It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, Bowl Season. The fellas at the Get Back Coach have you covered with times and a brief synopsis of the College Football bowls. Whether you want to ride or fade, we have you covered, as always, with picks for every game.
YTD
Jake: 42-37-1
Jay: 38-41
Saturday, Dec. 14
IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl 9 p.m., TV: ESPN
Western Michigan vs. South Alabama -10 O/U 58.5
Bowl season starts early with a MAC vs Sun Belt matchup. Western Michigan tight end Blake Bosma is in the transfer port and will not play in the game while the Jags should have their full roster. Look for Gio Lopez to connect with Jamaal Pritchett to get USA’s offense moving. Quarterback Hayden Wolff will lead WMU on offense, and watch for Tate Hallock to lead the Bronco’s secondary (he has 4 interceptions on the year).
Jake: South Alabama -8 Jay: South Alabama -10
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Frisco Bowl — 9 p.m., TV: ESPN
West Virginia vs. No. 25 Memphis -2.5 O/U 56.5
Let’s be honest both of these teams are disappointed after the 2024 regular season. Memphis was picked to be the group of 5 representatives in the College Football Playoff, and West Virginia was looking to get to at least 9 wins to compete for the Big 12. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out but we should get an exciting matchup. This has the makings of a Quarterback duel between the Tiger’s Seth Henigan and the Mountaineer’s Garret Greene.
Jake: WVU +2.5 Jay: WVU +2.5
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Boca Raton Bowl — 5:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison -7.5 O/U 52.5
Western Kentucky made their way to the CUSA Championship where the offense sputtered as Jacksonville State thrashed the Hilltoppers to the tune of 52-12. WKU will look to close the season out on a high note against a James Madison squad who missed out on the Sun Belt Championship thanks to a rough stretch in the final two weeks of the year. Overall though, the Dukes have to be happy with a solid year after Curt Cignetti departed and Bob Chesney stepped in. I think JMU rolls in this one.
Jake: JMU -7.5 Jay: JMU -7.5
LA Bowl — 9 p.m., TV: ESPN
No. 24 UNLV vs. California -1.5 O/U 51.5
As is the case often in bowl season these days, the storylines going into this one revolve around the departures. UNLV loses Barry Odom to Purdue with Dan Mullen stepping in to fill the role in 2025. For Cal, it’s the departure of starting QB Fernando Mendoza for the transfer portal. With that being said, this should still be a fun matchup. I’m expecting a defensive battle in this one.
Jake: u51.5 Jay: u51.5
Thursday, Dec. 19
New Orleans Bowl — 7 p.m., TV: ESPN 2
Sam Houston vs. Georgia Southern -4 O/U 46.5
The Bearkats are looking to fill a coaching vacancy of their own as they hope to reach double-digit wins to close out the season with KC Keeler departing for Temple. Across from Sam Houston State is a Georgia Southern squad that finished second in the Sun Belt East. This line has come down from -6 since the lines opened and the total has also dropped. That has me thinking the under is the play here.
Jake: u 46.5 Jay: u46.5
Friday, Dec. 20
Cure Bowl — Noon, TV: ESPN
Jacksonville State vs. Ohio -2.5 O/U 54
The champions of the MAC and Conference USA head-to-head would’ve been filled with drama two weeks ago. Unfortunately, this game is losing a little bit of its luster. Ohio’s Tim Albin has taken the head at Charlotte, and Rich Rodriguez is returning to where his legacy began at West Virginia University. Despite the coaches leaving this should still be a fun game. No one of significance has opted out yet, and we get to see the wild Gamecocks offense against a “bend but don’t break” Bobcat defense. Ohio also has a three-headed monster in their offensive backfield with Parker Navarro, Anthony Tyrus, and Owen Coleman. JAX has playmakers of their RB Tre Stewart and QB Tyler Huff. The coaches are gone, but this Champion vs Champion game is still must see.
