Brett Ludwiczak
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MC&J: The 2024-25 college football bowl season kicks off on Saturday night
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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Including College Football Playoff games, there are 46 bowls on this year’s schedule.
Last week ATS: 4-5 (3-5 National, 1-0 B1G)
Season ATS: 124-115 (52-54 National, 72-61 B1G)
With bowl season upon us, the picks are going to come fast and furious. As if bowl season wasn’t crazy enough recently with players entering the transfer portal and opting out of bowl games to focus on preparing for the NFL Draft, this year is going to be unlike any season we have seen before because of the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams.
Over the next month I’ll have picks against the spread for all 46 bowl games. To make the predictions a little easier to digest, I’ll put out a number of picks articles in the coming weeks. The first will contain my picks for the first seven bowl games. Next week I’ll predict the first four CFP games, as well as have another article with another grouping of non-CFP bowl games.
Hopefully I’ll spend the next couple weeks filling your stockings with plenty of winning bowl game picks. And if you’re wondering where my Navy-Army pick is, you’re not going to find it since I have no interest in the game. I understand how people get emotional over the pageantry and patriotism involved with the game, but let’s at least be honest about how dreadful the actual football is. I guess take the points and the under since the Midshipmen and Black Knights routinely struggle to combine to score 30 points.
Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama (-7.5) v. Western Michigan - 12/14 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
The first FBS bowl game of the season features a team that Ohio State shutout in the non-conference portion of their schedule. The Buckeyes defeated Western Michigan 56-0 in Columbus back in September.
While the Broncos did put together a four-game winning streak in the middle of the season, Lance Taylor’s team fell apart at the end, losing three of their last four games. Western Michigan will try to run the football on Saturday night, as they have three running backs who have rushed for at least 500 yards this season.
South Alabama took a hit when running back Fluff Bothwell entered the transfer portal this week, but at least the Jaguars have a capable replacement in Kentrel Bullock, who ran for 700 yards and six scores this season. Quarterback Gio Lopez was dinged up in the loss to Texas State in the final game of the regular season, leaving Bishop Davenport to close out the loss. Lopez announced on Wednesday he would be returning to South Alabama for the 2025 season.
First-year head coach Major Applewhite will look to replicate the success Kane Wommack had in a bowl game last year in Alabama, when South Alabama beat Eastern Michigan 59-10 in a bowl game. The Broncos don’t have enough punch to keep up with the Jaguars, who will definitely have a bit of a home-field advantage since they only have to travel a little over two hours to Montgomery for the game.
South Alabama 37, Western Michigan 20
Frisco Bowl: No. 25 Memphis (-3.5) v. West Virginia - 12/17 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
I’m sure Memphis is disappointed they weren’t able to contend for the CFP’s Group of Five automatic bid after earning a win over Florida State that felt like a bigger deal back in September before we found out the Seminoles were a dumpster fire. The Tigers closed out the regular season with an impressive win over Tulane.
Taking the snaps for Memphis is Seth Henigan, who will close out his career with the Tigers with a game not too far from his hometown of Denton.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25786219/2181832301.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 02 Memphis at UTSA")
Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’d be easy to understand if West Virginia isn’t focused on this bowl game. The Mountaineers fired head coach Neal Brown after they lost 52-15 at Texas Tech to close out the regular season. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott will be the interim head coach for this game. While the next head coach of the Mountaineers has yet to be named, there are rumblings Rich Rodriguez could return to Morgantown for a second stint as head coach.
There have been a couple games where I had some faith in West Virginia this year and the Mountaineers have let me down. I’m not going down that road again. Quarterback Garrett Greene is pretty average and the defense is a mess. I find it hard to see how West Virginia not only slows down Henigan and the Memphis offense, but also keeps pace with the points the Tigers put up.
Memphis 34, West Virginia 23
Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky v. James Madison (-8.5) - 12/18 5:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Last time we saw Western Kentucky they were getting plastered by Jacksonville State 52-12 in the Conference USA Championship Game. The Hilltoppers weren’t able to shut down the rushing attack of the Gamecocks, who rolled up 386 yards on the ground. Western Kentucky had a rough close to the regular season, losing three of four games. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp needs to be on with his throws for the offense of the Hilltoppers to have success since they have trouble running the football.
Curt Cignetti and a number of key players from last year’s squad have moved on to Indiana, but James Madison is still a fun watch. Just look at the game against North Carolina earlier this season where the Dukes shocked the Tar Heels 70-50 in Chapel Hill. Not only did quarterback Alonza Barrett III throw 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions, he also added seven scores on the ground. The defense is still pretty good too, with Eric O’Neill leading the charge with 11.5 sacks in 2024.
