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Bowl Season is a full season once more in 2021.
There are a complete of 43 postseason video games with 84 groups, beginning with the Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 17 and ending with the School Soccer Playoff championship recreation on Jan. 10.
This yr’s CFP semifinals are on Dec. 31 with No. 1 Alabama taking up No. 4 Cincinnati within the Cotton Bowl Traditional and No. 2 Michigan going through No. 3 Georgia within the Orange Bowl. The New Yr’s Day Six slate is loaded, and there are greater than sufficient bowl video games to get by way of the vacations.
MORE: Each FBS teaching change in 2021
Every week, Sporting Information made picks towards the unfold for video games involving High 25 groups. We completed 194-69 S/U and 117-123 ATS in an upset-filled common season. Will Bowl Season be each bit as unpredictable and hard to choose? We will decide all 43 video games and discover out.
A take a look at our picks for this yr’s bowl video games:
School soccer bowl picks, predictions
- Bahamas Bowl: Center Tennessee State vs. Toledo (-9)
Dec. 17, 12 p.m., ESPN
The Rockets received their final three video games by double digits, and operating again Bryant Roback averaged 153 yards with eight speeding TDs in these video games. The Rockets do not flip the ball over a lot, which is able to repay within the Bahamas.
Choose: Toledo wins 37-27 and COVERS the unfold.
- Treatment Bowl: Coastal Carolina (-9.5) vs. Northern Illinois
Dec. 17, 6 p.m., ESPN
The Chanticleers struggled just a little bit down the stretch, however Grayson McCall nonetheless has the chance to guide an 11-win group. They solely lined as soon as of their final six video games, nonetheless, and Northern Illinois was 5-3 ATS as an underdog this season.
Choose: Coastal Carolina wins 34-26 and FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State (-3)
Dec. 18, 11 a.m., ESPN
The Mountaineers are 6-0 S/U in bowl video games, and they’re going to face a problem in Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe, who has 56 TDs on the second-highest scoring group within the FBS. Chase Brice engages in a shootout that might flirt with the over (68.5)
Choose: Western Kentucky wins 38-34 in an UPSET.
- New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State (-13.5) vs. UTEP
Dec. 18, 2:15 p.m., ESPN
This line has bumped up, a nod to the Bulldogs. Right here is the issue with choosing this recreation, one that might change into a factor: Quarterback Jake Haener is within the switch portal and won’t play within the bowl recreation. Coach Kalen DeBoer is gone to Washington. Who is aware of how the gamers react towards the Miners, who have not received a bowl recreation since 1967? Watch out.
Choose: Fresno State wins 34-31 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Independence Bowl: No. 13 BYU (-8) vs. UAB
Dec. 18, 3:30 p.m., ABC
The Cougars are 3-7 ATS as a favourite this season, however they’ve an opportunity to complete inside the highest 10 with a bowl victory. Tyler Allgeier is a standout operating again price watching, and BYU holds off the Blazers within the second half for an in depth cowl.
Choose: BYU wins 38-28 and COVERS the unfold.
- Lending Tree Bowl: Liberty (-7) vs. Jap Michigan
Dec. 18, 5:45 p.m., ESPN
Liberty quarterback Malik Willis might be on show for NFL scouts towards an Jap Michigan protection that performed the go nicely however allowed 196.9 speeding yards per recreation. The Flames closed the season on a three-game shedding streak, however it’s a pattern that doesn’t matter right here.
Choose: Liberty wins 31-23 and COVERS the unfold.
- LA Bowl: Utah State vs. Oregon State (-7.5)
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., ABC
The Beavers are favorites within the first LA Bowl, however they’re catching a tricky Mountain West Convention champion in Utah State. Aggies linebacker Justin Rice is a two-time switch who will make some performs, however Oregon State wins in dramatic style.
Choose: Oregon State wins 34-30 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
DeCOURCY: Mock Brian Kelly in order for you, however he’ll take LSU to CFP quickly sufficient
- New Orleans Bowl: No. 23 Louisiana (-5.5) vs. Marshall
Dec. 18, 9:15 p.m., ESPN
The Ragin’ Cajuns towards the Thundering Herd, a bowl common. Louisiana was simply 6-7 ATS this season, however it lined the one time it was a single-digit favourite. Billy Napier will not be there, however Louisiana goes out with an enormous victory.