Jake: Ohio -1.5 Jay: Ohio -1.5
Gasparilla Bowl — 3:30, TV: ESPN
Tulane is losing a lot to the portal after a disappointing close out to the season. Florida is trending the opposite direction so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the line shift in favor of the Gators. This has the makings of a blowout unfortunately.
Jake: Florida -14 Jay: Florida -14
College Football Playoff first-round game — 8 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 10 seed Indiana vs. No. 7 seed Notre Dame -7.5 O/U 50.5
A Battle for Indiana. A former doormat of the Big Ten vs College Football royalty. Curt Cignetti has truly done a miraculous job of taking one of the worst College Football programs and getting them into the dance in his first year. On the other sideline, Marcus Freeman has won 19 games in the last two years and seems to have taken the next step with Notre Dame. The big matchup is between the upgraded Hoosier offense behind Kurtis Rourke will be forced to take on a stingy Irish defense.
Jake Indiana +7.5 Jay: Indiana +7.5
Saturday, Dec. 21
College Football Playoff first-round game — Noon, TV: TNT
No. 11 seed SMU vs. No. 6 seed Penn State -9 O/U 53.5
The Mustangs were a bit of a surprise this season going 11-1 and making their way to the Conference Championship. Rhett Lashlee has the ACC on notice considering this is the first year SMU has played a “power 5” schedule. Kevin Jennings and Brashard Smith are a QB/RB duo that is dangerous, but they will have their work cut out for them. Despite its uncharacteristic showing Penn State comes into this game with a top 10 scoring defense. Jennings will have to get the ball out quickly because Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Abdul Carter is the best pass rusher in the nation. The Nittany Lions also have a few weapons on offense themselves. If Drew Allar, Tyler Warren, and the running backs get going like they did against the Ducks, it can spell trouble for the Ponies.
Jake: Penn State -9 Jay: Penn State -9
College Football Playoff first-round game — 4 p.m., TV: TNT
No. 12 seed Clemson vs. No. 5 seed Texas -11 u51.5
Clemson held off a hard-charging SMU squad to win yet another ACC title and punch their ticket to the playoff (knocking out Alabama in the process). Unfortunately for the Tigers, that earned them a chance to face possibly the best defense in the nation as they head to Austin to take on the Longhorns. Texas has struggled offensively against top competition but I think the Longhorns have enough to get the job done at home. With that being said, don’t be surprised if Clemson keeps this one close.
Jake Clemson +11 Jay: Clemson +11
College Football Playoff first-round game — 8 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 9 seed Tennessee vs. No. 8 seed Ohio State -8.5 O/U 47.5
You might as well call this game the “Mystery Bowl” because I don’t think anyone knows how these two teams will perform. The Volunteers has been the epitome of “hot and cold” all season. Their defense has been great but the offense is either firing on all cylinders or completely disjointed. The Buckeyes looked dominant for most of the year despite a hiccup in Eugene, but I’m afraid that last loss to Michigan may have broken them. Can Nico Iamaleava lead the Vols to victory in the shoe? Can Ryan Day get back in the good graces of the Ohio State fans? There are a lot of questions that will be answered during this one.
Jake: Ohio state -8.5 Jay: Tennessee +8.5
Monday, Dec. 23
Myrtle Beach Bowl — 11 a.m., TV: ESPN
Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA -8.5 o/u 55.5
The Roadrunners looked to be heading for an early exit from the season before rattling off three straight wins and securing bowl eligibility. This is a home game for their opponent, Coastal Carolina, but I don’t think the Chants will be able to match the form UTSA found in the back half of the season. Meep meep, in my opinion.
Jake: o55.5 Jay: UTSA -8.5
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl — 2:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Fresno State vs. Northern Illinois -3 o/u39.5
By Fresno State standards, this was a disappointing season for the Bulldogs, who needed an upset win over Colorado State just to get to .500 and secure a bowl berth. For Northern Illinois, the Huskies had high hopes after upsetting Notre Dame in South Bend but came crashing down to Earth in MAC play. The NIU defense is the story in this one and should limit the damage from the Fresno State offense while their own offense will likely struggle to put up points.
