It’s Bowl Season! Two bowls have already been completed, but plenty more are to come. Using the AI computer model, I’ve added three games that caught my eye. Let’s add some money to the bankroll during bowl season!
Picks Summary
- Rutgers +7 (-110)
- Syracuse -8 (-115)
- USC +3.5 (-110)
*All odds from Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Rate Bowl
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Jayhawks
Thursday, December 26, 2024 – 05:30 PM ET at Chase Field
Rutgers Is Rolling
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights won three of their last four games. If it weren’t for a blunder against Illinois, they’d be 8-4 and probably playing in the Citrus Bowl.
They’ve settled for the Rate Bowl. But it’s still a really good matchup against Kansas State.
Rutgers have a couple of players who have already acknowledged that they’ll play in this game. Others, including Kyle Monangai, haven’t specified just yet.
That said, Rutgers has many running backs that can perform. There was even one game earlier this season where Rutgers didn’t have Monangai or Sam Brown and still won a football game with their other two runners.
Ultimately, the offense has been night and day over the last four games. Athan Kaliakmanis has done things at Rutgers that many quarterbacks haven’t done. That’s throw for more than 2,000 yards in a regular season.
This team is up-and-coming and already has momentum in the transfer portal. They’ll be ready.
Kansas State Is Going The Opposite Direction
The Kansas State Wildcats have lost three of their last four games. The defense has also allowed at least 24 points in three of the last four games. In all of the games where a team has scored 24 points during the previous four games, Kansas State lost.
I’d be surprised if this Rutgers offense, which has scored at least 26 points in each of its last four games, doesn’t add 24 more. Twenty-four would be enough for Rutgers.
Roll with Rutgers at +7.
NCAAF Pick: Rutgers +7 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Holiday Bowl
Syracuse Orange vs. Washington State Cougars
Friday, December 27, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Snapdragon Stadium
No Opt-Outs For Syracuse
Syracuse has a couple of players in the transfer portal. However, Orange doesn’t have any opt-outs.
Fran Brown spoke to the media after his final game of the regular season and acknowledged that Kyle McCord and the rest of Syracuse would play and not opt out.
Washington State also doesn’t have any opt-outs. However, four starters are already in the transfer portal, including Wayshawn Parker, the starting running back. In addition, quarterback John Mateer is likely going into the transfer portal, too. He will probably just play this game before making that decision official.
Plus, Washington State’s offensive coordinator has gone to Oklahoma. The Cougars will have a different play-caller at offensive coordinator in this game. That likely won’t help.
Although Washington State’s secondary has performed at a high level this season, Kyle McCord was one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season. He threw for more yards than Heisman finalists Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel. That counts for something.
Syracuse Can Score!
The Syracuse Orange will be locked in offensively heading into this game. Syracuse should thrive with no major losses in the portal and no opt-outs. After all, they’ve scored at least 31 points in each of their last five games heading into this one.
It’s hard to believe Washington State’s offense will keep up with all the potential changes they’ll go through in this game.
Rock with Syracuse at -8.
NCAAF Pick: Syracuse -8 (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook
Las Vegas Bowl
USC Trojans vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Friday, December 27, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at Allegiant Stadium
Lots Of Players Missing
The Texas A&M Aggies have five significant players in the transfer portal and already two opt-outs with a couple more that could be out—one potential opt-out in starting running back Le’Veon Moss.
The two players who have already opted out are defensive ends Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton. That won’t help the defense for the Aggies.
On the other hand, USC has also lost many players to the transfer portal. They’ll be without two starting wide receivers and a starting right tackle, among other positions.
In addition, Woody Marks of USC suffered a concussion in the team’s last regular-season game. I expect him to be fine and ready to play in this game.
The Matchup
Both teams will be without many significant players. However, USC ultimately matches up better against Texas A&M.
The Trojans have been much better at tackling on defense and have a secondary that is still far better than Texas A&M’s.
Additionally, USC has a more reliable quarterback in Jayden Maiava, who replaced Miller Moss later in the season. USC likes him a lot and is comfortable with him, even though two wide receivers opted out.
Take USC at +3.5.
NCAAF Pick: USC +3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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