College football picks against the spread: Pop-Tarts Bowl, Alamo Bowl and more

The first round of College Playoff Bowl games may have been a dud — and the discourse was even worse than that — but now that we’ve hit peak Bowl Season there should be no lack of entertainment.

Highlighted by the pinnacle of modern capitalism that is the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the final week of 2024 features some of the best matchups of the year. BYU-Colorado, Navy-Oklahoma, Miami-Iowa State and Vanderbilt-Georgia Tech are all must-watch games.

As for betting on the outcomes, well, that’s still a bit challenging. Between opt-outs, coaching changes and the transfer portal, the spreads are a bit wacky across the board. We’ve done our best to make sense of them all. Just remember to tail (or fade) responsibly.

All odds via BetMGM

Pittsburgh vs. Toledo, GameAbove Sports Bowl, Thursday, 2 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Pitt -8

Blake Schuster: Toledo +7

The MAC exists solely to make Power 4 teams look like imbeciles during bowl season.

Mitchell Northam: Pitt -7

It sounds like Eli Holstein is going to play, which should be enough of a difference-maker for Pitt.

Christian D’Andrea: Toledo +7

Never bet against the MAC come bowl season.

Michelle Martinelli: Pitt -7

Picking a Pat Narduzzi team always makes me a little nervous — especially against a MAC team — but the Panthers probably have this.

Tyler Nettuno: Toledo +7

I simply don’t feel great about a bowl game featuring a Pitt team that floundered down the stretch.

Rutgers vs. Kansas State, Rate Bowl, Thursday, 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Kansas State -6.5

Blake Schuster: Kansas State -7

The Wildcats were quite underwhelming when it mattered this season, but the reigning Pop-Tart Bowl champs still have a ton of talent and an offense that can score in bunches.

Mitchell Northam: Rutgers +7

Feels like winning this game would mean a whole lot more to Rutgers.

Christian D’Andrea: Rutgers +7

Who wants to be there more? A K-State team that floundered to a disappointing season, or Rutgers — a team that is, famously, Rutgers?

Michelle Martinelli: Rutgers +7

Rutgers is no slouch this season and will be able to keep this one interesting. Middle-of-the-pack Kansas State should win this still, but it’ll be close.

Tyler Nettuno: Kansas State -7

Rutgers is a solid team, but I think Kansas State has the talent to pull away in this game and cover, even if it’s not by a lot.

Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green, 68 Ventures Bowl, Thursday, 9 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Bowling Green -7.5

Blake Schuster: Bowling Green -7.5

MAC teams also exist to make other G5 teams look like imbeciles

Mitchell Northam: Bowling Green -7.5

One team has Harold Fannin Jr. and the other does not.

Christian D’Andrea: Bowling Green -7.5

See above RE: MAC

Michelle Martinelli: Bowling Green -7.5

MAC all the way! Except, you know, in the games I don’t think they’ll win.

Tyler Nettuno: Bowling Green -7.5

I’m all in on the Falcons and this offense starring Harold Fannin Jr. and Connor Bazelak against Butch Jones and Arkansas State.

Oklahoma vs. Navy, Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Friday, Noon ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Oklahoma -9

Blake Schuster: Oklahoma -3

I’d like to be wrong here, but OU had one of the best defenses against the rush in the FBS (105.8 yards per game). If the Sooners can figure out any way to score, they should win this.

Mitchell Northam: Navy +3

This game means more to the Mids than it does the Sooners. Navy won’t have any opt-outs and I’m betting on Drew Cronic’s offense to have the upper hand against this meh Oklahoma defense.

Christian D’Andrea: Navy +3

I mean probably not, but I’m betting on vibes alone.

Michelle Martinelli: Navy +3

Oklahoma has mildly improved through the season, but I’m not sure the Sooners’ defense will know how to handle Blake Horvath and the Mids’ offense.

Tyler Nettuno: Oklahoma -3

As fun as Navy is, we’ve seen what happens when the service academy teams run into a major talent deficiency. That’s what I expect will be the story against a Sooners defense that is the strength of the team.

Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt, Birmingham Bowl, Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Georgia Tech -2.5

Blake Schuster: Vanderbilt +2.5

They really gave Vandy points one last time this season. I might cry.

Mitchell Northam: Georgia Tech -2.5

Haynes King!

Christian D’Andrea: Vanderbilt +2.5

Diego Pavia. It’s not his NCAA finale anymore, but that won’t stop him from playing like it is.

Michelle Martinelli: Vanderbilt +2.5

I know Georgia Tech took Georgia to eight overtimes in the regular-season finale, but I’ve got more faith in this chaotic Vanderbilt team going out with a bang. Someone help me.

Tyler Nettuno: Vanderbilt +2.5

This is a tough pick in a game between two giant-killers, and while I like Georgia Tech’s run game, I believe more in the Commodores offense with Diego Pavia.

