College Bowl Game Schedule: How to Watch and Best Bets including the CFP Matchups
It was a rough day for the NBC Sports Betting Analysts on Tuesday. Despite the three losses, the team remains at .500 for bowl season with a record of 10-10.
While these plays were published prior to the start of bowl season, you can get up to the minute news, notes, and plays this week on Wednesday and Friday beginning at 11A Eastern during the College Football Live Q&A with Eric Froton, Vaughn Dalzell, and Brad Thomas.
Three games today including the Military Bowl, the Duke's Mayo Bowl, and the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl.
The following is a breakdown of the remaining bowl games. Included are dates, sites, kick-off times, TV networks, game spreads and totals courtesy of BetMGM, and a few picks from the talent at NBC Sports. Up to date results are listed at the end of this article.
As you ponder your New Year's Resolutions, enjoy the games and a few sweats.
Military Bowl: Virginia Tech (-300) vs. Tulane (+240)
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 2P ET on ESPN
Site: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD
Spread: Virginia Tech Hokies -7.5 | O/U: 46.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: Tulane takes to the field in the Military Bowl minus their head coach (Willie Fritz is now coaching Houston) while the Hokies have been one of the surprise teams of the season in the ACC. Thus, momentum favors Virginia Tech. That said, Tulane’s defense is stingy and 7½ points is a lot. Lean to VA Tech laying the touchdown plus and play the UNDER 46.5 Total Points.
Join in the college football betting conversation TODAY at 11AM ET. From sides to totals to props, get ready for college football bowl season with the NBC Sports College Football Betting Q&A.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina (+165) vs. West Virginia (-200)
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 5:30P ET on ESPN
Site: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC
Spread: West Virginia Mountaineers -5 | O/U: 56.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: This handicap seems pretty straightforward. If Drake Maye opts out of this game for North Carolina and he is expected to do so having declared for the NFL Draft, take West Virginia and lay the points.
DirecTV Holiday Bowl: Louisville (-300) @ USC (+240)
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 8P ET on FOX
Site: Petco Park in San Diego, CA
Spread: Louisville Cardinals -7.5 | O/U: 57.5
Froton’s Play: Rumors persist around Southern California that USC has a very unsettled QB situation with Caleb departing for the NFL, as five-star QB Malachi Nelson has allegedly failed to develop as quickly as hoped. Their defense is one of the very worst units in the Power Five, which is set to get ripped by Louisville’s RB duo of Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo. UL recorded only two games all year with a win expectancy under 60%. Take the Cardinals and lay the 7½.
Bet the Edge is your source for the day in sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your podcasts.
TaxAct Texas Bowl: Texas A&M Aggies (-165) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (+135)
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 9P ET on ESPN
Site: NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
Spread: Texas A&M Aggies -3 | O/U: 53.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: Texas A&M is a team in transition. Jimbo Fisher is out. Mike Elko is in. In addition, numerous players have hit the portal including the Aggies top receiver, Ainias Smith. Oklahoma State enters the game as the more-settled program. Take the Cowboys and the points.
Wasabi Fenway Bowl: SMU (-450) vs. Boston College (+325)
Thursday, December 28, 2023 | 11A ET on ESPN
Site: Fenway Park in Boston, MA
Spread: SMU Mustangs -11 | O/U: 51
NBC Sports Staff Play: If momentum counts for anything, look SMU’s way even with this big number. Boston College sandwiched a five-game win streak between a rough beginning and end to their regular season while SMU won 11 games and enjoyed their first conference title since 1984. Take the SMU Mustangs and lay the big number.
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers (+105) vs. Miami FL (-125)
Thursday, December 28, 2023 | 2:15P ET on ESPN
Site: Yankee Stadium in New York, NY
Spread: Miami Hurricanes -1.5 | O/U: 41.5
Dalzell’s Dish: QB Tyler Van Dyke hit the transfer portal for Miami and Rutgers' has one of the worst passing five offenses behind Gavin Wimsatt, so expect a defensive grind and chess match between Greg Schiano and Mario Cristobal. Take the UNDER 41.5 Total Points.
