I think there are 35 bowls this year, so if I go in three stages, thats 11 or 12 each time. I’ll ease into it with the first 11 bowls.
12/18, New Mexico, BYU vs. UTEP(+11.5)
The Cougars have at least played some decent teams, like, ever, which the Miners have not. Give the points.
12/18, Humanitarian: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State(+1.5)
The Huskies seem to always be able to run the ball, so I’ll take NIU.
12/18, New Orleans: Ohio vs. Troy(-2)
The Bobcats have never won a bowl game, whereas Troy has won a couple in recent memory. Give the points.
12/21, St. Petersburg: Southern Miss vs. Louisville(-3)
Totally underwhelmed by the entire Big East this year. I think I’ll pick against all of them. Go Golden Eagles!
12/22, Las Vegas: Utah vs. Boise State(-17)
Wow, that’s a lot of points! I know the Broncos will be ticked off that they’re in this bowl. Will it be a letdown, or will they run it up to show that they’re actually still good? And will anybody see this game? I say that’s too many points and will take the Utes.
12/23, Poinsettia: Navy vs. San Diego State(-4.5)
Sure, it’s a home game for the Aztecs, but they’ve not been to a bowl in forever. Take the Midshipmen and the points.
12/24, Hawaii: Hawaii vs. Tulsa(+10)
I don’t see this as a blowout. I like the Warriors to win, but that’s too many points. Take the over, too.
12/26, Little Caesars: Florida International vs. Toledo(-1.5)
The Rockets were actually decent this year, so I’m going to give the points.
12/27, Independence: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech(+3)
Oh, look, another ACC team I can pick against. Look, I’ll be rooting for the Jackets, but I don’t think they win this one. There might even be like five or six passes thrown in the entire game!
12/28: Champs Sports: West Virginia vs. NC State(+3)
I wasn’t particularly impressed by the ACC this year, to be honest, but they’re still better than the Big East. I will take the points.
12/28: Insight: Missouri vs. Iowa(+1)
Now this is a bowl game! Really not sure who to go with here, but in my defense, Vegas doesn’t appear to know, either. Mizzou finished the season really well, and Iowa fell off the map. However, the Hawkeyes will have time to heal and they are well-coached, which matters with all this time to prepare. Still, the Tigers are probably the better team overall. I want to pick Iowa here but I just can’t do it, I have to take Missouri.
Got Al’s first few picks via email:
New Mexico Bowl
UTEP @ Brigham Young -11
I’ll give the big number and take the Cougars despite a down year.
Humanitarian Bowl
Northern Illinois @ Fresno State +1
NI lost the MAC championship game despite being favored. They have a good running game from what I’ve read, so I’ll go with them.
New Orleans Bowl
Ohio @ Troy -2
I’ll take Ohio that played in the stronger MAC vs. Troy that struggled to win the Sun Belt.
12/21, St. Petersburg: Southern Miss vs. Louisville(-3)
Pretty evenly matched teams from what I have read. I guess I’ll take the points and Southern Miss.
12/22, Las Vegas: Utah vs. Boise State(-17)
Boise State should blow them out. Of course, they may be bummed and not up for this game…nah, they’ll want to make a statement.
12/23, Poinsettia: Navy vs. San Diego State(-4.5)
I love the triple option! Go Navy!
12/24, Hawaii: Hawaii vs. Tulsa(+10)
Hawaii’s offense will overwhelm Tulsa. Give the points.
12/26, Little Caesars: Florida International vs. Toledo(-1.5)
I’ll keep going with the MAC and take Toledo.
12/27, Independence: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech(+3)
Oh man…Georgia Tech not even favored. Their defense has just been so disappointing. Still, they hung with Georgia and could have beaten them. I’ll take the points.
12/28: Champs Sports: West Virginia vs. NC State(+3)
WVU has come on toward the end of the year. Despite the Head Coach stuff, I’m taking the Mountaineers.
12/28: Insight: Missouri vs. Iowa(+1)
Such a disappointing season for Iowa. They were supposed to have the team good enough to win the Big 10 and at least good enough to beat Ohio St. But after losing people to crimes and just bad mojo, I like Missouri to cover.