Cnotes 2014-15 Bowl Betting Results - Trends -Stats- Best Bets Bowl Season Thread !

[CNOTES]

Bowl Breakdown - Part 3


December 15, 2014




1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 Below is a quick look at the eight bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Saturday Dec. 27 through Monday Dec. 29.

Military Bowl - Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, Dec. 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
Military Bowl Betting Line: Cincinnati -3

It was a frustrating year for Frank Beamer and the Hokies. They barely snuck into a bowl game after losing a ton of games which they probably shouldn't have lost, but they have a chance to end the year on a high note. Cincinnati has a history of playing in higher scoring bowl games, but it was blown out in the Belk Bowl last year by North Carolina.

Sun Bowl - Arizona State vs. Duke
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2:00 p.m. ET
Sun Bowl Betting Line: Arizona State -7.5

Last season in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, Duke was always a big dog against Texas A&M, but it put up a heck of a fight in that game. Now, the Blue Devils are in a similar game at the Sun Bowl, one which could be one of the better bowl games of the early season. Arizona State is ranked 16th in the land and is stuck playing on Dec. 27th. That tells you how good the Pac-12 was this year.

Independence Bowl - Miami vs. South Carolina
Saturday, Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. ET
Independence Bowl Betting Line: Miami -3

Brad Kaaya and the Hurricanes took some major steps forward this year, and though this isn't the biggest bowl game of the year, it is huge for Miami to continue to return to greatness. South Carolina had a frustrating season which saw it fall all the way out of the Top 10 to be just a 6-6 team.


Pinstripe Bowl - Boston College vs. Penn State
Saturday, Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. ET
Pinstripe Bowl Betting Line: Boston College -2.5

Penn State's fans should be thrilled to be coming here to Yankee Stadium for the Pinstripe Bowl. Their bowl ban has been lifted, and they are playing in a bowl for the first time since the Jerry Sandusky news broke a few years ago. Boston College has to be happy to be here as well. The Eagles were up and down this year, but the bottom line is that they challenged Florida State and beat USC, and that's a pretty darn good year for the boys in Chestnut Hill.

Holiday Bowl - Nebraska vs. USC
Saturday, Dec. 27, 8:00 p.m. ET
Liberty Bowl Betting Line: USC -6.5

The Men of Troy have a good history of playing in bowl games, and they are coming off of their best game of the season, a romp of Notre Dame in the finale. Nebraska has fired Bo Pelini, and it will be interesting to see how the players react to the coaching change to Mike Riley, who will take over once this game is over with.

Liberty Bowl - Texas A&M vs. West Virginia
Monday, Dec. 29, 2:00 p.m. ET
Liberty Bowl Betting Line: West Virginia -3.5

There's a question as to how good either of these teams really are. Clint Trickett and the Mountaineers had a great start to the year, but in the end, they really only finished 7-5. Was the Big XII that good? If not, why is it not represented in the playoff? Texas A&M ended up ranked in the Top 10 early this year, but let's be realistic. This team was only ranked that high because of Johnny Manziel, who hasn't been here all season.

Russell Athletic Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Clemson
Monday, Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. ET
Russell Athletic Bowl Betting Line: Oklahoma -6

Now that we know that Trevor Knight is going to be able to play in this game for the Sooners, Oklahoma has to feel better about its chances of winning this game. Clemson's quarterback problems followed it all year long, and it was unlucky not to be placed into a better bowl game this year. Deshaun Watson could end up being a hero by the time his career is done with. This is the first bowl game between two ranked teams.

Texas Bowl – Arkansas vs. Texas
Monday, Dec. 29, 9:00 p.m. ET
Russell Athletic Bowl Betting Line: Arkansas -6

Shame on Texas and Texas A&M for not figuring out their differences and playing against each other in this game. As it is, we get an awesome old Big 8 game between two teams which were better than 6-6 suggested this year. Still, this is an old rivalry which has been renewed, and a winning record is on the line for both teams. Texas can send a real message to the SEC if it can win this game.

 

[CNOTES]

Bowl Breakdown - Part 4


December 15, 2014




1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 Below is a quick look at the six bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Tuesday Dec. 30 through Wednesday Dec. 31.

Music City Bowl - Notre Dame vs. LSU
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 3:00 p.m. ET
Music City Bowl Betting Line: LSU -7

It was only two months ago that Notre Dame was ranked fifth in America and was on the verge of being ranked first in the land if not for an offensive pass interference call that cost it a game against Florida State. LSU of course, also had the No. 1 team in the land on the ropes earlier this year, as it could have beaten Alabama in the Bayou. That said, both of these teams finished the year with unacceptable records by their own standards, and the Music City Bowl is no consolation for either one.

Belk Bowl - Georgia vs. Louisville
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m. ET
Belk Bowl Betting Line: Georgia -6.5

The nation is going to find out just how good Louisville really is in this game, even with Reggie Bonnafon playing under center instead of the injured Will Gardner. Georgia has already split games with ACC teams this year, beating Clemson in the opening week and losing to Georgia Tech in the final game.

Foster Farms Bowl - Maryland vs. Stanford
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10:00 p.m. ET
Foster Farms Bowl Betting Line: Stanford -14

The Cardinal are the biggest favorites of the bowl season for a good reason. They're essentially playing a home game, and most believe that their 7-5 record was really a farce, knowing what a great schedule they played. Maryland's first year in the Big Ten was a success to get to a bowl game, but just competing here at the Foster Farms Bowl would be a triumph.

Peach Bowl - Ole Miss vs. TCU
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m. ET
Peach Bowl Betting Line: TCU -3

The first of the New Year's Six bowl games takes place in Atlanta, where Ole Miss couldn't quite get to for the SEC Championship Game. Bo Wallace and Trevone Boykin were both Heisman candidates once upon a time this year, and if both are on their game, this could be a heck of a battle. TCU's psyche must be analyzed here though, after it was left out of the playoff.

Fiesta Bowl - Boise State vs. Arizona
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4:00 p.m. ET
Fiesta Bowl Betting Line: Arizona -3

Boise State cracked into the New Year's Six lineup to go to the Fiesta Bowl for the third time in its history. The Wildcats were good enough to stun Oregon once this year, but when push came to shove for the second matchup, they couldn't hang in there. For our money, this is the best of the New Year's Six bowls outside of the two playoff games.

Orange Bowl - Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8:00 p.m. ET
Orange Bowl Betting Line: Mississippi State -7

The ACC dominated the SEC at the end of the season this year, and this is another chance for the boys from the ACC to prove their worth. Georgia Tech's triple option attack tends to get slowed down in these bowl games, and MSU has a defense which is legit enough to do the job. QB Dak Prescott probably lost the Heisman Trophy when he played against Alabama in a game which feels like forever ago, but he has a chance to rekindle some of that fire in the last game of the season in Miami.

 

[CNOTES]

Bowl Breakdown - Part 5


December 15, 2014




1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 Below is a quick look at the five bowl games of the postseason scheduled on Jan. 1, which include the two semifinal matchups of the College Football Playoff.

Outback Bowl - Auburn vs. Wisconsin
Thursday, Jan. 1, 12:00 p.m. ET
Outback Bowl Betting Line: Auburn -6.5

Wisconsin couldn't figure out how to even remotely hang in there against Ohio State, and now that Gary Andersen has fled for Oregon State, this could be a tricky game against an Auburn team which is trending in the right direction.

Cotton Bowl - Michigan State vs. Baylor
Thursday, Jan. 1, 12:30 p.m. ET
Cotton Bowl Betting Line: Baylor -3

Baylor really believed that it was going to be in the playoff this year, and Art Briles will forever state that this year's Baylor team was the legitimate Big XII champ this year, not just a co-champ. It might not matter against a Michigan State team which, as most tend to forget, probably only didn't get into the playoff this year because it had the fortitude to schedule Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Week 2 of the season.

Citrus Bowl - Missouri vs. Minnesota
Thursday, Jan. 1, 1:00 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl Betting Line: Missouri -6

Good for Jerry Kill for getting the Gophers into a New Year's Day game! Sure, the Big Ten was down this year, but Minnesota hung in there and ended up playing a brutal schedule, one which included TCU, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. The Tigers weren't quite good enough to win the SEC this year, but the two-time SEC East winners are no slouches.

Rose Bowl - Florida State vs. Oregon
Thursday, Jan. 1, 5:00 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl Betting Line: Oregon -9.5

The first of the two national semifinals will take place in Pasadena, and the undefeated and Unconquered Seminoles will look to rattle some more cages in a game no one expects them to win against Oregon. This is a rare matchup of Heisman Trophy winners going against each other, as Jameis Winston, who clearly had a down year after last season, faces Marcus Mariota, who was virtually perfect this year.

Sugar Bowl - Ohio State vs. Alabama
Thursday, Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. ET
Sugar Bowl Betting Line: Alabama -9.5

Cardale Jones is going to be making just his second career start, and he is going to have to do it against one of the best teams in the nation. Ohio State though, had no problems in his first go around against Wisconsin, winning 59-0 in a game which was emphatic enough of a statement to get into the playoff. The Tide might have the No. 1 team in the land, but they have looked human in games played outside of Tuscaloosa this year. Blake Sims is just far too inconsistent to absolutely pencil in Alabama to the National Championship Game at this point.

 

[CNOTES]

Bowl Breakdown - Part 6


December 15, 2014




1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 Below is a quick look at the six bowl games of the postseason scheduled from Friday Jan. 2 through Sunday Jan. 4.

Armed Forces Bowl - Houston vs. Pittsburgh
Friday, Jan. 2, 12:00 p.m. ET
Armed Forces Bowl Betting Line: Pittsburgh -3

Houston's head coaching gig is still up in the air as preparation continues for the Armed Forces Bowl, but the job at Pittsburgh is now open as well with Paul Chryst going back to Wisconsin where he came from. These two teams are definitely in flux, and it should make for a tricky bowl game to handicap.

Taxslayer Bowl - Iowa vs. Tennessee
Friday, Jan. 2, 3:20 p.m. ET
Taxslayer Bowl Betting Line: Tennessee -3.5

Iowa was really the quiet team all year long. The Hawkeyes were supposed to quietly be challengers to the Big Ten throne this year, but they quietly became just another 7-5 team instead. Tennessee was good enough to get to a bowl game this year, and that has to be a bit of a relief for Butch Jones, who knows that he has to make some marked improvements very soon with this team to keep his job on Rocky Top.

Alamo Bowl - Kansas State vs. UCLA
Friday, Jan. 2, 6:45 p.m. ET
Alamo Bowl Betting Line: Pick 'Em

Perhaps the best non-New Year's Six bowl game. Kansas State and UCLA were both Top 10 teams at points this season, and even though both ended with three losses, the Selection Committee seemed to love them both. This could be the swan song for Brett Hundley, who could be headed to the NFL after this one is said and done with.

Cactus Bowl - Washington vs. Oklahoma State
Friday, Jan. 2, 10:15 p.m. ET
Cactus Bowl Betting Line: Washington -5.5

The Huskies were good this year, but they weren't fantastic. Essentially, they did what they had to do to beat the bad teams in the Pac-12 Nor, but when it came to the big time games, they just weren't able to get there in the first year under Chris Petersen. Oklahoma State stunned the world by winning Bedlam to get to a bowl game, but that doesn't erase the misery of what was a frustrating season, including the loss of JW Walsh to injury early on in the campaign.

Birmingham Bowl - East Carolina vs. Florida
Saturday, Jan. 3, 12:00 p.m. ET
Birmingham Bowl Betting Line: Florida -7

Florida's season was as tumultuous as it gets, and new coach Jim McElwain will be watching intently as his new team gets ready for its bowl game. East Carolina was a Top 25 team this year for several weeks, and there was a point that it legitimately threatened the New Year's Six bowls. Shane Carden could give the Gators troubles. Remember that ECU did beat South Carolina, the same South Carolina team which went to the Swamp and beat Florida in November.

