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Hawaii Bowl: USF vs. San Jose State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s USF vs. San Jose State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The USF Bulls (6-6) and San Jose State Spartans (7-5) meet Tuesday in the Hawaii Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the USF vs. San Jose State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bulls were tripped up 35-28 in the regular-season finale at Rice Nov. 30, failing as 5.5-point favorites with the Over (54) cashing. USF is 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games, while cashing the Over in 3 in a row, and in 5 of the past 6 games.

USF QB Byrum Brown has been sidelined since Sept. 28 in a blowout loss at Tulane. He suffered a lower leg injury, but Brown is getting healthier and might be able to play in this bowl game. That would be a huge lift for USF. As far as the transfer portal or opt outs, the Bulls haven’t been terribly affected going into this game.

For San Jose State, it lost CBs Michael Dansby to Arizona and DJ Harvey to USC. WR Nick Nash has opted out to get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft, too, so that’s a big loss for the Spartans offense. Nash had 104 receptions, 1,382 yards and 16 TDs — all team-highs — while the rest of the receivers had 13 TDs combined.

San Jose State scored a 34-31 win over Stanford in its regular-season finale, covering as a 2.5-point favorite with the Over (55) hitting. Still, the Spartans are 2-6 ATS in the past 8 games, with the Under going 5-2 in the past 7 outings.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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USF vs. San Jose State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Monday at 6:08 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): USF +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | San Jose State -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread: USF +3 (-115) | San Jose State -3 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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USF vs. San Jose State picks and predictions

Prediction

USF 32, San Jose State 29

Moneyline

USF (+125) is a strong play as moderate underdogs as long as Brown is able to start for the Bulls. All indications are that it is going to be the case.

San Jose State (-150) would be an attractive play if Nash was going to play, even with Brown starting. However, the best player will not be on the field for this bowl game and the Spartans offense should be a shell of itself.

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Against the spread

If you’re on the conservative side, USF +3 (-115) is a decent play catching the points.

The Bulls were impressive in the Boca Raton Bowl last season, roughing up Syracuse 45-0 — USF was a 3-point underdog. The Bulls have won 3 of their past 4 bowl games dating back to 2016.

San Jose State is just 1-2 ATS in the past 3 games as a favorite, while going 2-6 ATS in the past 8 outings.

Over/Under

UNDER 63.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

For San Jose State, the Under has cashed in 3 straight games off campus, and again, the offense should take a hit with Nash not being a part of the team.

The Over has hit in 3 straight games for the Bulls, so that’s where the risk comes in. However, San Jose State has a serviceable defense, and it should be able to slow USF somewhat.

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Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) and Fresno State Bulldogs (6-6) meet Monday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Kickoff from Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Northern Illinois closed the season strong, winning 3 of its last 4 games, including a 24-16 win over the Central Michigan Chippewas in its regular-season finale Nov. 30. However, the Huskies failed to cover as 13.5-point home favorites with the Under (40.5) hitting against CMU.

NIU posted one of the biggest upsets of the season when it beat then-No. 7 Notre Dame 16-14 in South Bend Sept. 7. The Huskies were 28-point underdogs against the Fighting Irish, who are now ranked No. 3 an find themselves in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

The Huskies tied for sixth in the MAC with a 4-4 record. While their offense averaged just 24.3 points per game (PPG), the defense stood out, ranking 15th in the country in points allowed (18.4). DT Devonte O’Malley led the unit with 8 sacks.

Last season, NIU snapped a 7-bowl losing streak, dating back to 2012. That victory was a 21-19 win as a 2.5-point underdog against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the 2023 Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.

Fresno State stumbled to the finish line this season, losing 3 of its last 4 games, including a 20-13 defeat to the UCLA Bruins Nov. 30. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs covered as 7.5-point road underdogs for their second consecutive cover in a row, while Under (46.5) cashed.

The Bulldogs finished fourth in the Mountain West with a 4-3 record and were average across most statistical categories in the conference. QB Mikey Keene was a bright spot, leading the MWC with a 70.4% completion rate. Unfortunately for Fresno State, he entered the transfer portal and won’t play in the bowl game.

Fresno State has won its last 5 bowl games, dating back to 2017. The Bulldogs claimed a dominant 37-10 victory as 3-point underdogs over the New Mexico State Aggies in the 2023 New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque.

