College football bowl odds aren’t just about the College Football Playoff semifinals or the other four New Year’s Six matchups. Oh no, you’re currently being flooded with 37 — thirty-damn-seven — mostly meaningless games.
We say mostly meaningless because, thanks to sports betting, there’s a reason to pay attention to the gala and pageantry of the Cheez-It Bowl and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
TwinSpires Sportsbook’s Zachary Lucas provided insights on current lines and action for matchups from Dec. 27-30 in the college football bowl odds market. Check back regularly for action updates.
College Football Bowl Odds
| Matchup | Time | Spread | Over/Under |
| South Carolina vs North Carolina | 11:30 a.m. ET Thursday | North Carolina -12 | 57.5 |
| Purdue vs Tennessee | 3 p.m. ET Thursday | Tennessee -7.5 | 65.5 |
| Arizona State vs Wisconsin | 10:30 p.m. ET Thursday | Wisconsin -7.5 | 41.5 |
Odds via WynnBet and updated as of 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 30
Las Vegas Bowl
Arizona State vs Wisconsin
Opening line: Wisconsin -7, Over/Under 43
UPDATE 7:45 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 30: Wisconsin fans have turned out en masse in Las Vegas, for tonight’s game at Allegiant Stadium. As such, BetMGM Nevada is overrun on the Badgers. The Badgers opened -7, got as low as -6 late Wednesday night, but are now up to -7.5.
“Based on the ticket count, I can tell you there are a lot more Wisconsin fans in town than ASU fans,” BetMGM Nevada’s Jeff Stoneback said. “It’s almost a 6/1 ticket count on Wisconsin, and money is almost 18/1. Honestly, the Wisconsin fans are more excited to travel here, to get away from the cold.”
The total fell from 43 to 41 by Tuesday, then rebounded to 42 today.
“It’s 3/1 tickets on the Over and 4/1 money on the Over. Not a big decision, but we need the Under,” Stoneback said.
UPDATE NOON ET THURSDAY, DEC. 30: WynnBet opened Wisconsin a 7-point favorite, dipped as low as -5.5 Christmas Day, then rebounded to -7 by this morning. It’s all Wisconsin on the spread, at 77% of tickets/89% of money. The total fell from 43.5 to 41.5 by Sunday, but hasn’t moved at all since then. And the betting splits run counter to the move: 79% of tickets/90% of money on the Over.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: This game, long played early in bowl season and at rundown Sam Boyd Stadium, gets a huge facelift this year. The Las Vegas Bowl is now on Dec. 30 at brand-new Allegiant Stadium (home of the NFL’s Raiders). And it’s got an attractive Pac-12/Big Ten matchup.
Wisconsin (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) went on a 7-0 SU/5-2 ATS run from early October to mid-November to contend for the Big Ten West title. That ended in the regular-season finale at Minnesota, where the Badgers fell 23-13 as 7-point favorites.
Arizona State (8-4 SU, 5-7 ATS) won three of its last four, coasting past hated rival Arizona 38-15 as a 20-point chalk in the finale.
Wisconsin dipped to -6.5, then returned to -7 at TwinSpires, while netting 64% of tickets/57% of money.
“We’ve seen sharp money on both sides so far,” Lucas said.
The total fell to 42, with 60% of tickets/64% of money on the Under.
Music City Bowl
Purdue vs Tennessee
Opening line: Purdue -3, Over/Under 58.5
UPDATE NOON ET THURSDAY, DEC. 30: As with other books, WynnBet flipped this line practically right out of the gate in early December. Purdue opened -3, but news of opt-outs — most notably wideout David Bell and defensive end George Karlaftis — quickly sent the number to Tennessee -3. The Vols reached -6 Monday night on news of Purdue being further shorthanded.
