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 for every game.
YTD
Jake: 36-38
Jay: 41-39-1
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Veterans Bowl — 9 p.m., TV: ESPN
Jacksonville State vs Troy -2.5 O/U 46.5
The runners-up from the Conference USA and Sun Belt Championship square off in Montgomery, Alabama, for the Veterans Bowl. Both teams finished the year 8-5. The key matchup in this game will be in the trenches. Jax State will look to the CUSA-leading rusher, Cam Cook, to establish the run early. It will be tough against the Trojan front 7, which includes linebackers Jordan Stringer and Sun Belt sack leader Donnie Smith.
Jake: Troy -3
Jay: U46.5
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Cure Bowl — 5 p.m., TV: ESPN
Old Dominion vs. South Florida -3.5 O/U 53.5
For a large part of the year, it looked like South Florida had a chance at the college football playoff as one of the top five conference champions. However, the Bulls stumbled down the stretch and came up short of the American Championship game at 9-3. They also lose head coach Alex Golesh as he moves on to coach Auburn. Meanwhile, Old Dominion has quietly had a solid 9-3 season of its own. This should be a fun matchup, but ultimately, I think USF has the talent edge in this one.
Jake: ODU +3.5
Jay: USF -3.5
68 Ventures Bowl — 8:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Delaware vs. Louisiana -2.5 O/U 59.5
With their first year in the FBS, the Delaware Blue Hens are going bowling, and is a huge accomplishment. Louisiana-Lafayette is also 6-6 after winning its last 4 games. Lunch Winfield will be the focal point of the Ragin’ Cajuns. Watch for him to make plays with his legs. The Blue Hens 3,500 3,500-yard passer Nick Minicucci is under center. Both quarterbacks have contrasting styles that will add to the excitement.
Jake: ULL -2.5
Jay: ULL -2.5
Thursday, Dec. 18
Xbox Bowl — 9 p.m., TV: ESPN2
Missouri State vs. Arkansas State -1.5 O/U 56.5
In their first year as an FBS program, Missouri State finished in the top half of CUSA with a 7-5 record. Unfortunately, the Bears lost head coach Ryan Beard to Coastal Carolina. Arkansas State finished 6-6 on the year. This feels like a fun regional matchup that could develop into a rivalry at some point, but I’m taking Arkansas State here.
Jake: Arkansas State -1.5
Jay: Arkansas State -1.5
Friday, Dec. 19
Myrtle Beach Bowl — 11 a.m., TV: ESPN
Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan -4 O/U 49.5
It’s a bit of a surprise seeing the Owls and Broncos representing their conference as Champions, especially KSU. Kenneseaw went 2-10 last season and finished this year 10-3 with the CUSA title. Western Michigan avenges its loss to Miami of Ohio from earlier in the year to win the MAC after a huge bounce-back season. Besides impressive turnarounds, both teams have a star QB. Barry Odom has come up BIG for the Owls all season. On the other sideline, the Bronco offense runs through Broc Lowry, who is also their leading rusher. Two conference champs, two dynamic QBs, head to head in a Bash at the Beach.
Jake: WMU -4
Jay: WMU -4
Gasparilla Bowl — 2:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Memphis vs. NC State -5.5 O/U 57.5
Ryan Silverfield is on his way to Arkansas, but the Tigers have a big game in Tampa Bay against NC State. Memphis ended the season on a 3-game skid that knocked them out of the American Conference Championship. The Tigers do have a Power 5 win against Arkansas, but NC State is a difficult matchup. Leading the Wolf Pack is CJ Bailey, who has shown great progression with over 69% completion percentage with 2,883 passing yards. Bailey also has help wth the ground game with Hollywood Smothers, who looks to go over 1,000 rushing yards for the year. Can the Tigers’ defense slow down the Pack?
Jake: NC State -5.5
Jay: NC State -5.5
College Football Playoff first-round game — 8 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma -1.5 O/U 40.5
The Sooners defeated Alabama earlier in the season and will host the Tide with a chance to prove that win was no fluke. The path to victory for the Sooners is simple. Alabama doesn’t possess a rushing attack. If Oklahoma pressures Ty Simpson, the Sooners win. If they don’t, the Tide’s passing attack can wake up and avenge the loss they suffered earlier this season. Unfortunately for Alabama, I haven’t seen much to inspire confidence in the latter part of this season. I’m taking OU.