Drew’s Play: Rutgers +3.5 will absolutely super-charged up for this game and they will have fans there not to mention fading Miami in bowls has been on an insanely profitable run the past 15 or so years.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: NC State (+140) vs. Kansas State (-165)
Thursday, December 28, 2023 | 5:45P ET on ESPN
Site: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL
Spread: Kansas State Wildcats -3 | O/U: 46.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: This game features two teams that have lost a combined 35 players to opt-outs or NFL Draft prep (NC State – 17 / Kansas State – 18). As a result, this is strictly a live game betting opportunity. No pre-flop recommendation.
Valero Alamo Bowl: Arizona (-155) vs. Oklahoma (+130)
Thursday, December 28, 2023 | 9:15P ET on ESPN
Site: Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, TX
Spread: Arizona Wildcats -3.5 | O/U: 62.5
Drew’s Play: Dillon Gabriel is off to Oregon. He made the Sooners’ offense go. Speaking of go, promising Oklahoma O-liner Cayden Green has gone into the portal. That is meaningful when capping this game. Meanwhile, Arizona is completely intact with a great young coach, and they are playing as well as any team in the nation. Take Arizona -3.5 points.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Clemson (-225) vs. Kentucky (+185)
Friday, December 29, 2023 | 12P ET on ESPN
Site: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL
Spread: Clemson Tigers -5.5 | O/U: 46.5
Froton’s Play: Despite their upset over ACC in-state rival Louisville, Kentucky went 2-5 down the stretch with six of those games carrying a win expectancy under 35%. On the other side, Clemson finished strong by winning their last four games against Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, UNC and South Carolina. With the Tigers’ defense ranking 9th in EPA and 4th in success rate allowed, I doubt Kentucky will be able to move the ball on the ground considering RBs Ray Davis (NFL opt out) and Jutahn McClain (portal) are both unlikely to play. Take the Clemson Tigers and lay the points.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Notre Dame (-275) vs. Oregon State (+210)
Friday, December 29, 2023 | 2P ET on CBS
Site: Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, TX
Spread: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -6.5 | O/U: 43.5
Froton’s Play: Oregon State is in total disarray after losing their HC Jonathan Smith to Michigan State and their top two quarterbacks, DJU and Aiden Chiles, to the portal, with many more soon to follow thanks to OSU’s up-in-the-air conference status. Notre Dame had multiple receivers enter the portal, but there is still plenty enough talent in South Bend to comfortably beat a crumbling OSU. Take Notre Dame and lay the points.
Read More: Notre Dame Update
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Memphis (+260) vs. Iowa State (-350)
Friday, December 29, 2023 | 3:30P on ESPN
Site: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN
Spread: Iowa State Cyclones -8.5 | O/U: 57.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: Matt Campbell may have done the best coaching of his career this season as the Cyclones turned a rough start into a bowl season. The Cyclones even found some offense by the end of the regular season. Now they face a Memphis defense that has been generous to opposing offenses this season. Take Iowa State and lay the points.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Missouri (-140) vs. Ohio State (+115)
Friday, December 29, 2023 | 8P ET on ESPN
Site: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX
Spread: Missouri Tigers -2.5 | O/U: 49
Dalzell’s Dish: This is the Super Bowl for Missouri. The Tigers were 6-6 in each of the past two seasons, losing to Wake Forest and Army in Bowl Games. Ohio State is down its starting QB (portal) and plenty of others should opt-out to transfer or prepare for the NFL. Mizzou has all the motivation. Take Missouri and lay the points.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Ole Miss (+140) vs. Penn State (-165)
Saturday, December 30, 2023 | 12P ET on ESPN
Site: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA
Spread: Penn State Nittany Lions -3.5 | O/U: 48.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: This may not be an opportunity for Penn State to start the Drew Allar 2024 Heisman campaign, but it is an opportunity to start to transform him into the elite quarterback many predict he will be. Doubtful Ole Miss has seen too many defenses as good as that of the Nittany Lions. Take Penn State and lay the points.
