Pinstripe Bowl
Boston College vs. Nebraska (-2.5, T-45.5)
The biggest storyline for this game will be transfer as Boston College currently has eight players in the portal, including QB Thomas Castellanos. But Nebraska was hit the hardest with more than 20 players on the move, affecting the teams depth chart. BC’s backup Grayson James started the last three games and finished 20 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two TDs, and no turnovers against Pittsburgh. The Cornhuskers defense isn’t bad but missing key pieces such as EDGEs Princewill Umanmielen, James Williams, and a couple of linebackers. Nebraska will have five of its front seven defenders out, so the Eagles offense could find some holes.
THE PICK: Boston College 27, Nebraska 23
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Iowa State vs. Miami (-3, T-55.5)
Miami’s Heisman finalist QB Cam Ward says he plans to play but he’ll be without WR Isaiah Horton, who entered the transfer portal. Much of the roster remains intact and since the Canes didn’t make the playoffs, you can bet they’d like to salvage the season with a victory. Iowa State lost a couple of EDGE players but not key pieces to the defense. Miami’s offense ranked first in EPA, third in success rate, and second in net points per drive. Ward and company finally snap the Hurricanes’ five-game losing streak in bowls.
THE PICK: Miami 31, Iowa State 20
Valero Alamo Bowl
BYU vs. Colorado (-5, T-54.5)
It’s the last dance for Heisman winner Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders who will enter the NFL Draft in April and both will likely go in the top-3. The Buffaloes offense was led by Sanders who racked up 327.2 YPG and threw 35 touchdowns this season. Colorado put up nearly 35 PPG and BYU will have its hands full trying to contain these stars. The Cougars do have the conference’s top defense holding opponents to just 20 PPG. The portal hasn’t affected either program that much and we should see both teams be able to put up points. Colorado wins in a shootout.
THE PICK: OVER 54.5
Independence Bowl
Louisiana Tech vs. Army (-17.5, T-44)
Army was supposed to face Marshall but the Thundering Herd lost over 25 players to the portal. So (5-7) Louisiana Tech steps in with one of the worst offenses in the country, 30th from the bottom averaging just 343 YPG and 22 PPG. The Black Knights finished 11-2 with losses to Notre Dame and a stunning loss to Navy. Army leads the country running the ball, nearly 300 yards per game. With so many players in the portal, this game looks like a major mismatch. Army rolls.
THE PICK: Army 35, Louisiana Tech 10