Jake: Alabama +1.5
Jay: Oklahoma -1.5
Saturday, Dec. 20
College Football Playoff first-round game — 12 p.m., TV: ABC
No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&M -3.5 O/U 51.5
Texas A&M closed the season at 11-1, something the Aggies would be thrilled about were it not for the lone loss coming in the final game of the regular season against Texas. Still, the Aggies have a lot left to play for. Miami represents a massive challenge for Texas A&M to kick off the postseason. Carson Beck led Miami to a 10-2 record, including a blowout win over Pitt to cap off the season. The trench battle is going to be massive on both sides of the ball, but the x-factor here for Texas A&M could be the return of Le’Veon Moss. Either way, I’m expecting a barnburner of a game here.
Jake: Texas A&M -3.5
Jay: U 51.5
College Football Playoff first-round game — 3:30 p.m., TV: TNT
No. 11 Tulane vs. No. 6 Ole Miss-16.5 O/U 56.5
This is a rematch from the beginning of the year, where Ole Miss won 45-10, but a lot has changed since then. Lane Kiffin has left the Rebels to join LSU in a media circus, and Tulane went on to win the American and defeat ACC Champion Duke. There is no debating that Ole Miss is more talented, but if the Green Wave wants to win, their transfer star Jake Retzlaff is going to have to carve up the Rebel secondary. Ole Miss is going to score with the duo of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacey. The Rebels are going to score, but can Tulane run in this shootout?
Jake: Over 56.5
Jay: Tulane +6.5
College Football Playoff first-round game — 7:30 p.m., TV: TNT
No. 12 James Madison vs. No. 5 Oregon -21.5 O/U 50.5
James Madison is 5 years removed from the FCS, and they are in the College Football Playoff. Absolutely incredible journey by their program. The Dukes travel to Eugene to play the Ducks, and are facing a 3-touchdown spread. Oregon’s offense has weapons everywhere and will put up points. James Madison will need some timely stops, and Alonzo Barnett needs to test their secondary to keep up.
Jake: Over 50.5
Jay: JMU +21.5
Monday, Dec. 22
Potato Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: ESPN
Washington State vs. Utah State -3 O/U 52.5
Once again, Wazzu is left rudderless as a coach departs for another program. This time, it’s Jimmy Rogers taking over for Matt Campbell at Iowa State. The Cougars have been inconsistent at best this season en route to their 6-6 finish. Utah State also finished at 6-6, but I trust Bryson Barnes at QB for the Aggies a little more than I trust the Wazzu offense.
Jake: Utah State -3
Jay: Utah State -3
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Boca Raton Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: ESPN
Toledo vs. Louisville -8.5 O/U 44.5
Both these 8-4 teams had 3 games where they lost by one possession. If a few plays had gone their way, they both could’ve been in their conference championship. However, they are playing a postseason game in Boca Raton. The passing attacks by both teams are the most intriguing factor of this game. The Cardinals will be without their leading receiver, Chris Bell, meaning Toledo will have the best WR on the field in Junior Vandeross III. Can Miller Moss get the ball to the other Cardinal receivers, and how will the Rockets fare against a Power 4 defense?
Jake: Toledo +8.5
Jay: Louisville -8.5
New Orleans Bowl — 5:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Southern Miss vs. Western Kentucky -4 O/U 55.5
The Golden Eagles finished 7-5 after an atrocious 1-11 season in 2024. Where it was business as usual for WKU, maybe even a little disappointed after their hot start in week 0, Southern Miss will be without Charles Huff, as he just took the head coaching job at Memphis. Can the Eagles slow down WKU’s Maverick McIvor under center, throwing to Matthews, Henry, and K.D.. Hutchinson, especially with players from Southern Miss following Huff.
Jake: WKU -4.5
Jay: WKU -4.5
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii vs. Cal -2.5 O/U 54.5
What is a better tradition than watching the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve? Hawaii had a pretty good year. Head Coach Timmy Chang led the Warriors to an 8-4 year, giving them their best season in 6 years. For Cal, 7-5 is “par for the course,” but it wasn’t enough for 9-year head coach Justin Wilcox to keep his job. Cal played some inspired football after WIlcox’s firing as they beat SMU to end the year, but can they bring that into the bowl game?