GoDaddy Bowl - Toledo vs. Arkansas State
Sunday, Jan. 4, 9:00 p.m. ET
Birmingham Bowl Betting Line: Toledo -3

Arkansas State has made a living out of coming to the GoDaddy Bowl, and it is back once again this year with a chance to score a season-ending victory. Toledo was overmatched every time it went up against a Power Five team this year, but aside from that, its only loss was a three-point defeat at Northern Illinois in November.

 

[CNOTES]

College Bowl Pick 'em


December 16, 2014




The college football Bowl season begins on Saturday Dec. 20 runs through Sunday Jan. 4. This year’s postseason will feature 38 games plus the College Football Playoff championship, which is scheduled for Monday Jan. 12.


During the holiday season, bettors have the opportunity to earn extra cash with "College Bowl Pick ‘em" contests where all you have to do is pick the winner, which isn’t as easy as it looks.


Depending on which sites you frequent, the rules could differ but the most popular contest has you picking the winner of all 38 Bowl games and ranking them with confidence.


Put simply, you’re required to place a point value to each of your selections. That means your “Best Bet” will be getting 38 points, while the coin flip of the group will get just one point. The rest of your selections come down to your confidence in the teams you select.


Fortunately, I have access to the stable of VegasInsider.com college football experts and I’ve leaned on a few of them for this piece.


For example, I would assume a lot of people will be taking Stanford over Maryland in the San Francisco Bowl as their strongest selection since this game has the highest point-spread. I was quickly talked off that notion by VI expert Kevin Rogers.


He said, "I believe this line is inflated because Stanford is playing close to home and it has a bigger name than Maryland. I question motivation for the Cardinal, who have played in back-to-back Rose Bowls. Plus, this year's team isn't nearly as good as the squads we've seen before at Palo Alto. Lastly, I can't ignore the fact that Maryland has gone 5-1 on the road this season."


Taking the advice from Rogers, I have Maryland listed (15) near the middle of my confidence selections.


Rogers also believes that Nebraska will be down following the firing of Bo Pelini, which puts the program in a transitional phase going into new head coach Mike Riley. "The Huskers finished off the season with a huge overtime win at Iowa, but with all the changes, this will be a tough game against a USC team that has won five of its past six bowls," Rogers said. I ranked USC at 36 on this list.


My strongest selection goes to Alabama (38) over Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. The Crimson Tide seem to always catch breaks and this is essentially a home game for them against a third-string quarterback. I try to be pro-Big Ten around the bowl season due to my PSU ties but I'd be very surprised if Urban Meyer can trump Nick Saban in this spot.


The rest of my straight up selections are listed below.




COLLEGE BOWLPICK 'EM STRAIGHT UP


Point Value Bowl Game Matchup Prediction


38 Allstate Sugar Bowl - Semifinal Alabama vs. Ohio State Alabama Crimson Tide


37 Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl NC State vs. UCF Central Florida Knights


36 National University Holiday Bowl Nebraska vs. USC USC Trojans


35 TicketCity Cactus Bowl Washington vs. Oklahoma State Washington Huskies


34 Birmingham Bowl East Carolina vs. Florida East Carolina Pirates


33 Russell Athletic Bowl Oklahoma vs. Clemson Oklahoma Sooners


32 Miami Beach Bowl BYU vs. Memphis Memphis Tigers


31 Boca Raton Bowl Marshall vs. Northern Illinois Marshall Thundering Herd


30 Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech La Tech Bulldogs


29 Hawai'i Bowl Fresno State vs. Rice Rice Owls


28 Military Bowl Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech Cincinnati Bearcats


27 Hyundai Sun Bowl Arizona State vs. Duke Arizona State Sun Devils


26 New Era Pinstripe Bowl Boston College vs. Penn State Boston College Eagles


25 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Texas A&M vs. West Virginia West Virginia Mountaineers


24 Music City Bowl Notre Dame vs. LSU LSU Tigers


23 Fiesta Bowl Boise State vs. Arizona Boise State Broncos


22 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Michigan State vs. Baylor Baylor Bears


21 TaxSlayer Bowl Iowa vs. Tennessee Tennessee Volunteers


20 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Nevada vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Louisiana-Lafayette Rajun Cajuns


19 Raycom Media Camellia Bowl South Alabama vs. Bowling Green Bowling Green Falcons


18 AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl Arkansas vs. Texas Arkansas Razorbacks


17 Rose Bowl - Semifinal Oregon vs. Florida State Florida State Seminoles


16 Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl Utah vs. Colorado State Colorado State Rams


15 Foster Farms Bowl Maryland vs. Stanford Maryland Terrapins


14 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky Central Michigan Chippewas


13 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Western Michigan vs. Air Force Western Michigan Broncos


12 Valero Alamo Bowl Kansas State vs. UCLA UCLA Bruins


11 GoDaddy Bowl Toledo vs. Arkansas State Toledo Rockets


10 Quick Lane Bowl Rutgers vs. North Carolina Rutgers Scarlet Knights


9 Belk Bowl Georgia vs. Louisville Louisville Cardinals


8 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Ole Miss vs. TCU Ole Miss Rebels


7 Gildan New Mexico Bowl Utah State vs. UTEP UTEP Miners


6 Armed Forces Bowl Houston vs. Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers


5 Poinsettia Bowl Navy vs. San Diego State Navy Midshipmen


4 Capital One Orange Bowl Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets


3 Outback Bowl Auburn vs. Wisconsin Wisconsin Badgers


2 Independence Bowl Miami vs. South Carolina Miami, Fl. Hurricanes


1 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Missouri vs. Minnesota Minnesota Golden Gophers

 

[CNOTES]

39 bowls and a reason to watch every one


December 18, 2014


Over the next three weeks, 38 bowl games and a national championship game will be played from Boise to the Bahamas and various points in between. You should watch them all. Here's why:


Saturday, Dec. 20


R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl


Nevada (minus 1) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette


Why watch? Someone thought it would be fun to start a football game at 10 a.m. in New Orleans. Wait for the crowd shots and try to spot the fans who went straight from Bourbon Street to the Superdome.


Pick: LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 28-24.


Gildan New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque


UTEP (plus 10 1/2) vs. Utah State


Why watch? Brothers Zach and Nick Vigil play linebacker for Utah State and have combined for 181 tackles. Every time a Vigil makes a tackle, take a sip of your favorite beverage. We would suggest Dr Pepper if you plan to watch the second half.


Pick: UTAH STATE 31-14.


Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl


Colorado State (plus 3) vs. Utah


Why watch? Your last memory of Utes star receiver/returner Kaelin Clay should not be of him absent-mindedly dropping the football a yard short of the end zone against Oregon. One of the most exciting special teams players in the country plays his last college game.


Pick: UTAH 30-21.


Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise


Western Michigan (plus 1 1/2) vs. Air Force


Why watch? The winning team will be the owner of the biggest turnaround season in the country. Both the Broncos (8-4) and Falcons (9-3) have already won seven more games than they did last year.


Pick: WESTERN MICHIGAN 27-23.


Raycom Camelia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama


Bowling Green (plus 3) vs. South Alabama


Why watch? Do you like hockey? South Alabama QB Brandon Bridge was born in Toronto. His nickname is ''Air Canada.'' Close enough.


Pick: BOWLING GREEN 42-24.


Monday, Dec. 22


Miami Beach Bowl


BYU (plus 1) vs. Memphis


Why watch? By next season Memphis' Justin Fuente will be the coach you want your school to hire.


Pick: MEMPHIS 30-28.


Tuesday, Dec. 23


Boca Raton Bowl


Marshall (minus 10) vs. Northern Illinois


Why watch? Outside of the College Football Playoff semifinals, this is the only bowl game matching conference champions.


Pick: MARSHALL 45-38.


San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl


Navy (plus 3) vs. San Diego State


Why watch? Every time Navy QB Keenan Reynolds scores a touchdown you get to reminisce about a college football star from the past. Remember how great Ron Dayne was? Reynolds' next TD will be No. 63, matching the Wisconsin Heisman Trophy winner. Two more touchdowns pulls Reynolds even with Indiana great Anthony Thompson and Texas star Cedric Benson.


Pick: NAVY 28-24.


Wednesday, Dec. 24


Popeyes Bahamas Bowl in Nassau


Western Kentucky (minus 3 1/2) vs. Central Michigan


Why watch? It's a football game on a tropical island, with the possibility of limitless access to fried chicken. This is paradise.


Pick: Three-piece spicy with a biscuit and Cajun rice. And WESTERN KENTUCKY 38-28.


Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu


Rice (minus 2) vs. Fresno State


Why watch? What else are you going to do while putting together that doll house or bicycle on the night before Christmas?


Pick: RICE 27-21.


Friday, Dec. 26


Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl


Illinois (plus 6) vs. Louisiana Tech


Why watch? It's the day after Christmas. Haven't you spent enough time with your family?


Pick: ILLINOIS 35-24.


Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit


Rutgers (plus 3) vs. North Carolina


Why watch? Great player you probably don't know: Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo, who averages more yards per catch (19.68) than any 1,000-yard receiver in the country.


Pick: RUTGERS 42-38.


Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl


UCF (minus 2) vs. N.C. State


Why watch? Maybe UCF coach George O'Leary can explain what Bitcoin is.


Pick: UCF 28-23.


Saturday, Dec. 27


Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman in Annapolis, Maryland


Virginia Tech (plus 3) vs. Cincinnati


Why watch? Virgina Tech's offense is terrible. Cincinnati's defense is awful. Let's see what happens.


Pick: VIRGINIA TECH 33-24.


Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas


Duke (plus 7 1/2) vs. Arizona State


Why watch: Lots of great freshmen running backs around the country this season. Two that didn't get a lot of attention face off: Duke's Shaun Wilson (8.0 yards per carry) and Arizona State's Demario Richard (5.6 per carry).


Pick: ARIZONA STATE 38-21.


Duck Commander Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.


Miami (minus 3 1/2) vs. South Carolina


Why watch? What if I told you the next ESPN 30-for-30 on The U. could start in a Bossier City, Louisiana, casino?


Pick: SOUTH CAROLINA 24-17.


New Era Pinstripe Bowl in New York


Boston College (minus 2 1/2) vs. Penn State


Why watch? Get a look at the most under-appreciated coaching job this season. BC's Steve Addazio won seven games in what even he thought might be a rebuilding year.


PICK: BOSTON COLLEGE 21-14


National University Holiday Bowl in San Diego


Nebraska (plus 6 1/2) vs. Southern California


Why watch? Your friends who only casually follow college football will think this is a huge game.


Pick: USC 31-21.


Monday, Dec. 29


Autozone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee


West Virginia (minus 3 1/2) vs. Texas A&M


Why watch? Get a glimpse of two promising young quarterbacks: Texas A&M will start freshman Kyle Allen. West Virginia's Skyler Howard might only get spot duty, depending on the health of starter Clint Trickett.


Pick: TEXAS A&M 42-35.


Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Florida


Clemson (plus 3) vs. Oklahoma


Why watch? Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables now leads the Clemson D. It's the `Vena-bowl!'


Pick: CLEMSON 20-17.


Texas Bowl in Houston


Texas (plus 6) vs. Arkansas


Why watch? Do you long for the days when football teams only passed when absolutely necessary? Then Longhorns-Razorbacks is for you. Only two SEC teams have thrown fewer passes than Arkansas. Only one Big 12 team averages fewer yards passing per game than Texas.


Pick: ARKANSAS 21-13.


Tuesday, Dec. 30


Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee


Notre Dame (plus 7 1/2) vs. LSU


Why watch? Notre Dame QB Everett Golson (22 turnovers) embraces the spirit of giving that makes the holiday season special.


Pick: LSU 34-21.


Belk Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina.


Louisville (plus 7) vs. Georgia


Why watch? We were deprived of a full season of Louisville WR Devante Parker, who played in only five games because of a broken foot and still caught 35 passes for 735 yards. Get one last look him in a Cardinals uniform.


Pick: LOUISVILLE 28-24.


