2016 NCAA Football Betting Thread

Discussion in 'Gambling Board' started by Juan, Oct 30, 2016.

  1. The Hebrew Husker

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    This Houston D is WOAT right now
     
  2. Hank Scorpio

    Hank Scorpio Globex Corporation, Philanthropist, Supervillain
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    Picks for tomorrow. Anything I should change?
    #2 OHIO ST. (-6.5) over #3 Michigan
    *#12 USC (-16.5) over Notre Dame
    *#1 ALABAMA (-16.5) over #16 Auburn
    Michigan St. (+12.5) over #8 PENN ST.
    South Carolina (+23.5) over #4 CLEMSON
    #9 COLORADO (-10.5) over #21 Utah
    #15 FLORIDA ST. (-6.5) over #13 Florida
     
  3. Long Ball Larry

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    Alabama Crimson TideMiami Dolphins

    Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck
     
  4. dome foam

    dome foam ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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    Texas LonghornsHouston AstrosHouston RocketsHouston Texans

    Yeah.
     
  5. Long Ball Larry

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    Alabama Crimson TideMiami Dolphins

    I've got a feeling you're on the hook for a bit more than the $100 I'm losing. Condolences
     
  6. dome foam

    dome foam ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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    Texas LonghornsHouston AstrosHouston RocketsHouston Texans

    Long way to go?
     
  7. Long Ball Larry

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    Alabama Crimson TideMiami Dolphins

    Hoping for 49-24 Tulsa
     
  8. undrtow

    undrtow learn to swim
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    Tiger Woods

    I also tailed dome foam and am still hopeful. Doesn't look good
     
  9. dome foam

    dome foam ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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    Texas LonghornsHouston AstrosHouston RocketsHouston Texans

    Yeah no shot
    Will play 2h
     
  10. The Hebrew Husker

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    Tulsa 2H?
     
  11. The Hebrew Husker

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    Got OSU -6.5 Tuesday, now it is down to 3.5 with the QB news. Debating if I should add another.
     
  12. TLAU

    TLAU Dog Crew
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    Card for the day:

    OSU -190
    Aub/Al Under 49.5 (hook)
    UF/FSU Under 47.5
    ND/USC Over 56.5 (hook)

    POD: Auburn TT Under 14.5
     
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  13. The Hebrew Husker

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    Really wanted to take the OSU/UM under but had too much invested in OSU -6.5 haha so we'll see what 2:30 brings
     
  14. Corky Bucek

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    I took the 1st half under, but it was for a small bet.
     
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  15. TLAU

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    Adding:

    1H FSU/UF Under 24
    1H Utah/CU Over 27.5
     
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  16. The Hebrew Husker

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    Solid start for this 1H under

    Sorry I black clouded it
     
  17. The Hebrew Husker

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    Welp reverse jinx
     
  18. TLAU

    TLAU Dog Crew
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    6-1 day. Can't wait to give it all back tomorrow
     
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  19. NDXOS

    NDXOS Guest

    7-3 not all bad.
     
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  20. TLAU

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    leans at first glance:

    emaw +4.5 TCU

    OKSt +11.5 OU

    UF/Bama Under 41 -honestly would like to buy this up to 42.5-43.5 because I like 44 as an Under number. and I get the "well why not just take the Over" when you talk about buying points. I like the under a lot. I just would rather tack on some juice and take it at -130ish because I don't bet huge amounts.

    Clemson/VT Over 58

    PSU/Wisc Under 47.5
     
  21. The Hebrew Husker

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    My site doesn't have any totals up yet.

    Like Oklahoma St and KSU as well.

    Kind of torn on P12 and B10 championship games. Leaning Wisconsin/under.

    I think if the line gets up around 8-9 I'll go with Colorado.
     
  22. undrtow

    undrtow learn to swim
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    Tiger Woods

    SEC game will be whatever amount Bama scores to nothing (barring a fluke TO or return for score)
     
  23. TLAU

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    That was my mindset in taking Auburn Team Total Under and Total Under in the iron bowl. Hurts is gonna turn the ball over just bc he's not a great thrower and he's young and makes mistakes. Doubt UF gets in the endzone though. Hows the kicker situation?
     
