NCAAF · 10 months ago

Predicting the Outcomes of All 40 Bowl Games

Grant White

Host · Writer

Bahamas Bowl
Buffalo Bulls vs Liberty Flames

Spread: Liberty -2.5 | Moneyline: Liberty -125 | Total: 52.5

The bar was set too high for Liberty this season. A loss to Buffalo is the poetic ending this team deserves.

Prediction: Buffalo 28 - Liberty 27
Cricket Celebration Bowl
Jackson State Tigers vs South Carolina Bulldogs

Spread: N/A | Moneyline: N/A | Total: N/A

Two FCS foes kick off bowl season in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. We give the edge to the Bulldogs in this one.

Prediction: South Carolina State 31 - Jackson State 27
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl
South Alabama Jaguars vs Western Michigan Broncos

Spread: South Albama -7.5 | Moneyline: South Alabama -315 | Total: 57.5

Western Michigan can put up points and South Alabama's defense is leaky. Broncos pull off a major upset in this one.

Prediction: Western Michigan Broncos 35 - South Alabama 21
Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl
Memphis Tigers vs West Virginia Mountaineers

Spread: Memphis -4.5 | Moneyline: Memphis -188 | Total: 58.5

Bettors have been underestimating Memphis all season, but they're finally installed as chalk versus the Mountaineers. The Tigers trounce West Virginia in a high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Memphis 42 - West Virginia 35
Boca Raton Bowl
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes

Spread: James Madison -8.5 | Moneyline: James Madison -300 | Total: 52.5

Western Kentucky's perceived value has taken a hit but this game will be much closer than the betting line implies.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 24 - James Madison 21
Art of Sport LA Bowl
California Golden Bears vs UNLV Rebels

Spread: Cal -1.5 | Moneyline: Cal -122 | Total: 50.5

If not for Boise State, UNLV would be sitting as one of the top teams in the country. A Golden Bears friendly crowd won't help Cal in this one.

Prediction: UNLV 35 - Cal 28
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Georgia Southern Eagles vs Sam Houston Bearkats

Spread: Georgia Southern -6.5| Moneyline: Georgia Southern -215 | Total: 48.5

Sam Houston made a late-season charge up the standings, coming up short in the CUSA. Still, they get past the Eagles at the Caesars Superdome.

Prediction: Georgia Southern 27 - Sam Houston 28
StaffDNA Cure Bowl
Ohio Bobcats vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Spread: Ohio -3.5 | Moneyline: Ohio -166 | Total: 54.5

Ohio plays a more complete game than Jacksonville State, but it won't be an easy task getting past the Gamecocks.

Prediction: Ohio 21 - Jacksonville State 19
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Tulane Green Wave vs Florida Gators

Spread: Florida -13.5 | Moneyline: Florida -630 | Total: 49.5

Group of 5 teams rarely hold their own against SEC foes. Tulane is outmatched in this one.

Prediction: Tulane 10 - Florida 28
College Football Playoff - First Round
Indiana Hoosiers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Spread: Notre Dame -7.5 | Moneyline: Notre Dame -295 | Total: 51.5

This is Indiana's opportunity to prove that it can hang with the big boys. Try as they may, Notre Dame should be moving on.

Prediction: Indiana 30 - Notre Dame 35
College Football Playoff - First Round
SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions

Spread: Penn State -8.5 | Moneyline: Penn State -315 | Total: 53.5

SMU couldn't handle what Clemson threw its way. They don't stand a chance against the Nittany Lions.

Prediction: SMU 6 - Penn State 42
College Football Playoff - First Round
Clemson Tigers vs Texas Longhorns

Spread: Texas -11.5 | Moneyline: Texas -385 | Total: 51.5

A tough loss in the SEC final relegated the Longhorns to the first round. Nevertheless, Clemson offers little resistance in the playoffs.

Prediction: Clemson 13 - Texas 35
College Football Playoff - First Round
Tennessee Volunteers vs Ohio State Buckeyes

Spread: Ohio State -7.5 | Moneyline: Ohio State -275 | Total: 46.5

It's been a tumultuous few weeks in Ohio State. They have one too many distractions and Tennessee will make them pay.

