Our college football betting analysis focuses on providing a short breakdown of the five games that will kick-start the two-week bowl season this Saturday. Don’t miss out on any of the SU betting action; simply check out this NCAAF odds preview and college football picks article to guide your wagers.
When: Saturday, December 19 at 3:00 AM AST
NCAAF Odds: San Jose (-3), OVER/UNDER 56
Analysis: Honestly speaking, there’s really no telling who will win this game, considering the way both teams have interchangeably played bad and good games. That notwithstanding, the Spartans (who are the lone Power Five conference team to enter the bowls with a losing record at 5-7) suffered defeats in three of their last four games, yet Trent Miles and his Georgia State Panthers (6-6) reeled off four straight wins to claim bowl eligibility for the very first time in their footballing history. With that in mind, I like Georgia State to end its season with the same solid momentum by beating San Jose.
Pick: A turnover-riddled game ensues as both defenses perform the majority of the donkey work, and when all is said and done, the Panthers come out on top with the win.
SU Betting Predictions for These Weekend’s NCAAF Bowls
Arizona vs. New Mexico, Gildan New Mexico Bowl
When: Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 PM AST NCAAF Odds: Arizona (-10)
Arriving at the @GildanNMbowl like…. pic.twitter.com/JuwCkNjCAJ
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) December 17, 2015
Analysis: This game’s lines have been steadily moving in favor of the New Mexico Lobos who finished the season strongly (including wins over Utah State, Boise State and Air Force) and will be technically playing at home in New Mexico. And considering the Wildcats lost four of their last five regular season games, it totally makes sense the skepticism about betting on Arizona. But then again, even with so much working in New Mexico’s favor, the Lobos simply don’t have enough depth to upset the Wildcats.
Pick: Arizona struggles but eventually dispatches the pesky Lobos for a narrow win.
BYU vs. No. 22 Utah, Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
When: Saturday, December 19 at 11:30 PM AST NCAAF Odds: BYU (+2.5) Analysis: A skimming look at the Utah Utes (9-3) and the BYU Cougars (9-3) suggests that there hasn’t been much of a difference between these two teams, meaning we could be due for a close game. This is true in most part, except for the fact that Utah will be playing without a crucial cog in their offense in injured RB Devontae Booker. This totally shifts the landscape of Saturday’s clash, given that RB Joe Williams is not at the same level as Booker while QB Travis Wilson has collected more-or-less the same as touchdowns (13) as interceptions (10) this year. Conversely, BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum is seemingly getting better by the day and is yet to throw a pick in his last 123 passes, while the defense has equally been steadfast, ranking in the top 25 in the country with 37 sacks (seventh), 90 tackles for loss (19th) and 15 interceptions (21st) this season. So although it will not be a surprise if Utah’s superior defense limited Mangum and Co. to carry the day, a BYU victory looks more likely over the overvalued and banged up Utes. Pick: BYU gets to the 10-win mark with a memorable win over Utah.Ohio vs. Appalachian State, Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
When: Saturday, December 19 at 1:30 AM AST NCAAF Odds: Appalachian State (-7.5) Analysis: Ohio’s defense has been the real deal, especially in stopping the run, which is something that could factor in greatly in limiting Appalachian State’s Marcus Cox, who’s tallied seven 100-yard rushing games this season for a total of 1,261 yards and 8 TDs on the ground. Unfortunately, Cox will not be the only headache for the Bobcats, given that Mountaineers QB Taylor Lamb has just been as good in his passing game. Meanwhile, the Bobcats have been shiftily firing hot and cold offensively, a weakness that should be easily handled by Appalachian State’s defense that boats of a 63 percent conversion rate allowed to opponents (ranked No. 1 in the nation). When you crunch down the numbers and balance the advantages and disadvantages from both sides, the Mountaineers easily come out on top as the better team. Pick: Appalachian gives good value of being the favored team and wins the game quite handily.San José State vs. Georgia State, Cure Bowl Predictions
When: Saturday, December 19 at 3:00 AM AST
NCAAF Odds: San Jose (-3), OVER/UNDER 56
Analysis: Honestly speaking, there’s really no telling who will win this game, considering the way both teams have interchangeably played bad and good games. That notwithstanding, the Spartans (who are the lone Power Five conference team to enter the bowls with a losing record at 5-7) suffered defeats in three of their last four games, yet Trent Miles and his Georgia State Panthers (6-6) reeled off four straight wins to claim bowl eligibility for the very first time in their footballing history. With that in mind, I like Georgia State to end its season with the same solid momentum by beating San Jose.
Pick: A turnover-riddled game ensues as both defenses perform the majority of the donkey work, and when all is said and done, the Panthers come out on top with the win.
