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

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Early Bowl Tips


December 30, 2014




**Auburn vs. Wisconsin**


-- The Southeastern Conference and Big Ten Conference get together at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. for the latest installment of the Outback Bowl. The Badgers hope this game goes better than their past four appearances in the Outback Bowl, previously known as the Hall of Fame Bowl. They have lost three straight appearances in the game since topping Duke Jan. 2, 1995, in their first appearances in the bowl game. The Tigers won a thrilling 38-35 overtime win July 1, 2010 against Northwestern, and they're 2-1 all-time in the game.


-- Wisconsin (10-3 SU, 5-8 ATS) has to be champing at the bit to get back onto the field after a 59-0 beatdown from Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. It was the third consecutive game the Badgers failed to cover. To make matters worse, since that game, head coach Gary Andersen has left for the top job at Oregon State. Before the conference title game, the Badgers had won seven straight outings, and even with Andersen gone, they still have Heisman Trophy finalist RB Melvin Gordon in the mix. Athletic director, and former head coach, Barry Alvarez will lead the team on the field.


-- Auburn (8-4 SU, 4-8 ATS) had a difficult time this season, and they lost three of their final four games. Defense was a problem in the three losses, as they allowed 43.3 points per game in the three setbacks from Nov. 8-29. In fact, Auburn allowed 31 or more points in six of their final seven games. While the offense managed 31 or more points in nine of their 12 games this season, the Tigers were hard to figure out down the stretch. After a 5-0 SU/3-2 ATS start, the Tigers were just 3-4 SU/1-6 ATS in the final seven outings.


-- Against bowl teams this season, the Tigers are 6-4 SU and 3-7 ATS. They head into this game as a 6.5-point favorite. They're 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS in such situations.


-- For the Badgers, they were 7-2 SU against bowl teams and 4-5 ATS. However, they fell in their only game against an SEC opponent this season, losing 28-24 in the season opener against LSU.


-- Gordon averaged 7.6 yards per game on the ground this season, running for an obscene 2,336 yards and 26 touchdowns. If the Tigers are to win, the top job will obviously be slowing down the electric tailback. Sidekick Corey Clement is no slouch, either, as he ran for 844 yards on 132 carries with nine touchdown runs. Each can be useful with their hands, too, as Godon had 8.9 yards per grab with three touchdown catches, and Clement had 12 grabs for 108 yards and a score. The quarterback play for Wisconsin is so-so, and the Tigers don't have to worry much about downfield play. WR Alex Erickson is the best bet for the Badgers, as he led the team with 51 grabs, 734 yards and 14.4 yards per reception. He had three TD scores, one behind Sam Arneson for the team-best in scoring receptions.


-- The Tigers offense is much more balanced than the Badgers. QB Nick Marshall passed for 2,315 yards, 18 touchdowns and a 148.7 passer rating, while running for 780 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. That total matched RB Cameron Artis-Payne, who also found the end zone 11 times. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry with 1,482 yards.


-- However, remember WR D'haquille 'Duke' Williams is suspended for Thursday's game, and he was a major part of the offense. He led the team with 45 catches, 730 receiving yards and five touchdowns. That will mean WR Sammie Coates will need to step up. He had 30 catches for 717 yards and four grabs. Quan Bray and Ricardo Louis will also need to fill the void.


-- The total sits at 63.5 for the Outback Bowl at most shops. The over is 3-0-1 in the past four games for Wisconsin, and is 5-2-1 in the past eight games. The over is 6-1 in Wisconsin's past seven neutral-site games, and 3-0-1 in their past four against a team with a winning record. The over is 4-2 in the past six games for Auburn, and 12-5 in the past 17 games on grass. However, the under is 7-2 in Auburn's past nine bowl games.


-- These teams last met Jan. 2, 2006 in the Capital One Bowl with the Badgers winning 24-10, covering as a 10-point underdog.


-- Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.


**Michigan State vs. Baylor**


-- One of the best non-playoff bowl games will be the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, as the Big Ten and Big 12 get together at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Michigan State and Baylor square off, and they were two teams which entertained playoff helps for most of the season.


-- Michigan State (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) rolls into this game with wins and covers in each of the past three. Their only two losses this season are against two teams in the four-game playoff, Oregon and Ohio State. Against bowl teams this season, Sparty is 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS.


-- Baylor (11-1 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) comes into this game after being squeezed out of said four-team playoff. Head coach Art Briles was particularly outspoken, and was unhappy with his conference commissioner. The Bears can come into this game one of two ways. They can come out and get some semblance of revenge against Michigan State, showing the nation the playoff committee was wrong, or they can lay an egg. Against bowl teams this season, the Bears went 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS. That includes an impressive regular season finale win and cover against Kansas State, 38-27, back on Dec. 6.


-- The Spartans enter the game 5-1 ATS in their past six games overall, 13-4-1 ATS in their past 18 against teams with a winning overall record, and 5-1-1 ATS in their past seven non-conference tilts. In addition, Michigan State is 16-5-1 ATS in the past 22 games on field turf, and 18-8-1 ATS in their past 27 games following a straight-up win. However, they are 2-5 ATS in their past seven against Big 12 Conference opponents.


-- The Bears have gone 22-8-1 ATS in their past 31 games overall, and 12-4 ATS in their past 16 games against teams with a winning record. In addition, they're 7-1 ATS in their past eight non-conference battles, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven games at a neutral site.


-- The total is set at 69. The 'over' is a dominant trend on both sides. The 'over' is 11-3 in the past 14 overall for Michigan State, and 4-1 in their past five bowl games. The over has hit in five of the past six neutral-site games for Sparty, and the over is 4-0 in their past four games on field turf. Plus, the over has cashed in six of the past eight following an ATS cover for Michigan State. For Baylor, the over is a whopping 40-16-2 in the past 58 games, and 6-1 in their past seven non-conference games. The over has also cashed in six of the past seven non-conference games, and is 27-10-2 in their past 39 games on field turf.


-- When the Spartans have the ball, QB Connor Cook is a caretaker who makes very few mistakes. He has completed 58.2 percent of his passes, posting 2,900 passing yards with 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions. WR Tony Lippett is the star with downfield ability, posting 60 receptions for 1,124 yards and 11 scores. RB Jeremy Langford finishes off the 'Big Three' for State, as he rolled up 1,360 rushing yards with 19 rushing touchdowns, and he averaged 5.5 yards per carry this season.


-- Bears QB Bryce Petty completed 62.1 percent of his passes this season, totaling 3,305 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He has a cadre of receivers with speed to burn. WR Corey Coleman led the way with 57 grabs for 969 yards and 10 touchdowns, while K.D. Cannon checked in with 50 grabs, 833 yards and six scores. WR Antwan Goodley missed three games this season, but still ended up with 51 catches, 737 yards and six scores, while WR Jay Lee also showed how dangerous he can be with 39 grabs, 596 yards and six scores, averaging 15.3 yards per catch. The Spartans will have to keep tabs on RB Shock Linwood, too, as he ran for 1,226 yards and 16 scores while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Freshman Johnny Jefferson had three touchdowns in the final two games, and six scores all season. Devin Chafin also showed that the cupboard is anything but bare when Linwood leaves, as he had seven rushing touchdowns in a three-game span from Nov. 1-22.


-- Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.


**Missouri vs. Minnesota**


In the second of three New Year's Day SEC vs. Big Ten battles, Missouri and Minnesota do battle in the sunshine of Orlando, Fla. at the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.


-- Missouri (10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS) won their final six games in the regular season, going 5-1 ATS during the span. They were roughed up by Alabama in the SEC Championship Game by a 42-13 score, but they fared well against bowl teams this season for the most part. Mizzou went 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS in nine games against postseason qualifiers.


-- Minnesota (8-4 SU/ATS) was one of the bigger surprises in the nation this season, but they sputtered a bit down the stretch to fall out of contention for the Big Ten Championship Game. They still qualified for their first January bowl game in 53 years, and they're looking for their second nine-win season in 109 years. In fact, they have a losing record in five games since Oct. 25, going 2-3 SU. However, the Gophers were 4-1 ATS during the span, including covers in their final four regular season games. Against bowl teams, the Gophers went 2-4 SU and 4-2 ATS in six games.


-- The Tigers dismissed their best receiver before the start of the season, but the offense didn't seem to skip a beat. QB Maty Mauk stepped right in for the departed James Franklin to post 2,551 yards, 23 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions while rolling up 355 rushing yards and a score. He isn't necessarily a dual-threat QB, but he isn't a statue back there either. RB Russell Hansbrough topped the charts for the Tigers with 970 yards, 5.1 yards per carry and nine rushing scores against mostly tough SEC competition. Marcus Murphy was a nice chance-of-pace back posting 767 yards and four touchdowns, including three in the final two regular season games. WR Bud Sasser was best of the lot in the receiving game, going for 70 grabs, a team-best 935 yards and 10 touchdowns. In fact, Sasser was just one of three SEC receivers to go for double-digit touchdown receptions, joining Alabama's Amari Cooper (14) and Texas A&M's Josh Reynolds (13).