TransPerfect Music City Bowl: Auburn (-125) vs. Maryland (+105)
Saturday, December 30, 2023 | 2P ET on ABC
Site: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN
Spread: Auburn Tigers -2.5 | O/U: 50.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: This game features two teams who when at their best can hang with the elite teams in college football (see Auburn vs. Alabama and Maryland vs. Michigan), but the only thing consistent about these teams is their inconsistency. Sprinkle in a few opt-outs for this game and it screams in-game betting opportunity at best. If forced to make a play pre-flop, look at the Game Total OVER 50.5 points.
Capital One Orange Bowl: Georgia (-600) vs. Florida St. (+425)
Saturday, December 30, 2023 | 4P ET on ESPN
Site: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL
Spread: Georgia Bulldogs -14 | O/U: 44.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: Not sure which side, if either, is motivated. Also unsure of who will be active for this game as there is still plenty of time for players to opt-out. Ultimately, Georgia is the deeper team. In addition, Carson Beck is far better than Tate Rodemaker. Picking the Bulldogs to win has no value. It is difficult to pull the trigger and lay 14 points against this Seminole defense, but how does FSU score enough to keep within shouting distance of the Bulldogs. Lean Georgia and lay the points.
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl: Toledo (+125) vs. Wyoming (-150)
Saturday, December 30, 2023 | 4:30P ET on Barstool
Site: Arizona Stadium in Tucson, AZ
Spread: Wyoming Cowboys -3 | O/U: 44.5
Froton’s Play: Both of these teams are dealing with defections, as Toledo QB Dequan Finn, LG Vinny Sciury and star CB Quinyon Mitchell are in the portal or likely to opt out. On the other side, Wyoming HC Craig Bohl just announced he is retiring from coaching. With each team ranking in the top 20 in pass defense, and Wyoming ranking 122nd in Pace, I have a hard time seeing these two teams lighting up the scoreboard. Take the Under 44.5 Points.
Read more: Connor Rogers’ NFL Draft Big Board
ReliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin (+310) vs. LSU (-400)
Monday, January 1, 2023 | 12P ET on ESPN
Site: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
Spread: LSU Tigers -10.5 | O/U: 55.5
Froton’s Play: Jaylen Daniels has yet to announce if he will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Regardless, the Tigers are the better team on both sides of the ball which is saying something considering how bad LSU has been on defense this year. Luke Fickell’s debut season in Madison has not followed the script many expected to play out. Even if Nussmeier is under center for LSU, take the Tigers and lay the points.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Iowa (+260) vs. Tennessee (-350)
Monday, January 1, 2023 | 1P ET on ABC
Site: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL
Spread: Tennessee Volunteers -7.5 | O/U: 36.5
Dalzell’s Dish: Deacon Hill versus Joe Milton will be one to remember as both offenses will struggle. If the Hawkeyes win, it's because Tennessee can't score more than two touchdowns and if Tennessee wins, Iowa shouldn't score more than two touchdowns. Take the UNDER on Iowa once again.
VRBO Fiesta Bowl: Liberty (+575) vs. Oregon (-900)
Monday, January 1, 2023 | 1P ET on ESPN
Site: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ
Spread: Oregon Ducks -18.5 | O/U: 65.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: After losing in the Pac-12 title game, Oregon would seem to have every reason to not show up for this matchup against a motivated Liberty squad. Then, Bo Nix decided to play in this game. It’s a showcase event for him of sorts and so expect points. Take the OVER 65.5 points.
Join in the college football betting conversation Wednesday and Friday at 11AM ET. From sides to totals to props, get ready for college football bowl season with the NBC Sports College Football Betting Q&A.
Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinal #1) Presented by Prudential: Alabama (+100) vs. Michigan (-120)
Monday, January 1, 2023 | 5P ET on ESPN
Site: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
Spread: Michigan Wolverines -1.5 | O/U: 45.5
Dalzell’s Dish: This could be one of, if not, the most epic game of the College Football season. I trust J.J. McCarthy and Michigan's defense more than Jalen Milroe and Alabama's defense. I saw Nick Saban lose a title in person versus Georgia in 2021 and people don't forget. Jim Harbaugh gets his first ring and goes through Nick Saban in doing so. Take Michigan and lay the points.