And this morning, the line rose 1.5 points to Vols -7.5. Ticket count is 3/1 and money 9/1 on Tennessee. The total is at 65.5, from a 61 opener and 66.5 high point reached earlier today. Ticket count is 2/1-plus and money beyond 9/1 on the Over.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: This number jumped the fence almost immediately at TwinSpires and elsewhere. The line move was mostly due to speculation that Purdue wouldn’t have two-star players: wideout David Bell and defensive end George Karlaftis. By mid-December, those two indeed opted out of the game.
Thanks in part to the presences of Bell and Karlaftis, Purdue (8-4 SU, 7-5 ATS) played the role of Big Ten spoiler this season. The Boilermakers took out unbeaten Iowa on the road in October and a perfect Michigan State team at home in November. Purdue capped the regular season with a 44-7 home rout of Indiana giving 18.5 points, improving to 5-2 ATS in its last seven.
Tennessee (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS) scrambled to finish above .500 by winning won three of its last four games, with the only loss being to then-No. 1 Georgia. The Vols finished with a 45-21 victory over Vanderbilt, but failed to cash as hefty 33-point home favorites.
TwinSpires now has Tennessee as a 4.5-point chalk. The Boilermakers are drawing 56% of tickets and the Vols 62% of money.
The Vols were the best Over team in the nation this year at 9-3, with their last five games in a row hurdling the total. Also, Purdue finished on a 4-2 Over run. As such, the total has shot up to 63.5, with 62% of tickets/70% of money on the Over.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
South Carolina vs North Carolina
Opening line: North Carolina -5, Over/Under 58.5
UPDATE 10:45 A.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 30: North Carolina stormed to -12.5 this morning at BetMGM, a 2.5-point increase just since late last night. South Carolina reportedly has some COVID issues. Further, earlier in the month, Gamecocks QB Jason Brown entered the transfer portal, and running back Zaquandre White opted out to prep for the NFL Draft.
The Tar Heels opened -6.5 Dec. 6 and steadily climbed throughout the month. Ticket count is almost 3/1 and money 6/1 on North Carolina, 45 minutes from kickoff. The total isn’t nearly as volatile, dipping from 58.5 to 57.5, with the Over getting 56% of tickets/57% of money.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: It’s an SEC-ACC border battle for this Dec. 30 contest in Charlotte, N.C. North Carolina was a preseason top-10 team, but went a disappointing 6-6 SU (5-7 ATS). The Tar Heels ended the regular season with a 34-30 loss at North Carolina State, but cashed as 5.5-point underdogs to halt a 1-5 ATS slump.
South Carolina (6-6 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) got to .500 and bowl eligibility with a 21-17 upset of Auburn as a 7-point home ‘dog. A week later in the regular-season finale, the Gamecocks lost to Clemson 30-0 getting 11.5 points at home. South Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last seven.
TwinSpires moved North Carolina from -5 to -6 early on, and the line then surged to -8.5. The Tar Heels are now -8 while taking 63% of spread tickets and 72% of spread money.
“North Carolina is our second-biggest [non-CFP] liability, behind Oklahoma,” Lucas said.
The total fell to 58, with 53% of tickets on the Under/55% of money on the Over.
Alamo Bowl
Oregon vs Oklahoma
Opening line: Oklahoma -4, Over/Under 62
UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29: Forty-five minutes before kickoff, Oklahoma is at its apex of -7 at WynnBet. The Sooners opened -3 (-120) more than three weeks ago and spent much of the month at -4.5. But on Monday afternoon, the line moved to -5, then -6.5 and onto -7 within a matter of a few minutes. That move likely stemmed from action on reports of Oregon being shorthanded for tonight’s game.
The Sooners receded to -6.5, but returned to -7 this morning. Ticket count is 3/1 and money almost 5/1 on Oklahoma. The total is up to 63, from a 61.5 opener and 60 opener. The Over is drawing 62% of bets/69% of cash.