  24. undrtow

    undrtow learn to swim
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    Tiger Woods

    Their kicker is good. If not for a special teams disaster, they don't get in the endzone last week against FSU. I don't see them getting to double digits
     
  25. TLAU

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    Taking Washington -2.5 -135 2h. Also got a 3 game par with Ohio, wash -9, and Under 55.5.

    Bama line total is down to 40. Honestly makes me want to take the Over and hope Bama just blows them out. Curious if UF TT is over 7. Probably take that TT Under if so
     
  26. TLAU

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  27. TLAU

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    Bama 1H -14 and -24 for the game. Not gonna mess with the total.
     
  28. TLAU

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    Added
    UF TT Under 8.5
    VT +11
    VT/CU Over 59
     
  29. TLAU

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    Parlay

    ArkSt -20.5 (-180)
    Navy -135
    Wisc -155
    OU 1H -6.5
    UF 1H TT Under 3.5
     
  30. TLAU

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    Parlay didn't last long fuck navy
    Florida scoring a bit more than I thought but still like Bama for the whole game

    Took 2H Bama TT Over 14.5
     
  31. TLAU

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    12-2 last 2 weeks in college. Need to finish strong in bowl season
     
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  32. The Hebrew Husker

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    Army +6, two weeks off prior to this Navy game (the last game they played was an FCS team too). Navy has QB and RB out

    Thoughts?
     
  33. FSUsem

    FSUsem The Original User #2
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    I don't think Army needs the points. I went moneyline.
     
  34. Corky Bucek

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  35. Juan

    Juan All you got for me is Lite Beer...
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    Ultimate CFB bowl betting guide

    It's easy to get overwhelmed amid the 41 bowl games that will be played between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2. But fear not, Insider is here to help.

    We've asked our experienced group of gambling experts -- Phil Steele, Will Harris, "Stanford Steve" Coughlin, Chris Fallica and Rufus Peabody -- to provide a bet on every bowl game.

    If you're going to bet on a bowl game this season, this is the file you need to read. It will be continuously updated throughout bowl season with fresh information.

    All game times listed are Eastern. Lines are from Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, as of Wed. Dec. 14.

    Note: College Football Playoff semifinals will be addressed in a separate file.

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 17
    Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
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    North Carolina Central vs. Grambling (-14.5)
    12 p.m., ABC
    Georgia Dome, Atlanta

    Will Harris: Grambling rallied past two-time defending champion Alcorn State to claim the SWAC crown, while North Carolina Central beat rival North Carolina A&T for the MEAC championship. The Eagles, at 9-2, have won 15 straight over MEAC opponents and have taken at least a share of the conference title in three straight seasons. Grambling (11-1) is likewise the master of its league, having won 18 straight games in SWAC play. The Tigers are 3-0 all-time against the Eagles, but the schools haven't met since the 1980s.

    Gildan New Mexico Bowl
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    New Mexico (-7.5) vs. UTSA

    2 p.m., ESPN
    University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico

    PickCenter consensus: 70 percent UTSA


    Chris Fallica: The New Mexico rush offense is the unit most people will point to in evaluating this game, but UTSA ranks near the middle of the pack nationally (61st) in rush defense EPA. Its rush defense has improved since allowing more than 200 rush yards per game on the ground in September. Although the Roadrunners aren't the most prolific offense in the country, they have eclipsed 500 yards three times this year and now face the 119th-rated defense, in terms of efficiency. The teams met two years ago in a 21-9 Lobos win, but UTSA has shown immense improvement this year under Frank Wilson.

    UTSA has pulled outright upsets this year as 17- and 19.5-point underdogs, and it covered huge numbers vs. Arizona State and Texas A&M. I expect a great effort from the Roadrunners in their first bowl game; whether it's enough to pull the outright upset remains to be seen, but this should be a four-quarter game on the Lobos' home field.

    Score: New Mexico 42, Texas-San Antonio 38
    ATS pick: Texas-San Antonio

    Will Harris: New Mexico was a 17-point underdog to UTSA just two years ago, but since then, the Roadrunners have made a coaching change, and the Lobos have won a total of 15 games in their two best seasons of the Bob Davie era. Davie rebuilt this program around offense, recruiting plenty of speed to a pistol-oriented option attack. The Lobos ran for a staggering 428 first-half yards in their most recent outing against Wyoming, and this bunch is humming on that side of the ball. It's hard to see UTSA having the answers on defense, so it becomes a question of whether the Runners can trade punches for four quarters.

