2011 Bowl Predictions: Betting the Over/Under on Top Bowls Before New Year's Day

Most of the premier bowl games happen after New Year’s Eve, but there are a number of high-profile games that happen beforehand as well.

Bowl games are also a great time to bet a few extra dollars on the outcome.

Here is your guide to betting the over/under on the top bowls before New Year’s Day.

Champs Sports Bowl (47u)

Florida State and Notre Dame face off in one of the premier matchups outside the BCS, and the over/under is set at a low 47. The Seminole’s defense is one of the best in the country—allowing just 15 points per game. But the Irish’s defense isn’t too shabby either, allowing 20.

That said, the teams are each averaging over 30 points per game.

The problem for FSU all season has been play on the offensive line and Notre Dame doesn’t have a particularly strong defensive front. They also gave up 58 total points to the two best offenses they’ve faced this year.

Taking the over is your best bet.

Valero Alamo Bowl (79u)

This bowl should have one of the highest scores because Washington and Baylor are playing. Both teams are giving up more than 30 points per game, and the Huskies are scoring 31 points per game while the Bears are putting up 43 per game.

The thing to note when betting on a Baylor game is that the team doesn’t play as well away from home: They lost three of five, including an overtime win at 2-10 Kansas. They’ve also been held to under 40 points in all of their true road games, but scored 66 against Texas Tech in a neutral site battle.

This is a tough one to pick, and while 79 is a lot of points, these talented offenses can certainly do it. Take the over.

Insight Bowl (58u)

Throw out the books for this game because these offenses will be without many of their best stars. For Oklahoma, Ryan Broyles and Dominique Whaley are both injured.

For Iowa, running back Marcus Coker has been suspended for disciplinary reasons.

Marvin McNutt and Kenny Stills are two talented receivers, but the offenses have been averaging a combined 68 points all season. You would have to think that losing playmakers like that would account for at least ten combined points—especially when Oklahoma’s production has decreased with every game without those players.

Taking the under is a really smart bet.

Chick-Fil-a Bowl (48.5u)

Picking this bowl should be easy money. The teams already average just 47 total points, and Auburn will be without its stud running back Michael Dyer.

Against a tough Virginia defensive front seven, that’s a really big problem. The Cavaliers are only giving up an average of 22 points per game which is 32nd in the country. Expect the Tiger’s offensive output to drop.

Their defense isn’t that great, but neither is the Wahoo’s offense. Auburn probably won’t put up 20 for the seventh time in nine games, and Virginia won’t get more than 28.

Definitely take the under.