UPDATE NOON ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29: Oklahoma opened as a 3-point chalk at BetMGM and spent most of the past four weeks at -4.5. Monday, however, the Sooners shot to -7, on news that Oregon could be more shorthanded than anticipated for the Alamo Bowl. Early today, Oklahoma inched down to -6.5, where the line stands now. Ticket count is 3/1 and money beyond 6/1 on the Sooners.
The total opened at 61.5 and fell to 60.5 a week ago. But it’s up a full 2 points just today, to 62.5, with tickets and money in the 2/1 range on the Over.
UPDATE 9:30 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: This is arguably the best game outside the CFP/New Year’s Six clashes. Oklahoma opened as a 3-point fave at DraftKings and quickly got to -4.5, where the line stuck until Monday afternoon. In less than an hour, the number shot to -7, and the Sooners are now -6.5. A Monday report indicated Oregon could be significantly shorthanded for this Wednesday night showdown.
Point-spread ticket count is 4/1 and money 2/1 on Oklahoma. The total opened at 62, peaked early at 62.5, and bottomed out Monday at 60. It’s currently 60 (-120), with tickets 5/1 on the Over and money 4/1 on the Under.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: Remember the Alamo Bowl on your Dec. 30 viewing schedule. At first blush, it’s one of the better non-New Year’s Six matchups, with both teams posting double-digit wins and remaining in the College Football Playoff hunt for most of the season.
Oklahoma (10-2 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) lost two of its last three, blowing a chance to reach the CFP in the process. In the season-ending Bedlam game at Oklahoma State, the Sooners were outscored 14-0 in the fourth quarter, losing 37-33 and pushing as 4-point pups.
Oregon (10-3 SU, 5-8 ATS) wished it had never seen Utah once this season, let alone twice, as the Utes completely fouled up the Ducks’ CFP plans. On Nov. 20, Oregon got pelted 38-7 as a 3.5-point ‘dog at Utah. Two weeks later, in Las Vegas for the Pac-12 title tilt, it was more of the same: Oregon lost 38-10 catching 3 points.
Despite the fact head coach Lincoln Riley surprisingly jumped ship to USC immediately after the Oklahoma State loss, Oklahoma is up to -4.5 in TwinSpires’ college football bowl odds market. Ticket count is 2/1 and money 3/1 on the Sooners.
“Oklahoma is currently our biggest liability outside of the CFP games,” Lucas said.
The total is at 61.5, with 69% of bets on the Over/57% of cash on the Under.
Cheez-It Bowl
Iowa State vs Clemson
Opening line: Clemson -1.5, Over/Under 45
UPDATE 5 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29: WynnBet opened Clemson as a 1-point favorite, went to -1.5 Christmas Eve, -2 Monday and -2.5 Tuesday. The Tigers are now -2, with ticket count and money in the 3/1 range on Clemson. After opening at 45.5, the total dipped to 44, but it’s risen a full point just this afternoon, to 45. The Over is drawing 72% of bets/71% of cash.
UPDATE NOON ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29: Clemson opened -1.5 at BetMGM, and the line jumped the fence earlier in the month to Iowa State -1.5. On Dec. 19, the line flipped back to Tigers -1, and Clemson has been at the current -2.5 since Tuesday afternoon. The Tigers are drawing 72% of tickets and 69% of money on the spread. The total moved from 44.5 to 45.5 a couple of times and is now 44.5, with ticket count almost dead even and money 2/1 on the Under.
UPDATE 9:30 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: A Dec. 29 game is earlier than Clemson is used to at this time of year, following six straight CFP appearances. DraftKings pegged the Tigers a 1-point favorite Dec. 6, and the line flipped to Iowa State -1.5 Dec. 9. On Dec. 18, the number went to pick, then to Clemson -1, and over the past two days made its way to -3.
The Tigers are currently -2.5, on a 4/1 ticket count and 3/1-plus money count. The total moved from 45 to 45.5, then fell to 44, where it’s been since Dec. 18. However, ticket count is 5/1 and money 4/1 on the Over.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: Clemson reached the College Football Playoff six years in a row, missing only the CFP’s inaugural 2014-15 season. In the process, Dabo Swinney and Co. won two national championships. This season, the Tigers (9-3 SU, 4-8 ATS) didn’t even reach the ACC championship game.