Northern and Fresno have met 5 times with NIU holding a 3-2 advantage. The Bulldogs won the last meeting 40-17 in the 2010 version of this bowl, which was called the Humanitarian Bowl .

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Northern Illinois -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Fresno State +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread (ATS): Northern Illinois -3.5 (-115) | Fresno State +3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State picks and predictions

Prediction

Northern Illinois 20, Fresno State 13

Moneyline

Northern Illinois (-165) will win, but take the better odds on the spread. However, it’s OK to include the Huskies moneyline in a multi-team parlay.

PASS.

Against the spread

Fresno State enters this bowl game in rough shape. Along with dropping 3 of its last 4 games (as mentioned), WRs Jalen Moss (committed to Arizona State) and Raylen Sharpe (Arkansas) and RB Malik Sherrod joined Keene in the transfer portal. With Keene out, QB Joshua Wood, who had just 5 pass attempts this season, or QB Jayden Mandal (3 pass attempts) will start.

Whoever starts at QB will face a tough challenge against Northern Illinois’ tough defense, which ranked fifth nationally in yards allowed per game (281.0). The Huskies are on a roll, winning 3 of their last 4 by an average of 11.7 points. They’ve also excelled at neutral sites, covering the spread in 4 of their last 5 such games.

Northern Illinois lost some players to the transfer portal, too, including starting QB Ethan Hampton (headed to Illinois). Redshirt freshman QB Josh Holst (47 of 81, 411 passing yards, 0 TD, 1 INT) will make his second start.

NIU has covered in 3 straight postseason games, including last season’s 2-point win vs. Arkansas State. With an top-ranked defense and Fresno State’s lack of momentum and depleted roster, the Huskies are well-positioned for another strong performance.

BET NORTHERN ILLINOIS -3.5 (-115).

Over/Under

It’s rare to see a total this low in college football, but it’s justified. With backup quarterbacks starting and several key players out due to the transfer portal, this game has all the makings of an Under. Plus, Northern Illinois features one of the top defenses in the country.

TAKE UNDER 39.5 (-105) — it’s the smart play.

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Myrtle Beach Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (6-6) and UTSA Roadrunners (6-6) meet Monday in the Myrtle Beach Bowl at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Chanticleers used both QBs Ethan Vasko and Noah Kim this season, but both players are in the transfer portal, and unlikely to play. Coach Tim Beck said that redshirt freshman QB Tad Hudson is the probable starter, with fellow freshman QB Alex Walker also available.

In addition, CCU will be without top defensive players LB Clev Lubin, who is off to the Auburn Tigers via the portal, while CB Matthew McDoom has already signed with the Cincinnati Bearcats. In addition, offensive line starters T Zovon Lindsay and G Anthony Walton have been dealing with injuries, and appear unlikely to go.

UTSA has a handful of players in the portal, too, but coach Jeff Traylor told the media he expects most players on the roster to be available, with some portal players traveling with the team.

The best defensive player for the Roadrunners, LB Jimmori Robinson, was nicked in the season finale against Army. The AAC Player of the Year has elected to opt out of Monday’s bowl game to get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.

UTSA is 1-4 in 5 previous bowl games, while Coastal Carolina has managed a 2-2 all-time record in postseason games.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:16 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Coastal Carolina +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | UTSA -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread: Coastal Carolina +11.5 (-110) | UTSA -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA picks and predictions

Prediction

UTSA 33, Coastal Carolina 16

Moneyline

UTSA (-450) will cost you 4 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s quite a bit of risk for a team which was 0-6 SU this season on the road.

While the Roadrunners catch a break against a depleted and banged-up Chanticleers team, that fact remains UTSA hasn’t won off campus since a 35-17 win in the Frisco Bowl last season against Marshall for its first-ever bowl win.

PASS, as a standalone wager.

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Against the spread

BACK UTSA -11.5 (-110) lightly laying the points in Myrtle Beach.

The Roadrunners haven’t won on the road, but Coastal Carolina +10.5 (-110) will be starting a redshirt freshman under center with no prior playing history. There are going to be some ugly moments for the Chants offense.

The Roadrunners are without Robinson on defense, so that’s going to help the young pass throwers for CCU, but expect UTSA to be a lot better on offense.