Foster Farms Bowl in Santa Clara, California


Stanford (minus 14) vs. Maryland


Why watch? The season is almost over and you probably need another reminder that Maryland is now in the Big Ten.


Pick: STANFORD 31-14


Wednesday, Dec. 31


Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta


Mississippi (plus 3 1/2) vs. TCU


Why watch? Land sharks (Ole Miss defense) vs. Air Frogs (TCU offense).


Pick: TCU 34-27.


Vizio Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona


Boise State (plus 3 1/2) vs. Arizona


Why watch? Boise State returns to the site of its greatest triumphs, trying to score another victory for the little guys.


Pick: ARIZONA 45-28.


Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami


Mississippi State (minus 7) vs. Georgia Tech


Why watch? The theory is that given time several weeks to prepare, bowl opponents figure out Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. Hence, the Yellow Jackets 1-5 bowl record under coach Paul Johnson. Watch the Bulldogs test that theory, and then watch Johnson get testy with the first person who asks him about it in the postgame.


Picks: MISSISSIPPI STATE 38-28.


Thursday, Jan. 1


Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida


Wisconsin (plus 6 1/2) vs. Auburn


Why watch? Wisconsin star Melvin Gordon needs 293 yards rushing to break Barry Sanders' FBS single-season record. Totally doable.


Picks: AUBURN 38-30.


Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at Arlington, Texas


Michigan State (plus 3) vs. Baylor


Why watch? Baylor wanted to be in the playoff. Last chance to show the selection committee it was wrong.


Pick: MICHIGAN STATE 38-31.


Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida


Minnesota (plus 5) vs. Missouri


Why watch? Flip over from the Cotton Bowl every once in a while. Maybe you'll find out why Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, a second-team All-American, has that extra `x.'


Pick: Minnesota 23-20.


Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual in Pasadena, California


Playoff semifinal: Oregon (minus 9) vs. Florida State


Why watch? Sure a spot in the championship game is on the line, but this matchup between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston also kicks off ESPN's nonstop, four-month NFL draft coverage. Winston throws a pick. That'll cost him five spots on the big board. Mariota stays in the pocket to throw a TD. Stock up!


Pick: FLORIDA STATE 34-29.


Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans


Playoff semifinal: Alabama (minus 9 1/2) vs. Ohio State


Why watch? Two heavyweight programs with superstar coaches that most fans love to hate, and somebody has to win. Look on the bright side haters, somebody also has to lose. Enjoy the misery.


Pick: ALABAMA 28-17.


Friday, Jan. 2


Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas


Pittsburgh (minus 3) vs. Houston


Why watch? Because interim coaches - both teams have one - are people, too.


Pick: PITTSBURGH 23-17.


TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida


Iowa (plus 3) vs. Tennessee


Why watch? To see Iowa All-America tackle Brandon Scherff. Trust us. There won't be much else to watch offensively from the Hawkeyes (79th in the country in yards per play) and Volunteers (115th in ypp).


Pick: TENNESSEE 17-14.


Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio


UCLA (plus 1) vs. Kansas State


Why watch? You never know which UCLA team will show up. The one that crushed Arizona State and USC? Or the one that was crushed by Oregon and Stanford?


Pick: UCLA 31-23.


Ticketcity Cactus Bowl in Tempe, Arizona


Oklahoma State (plus 5 1/2) vs. Washington


Why watch? Shaq Thompson at linebacker for the Washington. Shaq Thompson at running back. Wonder what kind of arm he has?


Pick: WASHINGTON 24-14.


Saturday, Jan. 3


Birmingham (Alabama) Bowl


Florida (minus 7) vs. East Carolina


Why watch? Find out why Florida just agreed to pay $5 million to hire Colorado State's coach.


Pick: FLORIDA 31-21.


GoDaddy Bowl in Mobile, Alabama


Toledo (minus 3) vs. Arkansas State


Why watch? It's the fourth straight appearance for Arkansas State and the first time you'll actually get to see their coach in Mobile. The past three years the Red Wolves have had interim coaches by the time they played in the postseason.


Pick: Toledo 28-20


College Football Playoff Championship in Arlington, Texas


Florida State (projected line: minus 7) vs. Alabama


Why watch? Can the Tide bring the national title back to the Southeastern Conference or will Florida State repeat as champions?


Pick: Alabama 31-23.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF opening line report: 'Bama nearing double-digit chalk in Sugar Bowl

SUGAR BOWL (semifinal playoff game)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-9.5)

Nick Saban and Urban Meyer meet again. The Crimson Tide (12-1 SU, 5-8 ATS) capped the regular season with a 55-44 shootout win over archrival Auburn giving 9.5 points at home, then hammered Missouri 42-13 Saturday in the SEC championship game as a 14.5-point chalk.

Ohio State (12-1 SU, 8-5 ATS) is somewhat of a surprise here. The Buckeyes lost starting QB Braxton Miller in the preseason, and backup J.T. Barrett suffered a broken ankle two weekends ago in a win over Michigan. But third-stringer Cardale Jones helped orchestrate a 59-0 beatdown of Wisconsin in Saturday’s Big 10 title game, with the Buckeyes rolling despite being a 4-point underdog.

“Bettors don’t forget all the big games the Buckeyes have been in over the last handful of years, and how they were utterly embarrassed in most of them,” Lester said. “Ohio State certainly has its share of fans and supporters, which is part of the reason it’s in the playoff, but I expect we’ll be dealing a double-digit spread when this one closes. Alabama teasers will be aplenty.”

ROSE BOWL (semifinal playoff game)
Florida State Seminoles vs. Oregon Ducks (-8)

Florida State (13-0 SU, 3-10 ATS) hasn’t lost a game SU in more than two years, winning 29 in a row. That includes Saturday’s ACC championship game, a 37-35 victory over Georgia Tech, though again the Seminoles failed to cover as 3.5-point faves. The ‘Noles are nearly at rock-bottom against the oddsmakers, sitting 127th out of 128 teams.

Oregon (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS) is arguably the hottest team in the country, having won eight in a row SU and ATS, all by double digits and seven by 18 points or more. In Friday’s Pac-12 title game, the Ducks avenged their only loss this season, whitewashing Arizona 51-13 laying 14.5 points.

“The Ducks come into a stadium where they are very comfortable playing, and they should have the majority of the crowd support,” Lester said. “The weaknesses of Florida State are well documented, and the ‘Noles haven’t seen an offense like this since last year’s title game. Oregon should be able to name its score. Again, players will be lining up to tease an Alabama-Oregon national championship.”

Peach Bowl
Mississippi Rebels vs. Texas Christian Horned Frogs

TCU (11-1 SU, 10-2 ATS) felt like it was robbed of a spot in the four-team playoff, dropping from No. 3 to No. 6 after capping the season with routs of 48-10 at Texas as a 4.5-point fave and 55-3 over Iowa State on Saturday as a 34.5-point home chalk. The Horned Frogs finished the year tied with Western Michigan for the best spread-covering mark in the nation.

Ole Miss (9-3 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) had its season derailed by a late-season three-game SEC skid (with a meaningless win over Presbyterian sandwiched in there). But the Rebels ended the year by dumping archrival Mississippi State 31-17 as a 2.5-point home underdog.

“As it is every bowl season, time to get that motivation model out,” Lester said. “Will TCU be eager to show the world they deserved to be in the playoff, or will they go through the motions because they egregiously got left out? I see this playing out as more of a defensive battle, because we’ve got two pretty salty ones on tap.”

Cotton Bowl
Michigan State Spartans vs. Baylor Bears

Like TCU, Baylor believed it was snubbed by the selection committee in being kept out of the playoff games. The Bears (11-1 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) ended the regular season on a 5-0 SU run (4-1 ATS), including Saturday’s 38-27 home win over Kansas State giving 7 points.

Michigan State (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) bounced back from a loss to Ohio State to win its last three SU and ATS. The Spartans bested Penn State 34-10 giving 10 points on the road in their Nov. 29 regular-season finale.

“It’s a long trip for the Spartan contingent, while Baylor is very close to home,” Lester said, noting the game is at AT&T Stadium. “We’ve seen Michigan State give up some big numbers to quality passing teams, and its secondary may not be able to keep up with the Bears’ big-bodied receivers. That said, the Sparties always seem to muster some extra motivation for the postseason.”

Orange Bowl
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Mississippi State (10-2 SU, 7-5 ATS) was on track for a spot in the four-team playoff, but dumped two of its last three games, falling at Alabama 25-20 as a 10-point underdog and ending the season with a 31-17 loss laying 2.5 points at Mississippi.

Georgia Tech (10-3 SU, 9-4 ATS) has been on fire at the betting window, cashing six in a row while winning five of those contests outright. The lone SU loss was in Saturday’s ACC final, a 37-35 setback catching 3.5 points.

“This is somewhat of a surprise matchup, but it is intriguing from a gambling standpoint,” Lester said. “The Bulldogs probably lucked out a bit not having to see TCU or Baylor, because those teams are more adept defending the run than the pass. Time is what you need to prepare for Tech coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option attack, and Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen will have three weeks to get his kids ready.”

Fiesta Bowl
Boise State Broncos vs. Arizona Wildcats

Boise State (11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS) got its berth by virtue of being the highest-ranked conference champion from the five minor FBS leagues. The Mountain West champion Broncos have won eight in a row SU (4-4 ATS), including a 28-14 victory over Fresno State giving 22.5 points in Saturday’s conference title game.

Arizona (10-3 SU, 5-8 ATS) found its way into one of the big six bowls despite getting boatraced in Saturday’s Pac-12 championship game, losing to Oregon 51-13 as a 14.5-point pup.

“You obviously have to factor in a huge home-field edge for the Wildcats. And we expect they’ll have quarterback Anu Solomon close to 100 percent after the layoff,” Lester said. “The Broncos should be extremely motivated to play well, but I don’t think Arizona is going to look past them. This one could be a quandary for a lot of handicappers.”

 

[CNOTES]

Where the action is: College football bowl season's biggest line moves

Boca Raton Bowl: Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Northern Illinois Huskies – Open: +11, Move: +10

All the action has been on the underdog for the first annual Boca Raton Bowl, being played at FAU Stadium on Dec. 23. Marshall opened as an 11-point favorite but has been bet down to the key number of -10 with bettors souring on the Herd’s weak finish to the regular season.

“Marshall was a very, very popular bet on team this season, but their last three games have been non covers and the betting market has turned on them, now looking to fade them in their Bowl game versus Northern Illinois,” Childs tells Covers. “Meanwhile, Northern Illinois comes in off of three straight covers and they look like they’ll be a popular bet this bowl season.”

Sun Bowl: Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona State Sun Devils – Open: 62, Move: 67

The total for this ACC-versus-Pac-12 bowl game has jumped five points, according to Childs. The Blue Devils were one of the better Under plays this season, going 3-8 O/U, but that doesn’t seem to matter against the Sun Devils, who ranked 18th in scoring (37 ppg) and 75th in scoring defense (27.7 ppg).

Needless to say, books are having a “devil” of a time trying to figure out this number, with sharps pounding the Over at the opening number and every stop along the way – 64 and 66 – before setting at 67 points for this Dec. 27 bowl in El Paso, Texas.

“We eventually settled on 67 and no question, our opener here was bad,” admits Childs. “Way too low considering these two offenses. And most weeks this year, we took on Duke Over money. Mistake by us and sharps took advantage, but we’ll live to see another day.”

Cotton Bowl: Michigan State Spartans vs. Baylor Bears – Open: -1, Move: -3

We looked at the movement on this huge bowl matchup earlier in the week, when the early action on Baylor moved the spread to BU -2.5. Since then, more money has come in on the Bears and forced a move to a field goal (Baylor -115). It seems the market is expecting BU to play with a chip on its shoulder after getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff selection committee.

“You have to question Baylor’s mindset here. After playing all season trying to get into the four-team playoff, they have to feel beyond disappointed playing in this game,” says Childs. “That said, if they do bring their A-game, it’s no question they can cover this short price of three points. Very, very interesting game and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.”

Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. Florida State Seminoles – Open: +8, Move: +9.5

College football bettors have been fading Florida State all season and showed little respect for the defending national champs in the Rose Bowl – a semifinal matchup for the College Football Playoff. Wiseguy action on the Ducks has driven this line up 1.5 points, just sitting under the key number of 10 where public money has shown up and bought back the Seminoles at the fatter spread.

“Looks like a classic Joes versus Pros, as the public is on one side while sharp money is playing the other side,” notes Childs. “The only difference this time, the sharps are on the favorite and the public is on the dog.”

Despite the sharp money on Oregon and three weeks to go before this New Year’s Day kickoff – plenty of time for FSU to get in more off-field issues - Childs doesn’t expect this spread to go any higher. Or at least he hopes it doesn’t have to go to the key number of 10.

“Should be a great game for us to book and I doubt we’ll get to 10 so that leaves this game in what I like to call the ‘dead zone’,” he says. “The spread between seven and 10 and all numbers in between – eight and nine - are dead numbers.”

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF line watch: Three bowl bets you should wait on

TEXAS BOWL

Texas Longhorns (+6) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas opened as a 5-point favorite over Texas, and money quickly came in on the Razorbacks, pushing the line up to 6. I expect more Arkansas money to come in as this game gets closer to kick off, especially since the SEC is considered the superior conference to the Big 12, and that will influence the betting on this game.

Both teams are just 6-6 SU on the season, but bettors are going to remember Arkansas beating LSU and Mississippi by a combined 47-0. The lasting memory of Texas is a 48-10 blowout loss at home versus TCU on Thanksgiving night. Arkansas also possesses the better offense, and bettors are more inclined to lay points with those types of teams. Getting +7 with Texas might not appear, but it is still best to hold out for a possibly better line on the Longhorns.

TAXSLAYER BOWL

Iowa Hawkeyes (+3.5) vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee was initially posted as a 3-point favorite versus Iowa, and the line has since gone up to -3.5 on the Vols. I anticipate this line going even higher, especially since the SEC has historically dominated the Big 10 in bowl games over the years.

Iowa and Tennessee also come into this game from opposite directions. The Hawkeyes have lost three of their past four games, while the Vols have won three of their past four games. Recent results have a direct impact on how the public bets bowls games, and this game will illustrate that to a tee. Wait this game out, and take Iowa plus more points closer to kick off.

ORANGE BOWL

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (61.5)

Georgia Tech and Mississippi State are both similar teams in that they are heavily reliant on running the football. Despite that, both teams have extremely efficient offenses that produce a lot of points. The Yellow Jackets rank No. 1 in offensive efficiency while averaging 37.0 points per game. The Bulldogs rank No. 14 in offensive efficiency while averaging 37.2 points per game.

Mississippi State has a good defense that is allowing just 19.4 points per game on 5.5 yards per play. Overall, the Bulldogs rank No. 9 in defensive efficiency. Georgia Tech’s defense is not so good as they allow 25.1 points per game on 6.2 yards per play. The Yellow Jackets rank No. 58 in overall defensive efficiency. Something has to give in this game, and the leaning here is that the two offenses may prove to be too much for the two defenses as the total has already risen higher from the opening number of 60.5.

 

[CNOTES]

College Football Bowl Betting Bible: Book I - Capping Thy Coaches

The names are different but the situations stay the same.

Each college football bowl season, select teams pack their bags and head off for their postseason matchup, giving sports bettors a fresh set of intriguing non-conference competitions. While there is an aura of the unknown when it comes to bowl teams – these programs don’t know much about each other – football bettors can find familiarity – and value – looking for teams in these certain situations.

We break down some of the important factors to figure into your bowl betting this December with our Bowl Betting Bible.

BOOK I: CAPPING THY COACHES

One of the biggest differences between wagering on college and professional sports is the impact of the coaching. In the college ranks, these coaches are the molders of young men and build a program from the bottom up, having a bigger influence on how the game is played. Oddsmakers factor coaching into the lines in college sports more than any other option.

That’s why it’s such a big deal when coaches are swapped out just before bowl season. Whether it be a coach taking a new job and leaving his former team in the hands of his assistants or a team firing its coach just before the postseason and pretty much hoping for the best in the bowl game. Bettors can find added value when handicapping the turnover on the sidelines.

“Teams and players often rally behind a new coach or departing coach, while other times players and teams are disappointed and provide a weak effort,” says Covers Expert Steve Merril.

Wisconsin is one team undergoing a transformation in the coaching department. The Badgers were stunned when Gary Andersen decided to leave Madison for Oregon State, putting the team and its Outback Bowl battle with Auburn (Wisconsin is a 6.5-point underdog) in the hands of Barry Alvarez.

This is familiar territory for Alvarez, who stepped in for the departed Bret Bielema in 2012 and coached Wisconsin to a loss versus Stanford in the Rose Bowl. The Badgers are coming off a terrible loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten title game and are dealing with another punch to the stomach following Anderson’s departure. These letdowns could be a lot for Wisconsin to overcome as a program.

Another school swapping out head coaches is Florida, which canned Will Muschamp after another disappointing season. The Gators fired Muschamp following a Week 12 loss to South Carolina and left the team in the hands of defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin.

The team rallied around Durkin, going 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS including a near upset of Florida State in the finale. Programs are courting Durkin and a solid performance versus East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl on Jan. 3 could help him land a new gig. The Gators are touchdown favorites over the Pirates.

The situation is a little different for another Florida program bowling after a down year. The Miami Hurricanes, coming off a 6-6 campaign, are 3-point favorites over South Carolina in the Independence Bowl on Dec, 27.

Head coach Al Golden has been the target of animosity from the Coral Gables faithful heading into bowl season, but the athletics department has given Golden the vote of confidence. Players have also come to Golden’s aid, and could hold his job in their hands this postseason. The ax may not fall right away but if push comes to shove, one of the first things an AD will do is size up a coach’s bowl record. Golden lost to Louisville in the 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl, 36-9, as a 5.5-point underdog. He’s only been to two bowls in four years at Miami despite being eligible each season.

Here are teams undergoing changes at head coach this bowl season: Colorado State, Florida, Houston, Nebraska, Wisconsin.

 

[CNOTES]

College Football Bowl Betting Bible: Book II - Motivation

BOOK 2: DO NOT PLACE MONEY WITHOUT KNOWING MOTIVATION

Bowl season is many things to many teams.

To some, it’s the culmination of a hard-fought season. To others, it’s a relief from years of losing. And to a few programs, it’s a reminder of missed opportunities and wasted potential. Understanding the mindset of a bowl team is paramount before placing any bets.

“Which teams are just happy to be playing in a bowl and which ones are serious about winning?,” says Covers Expert Sean Murphy. “It is important not to write off teams that are disappointed by the bowl game they've drawn, as sometimes that perceived snub can result in a team playing with a big chip on their shoulder and can serve as a motivating factor.”

No bigger snub was dished out this bowl season than that of the Big 12 when it came to the Final Four teams for the first ever College Football Playoff. Baylor and TCU (which was ranked third in the CFB rankings heading into the final game of the season) were left out of the playoffs and handed big-name bowl matchups instead.

Baylor, which has only one loss to West Virginia and a win over TCU, settled for a showdown with Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl (BU -3). The Horned Frogs aren’t even playing on New Year’s Day, facing 9-3 Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31 (TCU -3).

Bettors must determine whether or not these Big 12 programs try to prove the playoff committee wrong by rolling their bowl opponents or if they'll come out flat, disappointed with a season gone sour based on the opinion of a bunch of NCAA suits.

Alabama suffered from a major letdown in bowl season last year. The Crimson Tide were booked into the national title game until the stunning upset to Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Alabama never overcame that loss or the disappointment, and was rolled by Oklahoma 45-31 as a 17-point favorite in the Sugar Bowl.

Motivation just isn’t reserved for the big boys, though. Programs that barely qualified for bowl eligibility and still earned a berth in a postseason game can often times feel a sense of accomplishment. Covers Expert Art Aronson calls these “Just glad to be there” teams, and has his eye on one program in particular this bowl season.

“This might take some digging, but there are teams which are just happy to be aboard the gravy train,” says Aronson. “Coaches get a little more job security and players get to brag when they go home for semester break. With dozens of games, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

He points to the UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and their bowl matchup with Nevada in the New Orleans Bowl, with oddmakers setting them as 1-point favorites. The Ragin’ Cajuns went 8-4 SU on the season but don’t have any notable wins on their resume and recently lost to FCS Appalachian State, 35-16 at home as 8-point favorites.

Bettors must also measure the motivation of teams that are ending an extended bowl drought, and determine whether they're feeling a false sense of accomplishment – bound for a letdown – or using that big stage to push the program even further up the food chain.

The Memphis Tigers earned a postseason showcase for the first time since 2008 after going 9-3 this season, and are 1-point favorites against BYU in the Miami Beach Bowl. The Cougars, however, have been bowling for 10 straight years, going 6-3 SU in the previous nine postseason games, and are used to the bright lights of bowl season.

South Alabama is another program that is in unfamiliar territory. The Jaguars have cracked a bowl game for first time since jumping from the FCS to FBS six years ago, and are tagged as 2.5-point favorites versus Bowling Green in the inaugural Camellia Bowl. While they could be ripe for a letdown, South Alabama is making the two-hour drive to Montgomery and should have a strong home-field edge at the Cramton Bowl.

One of the most underlying motivational capping tools is finding a team playing in the same bowl as it did last season. The 2013-14 bowl schedule finds Arkansas State back in the GoDaddy Bowl, set as a 3-point underdog to Toledo. The Red Wolves will have played in four straight GoDaddy Bowls in Mobile, Alabama, including last season’s on Jan. 5, edging Ball State 23-20 as 6.5-point underdogs. They’re 2-1 SU and ATS in their three GoDaddy Bowl appearances.

“Teams returning to the same minor bowl game they played in last year tend to become dis-interested,” notes Marc Lawrence.

Another program that may not be all that excited for its bowl matchup is San Diego State, which is set to appear in the Poinsettia Bowl for the third time in five years. The Aztecs, who are 3-point favorites versus Navy, are pretty much playing a home game in Qualcomm Stadium. These teams played in the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl, with SDSU winning 35-14 as a field-goal favorite.

 

[CNOTES]

College Football Bowl Betting Bible: Book III - The Waiting Game

BOOK III: TIME BETWEEN BOWLS GIVETH AND TAKETH AWAY

The Ravages of time. Idle hands do the Devil’s work. Time, time time… is my on my side - yes it is!

All three phrases have everything to do with the time between a college football team’s final game of the regular season and it postseason bowl appearance.

Some programs are thrust right into the bowl schedule with a small break between the finale, finals and the bowl game. Other teams are collecting dust for almost a month while they prepare for their year-end showcase.

“The long layoff - several weeks - before the game is played can often lead to bizarre over or under-performance by teams involved,” says Covers Expert Steve Merril.

A team that gained momentum late in the year may not have that same mojo working for them in bowl season, thanks to the extended hiatus. Depending on the break between games, programs could be completely different come game day and that opens up a lot of value to go against with oddsmakers setting these lines based on their past accomplishments.

The gap between the end of the regular season to the bowl game can be more than a month, so what difference does it make if a team won its last six in a row?” asks Art Aronson.

He points to the Central Florida Knights as an example. They closed the regular season with four straight victories, going 4-0 ATS in that span, but have now been sitting idle for more than three weeks (last game on Dec. 4) before facing North Carolina State as 2-point favorites in the St. Petersburg Bowl on Dec. 26.

“Central Florida, which somehow managed to lose to Connecticut, gives two points to N.C. State, which played a much tougher schedule and still won three of its last four,” notes Aronson.

The gap between season finale and bowl game, however, can also work in a team’s favor. A late-season swoon or a rash of injuries toward the end of the year can be remedied by a few weeks off.

One program that is relishing the bowl break is Penn State. The Nittany Lions dropped their final two games of the schedule – losing to Illinois and Michigan State – and finished with 2-6 SU and 2-5-1 ATS in the last eight games.