Jake: Over 54.5
Jay: Over 54.5
Friday, Dec. 26
GameAbove Sports Motor City Bowl — 1 p.m., TV: ESPN
Central Michigan vs. Northwestern -10 43.5
In one of the weirder bowl tie-ins, the Motor City Bowl gives a MAC vs Big Ten matchup. Northwestern goes bowling after ending the year with four out of 5 losses. The Wildcats don’t have much going for them in the passing game, so they will try and work the ground game with Caleb Komolafe and play field position. Defensive end Michael Heldman will lead the charge on defense for the Chips, as they will look to stop the Northwestern run and pressure Stone in the pocket.
Jake: Under 43.5
Jay: Northwestern -10
Rate Bowl — 4:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
New Mexico vs. Minnesota -3.5 O/U 46.5
It’s been an incredible season for the New Mexico Lobos as they came up just short of the MWC Championship game with a 9-3 record. Now, the Golden Gophers are all that stands between New Mexico and a tenth win. I think UNM just has more to play for in this one, and they come out firing on all cylinders.
Jake: Minnesota -3.5
Jay: UNM +3.5
First Responder Bowl — 8 p.m., TV: ESPN
FIU vs. UTSA -9.5 O/U 59.5
UTSA has been a bit of an anomaly all season, never really putting together consistent performances. The Roadrunners have especially struggled away from home while notching some notable wins in the Alamodome. FIU finishing at 7-5 and reaching a bowl game is massive for that program, but even with UTSA’s struggles away from home, I think they get the job done in Dallas. I like FIU to cover, though.
Jake: FIU +9.5
Jay: FIU +9.5
Saturday, Dec. 27
Military Bowl — 11 a.m., TV: ESPN
East Carolin vs. Pittsburgh -5.5 O/U 58.5
ECU is going back to the Military Bowl after its win against NC State last year. The Panthers might be a little disappointed, but an 8–4 year isn’t bad. Pirate fans have to be impressed by Blake Harrell’s first full year; he is now a combined 13-5. We will see an interesting quarterback battle between Freshman phenom Mason Heintschel vs veteran 3,000-yard passer Katin Houser.
Jake: ECU +5.5
Jay: Pitt -5.5
Pinstripe Bowl — 12 p.m., TV: ABC
Penn State vs. Clemson -2.5 O/U 48.5
It might not be a surprise that these two programs face each other in December, but the venue would shock people before the season. Both teams have been inconsistent on both sides of the football, demise. Mix that with potential opt-outs, and it’s tough to tell what happens in this game. Penn State’s offense is finding its groove down the stretch with backup quarterback freshman Ethan Grunkmeyer. Clemson’s defense is finally looking like itself since that uncharacteristic performance against Duke on the first of November. Can the Nittany Lions run on the Clemson front? How will the inevitable opt-outs affect that?
Jake: Under 48.5
Jay: Penn State +2.5
Fenway Bowl — 2:15 p.m., TV: ESPN
UConn vs. Army -2.5 O/U 50.5
UConn finishes the year 9-3, has a win over ACC Champion Duke, and the Huskies have been dreaming of their football program being relevant again for quite some time. Head Coach Jim Mora Jr is gone to Colorado State, but all eyes will be on UConn QB Joe Fagnano. Fagnano has thrown for 3,441 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 1 interception. The numbers are quite impressive, even if they have one of the weakest schedules in the country. The Black Knights offense runs the flexbone triple option, and it can be a nightmare to prepare for it if you can’t get penetration up front. UConn will be given a big test, and with Army being favored despite the record, I’m leaning toward the Cadets.
Jake: Army -2.5
Jay: Army -2.5
Pop-Tarts Bowl — 3:30 p.m., TV: ABC
Georgia Tech vs. BYU -4.5 O/U 56.5
This contest ought to be one of the most physical games across the bowl slate, as both BYU and Georgia Tech like to punish you by running the ball. I’m expecting a hard-hitting, low-scoring affair in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, though I lean slightly towards Georgia Tech to come out on top.
Jake: Under 56.5
Jay: Under 56.5
Pop-Tarts Bowl — 3:30 p.m., TV: ABC
Georgia Tech vs. BYU -4.5 O/U 56.5
This contest ought to be one of the most physical games across the bowl slate, as both BYU and Georgia Tech like to punish you by running the ball. I’m expecting a hard-hitting, low-scoring affair in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, though I lean slightly towards Georgia Tech to come out on top.
Jake: Under 56.5
Jay: Under 56.5
Arizona Bowl — 4:30 p.m., TV: CW
Miami (OH) vs. Fresno State -3.5 O/U 42.5
Fresno State had some big moments as they finished 8-4, including a blowout win over MWC Champ Boise State. The Bulldogs weren’t able to capitalize, though, as they had some puzzling losses this season as well. Miami made another MAC Championship appearance, falling to WMU in that one. I believe the offense of Fresno State is going to be the difference maker in this one.
