Best College Football Bowl Games to Bet on for After Christmas
The college football bowl season is well underway, and there have already been a ton of good matchups that have taken place. While fans have been treated to some great games up to this point, the real fun starts after Christmas, as that is when the games get even bigger.
There are going to be some great betting options after Christmas as well, and five games really stand out. Here is a look at those five games, with a betting pick and prediction for each game.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Wisconsin Badgers -3.5 vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Wisconsin Badgers and Oklahoma State Cowboys will meet in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. This matchup will lose a bit of its excitement as Cowboys quarterback Spencer Sanders has chosen to enter the transfer portal. Oklahoma State lost four of their last five games, and that defense allowed over 29 points per game. The Cowboys had an offense that was capable of making up for the lack of defense, but that’s no longer the case. Wisconsin had a disappointing season, but they are looking to build momentum into next season. The Badgers are not a great offensive team, but that rushing attack will have a big game in this one.
Take Wisconsin -3.5 as they beat an Oklahoma State team that is missing their starting quarterback.
Valero Alamo Bowl: Texas Longhorns -3.5 vs. Washington Huskies
Texas and Washington meet up in the Alamo Bowl for a battle of Top 20 teams. Texas had a disappointing end to its season, and Washington ended the year on a long winning streak. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of excellence this season, but he just hasn’t been consistent enough. Running back Bijan Robinson is the star of that offense, and he has rushed for nearly 1,600 yards this season.
Washington is one of the most explosive teams in the country, as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for over 4,300 yards. The Huskies don’t have a great defense, but they can light up the scoreboard.
Take the upset in this game, as Washington will win the Alamo Bowl.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -2.0 vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will feature Notre Dame and South Carolina, and there are some question marks for each team. One question has been answered for South Carolina as quarterback Spencer Rattler is going to suit up. Notre Dame will be without quarterback Drew Pyne, and that’s a pretty significant loss. The Fighting Irish still have a dominant defense, but they won’t be scoring many points in this game. South Carolina will look to take advantage of the good fortune, and they will attempt to outscore Notre Dame. The Gamecocks had their own issues in the regular season, but they are talented on offense.
Take the upset in this game as South Carolina wins the Gator Bowl over a Notre Dame team that is missing a key player.
Fiesta Bowl: TCU Horned Frogs vs. Michigan Wolverines -8.0
The first CFP semifinal game will feature the TCU Horned Frogs and the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams scored over 40 points per game this season, and this game should feature plenty of offense. Michigan is the much better defense in this matchup, as they held opponents to just 13.4 points per game. The Wolverines also love to run the football, but running back Blake Corum is out of this game. TCU is a team that struggles to get stops, but quarterback Max Duggan always seems to make a big play. The Horned Frogs are a tough team, and they are going to hit on some big plays in this one.
Take the eight points and bet on TCU to keep this game close.
Peach Bowl Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Georgia Bulldogs -6.5
The second semifinal game will feature the Ohio State Buckeyes taking on the Georgia Bulldogs. Ohio State only snuck into the CFP after USC lost in the Pac-12 Championship Game, but Georgia has been destined for this game since the season began.
Ohio State is averaging over 44 points per game this season, and quarterback CJ Stroud threw 37 touchdowns this season. That Buckeyes offense did struggle in the season finale as Michigan completely shut them down. Georgia gave up just 12.8 points per game this season, and that defense dominated opponents all season long. The Bulldogs have an offense to match, and they are going to have little trouble winning this game.
Take the Bulldogs -6.5 as they roll to a double-digit win.
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