Jake: u39.5 Jay: u39.5
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Hawai’i Bowl — 8 p.m., TV: ESPN
South Florida vs. San Jose State -4 o/u62.5
Points are the name of the game in this matchup in Hawai’i. Both of these offenses have the potential to light up the scoreboard and I don’t expect this one to be any different. San Jose State’s Nick Nash is one of the most underrated players in college football this year at wide receiver and expect him to put on a show if he plays.
Jake: o62.5 Jay: San Jose State -4
Thursday, Dec. 26
GameAbove Sports Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: ESPN
Toledo vs. Pittsburgh -9.5 O/U 51.5
Pitt started the year 7-0, riding high as a potential College Football Playoff contender before losing five straight games. Despite the disappointment, the Panthers did find a gun-slinging quarterback in Eli Holstein. Toledo went 7-5 which is considered a “down” year by their standards. Watch for the Rocket’s go-to receiver duo of Jerjuan Newton and Junior Vandeross III. The Rockets have enough firepower to get in a shootout, but can their defense get pressure and stifle Holstein?
Jake: Toledo +9.5 Jay: Pitt -9.5
Rate Bowl — 5:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Rutgers vs. Kansas State -6.5 O/U 51.5
You’d think Rutgers fans would be happier after a 7-5 year and a bowl birth, but they were a bit too optimistic earlier in the year. Add a few key injuries and the Scarlet Knights missed out on a season that could have been special. Kansas State is coming into the game a bit “down” themselves. The Wildcats were expecting a shot at the Big 12 Championship but came up short. Players to watch are Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai and Kansas State QB Avery Johnson. If Rutgers can get their run game going they have a chance, but will it be enough against the always formidable Wildcats?
Jake: u51.5 Jay: u51.5
68 Ventures Bowl — 9 p.m., TV: ESPN
Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green -6.5 50.5
Another MAC vs Sun Belt matchup and both programs finished the year 7-5. The Red Wolves had a solid year in the Sun Belt with a 5-3 record whereas the Falcons just missed their Conference Championship game. Arkansas State will of the tough task of slowing down Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr, who is one of the best Tight Ends in all of College Football. The man getting him the ball is no slouch either as it is journeyman Connor Bazelak. If the Wolves can’t slow them down, then they will have to get into an uncharacteristic “track meet”.
Jake: Bowling Green -6.5 Jay: Bowling Green -6.5
Friday, Dec. 27
Armed Forces Bowl — Noon, TV: ESPN
Navy vs. Oklahoma -8.5 O/U 43.5
The Midshipmen still have to play Army this weekend but we already know they will be in the Armed Forces Bowl against Oklahoma. Everyone knows that Navy will run the flexbone triple option, but the Sooners have had trouble on that side of the ball all year ranking 114th in total offense. The Midshipmen’s defense hasn’t been as sound as they’ve been in the past, and could be an opening for the Sooners to get some momentum. They make up for the offensive woes with their defense that ranks 22nd, which could sink Navy’s ship.
Jake: Oklahoma -8.5 Jay: u43.5
Birmingham Bowl — 3:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Vanderbilt vs. Georgia Tech -2.5 O/U 51.5
These two teams meeting up in a bowl just makes sense to me. Georgia Tech kicked off the season with a huge upset (at the time) in Ireland, and Vanderbilt delivered the biggest upset in the year when they knocked off Alabama. The Yellow Jackets are going to run the football, not just with Jamal Haynes but also their QB Haynes King. Vandy’s offense has the “agent of chaos” Diego Pavia under center. He is the Commodores leading rusher, as well as passer, and is a “Houdini” in the pocket. This will be fun.
Jake Georgia Tech -2.5 Jay: Georgia Tech -2.5
Liberty Bowl — 7 p.m., TV: ESPN
Texas Tech vs. Arkansas +3 o/u60.5
Memphis features one of the more exciting matchups of bowl season for me in spite of Arkansas being another one of those teams losing a whole heck of a lot to the portal. This should be a fun meeting in Memphis as the Hogs hope to finish the year above .500. Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks is one of many exciting running backs toting the rock this year and he’s the biggest reason I think Tech takes the win.