Jake: Fresno State -3.5
Jay: Fresno State -3.5
New Mexico Bowl — 5:45 p.m., TV: ESPN
San Diego State vs. North Texas -3 O/U 55.5
This is a fantastic stylistic matchup as the defense has carried San Diego State all season, while the offense of North Texas has been electrifying. UNT likely has a lot of questions with Eric Morris moving on to Oklahoma State. Still, I think the offense of the Mean Green should carry them to victory in the New Mexico Bowl.
Jake: San Diego State +3
Jay: UNT -3
Gator Bowl — 7:30 p.m., TV: ABC
Virginia vs. Missouri -7 O/U 47.5
The Virginia Cavaliers may have lost the ACC Championship, but they have to be happy finishing the regular season with 10 wins, including a win against arch-rival Virginia Tech. Missouri started off hot but was kicking the tires during the back half of the year. The College Football world was shocked to see starting quarterback Beau Pribula return after most thought his injury would sideline him for the rest of the year. The key player in the game is 1,500-yard rusher Ahmad Hardy. If the Hoos can limit him, then we’ll have a ball game in Jacksonville.
Jake: Under 47.5
Jay: Mizzou -7
Texas Bowl — 9:15 p.m., TV: ESPN
LSU vs. Houston -3.5 O/U 41.5
LSU will have a new identity under Lane Kiffin, but I don’t expect that offense to fire up until next season. Both the Tigers and the Cougars have relied heavily on solid defensive efforts in their wins this season. I don’t expect this game to be different, and with that in mind, I’m taking the under.
Jake: Under 41.5
Jay: Under 41.5
Monday, Dec. 29
Birmingham Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: ESPN
App State vs. Georgia Southern -3.5 O/U 59.5
After some programs declined the opportunity to participate in the Birmingham Bowl, App State rose to the occasion, and this bowl now has some momentum. Not only is this a conference rematch from earlier in the year (GSU won 25-23 on the road), but it’s a rivalry. This matchup, which was coined “Deeper than Hate,” became popular when both these programs were competing for FCS Championships in the 80s, and has carried on ever since. What started out as a “meh” bowl will now have some added drama.
Jake: Georgia Southern -3.5
Jay: Georgia Southern -3.5
Tuesday, Dec. 30
Independence Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: ESPN
Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech -8.5 O/U 50.5
When Louisiana Tech knocked off Southern Miss earlier this year, I thought the Bulldogs might be competing for the CUSA title. That ultimately didn’t come to fruition, but getting to bowl eligibility was big for Louisiana Tech. This almost serves as a home game for La Tech, and I think with Coastal moving on from Tim Beck, the Bulldogs should be able to notch a win here.
Jake: Louisiana Tech -8.5
Jay: Louisiana Tech -8.5
Music City Bowl — 5:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Illinois vs Tennessee -5.5 O/U 60
The Battle of Orange! The Vols and Illini were both hoping for a better bowl, or even a playoff berth, but this is an underrated matchup. The key matchup is between the Illinois offense and the Tennessee defense. Both units have struggled, and it will be the deciding factor in this game. Starting senior quarterbacks Luke Altmeyer and Joey Aguilar have one last ride for to try and cap off their college careers with a win.
Jake: Illinois +5.5
Jay: Tennessee -5.5
Alamo Bowl — 9 p.m., TV: ESPN
TCU vs. USC -6 O/U 59.5
This one has points written all over it. I’m expecting a shootout in San Antonio with both squads throwing it all over the field. I believe USC will be a little more balanced, however, and I think that will get the job done for the Trojans, getting them to 10 wins on the season.
Jake: Over 59.5
Jay: Over 59.5
Wednesday, Dec. 31
ReliaQuest Bowl — 12 p.m., TV: ESPN
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt -5.5 O/U 47.5
Even though there is no more “Coconut Shrimp vs Bloomin’ Onion,” this will always be the Outback Bowl to me. Iowa is Iowa. They are going to play tough, disciplined defense, but they do have a quarterback in Mark Granowski who gives them a little extra on the offensive side of the ball that they may have been lacking. Vanderbilt is led by psycho quarterback Diego Pavia. Whether with his arm or legs, Pavia is the majority of the Commodores’ offense. If the Hawks can somehow slow down Pavia, the potential to be a classic.
