven regular-season games before losing to Marshall 26-23 in the Conference USA championship game.

Player to watch: Louisiana Tech's Kenneth Dixon ran for 1,236 yards with 21 touchdowns and seemed to be at his strongest at season's end. He had 478 yards with 10 touchdowns in the last four games, averaging more than 6 yards per carry.

Motivation for Illinois: The Illini are playing in the postseason for the first time since 2011. They can build momentum heading into the offseason and show that the program is really turning around under Beckman's watch.

Motivation for Louisiana Tech: Postseason trips have been rare for the Bulldogs, who will be playing in only their seventh bowl game. Louisiana Tech has won in the postseason only once since 1977, defeating Northern Illinois 17-10 in the 2008 Independence Bowl.

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 31, Illinois 20

Quick Lane Bowl

Rutgers vs. North Carolina, Dec. 26 (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Given how poorly the defenses have performed at times this season, it might be a high-scoring affair at Ford Field in Detroit. The Tar Heels ranked 119th among FBS teams in scoring defense (38.9 points); the Scarlet Knights were 92nd (30.9 points).

Who to watch: UNC quarterback Marquise Williams didn't win the starting job until preseason camp, but he's been a perfect fit for coach Larry Fedora's spread offense. Williams has thrown for 2,870 yards, run for 737 and accounted for 32 total touchdowns. He had 463 yards of offense in the Tar Heels' 48-43 upset of Georgia Tech on Oct. 18.

Motivation for Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights weren't supposed to do much in their first season in the Big Ten, but they finished 7-5 and made the postseason. Rutgers hasn't yet won a bowl game under second-year coach Kyle Flood.

Motivation for North Carolina: The Tar Heels can't seem to get started under Fedora, who is 21-16 in three seasons. But a victory over Rutgers would give the Tar Heels a third straight winning campaign.

Prediction: North Carolina 44, Rutgers 41

Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl

NC State vs. UCF, Dec. 26 (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: You might get a crazy finish. From the beginning of the regular season to the end, the Knights have been a part of wild finishes. They lost to Penn State 26-24 in the opener in Dublin, Ireland, as the Nittany Lions kicked a 36-yard field goal at the end. In its last game, UCF won 32-30 at East Carolina when Breshad Perriman caught a 51-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass on the final play of the game.

Who to watch: NC State quarterback Jacoby Brissett, a Florida transfer, is one of three FBS quarterbacks with 20 or more passing touchdowns, 300 or more rushing yards and no more than five interceptions.

Motivation for NC State: After losing their last eight games to finish 3-9 in coach Dave Doeren's first season in 2013, the Wolfpack reversed course this season. They went 7-5, winning three of their last four games and outscoring Tobacco Road rivals Wake Forest and North Carolina 77-20 in the final two contests.

Motivation for UCF: With a victory over the Wolfpack, UCF can win 10 games or more for a third straight season and fourth time in five years.

Prediction: NC State 21, UCF 20

Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman

Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech, Dec. 27 (ESPN, 1 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: If you look hard enough, you might be able to figure out how Virginia Tech won at Ohio State earlier this season. The Hokies stunned the Buckeyes 35-21 on the road on Sept. 6, but struggled to beat nearly everyone else.

Who to watch: Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel, a Notre Dame transfer, was fantastic in his first season with the Bearcats, completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards with 30 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster will have an aggressive game plan waiting for him.

Motivation for Cincinnati: The Bearcats were left behind during conference realignment, but they've won nine games for the fourth consecutive season and can finish 2014 with an eight-game winning streak.

Motivation for Virginia Tech: The Hokies are playing in a bowl game for the 22nd consecutive season, the second-longest streak in FBS. They'll have to beat Cincinnati to avoid their first losing season since 1992.

Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Virginia Tech 21

Hyundai Sun Bowl

No. 15 Arizona State vs. Duke, Dec. 27 (CBS, 2 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Maybe we'll get a repeat of last season's Chick-fil-A Bowl. Duke was a heavy underdog against Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M last season, but the Blue Devils had a 38-17 lead at the half. Manziel led the Aggies back in the second half, winning 52-48 in a game that featured 1,202 yards of offense.

Who to watch: Arizona State's Jaelen Strong is expected to enter the NFL draft after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Strong had 75 catches for 1,062 yards with 10 touchdowns this year. He had 10 receptions for 202 yards with three touchdowns in a 38-34 win at USC on Oct. 4.

Motivation for Arizona State: The Sun Devils won the Pac-12 South and finished 10-4 last season but flopped in their bowl game, falling 37-23 to Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. It was their fourth loss in their past five bowl games.

Motivation for Duke: Bowl games are still a rarity for Duke, which has won nine games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. The Blue Devils haven't won a bowl game since beating Arkansas 7-6 in the 1961 Cotton Bowl.

Prediction: Arizona State 28, Duke 24

Duck Commander Independence Bowl

Miami vs. South Carolina, Dec. 27 (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Miami and South Carolina were both disappointments this season, but it's always fun when Steve Spurrier goes up against the Hurricanes. Plus, it's the first chance for the SEC to end a current four-game losing streak against ACC foes.

Who to watch: Miami tailback Duke Johnson might be playing in his final college game after rushing for a career-high 1,520 yards with 10 touchdowns. He averaged 7 yards per carry, tops in the ACC for running backs with at least 100 attempts.

Motivation for Miami: Hurricanes fans are looking for some sort of sign that the program is headed in the right direction. Miami doesn't want to end the season with a four-game losing streak, which would leave it with its first losing campaign since going 5-7 in 2007.

Motivation for South Carolina: Spurrier hasn't had a college team finish with a losing record since Duke went 5-6 in 1987, his first season as a college head coach.

Prediction: Miami 27, South Carolina 20

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Boston College vs. Penn State, Dec. 27 (ESPN, 4:40 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: If you love defense, this might be your favorite bowl game. The Nittany Lions had the No. 1 run defense (84.8 yards against per game) and No. 2 total defense (269.8) among FBS teams, while the Eagles were No. 4 against the run (95.5) and No. 12 in total defense (313.5). Buckle your chin straps.

Who to watch: Boston College's Tyler Murphy, a Florida transfer, set an ACC record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,079 and scored 10 rushing touchdowns. He also threw for 1,526 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Motivation for Boston College: After winning eight bowl games in a row from 2000 to '07, the Eagles have dropped four in a row, including an ugly 42-19 loss to Arizona in the 2013 AdvoCare V100 Bowl.

Motivation for Penn State: The Nittany Lions are playing in their first bowl game in three years after the NCAA lifted its postseason ban earlier this season. Penn State defeated LSU 19-17 in its last bowl game, the 2009 Capital One Bowl.

Prediction: Penn State 23, Boston College 20

National University Holiday Bowl

Nebraska vs. No. 24 USC, Dec. 27 (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: It will be only the fourth meeting between the Cornhuskers and Trojans, who have never played each other in the postseason. USC is 3-0-1 against Nebraska, including convincing victories in 2006 and '07.

Who to watch: Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah cooled off considerably after injuring his knee, but he still ran for 1,523 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had four 200-yard rushing performances, including 229 with two touchdowns in a 41-31 win over Miami.

Motivation for Nebraska: The Cornhuskers have already fired coach Bo Pelini, and longtime assistant Barney Cotton will serve as interim coach. Nebraska's players would probably like to send the outgoing staff out on a winning note.

Motivation for USC: The Trojans went 8-4 in coach Steve Sarkisian's first season, and they can really build some momentum for 2015 by beating the Cornhuskers. The Trojans have won five of their past six bowl games but have never played in the Holiday Bowl.

Prediction: USC 38, Nebraska 27

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Texas A&M vs. West Virginia, Dec. 29 (ESPN, 2 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: These coaching staffs are very familiar with each other, and the sideline strategies will be very interesting to watch. The Aggies and Mountaineers both rank in the top 12 nationally in passing, and their respective coaches love to throw the ball around.

Who to watch: West Virginia senior Kevin White was sixth among FBS players with 1,318 receiving yards and fifth with 8.5 catches per game. He finished with 102 catches and nine touchdown receptions. White seems to be good for at least one "SportsCenter" highlight per game, so don't take your eyes off of him for very long.

Motivation for Texas A&M: The Aggies took a big step back in their first season without Manziel, finishing 7-5 after a 5-0 start. Coach Kevin Sumlin would like to get things headed back in the right direction.

Motivation for West Virginia: After a disappointing 4-8 finish in 2013, the Mountaineers reversed course this season, going 7-5 in coach Dana Holgorsen's fourth season. West Virginia has dropped three of its past four bowl games, including a 38-14 loss to Syracuse in the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl.

Prediction: Texas A&M 35, West Virginia 34

Russell Athletic Bowl

Oklahoma vs. No. 17 Clemson, Dec. 29 (ESPN, 5:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: What will Clemson's offense look like without former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who left to become SMU's new coach? Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has named running backs coach Tony Elliott and receivers coach Jeff Scott co-coordinators for the bowl game, and they vow that the offense won't look much different than it did under Morris.

Who to watch: Unfortunately, Elliott and Scott won't have freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson available for the bowl game. Watson underwent surgery earlier this month to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Senior Cole Stoudt, who started the first two games but didn't play well at season's end, will replace him. Stoudt threw eight interceptions in his last five games.

Motivation for Oklahoma: After being ranked in the top four in the preseason, the Sooners limped to a disappointing 8-4 season. A victory over Clemson wouldn't make up for their shortcomings, but it would give the Sooners some much-needed momentum heading into the offseason.

Motivation for Clemson: The Tigers probably want to prove to everyone that Morris wasn't the reason for their recent offensive success. It's going to be difficult to beat the Sooners without Watson, so Elliott and Scott will have to be creative in their game plan.

Prediction: Oklahoma 31, Clemson 20

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl

Arkansas vs. Texas, Dec. 29 (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Just pretend it's 1969, when the Longhorns and Razorbacks played what is still called the "Game of the Century." The longtime Southwest Conference rivals have played 77 times since 1894, with Texas winning nearly three out of every four contests.

Who to watch: The Hogs have one of the better one-two punches in the backfield, as Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins combined to run for 2,109 yards with 23 touchdowns this season. Texas allowed 162.1 rushing yards per game.

Motivation for Arkansas: After losing 13 consecutive SEC games to start Bret Bielema's tenure, the Hogs upset then-No. 17 LSU and then-No. 8 Ole Miss in November. They finally have turned the corner under Bielema, and a victory over Texas would be even more reason for optimism.