Penn State is slated to face Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27, giving head coach James Franklin plenty of time to study his opponent and get his players in the right frame of mind for what will be the program’s first bowl appearance since the Sandusky scandal. Not only is PSU anxious to turn the page on that ugly chapter but the time off will allow LB Brandon Bell to return from a shoulder injury. He missed the final two games of the season and is an important cog to the Nittany Lions’ running defense.

Some other programs returning key players thanks to the time off are Oklahoma and QB Trevor Knight, as well as Marshall and RB Devon Johnson.

Knight suffered a neck injury versus Baylor on Nov. 8 but with the Sooners not taking the field against Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl until Dec. 29 – and Knight cleared to play – OU’s offense could be back in top form by then. He passed for 2,197 yards and 14 touchdowns before getting hurt.

The Thundering Herd should have their biggest weapon back at full strength after running back Devon Johnson was limited down the home stretch. Johnson, who rushed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns, was nursing a bum shoulder and saw his workload trimmed significantly in the final two games of the year. Marshall is a 10-point favorite against Northern Illinois in the Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 23.

But while the bowl break has allowed those teams – and many others – to heal up, other programs are wishing the postseason game would just get here already. Every bowl season is plagued with news of player suspensions, from either academics or off-field issues, as well as player injuries suffered in the limited practices allowed during bowl prep.

Arkansas threw the book at two important members of its secondary last week, suspending corner Carroll Washington and safety Rohan Gaines for violating team policy. Both were regular rotation players for the Razorbacks defense. Arkansas is a 6-point favorite facing Texas in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 29.

These will likely not be the only suspensions handed out between now and the end of bowl season. With finals over and classes done, as well as practices limited by NCAA rules, players don’t have the same structured schedule to keep them busy and out of trouble. And trips home over the holidays have been the catalyst for many suspensions with players getting into fights and violating team rules while visiting with friends and family.

Last season, Oregon’s top tight end Pharaoh Brown was suspended for the Alamo Bowl for his role in a snowball fight on campus. An online video captured the hijinks, which included pelting cars with snow as well as hitting a professor with snowballs and dumping snow through the car window.

On the injury front, Tennessee lost one of its top targets in wide receiver Jason Croom, who injured his knee in practice last Sunday. Croom caught 21 balls for 305 yards and was tied for the team lead with four receiving touchdowns. This injury is especially tough for the Volunteers, who have already lost four members of the receiving corps to injury this season. Tennessee is a 3.5-point favorite over Iowa in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Jan. 2.

Local media are usually the first sources to report on these issues, so keeping a close ear to the ground and anticipating either injury or disciplinary news is the best way to stay ahead of the bookmakers during the bowl break.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Bowl Season

Saturday, December 20

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NEVADA (7 - 5) vs. LA LAFAYETTE (8 - 4) - 12/20/2014, 11:00 AM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UTEP (7 - 5) vs. UTAH ST (9 - 4) - 12/20/2014, 2:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTEP is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
UTEP is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH ST is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH ST is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH ST is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
UTEP is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UTAH (8 - 4) vs. COLORADO ST (10 - 2) - 12/20/2014, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
COLORADO ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
UTAH is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
UTAH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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W MICHIGAN (8 - 4) vs. AIR FORCE (9 - 3) - 12/20/2014, 5:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W MICHIGAN is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
W MICHIGAN is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
W MICHIGAN is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday this season.
W MICHIGAN is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in games played on turf this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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S ALABAMA (6 - 6) vs. BOWLING GREEN (7 - 6) - 12/20/2014, 9:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Monday, December 22

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BYU (8 - 4) vs. MEMPHIS (9 - 3) - 12/22/2014, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 74-101 ATS (-37.1 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
MEMPHIS is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
MEMPHIS is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Tuesday, December 23

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N ILLINOIS (11 - 2) vs. MARSHALL (12 - 1) - 12/23/2014, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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NAVY (7 - 5) at SAN DIEGO ST (7 - 5) - 12/23/2014, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NAVY is 142-110 ATS (+21.0 Units) in all games since 1992.
NAVY is 142-110 ATS (+21.0 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 87-53 ATS (+28.7 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
NAVY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1992.
NAVY is 71-35 ATS (+32.5 Units) in road games since 1992.
NAVY is 71-35 ATS (+32.5 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) against Mountain West conference opponents since 1992.
NAVY is 66-37 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
NAVY is 74-38 ATS (+32.2 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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Wednesday, December 24

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C MICHIGAN (7 - 5) vs. W KENTUCKY (7 - 5) - 12/24/2014, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
C MICHIGAN is 1-0 against the spread versus W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
C MICHIGAN is 1-0 straight up against W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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FRESNO ST (6 - 7) vs. RICE (7 - 5) - 12/24/2014, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
RICE is 106-75 ATS (+23.5 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
RICE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, December 26

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ILLINOIS (6 - 6) vs. LOUISIANA TECH (8 - 5) - 12/26/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISIANA TECH is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISIANA TECH is 1-0 against the spread versus ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
LOUISIANA TECH is 1-0 straight up against ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RUTGERS (7 - 5) vs. N CAROLINA (6 - 6) - 12/26/2014, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RUTGERS is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NC STATE (7 - 5) vs. UCF (9 - 3) - 12/26/2014, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC STATE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, December 27

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIRGINIA TECH (6 - 6) vs. CINCINNATI (9 - 3) - 12/27/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-0 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 1-0 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DUKE (9 - 3) vs. ARIZONA ST (9 - 3) - 12/27/2014, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (6 - 6) vs. S CAROLINA (6 - 6) - 12/27/2014, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PENN ST (6 - 6) vs. BOSTON COLLEGE (7 - 5) - 12/27/2014, 4:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEBRASKA (9 - 3) vs. USC (8 - 4) - 12/27/2014, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, December 29

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

W VIRGINIA (7 - 5) vs. TEXAS A&M (7 - 5) - 12/29/2014, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 6-22 ATS (-18.2 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
TEXAS A&M is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEMSON (9 - 3) vs. OKLAHOMA (8 - 4) - 12/29/2014, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEXAS (6 - 6) vs. ARKANSAS (6 - 6) - 12/29/2014, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against Big 12 conference opponents since 1992.
ARKANSAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 30

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTRE DAME (7 - 5) vs. LSU (8 - 4) - 12/30/2014, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LSU is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOUISVILLE (9 - 3) vs. GEORGIA (9 - 3) - 12/30/2014, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) against ACC opponents since 1992.
GEORGIA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1992.
GEORGIA is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
LOUISVILLE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND (7 - 5) vs. STANFORD (7 - 5) - 12/30/2014, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, December 31

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OLE MISS (9 - 3) vs. TCU (11 - 1) - 12/31/2014, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TCU is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
TCU is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
TCU is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
OLE MISS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a bowl game since 1992.
OLE MISS is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OLE MISS is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OLE MISS is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
OLE MISS is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
OLE MISS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
OLE MISS is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOISE ST (11 - 2) vs. ARIZONA (10 - 3) - 12/31/2014, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 121-81 ATS (+31.9 Units) in all games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 121-81 ATS (+31.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
BOISE ST is 77-45 ATS (+27.5 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
BOISE ST is 69-40 ATS (+25.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1992.
BOISE ST is 79-52 ATS (+21.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
BOISE ST is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
ARIZONA is 49-81 ATS (-40.1 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GEORGIA TECH (10 - 3) vs. MISSISSIPPI ST (10 - 2) - 12/31/2014, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA TECH is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, January 1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WISCONSIN (10 - 3) vs. AUBURN (8 - 4) - 1/1/2015, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
WISCONSIN is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a bye week since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICHIGAN ST (10 - 2) vs. BAYLOR (11 - 1) - 1/1/2015, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BAYLOR is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
BAYLOR is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
MICHIGAN ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (8 - 4) vs. MISSOURI (10 - 3) - 1/1/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLORIDA ST (13 - 0) vs. OREGON (12 - 1) - 1/1/2015, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA ST is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
FLORIDA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
OREGON is 153-119 ATS (+22.1 Units) in all games since 1992.
OREGON is 153-119 ATS (+22.1 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OREGON is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
OREGON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
OREGON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
OREGON is 81-57 ATS (+18.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
OREGON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OHIO ST (12 - 1) vs. ALABAMA (12 - 1) - 1/1/2015, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA is 45-24 ATS (+18.6 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1992.
OHIO ST is 163-119 ATS (+32.1 Units) in all games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 163-119 ATS (+32.1 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 81-56 ATS (+19.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, January 2

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (6 - 6) vs. HOUSTON (7 - 5) - 1/2/2015, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IOWA (7 - 5) vs. TENNESSEE (6 - 6) - 1/2/2015, 3:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UCLA (9 - 3) vs. KANSAS ST (9 - 3) - 1/2/2015, 6:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS ST is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
KANSAS ST is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a bye week over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA ST (6 - 6) vs. WASHINGTON (8 - 5) - 1/2/2015, 10:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 77-104 ATS (-37.4 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, January 3

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E CAROLINA (8 - 4) vs. FLORIDA (6 - 5) - 1/3/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E CAROLINA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
FLORIDA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
E CAROLINA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, January 4

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOLEDO (8 - 4) vs. ARKANSAS ST (7 - 5) - 1/4/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS ST is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS ST is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS ST is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Short Sheet

Bowl Season

Saturday, December 20

New Orleans Bowl - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
Nevada vs LA Lafayette - 11:00 AM EST

Nevada
9-1 UNDER coming off a road game

LA Lafayette
8-1 ATS away from home and coming off back to back conf. games
26-13 ATS away from home after committing only 1 or less turnovers
37-17 OVER as a favorite
20-7 OVER after having won 2 of their last 3 games

New Mexico Bowl - University Stadium - Albuquerque, NM
UTEP vs Utah State - 2:20 PM EST

UTEP
4-12 ATS as an underdog
6-17 ATS in road games after gaining 125 or less passing yards the previous game
42-64 ATS after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers
6-0 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points

Utah State
19-7 ATS as a favorite
6-0 ATS after a bye week
6-0 ATS in road games off a road loss
10-2 UNDER after having won 3 out of their last 4 games

Las Vegas Bowl - Sam Boyd Stadium - Las Vegas, NV
Utah vs Colorado State - 3:30 PM EST

Utah
23-43 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points
20-4 UNDER off a close win by 7 points or less over a conference rival
12-4 UNDER after playing a conference game
19-8 UNDER off a no-cover where the team won as a favorite

Colorado State
9-1 ATS in non-conference games
7-0 ATS after 1 or more straight up losses
11-3 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
31-16 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Albertons Stadium - Boise, ID
Western Michigan vs Air Force - 5:45 PM EST

Western Michigan
10-2 ATS in all games
6-1 ATS after playing a conference game
32-15 OVER off 1 or more consecutive under

Air Force
3-12 ATS in road games after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers
17-6 OVER after covering the spread 3 out of their last 4 games
26-13 OVER in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Camellia Bowl - Crompton Bowl - Montgomery, AL
South Alabama vs Bowling Green - 9:15 PM EST

South Alabama
8-13 ATS after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses
0-7 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games
3-0 UNDER after allowing 42 points or more last game

Bowling Green
14-4 ATS in road games after failing to cover the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games
11-2 ATS after 3 or more consecutive losses against the spread
11-2 UNDER when the total is between 49.5 and 56
13-4 UNDER off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival


Monday, December 22

Miami Beach Bowl - Marlins Park - Miami, FL
BYU vs Memphis - 2:00 PM EST

BYU
6-3 ATS on a neutral field where the total is between 56.5 and 63
15-5 UNDER in games played on a neutral field
39-21 UNDER after gaining 325 or more passing yards in their last game
29-14 UNDER when the line is +3 to -3

Memphis
21-38 ATS off a win against a conference rival
6-16 ATS after a win by 28 or more points
13-4 UNDER in road games off a win against a conference rival
35-19 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread


Tuesday, December 23

Boca Raton Bowl FAU Stadium Boca Raton, FL
Northern Illinois vs Marshall - 6:00 PM EST

Northern Illinois
6-0 ATS after a win by 21 or more points
9-0 UNDER as a neutral field underdog
17-7 UNDER off a win against a conference rival
34-19 UNDER after scoring 37 points or more last game

Marshall
5-15 ATS after a 2 game home stand
3-7 UNDER after 2 consecutive games where they committed 3 or more turnovers

Poinsettia Bowl Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, CA
Navy vs San Diego State - 9:30 PM EST

Navy
10-2 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less
17-5 ATS against Mountain West conference opponents
15-7 UNDER after playing 2 straight non-conference games

San Diego State
1-10 ATS after 3 or more consecutive wins against the spread
1-9 ATS in home games after gaining 275 or more rushing yards last game
7-0 UNDER as a favorite
7-0 UNDER after playing a conference game
7-1 UNDER off 2 or more consecutive unders


Wednesday, December 24

Bahamas Bowl - Thomas Robinson Stadium - Bahamas
Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky - 12:00 PM EST

Central Michigan
3-10 ATS in non-conference games
22-9 OVER in road games after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses

Western Kentucky
16-4 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread
7-0 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins
9-2 OVER in road games after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses

Hawaii Bowl - Aloha Stadium - Honolulu, HI
Fresno State vs Rice - 8:00 PM EST

Fresno State
0-6 ATS as a neutral field favorite
1-5 ATS on a neutral field where the total is between 56.5 and 63
1-5 ATS after gaining 100 or less rushing yards last game
26-13 OVER in road games off 1 or more consecutive unders
10-2 OVER in road games off a road loss

Rice
11-3 ATS when the total is between 56.5 and 63
6-0 ATS off 1 or more straight overs
28-13 OVER off a loss against a conference rival
61-36 OVER as an underdog
16-3 OVER after allowing 50 points or more last game


Friday, December 26

Heart of Dallas Bowl - Cotton Bowl Stadium - Dallas, TX
Illinois vs Louisiana Tech - 1:00 PM EST

Illinois
23-44 ATS after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored
21-42 ATS after a game where they forced 3 or more turnovers
12-4 OVER after a game where they forced 4 or more turnovers
11-7 OVER off 2 straight wins against conference rivals

Louisiana Tech
10-3 ATS in all games
30-15 ATS off a loss against a conference rival
7-1 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
35-19 OVER as a favoirte
41-20 OVER after playing 2 straight conference games

Quick Lane Bowl - Ford Field - Detroit, MI
Rutgers vs North Carolina - 4:30 PM EST

Rutgers
31-15 ATS in road games in non-conference games
13-4 UNDER after a 2 game road trip
34-15 UNDER in non-conference games

North Carolina
2-4 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread
29-15 UNDER after being outgained by opp by 125 or more total yards last game

Saint Petersburg Bowl - Tropicana Field - St. Petersburg, FL
North Carolina State vs Central Florida - 8:00 PM EST

North Carolina State
7-19 ATS in road games after having won 3 out of their last 4 games
9-22 ATS off a road win against a conference rival
7-1 OVER off an upset win by 14 points or more as an underdog
5-1 OVER after a game where they committed no turnovers

Central Florida
6-0 ATS off a road win against a conference rival
10-0 ATS after playing their last game on the road
15-6 OVER off a win against a conference rival
10-3 OVER after having won 4 out of their last 5 games


Saturday, December 27

Military Bowl - Navy - Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - Annapolis, MD
Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati - 12/27/14 at 1:00 PM EST

Virginia Tech
0-6 ATS after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games
58-38 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Cincinnati
9-1 ATS in road games after playing 2 straight conference games
23-10 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread
27-13 UNDER after scoring 37 points or more last game
27-13 UNDER after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored

Sun Bowl - Navy - Sun Bowl Stadium - El Paso, Tx
Duke vs Arizona State - 2:00 PM EST

Duke
19-7 ATS in all games
12-4 ATS after playing a conference game
13-5 ATS after 1 or more consecutive straight up wins
14-7 OVER as an underdog

Arizona State
2-10 ATS in road games after having won 6 or 7 out of their last 8 games
1-5 ATS as a neutral field favorite
9-2 OVER after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games

Independence Bowl - Independence Stadium - Shreveport, LA
Miami vs South Carolina - 3:30 PM EST

Miami
3-12 ATS after playing a conference game
74-49 UNDER after playing a conference game
5-1 UNDER after a bye week

South Carolina
10-6 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders
16-9 UNDER against ACC opponents

Pinstripe Bowl - Yankee Stadium - Bronx, NY
Penn State vs Boston College - 4:30 PM EST

Penn State
1-10 ATS after playing a game at home
49-25 UNDER in non-conference games
6-0 UNDER after playing a game at home

Boston College
4-2 ATS after playing a game at home
29-14 UNDER in road games off 1 or more consecutive unders
30-13 UNDER after covering the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games

Holiday Bowl - Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
Nebraska vs USC - 8:00 PM EST

Nebraska
46-28 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
10-2 UNDER as a neutral field underdog

USC
2-11 ATS off a home win
1-8 ATS in road games after scoring 37 points or more last game
6-17 ATS after 1 or more consecutive straight up wins
53-34 UNDER after scoring 37 points or more last game
27-13 UNDER after a game where they committed no turnovers


Monday, December 29

Liberty Bowl - Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium - Memphis, TN
West Virginia vs Texas A&M - 2:00 PM EST

West Virginia
6-15 ATS as a favorite
0-8 ATS as a neutral field favorite
0-6 ATS when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
6-0 UNDER as a favorite

Texas A&M
8-17 ATS in all games
3-11 ATS after one or more ATS losses

Russell Athletic Bowl - Citrus Bowl Stadium - Orlando, FL
Clemson vs Oklahoma - 5:30 PM EST

Clemson
Please Check Back

Oklahoma
Please Check Back

Texas Bowl - NRG Stadium - Houston, TX
Texas vs Arkansas - 9:00 PM EST

Texas
0-6 ATS after covering the spread in 3 out of their last 4 games
9-2 UNDER as an underdog

Arkansas
10-2 ATS against Big 12 conference opponents
10-1 ATS off an upset loss as a road favorite
10-2 UNDER in a bowl game
26-11 UNDER as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points
7-0 UNDER as a neutral field favorite


Tuesday, December 30

Music City Bowl - LP Field - Nashville, TN
Notre Dame vs LSU - 3:00 PM EST

Notre Dame
15-29 ATS off a road loss
19-8 UNDER after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game
16-6 UNDER in road games after scoring 14 points or less last game

LSU
7-1 ATS as a favorite
43-26 UNDER when the total is between 49.5 and 56
7-0 UNDER off a close win by 7 points or less over a conference rival
8-1 UNDER in road games after 1 or more SU wins

Belk Bowl - Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC
Louisville vs Georgia - 6:30 PM EST

Louisville
11-26 ATS after a game where they committed 4 or more turnovers
5-1 OVER after a win by 6 or less points

Georgia
23-10 ATS against ACC opponents
25-12 ATS in road non-conference games
4-1 OVER after a loss by 6 or less points

Foster Farms Bowl - Levi's Stadium - Santa Clara, CA
Maryland Terrapins College Football Team
Maryland vs Stanford - 10:00 PM EST

Maryland
6-0 ATS when the total is between 42.5 and 49
13-4 UNDER after allowing 325 or more passing yards
22-8 UNDER after a game where they committed no turnovers

Stanford
1-8 ATS after a win by 17 or more points
2-9 ATS after outgaining opp by 175 or more total yards
8-1 UNDER as a favorite
9-2 UNDER after having won 2 out of their last 3 games


Wednesday, December 31

Chick-Fil-A Bowl - Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA
Ole Miss vs TCU - 12:30 PM EST

Ole Miss
9-1 ATS in a bowl game
20-8 ATS in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
11-3 ATS in non-conference games

TCU
24-10 OVER off 3 straight wins against conference rivals
13-4 OVER after gaining 525 or more total yards/game

Fiesta Bowl - Univ of Phoenix Stadium - Phoenix, AZ
Boise State vs Arizona - 4:00 PM EST

Boise State
61-40 ATS after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers
69-40 ATS off a win against a conference rival
121-81 ATS in all games

Arizona
49-81 ATS as a favorite
1-8 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
19-35 ATS after scoring 14 points or less last game

Orange Bowl - Sun Life Stadium - Miami, FL
Georgia Tech vs Mississippi State - 8:00 PM EST

Georgia Tech
6-0 ATS after allowing 24 points or more in the first half last game
55-34 UNDER as an underdog
6-0 UNDER when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest

Mississippi State
4-13 ATS in road games after allowing 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games
9-2 UNDER after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers
12-3 UNDER after allowing 525 or more total yards in their previous game


Thursday, January 1

OUTBACK BOWL - Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL
Wisconsin vs Auburn - 12:00 PM EST

Wisonsin
29-15 ATS when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
20-7 ATS after gaining 100 or less rushing yards last game
12-3 OVER after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread

Auburn
9-1 ATS after scoring 42 points or more last game
21-6 OVER after 2 consecutive games with a turnover margin of +1 or better

Cotton Bowl - AT&T Stadium - Arlington, TX
Michigan State vs Baylor - 12:30 PM EST

Michigan State
23-10 ATS off a double digit road win
62-39 OVER as an underdog

Baylor
19-9 OVER as a favorite
6-0 OVER when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest

Citrus Bowl - Citrus Bowl Stadium - Orlando, FL
Minnesota vs Missouri - 1:00 PM EST

Minnesota
52-33 OVER after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers

Missouri
19-8 ATS in all games
8-0 ATS in road games after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games
9-1 OVER in road games after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers

Rose Bowl - Rose Bowl Stadium - Pasadena, CA
Florida State vs Oregon - 5:00 PM EST

Florida State
3-10 ATS in all games
13-4 UNDER in major bowl games

Oregon
7-1 ATS off a win against a conference rival
7-0 ATS in road games after 3 straight covers as a favorite of 7 or more
13-5 ATS after a win by 17 or more points
7-0 UNDER after a bye week

Sugar Bowl - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
Ohoi State vs Alabama - 8:30 PM EST

Ohio State
1-8 ATS after gaining 7.25 or more yards/play in their previous game
11-2 OVER in all games

Alabama
45-24 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins
13-4 OVER as a neutral field favorite


Friday, January 2

Armed Forces Bowl - Amon G. Carter Stadium - Fort Worth, TX
Pittsburgh vs Houston - 12:00 PM EST

Pittsburgh
0-6 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games

Hosuton
6-0 ATS in road games after gaining 6.25 or more yards/play in their previous game
19-8 OVER after 2 consecutive game where they committed 1 or less turnovers

Taxslayer Bowl - Everbank Field - Jacksonville, FL
Iowa vs Tennessee - 3:20 PM EST

Iowa
39-22 UNDER in non-conference games

Tennessee
41-24 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread
43-25 UNDER after a game where they forced 3 or more turnovers

Alamo Bowl - Alamo Dome - San Antonio, TX
UCLA vs Kansas State - 6:45 PM EST

UCLA
50-28 UNDER off a loss against a conference rival

Kansas State
25-12 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
9-2 ATS after having won 2 out of their last 3 games

Cactus Bowl - Sun Devil Stadium - Tempe, AZ
Oklahoma State vs Washington - 10:15 PM EST

Oklahoma State
18-7 ATS after 2 straight games where 70 total points or more were scored
10-2 UNDER in road games off a road win

Washington
77-104 ATS after playing a conference game
11-3 UNDER as a favorite


Saturday, January 3

Birmingham Bowl - Legion Field - Birmingham, AL
East Carolina vs Florida - 1/2/14 at 1:00 PM EST

East Carolina
3-12 ATS after gaining 325 or more passing yards in 2 straight games

Florida
30-15 ATS in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest
44-27 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread


Sunday, January 4
GoDaddy.com Bowl - Ladd-Peebles Stadium - Mobile, AL
Toledo vs Arkansas State - 1/2/14 at 9:00 PM EST

Toledo
0-6 ATS after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored
16-6 OVER off a road win against a conference rival

Arkansas State
25-13 ATS in all games
6-0 OVER after playing a conference game

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Bowl Season

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, December 20

11:00 AM
NEVADA vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Nevada's last 18 games
Nevada is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games

2:20 PM
TEXAS EL PASO vs. UTAH STATE
Texas El Paso is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas El Paso's last 6 games
Utah State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah State's last 6 games

3:30 PM
UTAH vs. COLORADO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah's last 10 games
Utah is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado State's last 5 games
Colorado State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

5:45 PM
WESTERN MICHIGAN vs. AIR FORCE
Western Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Air Force's last 9 games
Air Force is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

9:15 PM
SOUTH ALABAMA vs. BOWLING GREEN
South Alabama is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
South Alabama is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Bowling Green's last 8 games
Bowling Green is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games


Monday, December 22

2:00 PM
BYU vs. MEMPHIS
BYU is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games
BYU is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games


Tuesday, December 23

6:00 PM
NORTHERN ILLINOIS vs. MARSHALL
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 6 games
Northern Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Marshall is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marshall's last 6 games

9:30 PM
NAVY vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
Navy is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Navy's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of San Diego State's last 12 games
San Diego State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games


Wednesday, December 24

12:00 PM
CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Central Michigan's last 19 games
Central Michigan is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Western Kentucky's last 13 games
Western Kentucky is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
FRESNO STATE vs. RICE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Fresno State's last 9 games
Fresno State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rice
Rice is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Fresno State
Rice is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games


Friday, December 26

1:00 PM
ILLINOIS vs. LOUISIANA TECH
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Illinois's last 9 games
Louisiana Tech is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

4:30 PM
RUTGERS vs. NORTH CAROLINA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rutgers's last 7 games
Rutgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of North Carolina's last 5 games
North Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
No trends available
Central Florida is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Florida's last 6 games


Saturday, December 27

1:00 PM
VIRGINIA TECH vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia Tech's last 7 games
Virginia Tech is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

2:00 PM
DUKE vs. ARIZONA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Duke's last 8 games
Duke is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
Arizona State is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games

3:30 PM
MIAMI vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games
South Carolina is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Carolina's last 6 games

4:30 PM
PENN STATE vs. BOSTON COLLEGE
Penn State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Penn State is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston College's last 8 games

8:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. SOUTHERN CAL
Nebraska is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Nebraska is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Southern Cal is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Cal's last 5 games


Monday, December 29

2:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. TEXAS A&M
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of West Virginia's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas A&M's last 6 games
Texas A&M is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games

5:30 PM
CLEMSON vs. OKLAHOMA
Clemson is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Clemson is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma's last 9 games
Oklahoma is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games

9:00 PM
TEXAS vs. ARKANSAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Arkansas is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arkansas's last 5 games


Tuesday, December 30

3:00 PM
NOTRE DAME vs. LSU
Notre Dame is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Notre Dame's last 7 games
LSU is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
LSU is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games

6:30 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. GEORGIA
Louisville is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Georgia's last 12 games
Georgia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

10:00 PM
MARYLAND vs. STANFORD
No trends available
Stanford is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Stanford is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games


Wednesday, December 31

12:30 PM
MISSISSIPPI vs. TCU
Mississippi is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Mississippi is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of TCU's last 14 games
TCU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

4:00 PM
BOISE STATE vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boise State's last 8 games
Boise State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
GEORGIA TECH vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Georgia Tech is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Mississippi State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Mississippi State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games


Thursday, January 1

12:00 PM
WISCONSIN vs. AUBURN
Wisconsin is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
Wisconsin is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Auburn's last 6 games
Auburn is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games

12:30 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. BAYLOR
Michigan State is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Michigan State's last 14 games
Baylor is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MISSOURI
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Missouri is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

5:00 PM
FLORIDA STATE vs. OREGON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida State's last 5 games
Florida State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oregon is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:30 PM
OHIO STATE vs. ALABAMA
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Ohio State's last 12 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Alabama is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


Friday, January 2

12:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 17 games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

3:20 PM
IOWA vs. TENNESSEE
Iowa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Iowa's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tennessee's last 5 games

6:45 PM
UCLA vs. KANSAS STATE
UCLA is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of UCLA's last 8 games
Kansas State is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games

10:15 PM
OKLAHOMA STATE vs. WASHINGTON
Oklahoma State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Oklahoma State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington's last 15 games


Saturday, January 3

12:00 PM
EAST CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA
East Carolina is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
East Carolina is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games
Florida is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games


Sunday, January 4

9:00 PM
TOLEDO vs. ARKANSAS STATE
Toledo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toledo is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arkansas State's last 5 games
Arkansas State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Dunkel

Utah vs. Colorado State
The Utes face Colorado State (10-2 SU) in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl and come into the contest with an 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games versus a team with a winning SU record. Utah is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Utes favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-3). Here are all of this week's NCAA Football picks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Game 141-142: Sam Houston State at North Dakota State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sam Houston State 79.919; North Dakota State 90.039
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 10


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 201-202: Nevada vs. UL-Lafayette (11:00 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 74.100; UL-Lafayette 76.755
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 2 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Nevada by 1; 61
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (+1); Over

Game 203-204: Utah State vs. UTEP (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 91.129; UTEP 78.238
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 13; 43
Vegas Line: Utah State by 10; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-10); Under

Game 205-206: Utah vs. Colorado State (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 96.360; Colorado State 90.817
Dunkel Line: Utah by 5 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Utah by 3; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-3); Under

Game 207-208: Western Michigan at Air Force (5:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 80.756; Air Force 85.277
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 4 1/2; 62
Vegas Line: Air Force by 1; 57
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (-1); Over

Game 209-210: South Alabama vs. Bowling Green (9:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 70.408; Bowling Green 64.112
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 6 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 2 1/2; 53 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-2 1/2); Over

OTHER MAJOR GAMES:
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST (12/18)
Game 145-145: Illinois State at New Hampshire (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 84.026; New Hampshire 84.801
Dunkel Line: New Hampshire by 1


MONDAY, DECEMBER 22

Game 211-212: BYU vs. Memphis (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 91.521; Memphis 90.063
Dunkel Line: BYU by 1 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Memphis by 1 1/2; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (+1 1/2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 20


Rain could dampen South Alabama-Bowling Green

Rain could be falling on the Crompton Bowl Friday and Saturday. There is a 50 percent chance of showers starting Friday afternoon and continuing through until kickoff. The rain should bring winds blowing around six miles per hour as well.

South Alabama and Bowling Green are set to clash for the Camella Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama Saturday.

The Jaguars are currently 2.5-point favorites with a total of 53.


Small chance of rain for Saturday bowl matchup

Bowl season begins Saturday, Dec. 20 and early forecasts are calling for a small chance of rain at Bronco Stadium in Boise as the Western Michigan Broncos face the Air Force Falcons in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Forecasts are calling for a 20 percent chance of rain with temperatures in the high-30s. Wind shouldn't be a factor as gusts are expected of around 2 mph across the field.

Presently, Air Force is a 1.5-point favorite and the total is 56.5.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Saturday, December 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Utah vs. Colorado State
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Utah Utes vs. Colorado State Rams (+3, 5.5)

Game to be played at Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

1. Two schools that are former conference mates square off in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl when No. 25 Utah faces Colorado State. The contest will mark the 80th meeting between the schools (Utah leads 55-22-2) that resided together in both the Western Athletic and Mountain West conferences. The Rams are looking for a win to record the second 11-win campaign in school history, while the Utes are vying for their 11th win in their last 12 bowl games.

2. Dave Baldwin will serve as Colorado State’s interim coach after Jim McElwain left to take the Florida job. Baldwin, who is the offensive coordinator, previously was a head coach at Cal State Northridge and San Jose State and is hoping the bowl performance will land him the Rams’ permanent head coaching job. “These guys know who I am, I have a personality that’s different from the head coach who was here in the past,” Baldwin told reporters. “I’m much more of a hands-on guy.”

3. The Utes regularly play in bowl games and keep chalking up the victories. Coach Kyle Whittingham wouldn’t reveal any program secrets but outlined his reasons for why Utah has experienced so much success in bowl games. “Our guys have historically done a great job of preparing,” Whittingham told reporters. “It’s a reward for the guys and there are a lot of activities, but at the same time you don’t want to go down with any other mission than to win the game.”

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Rams as either 5 or 5.5-point dogs, but that is now +3.5. The total opened at 58 and is up a half-point.

INJURY REPORT: Utes - DE Moana Ofahengaue (Out, suspension). Rams - WR Jordan Vaden (Probable, undisclosed), LB Aaron Davis (Probable, undisclosed), WR Joe Hansley (Probable, concussion).

WEATHER FORECAST: Temperatures expected to be in the mid-50s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow toward the south endzone at around 8 mph.

ABOUT UTAH (8-4, 5-4 Pac-12): The Utes average 30.2 points and 374.8 yards per game and quarterback Travis Wilson overcame injuries and consistency issues to throw 17 touchdown passes against just four interceptions. Running back Devontae Booker emerged as a star with 1,350 yards and nine touchdowns while the receiving corps was hurt when star receiver Dres Anderson was lost to a season-ending knee injury in late October. Utah allows 26.2 points per game with defensive ends Nate Orchard (school-record 17.5) and Hunter Dimick (10) combining for 27.5 sacks, while returner Kaelin Clay has returned three punts for touchdowns and one kickoff for a score.

ABOUT COLORADO STATE (10-2, 6-2 Mountain West): The Rams roll up an average of 35.9 points and 497.8 yards per game with quarterback Garrett Grayson the ringleader by setting school records with 3,779 yards and 32 touchdown passes. Rashard Higgins had the best receiving season in school history with 89 receptions for 1,640 yards and 17 touchdowns while running back Dee Hart rushed for 1,254 yards and 16 touchdowns. The defense allows 23.4 points per game with strong safety Trent Matthews and cornerback Tyree Simmons sharing the interceptions lead of three and weakside linebacker Aaron Davis recording a team-best 110 tackles.

TRENDS:

* Utes are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Over is 4-0 in Rams last four Bowl games.
* Utes are 7-2 ATS in their last nine Bowl games.
* Over is 4-1 in Utes last five bowl games.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 62 percent of bettors are backing the Utes.

 

[CNOTES]

Utah State, UTEP meet in New Mexico Bowl


December 19, 2014


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A resilient Utah State is set to square off with UTEP and its run-heavy offense in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday as the college football postseason gets underway.


This season, the Aggies (9-4) have been hampered by injuries and were forced to play four quarterbacks. Somehow, their offensive line got better and all others started executing to get the Aggies within one win of double-digit victories, head coach Matt Wells said.


''It's real simple,'' Wells told reporters Friday. ''Our receivers have stepped up. We've run the ball better.''


And Wells had to use all his resources. Utah State has five players who have thrown at least two touchdown passes this season. In addition to the four quarterbacks, wide receiver Ronald Butler has thrown two touchdown passes.


Meanwhile, the Miners (7-5) are expected to use their aggressive running game to try to wear down the Aggies defense. Anchored by Aaron Jones, who is 23rd nationally in rushing yards per game (112.1), UTEP head coach Sean Kugler said he expects a very physical game since he knows Utah State will try to stack the line.


''It's very difficult to run the ball on them,'' Kugler said. ''They can get after the quarterback.''


UTEP QB Jameill Showers said the Miners will stick to their strengths so they can open up some play-action options. ''We've responded to challenges the season,'' Showers said.


But how well UTEP runs the ball will depend on Utah State's defense, led by brothers Zach and Nick Vigil, linebackers who have combined for 181 tackles.