Jake: Under 47.5
Jay: Under 47.5
Sun Bowl — 2 p.m., TV: CBS
Arizona State vs Duke -2.5 O/U 49.5
The Sun Bowl features two 8-win teams that have a totally different outlook on their season. Arizona State failed to get back to the Big 12 Championship game and had a drop-off in 2025. Duke, on the other hand, pulled off one of the most improbable Power 4 conference championships of all time. Manny Diaz found a way to get his Blue Devils to backdoor their way into an ACC title despite some terrible defense. Arizona State has been inconsistent and pretty banged up all year, but they still should put up points even with backup quarterback Jeff Sims under center.
Jake: Arizona State +2.5
Jay: Duke -2.5
Citrus Bowl — 3 p.m., TV: ABC
Michigan vs. Texas -7.5 O/U 46.5
Texas closed out the season with a win over Texas A&M, and Arch Manning looks to be finally hitting his stride. Meanwhile, given everything happening at Michigan right now, I don’t expect the best version of the Wolverines in Florida. I think Texas dominates this one.
Jake: Under 46.5
Jay: Texas -7.5
Citrus Bowl — 3 p.m., TV: ABC
Michigan vs. Texas -7.5 O/U 46.5
Texas closed out the season with a win over Texas A&M, and Arch Manning looks to be finally hitting his stride. Meanwhile, given everything happening at Michigan right now, I don’t expect the best version of the Wolverines in Florida. I think Texas dominates this one.
Jake: Under 46.5
Jay: Texas -7.5
Las Vegas Bowl — 3:30 p.m., TV: ESPN
Nebraska vs. Utah -13.5 O/U 50.5
We may have a bit of a mismatch in this one, folks. Utah finished the year 10-2 with their only losses against highly ranked opponents. Nebraska fell off a cliff, dropping 4 out of their last 6 games, their last two are blowouts by Iowa and Penn State. If Nebraska can establish its run game with Emett Johnson, they has a chance, but Utah’s defense is stout. Mix that with an improved offense led by New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier, and this could get ugly for the Huskers.
Jake: Utah -13.5
Jay: Utah -13.5
Friday, Jan. 2
Armed Forces Bowl — 1 p.m., TV: ESPN
Rice vs. Texas State -10 O/U 59.5
Rice finished at 5-7 but secured a bowl berth courtesy of APR. After a disastrous open to Sun Belt play, Texas State rallied to get to 6-6 and reach bowl eligibility. This is the second time these two teams have met in a bowl game, with Texas State coming out on top last time. I expect a similar result as the Cats have been in better form to close out the season, but ten is a lot of points. Give me Texas State to win and Rice to cover.
Jake: Rice +10
Jay: Rice +10
Navy vs. Cincinnati -2.5 O/U 55.5
The Midshipmen are coming off an impressive 10-win campaign led by quarterback Blake Horvath and receiver Eli Heidenreich. Navy’s offense has stretched the field more than one would think, running the flexbone triple, but their defense has shown some leaks. Cincinnati ended the year on a four-game skid after starting 7-1. The Beacats will go as far as Brendon Sorsby will take them. They should be able to score, but can Cincy stop Navy’s option attack?
Jake: Under 55.5
Jay: Navy +2.5
Holiday Bowl — 8 p.m., TV: FOX
SMU vs. Arizona -2.5 O/U 51.5
SMU nearly found themselves in the ACC Championship for the second straight season, but missed out after dropping the regular season finale to Cal. Arizona bounced back from a disappointing 2024 campaign in a major way with a 9-3 finish to the regular season and a win over Arizona State. With five straight wins to close the season, Noah Fifita looked much more like the player we saw in 2023. I expect this offense to power Arizona to its tenth win.
Jake: Arizona -2.5
Jay: Arizona -2.5
Duke’s Mayo Bowl — 8 p.m., TV: ESPN
Wake Forest vs. Mississippi -2.5 O/U 56.5
Mississippi State represents another team that found its way into a bowl contest through APR after finishing the season 5-7. They’ll face an extremely surprising Wake Forest squad predicted to finish at the bottom of the ACC. Instead, the Demon Deacons finished the regular season 8-4, including a massive upset over Virginia. Mississippi State was just 1-7 in SEC play, but while I think they’ll have a talent advantage over Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons have been a much more cohesive unit over the course of the season. I’m taking Wake Forest in this one.
Jake: Mississippi State -2.5
Jay: Wake Forest -2.5
