by The most wonderful time of the year is now four days away and I have three early plays to kick off the bowl season. Below are a few bets that I love and got early before the lines start to jump. So, without further ado, happy holidays! Let’s cook.🤝
LA Bowl: UCLA vs Boise State Under 49.5
There is no doubt that the Broncos can put up points as they’ve averaged 39.5 PPG in their previous four games. It stems from a balanced attack led by MWC Player of the Year Ashton Jeanty at running back as well as a passing game that averaged around 230 YPG this season. However, Boise State will be without its starting quarterback and dynamic wide receiver Eric McAlister, who’ve entered the portal. The Broncos are also facing the best defense they will see all season in a UCLA team that has the best rushing D in the nation (69.6 YPG). On the other side of the ball, the Bruins have struggled to score all year, are starting a banged up Ethan Garbers and are going against a Boise front that can hold their own against the run too (29th in FBS). UCLA is also 10-2 in the under this season. That’s a recipe for a low-scoring slugfest.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina vs West Virginia -3.5
Bowl games are usually contingent upon two things: motivation and player availability. West Virginia has the upper hand in both of those things in this matchup. Not only will Drake Maye not play, but a few impactful players on this UNC team are slated not to suit up either. The Mountaineers are relishing the opportunity to cap off a surprisingly successful season with a bowl win under head coach Neil Brown, who entered the year on the hottest of hot seats before completely reviving his career and WVU’s relevancy. I don’t care that the game is in Charlotte, the Mountaineers are winning this football game.
Alamo Bowl: #12 Oklahoma vs #14 Arizona -2.5 (Lock)
I bet this game last week when the initial lines came out and am absolutely sold on this Wildcats squad. Arizona is one of the hottest teams in college football right now and is on the cusp of a double-digit win season for the first time in nearly a decade. OU just lost its golden-arm quarterback and offensive coordinator, and will be up against the toughest defense it will see all season outside of Texas. This will be a great game with Arizona capping off a remarkable season under head coach Jedd Fisch. Too much momentum, too much motivation. Give me the Cats with the points in what is my lock of the 2023-24 bowl season.
