B/R Betting Locks Bowl Season, Part 2
In the wee hours of Christmas Eve, as sugarplums danced in the heads of children around the world, a beautiful football game between two beautiful football teams had its moment.
For those who believe that there are too many bowls, the Hawai'i Bowl would like a word. San Jose State and South Florida put on a show, and the Bulls found victory five overtimes later.
Did this game have to be played? Well, it didn't crown a champion and both teams were barely over .500, which would prompt many to declare these games unworthy. The reality, however, is that these games (and always) will deliver.
The Hawai'i Bowl wasn't the only bowl game thus far that produced multiple OTs. Oh, and Rutgers ran a fake tush push in its wild, touchdown-heavy game against Kansas State.
Sure, we have a College Football Playoff bracket still to finish. Locks of the Week will have picks each step of the way. Although we're also celebrating the entirety of this glorious time of the year—this time picking non-playoff winners from December 28th and beyond.
So, let's get to the winners.
For the latest spreads on futures and games, head to DraftKings.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: Miami vs. Iowa State (Over 56.5)
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Cam Ward is playing.
Well, so we are led to believe.
As college football engulfs itself in change, a number of star players are choosing to play with their teams one last time. We welcome this movement very much.
Ward's presence, of course, means a lot. He delivered a Heisman-esque season for a team that just missed out on the playoff, although you can't question what he means to his team on offense. You can question how good Miami is defensively, which is precisely how this group ended up in this bowl.
For Iowa State, which was one win away from a spot in the playoff, we can echo the same sentiment. In the Big 12 Championship against Arizona State, the Cyclones allowed 45 points. They also turned the ball over three times, which didn't help.
The Iowa State defense didn't dazzle down the stretch. Neither did the Hurricanes'. The end result could be a fabulous, weird football game.
Pinstripe Bowl: Nebraska (-4) vs. Boston College
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We're betting on Dana Holgorsen, and we're not afraid to say it.
Late in the season, Matt Rhule brough on Holgorsen to study and assist with his offense.
Then, he took over.
Now, he's the guy.
At the time he joined the team, he didn't have many hours to work with the offense along with, more specifically, freshman QB Dylan Raiola. Perhaps more than any quarterback, bowl practices were likely extremely beneficial. And Holgorsen, while loaded with character, knows plenty about offense.
Sure, the Cornhuskers lost a lot to the transfer portal. Most teams did. But the key pieces, headlined by the one throwing footballs, are still in place.
Boston College has endured its own slew of changes, starting with its quarterback. Grayson James has played solid since taking over the starting role, although the Cornhuskers have more juice.
Nebraska by more than a TD. In Holgo we trust.
TransPerfect Music City Bowl: Iowa (+3) vs. Missouri
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We know the Iowa offense has its issues, and losing running back Kaleb Johnson, one of the best backs of this past season, certainly won't help.
The return of Brendan Sullivan at QB, however, could certainly help Iowa. While no one will mistake him for Cam Ward, Sullivan is a weapon with his legs and capable of giving this offense a jolt.
On the Missouri side, QB Brady Cook will be without wideout Luther Burden. Burden, like Williams, is off to the next level. For a team that struggled offensively, this presents a fascinating challenge.
Indeed, offense likely won't flow in this matchup, although the Iowa defense feels like a potential X-factor. It's the reason why a team that has largely struggled to score over the last few years continues to compete.
It's also the reason why the Hawkeyes will win outright as a small underdog.
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Sun Bowl: Washington (+2.5) vs. Louisville
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Amid a sea of bowls, the Sun Bowl is a fascinating game between two programs searching for momentum heading into next season.
That momentum, at least for Washington, might exist with QB Demond Williams Jr. When thrown into action late in the year, Williams played well. Although he's young and still undersized, there's plenty of promise.
Louisville will look to counter that promise with Harrison Bailey, its new quarterback after Tyler Shough opted out. Harrison, a senior, hasn't played much. Having Jeff Brohm as a coach will help, although the Cardinals' offense likely won't be full speed.
Washington should be able to take full advantage. And although the Huskies only won six games during the regular season, a depleted roster from a playoff run a season ago along with a difficult schedule certainly didn't help.
This, more than anything, is a bet on Williams. Washington wins outright.
Cheez-it Citrus Bowl: Illinois (+9.5) vs. South Carolina
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As the season progressed, South Carolina seemed to hit its stride. While the Gamecocks fell short of the playoff, they won their final six games to bring that conversation life.
And yet, here we are.
The bowl season doesn't always tell the tale. Sometimes, these games lie. In fact, oftentimes they lie.
On paper, this game looks like a sizable mismatch. While Illinois only lost three games this year, the Illini lost two of their final five games. Granted, two of their three losses this season came to Oregon and Penn State—teams still vying for a national championship.
Although South Carolina is a superior team, pass-rusher Kyle Kennard and running back Rocket Sanders will not play. Both losses could have a direct impact on this game, although Illinois has the pieces to at least keep this came tight.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer is an underrated player who does well under pressure. He'll need to do just that once again, even with Kennard not in action.
South Carolina wins, but Illinois keeps it close enough.
Other Games on the Card
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Valero Alamo Bowl: Colorado vs. BYU (Over 54.5)
While normally we don't love bowl games against conference teams, this is an exception. Look for both unlikely contenders to put on a show.
First Responder Bowl: Texas State (-14) vs. North Texas
On the topic of shows, look out for this game. Chances are, touchdowns will flow freely. Texas State is in a position to get much more of them.
Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo (-2) vs. Liberty
It's a bowl game, and we don't have many football games left. That's precisely why you'll bet on Buffalo and savor every moment of this game.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