Jake: Texas Tech -3 Jay: Texas Tech -3
Holiday Bowl — 8 p.m., TV: Fox
Washington State vs. Syracuse -8 o/u60.5
The Cougars had an extremely disappointing close to the season dropping three contests in a row to New Mexico, Oregon State, and Wyoming after a hot start to the year. Things don’t get easier for Wazzu with their bowl draw as they get a Syracuse team coming off a massive win over Miami to close out the regular season. ‘Cuse will look to build on that momentum with a bowl win courtesy of Kyle McCord and this high-powered offense.
Jake: Syracuse -8 Jay: Syracuse -8
Las Vegas Bowl — 10:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
My Aggies (in case you were wondering who drew the write-up for this matchup) had a tough November with losses to Auburn and Texas to close out the year. Still, Texas A&M has to be happy with Mike Elko’s first year in College Station as it felt like a step in the right direction. The Trojans feel like they are trending the opposite way, limping to a 6-6 finish after starting the year with what was thought to be a massive win over LSU. I think the Aggies win as dogs out in Las Vegas.
Jake: Texas A&M +3 Jay: Texas A&M +3
Saturday, Dec. 28
Fenway Bowl — 11 a.m., TV: ESPN
UConn vs. North Carolina -3.0 O/U 54.5
No, we won’t be seeing Bill Belichick on the sidelines for North Carolina yet, but it sounds like all key players will playing in the bowl. Uconn has a great year by their standards going 8-4 with an independent schedule. North Carolina has the better offense but the Huskies surprisingly have the edge on defense. The key to the game is the Tar Heel run game. UConn will be tasked with slowing down Omarion Hampton, who has eclipsed over 1,600 yards on the ground this year. I anticipate a sloppy mess of a game at Fenway Park in Boston. Don’t you just love it when basketball blue bloods meet on the gridiron?
Jake: UNC -3 Jay: UNC -3
Pinstripe Bowl — Noon, TV: ABC
Boston College vs. Nebraska -3.5 O/U 45.5
Despite the transfer of Thomas Castellanos Boston College won its last two games of the year and got to 7 wins in Bill O’Brien’s first year. Nebraska is going bowling for the first time in 8 years, but the expectations were higher for Matt Rhule and the company. If the Eagles expect to win they are going to have to get through the tough Blackshirt defense of the Cornhuskers. The offense for Nebraska has struggled all year, and QB Dylan Riola better gets rid of the ball quickly because Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaku has 16.5 sacks on the year. Can the Husker defense lead them to another victory? Does Bill O’Brien have a few more tricks up his sleeve for this offense?
Jake: Nebraska -3 Jay: Nebraska -2.5
New Mexico Bowl — 2:15 p.m., TV: ESPN
Louisiana vs. TCU -11.5 o/u58.5
The Horned Frogs had a roller coaster of a season before closing out the regular season with three straight wins to finish out 8-4. It felt like a return to the form the Ragin’ Cajuns had under Billy Napier with 10 wins but Louisiana couldn’t win the Sun Belt against Marshall as the Thundering Herd dominated ULL in that one. TCU feels like the safe pick here.
Jake: TCU -11.5 Jay: TCU -11.5
Pop-Tarts Bowl — 3:30 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 13 Miami vs. No. 18 Iowa State +4 O/U 55.5
First, it doesn’t matter who is playing in this game, the spectacle that is the Pop-Tarts Bowl is one of a kind. It is so over the top outrageous that its a must-watch. With that being said this has potential for a great game. Cam Ward bailed out the Hurricane’s defense a bunch but unfortunately had a couple of losses that knocked them out of the playoff race. Iowa State seems to always be the same under Matt Campbell. They are going to be tough defensively with a grind-it-out offense. In one corner a team that is boom or bust on both sides of the ball, and in the other, a team that is balanced but doesn’t have the big play ability. Who wins?