-- The Gophers do not pass the ball much, and QB Mitch Leidner completed just 49 percent of his passes while totaling 1,540 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is more effective as a runner, posting 462 yards with 10 rushing scores. Only RB David Cobb had more, running for 1,545 yards and 13 touchdowns. TE Maxx Williams is the big-play threat in the passing game, as he was the only played on the roster with more than 15 receptions. He had 29 snares for 471 yards while accounting for seven of Minnesota's 11 receiving touchdowns.


-- Mizzou heads in 4-1 ATS over the past five games against teams with a winning record, 19-7-1 ATS in the past 27 games overall, and 9-3-1 ATS in the past 13 non-conference battles. For Minnesota, the Gophers are 5-0 ATS in the past five against a team with a winning record, 9-4 ATS in the past 13 non-conference tilts and 4-0 in their past four overall.


-- The under is 7-3-1 in the past 11 games overall for Missouri, but the over is 4-0 in the past four neutral-site battles. The over is 6-1-1 in the past eight games for Missouri on a grass surface. The under is 4-1 in Minnesota's past five non-conference games, and 11-5 in their past 16 games overall. The under is also 4-1 in their past five non-conference tilts, and 4-0 in their past four battles on a grass surface.


-- Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

 

[CNOTES]

Rose Bowl Preview


December 31, 2014


Florida State (13-0 straight up, 3-10 against the spread) brings a 29-game winning streak to Thursday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena to face Oregon. The Seminoles find themselves as underdogs for the first time since playing at Clemson in 2011.


As of New Year's Eve day, most books had Oregon (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS) listed as an eight-point favorite with a total of 71 or 71.5. Gamblers can back the 'Noles on the money line for a +250 return (risk $100 to win $250). The line had been nine or 9.5 at most spots until moving down to 8.5 Monday night and then to eight on Tuesday.


Oregon has won eight in a row both SU and ATS since suffering its only loss of the season to Oregon back on Oct. 2. The Ducks won the Pac-12 Championship Game in dominant fashion, spanking Arizona by a 51-13 count as 14.5-point favorites.


Marcus Mariota led the way by throwing for 303 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The Heisman Trophy winner also rushed for 33 yards and three TDs, while Royce Freeman ran for 114 yards on 21 totes.


Mariota has enjoyed a sensational junior campaign, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 3,773 yards with an incredible 38/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has also rushed for 669 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.


Freeman has rushed for a team-best 1,299 yards and 16 TDs, averaging 5.6 YPC. Freeman also had a TD catch and TD throw, hitting Mariota for a 26-yard scoring strike. Mariota's favorite target is Byron Marshall, who hauled in 61 receptions for 814 yards and five TDs. Devon Allen has caught 41 balls for 674 yards and seven TDs.


In preparation for facing FSU, Oregon suffered a crushing injury at practice two weeks ago. Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, a first-team All-American this season and three-time first-team All Pac-12 selection, went down with a knee injury and won't play against the 'Noles.


FSU has been burning the pockets of its backers all year long. The only spread covers for Jimbo Fisher's squad came in wins over Wake Forest (43-3), Louisville (42-31) and Miami (30-26). The Seminoles have failed to cover the number in three straight games, including a 37-35 win over Georgia Tech at the ACC Championship Game.

 

[CNOTES]

Sugar Bowl Preview


December 31, 2014


The last time Nick Saban and Urban Meyer squared off, Alabama ran Florida out of Bryant-Denny Stadium by a 31-6 score. Meyer ignorantly had former UF quarterback John Brantley running the option and taking big hits when the game was already out of hand.


With Brantley at less than 100 percent, the loss to 'Bama began a three-game losing streak for UF. The Gators would get blown out at home vs. South Carolina and at FSU later in the year, resulting in Meyer's resignation (again).


The start of Meyer's demise at Florida actually kicked off at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the 2009 SEC Championship Game. Florida and Alabama were both undefeated, with the Gators gunning for a third national title in four years.


But Saban's Crimson Tide drilled UF, 32-13 and went on to win the first of three BCS Championships in a four-year stretch. Hours after that loss back in Gainesville, Meyer's wife was calling 9-1-1 for paramedics to rush him to the emergency room. Several weeks later, Meyer stunningly resigned for the first time, only to change his mind within 48 hours.


My point? You can make a decent case that Saban literally ran Meyer out of the SEC. When they face each other on New Year's Day, the stakes will be just as high as that 2009 showdown at the Georgia Dome. The winner will play for the national title.


This time around, the setting will be the Superdome in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. And Meyer won't be in orange and blue. Instead, he leads Ohio State into the Crescent City to face Alabama.

As of New Year's Eve afternoon, most betting shops had Alabama (12-1 straight up, 5-8 against the spread) installed as a nine-point favorite with a total of 58. Gamblers can take the Buckeyes on the money line for a +275 payout (risk $100 to win $275).


Ohio State (12-1 SU, 8-5 ATS) pushed its way into the College Football Playoff thanks to a dominant performance in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Buckeyes took Wisconsin behind the woodshed in ruthless fashion, cruising to a 59-0 win as four-point underdogs.


Making his first career start one week after freshman sensation J.T. Barrett went down with a season-ending injury, third-string QB Cardale Jones completed 12-of-17 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Ezekiel Elliot rushed 20 times for 220 yards and two scores, while Devin Smith had four catches for 137 yards and three TDs.


Elliott has run for 1,402 yards and 12 TDs while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Jones has a 5/0 touchdown-to-interception ratio, in addition to rushing for 215 yards while averaging 6.3 YPC.


This is just the fifth time Ohio State has been an underdog on Meyer's watch. The Buckeyes went 3-1 both SU and ATS in the four previous situations as 'dogs. This is the richest 'dog spot for OSU since playing at Nebraska in 2011.


Alabama has compiled a 2-2 spread record in four games as a single-digit favorite this season. The Crimson Tide has won eight in a row since suffering its lone loss at Ole Miss on Oct. 4.


Saban's team was in danger at home in the Iron Bowl on Nov. 29. Auburn went ahead 33-21 early in the third quarter and still held a 36-27 advantage with 3:30 remaining in the third quarter.


With its playoff hopes on the line, 'Bama exploded for 28 unanswered points en route to a 55-44 triumph as a 9.5-point 'chalk.' Amari Cooper hauled in 13 receptions for 224 yards and three TDs, while T.J. Yeldon ran for 127 yards and a pair of scores. Blake Sims overcame three interceptions to throw for 312 yards and four TDs.


Alabama trounced Missouri at the SEC Championship Game, coasting to a 42-13 win as a 14.5-point favorite. Sims connected on 23-of-27 throws for 262 yards and two TDs without an interception. Cooper had 12 catches for 83 yards, while DeAndrew White brought down four receptions for 101 yards and one TD.


Derrick Henry rushed for a team-high 141 yards and two TDs on 20 carries against the Tigers. Yeldon also had a pair of rushing scores.


Sims has exceeded all expectations and then some during a banner senior campaign. He was the underdog to even be the starter, as FSU transfer Jacob Coker joined the team in May amid much hoopla. But Sims won the job and never gave it up. He has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 3,236 yards with a 25/7 TD-INT ratio.


Cooper garnered first-team All-American honors after catching 115 balls for 1,656 yards and 14 TDs. Yeldon rushed for a team-best 932 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 5.1 YPC. Henry, a true sophomore, ran for 895 yards and 10 scores while averaging 5.6 YPC.


Alabama leads the nation in rushing defense and it is third in scoring defense, allowing only 16.6 points per game. The Tide scores at a 37.1 PPG clip.


Ohio State is fifth in the country in scoring, averaging 45.2 PPG. The Buckeyes are eighth in total offense and 11th in rushing, averaging 260.8 yards per game on the ground.


Saban has taken his team to 15 bowl games, going 8-7 both SU and ATS. The Tide got throttled at last year's Sugar Bowl when Oklahoma won a 45-31 decision as a 15-point underdog. With that said, the Superdome was also where 'Bama beat LSU 21-0 to win the national title three seasons ago. In 2008, Saban's Tide got shocked by Utah in a 31-17 defeat.


Meyer has thrived in bowl games, producing a 7-2 record both SU and ATS. However, Ohio State lost 40-35 to Clemson in last season's Orange Bowl.


The 'over' is 11-2 overall for Ohio State cashing at an 11-1 clip in its last 12 outings.