Read More: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Allstate Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal #2): Texas (-185) vs. Washington (+150)
Monday, January 1, 2023 | 8:45P ET on ESPN
Site: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA
Spread: Texas Longhorns -4 | O/U: 64.5
NBC Sports Staff Play: Despite having a deep roster and elite skill position players, Washington still finds themselves as the underdog. Texas improved consistently all season and they appear primed to avenge last season’s bowl loss to the Huskies. That said, the best player on the field will be Michael Penix, Jr. The Indiana transfer has found a way every game this season and that streak continues in a shootout against the Longhorns. Take the points and the Washington Huskies.
Enjoy Bowl Season and enjoy the sweat.
__________
RESULTS:
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Ohio University
PLAY: UNDER 53.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: Ohio Bobcats 41-21
RESULT: LOSS
Cricket Celebration Bowl: Howard vs. Florida A&M
ODDS NOT OFFERED ON THIS GAME
FINAL SCORE: Florida A&M Rattlers 30-26
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Jacksonville State @ Louisiana
PLAY: Jacksonville State -3
FINAL SCORE: Jacksonville State Gamecocks 34-31 OT
RESULT: WIN
Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl: Miami OH vs. Appalachian State
PLAY: UNDER 47.5 Total Points
FINAL SCORE: Appalachian State Mountaineers 13-9
RESULT: WIN
Isleta New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico State (-175) vs. Fresno State (+145)
PLAY: InGame Fresno State ML
FINAL SCORE: Fresno State Bulldogs 37-10
RESULT: WIN
LA Bowl: UCLA vs. Boise State
PLAY: Game Total UNDER 49.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: UCLA Bruins 35-22
RESULT: LOSS
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: California vs. Texas Tech
PLAY: TEXAS TECH ML
FINAL SCORE: Texas Tech Red Raiders 34-14
RESULT: WIN
Famous Toastery Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion
PLAY: Old Dominion -2.5
FINAL SCORE: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 38-35 (OT)
RESULT: LOSS
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl: UTSA vs. Marshall
PLAY: UTSA -10
FINAL SCORE: UTSA Road Runners 35-17
RESULT: WIN
Roofclaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: South Florida vs. Syracuse
PLAY: South Florida Bulls ML (+130)
FINAL SCORE: South Florida 45-0
RESULT: WIN
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: UCF vs. Georgia Tech
PLAY: UCF Knights -4.5 (-110)
FINAL SCORE: GA Tech Yellow Jackets 30-17
RESULT: LOSS
Camellia Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
PLAY: Arkansas State -1 (-110)
FINAL SCORE: Northern Illinois Huskies 21-19
RESULT: LOSS
Birmingham Bowl: Duke vs. Troy
PLAY: Game Total UNDER 44 Points
FINAL SCORE: Duke Blue Devils 17-10
RESULT: WIN
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: James Madison vs. Air Force
PLAY: Air Force Falcons +3 (-110)
FINAL SCORE: Air Force 31-21
RESULT: WIN
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Georgia State vs. Utah State
PLAY: Utah State Aggies -1 (-110)
FINAL SCORE: Georgia State Panthers 45-22
RESULT: LOSS
68 Ventures Bowl | South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan
PLAY: Game Total OVER 47.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: South Alabama Jaguars 59-10
RESULT: WIN
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs. Northwestern
PLAY: Game Total UNDER 41.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: Northwestern Wildcats 14-7
RESULT: WIN
EasyPost Hawaii Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. San Jose State
PLAY: Game Total OVER 53.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 24-14
RESULT: LOSS
Quick Lane Bowl: Bowling Green vs. Minnesota
PLAY: Game Total UNDER 38.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: Minnesota Golden Gophers 30-24
RESULT: LOSS
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice
PLAY: Rice +4.5 Points (-110)
FINAL SCORE: Texas State Bobcats 45-21
RESULT: LOSS
Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Kansas vs. UNLV
PLAY: Game Total UNDER 64.5 Points
FINAL SCORE: Kansas Jayhawks 49-36
RESULT: LOSS
*odds courtesy of BetMGM
