College Football Bowl 2025 Odds, Picks & Predictions for Underrated Games on Schedule

Some of the best college football bowl games each year are the ones we least expect to be thrillers.

A handful of Group of Five bowl-game battles prior to the first round of the College Football Playoff carry plenty of entertainment value.

The power-conference versus Group of Five dynamic typically presents some fun matchups as well, as the lesser-known team tries to punch above its weight and pull off an upset.

A handful of the bowl games featuring power-conference teams are tough to break down because of potential opt-outs and coaching changes, but there are still some gems that fit that category on the 2025-26 bowl schedule.

Salute to Veterans Bowl: Troy vs. Jacksonville State

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Tuesday, December 16 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): Troy -2.5; Over/Under 46.5

The Troy Trojans and Jacksonville State Gamecocks each were on the losing end of their respective conference championship games.

The pair of Group of Five runners-up were paired together for the Salute to Veterans Bowl. It's a strong matchup for an all-G5 bowl.

Troy does have an injury concern at quarterback. Goose Crowder was hurt in the Sun Belt Championship Game, but Tucker Kilcrease started multiple games this season.

Jacksonville State possesses and offense that averages 419.2 yards per game and regularly scored in the 30s.

This matchup is probably the best non-playoff over the next seven days due to the level of both teams and lack of opt-outs across the board, plus the game is being played between two Alabama schools in Montgomery.

Both teams finished 8-5. but Troy stumbled a bit down the stretch with three losses in its last five games.

Jacksonville State has the more prolific offense and played better down the stretch in Conference USA.

Prediction: Jacksonville State +2.5

Military Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina

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Saturday, December 27 (11 a.m. ET, ESPN)

Odds: Pittsburgh -4; Over/Under 59.5

The Military Bowl presents us with a fascinating power-conference-versus-G5 matchup.

The Pittsburgh Panthers are an interesting case because they can use the Military Bowl as a springboard for next year with freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel at the helm.

Some power-conference teams are in the middle of coaching changes or significant transfer portal upgrades during bowl season, but Pitt seems to be one of the more stable teams when it comes to its bowl roster.

Heintschel threw for 2,098 yards and 15 touchdowns after he was named the starter in October. He led Pitt to a win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but he struggled against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Miami Hurricanes.

The East Carolina Pirates finished their regular season with a 5-1 record in which they scored over 40 points on four occasions.

ECU is capable of matching what Pitt can do offensively, which makes the matchup stand out on a busy bowl schedule on December 27.

ECU quarterback Katin Houser threw for over 3,000 yards and ran for nine touchdowns. Look for him to be one of the surprise standouts of bowl season.

Prediction: Over 59.5