Totals have been an overall wash for 'Bama (6-6), but the 'over' has hit in back-to-back games. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

 

[CNOTES]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1


Matchup Skinny Tech Trend

WISCONSIN vs. AUBURN (Outback Bowl)...
After 13 straight covers dating to early 2013, Malzahn's Auburn dropped 8 of last 10 vs. number in 2014. Barry Alvarez 7-4-1 vs. line last 12 bowls. Wiscy 10-4-1 last 15 as dog. Alvarez split bowl decisions vs. Auburn in 2003 & '05 (his final game of first tenure).
Slight to Wisconsin, based on recent trends.

MICHIGAN STATE vs. BAYLOR (Cotton Bowl)...
MSU has won and covered its last three bowls after losing previous three. Dantonio 0-1 as dog in 2014 but 11-3 last 14 in role. MSU 6-1 vs. line last 7 vs. non-Big 10. Bears only 3-6 vs. line last nine away from Waco. Baylor 2-2 SU and vs. line in bowls since 2010.
Slight to MSU, based on team trends.

MINNESOTA vs. MISSOURI (Capital One Bowl)...
Jerry Kill 8-4 vs. line this season, Minny 18-8 vs. spread last 26 on board. Also 11-3 last 14 as dog. Pinkel 6-2 vs. line in bowls, and 14-3 vs. spread last 17 away from home (though 1-2 last three on neutral fields). Tigers 3-3 as chalk this season.
Slight to Minnesota, based on team trends.

FLORIDA STATE vs. OREGON (Rose Bowl)...
FSU only 3-11 vs. line last 14 on board but plus nine points would have covered 52 games in a row. Noles also 9-1 vs. spread last 10 bowls. Ducks 7-1 vs. line down stretch in 2014, 5-4 vs. number last nine bowls. Oregon 4-1-1 as road chalk TY but 1-2 vs. line last three New Year's or later bowls.
FSU, based on team trends.

OHIO STATE vs. ALABAMA (Sugar Bowl)...
Nick Saban 5-2 SU and vs. line in bowls with Bama. Tide covered last two away from Tuscaloosa this season after dropping previous six vs. spread in role. Also 6-2 SU and vs. line last 8 SEC title or bowl games. Urban Meyer 1-3 vs. line last four TY, was 6-1 SU and vs. line in bowls at Utah & Florida before his loss LY to Clemson. Meyer 4-0 as dog with Buckeyes.
Slight to Bama, based on team trends.

 

[CNOTES]

2014-15 Bowl Betting Results


January 1, 2015


BOWL CONFERENCE STANDINGS


Conference Straight Up (SU) Against the Spread (ATS)


ACC 4-5 5-4


American (AAC) 1-2 1-2


Big 10 2-3 2-3


Big 12 1-3 1-3


CUSA 4-1 3-2


Independent 2-1 2-1


Mid-American 1-3 2-2


Mountain West 3-4 3-4


Pac-12 4-1 2-3


SEC 4-3 4-3


Sun Belt 1-1 1-1




OVERALL GAME RESULTS


Wager SU Win SU Loss ATS Win ATS Loss


Favorite 13 14 10 17


Underdog 14 13 17 10


Over Under
15 12




2014-15 BOWL SCHEDULE - RESULTS


Date Bowl Matchup Line, Total Score ATS/Total


Saturday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Nevada vs Louisiana-Lafayette 1.5, 62.5 16-3 Underdog-Under


Saturday, Dec. 20 New Mexico Bowl Utah State vs Texas-El Paso 10, 45.5 21-6 Favorite-Under


Saturday, Dec. 20 Las Vegas Bowl Utah vs Colorado State 3, 57 45-10 Favorite-Under


Saturday, Dec. 20 Idaho Potato Bowl Western Michigan vs Air Force 2.5, 59 38-24 Underdog-Over


Saturday, Dec. 20 Camellia Bowl South Alabama vs Bowling Green 3.5, 55 33-28 Underdog-Over


Monday, Dec. 22 Miami Beach Bowl Brigham Young vs Memphis 1.5, 56 55-48 Favorite-Over


Tuesday, Dec. 23 Boca Raton Bowl Marshall vs Northern Illinois 8.5, 68 52-23 Favorite-Over


Tuesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl Navy vs San Diego State 3, 52 17-16 Underdog-Under


Wednesday, Dec. 24 Bahamas Bowl Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky 3.5, 68 49-48 Underdog-Over


Wednesday, Dec. 24 Hawai'i Bowl Fresno State vs Rice 1, 59 30-6 Favorite-Under


Friday, Dec. 26 Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois vs Louisiana Tech 7, 54.5 35-18 Favorite-Under


Friday, Dec. 26 Quick Lane Bowl Rutgers vs North Carolina 3.5, 72 40-21 Underdog-Under


Friday, Dec. 26 St. Petersburg Bowl North Carolina State vs UCF 2, 47.5 34-27 Underdog-Over


Saturday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech 2, 49.5 33-17 Underdog-Over


Saturday, Dec. 27 Sun Bowl Duke vs Arizona State 7.5, 65 36-31 Underdog-Over


Saturday, Dec. 27 Independence Bowl Miami-Fla. vs South Carolina 3, 62 24-21 Underdog-Under


Saturday, Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl Boston College vs Penn State 3, 41 31-30 Underdog-Over


Saturday, Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl Nebraska vs Southern California 7, 63 45-42 Underdog-Over


Monday, Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl Texas A&M vs West Virginia 3, 66.5 45-37 Underdog-Over


Monday, Dec. 29 Russell Athletic Bowl Oklahoma vs Clemson 6, 49 40-6 Underdog-Under


Monday, Dec. 29 Texas Bowl Arkansas vs Texas 7, 42.5 31-7 Favorite-Under


Tuesday, Dec. 30 Music City Bowl Notre Dame vs Louisiana State 9, 51 31-28 Underdog-Over


Tuesday, Dec. 30 Belk Bowl Georgia vs Louisville 7, 54 37-14 Favorite-Under


Tuesday, Dec. 30 Foster Farms Bowl Maryland vs Stanford 14, 44.5 45-21 Favorite-Over


Wednesday, Dec. 31 Peach Bowl Mississippi vs Texas Christian 3, 55 42-3 Favorite-Under


Wednesday, Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl Boise State vs Arizona 2.5, 66 38-30 Underdog-Over


Wednesday, Dec. 31 Orange Bowl Mississippi State vs Georgia Tech 5.5, 59.5 49-34 Underdog-Over


Thursday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl Auburn vs Wisconsin - - -


Thursday, Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl Michigan State vs Baylor - - -


Thursday, Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl Missouri vs Minnesota - - -


Thursday, Jan. 1 Rose Bowl - National Semifinal Oregon vs Florida State - - -


Thursday, Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl - National Semifinal Alabama vs Ohio State - - -


Friday, Jan. 2 Armed Forces Bowl Houston vs Pittsburgh - - -


Friday, Jan. 2 Taxslayer Bowl Iowa vs Tennessee - - -


Friday, Jan. 2 Alamo Bowl Kansas State vs UCLA - - -


Friday, Jan. 2 Cactus Bowl Washington vs Oklahoma State - - -


Saturday, Jan. 3 Birmingham Bowl East Carolina vs Florida - - -


Sunday, Jan. 4 Godaddy Bowl Toledo vs Arkansas State - - -


Monday, Jan. 12 National Championship Game TBD vs TBD - - -


**Winner listed in Red

 

[HamGlaze]

So I guess Oregon is the play here>

 

[CNOTES]

Huh? What are you saying Ham?

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Dunkel

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1

Game 255-256: Auburn vs. Wisconsin (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 102.788; Wisconsin 93.377
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 9 1/2; 67
Vegas Line: Auburn by 6; 63
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (-6); Over

Game 257-258: Michigan State vs. Baylor (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 104.007; Baylor 110.573
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 6 1/2; 74
Vegas Line: Baylor by 2 1/2; 70
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-2 1/2); Over

Game 259-260: Missouri vs. Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 101.404; Minnesota 100.791
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 1; 44
Vegas Line: Missouri by 5 1/2; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+5 1/2); Under

Game 261-262: Florida State vs. Oregon (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 104.461; Oregon 119.817
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 15 1/2; 67
Vegas Line: Oregon by 8; 71 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-8); Under

Game 263-264: Ohio State vs. Alabama (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 99.515; Alabama 117.418
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 18; 62
Vegas Line: Alabama by 9; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-9); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

Sugar Bowl, New Orleans 1/1
Ohio State will use 3rd string QB Jones here; he threw 34 passes all year long; Buckeyes are 1-9 vs SEC teams in bowls, with lone win in a Sugar Bowl they later vacated. Buckeyes lost by 7-5 points last couple bowls; Meyer is 7-2 in bowls overall, 1-2 vs Saban overall. Alabama had won its last four bowls before getting upset here LY; their last four bowl wins are all by 16+ points. Bama is 2-3 vs spread in games with a single digit spread; OSU is 3-0. Saban is 8-7 in bowls, 5-2 as Bama's coach. Double digit dogs won last two Sugar Bowls; four of last five here went over total. SEC teams lost last three trips here, with Alabama losing 45-31 LY. Four of last five Sugar Bowls went over total.