Motivation for Texas: The Longhorns won three of their last four games to qualify for the postseason in coach Charlie Strong's first season. If nothing else, the bowl game gives quarterback Tyrone Swoopes a few more weeks of practice to improve.

Prediction: Arkansas 24, Texas 17

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Notre Dame vs. No. 23 LSU, Dec. 30 (ESPN, 3 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Well, it's always entertaining to root for (or against) the Fighting Irish, who lost their last four games to finish 7-5. You can also get a sneak peek at LSU, which should be one of the country's better teams in 2015 after playing a plethora of freshmen this season.

Who to watch: Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly says he'll play two quarterbacks -- Everett Golson and Malik Zaire -- against LSU. Golson returned from a season-long academic suspension to throw for 3,355 yards with 29 touchdowns. But he was dogged by 22 turnovers (14 interceptions and eight lost fumbles) in the last nine games. Zaire replaced him in a 49-14 loss at USC in the regular-season finale.

Motivation for Notre Dame: After going 12-1 and reaching the BCS National Championship Game in 2012, the Irish have lost nine games combined in the past two seasons. They dropped five of their last six this season after a 6-0 start. Kelly needs to get things turned around.

Motivation for LSU: With quarterback Anthony Jennings and tailback Leonard Fournette coming back in 2015, the Tigers have every reason to be excited about their future. A victory over Notre Dame might propel them to a high preseason ranking next season.

Prediction: LSU 27, Notre Dame 24

Belk Bowl

No. 13 Georgia vs. No. 21 Louisville, Dec. 30 (ESPN, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: There's some lingering bad blood between the coaching staffs. Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham left Georgia last season, and then took some veiled shots at his former colleagues on his way out the door. Plus, Louisville's Bobby Petrino, a former Atlanta Falcons coach, still isn't the most popular guy in Georgia.

Who to watch: Georgia freshman Nick Chubb ran for 1,281 yards with 12 touchdowns, with much of his damage coming after UGA star Todd Gurley was suspended for accepting money for autographs. Chubb ran for more than 100 yards in each of the last seven games, averaging 151 yards during the stretch.

Motivation for Georgia: After losing to rival Georgia Tech 30-24 in overtime in the regular-season finale, the Bulldogs will be trying to avoid a two-game losing streak to ACC foes. Georgia also hasn't played well in the postseason recently, as it has lost three of its past four bowl games.

Motivation for Louisville: By beating Georgia, the Cardinals would win 10 games and their third straight bowl game, which would put the icing on their first season in the ACC.

Prediction: Georgia 31, Louisville 27

Foster Farms Bowl

Maryland vs. Stanford, Dec. 30 (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Both teams were probably better than their identical 7-5 records would suggest. Each of Stanford's five losses came against top-25 foes; the Cardinal finally got over the hump by stunning then-No. 8 UCLA 31-10 on the road on Nov. 28. Maryland lost games to West Virginia and Rutgers by a field goal.

Who to watch: Maryland's Stefon Diggs is one of the best big-play threats in the country when he's healthy. Diggs missed three games because of a lacerated kidney, but still finished with 52 catches for 654 yards with five touchdowns. He's expected to be available for the bowl game.

Motivation for Maryland: The Terrapins had an up-and-down first season in the Big Ten, but still finished 4-4 in league play. They didn't put up much of a fight against Ohio State and Michigan State, but beat Iowa, Penn State and Michigan. Not bad for starters.

Motivation for Stanford: After playing in four straight BCS bowl games, the Cardinal can't be too excited about playing in a bowl game so close to home. But Stanford won its last two games to become bowl eligible, and an 8-5 finish would prove the program hasn't slipped too far.

Prediction: Stanford 27, Maryland 13

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 6 TCU, Dec. 31 (ESPN, 12:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: The Rebels were a few plays away from making the playoff, and the Horned Frogs might have been only a few votes away from being one of the four playoff teams. The game also provides a sharp contrast in styles: TCU's high-flying offense will get a major test from Ole Miss' athletic defense.

Who to watch: TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin might have been the country's most improved player, as he passed for 3,714 yards with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions in the Horned Frogs' revamped spread offense. The best news for TCU: Boykin has one year of eligibility remaining.

Motivation for Ole Miss: The Rebels salvaged what was rapidly becoming a disappointing finish by upsetting rival Mississippi State 31-17 in the Egg Bowl. Ole Miss will try to win its seventh bowl game in a row.

Motivation for TCU: The Horned Frogs have to get over the bitter disappointment of not being selected for the playoff. The Horned Frogs are probably a year ahead of schedule, so beating the Rebels in Atlanta might propel them to a top-five ranking going into next season.

Prediction: TCU 34, Ole Miss 31

VIZIO Fiesta Bowl

No. 20 Boise State vs. No. 10 Arizona, Dec. 31 (ESPN, 4 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Will Boise State pull something out of its bag of tricks? The Broncos famously used hook-and-lateral, halfback pass and Statue of Liberty trick plays to upset Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. First-year Boise State coach Bryan Harsin was the Broncos' offensive coordinator at the time.

Who to watch: Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright won a hat trick of individual honors -- the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Award and Vince Lombardi/Rotary Award -- after piling up 89 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 14 sacks this season.

Motivation for Boise State: The Broncos are 2-0 at the Fiesta Bowl; they also beat TCU 17-10 at the end of the 2009 season. Harsin guided the Broncos to an 11-2 record, proving the program won't fall off the map after former coach Chris Petersen left for Washington.

Motivation for Arizona: The Wildcats will undoubtedly be pumped about playing in the Fiesta Bowl for the first time since defeating Miami 29-0 in 1993. Arizona has made major strides under coach Rich Rodriguez, and certainly doesn't want to close the season with consecutive losses.

Prediction: Arizona 37, Boise State 34

Capital One Orange Bowl

No. 7 Mississippi State vs. No. 12 Georgia Tech, Dec. 31 (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets were two of the country's biggest surprises. Mississippi State started 9-0 before losing two of its last three games. The Yellow Jackets upset then-No. 19 Clemson and then-No. 9 Georgia before nearly beating No. 4 Florida State in the ACC championship game.

Who to watch: Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas, a sophomore from Prattville, Alabama, is tailor-made for coach Paul Johnson's triple-option spread offense. Thomas ran for 965 yards with five touchdowns, and completed 50.9 percent of his passes for 1,594 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Motivation for Mississippi State: The Bulldogs don't want to finish the season on a sour note by losing three of their last four games. They were ranked No. 1 in the country for much of the season and a victory over the Yellow Jackets would erase some of the disappointment from November.

Motivation for Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets are aiming for their first 11-win season since 1990, when they finished 11-0-1 and shared a national championship with Colorado.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, Mississippi State 30

Outback Bowl

No. 19 Auburn vs. No. 18 Wisconsin, Jan. 1 (ESPN2, Noon ET)

Why to watch: For the second time in three seasons, Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez will coach the Badgers in a bowl game, after former coach Gary Andersen left for Oregon State. Wisconsin lost to Stanford 20-14 in the 2013 Rose Bowl with Alvarez on the sideline.

Who to watch: It's your last chance to watch Wisconsin tailback Melvin Gordon, a Heisman Trophy finalist who ran for 2,336 yards with 26 touchdowns this season. He might find plenty of room against the Tigers, who gave up at least 31 points in each of their last six games against FBS foes. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn fired defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and replaced him with former Florida coach Will Muschamp.

Motivation for Auburn: After starting 5-0, the Tigers limped to an 8-4 record, losing three of their last four games. Auburn's offense wasn't the problem; the Tigers are averaging 35.8 points per game.

Motivation for Wisconsin: The Badgers didn't just lay an egg against Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game; they were scrambled, fried and poached in an embarrassing 59-0 loss. That's not the lasting legacy Gordon and Wisconsin's seniors want to leave.

Prediction: Auburn 42, Wisconsin 35

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

No. 8 Michigan State vs. No. 5 Baylor, Jan. 1 (ESPN, 12:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: You won't find a matchup of more distinctly different styles of play than the Cotton Bowl, which pits Baylor's high-flying offense against Michigan State's menacing, black-and-blue defense. The Bears averaged a whopping 48.8 points per game; the Spartans allowed only 19.9.

Who to watch: Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty battled nagging injuries and his statistics weren't as good as last season, but he was still pretty darned effective. Petty completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 3,305 yards with 26 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Motivation for Michigan State: Sure, the Spartans went 10-2 and are playing in a New Year's Six bowl game, but what do they really have to show for this season? They lost badly in their two biggest games, falling 46-27 at Oregon and 49-37 to Ohio State at home. Beating the Bears would at least add a feather to their caps.

Motivation for Baylor: Like TCU, the Bears were bitterly disappointed about being left out of the playoff. But coach Art Briles loves the fact Baylor is playing in the Cotton Bowl, and he's looking for his team to make amends for last season's postseason flop, a 52-42 loss to UCF in the Fiesta Bowl.

Prediction: Baylor 45, Michigan State 38

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

No. 16 Missouri vs. No. 25 Minnesota, Jan. 1 (ABC, 1 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Check out two of the country's most underrated coaches: Missouri's Gary Pinkel and Minnesota's Jerry Kill. Pinkel has guided the Tigers to SEC East titles in each of the past two seasons; Kill has led Minnesota -- Minnesota! -- to 16 victories during the past two seasons.

Who to watch: Minnesota's David Cobb ran for 1,548 yards, which was ninth most among FBS players. He had a season-high 220 yards against Middle Tennessee State and 207 against San Jose State.

Motivation for Missouri: It's time to quit doubting the Tigers, who have won the SEC East in two of their first three seasons in the league. Missouri had to replace a boatload of talent this season but didn't miss a beat. A bowl win would give the Tigers 23 victories over the past two seasons.

Motivation for Minnesota: The Gophers have been surprisingly good under Kill, but he hasn't yet led them to a bowl victory. In fact, Minnesota hasn't won in the postseason since beating Alabama 20-16 in the 2004 Music City Bowl, dropping its past six postseason games.

Prediction: Missouri 24, Minnesota 20

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual

No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 3 Florida State, Jan. 1 (ESPN, 5 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Well, for starters the Rose Bowl is the first of the two semifinal games in the inaugural four-team College Football Playoff. On top of that, the game features the past two Heisman Trophy winners -- Florida State's Jameis Winston and Oregon's Marcus Mariota.