    At this point, we'd be looking to attack this game with the Lobos' offense, which means laying the points, going over a total that is currently 63, plus over on a New Mexico team total that would come in at 35 if the current price holds.

    Picks: New Mexico, over 63 (potentially over New Mexico team total)

    Las Vegas Bowl Presented by Geico
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    Houston (-4) vs. San Diego State
    3:30 p.m., ABC
    Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas

    PickCenter consensus: 65 percent Houston

    Phil Steele: I like the fact that Houston hired Major Applewhite, the team's former offensive coordinator, a decision that was strongly supported by the players. Houston had an injury-plagued season with quarterback Greg Ward Jr., and its running back and linebacker corps were also banged up for most of the season. In the bowl game, the Cougars should be at their healthiest since their opener against Oklahoma. San Diego State needs to run the ball to be effective, but Houston has one of the nation's best rush defenses, led by elite freshman defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

    ATS pick: Houston
    Score: Houston 31, San Diego State 23

    Will Harris: Houston might be a mess, with jilted interim coach Todd Orlando again coaching the defense in the bowl while new full-time boss Major Applewhite takes over amid some comically outrageous statements from the administration about the school's expectations. This game has seen some widespread sharp action on San Diego State already, but it's doubtful we'll be coming along for the ride.



    [​IMG]
    Key betting numbers for Dec. 17-22 bowls
    On your phone and need some quick betting advice on a bowl game? Fear not, we've got graphical representations of the biggest key betting numbers for Dec. 17-22 bowls.

    • [​IMG]
      How Vegas ranks every CFB bowl team
      Alabama would be favored by 47 points over North Texas on a neutral field. Find out the power ratings of all 80 bowl teams according to our Vegas experts.


    While understanding that Houston's situation is a still-developing process, you shouldn't let San Diego's State's bowl rout of Cincinnati last year fool you into thinking that this year's championship team is in the same spot. The Aztecs won the Mountain West again, but last year, the Aztecs were in a much better emotional position to play another game. The 2015 team was in the middle of something when it beat Air Force for the MWC title; this year's championship feels more like the end of something the team survived, a crowning achievement. Consequently, there is relief more than hunger, and to boot, there has been a slight loss of confidence down the stretch.

    Rocky Long has a well-established bowl track record, and it isn't good: three wins in seven tries. He tends to treat bowls primarily as a reward, and that will be doubly true this season, given the makeup and story of the 2016 squad. Houston might or might not turn out to be equally unbackable -- there's a lot going on, and we don't have a great read yet -- but San Diego State does not profile as a team about to play well in its bowl game.

    ATS pick: Houston

    Rufus Peabody: Following a 9-1 start, San Diego State (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 34) ended the season with a whimper (though the Aztecs did win the Mountain West), and though recent performance matters more, the whole body of work counts. Houston (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 45) gets the hoopla and has more marquee wins but is the inferior team. San Diego State should be a 2-point favorite; instead, the Aztecs are getting 3.5 points.

    Massey-Peabody Line: San Diego State -2.1
    ATS pick: San Diego State

    "Stanford" Steve Coughlin: First off, we must point out that the Las Vegas Bowl should get a little higher praise from the bowl folks, and could we possibly see this game a little closer to the new year, please? Anyhow, I'm guessing school administrators don't need the idea of their college football teams in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve keeping them up at night.

    You'll hear me say this a lot during bowl season, and it's a question I have for every team as it gets set to play its final game of the season: "What's the situation?" I look at Houston as a team that has obviously lost its head coach to Texas, but with the school naming a new head man in Major Applewhite (promoted from within the program, no less), I feel this team will try to make a big splash in the first game on his watch. The Cougars finished second in the country in rush defense, giving up 98 yards per game. I think they slow down Donnel Pumphrey and the Cougs win a well-played game.

    Score prediction: Houston 31, SDSU 24
    ATS pick: Houston

    Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
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    Appalachian State vs. Toledo (PK)
    5:30 p.m., ESPN
    Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama

    PickCenter consensus: 51 percent Toledo

    Phil Steele: It's tough to go against either of these teams, with Appalachian State owning the much stronger defense in this game that has moved to a pick' em. The Rockets come in averaging 39 points per game, and they're the No. 5 team in the country in yardage differential, as their offense generated 128 more yards per game than what their opponents allow on average. Appalachian State has a solid option offense going up against a defense that allows 4.7 yards per carry rush, and those factors have me calling for the over.