Over/Under

UNDER 55.5 (-105) might be the best play on the board.

It’s hard to imagine the Chanticleers moving the ball up and down the field with a redshirt freshman QB who has never played at the collegiate level. CCU figures to lean on RB Braydon Bennett, the experienced rusher. Running the ball runs the clock, which Under bettors love.

The Under finished 3-1 in the final 4 games for CCU with a full squad, while the Under hit for UTSA in the season finale at Army. That halted a 6-0 Over run, though, so don’t get carried away. With this Roadrunners offense is rolling, it can score plenty.

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College Football Playoff: Tennessee at Ohio State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Tennessee at Ohio State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 9 seed Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) and No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) meet Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus for a first-round tilt in the new College Football Playoff. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC / ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Tennessee vs. Ohio State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The weather forecast in Columbus calls for mostly cloudy skies with temperatures around 25 degrees at kickoff. There will only be a slight 4-6 MPH breeze. While it will be cold, weather shouldn’t be much of a factor.

The Volunteers and Buckeyes meet for just the second time ever. These teams faced each other on New Year’s Day in 1996 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, with the Vols coming out ahead 20-14. QB Peyton Manning and Tennessee were able to ease past Heisman Trophy-winner RB Eddie George and Ohio State that day.

Tennessee rebounded from a 31-17 loss at Georgia on Nov. 16, taking care of UTEP and Vanderbilt in the final 2 games, while also grabbing covers in those games. The Over cashed in each of the final 3 contests.

Ohio State suffered a very disappointing 13-10 loss at home to rival Michigan Nov. 30 at The Horseshoe, and it was a 19.5-point favorite in that contest. The Under (41.5) cashed, and the total ended up going low in 5 of the final 6 games for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes defense did their job down the stretch, allowing 17 or fewer points in each of the final 6 games, and 11 of 12 games this season. In fact, Ohio State was No. 1 in the country with just 241.1 total yards allowed and 10.9 PPG. The passing game yielded only 144.3 yards per game, second-best in the land, while the rush defense allowed only 96.8 yards per game.

On offense, Ohio State was good for 35.5 PPG, and RB Quinshon Judkins led a two-headed attack with 805 rushing yards and 8 TDs. True freshman WR Jeremiah Smith was a stud out of the gate, amassing 934 yards with 10 TDs, while WR Emeka Egbuka was a strong secondary option with 60 receptions, 743 yards and 9 TDs.

Tennessee had a powerful offense, led by QB Nico Iamaleava. The Vols posted 463.5 total yards, 232.5 rushing yards and 37.3 points per game, all ranking inside the Top 10 nationally.

Defensively, the Vols also ranked inside the Top 10 with 278.3 total yards, 99.6 rushing yards and 13.9 points per game allowed.

Tennessee is No. 6 in the US LBM Coaches Poll; Ohio State is No. 7 — conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports.

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Tennessee at Ohio State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tennessee +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Ohio State -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Tennessee +7 (-105) | Ohio State -7 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Tennessee at Ohio State picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 23, Ohio State 20

Moneyline

It’s worth a roll of the dice to back TENNESSEE (+220). Traditionally, Ohio State (-275) has really struggled with SEC opponents over the years, going 2-14 all-time in bowl games.

In addition, there isn’t a lot of confidence in the Buckeyes after failing to win outright as a 19.5-point favorite against rival Michigan. The defensive effort was there, including a tremendous athletic interception by LB Jack Sawyer. But, the offense really struggled, and will have to be a lot less vanilla if it hopes to win. If Ohio State loses, Ryan Day’s coaching seat will heat up to lava-like temperatures.

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Against the spread

BACK TENNESSEE +7 (-105), as this is a lot of points for this matchup.

The Vols did struggle on the road, however, going just 2-2 SU/ATS in 4 outings away from home in the SEC, including an outright loss to Arkansas as a 14-point favorite on Oct. 5 that not a lot of people talk about. They also lost to Georgia, but there isn’t a lot of shame in that.

Ohio State -7 (-115) is a big number for this magnitude of a game, and it is just 3-4 ATS in the past 7 outings.

Over/Under

UNDER 46.5 (-115) is the play, as both of these teams have powerful offenses capable of keeping scores really low.