All that said, Clemson finished this regular season on solid ground, going 5-0 SU/4-1 ATS in its last five (after failing to cash in its first six FBS contests). The Tigers finished with a 30-0 shutout of South Carolina as 11.5-point road favorites.
Iowa State (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS) capped its season with a 48-14 wipeout of TCU as a 16-point home chalk. That win ended Cyclones skids of 1-3 SU and 1-4 ATS.
TwinSpires currently has Clemson -1, with 62% of tickets on the Tigers and 64% of cash on the Cyclones.
“There’s sharp money on Iowa State +1.5, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this line flipped,” Lucas said.
The total dipped to 44, with 56% of tickets on the Over/55% of money on the Under.
Pinstripe Bowl
Maryland vs Virginia Tech
Opening line: Virginia Tech -3, Over/Under 52.5
UPDATE 12:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28: Maryland is all the way out to a 4.5-point favorite at BetMGM, after opening a 2.5-point underdog. That’s mostly due to the absence of Virginia Tech QB Braxton Burmeister — announced earlier this month — and several others who either entered the transfer portal or opted out of the game. Most of the line movement, all the way to Terrapins -3.5, occurred by Dec. 21, with the move to -4 coming this morning.
About two hours before kickoff, Maryland is collecting 70% of spread bets and 82% of spread dollars. Despite the outflux of players, the Pinstripe Bowl total rose from 53 to 55, with 56% of bets/82% of money on the Over.
UPDATE 9:30 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: Virginia Tech QB Braxton Burmeister entered the transfer portal earlier this month and will not play Wednesday. In addition, several key VaTech players on both sides of the ball opted out to prep for the NFL Draft. So this line has seen a 6.5-point move at DraftKings, from VaTech -3 to Maryland -3.5.
The Terrapins have been at -3.5 since Dec. 20. However, the Hokies are still netting 75% of bets/58% of money. The total is actually up to 54.5, where it’s been since Dec. 13, after opening at 52.5. Ticket count is 9/1-plus and money 4/1 on the Over.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: A pair of 6-6 SU teams meets in this mediocre matchup. Maryland (4-8 ATS) reached the magic bowl-eligibility number with a 40-16 season-ending rout as a 2-point pup at Rutgers. The victory ended the Terps’ seven-game ATS slide.
Virginia Tech (5-7 ATS) beat Virginia 29-24 as a 7-point road ‘dog to cap the regular season.
This line has seen significant movement, jumping the fence to Maryland -3.5 at TwinSpires. The move is due in no small part to VaTech player opt-outs/transfer-portal entrants. The Terrapins are attracting 60% of spread bets and 74% of spread money.
“A mix of public and sharp money on Maryland,” Lucas said.
The total rose from 52.5 to 54.5, with tickets and money both in the 2/1 range on the Over.
Liberty Bowl
Texas Tech vs Mississippi State
Opening line: Mississippi State -9, Over/Under 60
UPDATE 3 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: A few hours before kickoff, PointsBet USA is out to -10.5 on Mississippi State. The Bulldogs opened -8.5, spent much of the past week at -9.5 and hit -10 Monday afternoon. Late this morning, the number ticked to -10.5 (-105), where it sits now. However, the betting splits are intriguing when compared with the line movement: Ticket count is 2/1 Mississippi State, while money is 2/1 Texas Tech.
The total is down to 57.5 from a 59.5 opener, with 56% of bets/54% of money on the Over.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: Mississippi State (7-5 SU and ATS) finished a middling season with a 31-21 loss to Mississippi laying 2.5 points at home. That result snapped a 4-0 ATS run for the Bulldogs.