    Pick: Over 57.5
    Score: Toledo 35, Appalachian State 34

    Rufus Peabody: Aside from a hiccup at Troy, Appalachian State (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 52) rolled over their (admittedly easy) conference schedule, winning every game by at least two touchdowns. Its other two losses were to Tennessee and Miami, and if you remember, the Mountaineers outplayed Tennessee. Toledo (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 63) has a similar profile and finished with a 9-3 record, but we had Appalachian State better before the season, and we make them a 3.4-point favorite now.

    Massey-Peabody Line: Appalachian State -3.4
    ATS pick: Appalachian State

    AutoNation Cure Bowl
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    UCF (-5.5) vs. Arkansas State
    5:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
    Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 53 percent Arkansas State

    Will Harris: The party in Orlando is just getting started. Scott Frost is a rising superstar who opted not to pursue the vacancy at Oregon and who we figure will land his second and final head-coaching job when he succeeds Mike Riley at alma mater Nebraska several years from now. That said, Frost's crew is statistically ugly at times and was outgained in all eight conference games. The offense is both turnover-prone and inefficient, mostly thanks to the fact that Frost threw talented freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton into the fire early.

    The defense has held the point as the offense progressed, and we're looking for both sides to play their best game of the year in a bowl held right across town at the old Citrus Bowl (now known as Camping World Stadium). The key matchup here could be the Red Wolves' lackluster drive-finishing ability. Arkansas State might move the ball some, maybe enough to see that the Knights are outgained again, but the Wolves' red zone prowess doesn't stack up well with that of the Knights' defense.

    ATS pick: UCF

    Rufus Peabody: Despite a 7-5 record, Arkansas State (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 74) has won seven of its past eight (though the schedule was 123rd-toughest in the nation). The Massey-Peabody model has ASU rated out better than UCF (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 87). I'll gladly take Arkansas State getting 5.5 points.

    Massey-Peabody Line: Arkansas State -4.4
    Pick: Arkansas State

    R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
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    Southern Mississippi (-5.5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
    9 p.m., ESPN
    Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

    PickCenter consensus: 64 percent Southern Miss

    Will Harris: A Jekyll-and-Hyde defense, an injury to senior QB Nick Mullens and a minus-16 turnover margin almost doomed Southern Miss to a losing season, despite a 4-1 start and a soft schedule. Still, the Eagles outgained every team they played, save LSU, and they finished with an upset win over Louisiana Tech that was dominated by the mercurial defense.

    That inspired showing provides a big lift heading into this game, but this is still an inconsistent team with a rookie bowl coach and systematic issues with ball security and preventing big plays that will require an offseason to address.

    On the other side, it's hard to argue that Louisiana Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth doesn't know how to win a New Orleans Bowl; he's 4-0 in this game! The Cajuns will be excited to play after sitting out bowl season last year, and the first victory over oft-played regional power Southern Miss since 1993 would be a meaningful addition to the trophy case. This should be one of the best-attended of all bowls, and right now, signs are that Southern Miss has no business laying anybody postseason weight, let alone a hungry, bowl-seasoned Cajuns outfit.

    ATS pick: Louisiana-Lafayette

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    Dec. 19
    Miami Beach Bowl

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    Central Michigan vs. Tulsa (-12.5)
    2:30 p.m., ESPN
    Marlins Park, Miami

    PickCenter consensus: 69 percent Tulsa

    Will Harris: Tulsa played well in a 55-52 bowl loss to heavy favorite Virginia Tech last year, but it's worth remembering that second-year coach Philip Montgomery trained under Art Briles, whose teams won just a third of their bowl opportunities. A big bowl showing could leave the Hurricane offense with the remarkably productive combination of a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,500-yard rushers and two 1,000-yard receivers. Central Michigan won't necessarily be an easy out, though.

    The Chippewas are a physical, tough-minded group with solid veteran leadership that feels fortunate to be in a Florida bowl and has a bad taste in its mouth from closing the season poorly. It's too early to say for sure, but our sense is that the Chips and their upperclassman-laden lineup will rally and show well, in which case we'd lean toward taking the points and expecting a competitive game.