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, 1/1
Oregon played in only two games this season that were decided by less than 18 points; how will they handle a stressful 4th quarter? Winston is 27-0 as Florida State's QB; his last four wins were all by five or less points- he plays better in second half of games. Seminoles are underdogs for first time since 2011 (49 games); Fisher is 1-3 as an underdog, but 4-0 SU in bowls. FSU won national title on this field LY. Oregon won 42-30 here over UCLA in October; they won/covered last eight games, are 3-0 vs spread in tilts with single digit spread; Seminoles are 2-2. Underdogs are 3-1-1 vs spread in last five Rose Bowls; Pac-12 teams split last four here, with Oregon splitting their last two trips here.

Citrus Bowl, Orlando, 1/1
Minnesota covered nine of last ten times as a dog; they split their last six games after 5-1 start, are 2-1 vs spread in games with single digit spread. Missouri won six of last seven games, losing to Alabama 42-13 in SEC title tilt; they're 7-1 in games with single digit spread. This is first time Mizzou has been favored since November 1 (3-2 as a favorite). Gophers lost their last five bowls, with four of last five bowl losses by 4 or less points. Missouri scored 41 points in winning each of its last two bowls. Favorites won/covered this game three of last four years, with three of those four going over the total.

Cotton Bowl, Arlington TX 1/1
TCU won big after being shunned for playoff spot; Baylor is only team to beat Frogs this year, how will they react here? Michigan State won its last three bowls by total of 8 points; they were dog in all three games; Spartans are 0-2 this season in games with a single digit spread. Baylor scored 52.7 ppg in winning two of last three bowls; dogs covered three of their last four. Bears scored 49 ppg in winning last five games overall; they're 1-2 in games with single digit spread. Baylor lost its OC to Tulsa, which has to be disruptive. Favorites won/covered this game four of last five years; Big 12 team lost this game the last five years, but they were up against SEC foes, not Big 14 teams.

Outback Bowl, Tampa 1/1
Wisconsin AD Alvarez (former coach) is interim Badger coach after they lost coach Anderson to Oregon State. Wisconsin lost its last four bowls, three Rose Bowls and 34-24 as 1-point favorite vs South Carolina LY. Auburn won four of last five bowl games, losing national title game LY; four of those five bowls were decided by exactly three points. Tigers are 1-6 vs spread in last seven games, 2-4 in games with single digit spread. Badgers lost Big 14 title game 59-0, will be out for redemption for that debacle. SEC teams are 4-1 vs Big 14 teams in this game the last five years. Underdogs are 3-1-1 vs spread in this bowl last five years; four of last five went over total.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Thursday, January 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sugar Bowl betting preview: Ohio State vs. Alabama
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-9, 58.5)

When No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Ohio State square off in a College Football Playoff semifinal in New Orleans, the matchup will feature two legendary programs with identical 12-1 records this season but not much else in common. For starters, the Crimson Tide have a trusted senior quarterback in Blake Sims, who has passed for 26 touchdowns against seven interceptions and is coming off a sparkling 23-of-27 performance for 262 yards with two touchdowns and no picks against Missouri in the SEC title game. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, will once again turn to Cardale Jones after the red-shirt sophomore made his first career start against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, throwing for 257 yards and three TDs.

Ohio State enters this matchup on a roll, having won five of its last six games by double figures, including a resounding 59-0 rout of the Badgers their last time out. The Buckeyes were the most surprising of the four selections for the CFP, but none of that matters now as they - as well as the Crimson Tide - sit one win away from playing for the national championship against either Oregon or Florida State. Alabama is looking to advance to the national title game for the fourth time in six seasons while Ohio State hasn't played for the championship since losing to LSU at the end of the 2007 season.

Both teams are obviously quite talented on both sides of the ball, but the Crimson Tide rely more on their defense while the Buckeyes have counted on their offense throughout the season. Ohio State ranks fourth nationally with a scoring average of 45.2 points and has recorded at least 31 points in 12 of their 13 games, posting an average of 47.7 points in its last three contests. Alabama is fourth in the country in points allowed (16.6) and has given up more than 23 points only once all year.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: 'Bama opened as -10 faves at most books, but that's steadily been bet down to -9 a day before kickoff.

ABOUT OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes rank 11th nationally in rushing offense, mostly thanks to Ezekiel Elliott (1,402 yards) and quarterback J.T. Barrett (938), who fractured his ankle in Ohio State's regular-season finale, forcing Jones into the lineup. Sophomore defensive end Joey Bosa (13.5 sacks) is the lone first-team All-American for Ohio State, which had a pair of third-team All-Americans in Barrett and defensive tackle Michael Bennett, who set Big Ten championship game records with four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. "We made history just by making the top four," senior cornerback Doran Grant told the media earlier this month. "This game is going to be exciting. It's going to be hard-fought with two great coaches going head-to-head and two great teams going head-to-head."

ABOUT ALABAMA: T.J. Yeldon (932 yards) and Derrick Henry (895 yards) each have 10 rushing scores for the Crimson Tide, while Sims has six rushing scores of his own. However, the clear offensive star for Alabama is junior wideout Amari Cooper (115 catches, 1,656 yards, 14 touchdowns), who finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting and owns virtually every school receiving record, including career catches (219), yards (3,392) and touchdowns (29). “This is really kind of a new season for us, a new opportunity," said Alabama coach Nick Saban, whose team held Missouri to 41 rushing yards on 23 carries last week. "What does everybody want the legacy of this team to be?"

TRENDS:

*Alabama is 4-1 ATS in their last five bowl games
*Under is 5-1 in Ohio State's last six games on fieldturf
*Alabama is 4-1 ATS in their last five games following an ATS win
*Over is 7-1 in Alabama's last eight bowl games

CONSENSUS: At the time of writing, 54 percent of Consensus users were backing the Buckeyes.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Thursday, January 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rose Bowl betting preview: Florida State vs. Oregon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Florida State Seminoles vs. Oregon Ducks (-8, 71)

The inaugural College Football Playoff has arrived and second-seeded Oregon will face third-seeded Florida State in a semifinal contest in the Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif. The Ducks will be looking to topple defending national champion Florida State, which has won 29 consecutive games. The winner will meet top-seeded Alabama or fourth-seeded Ohio State in the national title game on Jan. 12.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota was the landslide winner of the 2014 Heisman Trophy voting and 2013 winner Jameis Winston is the quarterback of Florida State, marking a rare meeting of Heisman winners in bowl games. “You have two of the greatest players in college football right now,” Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters. “That makes for great TV and makes for great competition. It’s what it’s about – getting the best against the best.” The other Heisman-winning quarterbacks to square off in a bowl game are 2007 winner Tim Tebow (Florida) against 2008 winner Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) when the Gators won the 2008 national title and 2004 winner Matt Leinart (USC) versus 2003 winner Jason White (Oklahoma) when the Trojans won the 2004 title.

Standout Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu suffered a serious knee injury in practices leading up to the contest and won’t be available. The highly regarded Ekpre-Olomu has nine career interceptions and opposing teams typically don’t throw much to his side of the field. The Ducks have a plus-17 turnover margin – and Winston tossed 17 interceptions – so it will be interesting to see what effect Ekpre-Olomu’s absence has on the game.

TV: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: The majority of shops opened the Ducks 8-point faves, but after seeing the line go as high as -9.5 it's come back down to its opening number as kickoff approaches.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE: Winston wasn’t as sharp as his Heisman winning campaign as his mistake-prone ways and off-field conduct drew more attention than his 3,559 yards and 24 touchdowns. Still, the Seminoles averaged 34.8 points per game and have solid performers in running back Dalvin Cook (905 yards, eight touchdowns) and receiver Rashad Greene (93 receptions for 1,306 yards and seven TDs). Defensively, Florida State allows 23 points per game and the standouts of the unit include middle linebacker Reggie Northrup (team-best 113 tackles), free safety Jalen Ramsey (75 tackles, including 9.5 for losses) and defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (team-best 11 tackles for losses).

ABOUT OREGON: Mariota produced 52 touchdowns (38 passing, 14 rushing) while passing for 3,783 yards and rushing for 669, helping the Ducks average 46.3 points per game. Running back Royce Freeman (1,299 yards, 16 touchdowns) emerged as the season wore on while Byron Marshall had a team-best 61 receptions for 814 yards and Devon Allen added 41 catches for 684 yards. Oregon allows 22.5 points per game with free safety Erick Dargan leading the team in tackles (82) and interceptions (six), defensive end DeForest Buckner compiling a team-leading 12 tackles for losses while outside linebacker Christian French has a team-best 6.5 sacks.