Who to watch: Mariota, a junior from Honolulu, won the Heisman Trophy in a landslide after completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 3,783 yards with 38 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 669 yards with 14 touchdowns, and his 53 total touchdowns (he also caught a score) set a Pac-12 single-season record.

Motivation for Oregon: A trip to the Jan. 12 College Football Championship Game is on the line. The Ducks have never won a national championship. They came close in 2010, losing to Auburn 22-19 in the BCS National Championship Game.

Motivation for Florida State: The Seminoles can earn a chance to win back-to-back national championships for the first time in school history. They can also extend their winning streak to 30 games, the longest such streak in FSU and ACC history.

Prediction: Oregon 42, Florida State 31

Allstate Sugar Bowl

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Ohio State, Jan. 1 (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: The second CFP semifinal features two of the sport's traditional heavyweights and two of the hottest teams down the stretch. The Crimson Tide and Buckeyes have played only three times (Alabama won every previous matchup), but Alabama's Nick Saban and Ohio State's Urban Meyer had quite a rivalry brewing when Meyer coached at Florida.

Who to watch: Alabama's Amari Cooper won the Biletnikoff Award as the country's top receiver after leading FBS players with 115 catches and 1,656 receiving yards. He had more than 200 receiving yards in three games, including 224 yards on 13 catches with three touchdowns in a 55-44 win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Motivation for Alabama: With a victory over the Buckeyes, the Crimson Tide will have a chance to win their third national championship in four years and fourth under Saban.

Motivation for Ohio State: The Buckeyes are trying to reach their first national championship game since losing in back-to-back BCS National Championships in 2006 and '07. The Buckeyes will also try to end a 10-game losing streak to SEC teams in the postseason, after having to vacate a 31-26 win over Arkansas in the 2011 Sugar Bowl because of NCAA sanctions.

Prediction: Alabama 31, Ohio State 24

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Houston vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 2 (ESPN, Noon ET)

Why to watch: It's the Interim Bowl. Houston fired coach Tony Levine and Wisconsin is expected to hire Paul Chryst to replace Andersen. Defensive coordinator David Gibbs will serve as the Cougars' interim coach before Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman takes over after the playoff. If Chryst leaves, his replacement would be Pitt's sixth coach (two interims) since 2010.

Who to watch: Pittsburgh's James Conner was named the ACC's Player of the Year after running for 1,675 yards, fifth most among FBS players. He also ranks third nationally with 24 rushing touchdowns, most in a single season in Pitt and ACC history, and is fifth with 139.6 yards per game.

Motivation for Houston: The Cougars weren't that far away from having a really good season. They lost four games by eight points or fewer, including a 33-25 loss to then-No. 25 BYU and 17-12 to UCF.

Motivation for Pitt: Like Houston, the Panthers were on the wrong end of several close calls, losing four games by five points or fewer. The Panthers lost to then-No. 24 Duke 51-48 in two overtimes and 40-35 at North Carolina.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Houston 24

TaxSlayer Bowl

Iowa vs. Tennessee, Jan. 2 (ESPN, 3:20 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: Iowa and Tennessee can only hope the TaxSlayer Bowl can jump-start their programs, which have been trying to escape from mediocrity for a while now. The Hawkeyes haven't won more than eight games since going 11-2 in 2009. The Volunteers haven't won more than seven games since going 10-4 under former coach Phillip Fulmer in 2007.

Who to watch: It might not be sexy, but Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff might be the best player on the field. He won the Outland Trophy as the country's top interior lineman and was named an All-American by the Associated Press.

Motivation for Iowa: The Hawkeyes can end a two-game slide in the postseason and win eight games again, but they have to be kicking themselves for not winning the Big Ten West.

Motivation for Tennessee: The Volunteers continue to take baby steps under second-year coach Butch Jones, and winning a bowl game for the first time since 2007 would be a step in the right direction.

Prediction: Tennessee 28, Iowa 17

Valero Alamo Bowl

No. 11 Kansas State vs. No. 14 UCLA, Jan. 2 (ESPN, 6:45 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: The Alamo Bowl features one of the better quarterback matchups of the postseason with UCLA's Brett Hundley squaring off against Kansas State's Jake Waters. Hundley, who is entering the NFL draft according to Bruins coach Jim Mora, passed for 3,019 yards with 21 touchdowns, while running for 348 yards with eight touchdowns.

Who to watch: Waters actually put up better passing yards than Hundley, throwing for 3,163 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 471 yards with eight scores.

Motivation for Kansas State: With a victory over the Bruins, Kansas State would finish with at least 10 victories for the third time in four seasons. It would be another improbable achievement in Kansas State coach Bill Snyder's truly remarkable career.

Motivation for UCLA: The Bruins can't be feeling good after their 31-10 loss to Stanford in the regular-season finale, which cost them the Pac-12 South title and a chance to play in the Pac-12 championship game. They'd probably love to send Hundley out with a bowl win.

Prediction: Kansas State 27, UCLA 24

TicketCity Cactus Bowl

Washington vs. Oklahoma State, Jan. 2 (ESPN, 10:15 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: You can get a sneak peek at three Washington players who are probably going to be big-time NFL players. The Associated Press named Washington linebackers Shaq Thompson and Hau'oli Kikaha and defensive tackle Danny Shelton first-team All-Americans on Tuesday. It's the first time three Huskies have been named All-Americans in the same season.

Who to watch: Thompson was one of the top two-way players in the country, finishing with 456 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a tailback and totaling 70 tackles, seven sacks, nine tackles for loss and four defensive touchdowns on defense. He won the Paul Hornung Award as the country's most versatile player.

Motivation for Washington: With so much talent on defense, it almost feels like the Huskies were a disappointment by finishing 8-5 in Chris Petersen's first season. A second straight bowl victory might provide some consolation.

Motivation for Oklahoma State: The Pokes were very young and lost a couple of quarterbacks, so making the postseason was a bit of a surprise. The Cowboys' 38-35 upset of Oklahoma on Dec. 6 probably gave them more satisfaction than any bowl victory would.

Prediction: Washington 28, Oklahoma State 14

Birmingham Bowl

East Carolina vs. Florida, Jan. 3 (ESPN, noon)

Why to watch: You want to see a great individual matchup? How about East Carolina receiver Justin Hardy against Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III? Hargreaves has five interceptions and 23 pass breakups during the past two seasons; Hardy ranks second nationally in receptions (110) and fifth in receiving yards (1,334).

Who to watch: A four-year starter at wide receiver, Hardy has caught more passes (376) than any player in FBS history. He set the record against Tulane on Nov. 22, breaking the previous mark of 349 set by Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles from 2008 to '11.

Motivation for East Carolina: The Pirates can beat a third opponent from a Power 5 conference this season. Earlier this year, ECU knocked off Virginia Tech 28-21 on the road and walloped North Carolina 70-41 at home.

Motivation for Florida: The Gators are going to have to be careful that they don't lay an egg in Birmingham. This season has been another disappointment, and former coach Will Muschamp has already paid the price by getting fired. The Gators can finish with a winning record by beating the Pirates.

Prediction: East Carolina 27, Florida 23

GoDaddy Bowl

Toledo vs. Arkansas State, Jan. 4 (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: It's the last bowl game before the Jan. 12 College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T. Get your football fix before an eight-day layoff.

Who to watch: Toledo tailback Kareem Hunt ran for 1,360 yards with 11 touchdowns, despite missing three games with an ankle injury. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry and had 265 rushing yards with two touchdowns in a 27-20 win over Bowling Green on Nov. 19.

Motivation for Toledo: The Rockets can win nine games in a season for the first time since 2012, when they lost to Utah State 41-15 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Motivation for Arkansas State: The Red Wolves can't get complacent, as they're playing in the GoDaddy Bowl for the fourth straight season. They defeated Kent State and Ball State in their previous two trips to Mobile, Alabama.

Prediction: Toledo 42, Arkansas State 38

Bonus pick (assuming my College Football Playoff semifinal predictions are correct)

College Football Playoff National Championship Presented By AT&T

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Oregon, Jan. 12 (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Why to watch: It's for the national championship, man.

Who to watch: The quarterback battle between Mariota and Alabama's Blake Sims. Sims, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, was a surprising choice to win the starting job in preseason camp. But he has played well, completing 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,250 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Can he go nose-to-nose with the Heisman Trophy winner?

Motivation for Alabama: The Crimson Tide can win their fourth national title in six years. Alabama coach Nick Saban would win his fifth national title (he also won one at LSU), which would tie legendary Crimson Tide coach Paul "Bear" Bryant for the most in major college football history.

Motivation for Oregon: The Ducks could go a long way in earning respect for the Pac-12 and spread offenses everywhere if they're able to knock off the Crimson Tide. The Ducks would also win their first national championship.

Prediction: Alabama 37, Oregon 28

**TheGame** · 12-17-2014, 01:06 PM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

76 Need-to-Know Betting Notes For 76 College Football Bowl Teams
By Kevin Causey
Covers.com

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - Saturday Dec. 20

UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (-1, 61)

After not going to a bowl since 1970, The Ragin’ Cajuns have been to the New Orleans Bowl three straight years and have won and covered in every game.

Nevada is 3-1 ATS this season against non-Mountain West Conference foes and 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference games.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl - Saturday Dec. 20

Utah State Aggies vs. UTEP Miners (+10, 45.5)

Despite losing three starting QBs to injury, Utah State delivered on the defensive side of the football with the second-best scoring defense in the MWC, giving up just 20.8 ppg.

The Miners went 6-1 ATS in their last seven games but only one of those teams (7-5 WKU) finished with a winning record. The Miners went just 1-3 ATS on the year against teams that finished with winning records.

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl - Saturday Dec. 20

Colorado State Rams vs. Utah Utes (-3.5, 57.5)

With Jim McElwain taking the Florida job, offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin will step in as interim coach. The Rams were the best in the Mountain West Conference at 8-4 ATS.

The Utes started out strong this season going 7-1 ATS in the first eight but folded down the stretch finishing 1-3 ATS. Those three SU losses came at the hands of Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon who finished with a combined record of 31-7.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Saturday Dec. 20

Western Michigan Broncos vs. Air Force Falcons (-1.5, 56.5)

The Broncos had a miraculous turnaround from 1-11 in 2013 to 8-4 this season but they were also tied for the best ATS record in the nation at 10-2 ATS.