Again, Ohio State went low in 5 of the final 6 games, and 7 of the final 9 outings. It allowed 17 or fewer points in 11 of 12 games, so Tennessee will find points to be at a premium.

The Vols cashed the Over in each of the final 3 games, but the Over-Under was 2-2 in 4 true road games this season, while it allowed 18 or fewer points in 10 of 12 outings.

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College Football Playoff: SMU at Penn State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s SMU at Penn State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 11 seed SMU Mustangs (11-2) and No. 6 seed Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) meet in the first round of the College Football Playoff Saturday. Kickoff from Beaver Stadium is set for noon ET (TNT/Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the SMU vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

SMU lost 34-31 to the Clemson Tigers in the ACC title game on Dec. 7 as a 2.5-point favorite. The Mustangs trailed by 17 points at the end of the third quarter, but stormed back to tie the game before the Tigers won on a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Penn State lost 45-37 to the Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten title game on Dec. 7 as a 3-point underdog. The Nittany Lions racked up 523 total yards and 28 first downs against Oregon, but their 2 turnovers were costly. Penn State is 1-2 against ranked opponents this year.

Penn State is ranked No. 5 and SMU is No. 12 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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SMU at Penn State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): SMU +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Penn State -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): SMU +8.5 (-105) | Penn State -8.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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SMU at Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 35, SMU 17

Moneyline

PASS.

The Nittany Lions should pick up the win as -350 favorites, but they are not worth the risk of betting on as such heavy favorites, especially not in the playoffs. Pass here and bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN PENN STATE -8.5 (-115).

The Nittany Lions’ offense will allow them to cover in this game as SMU’s defense is bad, allowing 232.7 passing yards per game and over 20 points per game. Penn State’s offense also averages 448.6 yards per game, so the Nittany Lions will be able to get whatever they want here.

Penn State is also officially treating this game as a White Out game, meaning that the crowd will be absolutely electric for the Nittany Lions, which will give them a nice advantage that will help them cover here.

This is a lean because Penn State and coach James Franklin are notorious for throwing away big games.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 53.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in 4 of Penn State’s last 5 home games and is 2-1 in SMU’s last 3 games. The Under is also 7-6 for Penn State this season.

Penn State’s defense will be pivotal to the Under hitting as the Nittany Lions hold opponents to under 285 total yards per game and 16.4 PPG.

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College Football Playoff: Clemson at Texas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Clemson at Texas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Clemson Tigers (10-3) and Texas Longhorns (11-2) meet in the first round of the College Football Playoff Saturday. Kickoff from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (TNT / Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Clemson vs. Texas odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Clemson, which is No. 13 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and the No. 12 seed in this tournament, is the champion of the ACC by way of a 34-31 triumph (as a +2.5 underdog) over SMU in that league’s title game Dec. 7. The Tigers, who rank 66th in FBS in total defense (364.9 yards per game), won that game despite being outgained by 132 yards. CU was a plus-2 in turnovers vs. the Mustangs and is a plus-7 since Nov. 9.

No. 4 Texas is the 5 seed in the national championship bracket. The Longhorns are the runners up of the SEC via a 22-19 loss to Georgia in the Dec. 7 championship game. UT was tabbed as a 3-point favorite in that contest and is just 1-3 against the spread (ATS) over its last 4 games.

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Clemson at Texas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Clemson +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Texas -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread: Clemson +12.5 (-110) | Texas -12.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Clemson at Texas picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas 31, Clemson 17

Moneyline

No interest. Lots of juice here, and that’s drowning out leverage on a Texas lean. AVOID.

Against the spread

The venue here matters. A lot.

The Texas defense has been really good all season. It has been especially stingy at DKR.

At home, UT has held foes to 17 points or fewer in 6 of 7 games. Against the pass — a big key against the throw-first Tigers, the Longhorns have allowed more than 200 yards in a home game once (and that was 211 yards Nov. 23 vs. Kentucky).

When the Longhorns have the ball, they should be able to leverage what has been an improving ground game against a CU defense which is better against the pass. As a success-rate matchup, the UT run game against the Tiger run defense is a separator.

Add in Texas being the better red-zone team, especially at the defensive end, where the Longhorns’ 46.4% touchdown-allowed percentage ranks 7th in the nation.