TRENDS:
* Oregon is 8-0 ATS in their last eight overall
* Florida State is 1-5 ATS in their last six overall
* Under is 5-1 in Oregon's last six bowl games
* Under is 5-0 in Florida State's last five bowl games

CONSENSUS: At the time of writing, 57 percent of Consensus users were backing the underdog Seminoles.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Thursday, January 1


Golden Gophers head into bowl season hot ATS

Minnesota is entering the Citrus Bowl coming off four straight wins against the spread to close out the season. The Gophers were dogs in each of those contests, with an average spread of +9.5.

Minny is currently +4.5 against Mizzou Thursday.


Auburn enters Outback Bowl slumping ATS

Auburn enters their bowl game going 1-6 against the spread in their final seven, including failing to cover in their final four contests. During their final seven games the Tigers had an average scoring margin of -3, while facing an average spread of -9.5.

Auburn is currently 6.5-point favorites against Wisconsin.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Cerrano from the movie Major League flipped the coin for the Sugar Bowl; he is the Allstate Insurance spokesman now. Bob Uecker must be proud.

-- The trophy for winning the Outback Bowl weighs 60 pounds; seems heavy.

-- If you get those helmet stickers for stuff you do in games, how does Ohio State's 3rd-string QB already have half his helmet covered?

-- People in Alabama have to injure shoulders the way they wave those pompoms with ferocity. Seriously, some of them must soak their arms after games.

-- If I'm Mrs Garcia from that Buick commercial, I'm keeping a close eye on her female neighbor, who seems to have the hots for Mr Garcia.

-- That said, the "mayhem" guy from the Allstate commercials makes me laugh.

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Our second List of 13 this year.......

13) Oregon 59, Florida State 20-- Extreme ugliness in third quarter for Seminoles, who turned ball over four times in that quarter alone. Game was 18-13 at half, seemed like a normal FSU game, but then they imploded in the second half. Ugly end to an impressive winning streak.

12) Ohio State 42, Alabama 35-- If I'm Braxton Miller, I'm packing my bags, calling coaches tomorrow, finding a new place to play next year. QB job for the Buckeyes is taken. LSU seems like a good place for Miller to land.

11) If I'm in one of those celebrity death pools (you get a point for every year under 100 when one of your celebrities passes away), I'm taking Urban Meyer; looks like he could have a stroke at any second, totally humorless, high-stress job.

10) Speaking of Meyer, one of his daughters goes to Georgia Tech and is engaged to a Yellow Jacket football player. Young man will be a graduate assistant at Ohio State next season. Its good to be engaged to the boss' daughter.

9) If ESPN ranked their college football play-by-play guys, Chris Fowler wouldn't be in the top five, yet there he is, calling the national title game. Why? Fowler seems to enjoy tennis more than football. ESPN better not let Rece Davis walk; he is their best college football guy, in my opinion.

8) SEC ends this bowl season 5-5; they're 26-18 in bowls the last six years. I'll have more bowl knowledge like this after I finish my research project this weekend.

7) Fairfield Stags are only 4-8 this season, but four of their last eight games went to overtime, so at least they're an interesting 4-8.

6) Evansville 52, Northern Iowa 49-- Panthers were up 10 at the half, but lost for fourth time in their last five visits here. Purple Aces are a contender in the MVC.

5) UConn is in same basketball league as East Carolina, Tulane and South Florida; this just seems odd. To me, the Huskies would've been a better fit for the Big 14 than Rutgers is, but then again, no one asked me.

4) TCU's basketball team is 13-0, yet the Horned Frogs are unranked, maybe due to their schedule being the easiest in the country so far. That'll all change quickly, with Big X play starting this weekend. TCU opens league play with West Virginia.

3) Biggest thing holding back an 8-team college football playoff might be the idea that crowds wouldn't be very good for the first round games. Fans can't afford to make three road trips in a month.

2) Think David Blatt will still be coaching the Cavaliers when Lebron James comes back from his injuries? They won't win a lot without him.

1) I'm in a grocery store Thursday night and I say to the cashier, "Hey I haven't seen you all year!!!" She didn't seem the least bit amused by this.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Bowl Season

Cactus Bowl, Tempe 1/2
Oklahoma State salvaged 6-6 record with OT win as 20-point dog in its rivalry game at Oklahoma; Cowboys are 0-2 in games with single digit spread. Washington coach Petersen was 5-2 in his bowls at Boise State; Huskies are 2-3 in last five bowls, Oklahoma State won three of its last four- favorites covered four of their last five. Underdogs won/covered three of last five Cactus Bowls, with four of five staying under total- Big 12 teams are 3-2 in those games. Huskies are 4-5 in last nine games, allowed 52 points in a over a I-AA team; they're 6-2 vs spread in games with single digit spread.

Alamo Bowl, San Antonio 1/2
Pac-12 teams are 5-1 in bowls, Big X teams 1-4. Big X teams won this game four of last five years. Kansas State covered eight of last ten games, is 3-2 in games with single digit spread. UCLA won five of last six tilts; they allowed 30+ points in all three losses, all of which were at home- they're 4-4 in games with single digit spread. Bruins are 2-3 in last five bowls, Kansas State lost four of last five, with favorites 4-0 vs spread (with one pick 'em). Snyder is 3-6 in his last nine bowls, covering once. Both teams have veteran QBs, which often leads to high scoring games. Favorites won/covered four of last five Alamo Bowls;

Taxslayer Bowl, Jacksonville 1/2
Tennessee is in its first bowl in four years; they found QB when they put soph Dobbs in- they won three of last four games, have to be fired up for this one. Vols lost three of last four bowls, Jones is 1-2 in bowls. Iowa lost three of last four games, allowing 32 ppg; they lost last two bowls 31-14/21-14- Ferentz is 6-5 as a bowl coach. Underdogs won this game SU three of last five years, with four of five games staying under total. SEC-Big 14 bowls are taking on life of own as sniping between the leagues escalates. Big 14 teams are 5-4 SU in bowls, 6-3 vs spread; they were dog in every game. SEC teams are 5-5 in bowls, 3-4 as favorites. Over last six years, SEC teams are 11-7 in bowls vs Big 14 teams.

Military Bowl, Fort Worth 1/2
Favorites won last five Military Bowls, covering four, with four of five games going over total. Pitt's coach bolted for Wisconsin; Houston fired its coach, now they'll be without their new coach another two weeks (he is Ohio State's OC). Pitt is 3-2 in its last five bowls; Houston is 2-3 in last five bowls, with favorites covering four of five games. Cougars won five of last seven games after 2-3 start that included 27-7 loss to Texas-San Antonio. Pitt allowed 49 ppg in one three-game stretch, also lost to Akron by 11. Pitt is 3-5 in tilts with single digit spread, Houston 3-2-1. Underdogs are 7-2 vs spread in ACC bowl games this season.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Friday, January 2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Kansas State vs. UCLA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kansas State Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins (-1.5, 59)

Game to be played at the AlamoDome, San Antonio, Texas

Some of the best offensive talent in the nation will be on display when No. 10 Kansas State takes on No. 15 UCLA in San Antonio, Texas. The Bruins boast one of the nation's top quarterbacks in junior Brett Hundley, who is one of two players in the country to complete at least 70 percent of his passes for at least 20 touchdowns with no more than five interceptions. The Wildcats' offense is highlighted by senior wideout Tyler Lockett, who ranks fourth in the nation in receiving yards (1,351) and eighth in receptions (93) in addition to being a dynamic kick returner.

Both teams are looking to get to 10 victories for the second straight season after falling short of that goal their last time out. Kansas State absorbed a 38-27 loss to Big 12 co-champion Baylor on Dec. 6, while UCLA has not played since its five-game winning streak was halted by Stanford 31-10 on Nov. 28. Both teams also are looking to win a second straight bowl game, something the Bruins have not done since capturing eight in a row from 1982-91, while the Wildcats haven't won consecutive bowl appearances since 1999 and 2000.

This potentially could be the final game on the sideline for Kansas State coach Bill Snyder. The 75-year-old boasts 187 victories since taking over the Wildcats program in 1989 and, while he has not indicated that he will walk away following this season, retirement is always a possibility. Still, Snyder remains excited for the Alamo Bowl, telling reporters: "Having the opportunity to play against UCLA and a Jim Mora-coached football team is a great challenge for us - one I'm sure our youngsters will be excited to get invested in. It's a very challenging preparation for us."

TV: 6:45 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Action opened at UCLA +1, but quickly moved to a pick'em. The line spent an entire week listed as a pick'em before action moved the line to UCLA -1 and eventually -1.5. The total opened at 59 and has remained there.