    ATS pick: Central Michigan

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    Dec. 20
    Boca Raton Bowl
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    Memphis vs. Western Kentucky (-4.5)
    7 p.m., ESPN
    FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 54 percent Memphis

    Rufus Peabody: Western Kentucky (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 19) played in the easier conference, but even after controlling for strength of schedule, the Hilltoppers have the nation's 10th-best offense. Two of their three losses were by a field goal or less, and two were to SEC teams. In fact, losing by only 28 in Tuscaloosa is not awful, in hindsight. I'll take WKU -4.5, as I make them an 8.8-point favorite over a Memphis team (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 58) that is only slightly above average.

    Massey-Peabody Line: Western Kentucky -8.8
    ATS pick: Western Kentucky

    "Stanford" Steve Coughlin: Let's not overthink this game one bit. One team, Memphis, is averaging 44 points per game in its last four games of the season and is facing a defense led by defensive coordinator Nick Holt. I'll take any semi-successful offense with time to prepare for Holt's scheme. Plus, Western Kentucky will be playing its first game since the departure of head coach Jeff Brohm, who landed at Purdue. Take the points, and go against the Hilltoppers.

    Score: Memphis 56, Western Kentucky 51
    ATS pick: Memphis

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    Dec. 21
    San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl


    BYU (-9) vs. Wyoming
    9 p.m., ESPN
    Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

    PickCenter consensus: 53 percent BYU

    Phil Steele: Although this is the first bowl game for Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl, he had great success in the FCS playoffs, in which he guided North Dakota State to three national championships. Kalani Sitake is in his first FBS postseason as a head coach at BYU as well, and his squad has a big edge on defense and special teams, making it the stronger team overall. Wyoming has competed well against the top teams on its schedule, though, including beating Boise State, Air Force and San Diego State outright as a double-digit underdog. Running back Brian Hill has rushed for 1,767 yards, and Josh Allen is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. It's going to be a close one.

    ATS pick: Wyoming
    Score: BYU 31, Wyoming 28

    Will Harris: One of college football's most widely circulated technical trends during the last half of the LaVell Edwards era was the staggeringly bad point-spread performance of WAC teams following a victory over league overlord BYU. Wins against the Cougars were so rare and so cherished by the teams of the old WAC that they were invariably followed by letdown performances. That's indicative of the way BYU is viewed by the schools with this shared history, and Wyoming is a prime example.

    The first matchup with a former tormentor since 2010 and an unexpected opportunity for the first series win since 2003 mean this is a big, big game for a surging Wyoming program that is just getting rolling under Craig Bohl. The Pokes match up pretty well physically and should have some answers in all three phases. They're definite live 'dogs at this point.

    ATS pick: Wyoming

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 22
    Famous Idaho Potato Bowl


    Idaho vs. Colorado State (-13.5)
    7 p.m., ESPN
    Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

    PickCenter consensus: 56 percent Idaho

    Will Harris: After being asked to leave the Sun Belt, Idaho decided to drop down to the FCS level in future seasons, but the Vandals' FBS swan song turned out to be the program's best season since 1998. Fourth-year boss Paul Petrino has a third-year starter at quarterback in Matt Linehan, and together they produced an offense that scored more than 40 points per game in a three-game stretch to close the season. The defense did its part too, holding opponents to fewer than 30 points per game for the first time since 2010. The Vandals are equipped to make it a fair fight with a Colorado State team that -- like Idaho -- scored in bunches down the stretch and finished the season on a 7-0 ATS run.

    The difference could be that the home-state Vandals see their final FBS tilt as a program-defining moment, while for the Rams it's just a routine bowl assignment in a far-flung postseason outpost against an uninspiring opponent.

    ATS pick: Idaho

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    Dec. 23
    Popeyes Bahamas Bowl


    Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion (-4)
    1 p.m., ESPN
    Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas

    PickCenter consensus: 71 percent Old Dominion

    Chris Fallica: This should be a fun, high-scoring game featuring one team that's going bowling for the first time and another for the first time since 1987. I think that means this game can be analyzed as one in which you can rely on statistics and not as much on motivation, as both teams definitely want to be here. ODU has beaten Eastern Michigan in each of the past two years, and the Monarchs are improved defensively this year. ODU is also a top-50 offense, while EMU is 96th in defensive efficiency.