Air Force is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS against non-conference opponents this season. The Falcons are used to strong non-conference foes, as the team is 24-16 SU (21-19 ATS) against non-conference foes under Terry Calhoun.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl - Saturday Dec. 20

Bowling Green Falcons vs. South Alabama Jaguars (-3, 54)

After losing defensive coordinator Mike Elko to Wake Forest, Bowling Green went from having the best defense in the MAC last season (allowing 15.9 ppg) to giving up 33.9 ppg this year (12th in the MAC).

The Jaguars went just 3-8-1 O/U this season. They were ranked 112th at scoring TDs in the red zone, converting on just 48.65 percent of their trips.

Miami Beach Bowl - Monday Dec. 22

BYU Cougars vs. Memphis Tigers (-1.5, 57.5)

Since QB Taysom Hill's injury, the Cougars have not beaten a team with a winning record SU or ATS.

Memphis won a share of the AAC title, which was its first title since 1971, and makes its first bowl game since 2008. The Tigers were the best team in the nation with 50 scores on 53 red-zone attempts.

Boca Raton Bowl - Tuesday Dec. 23

Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Marshall Thundering Herd (-10, 65)

Northern Illinois has only been a double-digit underdog once this year and it lost that game 52-14. In fact, the last four times NIU has been a double digit underdog it has failed to cover.

The Thundering Herd have beaten only one team that won more than 60 percent of its games this season (Louisiana Tech) and they failed to cover in that game.

San Diego CCU Poinsettia Bowl - Tuesday Dec. 23

Navy Midshipmen vs. San Diego State Aztecs (-3, 54)

San Diego State had the best defense in the MWC this year in terms of yards allowed and points allowed, going 1-11 O/U.

Navy started the season 0-6 O/U but finished 4-0 O/U. It wasn’t able to stop teams on third down at the end of the season. During the first six games, the Middies were allowing teams to convert on 40 percent of their third downs and in their final four they allowed a 57 percent conversion rate.

Popeyes Bahama Bowl - Wednesday Dec. 24

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (-4, 66)

Central Michigan was just 2-3 ATS as an underdog but that includes one of their most impressive victories in recent memory as they beat MAC Champ NIU 34-17.

Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty has been granted a sixth year of eligibility. The C-USA Player of the Year finished No. 1 in the FBS with 44 touchdowns and 4,344 passing yards.

Hawaii Bowl - Wednesday Dec. 24

Rice Owls vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (+2, 58.5)

Rice is favored by one point. That's important because the Owls have covered in six straight games in which they've been single digit favorites.

Fresno State is the only team with a losing record going bowling. The last team with a losing record to make a bowl game was Georgia Tech in 2012 and they won the infamous Sun Bowl over USC 21-7 SU and ATS.

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl - Friday Dec. 26

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (+6, 59)

The Bulldogs were one of the best teams in the nation ATS going 10-3. They improved offensively as their ppg increased year-over-year by 18.3 ppg. The addition of Iowa transfer Cody Sokol was the biggest reason for their improvement and he was named C-USA Newcomer of the Year.

The Fighting Illini have the worst defense in the Big Ten giving up 33.9 ppg. They've only held two FBS teams under 30 points this season.

Quick Lane Bowl - Friday Dec 26, 4:30 PM

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+3, 66.5)

Rutgers has beaten only two teams with winning records this season but did cover the spread in both wins.

North Carolina has parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. They gave up 44 ppg and 540 ypg against non-conference foes.

Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl - Friday Dec. 26

North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Central Florida Knights (-2, 49.5)

The Wolfpack are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as their running game has really started to blossom. Over the last five games, they’ve averaged 230 ypg on the ground vs. 188 in their first seven games.

The Knights are 4-0 ATS in their last four games. In the three games they were favorites, the defense allowed an average of 4.6 ppg.

Military Bowl - Saturday Dec. 27

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (+3, 51)

The Bearcats allowed just 117 points in the last seven weeks. Cincy has given up 30 points or more just twice in that span after having that happen four times in the opening five contests.

Virginia Tech has just one play of 50 or more yards this season. The only team worse was Wake Forest, which beat the Hokies 6-3 in double overtime.

Hyundai Sun Bowl - Saturday Dec. 27

Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (-7.5, 66.5)

The Blue Devils rank 18th nationally in third-down defense, 20th in scoring defense and 20th in pass efficiency defense. Duke allowed 21 points or less in nine of its 12 games this season.

Arizona State allowed 19 sacks in November (126th in the nation) and have given up a total of 37 sacks on the year – more than three sacks allowed per game.

Duck Commander Independence Bowl - Saturday Dec. 27

Miami Hurricanes vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (+3, 61)

Every FBS team that Miami played (except Virginia) is going to a bowl, yet its strength of schedule didn't rank in the Top 25.

Despite having just six wins, the Gamecocks beat four bowl teams and covered the spread in three of those four contests.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Saturday Dec. 27

Boston College Eagles vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (+2.5, 40)

Penn State linebacker Brandon Bell expects to play. Bell missed the last two regular season games with a shoulder injury. The sophomore averaged 4.3 tackles per game with two sacks and one interception in 10 contests.

Boston College runs the ball on over 72 percent of its offensive plays and is eighth in the nation in rushing attempts per game. The Eagles are 11th in time of possession, holding on the ball an average of 33:09.92 per game and is 4-7-1 O/U.

National University Holiday Bowl - Saturday Dec. 27

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. USC Trojans (-6.5, 61.5)

The Huskers have won their last nine games in which RB Ameer Abdullah has rushed for over 100 yards.

Southern Cal QB Cody Kessler's TD-to-INT ratio (36:4) this season is better than Matt Barkley, Mark Sanchez, John David Booty, Matt Leinhart or Carson Palmer's best seasons.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Monday Dec. 29

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas A&M Aggies (-3.5, 67)

West Virginia is 0-8 O/U in its last eight games. During this stretch, the defense has allowed 24.8 ppg. Last season, it allowed 40.3 ppg over the last eight games.

The Aggies were 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS to start the season, outscoring opponents 221-47. Since then, Texas A&M is averaging 24 points with a 3-5 SU record and only covering once in that span.

Russell Athletic Bowl - Monday Dec. 29

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Clemson Tigers (+3, 54)

With offensive coordinator Chad Morris off to SMU, Clemson co-coordinators Tony Elliot and Jeff Scott will share play calling duties. Before the announcement, Elliot served as the running backs coach while Scott handled the receiving coaching duties.

Oklahoma's Samaje Perine set the FBS record with 427 yards rushing against Kansas. The Clemson defense gave up 300-plus yards on the ground to Georgia in Week 1.

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl - Monday Dec. 29

Texas Longhorns vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (-6, 45.5)

When Texas wins the turnover battle it is 6-1 with the only loss coming by three points to UCLA. When the Horns lose the turnover battle they are 0-5 SU.

Arkansas had two 1,000-yard rushers (Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins) for the first time since 2007 when the Hogs ran wild with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

Franklin American Music City Bowl - Tuesday Dec. 30

LSU Tigers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+7, 52.5)

LSU is 0-5 O/U in its last five games and has averaged just 17.4 ppg in those games. In those five games, the Tigers’ QBs have completed just 47 percent of their passes and have thrown four TDs vs five INTs.

After giving up just 50 yards rushing in a loss to Florida State, the Irish have given up an average of 244 rushing ypg in their last five games. They've gone 1-4 SU/0-5 ATS in those games.

Belk Bowl - Tuesday Dec. 30

Louisville Cardinals vs. Georgia Bulldogs (-6.5, 56.5)

Georgia has been favored to win every game it’s played in this season and in two of its losses, UGA was a double-digit favorite.

Louisville has allowed opponents to convert on just 28.25 percent of third downs. When Louisville DC Todd Grantham was at Georgia last year, his defense allowed a 39.49 third-down percentage.

Foster Farms Bowl- Tuesday Dec. 30

Stanford Cardinal vs. Maryland Terrapins (+14, 48)

As a double-digit favorite this year, Stanford is 4-1 with the lone loss coming at the hands of Utah.

The Terrapins have beaten just one team with a winning record this season (7-5 Iowa). Against teams with winning records they are just 1-5 ATS (with that one win coming against the Hawkeyes).

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - Wednesday Dec. 31

Mississippi Rebels vs. TCU Horned Frogs (-3, 56.5)

Ole Miss OL Aaron Morris will not play in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl after tearing the ACL in his left knee. The Rebels are 20-2 SU under Huge Freeze when they rush for 150 yards or more.

Gary Patterson is 7-5 SU/4-8 ATS in bowl games. Texas Christian has failed to cover in its past five bowl matchups.

VIZIO Fiesta Bowl - Wednesday Dec. 31

Boise State Broncos vs. Arizona Wildcats (-3.5, 69.5)

The Broncos have been held to under 20 points just twice this season (vs. Ole Miss and Air Force) and lost (and failed to cover) both games.

The Wildcats O/U record was 1-5 away from home this season. They scored 9.6 less ppg on the road.

Capital One Orange Bowl - Wednesday Dec. 31

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+6.5, 61)

Georgia Tech is 5-1 ATS as an underdog this season and has won four of those games SU.

Mississippi State completed seven third-down conversions per game, with Dak Prescott posting a QB rating of 179.7 and throwing for 10 touchdowns on those third-down snaps. He rushed for 27 first downs on third down – tops in the SEC.

Outback Bowl - Thurs Jan. 1

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Auburn Tigers (-6.5, 62)

Wisconsin has only been an underdog once this year and lost that game to LSU in the opener. They were favored by 4 points versus Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship and got walloped 59-0.

The Auburn Tigers fired DC Ellis Johnson after giving up 30 points in each of their last six games against FBS opponents.

Cotton Bowl Classic - Thurs Jan. 1

Baylor Bears vs. Michigan State Spartans (+3, 71)

Baylor head coach Art Briles is the owner of an 89-61 career collegiate record, but is just 2-5 SU and ATS lifetime in bowl games.

The Spartans set school single-season records for points (517), total offense (5,958 yards), offensive touchdowns (64), rushing touchdowns (40) and made point-after attempts (66).

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl - Thurs Jan. 1

Missouri Tigers vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (+5, 48)

Despite winning the SEC East and playing in the SEC Championship, Missouri was only favored in six of its games this season. As a favorite the Tigers went 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS.

The Gophers went 7-2 ATS in their last nine games. They were the best red-zone team in the Big Ten scoring TDs on 73.33 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line.