Choose: Louisiana wins 33-22 and COVERS the unfold.
- Myrtle Seashore Bowl: Tulsa (-7.5) vs. Previous Dominion
Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
The Monarchs are of their second bowl recreation at school historical past, and so they received their final 5 video games to get there. It is a powerful turnaround for Ricky Rahne. The Golden Hurricane closed the season with three straight victories, too. Each groups run the ball nicely, so it ought to be shut.
Choose: Previous Dominion wins 27-24 in an UPSET.
- Well-known Idaho Potato Bowl: Kent State vs. Wyoming (-3.5)
Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
The Golden Flashes had been knocked out within the MAC championship recreation, and the Cowboys needed to scratch out a six-win season after a 4-0 begin. The betting developments do not assist both. Wyoming is 1-5 ATS as a favourite; Kent State is 0-5 ATS as an underdog. It is a coin flip.
Choose: Wyoming wins 31-24 and COVERS the unfold.
- Frisco Bowl: No. 24 San Diego State vs. UTSA (-2.5)
Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
The Convention-USA champions are a brief favourite towards the Aztecs, who had been blown out within the Mountain West championship recreation. San Diego State permits simply 77.7 speeding yards per recreation, so Roadrunners star operating again Honest McCormick must earn it. There may be some worth with the Aztecs right here.
Choose: San Diego State wins 31-30 in an UPSET.
- Armed Forces Bowl: Military (-2.5) vs. Missouri
Dec. 22, 8 p.m., ESPN
Missouri permits 229.3 speeding yards per recreation, and that may be a nightmare recipe towards the Black Knights, who performed Wisconsin tight in a slugfest and Wake Forest shut in a shootout. Military finds the in-between in a victory towards the Tigers. Military is 4-1 S/U in its previous 5 bowl video games.
Choose: Military wins 34-28 and COVERS the unfold.
- Gasparilla Bowl: Florida (-7.5) vs. UCF
Dec. 23, 7 p.m., ESPN
When Florida and UCF had been arguing a couple of 2-for-1 sequence, they’d a matchup between Florida interim coach Greg Knox and former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn in thoughts, proper? There might be some warmth on this in-state matchup, and that may wake the Gators up with new coach Billy Napier watching.
Choose: Florida wins 41-27 and COVERS the unfold.
- Frisco Soccer Traditional: North Texas vs. Miami, Ohio (-3.5)
Dec. 23, TBD, TBD
They made a bowl only for the Imply Inexperienced and RedHawks. North Texas operating again Deandre Torrey is an thrilling participant who confirmed out in a five-game profitable streak to finish the common season. Miami is searching for its first bowl win since 2010.
Choose: North Texas wins 28-23 in an UPSET.
- Hawai’i Bowl: Hawai’i vs. Memphis (-3.5)
Dec. 24, 8 p.m., ESPN
The Tigers face the Warriors on Christmas Eve after a considerably disappointing season. Memphis is 2-5 ATS as a favourite this season. Hawaii was 4-2 at residence this season with a pair of one-score losses. This might be tight.
Choose: Memphis wins 31-28 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Camellia Bowl: Ball State vs. Georgia State (-3.5)
Dec. 25, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
The Panthers lined in six of their final seven video games as a part of a stretch that additionally included a close to upset of Louisiana. Ball State misplaced two of its final three. Darren Grainger (16 TDs, 4 INTs) is an environment friendly QB who will not make plenty of errors.
Choose: Georgia State wins 34-24 and COVERS the unfold.
- Fast Lane Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Nevada (-3)
Dec. 27, 11 a.m., ESPN
A variety of eyes might be on NFL prospect Carson Sturdy, the Wolfpack quarterback who had 36 TDs and eight INTs this season. Nevada coach Jay Norvell is leaving, nonetheless, and the Broncos are near residence. Operating backs Sean Tyler and La’Darius Jefferson sluggish the sport down, and the Broncos pull out the upset.