    Expect the Monarchs to run Ray Lawry with success, which will lead QB David Washington (28 TDs, four INTs this season) to have a big day. The only teams to hold ODU to fewer than 30 points this season are Western Kentucky (10-3), NC State (top-30 defense from the ACC) and Appalachian State (33rd nationally in defensive efficiency). Odds are Eastern Michigan won't break that trend.

    Score: Old Dominion 41, Eastern Michigan 31
    ATS pick: Old Dominion

    Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl


    Louisiana Tech vs. No. 25 Navy (-4.5)
    4:30 p.m., ESPN
    Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

    PickCenter consensus: 67 percent La. Tech

    Over/under: 66

    Phil Steele: Army and Navy both face the option every day in practice, and last week, for the 11th straight year, the game went under the total. Navy scored points in bunches against teams that don't run the option, and its offense was as potent as it had been all year at the end of the regular season. While the Midshipmen opened the season by averaging 21 points per game versus FBS foes in their first three games, in the next seven games, Navy averaged 49 points per game.

    Things fell apart in the American Athletic Conference championship game, as Temple had the nation's No. 13 defense and Navy lost quarterback Will Worth early, which led to just 10 total points for the Midshipmen. Louisiana Tech does not have a top-20 defense (it's actually No. 92), nor does it have familiarity with the option (Navy will be the first it has faced this year). Tech does have a potent offense with two big-time wide receivers in Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson, who have combined for nearly 3,000 yards. The Bulldogs also have a 1,000-yard rusher in Jarred Craft, and Ryan Higgins is completing 66 percent of his passes with a 37-8 TD-INT ratio. Points will be plentiful.

    Pick: Over 66
    Score: Louisiana Tech 38, Navy 37

    Rufus Peabody: Navy (Massey-Peabody rank: No. 51) is without its starting quarterback and starting running back, who incredibly each broke a foot on the same play in their American Athletic Conference championship game against Temple. With only a week to prepare, the Midshipmen followed that with their first loss to Army in 14 years. With more time to prepare and a start under his belt, my numbers expect that Navy quarterback Zach Abey will improve, and I make Navy a small favorite.

    Massey-Peabody Line: Navy -0.2
    ATS pick: Navy

    Dollar General Bow


    Ohio vs. Troy (-4)
    8 p.m., ESPN
    Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama

    PickCenter consensus: 54 percent Troy

    Will Harris: The Bobcats won the MAC East but lost the league title game for the fourth time in Frank Solich's 12 seasons with the school. Solich's bowl record at Ohio leaves something to be desired (2-5), but his Bobcats have been underdogs in every game but one and have performed increasingly well in the postseason throughout his tenure. We love the leadership on this team, and this game is a mulligan-type shot at redemption after last year's bowl trip to the Heart of Dixie ended with a blown 17-point fourth-quarter lead and a loss to another Sun Belt power, Appalachian State. Troy has been dynamic offensively behind junior quarterback Brandon Silvers, but Ohio's defense will be by far the best the Trojans have faced all year, save Clemson. It's the Bobcats' ability to hang on that side of the ball that has us leaning toward taking the points.

    ATS pick: Ohio

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    Dec. 24
    Hawai'i Bowl


    Hawai'i vs. Middle Tennessee (No line)
    8 p.m., ESPN
    Aloha Stadium, Honolulu

    PickCenter

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    Dec. 26
    St. Petersburg Bowl


    Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State (-13)
    11 a.m., ESPN
    Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 77 percent Mississippi State

    "Stanford" Steve Coughlin: One player I fell in love with as the season went on was Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. I felt he was the most improved player at QB in the SEC over the course of the season. This is a very advantageous matchup for the boys from Starkville, as Miami ranks near the bottom of the country in many offensive stats. Although the Bulldogs struggled on the defensive side this year, I feel their talent level is way higher than that of the Redhawks' offense. Couple that with 15 practices for Dan Mullen to construct a game plan for this Miami team. I'll lay the points with the guys from the SEC.

