North Carolina State vs Rutgers odds: Rutgers -7
Online betting: Rutgers -7
Two of the hottest teams in the country meet up in a contest that should be fairly entertaining. NC State, led by freshman sensation quarterback Russell Wilson, made a late season run to qualify for a bowl game. Rutgers, who started 1-5, finished the season with six straight wins and head into this contest on fire. NC State is still a little raw so look for some nerves to show in Wilson’s first bowl game.
Northwestern vs Missouri odds: Missouri -12.5
Online betting: Missouri -12.5
If this matchup was in the regular season, it would be a complete and utter mismatch. But in the postseason, who knows. Missouri was hoping to be part of the BCS party but now is playing in a mediocre and meaningless bowl. They are a huge favorite against a team that’s more tricky than good. On talent alone, the Tigers should cover this spread and even though their focus might be elsewhere, it’s still hard to take the Wildcats in this situation.
Western Michigan vs Rice odds: Rice -2.5
Online betting: Rice -2.5
If you like points, this is your cup of tea. The Rice Owls have been lighting up the scoreboard with Chase Clement running the show at quarterback while Western Michigan can pile up the points as well. The good news for Rice is that they are playing at home in Houston, which should help them get their first bowl game since 1954.
Oregon vs Oklahoma State odds: Oklahoma State -3
Online betting: Oregon +3
Two teams that can spread it out and run the ball will get to it Holiday Bowl. Oregon finished the season on a high with a huge win over rival Oregon State in the Civil War while Oklahoma State beat everyone they were expected to beat, but failed in four tries to pull off the upset against Top 10 BCS ranked teams. Oregon has picked up steam as the season has gone alone and has a stable full of running backs to get the job done.
Air Force vs Houston odds: Houston -3.5
Online betting: Houston -3.5
Air Force and Houston will match up in the Armed Forces Bowl, which will be played in Houston’s backyard in Forth Worth, Texas. Air Force has already topped Houston once this season but as we saw in the Wake-Navy game, history doesn’t necessarily repeat itself. Air Force has the running game while Houston’s offense is the total package and led the nation in total offense. Look for the Cougars to be extra motivated because of revenge and because they haven’t won a bowl game since 1980.
Pittsburgh vs Oregon State odds: Oregon State -2.5
Online betting: Oregon State -2.5
You have to wonder where Oregon State’s head will be at after blowing a Rose Bowl berth opportunity in their final game of the season. Pittsburgh isn’t exactly the best team to back and not many bettors put a ton of faith in Dave Wannstedt’s teams, so buyers will beware. Oregon State has proven that they can play well in bowl games under Mike Riley and with their star running back Jacquizz Rodgers back, they should have enough weapons to win this game.
Boston College vs Vanderbilt odds: Boston College -3
Online betting: Boston College -3
Don’t look now but Bobby Johnson has seemingly turned around his Vanderbilt program after bringing the lowly Commodores to a bowl game. It will be Vanderbilt’s first bowl game in 26 years and will be aiming for their first bowl win since 1955. Vandy barely qualified for a bowl game, though. They started the season 5-1 but wrapped it up 1-5. Look for the Eagles to continue Vandy’s bowl-win drought.
Minnesota vs Kansas odds: Kansas -9
Online betting: Kansas -9
Not many teams finished up the season as poorly as the Golden Gophers. After a heartbreaking loss to Northwestern, Minnesota also lost at home to Michigan and then got smoked 55-0 at the hands of Iowa. Kansas comes into this game on a high after toppling Missouri in the Border War and they should be able to keep Minnesota in a tailspin.
LSU vs Georgia Tech odds: LSU +4
Online betting: LSU +4
Georgia Tech has a very tough offense to deal with. Their complicated option attack is not something that has been seen very often in the FBS, which is why they are so hard to deal with on a week-to-week basis. But LSU is going to have more than a week to prepare – they should have ample time to scout and watch film of Yellow Jackets. LSU has the athletes to shut this unit down and the extra time in between games should be the main difference.
