New Year's Eve Bowl Game Betting Previews
College football bowl season has been rolling right along, but it's starting to wrap up. There are big games throughout the week, but the biggest games are set to take place on New Year's Eve and January 2nd. Betting on all of the bowl games is always a great option, but there will be more attention paid to the biggest games. Here is a betting preview for all eight games that are set to take place on New Year's Eve and January 2nd.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Alabama Crimson Tide -6.5 vs. Kansas State Wildcats
It is strange to see the Alabama Crimson Tide in a game outside of the College Football Playoff, but it just wasn't a dominant year for them. They will now take on a Kansas State team that won the Big 12 Championship and comes into this game with momentum.
This is a game that should feature plenty of offense, as both teams are loaded with weapons. The Wildcats have had an impressive season, but they just won't be able to keep up with Alabama in this game.
Take the Crimson Tide -6.5 as they roll to a big win.
Music City Bowl: Iowa Hawkeyes -2.0 vs. Kentucky Wildcats
The Music City Bowl is a game that features the Big Ten against the SEC, and Iowa and Kentucky will be the representatives this season. This is a game that should be low-scoring as both teams try to win games with their defense.
Iowa scored just 17.4 points per game this season, and they really struggle to move the football. Kentucky wasn't much better, but they do have a rushing attack that should gain some yards in this game.
This game will be tight, but taking the Wildcats in a small upset is the way to go.
Fiesta Bowl: TCU Horned Frogs vs. Michigan Wolverines -7.5
The first CFP Semifinal Game will feature TCU and Michigan in a game that should be a battle. TCU doesn't have any CFP experience on the roster, while Michigan was just in this spot a year ago.
The Michigan defense should be able to take control of this game, but TCU will also hit on some big plays with quarterback Max Duggan. TCU won't ever be in a position to win the game, but they are going to keep this one close.
Take the 7.5 points, as the Horned Frogs will give the Wolverines all they can handle in the Fiesta Bowl.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Georgia Bulldogs -6.5
Ohio State and Georgia meet up in the Peach Bowl, and this betting line has felt off since it came out. The Buckeyes snuck into the CFP, and they are taking on a Georgia team that has been at the top of the poll all season long.
The Georgia defense has dominated opponents all season long, and that unit should take control in this game as well. Ohio State just won't be able to score enough points to keep this game as Georgia wins and covers the spread.
Reliaquest Bowl: Mississippi State Bulldogs -1.0 vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
There are plenty of storylines surrounding the Reliaquest Bowl when Mississippi State and Illinois are set to meet up. Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach died of a heart attack earlier this month, and Illinois is missing a ton of talent as they are skipping the bowl game.
The Bulldogs are the better offensive team in this game, but Illinois features a great defense. This game should be a battle that will be won in the fourth quarter, and it will be Mississippi State that comes out on top.
Cotton Bowl Classic: Tulane Green Wave vs. USC Trojans -2.0
Motivation could be a factor for USC in the Cotton Bowl Classic when they take on the Tulane Green Way. USC was in line to make it to the CFP, but a blowout loss in the Pac-12 Championship Game kept that from happening.
Tulane was a big surprise all season long, but they haven't faced the same type of schedule that the Trojans have. The Green Wave will put up some points on USC, but the Trojans will simply outscore them to win and cover the small spread.
Citrus Bowl: LSU Tigers -14.5 vs. Purdue Boilermakers
The Citrus Bowl is another game that features SEC vs. Big Ten, and this is the game that has the biggest spread of them all. LSU pulled off a number of surprising upsets this season, and they have an offense that can score points in a hurry.
Purdue is also going to try to win this game by throwing the football, but that won't be easy against LSU. The Boilermakers are going to find enough offense to keep this game close, but that's about all they can expect.
Take the 14.5 points and bet on the Boilermakers, but LSU is winning the game.
Rose Bowl Game: Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Utah Utes -2.5
The annual Rose Bowl Game will feature Penn State and Utah, and these two teams appear to be evenly matched. Penn State is slightly better on defense, and Utah has been winning games with the offense.
Both teams have a ton of veteran talent that are planning to suit up for this one, and it should be a game that goes back and forth. The Utes stunned USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game, and quarterback Cameron Rising just continues to make big plays.
This game will likely be decided in the final minutes, and taking Penn State moneyline is the way to go.
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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.