INJURY REPORT: Kansas State - DL Terrell CLinkscales (Prob-Personal), DL Travis Britz (Out-Ankle), DB Dylan Schellenberg (Out-Leg) UCLA - QB Brett Hundley (Prob-Finger), DB Preist Willis (Ques-Head)

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (9-3 SU, 8-4 ATS, 7-5 O/U): The Wildcats gave up 584 yards in their last game against Baylor, including 412 through the air, and lost despite 14 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown from Lockett. Quarterback Jake Waters (3,163 yards, 20 TDs) threw his sixth interception of the season - a rare turnover for a team that has given the ball to its opponent only 11 times all year. "They play perfect football almost," Bruins receiver Jordan Payton told the media. "They don't make any mistakes (and are) extremely disciplined, so it is going to take one of our best games we've ever played, and we are definitely going to be ready for it."

ABOUT UCLA (9-3 SU, 4-8 ATS, 4-7-1 O/U): Hundley, who is projected as a first-round NFL draft pick, enters this matchup with a 70.4 completion percentage to go with 3,019 passing yards and 21 touchdowns against five interceptions. He also has contributed 548 yards and eight TDs on the ground, although Paul Perkins (1,378 yards, seven TDs) carries the bulk of the load for the Bruins' ground attack. Still, Perkins and his teammates will need to refocus in the wake of the upset against Stanford, as he told reporters recently: "I don't get over any loss. I lost last night in a video game, I'm still mad about it. The bowl is going to be nice, but it can't make up for the opportunity that we had."

TRENDS:

*Wildcats are 19-6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
*Bruins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
*Under is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 neutral site games.
*Over is 10-4 in Bruins last 14 vs. Big 12.

CONSENSUS: 54.25 percent of users are backing Kansas State with 63.4 percent on the over.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Tip Sheet


January 1, 2015


Armed Forces Bowl – Ft. Worth, Texas
Pittsburgh (-3, 54) vs. Houston – 12:00 PM EST


Both these teams went through up-and-down seasons as Pittsburgh put together a 6-6 season, while Houston finished at 7-5. After losing its AAC opener to UCF, the Cougars won five of their final seven games in conference play, capped off by a 38-31 loss to conference co-champion Cincinnati. Sophomore quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. is settling in under center for Houston, coming off his seventh straight start in the defeat to Cincinnati, throwing for a career-best 360 yards. Houston’s best win this season came as a road underdog at Memphis in October, the only victory against a team that made a bowl.


The Panthers began the season at 3-0, then proceeded to lose six of their next seven games, but finished with back-to-back victories over Syracuse and Miami. Half of Pittsburgh’s wins came against bowl teams (Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College), but allowed at least 40 points in losses to North Carolina, Duke, and Georgia Tech. Running back James Conner racked up 1,675 yards this season on the ground, but never broke the 85-yard mark in the final three wins over UM, VT, and BC, while rushing for at least 220 yards in the losses to UNC and Duke.


Pitt has dropped two of its past three bowl games, but knocked off Bowling Green, 30-27 in last season’s Little Caesar’s Bowl. Houston fell short in last season’s BBVA Compass Bowl to Vanderbilt, 40-24, while playing in the Armed Forces Bowl for the third time since 2008 (1-1).


Taxslayer Bowl – Jacksonville, Florida
Iowa vs. Tennessee (-3 ½, 51 ½) – 3:20 PM EST


The Hawkeyes dropped three of their final four games to close the season, as Iowa looks to snap a two-game bowl skid. Iowa’s (7-5) last two losses came by a combined five points at home to Nebraska and Wisconsin, while blowing a 24-7 lead in an overtime setback to the Huskers. Kirk Ferentz’s club didn’t have many solid wins on its schedule, beating Purdue, Indiana, Northwestern, and Illinois in Big Ten play, while all four conference losses came to bowl squads.


Tennessee (6-6) is playing in its first bowl game since 2010, even though half of its wins have come against SEC opponents. The Volunteers knocked off a pair of bowl teams at home to kick off the season against Utah State and Arkansas State, while rallying past South Carolina in overtime for its only signature SEC win. Dual threat quarterback Joshua Dobbs started the final five games for the Vols, throwing eight touchdown passes and rushing for six more scores (3-2 SU/ATS).


The Vols began the season at 4-1 to the ‘under’ in the first five games with a total of 50 or higher. However, UT went 2-0-1 to the ‘over’ in the final three chances with games above a 50 total, while scoring at least 45 points in two of those contests. Iowa cashed the ‘under’ in four of the opening five games, but went 5-1-1 to the ‘over’ to close the season.


Alamo Bowl – San Antonio, Texas
UCLA (-1 ½, 59 ½) vs. Kansas State – 6:45 PM EST


The most intriguing matchup on Friday’s card takes place in the Lone Star State with an exciting Pac-12/Big 12 battle. UCLA (9-3) began the season as a team to compete for the inaugural four-team playoff, but back-to-back home losses to Utah and Oregon derailed any chance at a national title. The Bruins bounced back with five consecutive wins, while limping to the finish with a 31-10 home loss to Stanford. Jim Mora’s team failed to cover seven of their first eight games, but the Bruins put together a 3-1 SU/ATS record in the last four games of the season.


Kansas State (9-3) held its own in the Big 12 race alongside TCU and Baylor this season, but lost to both clubs in conference play. The Wildcats didn’t have many signature wins, as K-State edged Oklahoma in Norman, 31-30 as seven-point underdogs in October. Out of the five bowl teams that K-State beat this season, three of those teams were blasted in bowl action (Oklahoma, UTEP, and Texas).


The Wildcats snapped a five-game bowl skid in last December’s Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Michigan in a 31-14 victory. UCLA is playing in its first-ever Alamo Bowl, while coming off a 42-12 blowout of Virginia Tech in last season’s Sun Bowl.


Cactus Bowl – Tempe, Arizona
Oklahoma State vs. Washington (-6 ½, 56 ½) – 10:00 PM EST


The Cowboys (6-6) became bowl-eligible by rallying past Oklahoma, 38-35 in Norman as 21-point underdogs. Oklahoma State won five of its first six games, while dropping each of its next five contests prior to the win over the Sooners. In four losses during the five-game skid, the Cowboys scored 14 points or less, while freshman Mason Rudolph has been the man under center in each of the past two games. Rudolph averaged 277 yards passing in the two games against Baylor and Oklahoma, covering each time as heavy underdogs.


Washington (8-5) goes for its second straight nine-win season and the first in Chris Petersen’s tenure as head coach. The Huskies rolled to a 4-0 start in non-conference play, but slipped up in five of the first seven Pac-12 games before finishing strong with routs over Oregon State and Washington State. UW didn’t beat one bowl team this season, as its best victory is over an FCS school, Eastern Washington, who went 11-2 in the regular season.


Oklahoma State has won three of the past four bowls, but lost to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl last January, 41-31. Washington is playing in its fifth straight bowl, splitting the past four, while Petersen owns a 4-1 record in his past five bowl games as head coach of Boise State.

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2


Matchup Skinny Tech Trend

PITT vs. HOUSTON (Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl)...
New coaches both ways! Pitt 1-2 vs. line in bowls last two years, UH also 1-2 its last three bowls. Cougs closed 2014 on 6-3-1 spread run, now 18-8-1 last 27 on board. Also 10-1-1 vs. line last 12 away from home, 7-1-1 last 9 as dog.
Houston, based on team trends.

IOWA vs. TENNESSEE (Taxslayer Gator Bowl)...
Kirk Ferentz 6-2 last 8 as dog, and Hawkeyes closed 2014 on 6-3 spread run. Ferentz has also covered in 5 of last 6 bowls. Vols 1-4 as chalk this season and have not covered a bowl game since 2008 Outback (only two appearances since).
Iowa, based on team trends.


UCLA vs. KANSAS STATE (Alamo Bowl)...
Bruins only 4-8 vs. line this season, 2-4 vs. line away from Rose Bowl. Bill Snyder 8-4 vs. line in 2014, 34-16-1 vs. spread since 2011. Also 14-7-1 vs. points last 22 away from Manhattan.
K-State, based on Bill Snyder trends.

OKLAHOMA STATE vs. WASHINGTON (Cactus Bowl)...
Prior to covers in last two, OSU was 2-9-1 vs. line previous 12 on board. Gundy just 2-4 vs. line last six on board. Chris Petersen 5-2 SU and vs. line in bowls at Boise. Huskies covered last three in 2014 and are 3-1 SU and vs. spread in bowls since 2010.
UW, based on team trends.