Prediction: Tennessee 21 - Ohio State 17
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs UTSA Roadrunners

Spread: UTSA -8.5 | Moneyline: UTSA -320 | Total: 55.5

UTSA has struggled on the road, but they are better than Coastal Carolina on both sides of the ball. Roadrunners win but don't cover.

Prediction: Coastal Carolina 21 - UTSA 27
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Northern Illinois Huskies vs Fresno State Bulldogs

Spread: NIU -2.5 | Moneyline: NIU -142 | Total: 40.5

This matchup of strengths pits Fresno State's offense against NIU's defense. Expect some late-game excitement and a Bulldogs upset victory.

Prediction: Fresno State 21 - NIU 20
Hawai'i Bowl
South Florida Bulls vs San Jose State Spartans

Spread: San Jose State -3.5 | Moneyline: San Jose State -170 | Total: 62.5

South Florida has been outmatched all season and is lucky to be in a bowl game. San Jose State is too much for the Bulls to handle.

Prediction: South Florida 24 - San Jose State 40
GameAbove Sports Bowl
Pittsburgh Panthers vs Toledo Rockets

Spread: Pitt -7.5 | Moneyline: Pitt -275 | Total: 51.5

Pittsburgh's offense can hang a crooked number on Toledo, but the Rockets will do their part to keep pace.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 38 - Toledo 35
Rate Bowl
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Kansas State Wildcats

Spread: N/A | Moneyline: N/A | Total: N/A

Kansas State will dictate tempo and should have no problem besting the Scarlet Knights.

Prediction: Rutgers 13 - Kansas State 31
68 Ventures Bowl
Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Bowling Green Falco

Spread: Bowling Green -6.5| Moneyline: Bowling Green -240 | Total: 49.5

It was easy to overlook the Falcons this season, but they put together a mighty defensive campaign. The RedWolves will appear toothless.

Prediction: Arkansas State 7 - Bowling Green 18
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Oklahoma Sooners vs Navy Midshipmen

Spread: Oklahoma -8.5 | Moneyline: Oklahoma -320 | Total: 43.5

Navy drives possession better than any other team in the country. Keeping the ball out of Oklahoma's hands is half the battle. Sooners are on upset alert.

Prediction: Navy 18 - Oklahoma 15
Birmingham Bowl
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Vanderbilt Commodores

Spread: Georgia Tech -2.5 | Moneyline: Georgia Tech -130 | Total: 51.5

Georgia Tech commanded the nation's attention after they gave Georgia all they could handle. Vanderbilt still won't be ready.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 27 - Vanderbilt 23
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Arkansas Razorbacks

Spread: Texas Tech -2.5 | Moneyline: Arkansas -152 | Total: 60.5

Texas Tech came on strong toward the end of the season, relying on its dynamic offense. Arkansas won't be able to keep pace.

Prediction: Texas Tech 49 - Arkansas 28
DirecTV Holiday Bowl
Syracuse Orange vs Washington State Cougars

Spread: Syracuse -7.5 | Moneyline: Syracuse -280 | Total: 61.5

Fran Brown got everything he could out of Syracuse this season. Orange will go out with a bang.

Prediction: Syracuse 30 - Washington State 20
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
USC Trojans vs Texas A&M Aggies

Spread: Texas A&M -3.5 | Moneyline: Texas A&M -156 | Total: 51.5

Foolishly, bettors continue to invest in the Trojans. Texas A&M is the superior program and will prove it in Las Vegas.

Prediction: USC 17 - Texas A&M 27
Wasabi Fenway Bowl
UConn Huskies vs North Carolina Tar Heels

Spread: North Carolina -3.5 | Moneyline: North Carolina -154 | Total: 54.5

Bill Belichick is commanding all of the attention in North Carolina, but all of that love will be redirected to the football field at the end of December.

Prediction: UConn 24 - North Carolina 27
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
Boston College Eagles vs Nebraska Cornhuskers

Spread: Nebraska -2.5| Moneyline: Nebraska -134 | Total: 45.5

Bostonians will finally have a win to celebrate at Yankee Stadium. Boston College upsets Nebraska.

Prediction: Boston College 17 - Nebraska 14
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Lousiana Ragin' Cajuns vs TCU Horned Frogs

Spread: TCU -12.5 | Moneyline: TCU -450 | Total: 58.5

A once dominant season comes to an unceremonious conclusion for Louisiana. TCU cruises.