Jake: Iowa State +4 Jay: Miami -4
Arizona Bowl — 4:30 p.m., TV: The CW Network
Colorado State vs. Miami (OH) -3 o/u 42.5
Colorado State’s rushing attach helped them to an 8-4 record and a surprising third place finish in the Mountain West. The Rams draw the MAC runner-ups in Miami of Ohio, a squad that normally features an impressive offense but struggled to muster anything against Ohio in the MAC Championship. The Redhawks are favored in this one but I think the Rams have a great shot to slow down Miami once again.
Jake: Colorado State +3 Jay: Colorado State +3
Military Bowl — 5:45 p.m., TV: ESPN
East Carolina vs. NC State -5.5 O/U 58.5
We have an in state matchup for the Military Bowl! It didn’t look good for ECU after a 3-4 start to the year. Mike Houston was fired and Blake Harrell became the interim. Then the Pirates rattled off four straight wins before losing their final game to Navy. The Wolfpack needed to win its last game against UNC to become bowl-eligible, and they will be without their top WR KC Concepcion. NC State is going to play a tough brand of defense, but will it be the same after their defensive coordinator just took the head coaching job at Marshall? The Pirates have looked great under Harrel but can they get it done against a power 5 opponent.
Jake: NC State -5.5 Jay: NC State -5.5
Alamo Bowl — 7:30 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado -3 o/u54.5
It may be a bit weird to see these two programs meeting in a bowl game given they now share a conference but the explanation for that is that for the sake of these games, Colorado is treated as a PAC-12 team. The Buffs and Cougars were the two squads on the outside looking in for the Big 12 Championship game thanks to a four-way tie atop the league. These two teams didn’t get a chance to meet during the regular season so this should be a fun non-conference conference matchup! I think Colorado’s team speed will simply be too much for BYU on game day.
Jake: BYU +2.5 Jay: Colorado -3
Independence Bowl — 9:15 p.m., TV: ESPN
Marshall vs. No. 22 Army -14 O/U 47.5
The Sunbelt vs the American Champion loses a ton of juice heading into the game. Marshall;s head coach Charles Huff has just left to take the Southern Miss opening, and a bunch of the Thundering Herd players are in the portal. Army is going to bring their lunch pale as always, but Marshall is going to be short-staffed. This one could get ugly, but at least we get to see the beauty of the flexbone triple option.
Jake: Army -14 Jay: Army -14
Monday, Dec. 30
Music City Bowl — 2:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Iowa vs. No. 19 Missouri -3 o/u40.5
While Iowa is still a defensive-minded squad and probably always will be, their offense did seem to improve a bit this year even if that bar was literally on the floor. On the other side, Missouri was expected to be an explosive offense this year but struggled at times to live up to that billing. The Tigers are favored in Memphis but I’m leaning towards Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes.
Jake: Iowa +2.5 Jay: Iowa +3
Tuesday, Dec. 31
ReliaQuest Bowl — Noon, TV: ESPN
Michigan vs. No. 11 Alabama -10 O/U 42.5
Who had the National Champion and Alabama in the “The Bowl Formerly Known as Outback”. Alabama’s offense has seen its struggles and will be up to a tall task facing the fierce Wolverine front. Alabama is losing some production to the transfer portal, but they will have more than enough talent.
Jake: Michigan +10 Jay: Michigan +10
Sun Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: CBS
Washington vs. Louisville -2.5 O/U 49.5
Louisville likely would’ve finished this year ranked if it weren’t for an extremely head-scratching loss to Stanford late in the season. The only other losses for the Cardinals were to SMU (playoffs), Notre Dame (playoffs), and Miami (second team out). Tack on a win over playoff Clemson and this was a pretty good year for Louisville. Meanwhile, Washington came crashing back down to Earth after their playoff appearance last year but 2024 was always expected to be a rebuild. These two teams meet in the West Texas town of El Paso in the iconic Sun Bowl. That alone makes this one worth tuning in for.