 

[CNOTES]

2014-15 Bowl Betting Results


January 2, 2015




BOWL CONFERENCE STANDINGS
Conference Straight Up (SU) Against the Spread (ATS)
ACC 4-6 5-5
American (AAC) 1-2 1-2
Big 10 5-4 5-4
Big 12 1-4 1-4
CUSA 4-1 3-2
Independent 2-1 2-1
Mid-American 1-3 2-2
Mountain West 3-4 3-4
Pac-12 5-1 3-3
SEC 5-5 5-5
Sun Belt 1-1 1-1




OVERALL GAME RESULTS
Wager SU Win SU Loss ATS Win ATS Loss
Favorite 15 17 12 20
Underdog 17 15 20 12
Over Under
19 12




2014-15 BOWL SCHEDULE - RESULTS


Date Bowl Matchup Line, Total Score ATS/Total


Saturday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Nevada vs Louisiana-Lafayette 1.5, 62.5 16-3 Underdog-Under
Saturday, Dec. 20 New Mexico Bowl Utah State vs Texas-El Paso 10, 45.5 21-6 Favorite-Under
Saturday, Dec. 20 Las Vegas Bowl Utah vs Colorado State 3, 57 45-10 Favorite-Under
Saturday, Dec. 20 Idaho Potato Bowl Western Michigan vs Air Force 2.5, 59 38-24 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 20 Camellia Bowl South Alabama vs Bowling Green 3.5, 55 33-28 Underdog-Over
Monday, Dec. 22 Miami Beach Bowl Brigham Young vs Memphis 1.5, 56 55-48 Favorite-Over
Tuesday, Dec. 23 Boca Raton Bowl Marshall vs Northern Illinois 8.5, 68 52-23 Favorite-Over
Tuesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl Navy vs San Diego State 3, 52 17-16 Underdog-Under
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Bahamas Bowl Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky 3.5, 68 49-48 Underdog-Over
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Hawai'i Bowl Fresno State vs Rice 1, 59 30-6 Favorite-Under
Friday, Dec. 26 Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois vs Louisiana Tech 7, 54.5 35-18 Favorite-Under
Friday, Dec. 26 Quick Lane Bowl Rutgers vs North Carolina 3.5, 72 40-21 Underdog-Under
Friday, Dec. 26 St. Petersburg Bowl North Carolina State vs UCF 2, 47.5 34-27 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech 2, 49.5 33-17 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Sun Bowl Duke vs Arizona State 7.5, 65 36-31 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Independence Bowl Miami-Fla. vs South Carolina 3, 62 24-21 Underdog-Under
Saturday, Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl Boston College vs Penn State 3, 41 31-30 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl Nebraska vs Southern California 7, 63 45-42 Underdog-Over
Monday, Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl Texas A&M vs West Virginia 3, 66.5 45-37 Underdog-Over
Monday, Dec. 29 Russell Athletic Bowl Oklahoma vs Clemson 6, 49 40-6 Underdog-Under
Monday, Dec. 29 Texas Bowl Arkansas vs Texas 7, 42.5 31-7 Favorite-Under
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Music City Bowl Notre Dame vs Louisiana State 9, 51 31-28 Underdog-Over
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Belk Bowl Georgia vs Louisville 7, 54 37-14 Favorite-Under
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Foster Farms Bowl Maryland vs Stanford 14, 44.5 45-21 Favorite-Over
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Peach Bowl Mississippi vs Texas Christian 3, 55 42-3 Favorite-Under
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl Boise State vs Arizona 2.5, 66 38-30 Underdog-Over
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Orange Bowl Mississippi State vs Georgia Tech 5.5, 59.5 49-34 Underdog-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl Auburn vs Wisconsin 6, 65 34-31 Underdog-Push
Thursday, Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl Michigan State vs Baylor 3, 68 42-41 Underdog-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl Missouri vs Minnesota 3, 46.5 33-17 Underdog-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Rose Bowl - National Semifinal Oregon vs Florida State 7.5, 74 59-20 Favorite-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl - National Semifinal Alabama vs Ohio State 7.5, 58 42-35 Underdog-Over
Friday, Jan. 2 Armed Forces Bowl Houston vs Pittsburgh - - -
Friday, Jan. 2 Taxslayer Bowl Iowa vs Tennessee - - -
Friday, Jan. 2 Alamo Bowl Kansas State vs UCLA - - -
Friday, Jan. 2 Cactus Bowl Washington vs Oklahoma State - - -
Saturday, Jan. 3 Birmingham Bowl East Carolina vs Florida - - -
Sunday, Jan. 4 Godaddy Bowl Toledo vs Arkansas State - - -
Monday, Jan. 12 National Championship Game TBD vs TBD

 

[CNOTES]

Birmingham Bowl Preview


January 2, 2015




Matchup: East Carolina Pirates vs. Florida Gators
Venue: Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
Date: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015
Time/TV: 1:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Line: Florida -7, Total 56


East Carolina and Florida had high hopes for the 2014 season. Both schools were close to having big seasons, but a series of gut-wrenching losses for each team has resulted in a trip to the Birmingham Bowl.


The Pirates and Gators will square off at Legion Field in the Iron City on Saturday at noon Eastern. ESPN will provide the telecast.


As of Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Florida (6-5 straight up, 6-5 against the spread) listed as a seven-point favorite with a total of 56. Gamblers can back ECU on the money line for a +200 return (risk $100 to win $200).


East Carolina (8-4 SU, 5-7) raced out to a 6-1 start in its first seven games, including wins at Va. Tech (28-21) and vs. North Carolina (70-41). The lone defeat came in a 33-23 loss at South Carolina as a 14-point underdog.


But on Nov. 1 at Temple, ECU's season took a turn for the worse. It couldn't overcome five lost fumbles, including a 63-yard scoop and score and lost 20-10 to the Owls despite owning a 428-135 advantage in total offense.


Twelve days later at Cincinnati, ECU allowed a late lead to slip away when the Bearcats made a 47-yard field goal with 15 seconds left. The Pirates wasted special performances from Breon Allen, Shane Carden and Justin Hardy.


Carden completed 35-of-61 passes for 425 yards and two TDs without an interception, while Hardy hauled in 15 receptions for 188 yards and one score. Allen rushed 12 times for 129 yards and one TD.


Ruffin McNeil's squad won its next two games and squared off with UCF in its regular-season finale at home. ECU trailed the Knights 26-9 early in the fourth quarter, only to battle back and take the lead behind three TD passes from Carden, who hit Hardy with a 13-yard scoring strike to put his team ahead 30-26 with 2:17 left.


However, on the game's final play, UCF attempted a Hail Mary and it was answered by Breshad Perriman, who gave the Knights a 32-30 win with the 51-yard TD catch.


Florida won three of its first four games with the lone defeat coming at Alabama by a 42-21 count. In a critical Week 7 showdown vs. LSU at The Swamp, the Gators led by 10 midway through the second quarter. They went ahead 24-20 with 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.


On LSU's ensuing drive, it converted a 3rd-and-25 play and eventually scored to go up 27-24 with 2:40 left. UF promptly marched into the red zone and in a third-and-goal situation, an easy TD pass was dropped by back-up TE Tevin Westbrook. Therefore, UF settled for a short field goal to tie the game.


Will Muschamp's team would get the ball back with time to get into field-goal range. With 24 seconds remaining, UF was on the fringe of LSU territory before Jeff Driskel was intercepted. The interception return set up a 50-yard field goal with three ticks remaining to lift LSU to an improbable 27-24 victory.


One week later, Florida allowed touchdowns by Missouri via a kick return, punt return, fumble return and a pick-six. The Tigers, who didn't get over 100 yards of total offense until the fourth quarter, easily won a 42-13 decision.


At that point, Muschamp's fate appeared to be sealed. But after an open date, Florida played inspired football in Jacksonville, smashing Georgia by a 38-20 count behind huge performances from RBs Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor. UF won the next week by cruising past Vanderbilt 34-10 as a 14.5-point road favorite.


With a 5-3 record, one that should've been 6-3 if not for the cancellation of the home opener vs. Idaho, Muschamp appeared to have a chance to keep his job if the Gators could run the table with wins vs. South Carolina, vs. Eastern Ky. and at FSU.


On Nov. 15 at The Swamp, UF took a 17-10 over the Gamecocks on a one-yard TD run by Jones late in the third quarter. Florida nearly went ahead by two TDs late in the final stanza, but a Treon Harris TD run was called back due to a holding penalty. Several plays later, UF could've gone ahead by two possessions, only to have a short field goal blocked.


Nevertheless, UF got a stop and had the ball with a chance to run the clock out. It went three and out, though, and was forced to punt with less than 30 ticks left. The punt got blocked, once again giving Steve Spurrier's team life. It took advantage, scoring with 12 seconds remaining after Mike Davis recovered his own fumble in the end zone.


After the Gators kicked a field goal for a 20-17 lead in overtime, South Carolina answered and ended the game on a Dylan Thompson four-yard TD run. Less than 24 hours later, Muschamp was fired with the Gators looking at a 5-4 record. If UF had beaten LSU and South Carolina and been allowed to play Idaho, it could've easily been 8-2 at that point.


