College Football Betting – Bowl Game Best Bets December 22-28

Andy Williams sang it best when he crooned “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” That is certainly the case for college football fans. This week, bowl season kicks off in earnest with the College Football Odds. Of course, in recent years, handicapping the bowl games has become a greater challenge. The teams that MADE a bowl game are often quite different from those that PLAY in the bowl game. That is because of coaching changes, player opt-outs, and the transfer portal. But college football fans and gamblers will not be stopped. Let the feast begin!

Betting on College Football – Bowl Game Best Bets This Week

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN

Missouri Tigers vs. Army Black Knights -3.5

This game has the potential to be a mismatch with the NCAA Football Odds. Missouri has one of the worst defensive lines and defenses in the nation. That could not be a worse combination against the powerful Army triple-option. The Black Knights are looking to atone for their stunning upset loss to Navy in America’s Game.

Best Bet: Army Black Knights

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl – 7 p.m. ET – ESPN

Florida Gators -6.5 vs. UCF Knights

For several years, Central Florida has pined and whined for an NCAAF Odds matchup against Florida. Now they get their chance. And the Knights may give the Gators all they can handle. Sure, Florida has the SEC pedigree. But they have a price tag that goes with that. Florida is a 6-6 team playing for an interim coach. UCF coach Gus Malzahn made his name in the SEC and will have the Knights prepared.

Best Bet: UCF Knights

Friday, December 24, 2021

EasyPost Hawaii Bowl – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN

Memphis Tigers -8 vs. Hawaii Warriors

Hawaii coach Todd Graham has been under intense fire for allegations of player abuse. In a panic PR move, he set up a player’s council to improve communication. Hawaii could be a dangerous value with the NCAAF Betting Odds despite those problems.   Memphis is coming off a lackluster season and an alarming drop in defensive metrics. This one looks like a shootout. And it’s a virtual home game for Hawaii.

Best Bet: Hawaii Warriors and Over the Total

Saturday, December 25, 2021

TaxAct Camellia Bowl – 8 p.m. ET – ESPN

Ball State Cardinals vs. Georgia State Panthers -5

We get a rare Christmas Day game gift with the NCAA Vegas Odds as Ball State and Georgia State are quality Group of Five programs. When all things are equal, the dog makes the most sense.

Best Bet: Ball State Cardinals

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl – Noon ET – ESPN

Houston Cougars vs. Auburn Tigers -2

Naturally, the betting public will be thinking about Auburn in their matchup against Houston. Much of that comes down to branding. Houston is a Group of Five program from the American Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, Auburn is a top brand from the SEC. However, a deeper dive makes a compelling case for Houston.

Following a hot start under new head coach Bryan Harsin, the Tigers flamed out badly down the stretch. Of great concern is that quarterback Bo Nix hit the transfer portal. Meanwhile, star running back Tank Bigsby was talked off the ledge when he said he would do the same. Auburn finished a disappointing 6-6 on the season. By contrast, Houston was one of the most improved teams in the country, making the AAC Championship Game.

Best Bet: Houston Cougars

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

SDCCU Holiday Bowl – 8 p.m. ET – FOX

UCLA Bruins vs. NC State Wolfpack -1

There will be a decent contingent of UCLA fans coming down the road for this game. After reported talks with his old team, the Oregon Ducks, UCLA coach Chip Kelly is staying at Westwood. It was something of a breakthrough season for the Bruins under Kelly. UCLA went 8-4 and made national news with their Week-1 mauling of LSU. Meanwhile, NC State is a good but highly erratic program.

Best Bet: UCLA Bruins

Every day through June, the Top College Football odds and picks can be accessed and made at SugarHouse.