UT has a strong history in cranking out ATS wins when tabbed as a double-digit favorite. Looking for a 7-to-10-point lead by halftime and some ground-and-pound clocking of that edge in the second half.

BACK THE LONGHORNS -12.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under has cashed in 4 straight Texas games and is 7-1- in UT’s last 8. Clemson’s last 5 lined games have netted a 4-1 mark for the Under.

Both teams typically play uptempo, and this game does figure to have several touchdowns scored. The Tigers are also good at forcing turnovers which can often create short-field scoring opportunities.

But the counter for the Longhorns — and Under bettors — is UT’s red-zone defense and the team’s run game. And both against the pass and the run, the Longhorns are exceptional in thwarting explosive plays.

It’s a small-to-moderate lean (some bettors may prefer a partial-unit play here), but the UNDER 51.5 (-110) — price available on FanDuel Sportsbook — is the value side in this CFP battle.

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College Football Playoff: Indiana at Notre Dame odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Indiana at Notre Dame odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 10th-seeded Indiana Hoosiers (11-1) and No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) meet Friday in South Bend for a first-round tilt in the new College Football Playoff. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC / ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Indiana vs. Notre Dame odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hoosiers are in a bit of unchartered territory, figuring prominently into the national discussion. Coach Curt Cignetti came over from James Madison and immediately changed the culture at Indiana, getting the Hoosiers to believe they could win.

Indiana suffered just one loss, but that is where the detractors get loud. The Hoosiers lost against the only ranked team they played. They lost 38-15 as 10.5-point underdogs at then-No. 2, now-No. 7 Ohio State Nov. 23 with the Over (52.5) cashing. Indiana bounced back by trouncing rival Purdue 66-0 as a 29-point favorite while taking care of the Over (56.5) by itself Nov. 30. After an Under winner in the Hoosiers’ season opener (31-7 home victory vs. FIU), the Over went 9-2 in Indiana’s final 11 games.

Hoosiers QB Kurtis Rourke completed 70.4% of his passes for 2,827 yards with 27 TDs and 4 INTs. RB Justice Ellison rushed for 811 yards, 10 TDs and 5.5 yards per carry, while TB Ty Son Lawton had 634 yards, 12 TDs and 4.8 yards per attempt. WR Elijah Sarratt was the big target in the pass game, going for 890 yards and 8 TDs on 49 receptions.

After an impressive season-opening 23-13 win — as a 3-point underdog — at then-No. 20 Texas A&M, Notre Dame suffered a stunning 16-14 loss as a 28-point home favorite against Northern Illinois of the MAC back on Sept. 7. Like Indiana, it rebounded by handing 66 points on poor old Purdue Sept. 14 in a 59-point road victory. Including that rout, the Irish rattled off 10 straight wins, while going 9-1 against the spread (ATS), including 8 straight covers.

Fighting Irish QB Riley Leonard improved as the season went along. Through all 12 games, he completed 66.2% of his passes for 2,092 yards with 16 TDs vs. 5 INTs. He also had 721 rushing yards and 14 TDs on the ground. RB Jeremiyah Love rumbled for 949 yards, 7.1 yards per attempts and 15 TDs, too.

Notre Dame was very good on both sides of the ball, going for 421.3 total yards per game, 224.8 rushing yards per contest (ranking 10th in the country) and 39.8 points per game (3rd). Defensively, it allowed just 296.8 total yards per game (8th), while limiting teams to 157.9 passing yards per game (3rd) and just 13.6 PPG (3rd).

Indiana averaged 438.8 yards on offense per game (25th), 173.6 rushing YPG, 265.2 passing YPG and 43.3 PPG (2nd behind Miami’s 44.2). The Hoosiers stood out even more on defense, yielding 244.8 yards per game (2nd behind Ohio State’s 241.1), 174.0 passing YPG (9th) and led the country in surrendering just 70.8 rushing YPG. Indiana was sixth in points allowed per game (14.7).

Notre Dame is No. 3 in the US LBM Coaches Poll; Indiana is No. 9 — conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports.

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Indiana at Notre Dame odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:50 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Indiana +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Notre Dame -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Indiana +7 (-105) | Notre Dame -7 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Indiana at Notre Dame picks and predictions

Prediction

Notre Dame 34, Indiana 20

Moneyline

Notre Dame (-275) straight up will cost 2.75 times the profitable return. That’s a little too expensive.