Rose Bowl (Playoff semifinal) - Thurs Jan. 1

Oregon Ducks vs. Florida State Seminoles (+9.5, 71)

This is the first time since their 2011 matchup with Clemson that Florida State comes into a game as an underdog. The Seminoles are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 bowl games.

Marcus Mariota threw five interceptions in his first seven games. Since then he's thrown just seven in his last 33 games. Heisman winners are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS during bowl season since 2009.

Allstate Sugar Bowl (Playoff semifinal) - Thurs Jan. 1

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (+9.5, 58.5)

Ohio State has been an underdog just twice this season (Michigan State and Wisconsin) and have won both SU.

Alabama has been a single-digit favorite four time this year and in those four games the Tide have a 1-3 O/U record. Alabama is 0-7-1 ATS in its last eight non-conference clashes.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl - Friday Jan. 2

Houston Cougars vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (-3, 53.5)

After signing a five-year contract earlier this year, the Cougars fired head coach Tony Levine and defensive coordinator David Gibbs will be the interim coach for the bowl game.

If Paul Chryst takes the Wisconsin job, as rumored, you have to wonder how the team will respond. Pitt has had four head coaches since 2012. If Chryst leaves it will make five.

TaxSlayer Bowl - Friday Jan. 2

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (+3.5, 51.5)

The Vols lead the SEC in sacks allowed (42) and tackles for loss allowed (97). The inability to get their offense going due to negative plays is a big reason for their 6-6 SU and ATS records.

Teams are completing 14.1 passes per game and boast a 52.7 completion percentage against Iowa. The defense has not been as strong against run, allowing 158.8 rushing yards a game on 4.3 yards per carry.

Valero Alamo Bowl - Friday Jan. 2

Kansas State Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins (Pick, 59)

The Wildcats have only turned the ball over 11 times this year and have only lost the turnover battle in three games. They lost two of those games (vs. Auburn and TCU).

UCLA is just 4-8 ATS this year. One of the reasons is that the Bruins have played in seven games that have been decided by 10 or less points.

TicketCity Cactus Bowl - Friday Jan. 2

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Washington Huskies (-5.5, 56)

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy is making his ninth straight bowl appearance, going 5-3 SU and 4-4 ATS in those previous postseason games.

In Chris Petersen's debut season at Washington, the Huskies didn't beat a single FBS team that finished with a winning record.

Birmingham Bowl - Saturday Jan. 3

Florida Gators vs. East Carolina Pirates (+7, 57)

Since inserting QB Treon Harris into the starting lineup the Gators are 4-1 ATS. The offense averaged 32.6 ppg with Harris under center and 28.6 ppg without him - and that includes a 65-point explosion against EMU in their opener.

Through their first four games, the Pirates had outscored opponents by an average of 18.5 points per game, but since then the team only has a plus-6.5 scoring margin.

GoDaddy Bowl - Sunday, Jan. 4

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Toledo Rockets (-3, 67)

Arkansas State is a tough team to finish off with nine of its last 14 wins coming when tied or trailing in the third quarter.

Toledo QB Logan Woodside came back from injury for the last two games of the season, including a five-touchdown performance against Eastern Michigan. At one point this season, the Rockets were down to their fourth-string QB.

**TheGame** · 12-17-2014, 05:27 PM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

New Orleans Bowl
Nevada vs UL Lafayette
Eight of the past nine New Orleans Bowls played OVER the total
Fourth straight year for UL-Lafayette in the bowl (covered past three)
Nevada lost six of past seven bowl games, but covered spread in past two

New Mexico Bowl
Utah State vs UTEP
Past six New Mexico Bowls played OVER the total
Utah State played UNDER past three bowl seasons
UTEP 0-4 SU and ATS in bowl games since 1995

Las Vegas Bowl
Utah vs Colorado State
Utah 10-1 SU, 8-3 ATS in bowls since 1995
Both teams were 8-4 ATS on the season
CSU has played four straight bowl OVERs

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Western Michigan vs Air Force
MAC schools have been crushed past two Potato Bowls
Western Michigan winless in five bowls since 1995
Western Michigan finished year on 10-1 ATS run

Camellia Bowl
South Alabama vs Bowling Green
First edition of Camellia Bowl
South Alabama ended year on 1-6 ATS run
First bowl game for the Jaguars
Bowling Green 0-4 in past four bowls, 0-3-1 ATS

Miami Beach Bowl
BYU vs Memphis
BYU 5-11-1 ATS past 17 games
BYU 4-1 SU and ATS past five bowl games
First bowl game since 2008 for Memphis

Boca Raton Bowl
Northern Illinois vs Marshall
UNDER is 6-0-1 past seven Northern Illinois bowl games
Northern Illinois 24-3 SU past two seasons
Marshall failed to cover final three games of season
Marshall 7-1 ATS past eight bowl games

Poinsettia Bowl
Navy vs San Diego State
Navy averaging more than 40 PPG past five games of season
SD State played UNDER in 11 of 12 games this season

Bahamas Bowl
Western Kentucky vs Central Michigan
Rematch of 2012 Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl won 24-21 by CMU
Central Michigan 3-1-1 ATS in bowls since 1995

Hawaii Bowl
Fresno State vs Rice
Past three Hawaii Bowls played UNDER the total
Underdogs are 6-3 ATS past nine Hawaii Bowls
Fresno State on 0-5 SU and ATS run in bowl games
Rice ended year on 7-2 ATS run (but gave up 76 to Louisiana Tech)

Heart of Dallas Bowl
Illinois vs Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech 10-3 ATS this season
OVER and UNDER results have alternated all four editions of game, OVER is due if trend continues

Quick Lane Bowl
Rutgers vs North Carolina
Rutgers 6-1-1 ATS in eight bowl games
UNC 6-3-1 ATS in 10 bowl games since 1995

St. Petersburg Bowl
NC State vs Central Florida
Favorites are 5-1 ATS in former Beef 'O' Brady's Bowls
NC State is 5-2 SU, 5-1-1 ATS past seven bowl games
UCF has won and covered three straight bowl games

Military Bowl
Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati
Five of six Military Bowls played OVER the total
Cincinnati 3-8 ATS past 11 bowl games
Cincinnati ended year on seven-game win streak, 6-0-1 ATS

Sun Bowl
Duke vs Arizona State
OVER is 7-2 past nine Sun Bowls
Underdogs are 6-2 ATS past 8 Sun Bowls
Duke lost only two previous bowls, allowing 100 points total
Arizona State is 1-5 ATS past six bowl games

Independence Bowl
Miami vs South Carolina
Favorites are 9-2 ATS past 11 Independence Bowls
Miami lost five of past six bowls SU and ATS

Pinstripe Bowl
Boston College vs Penn State
Underdog covered past three Pinstripe Bowls (all UNDER plays)
BC is 1-7 ATS, 2-6 SU past eight bowl games
Penn State is 0-3-1 ATS past four bowl games

Holiday Bowl
Nebraska vs USC
The past six Holiday Bowls played UNDER the total
Big 12 teams won four of past five Holiday Bowls vs Pac-12
UNDER is 6-1 past seven Nebraska bowl games
USC is 8-2 SU and ATS past 10 bowl games

Liberty Bowl
West Virginia vs Texas A&M
Favorites have covered seven of the past 10 Liberty Bowls
West Virginia is 3-8 ATS past 11 bowl games
Texas A&M is 3-8 ATS past 11 bowl games
All seven times the Mountaineers were favored this season, the game went UNDER the total

Russell Athletic Bowl
Clemson vs Oklahoma
Eight of the past nine Russell Athletic Bowls played UNDER the total
Sooners are 7-2 SU past nine bowl games as favorites
Clemson won their past two bowl games as underdogs
Clemson is 3-11 SU past 14 games as underdog since 2009

Texas Bowl
Texas vs Arkansas
Favorites are 8-3-2 ATS in the last 13 Texas Bowls
UNDER is 6-1 in the last seven Texas Bowl games
Texas is 12-2 SU past 14 bowl games but just 6-8 ATS
Arkansas is 1-5 ATS past six bowl games
Texas crushed Arkansas 52-10 in last meeting in 2008

Music City Bowl
Notre Dame vs LSU
UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 Music City Bowl games
Notre Dame is 2-10 ATS past 12 bowl games
Notre Dame’s last win vs SEC team was 2005 vs Tennessee
UNDER is 5-1 past six LSU bowl games (0-3 ATS past three)
LSU was 7-1 ATS this season as a favorite

Belk Bowl
Louisville vs Georgia
Favorite has covered past three Belk Bowls
Louisville 4-1 SU and ATS past five bowl games
Louisville is 9-1 ATS as underdogs since start of 2011 season

Foster Farms Bowl
Maryland vs Stanford
UNDER is 7-1 in the eight former Fight Hunger Bowls
Maryland is 5-2 SU and ATS past seven bowl games
Stanford is 4-1 ATS past five bowl games

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Mississippi vs. TCU
Ole Miss is 9-1 SU, 8-1-1 ATS past 10 bowl games
TCU failed to cover spread in past five bowl games
TCU 7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS when favored this season

Fiesta Bowl
Boise State vs Arizona
Boise State lost five in a row as regular-season underdog over past three seasons
Arizona is 5-2 SU in bowl games since 1995
Arizona is 3-9 ATS past 12 games as favorites

Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech vs Mississippi State
The underdogs are 8-3 ATS past 11 Orange Bowls
UNDER is 6-2 past eight Orange Bowls
Georgia Tech is 2-8 SU past 10 bowl games
Mississippi State is 6-3 SU and ATS in bowl games since 1995

Outback Bowl
Wisconsin vs Auburn
Nine of past 13 Outback Bowls have played OVER the total
Badgers 1-6 ATS, 2-5 SU past seven bowl games
OVER is 7-1 past eight times Badgers were underdogs
Auburn 5-1 SU and ATS past six bowl games
Auburn 1-6 ATS past seven games as favorites

Cotton Bowl
Michigan State vs Baylor
Spartans won and covered three straight bowl games
Past three Baylor bowl games saw 292 total points scored
Spartans 8-1-1 ATS past 10 games as underdogs

Citrus Bowl
Minnesota vs Missouri
SEC is 5-1 SU and ATS past six Citrus Bowls (former Capital One Bowls) vs Big Ten
Minnesota has lost six straight bowl games SU

Rose Bowl
Florida State vs Oregon (National Semifinal)
Seven of past 10 Rose Bowls played OVER the total
FSU was 13-0 SU, 3-10 ATS this season
FSU is 9-1-1 ATS past 11 bowl games
FSU has not been an underdog since Sept 24, 2011 (loss at Clemson)
Oregon has won and covered three straight bowl games