    ATS pick: Mississippi State

    Quick Lane Bowl


    Maryland (-1.5) vs. Boston College
    2:30 p.m., ESPN
    Ford Field, Detroit

    PickCenter consensus: 53 percent Maryland

    Camping World Independence Bowl


    NC State (-4) vs. Vanderbilt
    5 p.m., ESPN2
    Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana

    PickCenter consensus: 54 percent Vanderbilt

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 27
    Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl


    Army (-10) vs. North Texas
    12 p.m., ESPN
    Cotton Bowl, Dallas

    PickCenter consensus: 52 percent North Texas

    Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman


    No. 24 Temple (-13.5) vs. Wake Forest
    3:30 p.m., ESPN
    Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland

    PickCenter consensus: 53 percent Temple

    National Funding Holiday Bowl


    Minnesota vs. Washington State (-9)
    7 p.m., ESPN
    Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

    PickCenter consensus: 84 percent Minnesota

    Motel 6 Cactus Bowl


    Boise State (-7.5) vs. Baylor
    10:15 p.m., ESPN
    Chase Field, Phoenix

    PickCenter consensus: 67 percent Baylor

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 28
    New Era Pinstripe Bowl


    No. 23 Pittsburgh (-5) vs. Northwestern
    2 p.m., ESPN
    Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

    PickCenter consensus: 79 percent Northwestern

    Russell Athletic Bowl


    No. 16 West Virginia vs. Miami (-3)
    5:30 p.m., ESPN
    Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 52 percent West Virginia

    Foster Farms Bowl


    Indiana vs. No. 19 Utah (-7)
    8:30 p.m., Fox
    Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

    PickCenter consensus: 53 percent Utah

    AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl

    Texas A&M (-2) vs. Kansas State
    9 p.m., ESPN
    NRG Stadium, Houston

    PickCenter consensus: 54 percent Kansas State

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 29
    Birmingham Bowl


    South Florida (-10.5) vs. South Carolina
    2 p.m., ESPN
    Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama

    PickCenter consensus: 58 percent South Carolina

    Belk Bowl


    Arkansas vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech (-7)
    5:30 p.m., ESPN
    Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

    PickCenter consensus: 58 percent Arkansas

    Valero Alamo Bowl


    No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Colorado (-3.5)
    9 p.m., ESPN
    Alamodome, San Antonio

    PickCenter consensus: 51 percent Oklahoma State

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 30
    AutoZone Liberty Bowl


    Georgia (PK) vs. TCU
    12 p.m., ESPN
    Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

    PickCenter consensus: 78 percent TCU

    Hyundai Sun Bowl


    No. 18 Stanford (-3.5) vs. North Carolina
    2 p.m., CBS
    Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas

    PickCenter consensus: 66 percent UNC

    Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl


    Nebraska vs. No. 21 Tennessee (-3)
    3:30 p.m., ESPN
    Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

    PickCenter consensus: 65 percent Tennessee

    Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl


    South Alabama vs. Air Force (-13)
    5:30 p.m., Campus Insiders
    Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona

    PickCenter consensus: 56 percent Air Force

    Capital One Orange Bowl


    No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State (-6.5)
    8 p.m., ESPN
    Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 52 percent Michigan

    [​IMG]
    Dec. 31
    Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl


    No. 20 LSU (-3) vs. No. 13 Louisville
    11 a.m., ABC
    Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 63 percent LSU

    TaxSlayer Bowl


    Georgia Tech (-4) vs. Kentucky
    11 a.m., ESPN
    EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 60 percent Georgia Tech

    [​IMG]
    Jan. 2
    Outback Bowl


    No. 17 Florida (-2) vs. Iowa
    1 p.m., ABC
    Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

    PickCenter consensus: 58 percent Iowa

    Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic


    No. 15 Western Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (-7.5)
    1 p.m., ESPN
    AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

    PickCenter consensus: 71 percent Wisconsin

    Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual


    No. 9 USC (-6.5) vs. No. 5 Penn State
    5 p.m., ESPN
    Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

    PickCenter consensus: 52 percent USC

    Allstate Sugar Bowl


    No. 14 Auburn vs. No. 7 Oklahoma (-3.5)
    8:30 p.m., ESPN
    Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

    PickCenter consensus: 74 percent Oklahoma
     
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  36. Corky Bucek

    Corky Bucek Placeholder for a Custom Title
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  37. steamengine

    steamengine I don’t want to press one for English!
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    USC just flipped from 7.5 to 6.5