The Dukes feel like the better all-around team in this one. Western Kentucky relies too much on throwing the football, which could get them into trouble against a defense like James Madison has. After losing their bowl debut last year against Air Force, this year the Dukes earn their first bowl victory.
James Madison 38, Western Kentucky 24
LA Bowl: Cal (-1.5) v. No. 24 UNLV - 12/18 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Both these teams will enter this game with a key member missing. UNLV head coach Barry Odom has taken the Purdue job, leaving wide receivers coach Del Alexander to act as interim head coach against the Golden Bears. It is still unknown if wide receiver Ricky White III will play in this game or will opt to sit out ahead of the NFL Draft. White was one of the top receivers in the country this year, catching 79 passes for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Cal starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced on Wednesday that he is entering the transfer portal after throwing for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Mendoza didn’t play in Cal’s final regular season game against SMU, leaving Chandler Rogers to start. CJ Harris also took snaps after Rogers was banged up against the Mustangs. The loss of Mendoza might be a little easier for Cal to stomach if running back Jaydn Ott didn’t have such a disappointing season. After rushing for 1,305 yards in 2023, Ott has run for just 301 yards this season, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.
I’m not really sure why Cal is favored here since I think UNLV is the better team. The offense of the Rebels is more explosive and the defense is tough to crack. Had it not been for two losses to Boise State, UNLV might have had a case to be the Group of Five representative in the playoff. The Rebels win this game outright.
UNLV 31, Cal 21
New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern (-6.5) v. Sam Houston - 12/19 7:00 p.m. ET - ESPN2
In just their second season as an FBS school, Sam Houston posted a 9-3 record and their first trip to a bowl game. Success doesn’t come without consequences, though. After 10 years as head coach at Sam Houston, K.C. Keeler recently accepted the head coaching job at Temple. Along with Keeler leaving, a number of Bearkats have entered the transfer portal. The Sam Houston defense has allowed more than 21 points in just three games this year, but they’ll be without safety Caleb Weaver, who is one of those players who entered the transfer portal.
Georgia Southern played an ambitious non-conference schedule, taking on Boise State and Ole Miss. After stepping into Sun Belt play, the Eagles won six of their final eight games of the regular season. Running back Jalen White ran for 12 touchdowns this season, while linebacker Marques Watson-Trent registered 110 tackles. Despite Sam Houston’s stout defense, the Georgia Southern program feels more stable right now, which will lead to the Eagles winning by more than a touchdown.
Georgia Southern 27, Sam Houston 17
Cure Bowl: Ohio (-2.5) v. Jacksonville State - 12/20 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Could we possibly have two interim head coaches in this bowl game? As of now we know Ohio will have offensive coordinator Brian White as their interim head coach after Tim Albin left for Charlotte following the 38-3 win by the Bobcats over Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship Game. It is possible Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez will have finalized a return to West Virginia before this game, as there are rumblings both sides are interested in reuniting.
Jacksonville State has one of the best rushing attacks in the country. Running back Tre Stewart and quarterback Tyler Huff have combined to rush for nearly 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns this season. The issue for the Gamecocks is when their running game gets bottled up, since Huff is spotty throwing the football. No matter the result of this game, Jacksonville State still can hang their hat on being Conference USA champs.
If there is a defense that can slow down Jacksonville State on the ground, it is Ohio. The Bobcats have given up less than 17 points in five of their last six games. In a way, Ohio is similar to Jacksonville State on offense, preferring to run the football with running back Anthony Tyus III and quarterback Parker Navarro. The difference is, Navarro can chuck it with confidence when needed. Wide receiver Coleman Owen is Navarro’s favorite target, as Owen has 67 catches for 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns this year.
The Bobcats make it six-straight bowl game victories.
Ohio 30, Jacksonville State 17
Gasparilla Bowl: Tulane v. Florida (-12.5) - 12/20 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Picking against Florida in bowl games has been profitable over the last few years, as the Gators have lost their last three bowl games. The Gators should be able to end their losing streak this year.
Florida finished the season strong, winning their last three games, beating LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State. Quarterback DJ Lagway is getting more comfortable running the offense after he was thrust into the starting role earlier in the season when Graham Mertz was injured.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25786221/2170392228.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 07 Samford at Florida")
Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While Florida looks to have found their quarterback of the future, Tulane will be without their starter. Following the loss to Army in the American Conference Championship Game, Darian Mensah entered the transfer portal. The most logical option for the Green Wave against the Gators is former Oregon quarterback Ty Thompson, who was used during the season in some running sets. Without Mensah, Florida can focus on stuffing running back Makhi Hughes, who ran for 1,372 yards and 15 touchdowns this year.
Even though they are laying nearly two touchdowns, I still like Florida in this game. The Gators are trending up, while Tulane is trending downward after losing their last two games. Add in breaking in a new quarterback against an athletic Florida defense and it could be a long afternoon for Jon Sumrall’s team in Tampa.