Texas Tech vs. Arkansas, AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Friday, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Arkansas -2.5

Blake Schuster: Texas Tech +1.5

If Tahj Brooks plays, this is a great number.

Mitchell Northam: Arkansas -1.5

Sure.

Christian D’Andrea: Arkansas -1.5

Meh.

Michelle Martinelli: Texas Tech +1.5

Even without Behren Morton, Tahj Brooks and the Red Raiders have a tough offense, and they should win this.

Tyler Nettuno: Texas Tech +1.5

The Red Raiders were quietly pretty good this year, and I’m a bit surprised to see them listed as underdogs in this game.

No. 21 Syracuse vs. Washington State, DirecTV Holiday Bowl, Friday, 8 p.m. ET on Fox

Opening Line: Syracuse -2.5

Blake Schuster: Syracuse -16.5

I feel for Wazzu losing it’s OC, quarterback and head coach within days of each other. This could’ve been one of the best bowl games of the year.

Mitchell Northam: Syracuse -16.5

This seems like a lot of points, but one team has Kyle McCord slinging it all over the field in one final attempt to impress NFL folks, while the other team just lost its coach to Wake Forest.

Christian D’Andrea: Syracuse -16.5

Yeah I don’t think Wazzu’s players especially want to be there given everything that’s happened the last month.

Michelle Martinelli: Washington State +16.5

Probably would have taken Syracuse at -2.5, but what is that line shift?! That’s way too big a spread, even when the Orange are decidedly the better team.

Tyler Nettuno: Syracuse -16.5

This is a ton of points, but it’s enough for me to roll with the Orange against a Washington State team that lost its head coach, offensive coordinator and starting quarterback among others.

USC vs. Texas A&M, SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Texas A&M -1

Blake Schuster: Texas A&M -3.5

How am I supposed to fade Mike Elko after everything he’s proven this year?

Mitchell Northam: Texas A&M -3.5 

I probably wouldn’t have said this three years ago, but I trust Mike Elko more than Lincoln Riley.

Christian D’Andrea: Texas A&M -3.5

I trust one of these teams to show up whole hog much more than the other.

Michelle Martinelli: Texas A&M -3.5

An interesting one between two underachieving teams this season, but as USC players keep hitting the transfer portal hard, it feels like this one — ZERO PUN INTENDED — means a little more for the Aggies.

Tyler Nettuno: Texas A&M -3.5

The Aggies disappointed down the stretch, but I have more faith in them than I do a USC team that hasn’t looked the part since its Week 1 win over LSU. I don’t see another SEC upset happening here.

UConn vs. North Carolina, Wasabi Fenway Bowl, Saturday, 11 a.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: North Carolina -5.5

Blake Schuster: UConn +3

Gotta root for the funniest possible outcome here.

Mitchell Northam: UConn +3

Good luck, Freddie Kitchens.

Christian D’Andrea: UConn +3

Who wants to be here more? UNC without a head coach? Or UConn, who only understands football success by looking at it through a keyhole?

Michelle Martinelli: North Carolina -3

End-of-season chaos and incoming NFL-turned-NCAA coach aside, the Tar Heels probably still come away with a win here. Who really needs a coach anyway?

Tyler Nettuno: North Carolina -3

UConn is a very competent team under Jim Mora, but I’ll roll with a UNC team that has some excitement surrounding it with the hiring of Bill Belichick.

Boston College vs. Nebraska, Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, Saturday, Noon ET on ABC

Opening Line: Nebraska -6.5

Blake Schuster: Nebraska -3.5

Dylan Raiola gets a head start on his 2025 Heisman campaign.

Mitchell Northam: Nebraska -3.5

The better quarterback plays for the Cornhuskers.

Christian D’Andrea: Nebraska -3.5

The Huskers haven’t been to a bowl in an unfathomably (for them) long time. They’ll be motivated.

Michelle Martinelli: Nebraska -3.5

The Cornhuskers started the season fairly strong before fizzling out and disappointing, while Boston College has had some decent wins. But Dylan Raiola has strong Bad Boy Mowers MVP vibes.

Tyler Nettuno: Nebraska -3.5

Both these teams had up-and-down campaigns, and while I expect both will be motivated here, the Cornhuskers should come out ready to win in their first bowl appearance since 2016.

TCU vs. Louisiana, Isleta New Mexico Bowl, Saturday, 2:15 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: TCU -8.5

Blake Schuster: TCU -13

A pretty strange year for TCU ended with a three-game win streak. I’ll ride the hot hand.

Mitchell Northam: Louisiana +13

Simply too many points. This TCU team ain’t that good.

Christian D’Andrea: TCU -13

That’s a lot of line movement. I’ll roll with the public.

Michelle Martinelli: Louisiana +13

TCU should come away with a win, but this spread is just way too big for two offenses that are nearly identical in total production.