''They are not the biggest guys but they do break a lot of tackles,'' said senior Zach Vigil, who is tied at 12th nationally in tackles for loss with 11.2 per game. ''They run hard. They don't stop their feet.''


Utah State is 3-5 in bowl games and is making its fourth straight bowl game appearance. The Aggies won the Poinsettia Bowl last year, beating Northern Illinois 21-14.


UTEP has a 5-8 record in bowl games. The Miners' last postseason appearance came in the New Mexico Bowl in 2010, where they lost to BYU 52-24.


The Miners are seeking their first bowl game victory since 1967 and are coming off their first winning season since 2005.


Here are things to know when Utah State and UTEP play in the New Mexico Bowl:


GRINDING: Aaron Jones has rushed for 100 yards or more nine times in his career. This season, the sophomore led the Miners with 11 rushing touchdowns and also has three receiving touchdowns. During a game against Middle Tennessee, Jones caught a 72-yard touchdown pass. It was the longest reception of his career.


KICKING IT: Sophomore Aggies kicker Nick Diaz is ranked 29th nationally for field goal percentage (80 percent). That percentage has him tied for seventh all-time in school history for a single season. He leads the team with 78 points and is 12 of 15 on field goals.


AIR ASSAULT: While UTEP's rushing attack has remained strong, the passing game has been inconsistent. Still, Showers threw for 1,732 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's also joined the team's ground game by rushing for 288 yards and four scores.


TAKEAWAYS: Utah State has forced 29 turnovers in the last 12 games. Overall, the Aggies rank ninth nationally with 18 interceptions.


BROTHERS IN ARMS: Zach and Nick Vigil have combined for 551 career tackles to rank first at the FBS level among active brothers. They are ahead of Duke's Kelby and Kyler Brown, who have a combined 327 career tackles.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Bowl Tips


December 18, 2014




**Nevada vs. Louisiana-Lafayette**


-- The Mountain West and Sun Belt Conferences will be represented Saturday in the Crescent City, where Nevada and UL-Lafayette will collide for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Superdome. This game features a pair of record-setting quarterbacks who will be closing out their collegiate careers.


-- As of Thursday afternoon, the line was all over the place at various betting shops. Some books had one team favored by one, while others had the side as a pick 'em. The total for 'over/under' wagers is 60.5 or 61.


-- Nevada (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS) won four of its last six games both SU and ATS, including a 49-27 win at UNLV in the regular-season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Wolf Pack easily covered the spread as a 7.5-point road favorite, while the 76 combined points sailed 'over' the 62.5-point total. Cody Fajardo was the catalyst, accounting for four touchdowns. The senior signal caller threw three TD passes compared to one interception. Fajardo ran 13 times for 143 yards and one TD. After the Rebels cut the deficit to 21-20 midway through the third quarter, Nevada responded with 28 consecutive points. Fajardo hit Kendall Brock for a three-yard scoring strike to make it 28-20 and a few plays later, the Wolf Pack went up 35-20 on a pick-six by Lenny Jones.


-- Fajardo is one of only two QBs in FBS history (the other being fellow Nevada alum Colin Kaepernick) to throw for more than 6,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000. Fajardo ranks No. 21 in all-time total yardage and can move into 16th place with 208 yards of offense against UL-Lafayette.


-- UL Lafayette (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) has won seven of its last eight games, producing a 5-1-1 spread record in its last seven outings. The Ragin' Cajuns finished the regular season by cruising to a 42-23 win at Troy as 9.5-point road favorites. Elijah McGuire rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries, while Alonzo Harris ran 17 times for 86 yards and three TDs. Terrance Broadway connected on 14-of-19 throws for 142 yards and also ran for 78 yards on 14 totes.


-- Mark Hudspeth's squad has finished its season in this bowl game in all four years of his tenure. The Ragin' Cajuns are 3-0 both SU and ATS at the Superdome in the first postseason appearances in the school's history. They have beaten San Diego St. (32-30), East Carolina (43-34) and Tulane (24-21).


-- Broadway was the MVP of the 2012 New Orleans Bowl as a sophomore. As a senior this season, he completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,068 yards with a 12/9 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Broadway also rushed for 646 yards and three scores.


-- UL-Lafayette has a pair of outstanding RBs in McGuire and Harris. McGuire ran for 1,165 yards and 14 TDs this season, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. Harris rushed for 737 yards and 12 TDs, averaging 4.6 YPC.


-- Fajardo completed 59.7 percent of his throws this season for 2,370 yards and an 18/11 TD-INT ratio. He rushed for a team-best 997 yards and 13 TDs, averaging 6.1 YPC. Jerico Richardson is his favorite target, hauling in 53 receptions for 626 yards and three TDs. When Fajardo isn't toting the rock himself, Don Jackson gets the bulk of the carries. Jackson rushed for 932 yards and seven scores during the regular season.


-- Nevada has lost six of its last seven bowl games. The last victory came in 2010 when the Wolf Pack beat Boston College 20-13 at the Kraft Hunger Bowl. It missed the postseason in 2013 in its first season under head coach Brian Polian, who is the son of former Colts team President Bill Polian.


-- The 'under' is 8-4 overall for Nevada, with its games averaging 59.5 points per game.


-- Totals have been an overall wash (6-6) for the Ragin' Cajuns, who have seen their games average a combined score of 58.5 PPG.


-- Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern on ESPN.


**UTEP vs. Utah State**


-- The second bowl game on Saturday's slate pits UTEP vs. Utah St. in the New Mexico Bowl from Albuquerque. As of Thursday, most books had Utah St. (9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS) installed as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 46. Gamblers can back the Miners on the money line for a +330 return (risk $100 to win $330).


-- After going 2-10 in Sean Kugler's first season since taking over for the retired Mike Price, UTEP (7-5 SU, 9-3 ATS) is in the postseason for the first time since getting thumped 52-24 to BYU at the 2010 New Mexico Bowl. The Miners have won five of their last seven games, going 6-1 ATS in the process. They have gone 4-3 ATS in seven games as underdogs, posting a 3-2 spread record in five double-digit 'dog situations.


-- Utah St. had another stellar campaign despite a myriad of injuries, including nine season-enders to starters. First, the Aggies lost one of their best defensive players in Kyler Fackrell when he tore his ACL in September. Fackrell had 82 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore in 2013. Next, star senior QB Chuckie Keeton tore his ACL (again) and was lost for the year. Then Utah St. lost its second and third-string QBs to injuries. Nevertheless, Matt Wells's squad won each of true freshman Kent Myers's first four starts.


-- Utah St. was on a five-game winning streak going into its regular-season finale at Boise St. on the smurf turf. A victory would've garnered a trip to the Mountain West Conference Championship game, but that berth went to the Broncos after they dealt out a 50-19 beating to the Aggies. BSU easily covered the number as a 10-point home 'chalk.' The Utah St. defense got blitzed by Jay Ajayi for 229 rushing yards and five TDs. Myers threw for 158 yards and was intercepted once. He ran for 43 yards and one TD.


-- Myers has made five starts and seen playing time in six games. He has completed 69.2 percent of his throws for 798 yards with a 5/2 TD-INT ratio. Myers has rushed for 235 yards and four TDs while averaging 5.6 YPC.


-- Utah St. LB Zach Vigil earned Mtn. West Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 145 tackles (19.5 for loss) and nine sacks.


-- Vigil will be keying on UTEP RB Aaron Jones, who has rushed for 2,552 yards in his first two seasons for the Miners. Jones ran for 1,236 yards and 11 TDs while averaging 5.7 YPC.


-- UTEP quarterback Jameill Showers connected on 55.7 percent of his passes for 1,732 yards with a 12/5 TD-INT ratio. Showers also rushed for 288 yards and four scores.


-- Utah St. is going bowling for a fourth straight season. The Aggies beat No. Illinois by a 21-14 count in a pick 'em affair at last year's Poinsettia Bowl. They smashed Toledo 41-15 as 10.5-point favorites at the 2012 Idaho Potato Bowl on the blue carpet.


-- Utah St. ranks 21st nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 20.8 PPG.


-- The 'over' is 7-6 overall for the Aggies, hitting in back-to-back games and four of their last six.


-- The 'under' is on a 5-1 run for the Miners to improve to 7-5 overall for the season. Their games have averaged a combined score of 57.0 PPG.


-- ESPN will have the telecast at 2:20 p.m. Eastern.


**Utah vs. Colorado State**


-- The Mtn. West and Pac-12 will be represented in Sin City for Saturday's Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl. Utah and Colorado St. both had outstanding seasons that will culminate at Sam Boyd Stadium. However, CSU won't have its head coach Jim McElwain, who left to take the Florida job vacated when Will Muschamp was fired.


-- As of Thursday afternoon, most books had Utah listed as a three-point favorite with a total of 57.5. Gamblers can back the Rams to win outright for a +145 return (risk $100 to win $145).


-- Colorado St. (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) is gunning for the second 11-win season in school history. Dave Baldwin, the team's offensive coordinator, will serve as the Rams' interim head coach. He was previously a head coach at San Jose St. and is hoping a bowl victory can bolster his candidacy to remain at CSU as head coach.


-- Utah (8-4 SU, 8-4 SU) is back in the postseason after going 5-7 in consecutive years. The Utes won all three of their non-conference games, including a 26-10 win over Michigan at The Big House. Kyle Whittingham's team won a pair of Pac-12 road games over Stanford and UCLA as a double-digit underdog. Utah also had a solid home win over Southern Cal and prevailed in overtime at Oregon St. The Utes went 5-1 ATS on the road, dropping a 19-16 decision at Arizona St. in overtime.


-- Utah's only non-cover on the road came in its regular-season finale when it escaped Boulder with a 38-34 win over Colorado as a seven-point road 'chalk.' Dominique Hatfield's pick-six with 10 minutes remaining provided the winning points. QB Travis Wilson threw for 311 yards and three TDs without being intercepted, while Devontae Booker rushed 25 times for 95 yards and one score. Kaelin Clay had 10 receptions for 88 yards and a pair of TDs.


-- Utah has been a single-digit favorite three times, going 1-2 ATS. Meanwhile, CSU has compiled a 2-1 record both SU and ATS in three games as an underdog. The Rams won outright at Boston College and vs. Colorado in Denver.


-- Wilson threw for 2,012 yards with a 17/4 TD-INT ratio. After losing one of his top targets Dres Anderson to a season-ending injury in late October, Clay began to pick up his production. He finished the regular season with 39 catches for 460 yards and four TDs. Booker rushed for 1,350 yards and nine TDs while averaging 5.1 YPC. He also had 39 receptions for 282 yards and two TDs. Clay has also scored three TDs on special-teams returns.


-- CSU is led by senior QB Garrett Grayson, who set all sorts of school records during a brilliant year. Grayson completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,779 yards with a 32/6 TD-INT ratio. His favorite target is one of the nation's best WRs, Rashard Higgins, who had 89 receptions for 1,640 yards and 17 TDs. Dee Hart, a transfer from Alabama, rushed for a team-high 1,254 yards and 16 TDs, averaging 6.7 YPC.


-- After losing 37-24 at Boise St. in Week 2, CSU went on a nine-game winning streak that got snapped in a gut-wrenching loss at Air Force in the regular-season finale. The Falcons captured a 27-24 win as 7.5-point home underdogs thanks to a Will Conant 39-yard field goal as time expired. Grayson threw for 366 yards and three TDs, while Hart rushed for 115 yards on 23 carries. Higgins had 12 catches for 193 yards and a pair of TDs.


-- Utah's defense is led by DE Nate Orchard, who set a school record with 17.5 sacks during the regular season.


-- The 'under' is on a 7-2-1 run in Utah's last 10 games and is 7-4-1 overall.


-- Totals have been an overall wash (6-6) for the Rams, but they saw the 'over' go 4-1 in their last five games.


-- These schools are former conference rivals from the MWC. Before Utah bolted for the Pac-12 from 2005-2010, the Utes won five in a row over the Rams and cashed tickets at a 4-1 ATS clip.


-- Kickoff is slated for 5:50 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.