College Football Bowl Games: Picks & Best Bets

The lights (of the football stadium), the music (from the school bands, of course) and the glee on your face (after Sportsbook up your betting app to see a bet has cashed out successfully) – it’s what Christmas is all about.

Let’s be honest, with the holidays around the corner, your pockets must be feeling sadly light and empty. But we have a secret to possibly replenish all the Christmas spending you did – college football bowl game bets.

We are updating our annual bowl blog throughout the bowl season with a slate of over 40 games, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, to be wagered on. So, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect college football bowl season picks, best bets and analysis, then we’re your one-stop holiday shop in that department. All the odds and lines listed can be found at the online sportsbook.

Bowl Game Betting Record: 20-20

Looking to bet on college football? Our best college football sites page will help find the sportsbook that’s right for you.

CFP national Championship: TCU vs Georgia -13.0, 62.5

Well, I guess being a sucker for the underdog isn’t too crazy, because the No. 3 TCU Horned Frogs (13-1) are officially in the championship game after defeating the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl. The Frogs came out leaping, and the defense locked in and earned the first touchdown of the game on a pick-six. QB Max Duggan tossed for 225 yards and two touchdowns while receiver Quentin Johnston gained 163 yards on six receptions, including a fourth-quarter touchdown. Leading RB Kendre Miller earned 57 rushing yards before being sidelined after landing awkwardly on his knee. The junior is expected in the national championship game.

It was senior RB Emari Demercado who shined, leading his team to victory with 150 rushing yards and a touchdown. Although Michigan topped TCU in first downs (25), passing yards (342), total yards (528) and possession time (32:25), the Frogs solidified their “fight till the finish” reputation.

Unlike TCU, nobody was doubting the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (14-0) as they geared up for the Peach Bowl semifinal against the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes. But the Buckeyes held on till they couldn’t by leading 38-24 up until the fourth quarter, when they allowed 18 points to ultimately fall 42-41. The dagger in the heart? Kicker Noah Ruggles had the win within his reach when he lined up for a 50-yard field-goal try with three seconds left on the clock – too bad it ended in the worst kicking attempt I’ve ever seen.

Ohio State's kick literally begins in 2022 and ends in 2023.

"HE MISSED IT! LEFT! THE BENCH EXPLODES! IT'S MIDNIGHT! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" pic.twitter.com/NhpIYBxz7S
— Colin Lord (@colinlord) January 1, 2023

But it left me wondering: Are the Dawgs running out of gas? QB Stetson Bennett didn’t seem tired, however, throwing for 398 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He completed 10 of 12 passes in the final quarter to complete the comeback.

Georgia is heading into the championship seeking back-to-back titles for the first time in school history. The Bulldogs showed resilience in the semifinal, but the Frogs have been showing it all season long with 10 of their last 12 matchups being decided by 10 points or less.

TCU has gone 10-3-1 ATS for the fourth-best cover rate in the nation – how much longer are we going to be skeptical of the team’s success? That 13-point spread seems a little large for a team that’s proven it can keep up with the best. I’ve been riding the Horned Frogs all season. I’m not stopping now.

Pick: TCU +13.0

Consider: OVER 62.5 Points