Sugar Bowl
Alabama vs Ohio State (National Semifinal)
Alabama 5-1 ATS past six bowl games (beaten last year by Sooners)
Alabama is 4-0 SU and ATS vs Big Ten since 2009
Ohio State is 1-5 SU and ATS vs SEC since 2001
Ohio State has been a double-digit dog just five times in 20 seasons, 1-4 SU

Armed Forces Bowl
Pittsburgh vs Houston
Underdogs have covered the spread in five of the past six Armed Forces Bowls
UNDER is 6-2 past eight Pittsburgh bowl games
Houston is 8-1-1 ATS past 10 games as underdogs overall
Pittsburgh was 1-5 ATS, 2-4 SU past six games as favorites

TaxSlayer Bowl
Iowa vs Tennessee
UNDER is 5-1-1 past seven Gator Bowls
Iowa 5-1 ATS past six bowl games
Tennessee is 3-10 SU in bowl games since 2000

Alamo Bowl
UCLA vs Kansas State
Favorites are 5-1 ATS in the last six Alamo Bowl games
Kansas State is 1-5 SU and ATS past six bowl games
UNDER is 6-1 past seven games when UCLA is underdog

Cactus Bowl
Oklahoma State vs Washington
Washington was 13-0 SU this year as favorites
Past three Cactus Bowls (Insight Bowls) played UNDER the total

Birmingham Bowl
East Carolina vs Florida
Past two Compass Bowls played OVER after six in a row played UNDER
Florida is 8-3 ATS past 11 bowl games
Pirates 5-1 ATS past two seasons as underdogs

GoDaddy Bowl
Arkansas State vs Toledo
Arkansas State won and covered past two GoDaddy Bowls
Favorites are 8-2-2 ATS in the last 12 GoDaddy/GMAC Bowls
Seven of the last nine GoDaddy Bowl games played UNDER the total

College Football Championship Game
SEC is 7-1 SU and ATS in title games

**TheGame** · 12-17-2014, 05:27 PM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

StatFox Super Situations

Friday, December 26

NC STATE at UCF
Play On - Any team (UCF) poor rushing team (100-140 RY/G) against an average rushing defense (140-190 RY/G) after 7+ games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences 46-18 since 1997. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )

NC STATE at UCF
Play On - All teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (NC STATE) off an upset win by 14 points or more as a road underdog, with a winning record on the season 39-17 since 1997. ( 69.6% | 0.0 units ) 2-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 0.0 units )

Tuesday, December 30

NOTRE DAME at LSU
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 25 to 28 after allowing 525 or more total yards in their previous game against opponent after outgaining opp by 225 or more total yards in their previous game 29-8 over the last 10 seasons. ( 78.4% | 20.2 units ) 0-2 this year. ( 0.0% | -2.2 units )

**TheGame** · 12-17-2014, 05:28 PM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Nevada vs LA Lafayette - 12/20/14 at 11:00 AM EST

Nevada
9-1 UNDER coming off a road game

LA Lafayette
8-1 ATS away from home and coming off back to back conf. games
26-13 ATS away from home after committing only 1 or less turnovers
37-17 OVER as a favorite
20-7 OVER after having won 2 of their last 3 games

UTEP vs Utah State - 12/20/14 at 2:20 PM EST

UTEP
4-12 ATS as an underdog
6-17 ATS in road games after gaining 125 or less passing yards the previous game
42-64 ATS after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers
6-0 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points

Utah State
19-7 ATS as a favorite
6-0 ATS after a bye week
6-0 ATS in road games off a road loss
10-2 UNDER after having won 3 out of their last 4 games

Utah vs Colorado State - 12/20/14 at 3:30 PM EST

Utah
23-43 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points
20-4 UNDER off a close win by 7 points or less over a conference rival
12-4 UNDER after playing a conference game
19-8 UNDER off a no-cover where the team won as a favorite

Colorado State
9-1 ATS in non-conference games
7-0 ATS after 1 or more straight up losses
11-3 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
31-16 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points

Western Michigan vs Air Force - 12/20/14 at 5:45 PM EST

Western Michigan
10-2 ATS in all games
6-1 ATS after playing a conference game
32-15 OVER off 1 or more consecutive under

Air Force
3-12 ATS in road games after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers
17-6 OVER after covering the spread 3 out of their last 4 games
26-13 OVER in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

South Alabama vs Bowling Green - 12/20/14 at 9:15 PM EST

South Alabama
8-13 ATS after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses
0-7 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games
3-0 UNDER after allowing 42 points or more last game

Bowling Green
14-4 ATS in road games after failing to cover the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games
11-2 ATS after 3 or more consecutive losses against the spread
11-2 UNDER when the total is between 49.5 and 56
13-4 UNDER off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival

BYU vs Memphis - 12/22/14 at 2:00 PM EST

BYU6-3 ATS on a neutral field where the total is between 56.5 and 63
15-5 UNDER in games played on a neutral field
39-21 UNDER after gaining 325 or more passing yards in their last game
29-14 UNDER when the line is +3 to -3

Memphis
21-38 ATS off a win against a conference rival
6-16 ATS after a win by 28 or more points
13-4 UNDER in road games off a win against a conference rival
35-19 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Northern Illinois vs Marshall - 12/23/14 at 6:00 PM EST

Northern Illinois
6-0 ATS after a win by 21 or more points
9-0 UNDER as a neutral field underdog
17-7 UNDER off a win against a conference rival
34-19 UNDER after scoring 37 points or more last game

Marshall
5-15 ATS after a 2 game home stand
3-7 UNDER after 2 consecutive games where they committed 3 or more turnovers

Navy vs San Diego State - 12/23/14 at 9:30 PM EST

Navy
10-2 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less
17-5 ATS against Mountain West conference opponents
15-7 UNDER after playing 2 straight non-conference games

San Diego State
1-10 ATS after 3 or more consecutive wins against the spread
1-9 ATS in home games after gaining 275 or more rushing yards last game
7-0 UNDER as a favorite
7-0 UNDER after playing a conference game
7-1 UNDER off 2 or more consecutive unders

Wednesday, December 24 NCAA Football Trends

Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky - 12/24/14 at 12:00 PM EST

Central Michigan
3-10 ATS in non-conference games
22-9 OVER in road games after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses

Western Kentucky
16-4 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread
7-0 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins
9-2 OVER in road games after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses

Fresno State vs Rice - 12/24/14 at 8:00 PM EST

Fresno State
0-6 ATS as a neutral field favorite
1-5 ATS on a neutral field where the total is between 56.5 and 63
1-5 ATS after gaining 100 or less rushing yards last game
26-13 OVER in road games off 1 or more consecutive unders
10-2 OVER in road games off a road loss

Rice
11-3 ATS when the total is between 56.5 and 63
6-0 ATS off 1 or more straight overs
28-13 OVER off a loss against a conference rival
61-36 OVER as an underdog
16-3 OVER after allowing 50 points or more last game

Friday, December 26 NCAA Football Trends

Illinois vs Louisiana Tech - 12/26/14 at 1:00 PM EST

Illinois
23-44 ATS after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored
21-42 ATS after a game where they forced 3 or more turnovers
12-4 OVER after a game where they forced 4 or more turnovers
11-7 OVER off 2 straight wins against conference rivals

Louisiana Tech
10-3 ATS in all games
30-15 ATS off a loss against a conference rival
7-1 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
35-19 OVER as a favoirte
41-20 OVER after playing 2 straight conference games

Rutgers vs North Carolina - 12/26/14 at 4:30 PM EST

Rutgers
31-15 ATS in road games in non-conference games
13-4 UNDER after a 2 game road trip
34-15 UNDER in non-conference games

North Carolina
2-4 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread
29-15 UNDER after being outgained by opp by 125 or more total yards last game

North Carolina State vs Central Florida - 12/26/14 at 8:00 PM EST

North Carolina State
7-19 ATS in road games after having won 3 out of their last 4 games
9-22 ATS off a road win against a conference rival
7-1 OVER off an upset win by 14 points or more as an underdog
5-1 OVER after a game where they committed no turnovers

Central Florida
6-0 ATS off a road win against a conference rival
10-0 ATS after playing their last game on the road
15-6 OVER off a win against a conference rival
10-3 OVER after having won 4 out of their last 5 games

Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati - 12/27/14 at 1:00 PM EST

Virginia Tech
0-6 ATS after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games
58-38 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Cincinnati
9-1 ATS in road games after playing 2 straight conference games
23-10 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread
27-13 UNDER after scoring 37 points or more last game
27-13 UNDER after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored

Duke vs Arizona State - 12/27/14 at 2:00 PM EST

Duke
19-7 ATS in all games
12-4 ATS after playing a conference game
13-5 ATS after 1 or more consecutive straight up wins
14-7 OVER as an underdog

Arizona State
2-10 ATS in road games after having won 6 or 7 out of their last 8 games
1-5 ATS as a neutral field favorite
9-2 OVER after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games

Miami vs South Carolina - 12/27/14 at 3:30 PM EST

Miami
3-12 ATS after playing a conference game
74-49 UNDER after playing a conference game
5-1 UNDER after a bye week

South Carolina
10-6 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders
16-9 UNDER against ACC opponents

Penn State vs Boston College - 12/27/14 at 4:30 PM EST

Penn State
1-10 ATS after playing a game at home
49-25 UNDER in non-conference games
6-0 UNDER after playing a game at home

Boston College
4-2 ATS after playing a game at home
29-14 UNDER in road games off 1 or more consecutive unders
30-13 UNDER after covering the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games

Nebraska vs USC - 12/27/14 at 8:00 PM EST

Nebraska
46-28 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
10-2 UNDER as a neutral field underdog

USC
2-11 ATS off a home win
1-8 ATS in road games after scoring 37 points or more last game
6-17 ATS after 1 or more consecutive straight up wins
53-34 UNDER after scoring 37 points or more last game
27-13 UNDER after a game where they committed no turnovers

West Virginia vs Texas A&M - 12/29/14 at 2:00 PM EST

West Virginia
6-15 ATS as a favorite
0-8 ATS as a neutral field favorite
0-6 ATS when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
6-0 UNDER as a favorite