Prediction: Louisiana 10 - TCU 42
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Iowa State Cyclones vs Miami Hurricanes

Spread: Miami -3.5 | Moneyline: Miami -176 | Total: 54.5

After being left out of the playoff, Miami has something to prove. Even without their NFL departees, the Hurricanes will dominate.

Prediction: Iowa State 20 - Miami 40
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs Colorado State Rams

Spread: Miami (OH) -2.5 | Moneyline: Miami -137 | Total: 42.5

Miami's being overvalued in this spot. Colorado State is capable of pulling off the win as underdogs.

Prediction: Miami (OH) 14 - Colorado State 17
Go Bowling Military Bowl
East Carolina Pirates vs NC State Wolfpack

Spread: NC State -5.5 | Moneyline: NC State -205 | Total: 58.5

NC State is the deserving favorite and they should make short work of East Carolina. Expect offensive fireworks.

Prediction: East Carolina 28 - NC State 45
Valero Alamo Bowl
BYU Cougars vs Colorado Buffaloes

Spread: Colorado -2.5 | Moneyline: Colorado -138 | Total: 54.5

In an alternate universe, this was the Big 12 Championship Game. Personnel decisions could limit the Buffaloes chances of winning.

Prediction: BYU 28 - Colorado 21
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Marshall Thundering Herd vs Army Black Knights

Spread: Army -14.5 | Moneyline: Army -670 | Total: 48.5

Army was in contention for a playoff spot, ultimately coming short. There's still a lot of pride in the program but this spread is too hefty.

Prediction: Marshall 20 - Army 31
TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Missouri Tigers

Spread: Missouri -3.5 | Moneyline: Missouri -156 | Total: 40.5

First one to 20 wins this one. Missouri could have a hard time breaking through the Hawkeyes defense.

Prediction: Iowa 20 - Missouri 17
Reliaquest Bowl
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines

Spread: Alabama -10.5 | Moneyline: Alabama -420 | Total: 43.5

Kudos to the schedule-makers for getting us interested in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Michigan's moment came back in Week 14, though.

Prediction: Alabama 32 - Michigan 14
Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl
Louisville Cardinals vs Washington Huskies

Spread: Louisville -2.5 | Moneyline: Louisville -137 | Total: 49.5

Washington consistently came up short throughout the regular season. We don't expect that trend to change against Louisville.

Prediction: Louisville 31 - Washington 28
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
South Carolina Gamecocks vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Spread: South Carolina -9.5 | Moneyline: South Carolina -360 | Total: 47.5

South Carolina flew under the radar in the SEC. Low-key, they were one of the most dominant teams in the country. Move aside Illinois.

Prediction: South Carolina 27 - Illinois 10
Kinder's Texas Bowl
Baylor Bears vs LSU Tigers

Spread: LSU -1.5 | Moneyline: LSU -118 | Total: 59.5

Defense will be an afterthought when LSU takes on Baylor. This one could turn into an instant classic.

Prediction: Baylor 48 - LSU 49
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Duke Blue Devils vs Ole Miss Rebels

Spread: Ole Miss -14.5 | Moneyline: Ole Miss -650 | Total: 52.5

This could end up being the most notable upset of bowl season. Duke catches Ole Miss off guard.

Prediction: Duke 24 - Ole Miss 21
ServePro First Responder Bowl
North Texas Mean Green vs Texas State Bobcats

Spread: Texas State -9.5 | Moneyline: Texas State -350 | Total: 67.5

Both teams will move the ball effortlessly, but this spread is too much for the Bobcats to handle.

Prediction: North Texas 41 - Texas State 49
Duke's Mayo Bowl
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Virginia Tech Hokies

Spread: Minnesota -5.5 | Moneyline: Minnesota -215 | Total: 42.5

Virginia Tech's inconsistent offense won't beat the Golden Gophers' defense. Minnesota ends the year on a high note.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 17 - Minnesota 24
Bahamas Bowl
Buffalo Bulls vs Liberty Flames

Spread: Liberty -2.5 | Moneyline: Liberty -125 | Total: 52.5

The bar was set too high for Liberty this season. A loss to Buffalo is the poetic ending this team deserves.

