2022 Rose Bowl, Utah vs. Penn State: TV, time, picks

In case you missed it, the Bayou Bets crew is holding their second annual College Bowl Pick ’Em, and we’re hoping you’re the big benefactor from our predictions.

Like we did last year, we started with $1,000 Bowl Bucks, and we’re making a play on each of the 42 bowl games this season. And when it’s over, we’ll take whatever money we have left and make a “Final Jeopardy” type pick in the National Championship Game in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2023.

Below are the picks from sports betting director Zach Ewing, along with staff writers Jim Derry, Spencer Urquhart and Gabe Henderson for the Orange Bowl, as it appeared in our original 2022-23 College Football Bowl Guide (Part 2). You can also see our Part 1 picks from Dec. 16 through Dec. 29.

These predictions were originally based off of lines and spreads as of early afternoon on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Caesars Sportsbook. Also listed are spreads as of late Thursday, Dec. 29.

ROSE BOWL

Utah (10-3, -135) vs. Penn State (10-2, +115)

Where: Pasadena, Calif.

When/TV: Jan. 2, 4 p.m. ESPN

Line/Total: Utah -2.5, O/U 52.5

Zach Ewing: The Rose Bowl has been a classic more often than not lately, including Utah’s crazy loss to Ohio State last year. This one projects to be close on paper, too, but I’ll take Penn State given the Nittany Lions’ propensity to play well in bowl games under James Franklin and the fact that I'm getting points. The bet: Penn State +2.5 for $33.

Jim Derry: Zach Ewing stole his pick from James Carville, so I am stealing it too. I mean, it’s the holiday season and sharing is caring. The bet: Penn State ML +115 for $46.80 to win $53.80.

Spencer Urquhart: This matchup appears close to even, as both Penn State and Utah have upped their level of play down the stretch, especially on offense. We’ll take the over in this one since both offenses have consistently put up points against quality competition. The bet: Over 52.5 for $22.

Gabe Henderson: The Rose Bowl never ceases to entertain. Penn State and Utah have two of the top 20 defenses in the country, but they also both rank in the top 35 for total offense, as well. I’ll take the over. The bet: Over 52.5 for $33.

WHERE WE STAND

Through Saturday (Dec. 31)

All picks and handicaps were made and written on or before Dec. 29, and lines were taken from Caesars Sportsbook as of Dec. 28. Staff writers were allowed to make a pick on the money line, spread, total or make no pick at all.

STARTING STACK FOR STAFFERS: $1,000 BOWL BUCKS

Zach Ewing: 27-11 overall, +$120 on Saturday, balance $1,405.

Gabe Henderson: 20-16 overall, +$28 on Saturday, balance $1,044.40.

Spencer Urquhart: 15-22 overall, +$103 on Saturday, balance $904.

Jim Derry: 15-21 overall, +$89.80 on Saturday, balance $836.80.