Texas Tech (6-6 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) started out 5-2 SU then barely reached .500, going 1-4 SU in its last five. But in the finale at Baylor, the Red Raiders kept it interesting in a 27-24 loss, easily cashing as 14.5-point pups.
Mississippi State is now up to -10 at TwinSpires, while landing 55% of bets/66% of money.
“Sharp money on Mississippi State -9,” Lucas said.
The total is down to 58.5, though 56% of bets/64% of dollars are on the Over.
First Responder Bowl
Louisville vs Air Force
Opening line: Air Force -1, Over/Under 55
UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: This game has seen both teams as short favorites at PointsBet USA over the past three weeks or so. Air Force opened -1.5, and the line flipped mid-December to Louisville -2, then to Air Force -2. The Cardinals spent much of the past week at -1.5, but the line today moved to Falcons -1. Louisville is landing 59% of spread bets, while Air Force is attracting 65% of spread money.
The total opened at 55.5 and bottomed out Monday night at 54.5, where it remains now. That said, tickets and money are beyond 3/1 on the Over.
UPDATE 11:45 A.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: Louisville hit WynnBet’s odds board as a slim 1.5-point chalk, went to -1 Monday, then pick ’em this morning. The Cardinals then rebounded to -1.5 and are now -1. Louisville is landing 60% of bets, while Air Force is clearing 64% of money. The total moved from 54.5 to 55.5 Dec. 18, dipped to 54 Monday and returned to the 54.5 opener today. The Over is nabbing 80% of tickets, but 54% of money is on the Under.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: Air Force (9-3 SU, 8-4 ATS) went 7-2 SU and ATS in its last nine games, winning and cashing the last three. The Falcons thumped UNLV 48-14 as 18-point home faves to wrap up the regular season.
Louisville (6-6 SU and ATS) got two late-season wins to reach .500, then took the field as a 3-point home favorite against rival Kentucky to end the regular season and got drubbed 52-21.
After the Falcons opened -1, TwinSpires moved to pick and today went to Cardinals -1. Louisville is netting 54% of bets and 60% of money.
“Small sharp buy on Louisville +1,” Lucas said.
The total is up a tick to 55.5, with 65% of bets/59% of cash on the Over.
Birmingham Bowl
Houston vs Auburn
Opening line: Auburn -3, Over/Under 52
UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 28: This line has shifted 3.5 points at WynnBet in just the last couple of hours, from Auburn -2 to Houston -1.5. Auburn initially opened -3 Dec. 6 and stuck there until a dip to -2.5 Dec. 18. It’s two-way action with a lean still toward the Tigers, despite the line jumping the fence. Auburn is netting 55% of spread tickets, while Houston is taking 59% of spread money.
“We’ve seen both the public and respected bets on the Cougars, which created a move for that side of the market,” WynnBet senior trader Motoi Pearson said of this morning’s big move.
The total opened at 52 and bottomed out today at 49, with the Over seeing 75% of bets, but just 55% of money.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: Auburn limped to just six wins this season, losing its last four. But the Tigers (6-6 SU and ATS) put up an impressive fight in the last of those contests. Auburn was a 20.5-point home underdog to archrival Alabama and held a 10-0 lead until well into the fourth quarter. However, the game went to overtime tied at 10, and the Tigers lost 24-22 in quadruple OT.
After losing a neutral-site season opener to Texas Tech, Houston went on an 11-0 SU spree (7-4 ATS). That streak ended in the American Athletic Conference championship. The Cougars (11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS) fell 35-10 as 10.5-point dogs at CFP semifinalist Cincinnati.
Auburn, which snapped an 0-3 ATS slide with its easy cover against the Crimson Tide, is down to -2 on TwinSpires’ college football bowl odds board. The Tigers are taking 59% of bets, while 62% of money is on Houston.
“Sharp money on Houston +3 and +2.5,” Lucas said.
Auburn stayed Under the total in six of its last eight games, while the Over was 8-3 in Houston’s last 11. The total is down a notch to 51.5, with 57% of bets on the Over/67% of money on the Under.