Choose: Western Michigan wins 31-30 in an UPSET.
MORE: Most closely fits to exchange Mario Cristobal at Oregon
- Navy Bowl: East Carolina vs. Boston School (-3.5)
Dec. 27, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
The Pirates are a harmful underdog that received 4 of their final 5 video games and had been 5-3 ATS as an underdog. Boston School’s common season ended with a whimper in back-to-back losses to Florida State and Wake Forest, however Jeff Hafley can construct momentum towards Yr 3 right here.
Choose: Boston School wins 27-22 and COVERS the unfold.
- Birmingham Bowl: No. 20 Houston vs. Auburn (-3)
Dec. 28, 12 p.m., ESPN
There may be not a ton of confidence in Auburn within the native Birmingham Bowl, however T.J. Finley ought to be capable of make sufficient performs within the passing recreation and the protection will create a couple of turnovers towards the Cougars. Bryan Harsin ends a four-game shedding streak to shut out an erratic first season.
Choose: Auburn wins 34-21 and COVERS the unfold.
- First Responder Bowl: Air Pressure vs. Louisville (-1)
Dec. 28, 3:15 p.m., ESPN
How will the Cardinals deal with the Falcons’ triple-option assault? Air Pressure had three losses by a mixed whole of 17 factors. Malik Cunningham will make a handful of explosive performs for the Cardinals, however the Falcons’ are only a nasty matchup. Troy Calhoun is 5-5 in bowl video games.
Choose: Air Pressure wins 30-27 in an UPSET.
- Liberty Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Mississippi State (-9)
Dec. 28, 6:45 p.m., ESPN
The Mike Leach Bowl ought to be enjoyable. The Bulldogs have a passing assault that may look acquainted to Purple Raiders’ followers. It ranks third within the FBS at 385.7 yards per recreation. Texas Tech was 3-5 ATS as an underdog, however they had been in shootouts with Iowa State and Baylor. This might be no totally different.
Choose: Mississippi State wins 38-31 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- SDCCU Vacation Bowl: No. 18 N.C. State (-1) vs. UCLA
Dec. 28, 8 p.m., FOX
Right here is one other digital pickup and intriguing Alliance matchup. N.C. State had a pair of heart-breaking losses that saved them out of the ACC championship recreation. Each groups closed the season sturdy. The Bruins common 215.1 speeding yards per recreation, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will maintain that on schedule in a thriller.
Choose: UCLA wins 35-32 in an UPSET.
- Assured Charge Bowl: West Virginia vs. Minnesota (-5)
Dec. 28, 10:15 p.m., ESPN
The Gophers closed the season with a victory towards Wisconsin and would like to maintain that momentum rolling towards the Mountaineers, who had been 3-3 ATS as an underdog. Mountaineers coach Neal Brown is 4-0 S/U in bowl video games. It might be shut.
Choose: Minnesota wins 26-22 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Fenway Bowl: SMU vs. Virginia (-0.5)
Dec. 29, 11 a.m., ESPN
What else would the road be? Each groups may have new coaches in 2022. It is a matchup of top-25 scoring offenses, and SMU’s Tanner Mordecai and Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong can put up massive numbers. The Fenway Park setting might be cool, too.
Choose: Virginia wins 38-35 and COVERS the unfold.
- Pinstripe Bowl: Virginia Tech (-3) vs. Maryland
Dec. 29, 2:15 p.m., ESPN
The Hokies fired Justin Fuente, and Maryland is again in a bowl recreation for the primary time since 2016. Motivation might be an element on each side, however the Hokies are the higher group (we expect).
Choose: Virginia Tech wins 29-24 and COVERS the unfold.
- Cheez-It Bowl: No. 19 Clemson vs. Iowa State (-1.5)
Dec. 29, 5:45 p.m., ESPN
Clemson within the Cheez-It Bowl? The Tigers can nonetheless make it to 10 wins, and Dabo Swinney absolutely will use the underdog card towards the Cyclones, which are attempting to ship Brock Purdy and operating again Breece Corridor out as winners.
Choose: Clemson wins 28-20 in an UPSET.