In the regular-season finale at Florida St., Muschamp's last game as the head coach, the game went much like all of the games during Coach Boom's four-year tenure. Muschamp had a terrific defensive game plan, one that forced former Heisman winner Jameis Winston to throw four interceptions and finish with a career-low in passing yards.


Three of Winston's picks were in the first quarter, but the first two resulted in just field goals for UF. After the third interception, the Gators had a first-and-goal situation with a 9-0 lead, only to see all its momentum go up in flames with one ill-fated play.


Harris rolled out after a play-action fake and threw a short pass to Westbrook. You could argue that Harris might have put a little too much zip on the throw, but it hit Westbrook in the hands, just like Jeff Driskel's pass to him did in the end zone against LSU. Westbrook couldn't handle the throw, which bounced in the air and was intercepted and returned 94 yards for a TD.


Trailing 24-19 in the second half, the Gators missed two field goals. Still, they had the ball with a chance to win in the final two minutes. UF advanced into FSU territory thanks to a pass-interference call on a fourth-down incompletion. Facing 4th and 11 several plays later, Harris had DeMarcus Robinson wide open over the middle, but the freshman QB threw the ball behind him and Robinson couldn't make what would've been a spectacular catch.


Both teams are going to be without key players for various reasons. ECU lost leading rusher Breon Allen to a torn MCL at practice on Wednesday. Allen rushed for a team-best 869 yards and eight TDs, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Also, the Pirates' best defensive lineman Terry Williams and starting safety Domonique Lennon are 'out' after being ruled academically ineligible.


Florida won't have one of its best pass rushers, Bryan Cox Jr., who had hip surgery in December. Also, special-teams ace and sixth-year senior Andre DeBose chose not to play in the bowl game and to get on with the rest of his career. Finally, starting DT Darious Cummings didn't make the trip due to a violation of team rules.


The 'over' is 8-3 overall for UF, but the 'under' has cashed in two of its last three games. UF's games have averaged a combined score of 51.6 points per game.


Totals have been an overall wash for ECU (6-6), but the 'over' has hit in three of its last four games.


**B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets**


-- Florida went 0-2 ATS in a pair of games as single-digit favorites.


-- ECU went 2-0 ATS in two games as an underdog this year.


-- ECU has lost two of its three bowl games since McNeill took over for Skip Holtz. The one victory came last year, however, as the Pirates thumped Ohio 37-20 as 14-point 'chalk' at the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl.


-- Carden is the all-time leading passer in school history, passing alum and former Jacksonville Jaguar David Garrard earlier this season. Carden has 84 career TD passes compared to just 28 interceptions. Carden connected on 65.0 percent of his throws this season for 4,309 yards with a 28/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.


-- Hardy came into his senior year already holding the record for receiving yards in ECU history. He padded his stats in 2014, catching 110 balls for 1,334 yards and nine TDs.


-- Harris orchestrated a comeback win for UF at Tennessee. He appeared poised to become the starter for the LSU game, but a sexual-assault allegation kept him out of uniform against the Tigers. He has started every game since then, however. The true freshman from Miami completed only 50.0 percent of his throws, but he took care of the ball for the most part with a 7/3 TD-INT ratio. Harris rushed for 291 yards and three TDs, averaging 4.5 YPC.


-- UF's Jones rushed for a team-best 817 yards and six TDs, averaging 4.9 YPC. He has announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft after this game. Taylor rushed for 565 yards and six TDs, averaging 5.0 YPC.


-- Robinson led UF in catches (47) and receiving yards (774) and had seven TD receptions.


-- New Florida head coach Jim McElwain has hired a new defensive coordinator (Geoff Collins from Mississippi St.) and offensive coordinator (Doug Nussmeier from Michigan). It's not official yet but many reports have indicated that the next hire will be Randy Shannon, the former head coach at Miami who has been an assistant at Arkansas the last two years.


-- Main reason to watch UF-ECU: The matchup between Hardy and UF All-American CB Vernon Hargreaves III.

 

[CNOTES]

2014-15 Bowl Betting Results


January 2, 2015


BOWL CONFERENCE STANDINGS


Conference Straight Up (SU) Against the Spread (ATS)


ACC 4-6 5-5
American (AAC) 2-3 2-3
Big 10 5-5 5-5
Big 12 2-5 2-5
CUSA 4-1 3-2
Independent 2-1 2-1
Mid-American 1-3 2-2
Mountain West 3-4 3-4
Pac-12 6-2 4-4
SEC 6-5 6-5
Sun Belt 1-1 1-1




OVERALL GAME RESULTS


Wager SU Win SU Loss ATS Win ATS Loss


Favorite 16 20 13 23
Underdog 20 16 23 13
Over Under Push
22 13 1




2014-15 BOWL SCHEDULE - RESULTS


Date Bowl Matchup Line, Total Score ATS/Total


Saturday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Nevada vs Louisiana-Lafayette 1.5, 62.5 16-3 Underdog-Under
Saturday, Dec. 20 New Mexico Bowl Utah State vs Texas-El Paso 10, 45.5 21-6 Favorite-Under
Saturday, Dec. 20 Las Vegas Bowl Utah vs Colorado State 3, 57 45-10 Favorite-Under
Saturday, Dec. 20 Idaho Potato Bowl Western Michigan vs Air Force 2.5, 59 38-24 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 20 Camellia Bowl South Alabama vs Bowling Green 3.5, 55 33-28 Underdog-Over
Monday, Dec. 22 Miami Beach Bowl Brigham Young vs Memphis 1.5, 56 55-48 Favorite-Over
Tuesday, Dec. 23 Boca Raton Bowl Marshall vs Northern Illinois 8.5, 68 52-23 Favorite-Over
Tuesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl Navy vs San Diego State 3, 52 17-16 Underdog-Under
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Bahamas Bowl Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky 3.5, 68 49-48 Underdog-Over
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Hawai'i Bowl Fresno State vs Rice 1, 59 30-6 Favorite-Under
Friday, Dec. 26 Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois vs Louisiana Tech 7, 54.5 35-18 Favorite-Under
Friday, Dec. 26 Quick Lane Bowl Rutgers vs North Carolina 3.5, 72 40-21 Underdog-Under
Friday, Dec. 26 St. Petersburg Bowl North Carolina State vs UCF 2, 47.5 34-27 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech 2, 49.5 33-17 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Sun Bowl Duke vs Arizona State 7.5, 65 36-31 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Independence Bowl Miami-Fla. vs South Carolina 3, 62 24-21 Underdog-Under
Saturday, Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl Boston College vs Penn State 3, 41 31-30 Underdog-Over
Saturday, Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl Nebraska vs Southern California 7, 63 45-42 Underdog-Over
Monday, Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl Texas A&M vs West Virginia 3, 66.5 45-37 Underdog-Over
Monday, Dec. 29 Russell Athletic Bowl Oklahoma vs Clemson 6, 49 40-6 Underdog-Under
Monday, Dec. 29 Texas Bowl Arkansas vs Texas 7, 42.5 31-7 Favorite-Under
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Music City Bowl Notre Dame vs Louisiana State 9, 51 31-28 Underdog-Over
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Belk Bowl Georgia vs Louisville 7, 54 37-14 Favorite-Under
Tuesday, Dec. 30 Foster Farms Bowl Maryland vs Stanford 14, 44.5 45-21 Favorite-Over
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Peach Bowl Mississippi vs Texas Christian 3, 55 42-3 Favorite-Under
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl Boise State vs Arizona 2.5, 66 38-30 Underdog-Over
Wednesday, Dec. 31 Orange Bowl Mississippi State vs Georgia Tech 5.5, 59.5 49-34 Underdog-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl Auburn vs Wisconsin 6, 65 34-31 Underdog-Push
Thursday, Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl Michigan State vs Baylor 3, 68 42-41 Underdog-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl Missouri vs Minnesota 3, 46.5 33-17 Underdog-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Rose Bowl - National Semifinal Oregon vs Florida State 7.5, 74 59-20 Favorite-Over
Thursday, Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl - National Semifinal Alabama vs Ohio State 7.5, 58 42-35 Underdog-Over
Friday, Jan. 2 Armed Forces Bowl Houston vs Pittsburgh 5.5, 53.5 35-34 Underdog-Over
Friday, Jan. 2 Taxslayer Bowl Iowa vs Tennessee 3, 51 45-28 Favorite-Over
Friday, Jan. 2 Alamo Bowl Kansas State vs UCLA 1, 61.5 40-35 Undedog-Over
Friday, Jan. 2 Cactus Bowl Washington vs Oklahoma State 7, 57 30-22 Underdog-Under
Saturday, Jan. 3 Birmingham Bowl East Carolina vs Florida - - -
Sunday, Jan. 4 Godaddy Bowl Toledo vs Arkansas State - - -
Monday, Jan. 12 National Championship Game Ohio State vs. Oregon - - -