With the close proximity to South Bend, and the newness of the playoff, expect plenty of Indiana (+220) fans to make the trip to the shadow of Touchdown Jesus. However, the big fan presence is unlikely to make much of a difference in the second half.

PASS.

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Against the spread

BET NOTRE DAME -7 (-115), but expect a rather close game in the first half. This is a good play as long as it remains a flat 7. Go a little lighter if it climbs to 7 and a hook (7.5) or higher before kickoff.

As mentioned, the Hoosiers lost by 23 points as 10.5-point underdogs at Ohio State last month in the only game they were underdogs and the only time they faced a ranked team.

Over/Under

OVER 52.5 (-105) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Over cashed in 9 of Indiana’s past 11 games, including in the loss at Ohio State.

While the Fighting Irish defense was pretty good down the stretch, the Over was still 4-1 in their final 5 games due to the explosive nature of the offense.

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Gasparilla Bowl: Tulane vs. Florida odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Tulane at Florida odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Tulane Green Wave (9-4) and Florida Gators (7-5) clash Friday afternoon in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa. The opening kickoff at Raymond James Stadium will be at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Tulane vs. Florida odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Tulane is in a bowl game for a fourth consecutive year. The Green Wave’s 9 wins were mostly earned in one big chunk this season. Tulane did not lose a game from Sept. 21-Nov. 16, winning 8 straight games over that span and scoring 40-plus points 5 times along the way. Tulane was then defeated 34-24 in the last week of the regular season by the Memphis Tigers and in the American Athletic Conference title game (35-14 at the Army Black Knights). Both losses were of the against-the-spread (ATS) variety.

Florida heads into the Gasparilla Bowl with the confidence that comes alongside a 3-game winning streak. UF logged just 3 of its losses from October on, and all 3 were against eventual CFP teams (the Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns). Over its 3 straight wins since Nov. 16, the Gators have held foes to a combined 44 points. All 3 wins beat the spread, and Florida is 8-1 ATS since Sept. 21.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Tulane vs. Florida odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:58 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Tulane +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Florida -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Tulane +10.5 (-105) | Florida -10.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Tulane vs. Florida picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida 31, Tulane 24

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

The Florida defense is good in keeping a lid on big plays, but the Gators struggle in keeping foes behind the chains down by down, Especially against the run.

Tulane has run for 200-plus yards in 4 of its last 6 games. The Green Wave are a run-first squad and one that does well to avoid havoc plays. Look for more than a few chances for Tulane to keep drives going on fourth and short. And look for the Green Wave to find shore within 10 of the Gators.

TAKE TULANE +10.5 (-105).

Over/Under

Much of the projected opt-outs and injuries affecting this one are on the defensive side of the football. Both TU and UF are normally quite good in getting stingy in the red zone, but that skill level figures to be down a couple notches.

BACK THE OVER 49.5 (-110).

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Cure Bowl: Ohio vs. Jacksonville State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Ohio vs. Jacksonville State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Ohio Bobcats (10-3) and Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4) meet Friday in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Ohio vs. Jacksonville State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Last season’s Cure Bowl between Appalachian State and Miami (Ohio) was played in a deluge in Orlando, with 13 combined fumbles in a 13-9 win by the Mountaineers. The weather forecast is very pleasant for this year’s installment, with temperatures in the mid-50’s and an 8-10 MPH, chilly for Orlando, actually.

Ohio steams into Orlando after a 38-3 rout of the Miami RedHawks in the MAC Championship Game, winning and covering for a sixth straight game. The Under is 4-1 in the past 5 outings for the Bobcats.

While coach Tim Albin left the Ohio program for the Charlotte 49ers job, surprisingly, the Bobcats have had no players in the transfer portal as of Thursday.

For Jacksonville State, it not only lost coach Rich Rodriguez to West Virginia, but 2 stud defensive players have pulled up stakes, too. S Zechariah Poyser has signed with the Miami Hurricanes, while LB Reginald Hughes, a top EDGE player, is bound for the Colorado Buffaloes. Several other defensive starters have hit the portal, too, leaving their status in question.

