It has not been a good start in college bowl selections. I lost my Utah bet, Navy was out to sea with Hawaii, while Toledo was on a fishing trip.
The Rockets looked to have the game in complete control but were outscored 27-11 in the second half and lost to Florida International by 2. Things can only get better.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
ECU +7 vs. Maryland (69): The Eagle Bank Bowl. This total can only go up. The Pirates showed no defense in their last five games giving up an average of almost 55 a game while scoring 40. That adds up to an OVER.
Illinois +1 vs. Baylor (62): The Texas Bowl. Same play here. The total can only get higher. OVER.
Ariz +5½ vs. Okla St (66): The Alamo Bowl. I did my basic training in the Air Force at wonderful San Antonio back in 1966. The Wildcats will need Davy Crockett to beat a very good Cowboys team. I see the Wildcats defense coming to play. OKLA ST/UNDER.
Thursday, Dec. 30
Army +7 vs. SMU: The Armed Forces Bowl. A rare bowl appearance for the Cadets. This one is a no-brainer. ARMY +7.
Kansas St PK vs. Syracuse (47½): The Pinstripe Bowl. Where else but Yankee Stadium? The game has settled at a pick with the total around 47½ after Kansas State opening -2. We will follow the money and the better defense. SYRACUSE.
UNC -2 vs. Tennessee (50): The Music City Bowl. The Tar Heels have had an up and down season. They now face the surging Vols, who won and covered their last 4. Heels have lost their last two bowl appearances. TENNESSEE.
Nebraska -14 vs. Washington (52): The Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Which Cornhuskers team will show up? Not knowing the answer I will just take the 2 TD’s and hope the one that doesn’t score arrives. WASHINGTON.
Friday, Dec. 31
USF +5½ vs. Clemson (41): The Meineke Car Care Bowl. On paper this one really looks like a low scoring game. Clemson’s last eight games all went under the total. Both met Miami with Clemson losing 30-21 and the Bulls winning 23-20 in OT. S. FLORIDA/UNDER.
ND +3 vs. Miami, FL: (47): The Sun Bowl. I believe the Irish come to play, having won and covered last 3. The Hurricanes lost their last two games and a head coach. ND (money line).
UCF +6 vs. Georgia (55): The Liberty Bowl: This game should favor Georgia and the tougher SEC, but the C-USA winners are as happy as a kid on Christmas to be here. UCF/OVER.
FSU +3 vs. S. Carolina (55): We think the Gamecocks are the better team. S. CAROLINA.
Saturday, Jan. 1
N’western +10 vs. TX Tech (60): Happy New Year from the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Short and hopefully sweet. NW/OVER.
Penn St +7½ vs. Florida (48): Never give ‘Joe Pa” more than two weeks to prepare for a game. PENN ST (money line).
Alabama -10 vs. Mich St (52): Capital One Bowl: The Tide were not supposed to be here. MICH ST./OVER.
Michigan +5 vs. Miss St (61): The Gator Bowl: A high scoring game. OVER.
TCU -3 vs. Wisconsin (58): The Rose Bowl. Unbeaten TCU plays the ultra hot Badgers, who looks like they can beat anyone right now. Looks like a great money line play. WISKY/OVER.
Oklahoma -17 vs. UConn (55): The Fiesta Bowl. The Huskies have won and covered last 5. UCONN.
Monday, Jan. 3
Stanford -3½ vs. Va. Tech (58): The Orange Bowl. Should be very entertaining. Just sit back and root for both to score. OVER.
Tuesday, Jan. 4
Ohio St -3½ vs. Arkansas (57): The Sugar Bowl. Buckeyes could be hurt with all those distractions. ARKANSAS/UNDER.
Next week: The remaining college bowls and NFL wild card games.
last week since Oct. 25 PCT
0-5 35-31-2 53.0