Jake: Washington +2.5 Jay: Louisville -2.5
Citrus Bowl — 3 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 20 Illinois vs. No. 15 South Carolina -9.5 O/U 47.5
Illinois and Luke Altmeyer stunned me this year with their performance in the Big Ten. A three-loss season with two of those losses coming to playoff squads is a fantastic year. Across from them is another team that had a surprisingly good 2024 campaign in South Carolina. The Gamecocks found a gem in LaNorris Sellers and he powered them to a massive closeout to the season including a victory over playoff Clemson. I just think SC is going to be too much for Illinois in this one.
Jake: South Carolina -11.5 Jay: South Carolina -9.5
Texas Bowl — 3:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Dave Aranda entered this season on the hot seat at Baylor and while he’ll still probably have a bit of a warm seat in Waco next year, the Bears finished the season 8-4 and kept him his job. Meanwhile, in Baton Rouge, things are getting stormy for Brian Kelly. The team is losing a lot to the portal and the culture concerns folks had when he took the job seem to be coming home to roost as the Tigers limped across the finish line this season. I like Baylor in this one.
Jake: Baylor +3 Jay: Baylor -1
Thursday, Jan. 2
Gator Bowl — 7:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Duke vs. No. 14 Ole Miss -14 O/U 53.5
The Blue Devils were left for dead in the offseason after their coach left for Texas A&M and their QB bolted to Notre Dame. New coach Manny Diaz has done a tremendous job leading Duke to a 9-3 year. Ole Miss fans on the other hand are disappointed. This was their year to break through to the playoffs and they fell short. We have one fanbase excited to be in Jacksonville, and another that’s waiting for the year to end. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, star quarterback Maalik Murphy has entered the transfer portal. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart has confirmed that he will play which will be a huge advantage. The Blue Devils’ solid defense will try and stop a high-powered Rebels offense especially if WR Tre Harris confirms his participation. However, if Duke can’t move the ball it’s going to be a long day for the Blue Devils.
Jake: Ole Miss -14 Jay: Ole Miss -14
Friday, Jan. 3
First Responder Bowl — 4 p.m., TV: ESPN
North Texas vs. Texas State -10 O/U 68.5
Absolute banger in-state matchup happening in Texas as the Mean Green and the Bobcats meet in DFW. Both Eric Morris and GJ Kinne had stops at FCS Incarnate Word before becoming head coaches at the FBS level and both guys have fielded some incredible offenses in San Marcos and Denton. Unfortunately for the Mean Green, starting QB Chandler Morris has entered the transfer portal and I don’t think that bodes well for them here. Still, the over feels like the safe play.
Jake: o68.5 Jay: o68.5
Duke’s Mayo Bowl — 7:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Virginia Tech vs. Minnesota -5.5 O/U 42.5
The Hokies finish the year 6-6 after returning some of the most production in the country. Brent Pry and company continue to play good defense, but the offense is do “clunky” at times. Minnesota ends the year 7-5 but they were a few plays away from going 10-2 (seriously). The Gopher offense will have a tough test against Virginia Tech, but look for Minnesota QB Max Brosmer to sling the rock around the yard. This has the makings of a good old-fashioned slug fest.
P.S. Jake wrote this blurb but Jay is chiming in to say the Duke’s Mayo Bowl is the best bowl. Love you forever, Duke’s.
Jake: Minnesota -5.5 (LOCK) Jay: -5.5
Saturday, Jan. 4
Bahamas Bowl — 11 a.m., TV: ESPN 2
Buffalo vs Liberty -2 O/U 52.5
An intriguing matchup between Buffalo’s defense against Liberty’s big-play offense. The Flames will be without star quarterback Kaidon Salter after he has jumped into the transfer portal. Liberty is the more talented team, but playing down to their competition has cost them a few games this year. The Bulls have shown great improvement from the beginning of the year and if their offense can sustain drives they could be flying back from the Bahamas with a trophy.
Jake: Buffalo +2 Jay: Buffalo +2
Pingback: Wrex-N-Effect: Could College Football Take a Page From the Wrexham Playbook?