- Alamo Bowl: No. 14 Oregon vs. No. 16 Oklahoma (-3.5)
Dec. 29, 9:15 p.m., ESPN
Each colleges noticed their School Soccer Playoff runs disappear late within the season, and if Mario Cristobal takes the Miami job each colleges may have new coaches in 2022. Freshman quarterback Caleb Williams had rising pains, however this recreation launches a authentic Heisman marketing campaign for 2022.
Choose: Oklahoma wins 32-25 and COVERS the unfold.
- Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina (-7.5) vs. South Carolina
Dec. 30, 11:30 a.m., ESPN
Maintain the mayo, proper? Mack Brown’s second stint at North Carolina started with a 24-20 victory towards South Carolina in 2019. Now, first-year coach Shane Beamer has an opportunity to return the favor with an over-achieving Gamecocks group. Sam Howell will play within the bowl recreation, and that is why we’re favoring the Tar Heels.
Choose: North Carolina wins 33-27 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Music Metropolis Bowl: Tennessee (-3.5) vs. Purdue
Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Josh Heupel has an opportunity to cap off an encouraging first season with the Vols. Purdue ranks eighth within the FBS in go offense. The Boilermakers can end a nine-win season. This ought to be one of many extra entertaining high-scoring video games of Bowl Season.
Choose: Tennessee wins 38-33 and COVERS the unfold.
- Las Vegas Bowl: Wisconsin (-7.5) vs. Arizona State
Dec. 30, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
It is a matchup of 8-4 groups that had disappointing seasons contemplating the preseason hype, and it is an thrilling operating again matchup between 1,000-yard rushers Braelon Allen and Rachaad White. The Badgers are 5-1 S/U in bowl video games underneath Paul Chyrst.
Choose: Wisconsin wins 28-18 and COVERS the unfold.
- Gator Bowl: No. 17 Wake Forest vs. No. 25 Texas A&M (-6.5)
Dec. 31, 11 a.m., ESPN
It is a rematch of the 2017 Belk Bowl, which Wake Forest received 55-52. The Aggies are 3-0 S/U in bowl video games underneath Jimbo Fisher, nonetheless, and they’re making an attempt to keep away from a five-loss season. The Demon Deacons will make it attention-grabbing with their high-flying offense, however the Aggies pull out the victory late.
Choose: Texas A&M wins 34-31 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Solar Bowl: Washington State vs. Miami, Fla. (-2.5)
Dec. 31, 12 p.m., CBS
Washington State and Miami meet in yet one more matchup between Energy 5 groups that may have a brand new coach in 2022. Senior operating again Max Borghi led the Cougars to a victory within the Apple Cup, and he’ll double down right here towards the Hurricanes. Miami is 1-5 ATS as a favourite towards FBS groups this season.
Choose: Washington State wins 24-21 in an UPSET.
- Outback Bowl: No. 21 Arkansas vs. Penn State (-2.5)
Jan. 1, 12 p.m., ESPN
Arkansas is again in a bowl recreation for the primary time since 2016, and the Razorbacks have been dependable with a document of 4-1 ATS as an underdog. Penn State had a tough-luck 7-5 season. Each groups have three losses towards groups that made the New Yr’s Day Six.
Choose: Penn State wins 22-19 and COVERS the unfold.
- Citrus Bowl: No. 15 Iowa vs. No. 22 Kentucky (-2.5)
Jan. 1, 1 p.m., ABC
A mirror-image matchup towards hard-nosed groups that depend on the operating recreation. The Hawkeyes led all Energy 5 colleges with a +13 turnover margin. Kentucky is capturing for a 10-win season underneath Mark Stoops, who signed an extension through the teaching carousel. Each groups have received their previous three bowl video games.
Choose: Kentucky wins 24-20 and COVERS the unfold.
- Arizona Bowl: Boise State (-9.5) vs. Central Michigan
Jan. 1, 2 p.m., TBD
Boise State received 4 of its final 5 video games underneath first-year coach Andy Avalos, and the Broncos can put a capper on that towards the Chippewas. Central Michigan is 3-1 ATS as an underdog this season.