Texas A&M
8-17 ATS in all games
3-11 ATS after one or more ATS losses

Clemson vs Oklahoma - 12/29/14 at 5:30 PM EST

Clemson
Please Check Back

Oklahoma
Please Check Back

Texas vs Arkansas - 12/29/14 at 9:00 PM EST

Texas
0-6 ATS after covering the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games
9-2 UNDER as an underdog

Arkansas
10-2 ATS against Big 12 conference opponents
10-1 ATS off an upset loss as a road favorite
10-2 UNDER in a bowl game
26-11 UNDER as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points
7-0 UNDER as a neutral field favorite

Notre Dame vs LSU - 12/30/14 at 3:00 PM EST

Notre Dame
15-29 ATS off a road loss
19-8 UNDER after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game
16-6 UNDER in road games after scoring 14 points or less last game

LSU
7-1 ATS as a favorite
43-26 UNDER when the total is between 49.5 and 56
7-0 UNDER off a close win by 7 points or less over a conference rival
8-1 UNDER in road games after 1 or more SU wins

Louisville vs Georgia - 12/30/14 at 6:30 PM EST

Louisville
11-26 ATS after a game where they committed 4 or more turnovers
5-1 OVER after a win by 6 or less points

Georgia
23-10 ATS against ACC opponents
25-12 ATS in road non-conference games
4-1 OVER after a loss by 6 or less points

Maryland vs Stanford - 12/30/14 at 10:00 PM EST

Maryland
6-0 ATS when the total is between 42.5 and 49
13-4 UNDER after allowing 325 or more passing yards
22-8 UNDER after a game where they committed no turnovers

Stanford
1-8 ATS after a win by 17 or more points
2-9 ATS after outgaining opp by 175 or more total yards
8-1 UNDER as a favorite
9-2 UNDER after having won 2 out of their last 3 games

Ole Miss vs TCU - 12/31/14 at 12:30 PM EST

Ole Miss
9-1 ATS in a bowl game
20-8 ATS in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
11-3 ATS in non-conference games

TCU
24-10 OVER off 3 straight wins against conference rivals
13-4 OVER after gaining 525 or more total yards/game

Boise State vs Arizona - 12/31/14 at 4:00 PM EST

Boise State
61-40 ATS after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers
69-40 ATS off a win against a conference rival
121-81 ATS in all games

Arizona
49-81 ATS as a favorite
1-8 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
19-35 ATS after scoring 14 points or less last game

Georgia Tech vs Mississippi State - 12/31/14 at 8:00 PM EST

Georgia Tech
6-0 ATS after allowing 24 points or more in the first half last game
55-34 UNDER as an underdog
6-0 UNDER when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest

Mississippi State
4-13 ATS in road games after allowing 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games
9-2 UNDER after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers
12-3 UNDER after allowing 525 or more total yards in their previous game

Wisconsin vs Auburn - 1/1/15 at 12:00 PM EST

Wisonsin
29-15 ATS when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
20-7 ATS after gaining 100 or less rushing yards last game
12-3 OVER after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread

Auburn
9-1 ATS after scoring 42 points or more last game
21-6 OVER after 2 consecutive games with a turnover margin of +1 or better

Michigan State vs Baylor - 1/1/15 at 12:30 PM EST

Michigan State
23-10 ATS off a double digit road win
62-39 OVER as an underdog

Baylor
19-9 OVER as a favorite
6-0 OVER when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest

Minnesota vs Missouri - 1/1/15 at 1:00 PM EST

Minnesota
52-33 OVER after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers

Missouri
19-8 ATS in all games
8-0 ATS in road games after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
9-1 OVER in road games after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers

Florida State vs Oregon - 1/1/15 at 5:00 PM EST

Florida State
3-10 ATS in all games
13-4 UNDER in major bowl games

Oregon
7-1 ATS off a win against a conference rival
7-0 ATS in road games after 3 straight covers as a favorite of 7 or more
13-5 ATS after a win by 17 or more points
7-0 UNDER after a bye week

Ohoi State vs Alabama - 1/1/15 at 8:30 PM EST

Ohio State
1-8 ATS after gaining 7.25 or more yards/play in their previous game
11-2 OVER in all games

Alabama
45-24 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins
13-4 OVER as a neutral field favorite

Pittsburgh vs Houston - 1/2/15 at 12:00 PM EST

Pittsburgh
0-6 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games

Hosuton
6-0 ATS in road games after gaining 6.25 or more yards/play in their previous game
19-8 OVER after 2 consecutive game where they committed 1 or less turnovers

Iowa vs Tennessee - 1/2/15 at 3:20 PM EST

Iowa
39-22 UNDER in non-conference games

Tennessee
41-24 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread
43-25 UNDER after a game where they forced 3 or more turnovers

UCLA vs Kansas State - 1/2/15 at 6:45 PM EST

UCLA
50-28 UNDER off a loss against a conference rival

Kansas State
25-12 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
9-2 ATS after having won 2 out of their last 3 games

Oklahoma State vs Washington - 1/2/15 at 10:15 PM EST

Oklahoma State
18-7 ATS after 2 straight games where 70 total points or more were scored
10-2 UNDER in road games off a road win

Washington
77-104 ATS after playing a conference game
11-3 UNDER as a favorite

East Carolina vs Florida - 1/2/15 at 1:00 PM EST

East Carolina
3-12 ATS after gaining 325 or more passing yards in 2 straight games

Florida
30-15 ATS in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
44-27 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Toledo vs Arkansas State - 1/2/15 at 9:00 PM EST

Toledo
0-6 ATS after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored
16-6 OVER off a road win against a conference rival

Arkansas State
25-13 ATS in all games
6-0 OVER after playing a conference game

**TheGame** · 12-17-2014, 05:28 PM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

DECEMBER 20, 11:00 AM
NEVADA vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Nevada's last 18 games
Nevada is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games

DECEMBER 20, 2:20 PM
TEXAS EL PASO vs. UTAH STATE
Texas El Paso is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas El Paso's last 6 games
Utah State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah State's last 6 games

DECEMBER 20, 3:30 PM
UTAH vs. COLORADO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah's last 10 games
Utah is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado State's last 5 games
Colorado State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

DECEMBER 20, 5:45 PM
WESTERN MICHIGAN vs. AIR FORCE
Western Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Air Force's last 9 games
Air Force is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 20, 9:15 PM
SOUTH ALABAMA vs. BOWLING GREEN
South Alabama is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
South Alabama is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Bowling Green's last 8 games
Bowling Green is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 22, 2:00 PM
BYU vs. MEMPHIS
BYU is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games
BYU is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games

DECEMBER 23, 6:00 PM
NORTHERN ILLINOIS vs. MARSHALL
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 6 games
Northern Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Marshall is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marshall's last 6 games

DECEMBER 23, 9:30 PM
NAVY vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
Navy is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Navy's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of San Diego State's last 12 games
San Diego State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

DECEMBER 24, 12:00 PM
CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Central Michigan's last 19 games
Central Michigan is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Western Kentucky's last 13 games
Western Kentucky is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 24, 8:00 PM
FRESNO STATE vs. RICE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Fresno State's last 9 games
Fresno State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rice
Rice is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Fresno State
Rice is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

DECEMBER 26, 1:00 PM
ILLINOIS vs. LOUISIANA TECH
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Illinois's last 9 games
Louisiana Tech is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

DECEMBER 26, 4:30 PM
RUTGERS vs. NORTH CAROLINA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rutgers's last 7 games
Rutgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of North Carolina's last 5 games
North Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 26, 8:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
No trends available
Central Florida is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Florida's last 6 games

DECEMBER 27, 1:00 PM
VIRGINIA TECH vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia Tech's last 7 games
Virginia Tech is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 27, 2:00 PM
DUKE vs. ARIZONA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Duke's last 8 games
Duke is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
Arizona State is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games

DECEMBER 27, 3:30 PM
MIAMI vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games
South Carolina is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Carolina's last 6 games

DECEMBER 27, 4:30 PM
PENN STATE vs. BOSTON COLLEGE
Penn State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Penn State is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston College's last 8 games

DECEMBER 27, 8:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. SOUTHERN CAL
Nebraska is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Nebraska is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Southern Cal is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Cal's last 5 games

DECEMBER 29, 2:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. TEXAS A&M
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of West Virginia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas A&M's last 6 games
Texas A&M is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games

DECEMBER 29, 5:30 PM
CLEMSON vs. OKLAHOMA
Clemson is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Clemson is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma's last 9 games
Oklahoma is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games

DECEMBER 29, 9:00 PM
TEXAS vs. ARKANSAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Arkansas is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arkansas's last 5 games

DECEMBER 30, 3:00 PM
NOTRE DAME vs. LSU
Notre Dame is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Notre Dame's last 7 games
LSU is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
LSU is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games

DECEMBER 30, 6:30 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. GEORGIA
Louisville is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Georgia's last 12 games
Georgia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

DECEMBER 30, 10:00 PM
MARYLAND vs. STANFORD
No trends available
Stanford is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Stanford is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

DECEMBER 31, 12:30 PM
MISSISSIPPI vs. TCU
Mississippi is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Mississippi is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of TCU's last 14 games
TCU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 31, 4:00 PM
BOISE STATE vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boise State's last 8 games
Boise State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

DECEMBER 31, 8:00 PM
GEORGIA TECH vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Georgia Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Mississippi State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Mississippi State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

JANUARY 1, 12:00 PM
WISCONSIN vs. AUBURN
Wisconsin is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
Wisconsin is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Auburn's last 6 games
Auburn is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games

JANUARY 1, 12:30 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. BAYLOR
Michigan State is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Michigan State's last 14 games
Baylor is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

JANUARY 1, 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MISSOURI
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Missouri is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

JANUARY 1, 5:00 PM
FLORIDA STATE vs. OREGON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida State's last 5 games
Florida State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oregon is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

JANUARY 1, 8:30 PM
OHIO STATE vs. ALABAMA
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Ohio State's last 12 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Alabama is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

JANUARY 2, 12:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 17 games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

JANUARY 2, 3:20 PM
IOWA vs. TENNESSEE
Iowa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Iowa's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tennessee's last 5 games

JANUARY 2, 6:45 PM
UCLA vs. KANSAS STATE
UCLA is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of UCLA's last 8 games
Kansas State is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games

JANUARY 2, 10:15 PM
OKLAHOMA STATE vs. WASHINGTON
Oklahoma State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Oklahoma State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington's last 15 games

JANUARY 3, 12:00 PM
EAST CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA
East Carolina is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
East Carolina is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games
Florida is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games

JANUARY 4, 9:00 PM
TOLEDO vs. ARKANSAS STATE
Toledo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toledo is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arkansas State's last 5 games
Arkansas State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

**TheGame** · 12-19-2014, 06:19 AM

Re: College Playoffs / Bowl Games Betting Info

Saturday's Bowl Tips
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Nevada vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

The Mountain West and Sun Belt Conferences will be represented Saturday in the Crescent City, where Nevada and UL-Lafayette will collide for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Superdome. This game features a pair of record-setting quarterbacks who will be closing out their collegiate careers.