Prediction: Buffalo 28 - Liberty 27
Cricket Celebration Bowl
Jackson State Tigers vs South Carolina Bulldogs

Spread: N/A | Moneyline: N/A | Total: N/A

Two FCS foes kick off bowl season in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. We give the edge to the Bulldogs in this one.

Prediction: South Carolina State 31 - Jackson State 27

Buffalo Bulls vs Liberty Flames

Prediction: Buffalo 28 - Liberty 27

Jackson State Tigers vs South Carolina Bulldogs

Prediction: South Carolina State 31 - Jackson State 27

South Alabama Jaguars vs Western Michigan Broncos

Prediction: Western Michigan Broncos 35 - South Alabama 21

Memphis Tigers vs West Virginia Mountaineers

Prediction: Memphis 42 - West Virginia 35

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs James Madison Dukes

Prediction: Western Kentucky 24 - James Madison 21

California Golden Bears vs UNLV Rebels

Prediction: UNLV 35 - Cal 28

Georgia Southern Eagles vs Sam Houston Bearkats

Prediction: Georgia Southern 27 - Sam Houston 28

Ohio Bobcats vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Prediction: Ohio 21 - Jacksonville State 19

Tulane Green Wave vs Florida Gators

Prediction: Tulane 10 - Florida 28

Indiana Hoosiers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Prediction: Indiana 30 - Notre Dame 35

SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions

Prediction: SMU 6 - Penn State 42

Clemson Tigers vs Texas Longhorns

Prediction: Clemson 13 - Texas 35

Tennessee Volunteers vs Ohio State Buckeyes

Prediction: Tennessee 21 - Ohio State 17

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs UTSA Roadrunners

Prediction: Coastal Carolina 21 - UTSA 27

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Fresno State Bulldogs

Prediction: Fresno State 21 - NIU 20

South Florida Bulls vs San Jose State Spartans

Prediction: South Florida 24 - San Jose State 40

Pittsburgh Panthers vs Toledo Rockets

Prediction: Pittsburgh 38 - Toledo 35

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Kansas State Wildcats

Prediction: Rutgers 13 - Kansas State 31

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Bowling Green Falco

Prediction: Arkansas State 7 - Bowling Green 18

Oklahoma Sooners vs Navy Midshipmen

Prediction: Navy 18 - Oklahoma 15

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Vanderbilt Commodores

Prediction: Georgia Tech 27 - Vanderbilt 23

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Arkansas Razorbacks

Prediction: Texas Tech 49 - Arkansas 28

Syracuse Orange vs Washington State Cougars

Prediction: Syracuse 30 - Washington State 20

USC Trojans vs Texas A&M Aggies

Prediction: USC 17 - Texas A&M 27

UConn Huskies vs North Carolina Tar Heels

Prediction: UConn 24 - North Carolina 27

Boston College Eagles vs Nebraska Cornhuskers

Prediction: Boston College 17 - Nebraska 14

Lousiana Ragin' Cajuns vs TCU Horned Frogs

Prediction: Louisiana 10 - TCU 42

Iowa State Cyclones vs Miami Hurricanes

Prediction: Iowa State 20 - Miami 40

Miami (OH) RedHawks vs Colorado State Rams

Prediction: Miami (OH) 14 - Colorado State 17

East Carolina Pirates vs NC State Wolfpack

Prediction: East Carolina 28 - NC State 45

BYU Cougars vs Colorado Buffaloes

Prediction: BYU 28 - Colorado 21

Marshall Thundering Herd vs Army Black Knights

Prediction: Marshall 20 - Army 31

Iowa Hawkeyes vs Missouri Tigers

Prediction: Iowa 20 - Missouri 17

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines

Prediction: Alabama 32 - Michigan 14

Louisville Cardinals vs Washington Huskies

Prediction: Louisville 31 - Washington 28

South Carolina Gamecocks vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Prediction: South Carolina 27 - Illinois 10

Baylor Bears vs LSU Tigers

Prediction: Baylor 48 - LSU 49

Duke Blue Devils vs Ole Miss Rebels

Prediction: Duke 24 - Ole Miss 21

North Texas Mean Green vs Texas State Bobcats

Prediction: North Texas 41 - Texas State 49

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Virginia Tech Hokies

Prediction: Virginia Tech 17 - Minnesota 24