Florida 31, Tulane 14
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Including College Football Playoff games, there are 46 bowls on this year’s schedule.
Last week ATS: 4-5 (3-5 National, 1-0 B1G)
Season ATS: 124-115 (52-54 National, 72-61 B1G)
With bowl season upon us, the picks are going to come fast and furious. As if bowl season wasn’t crazy enough recently with players entering the transfer portal and opting out of bowl games to focus on preparing for the NFL Draft, this year is going to be unlike any season we have seen before because of the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams.
Over the next month I’ll have picks against the spread for all 46 bowl games. To make the predictions a little easier to digest, I’ll put out a number of picks articles in the coming weeks. The first will contain my picks for the first seven bowl games. Next week I’ll predict the first four CFP games, as well as have another article with another grouping of non-CFP bowl games.
Hopefully I’ll spend the next couple weeks filling your stockings with plenty of winning bowl game picks. And if you’re wondering where my Navy-Army pick is, you’re not going to find it since I have no interest in the game. I understand how people get emotional over the pageantry and patriotism involved with the game, but let’s at least be honest about how dreadful the actual football is. I guess take the points and the under since the Midshipmen and Black Knights routinely struggle to combine to score 30 points.
12/14 - 12/20 non-CFP bowl games
Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama (-7.5) v. Western Michigan - 12/14 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
The first FBS bowl game of the season features a team that Ohio State shutout in the non-conference portion of their schedule. The Buckeyes defeated Western Michigan 56-0 in Columbus back in September.
While the Broncos did put together a four-game winning streak in the middle of the season, Lance Taylor’s team fell apart at the end, losing three of their last four games. Western Michigan will try to run the football on Saturday night, as they have three running backs who have rushed for at least 500 yards this season.
South Alabama took a hit when running back Fluff Bothwell entered the transfer portal this week, but at least the Jaguars have a capable replacement in Kentrel Bullock, who ran for 700 yards and six scores this season. Quarterback Gio Lopez was dinged up in the loss to Texas State in the final game of the regular season, leaving Bishop Davenport to close out the loss. Lopez announced on Wednesday he would be returning to South Alabama for the 2025 season.
First-year head coach Major Applewhite will look to replicate the success Kane Wommack had in a bowl game last year in Alabama, when South Alabama beat Eastern Michigan 59-10 in a bowl game. The Broncos don’t have enough punch to keep up with the Jaguars, who will definitely have a bit of a home-field advantage since they only have to travel a little over two hours to Montgomery for the game.
South Alabama 37, Western Michigan 20
Frisco Bowl: No. 25 Memphis (-3.5) v. West Virginia - 12/17 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
I’m sure Memphis is disappointed they weren’t able to contend for the CFP’s Group of Five automatic bid after earning a win over Florida State that felt like a bigger deal back in September before we found out the Seminoles were a dumpster fire. The Tigers closed out the regular season with an impressive win over Tulane.
Taking the snaps for Memphis is Seth Henigan, who will close out his career with the Tigers with a game not too far from his hometown of Denton.
It’d be easy to understand if West Virginia isn’t focused on this bowl game. The Mountaineers fired head coach Neal Brown after they lost 52-15 at Texas Tech to close out the regular season. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott will be the interim head coach for this game. While the next head coach of the Mountaineers has yet to be named, there are rumblings Rich Rodriguez could return to Morgantown for a second stint as head coach.
There have been a couple games where I had some faith in West Virginia this year and the Mountaineers have let me down. I’m not going down that road again. Quarterback Garrett Greene is pretty average and the defense is a mess. I find it hard to see how West Virginia not only slows down Henigan and the Memphis offense, but also keeps pace with the points the Tigers put up.
Memphis 34, West Virginia 23
Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky v. James Madison (-8.5) - 12/18 5:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Last time we saw Western Kentucky they were getting plastered by Jacksonville State 52-12 in the Conference USA Championship Game. The Hilltoppers weren’t able to shut down the rushing attack of the Gamecocks, who rolled up 386 yards on the ground. Western Kentucky had a rough close to the regular season, losing three of four games. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp needs to be on with his throws for the offense of the Hilltoppers to have success since they have trouble running the football.
Curt Cignetti and a number of key players from last year’s squad have moved on to Indiana, but James Madison is still a fun watch. Just look at the game against North Carolina earlier this season where the Dukes shocked the Tar Heels 70-50 in Chapel Hill. Not only did quarterback Alonza Barrett III throw 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions, he also added seven scores on the ground. The defense is still pretty good too, with Eric O’Neill leading the charge with 11.5 sacks in 2024.
The Dukes feel like the better all-around team in this one. Western Kentucky relies too much on throwing the football, which could get them into trouble against a defense like James Madison has. After losing their bowl debut last year against Air Force, this year the Dukes earn their first bowl victory.
