Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri Saturday, Dec. 27 7:30 P.M. ABC

Virginia’s season ended in heartbreaking fashion with a loss to Duke in the ACC Championship to exit the College Football Playoff conversation. Missouri might not have had their best season, but they had a few key wins this season and floated around the top 25 rankings. It feels like the Cavaliers won’t have much excitement for this game, so the Tigers win a third straight bowl game. Go with Missouri -4.5 over Virginia.

Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois Tuesday, Dec. 30 5:30 P.M. ESPN

Both Tennessee and Illinois failed to meet expectations, as they were ranked inside the preseason top 25 and finished 8-4. The Volunteers will be without wide receiver Chris Brazzell who is leaving for the NFL, but their offense has triumphed against Big Ten defenses in bowl games in recent memory. Illinois struggles to keep up with Tennessee offensively as Coach Heupel gets the win in Nashville. Go with Tennessee -2.5 over Illinois.

ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Wednesday, Dec. 31 12:00 P.M. ESPN

All the noise will be on Diego Pavia’s performance against a strong Iowa defense that allows less than 150 passing yards per game. The Hawkeyes finished the season strong, but Vanderbilt will be playing with a chip on their shoulder to show the nation they are a premier program. Pavia shines in what could be his final collegiate football game and caps off a historical season for the Commodores. Go with Vanderbilt -5.5 over Iowa.

Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas Wednesday, Dec. 31 3:00 P.M. ABC

The Longhorns finished the regular season with a stunning win over Texas A&M, while Michigan lost to Ohio State for the first time since 2019. This game gives Texas a chance to jumpstart next season with Manning under center, while the Wolverines are dealing with plenty of trouble off the field. Texas beats Michigan in blowout fashion as distractions keep Michigan from playing to their full potential. Go with Texas -7.5 over Michigan.

CFP at the Cotton Bowl: Miami vs. Ohio State Wednesday, Dec. 31 7:30 P.M. ESPN

Carson Beck and the Hurricanes survived a 10-3 slugfest in Kyle Field to advance to the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes will begin their journey for back-to-back national titles after losing to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. It’s hard to trust Miami after their poor performance against Texas A&M, and Ohio State once again enters the Playoff following an ugly loss. Go with Ohio State -9.5 over Miami.

‌CFP at the Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech Thursday, Jan. 1 12:00 P.M. ESPN

The Ducks defeated James Madison in a high-scoring battle in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Texas Tech won the Big 12 Championship over BYU to clinch a bye. Though Oregon struggled to contain the run in their last game, I expect Lanning’s team to play at a high level and score just enough points to spoil what has been an amazing season for the Red Raiders. Go with Oregon -1.5 over Texas Tech.

‌CFP at the Rose Bowl: Alabama vs. Indiana Thursday, Jan. 1 4:00 P.M. ESPN

The Crimson Tide scored 27 unanswered points in their win against Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Mendoza and the Hoosiers are playing the best football in program history after defeating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship to cap off an undefeated regular season. If the Alabama team that played in the second half shows up in Pasadena, Indiana could be on upset watch. The Rose Bowl never seems to disappoint, so make sure to keep an eye on this great matchup. Go with Alabama +6.5 over Indiana.

CFP at the Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Georgia Thursday, Jan. 1 8:00 P.M. ESPN

The Pete Golding era got off to a hot start as the Rebels downed Tulane 41-10 to face the SEC champions for a second time this season. When these two teams faced in October, the Bulldogs were able to overcome a poor defensive showing to win. I’m expecting Coach Smart to make defensive adjustments from that game to keep Ole Miss in check. Georgia scores a late touchdown to win and cover on their way to the Fiesta Bowl. Go with Georgia -6.5 over Ole Miss.