“Sharp money on Under 52,” Lucas said.
Quick Lane Bowl
Western Michigan vs Nevada
Opening line: Nevada -6.5, Over/Under 56
UPDATE 9 A.M. ET MONDAY, DEC. 27: As with other books, this line shifted big time at BetMGM, due in part to Nevada QB Carson Strong opting out to prep for the NFL Draft. Nevada opened as a 6.5-point favorite, and Western Michigan is now -7. The Broncos are attracting 61% of spread bets and 69% of spread money. The total plunged from 65.5 to 56.5, although 74% of bets/70% of dollars are on the Over.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: This line is a huge mover at TwinSpires, thanks primarily to Nevada quarterback Carson Strong opting out to prep for the NFL Draft. The Wolf Pack are without several additional players, too. Further, Jay Norvell exited as coach earlier this month to take the same post at fellow Mountain West Conference school Colorado State.
Nevada (8-4 SU and ATS) closed the regular season with a 52-10 wipeout of Colorado State as 3-point road favorites. The Wolf Pack enter this game on a 5-1-1 ATS run. Western Michigan (7-5 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) also rolled in its finale, 42-21 laying 7 points at Northern Illinois to halt a 1-3 SU/0-4 ATS skid.
This line jumped the fence early this month amid concerns that Strong would opt-out. After the Nevada quarterback made it official mid-month, the number ultimately stretched to Western Michigan -7, before inching back to -6.5 today. The Broncos are getting 56% of tickets and 68% of cash on the spread.
The total plunged from 66 to 56, with 60% of tickets/82% of cash on the Under.
“It’s a mix of public and sharp money on the Under,” Lucas said.
Military Bowl
East Carolina vs Boston College
Opening line: Boston College -3, Over/Under 49
UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET MONDAY: This matchup, originally set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. ET today, was canceled. Boston College had a bundle of players out due to COVID issues, among other issues impacting its roster.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: Boston College barely made it to bowl eligibility, going 2-6 SU (3-5 ATS) in its last eight games. The Eagles (6-6 SU and ATS) got blasted in their regular-season finale, losing 41-10 as 6-point home pups to Wake Forest.
East Carolina (7-5 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) finished much stronger, securing a bowl bid with a late-season 4-0 SU run. But the Pirates faced College Football Playoff semifinalist Cincinnati in their last game and lost 35-13 as 14.5-point home pups. Despite that blowout defeat, ECU closed on a 7-2 ATS run.
TwinSpires’ line has been stable at Eagles -3, with 54% of tickets on ECU and 52% of cash on BC.
“Good two-way action so far. Liability is right down the middle,” Lucas said.
The Under is 5-1-1 in ECU’s last seven games and 7-1 in B.C.’s last eight. Despite that, the total in this game is all the way up to 52.5 from a 49 opener, with 62% of tickets/73% of dollars on the Over.
Fenway Bowl
Virginia vs SMU
Opening line: Southern Methodist -1.5, Over/Under 71.5
UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET MONDAY: This matchup, originally set for 11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, was canceled. Virginia said COVID issues among a number of players prevented it from traveling to the game.
UPDATE 2 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 23: SMU got out of the gate this season at 7-0 SU (5-2 ATS), but ended with a 1-4 SU and ATS thud. The Mustangs (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS) finished with a 34-31 loss to Tulsa as 6.5-point home favorites.
Virginia (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) also finished meekly, going 0-4 SU/1-3 ATS. The Cavaliers capped things with a 29-24 upset loss to Virginia Tech 29-24 as a 7-point home chalk.
However, this line jumped the fence in TwinSpires’ college football bowl odds market, with Virginia now -2.5. The Mustangs are drawing 55% of tickets, while 64% of money is on the Cavaliers.
“Sharp money on Virginia right as it opened,” Lucas said.
The total is up to 72, with 73% of tickets/71% of money on the Over.[/accordion]