Tyler Nettuno: TCU -13

I don’t love taking the Horned Frogs with this many points, but this seems like quite a mismatch after Louisiana’s poor showing in the Sun Belt title game.

No. 13 Miami vs. No. 18 Iowa State, Pop-Tarts Bowl, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Opening Line: Iowa State -1.5

Blake Schuster: Miami -3.5

Please stay healthy, Cam Ward.

Mitchell Northam: Miami -3.5

One more time for some Cam Ward magic?

Christian D’Andrea: Miami -3.5

CAM WARD.

Michelle Martinelli: Miami -3.5

Both losers in their respective conferences in their own ways, the Hurricanes had a lot more on the line this season and blew it. Cam Ward and Co. will be looking to put on a show to make up for a 10-win season that ended with two losses in three games.

Tyler Nettuno: Miami -3.5

Both these teams enter with a lot of disappointment after missing out on the CFP, but Miami has the talent to jump out to a big lead against Iowa State, and if that happens, the Cyclones probably won’t be able to respond.

Miami (OH) vs. Colorado State, Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. on The CW

Opening Line: Miami (OH) -2.5

Blake Schuster: Miami (OH) -3

MAC MAC MAC

Mitchell Northam: Miami (OH) -3

The what bowl?

Christian D’Andrea: Miami -3

MAC.

Michelle Martinelli: Miami (Ohio) -3

No disrespect to the Mountain West, but MACtion, baby!

Tyler Nettuno: Colorado State +3

I’ll be the renegade here and pick the Rams, who had one of the most quietly successful seasons in the FBS this fall.

NC State vs. East Carolina, Go Bowling Military Bowl, Saturday, 5:45 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: NC State -5

Blake Schuster: NC State -6

I think this team will have t0o much pride to lose to East Carolina, but what a terrible draw.

Mitchell Northam: East Carolina +6

This is ECU’s Super Bowl.

Christian D’Andrea: East Carolina +6

Who wants to be there more?

Michelle Martinelli: East Carolina +6

Banking on the Pirates to at least keep this one exciting, if they don’t win outright. NC State just has too many players in the transfer portal.

Tyler Nettuno: East Carolina +6

The Pirates remain flawed, but after a strong close to the season under interim Blake Harrell, who earned the full-time title, I expect them to give NC State a good fight in the in-state battle.

No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado, Valero Alamo Bowl, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Opening Line: Colorado -2.5

Blake Schuster: Colorado -3.5

It’s nice to get this matchup after the Buffs and Cougars missed out on playing each other in the Big 12 this year. I expect a very competitive game that Colorado is just able to finish off.

Mitchell Northam: Colorado -3.5

If Hunter and Sanders play, this should be a cakewalk for the Buffs.

Christian D’Andrea: BYU +3.5

BYU has a lot to make up for following that late collapse. The Buffaloes are a blank canvas against which a masterpiece can be painted. Or some stick figures. Either/or.

Michelle Martinelli: Colorado -3.5

One last time for this wildly fun and talented Buffs team. They’re going out on a high note.

Tyler Nettuno: Colorado -3.5

Colorado is much more talented than BYU, and if that talent is playing — as we expect will be the case — it should be enough to win and cover.

No. 22 Army vs. Louisiana Tech, Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Saturday, 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Army -16.5

Blake Schuster: Army -16.5

Thank you for your service, Tech.

Mitchell Northam: Army -16.5

Thanks for showing up to take this whuppin, La. Tech. We appreciate your sacrifice for the troops.

Christian D’Andrea: Army -16.5

Tech thought it could be home for the holidays. Instead, it’s gonna get run the hell over for 60 minutes.

Michelle Martinelli: Army -16.5

Normally, this would be too big a spread for me to take, but Louisiana Tech is simply going to be outmatched by Bryson Daily and this crafty Army offense — even if the Bulldogs have one of the best defenses on paper.

Tyler Nettuno: Army -16.5

As we’ve seen, some teams are built to stop Army. A Louisiana Tech squad that finished 5-7 and is only playing in this game because Marshall opted out is not one of them.

No. 19 Missouri vs. Iowa, TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Monday, 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Missouri -2.5

Blake Schuster: Iowa +3

Do not get tricked into watching this game because it features a Big Ten-SEC matchup. This is for sickos only.

Mitchell Northam: Iowa +3

Kirk Ferentz will find a way to muck this game up against a Missouri team that very much does not want to be playing in the TransPerfect Music Bowl.

Christian D’Andrea: Iowa +3

I expect ugliness, and ugliness is where the Hawkeyes thrive.

Michelle Martinelli: Iowa +3

Peak sickos kinda bowl right here.

Tyler Nettuno: Missouri -3

While Iowa’s defense remains strong and Missouri is disappointing, it should have enough to eke out a win here.