As of Thursday afternoon, the line was all over the place at various betting shops. Some books had one team favored by one, while others had the side as a pick 'em. The total for 'over/under' wagers is 60.5 or 61.

Nevada (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS) won four of its last six games both SU and ATS, including a 49-27 win at UNLV in the regular-season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Wolf Pack easily covered the spread as a 7.5-point road favorite, while the 76 combined points sailed 'over' the 62.5-point total. Cody Fajardo was the catalyst, accounting for four touchdowns. The senior signal caller threw three TD passes compared to one interception. Fajardo ran 13 times for 143 yards and one TD. After the Rebels cut the deficit to 21-20 midway through the third quarter, Nevada responded with 28 consecutive points. Fajardo hit Kendall Brock for a three-yard scoring strike to make it 28-20 and a few plays later, the Wolf Pack went up 35-20 on a pick-six by Lenny Jones.

Fajardo is one of only two QBs in FBS history (the other being fellow Nevada alum Colin Kaepernick) to throw for more than 6,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000. Fajardo ranks No. 21 in all-time total yardage and can move into 16th place with 208 yards of offense against UL-Lafayette.

UL Lafayette (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) has won seven of its last eight games, producing a 5-1-1 spread record in its last seven outings. The Ragin' Cajuns finished the regular season by cruising to a 42-23 win at Troy as 9.5-point road favorites. Elijah McGuire rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries, while Alonzo Harris ran 17 times for 86 yards and three TDs. Terrance Broadway connected on 14-of-19 throws for 142 yards and also ran for 78 yards on 14 totes.

Mark Hudspeth's squad has finished its season in this bowl game in all four years of his tenure. The Ragin' Cajuns are 3-0 both SU and ATS at the Superdome in the first postseason appearances in the school's history. They have beaten San Diego St. (32-30), East Carolina (43-34) and Tulane (24-21).

Broadway was the MVP of the 2012 New Orleans Bowl as a sophomore. As a senior this season, he completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,068 yards with a 12/9 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Broadway also rushed for 646 yards and three scores.

UL-Lafayette has a pair of outstanding RBs in McGuire and Harris. McGuire ran for 1,165 yards and 14 TDs this season, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. Harris rushed for 737 yards and 12 TDs, averaging 4.6 YPC.

Fajardo completed 59.7 percent of his throws this season for 2,370 yards and an 18/11 TD-INT ratio. He rushed for a team-best 997 yards and 13 TDs, averaging 6.1 YPC. Jerico Richardson is his favorite target, hauling in 53 receptions for 626 yards and three TDs. When Fajardo isn't toting the rock himself, Don Jackson gets the bulk of the carries. Jackson rushed for 932 yards and seven scores during the regular season.

Nevada has lost six of its last seven bowl games. The last victory came in 2010 when the Wolf Pack beat Boston College 20-13 at the Kraft Hunger Bowl. It missed the postseason in 2013 in its first season under head coach Brian Polian, who is the son of former Colts team President Bill Polian.

The 'under' is 8-4 overall for Nevada, with its games averaging 59.5 points per game.

Totals have been an overall wash (6-6) for the Ragin' Cajuns, who have seen their games average a combined score of 58.5 PPG.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern on ESPN.

UTEP vs. Utah State

The second bowl game on Saturday's slate pits UTEP vs. Utah St. in the New Mexico Bowl from Albuquerque. As of Thursday, most books had Utah St. (9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS) installed as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 46. Gamblers can back the Miners on the money line for a +330 return (risk $100 to win $330).

After going 2-10 in Sean Kugler's first season since taking over for the retired Mike Price, UTEP (7-5 SU, 9-3 ATS) is in the postseason for the first time since getting thumped 52-24 to BYU at the 2010 New Mexico Bowl. The Miners have won five of their last seven games, going 6-1 ATS in the process. They have gone 4-3 ATS in seven games as underdogs, posting a 3-2 spread record in five double-digit 'dog situations.

Utah St. had another stellar campaign despite a myriad of injuries, including nine season-enders to starters. First, the Aggies lost one of their best defensive players in Kyler Fackrell when he tore his ACL in September. Fackrell had 82 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore in 2013. Next, star senior QB Chuckie Keeton tore his ACL (again) and was lost for the year. Then Utah St. lost its second and third-string QBs to injuries. Nevertheless, Matt Wells's squad won each of true freshman Kent Myers's first four starts.

Utah St. was on a five-game winning streak going into its regular-season finale at Boise St. on the smurf turf. A victory would've garnered a trip to the Mountain West Conference Championship game, but that berth went to the Broncos after they dealt out a 50-19 beating to the Aggies. BSU easily covered the number as a 10-point home 'chalk.' The Utah St. defense got blitzed by Jay Ajayi for 229 rushing yards and five TDs. Myers threw for 158 yards and was intercepted once. He ran for 43 yards and one TD.

Myers has made five starts and seen playing time in six games. He has completed 69.2 percent of his throws for 798 yards with a 5/2 TD-INT ratio. Myers has rushed for 235 yards and four TDs while averaging 5.6 YPC.

Utah St. LB Zach Vigil earned Mtn. West Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 145 tackles (19.5 for loss) and nine sacks.

Vigil will be keying on UTEP RB Aaron Jones, who has rushed for 2,552 yards in his first two seasons for the Miners. Jones ran for 1,236 yards and 11 TDs while averaging 5.7 YPC.

UTEP quarterback Jameill Showers connected on 55.7 percent of his passes for 1,732 yards with a 12/5 TD-INT ratio. Showers also rushed for 288 yards and four scores.

Utah St. is going bowling for a fourth straight season. The Aggies beat No. Illinois by a 21-14 count in a pick 'em affair at last year's Poinsettia Bowl. They smashed Toledo 41-15 as 10.5-point favorites at the 2012 Idaho Potato Bowl on the blue carpet.

Utah St. ranks 21st nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 20.8 PPG.

The 'over' is 7-6 overall for the Aggies, hitting in back-to-back games and four of their last six.

The 'under' is on a 5-1 run for the Miners to improve to 7-5 overall for the season. Their games have averaged a combined score of 57.0 PPG.

ESPN will have the telecast at 2:20 p.m. Eastern.

Utah vs. Colorado State

The Mtn. West and Pac-12 will be represented in Sin City for Saturday's Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl. Utah and Colorado St. both had outstanding seasons that will culminate at Sam Boyd Stadium. However, CSU won't have its head coach Jim McElwain, who left to take the Florida job vacated when Will Muschamp was fired.

As of Thursday afternoon, most books had Utah listed as a three-point favorite with a total of 57.5. Gamblers can back the Rams to win outright for a +145 return (risk $100 to win $145).

Colorado St. (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) is gunning for the second 11-win season in school history. Dave Baldwin, the team's offensive coordinator, will serve as the Rams' interim head coach. He was previously a head coach at San Jose St. and is hoping a bowl victory can bolster his candidacy to remain at CSU as head coach.

Utah (8-4 SU, 8-4 SU) is back in the postseason after going 5-7 in consecutive years. The Utes won all three of their non-conference games, including a 26-10 win over Michigan at The Big House. Kyle Whittingham's team won a pair of Pac-12 road games over Stanford and UCLA as a double-digit underdog. Utah also had a solid home win over Southern Cal and prevailed in overtime at Oregon St. The Utes went 5-1 ATS on the road, dropping a 19-16 decision at Arizona St. in overtime.

Utah's only non-cover on the road came in its regular-season finale when it escaped Boulder with a 38-34 win over Colorado as a seven-point road 'chalk.' Dominique Hatfield's pick-six with 10 minutes remaining provided the winning points. QB Travis Wilson threw for 311 yards and three TDs without being intercepted, while Devontae Booker rushed 25 times for 95 yards and one score. Kaelin Clay had 10 receptions for 88 yards and a pair of TDs.

Utah has been a single-digit favorite three times, going 1-2 ATS. Meanwhile, CSU has compiled a 2-1 record both SU and ATS in three games as an underdog. The Rams won outright at Boston College and vs. Colorado in Denver.

Wilson threw for 2,012 yards with a 17/4 TD-INT ratio. After losing one of his top targets Dres Anderson to a season-ending injury in late October, Clay began to pick up his production. He finished the regular season with 39 catches for 460 yards and four TDs. Booker rushed for 1,350 yards and nine TDs while averaging 5.1 YPC. He also had 39 receptions for 282 yards and two TDs. Clay has also scored three TDs on special-teams returns.

CSU is led by senior QB Garrett Grayson, who set all sorts of school records during a brilliant year. Grayson completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,779 yards with a 32/6 TD-INT ratio. His favorite target is one of the nation's best WRs, Rashard Higgins, who had 89 receptions for 1,640 yards and 17 TDs. Dee Hart, a transfer from Alabama, rushed for a team-high 1,254 yards and 16 TDs, averaging 6.7 YPC.

After losing 37-24 at Boise St. in Week 2, CSU went on a nine-game winning streak that got snapped in a gut-wrenching loss at Air Force in the regular-season finale. The Falcons captured a 27-24 win as 7.5-point home underdogs thanks to a Will Conant 39-yard field goal as time expired. Grayson threw for 366 yards and three TDs, while Hart rushed for 115 yards on 23 carries. Higgins had 12 catches for 193 yards and a pair of TDs.

Utah's defense is led by DE Nate Orchard, who set a school record with 17.5 sacks during the regular season.

The 'under' is on a 7-2-1 run in Utah's last 10 games and is 7-4-1 overall.

Totals have been an overall wash (6-6) for the Rams, but they saw the 'over' go 4-1 in their last five games.

These schools are former conference rivals from the MWC. Before Utah bolted for the Pac-12 from 2005-2010, the Utes won five in a row over the Rams and cashed tickets at a 4-1 ATS clip.

Kickoff is slated for 5:50 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

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