Gamblers World Line Moves: College Football Bowls Dec. 30 – Jan. 3

College Football Bowls Dec. 30 – Jan. 3

The bowl season continues and we have the latest Line Moves and news on college football. This article will wrap up the regular portion of the bowl season along with CFP quarterfinal games. Follow along and check out our Free Picks which have been great at 69-44 ATS this season. Thanks for following all season and look for our NBA and college basketball articles starting next week.

CFB – (257) Iowa vs. (258) Missouri Total 40
Monday, December 30 – 2:30 p.m. ET / ESPN

Music City Bowl – For this article, we have to pick and choose our battles because of the portal, having fewer games. This total has slid from 43.5 to 40 because Iowa QB Cade McNamara left, RB Kaleb Johnson, opted out, as did Missouri’s Luther Burden because he’s expected to be a top wide receiver. As the original total suggested, this wasn’t supposed to be a high-scoring ballgame to begin with. With the lack of big play possibilities, siding with the lower score despite the overwhelming support of the Over on bet percentages.

Bet Percentage: OVER 85%

Doug’s Pick – Lean UNDER

CFB – (263) South Carolina vs. (264) Illinois +10
Tuesday, December 31 – 3:00 p.m. ET / ABC

Citrus Bowl – A quality SEC/Big Ten battle that annually brings two good clubs together. South Carolina was on the fence about receiving a CFP invite because they were 9-3 and finished with six consecutive victories. Illinois was also a shocking 9-3, having a season win total of 5.5. The Gamecocks opened as large 11.5-point favorites but have been bet down to -9.5. On Sunday the spread moved back to 10. The Eastern side USC squad has more overall talent, however, the Fighting Illini are just that. We would not be surprised if the Gamecocks led throughout, just look for Illinois to come up short by seven or fewer points and move to 6-0 ATS in away or neutral games versus run defense allowing 120 or fewer rushing yards a game.

Bet Percentage: Illinois 63%

Doug’s Pick – Illinois covers

CFB – (265) Baylor vs. (266) LSU +3.5
Tuesday, December 31 – 3:30 p.m. ET / ESPN

Texas Bowl – LSU was selected as a three-point favorite in this contest. But after the Tigers had nearly three times as many portal and opt-out players, Baylor was flipped to a 3.5-point fave. LSU has significant losses in the offensive line and at all three levels of the defense. The Bears came storming down the stretch 6-0 SU and ATS. The adjusted spread feels a touch pricey, especially on the hook in what should be an offensive game. Yet with how Baylor is playing, they are worth a strong look.

Bet Percentage: Baylor

Doug’s Pick – Lean Baylor covers

CFB – (271) Ohio State vs. (272) Oregon Total 55
Wednesday, January 1 – 5:00 p.m. ET / ESPN

Rose Bowl/ CFB Quarterfinal – For Oregon, being the lone undefeated team in the country meant their first playoff game they face a new conference rival whom they beat earlier and are listed as the underdog. Thanks. Football bettors are more focused on the total, taken from 52.5 to 55. In the first battle, Oregon survived 32-31, making it natural to assume we’ll see a similar outcome. This is not for sure since Ohio State’s defense has improved and both squads have a better idea of what to expect a second time around. Consider neutral field teams when the total is between 49.5 and 56, in a game involving two passing teams averaging 8.3 or more yards per pass attempt after 7+ games are 36-10 UNDER.

Bet Percentage: OVER 72%

Doug’s Pick–Play UNDER

CFB – (279) Minnesota vs. (280) Virginia Tech +7.5
Friday, January 3 – 7:30 p.m. ET / ESPN

Mayo Bowl – With the Hokies losing their two top QBs, they will use freshman William Watson III who’s not seen a lot of action. They also have losses in the offensive line and defense, leaving them with a depleted roster, thus, Virginia Tech shot up from +4.5 to +7.5. Minnesota closed 5-2 and 6-1 ATS and with a stout defense and an offense that can control the clock, the Golden Gophers are set to methodically dismantle Virginia Tech. It also helps to have a coach who understands bowl preparation and P.J. Fleck is undefeated in bowl games at 5-0 SU in the maroon and gold.

Bet Percentage: Minnesota 72%

Doug’s Pick – Minnesota covers

CFB Top 3 Money ATS Bets (Highest in order) (45-38 record): Louisville, Minnesota and Iowa

CFB Top 3 Money Totals Bets (Highest in order) (44-38-1 record): Alabama/Michigan OVER, Iowa/Missouri OVER and Duke/Mississippi OVER

Get more college football betting advice from Doug Upstone here and purchase Doug’s Premium picks here.