James Madison 38, Western Kentucky 24
LA Bowl: Cal (-1.5) v. No. 24 UNLV - 12/18 9:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Both these teams will enter this game with a key member missing. UNLV head coach Barry Odom has taken the Purdue job, leaving wide receivers coach Del Alexander to act as interim head coach against the Golden Bears. It is still unknown if wide receiver Ricky White III will play in this game or will opt to sit out ahead of the NFL Draft. White was one of the top receivers in the country this year, catching 79 passes for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Cal starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced on Wednesday that he is entering the transfer portal after throwing for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Mendoza didn’t play in Cal’s final regular season game against SMU, leaving Chandler Rogers to start. CJ Harris also took snaps after Rogers was banged up against the Mustangs. The loss of Mendoza might be a little easier for Cal to stomach if running back Jaydn Ott didn’t have such a disappointing season. After rushing for 1,305 yards in 2023, Ott has run for just 301 yards this season, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.
I’m not really sure why Cal is favored here since I think UNLV is the better team. The offense of the Rebels is more explosive and the defense is tough to crack. Had it not been for two losses to Boise State, UNLV might have had a case to be the Group of Five representative in the playoff. The Rebels win this game outright.
UNLV 31, Cal 21
New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern (-6.5) v. Sam Houston - 12/19 7:00 p.m. ET - ESPN2
In just their second season as an FBS school, Sam Houston posted a 9-3 record and their first trip to a bowl game. Success doesn’t come without consequences, though. After 10 years as head coach at Sam Houston, K.C. Keeler recently accepted the head coaching job at Temple. Along with Keeler leaving, a number of Bearkats have entered the transfer portal. The Sam Houston defense has allowed more than 21 points in just three games this year, but they’ll be without safety Caleb Weaver, who is one of those players who entered the transfer portal.
Georgia Southern played an ambitious non-conference schedule, taking on Boise State and Ole Miss. After stepping into Sun Belt play, the Eagles won six of their final eight games of the regular season. Running back Jalen White ran for 12 touchdowns this season, while linebacker Marques Watson-Trent registered 110 tackles. Despite Sam Houston’s stout defense, the Georgia Southern program feels more stable right now, which will lead to the Eagles winning by more than a touchdown.
Georgia Southern 27, Sam Houston 17
Cure Bowl: Ohio (-2.5) v. Jacksonville State - 12/20 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Could we possibly have two interim head coaches in this bowl game? As of now we know Ohio will have offensive coordinator Brian White as their interim head coach after Tim Albin left for Charlotte following the 38-3 win by the Bobcats over Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship Game. It is possible Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez will have finalized a return to West Virginia before this game, as there are rumblings both sides are interested in reuniting.
Jacksonville State has one of the best rushing attacks in the country. Running back Tre Stewart and quarterback Tyler Huff have combined to rush for nearly 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns this season. The issue for the Gamecocks is when their running game gets bottled up, since Huff is spotty throwing the football. No matter the result of this game, Jacksonville State still can hang their hat on being Conference USA champs.
If there is a defense that can slow down Jacksonville State on the ground, it is Ohio. The Bobcats have given up less than 17 points in five of their last six games. In a way, Ohio is similar to Jacksonville State on offense, preferring to run the football with running back Anthony Tyus III and quarterback Parker Navarro. The difference is, Navarro can chuck it with confidence when needed. Wide receiver Coleman Owen is Navarro’s favorite target, as Owen has 67 catches for 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns this year.
The Bobcats make it six-straight bowl game victories.
Ohio 30, Jacksonville State 17
Gasparilla Bowl: Tulane v. Florida (-12.5) - 12/20 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Picking against Florida in bowl games has been profitable over the last few years, as the Gators have lost their last three bowl games. The Gators should be able to end their losing streak this year.
Florida finished the season strong, winning their last three games, beating LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State. Quarterback DJ Lagway is getting more comfortable running the offense after he was thrust into the starting role earlier in the season when Graham Mertz was injured.
While Florida looks to have found their quarterback of the future, Tulane will be without their starter. Following the loss to Army in the American Conference Championship Game, Darian Mensah entered the transfer portal. The most logical option for the Green Wave against the Gators is former Oregon quarterback Ty Thompson, who was used during the season in some running sets. Without Mensah, Florida can focus on stuffing running back Makhi Hughes, who ran for 1,372 yards and 15 touchdowns this year.
Even though they are laying nearly two touchdowns, I still like Florida in this game. The Gators are trending up, while Tulane is trending downward after losing their last two games. Add in breaking in a new quarterback against an athletic Florida defense and it could be a long afternoon for Jon Sumrall’s team in Tampa.
Florida 31, Tulane 14
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