Jan. 2 Bowl Games
The college football world takes a bit of a backwards step on Saturday, as there are five bowl games on the schedule. While the games have been getting progressively better leading to New Year's Day, none of the five games on the Jan. 2 slate can match the Rose Bowl or the Sugar Bowl. That doesn't mean there aren't several good match-ups, however, as several of the games could be quite enjoyable.
The International Bowl isn't one of them, however, as the day will get started with Northern Illinois meeting South Florida. South Florida is favored by 7 and the total is 49.
Both teams went 7-5 during the year, with South Florida having played slightly tougher competition.
There don't appear to be a lot of differences between the two teams, so have to grab the underdog in this spot. Also will take the over.
The Papa John's Bowl is the second of the pizza bowls to be played this year, as we've already had the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl. South Carolina is favored by four over Connecticut and the total is 51.5.
The Huskies will try to run the ball, but could very well have trouble against a tough South Carolina defense. The Gamecocks aren't going to light up the scoreboard, but have to think they'll score enough to cover this relatively small spread.
Mississippi is favored by three over Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl with a total of 50.5.
OSU quarterback Zac Robinson had a somewhat disappointing season, as did the Rebels' Jevan Snead, who was plagued by interceptions all season. Snead threw for 20 TDs, but was picked off 17 times.
Both teams have marquee running backs, making the game pretty much of a toss-up. When that happens, have to side with the underdog and we'll grab OSU and the points, along with the over.
East Carolina and Arkansas meet in the Liberty Bowl and it will be interesting to see how the Pirates keep up with the pass-happy Razorbacks. Arkansas is favored by 7.5 and the total is 63.5, so the oddsmakers are expecting plenty of points.
East Carolina has the better rushing game and running dogs of more than a touchdown are always dangerous, so we'll bite on the points and take our third over of the day.
The final game of the day, the Alamo Bowl, pits Texas Tech and Michigan State, so the Red Raiders will have a huge home crowd advantage. Tech is favored by 7.5 and the total is 60.
Michigan State is horrible against the pass, which is not what you want to see when facing a team that threw for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. The Spartans don't run the ball particularly well and throw plenty themselves, which unfortunately, plays into the hands of Tech's defensive strength.
Hate to lay this many points, but feel Texas Tech is the correct side in this one.
