Wasabi Fenway Bowl
North Carolina (-3, T-53) vs UConn
All the talk with UNC is the arrival of Bill Belichick, but this team fired its coach, Mack Brown, and was hammered by transfers. Freddie Kitchens will coach them for this game, and while they still have the better overall talent, UConn is playing better football of late. Can they pull off the upset? Well, the books think so, as this line opened at 4.5 and has moved down to 3.
THE PICK: UConn 21, UNC 17
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
TCU (-12.5, T-58) vs Louisiana
Here’s a game for those who love high-scoring contests. There isn’t much defense here on both sides, meaning points for both teams. TCU is by far the better team, and if they can replicate the form of a couple of years ago in the college playoffs, this should be a rout. There isn’t much hype for this game, but it could be one of the more entertaining matchups of the holiday week.
THE PICK: TCU 43, Louisiana 23
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
Miami University (-3, T-42) vs Colorado State
Colorado State has lost its top two wide receivers, Caleb Goodie and Jamari Person, who bolted to the portal, and there will be others to follow. Both teams should be mostly intact, but the Rams are a bit more talented. It’s not a game that will be full of exciting plays or even points, but Colorado State should come away with a close win.
THE PICK: Colorado State 20, Miami University 17
Go Bowling Military Bowl
East Carolina vs NC State (-6, T-58.5)
It's an in-state game as NC State takes on East Carolina. NC State allowed 30.5 points per game, which ranked 104th in the country. The Pirates were 4-1 under interim coach Blake Harrell after they fired Mike Houston. Katin Houser, who transferred from Michigan State, threw for 1,859 yards, including 15 TDs, in the last five games.
THE PICK: East Carolina 31, NC State 30
Valero Alamo Bowl
No. 23 Colorado (-5, T-54.5) vs. No. 17 BYU
Deion Sanders says Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter will play, and if they do, the Buffaloes will be motivated. BYU had a plus-nine turnover ratio this season, but Sanders does not turn the ball over. Colorado, meanwhile, had a plus-11 turnover ratio. Sanders and Hunter will show why they will likely be taken in the top 3 of the NFL Draft.
THE PICK: Colorado 34, BYU 23