Choose: Boise State wins 28-24 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Texas Bowl: Kansas State vs. LSU (-2.5)
Jan. 4, 9 p.m., ESPN
New LSU coach Brian Kelly seemingly might be watching from the posh field because the Tigers attempt to end a profitable season. Which means retaining Kansas State operating again Deuce Vaughn, who had 1,258 yards and 15 TDs, in test. LSU is 2-5 ATS in video games with single-digit spreads. It is a powerful name.
Choose: LSU wins 26-21 and COVERS the unfold.
New Yr’s Day Six picks, predictions
- Peach Bowl: No. 10 Michigan State vs. No. 12 Pitt (-4.5)
Dec. 30, 7 p.m., ESPN
Pat Narduzzi was a longtime Michigan State defensive coordinator earlier than taking the Pitt job. Kenny Pickett and Kenneth Walker III had been two of the nice surprises of the 2021 season, and each will make massive performs on this high-scoring matchup. The Panthers rating one for the ACC in a thriller that units the tone for the New Yr’s Day Six.
Choose: Pitt wins 30-27 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 5 Notre Dame (-2.5) vs. No. 9 Oklahoma State
Jan. 1, 1 p.m., ESPN
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman will make his debut in a New Yr’s Day Six Bowl, and this guarantees to be a defensive battle provided that the Irish and Cowboys ranked within the high 10 in scoring protection. Notre Dame’s Jack Coan throws a game-winning TD late to seal an thrilling victory towards Oklahoma State, which generates enthusiasm for subsequent yr’s opener at Ohio State.
Choose: Notre Dame wins 26-21 and COVERS the unfold.
- Rose Bowl: No. 6 Ohio State (-6.5) vs. No. 11 Utah
Jan. 1, 5 p.m., ESPN
Third-year coach Ryan Day will not let the Buckeyes deal with the Rose Bowl Sport like a comfort prize. Utah allowed simply 195.3 passing yards per recreation this season, and Tavion Thomas scored 20 speeding TDs. The Utes will attempt to use the identical method Michigan did towards Ohio State, however the Buckeyes flex with their offensive machine.
Choose: Ohio State wins 35-23 and COVERS the unfold.
- Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Baylor (-1.5) vs. No. 8 Ole Miss
Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m., ESPN
Dave Aranda led the Bears to a Massive 12 championship behind a no-nonsense operating recreation and protection, and they’re going to attempt to decelerate Ole Miss’ wide-open offense. Matt Corral will play within the bowl recreation, too. That ought to result in a enjoyable matchup. Lane Kiffin leads the Rebels to a powerful 11-win season. How excessive will they be ranked to begin subsequent season?
Choose: Ole Miss wins 34-27 in an UPSET.
School Soccer Playoff picks, predictions
- Cotton Bowl Traditional: No. 1 Alabama (-14) vs. No. 4 Cincinnati
Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
The Bearcats get to play the function of Cinderella, and Desmond Ridder and Jerome Ford must be excellent on offense towards Alabama. How will Cincinnati cornerbacks Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant maintain up towards Bryce Younger and an Alabama passing assault that might be with out John Metchie III. You bought the matchup, however the Crimson Tide will not be taking anyone flippantly right here.
Choose: Alabama wins 40-20 and COVERS the unfold.
- Orange Bowl: No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 Georgia (-9)
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
The road has moved 1.5 factors from its open, and the Bulldogs are heavy favorites in a basic Massive Ten-SEC matchup we’ve not seen since 1965. The Wolverines had been 5-1 ATS in video games with single-digits unfold this season, however will they be capable of maintain a operating recreation towards Georgia’s dominant defensive entrance for 4 quarters? It is a recreation Michigan can win, however we will not decide towards Georgia.
Choose: Georgia wins 29-21 however FAILS TO COVER the unfold.
- CFP Championship: No. 1 Alabama (TBD) vs. No. 3 Georgia
Jan. 10, 8 p.m., ESPN
One other all-SEC championship recreation, proper? What else is new? The Crimson Tide must make changes with out John Metchie III, and Georgia will play higher within the rematch. It will be an on the spot basic within the mildew of the 2018 CFP championship recreation, however Younger will play the function of star once more at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Choose: Alabama wins 31-24.
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