Jax State pounded the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 52-12 in the Conference USA title game. This is a team which can run the ball well, as can Ohio. Both teams are very good, and feature a pair of 1,000-yard rushers each. However, the Bobcats have a lockdown rush defense, which the Gamecocks struggle in that area. That will be the difference.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Ohio vs. Jacksonville State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:33 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ohio -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Jacksonville State +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread: Ohio -4.5 (-115) | Jacksonville State +4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Ohio vs. Jacksonville State picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio 32, Jacksonville State 18

Moneyline

Ohio (-200) will cost you twice as much as your potential return, and that is way too much for a singular wager. However, if you were to include the Bobcats into a multi-leg parlay, either as part of a bowl parlay, or multi-sport ticket, including Ohio isn’t terribly expensive or risky.

PASS, as a standalone wager.

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Against the spread

BACK OHIO -4.5 (-110) laying the points in Orlando.

The Bobcats enter on a roll, winning and covering 6 in a row. And, while Ohio loses its coach to the Charlotte job, the kids have stayed together and not hit the portal en masse.

Jacksonville State +4.5 (-110) had some issues stopping the run, but generally it had a strong defense. However, with Hughes and Poyser moving on to power programs, that’s a huge loss for the Gamecocks in this bowl game.

Over/Under

UNDER 56.5 (-110) is the lean in this matinee battle in O-Town.

Ohio has cashed low in 4 of the past 5 games, allowing 10 or fewer points in each of those Under results. The Bobcats rush defense has had it on lockdown, allowing just 95.5 yards per game, ranking among the best in the nation. The Ohio D has allowed 296.3 total yards asnd 17.5 points per game, too.

Jax State has a top-notch offense, especially in the run game, and it’s rush defense is a question mark. Losing Hughes and Poyser hurts, too, but we should still see more defense than offense.

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New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Georgia Southern and Sam Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4) and Sam Houston Bearkats (9-3) meet Thursday in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bearkats are readying for their first-ever bowl game as an FBS program, but they’ll do so without coach K.C. Keeler. He took the Temple head coaching job, so offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will lead the team.

Sam Houston also has a laundry list of opt-outs following their coach out of the door, including leading rusher RB Jay Ducker. DBs Isaiah Cash and David Fisher have been visiting and receiving offers from power conference schools, so the back end of the defense might have some big-time holes in this game.

The Bearkats defense was nasty this season, allowing just 315.6 total yards, 174.1 passing yards and 20.0 points per game this season, but that figures to take a hit with all of the defections. In fact, Sam Houston was an Under machine this season, with the total going low in 9 of 12 games, including the final 6 outings.

The Eagles do not have a lot of opt outs or portal players heading into this one, and Georgia Southern enters with 3 wins and covers in the final 4 games. This is a team which fell to the Boise State Broncos 56-45 in the opener back on Aug. 31, covering as a 13-point underdog. It also has wins over bowl teams James Madison, Marshall and South Alabama.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:52 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Georgia Southern -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Sam Houston +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread: Georgia Southern -4.5 (-110) | Sam Houston +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Georgia Southern 26, Sam Houston 16

Moneyline

Georgia Southern (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and for a standalone wager that’s a bit much. However, as part of a multi-leg parlay, it isn’t that much of a risk tossing the Eagles onto a betslip with 3 or more plays.

PASS, as a standalone wager.

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Against the spread

PLAY GEORGIA SOUTHERN -4.5 (-110) laying the points.

It would have been unthinkable during the season, as Sam Houston +4.5 (-110) is looking for its 10th victory, it’s playing its first-ever FBS bowl game, etc. However, there is just too much upheaval on the Bearkats’ side of the ball, from portal defections, especially on defense, to the coaching staff.

The Eagles present a lot more stability and experience, and it will show, especially as the game wears on into the second half in NOLA.

Over/Under

UNDER 48.5 (-110) is still the play in a Sam Houston game, regardless of the portal losses.

Sam Houston had an amazing defense, and it’s likely the backups backfill the secondary losses to at least hold their own against the Eagles. Plus, Georgia Southern’s offense was simply so-so this season, going for 28.2 PPG and 364.1 total yards per game, so the Bearkats should still keep a lid on things, for the most part.

Sam will have trouble moving the ball, though. Losing Ducker is one thing, but the Bearkats had RBs John Gentry, Zach Hrbacek and DJ McKinney hit the portal, too, leaving the position depleted.

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