NCAA football betting picks, odds and promos: Championship Weekend

The US Sun

22 December 2023

NCAA football betting picks, odds and promos: Championship Weekend

WE'RE officially in college football bowl season, and numerous bowls will have come and gone from now through the day after Christmas.

Below are our best bets for the bowl games ahead.

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Utah vs. Northwestern - Utah ML (-238) at DraftKings
James Madison vs. Air Force - James Madison ML (-132) at BetRivers
Kansas vs. UNLV - UNLV +12.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Find our expert predicitions and picks for the Championship Weekend games.

As we head into this bowl game, Utah will be without their quarterback this season, Bryson Barnes. He’s hitting the transfer portal, and thus, redshirt freshman Brandon Rose will start.

Rose has never played a snap of college football before, and here, he’ll take on a Northwestern defense that’s allowed 159.3 rushing yards and more than 24 points per game. This sets up perfectly for Utah to utilize the rushing attack. That said, Northwestern has allowed nearly 248 passing yards per game over their last three, so Rose may have some opportunities.

Several defensive players are opting out of this game for Utah, so Northwestern certainly could make something happen. If Sione Vaki, who declared for the NFL, opts out, that would be a massive blow to Utah as he plays safety and running back.

Look for Utah to grind out a low-scoring game here at Allegiant Stadium.

How to watch: ABC
Date and time: Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium

Usually, players opt out of their bowl games when they hit the transfer portal, but not James Madison. All of their players, including starter Jordan McCloud, will play.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the coaching staff, as Curt Cignetti and his staff are headed to Indiana. Damian Wroblewski will coach this game in his place.

The Dukes finished the year 11-1, losing to App. State, but they averaged 34.9 points per game, which far out-ranks Air Force’s 26.3.

On defense, both teams allow 20 points or less. James Madison allows just over 60 rushing yards per game, the least in the nation. Air Force is a run-heavy team, averaging the least passing yards per game at 87.7.

It will be a battle of the league's best rush defense against a top rushing attack. We think James Madison will come away with a massive win, especially with McCloud under center.

How to watch: ABC
Date and time: Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium

Few players are hitting the transfer portal in this game, but the most notable absences will be Kansas’ starting left tackle Dominick Puni and quarterback Jalon Daniels. Daniels has dealt with injuries most of the season, and Puni is heading to the NFL.

Both teams average over 32 points per game and allow 26.5 or more. The rush defenses are fairly equal at 175.5 to 162 per game, favoring Kansas. Kansas also fares better running the ball on offense, going for over 200 per game compared to UNLV’s 172.2.

The Jayhawks are certainly in an excellent spot to win here, going up against UNLV redshirt freshman Jayden Maiava, but he has a no-so-secret weapon in wide receiver Ricky White to rely on.

Both teams match up fairly well. Look for Kansas to win, but by 12 points or less, resulting in a UNLV cover.