College football picks against the spread: Bowl season, week 1

Dec 3, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Kyree Woods (27) and tight end Darryl Richardson (84) celebrates after game against the Wyoming Cowboys at the Mountain West Championship college football game at War Memorial Stadium. The Aztecs beat the Cowboys 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers wide receiver Shaedon Meadors (6) looks to catch a pass during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Camellia Bowl (5:30 pm ET, ESPN) – Appalachian State (+1) over Toledo

I don’t like this game at all, but when there are only five games on the agenda, that is not an option provided to us. With that in mind, give me the (slight) underdog.

Appalachian State is one of the more underrated teams in the country, with a 9-3 record that includes only one loss to a comparable opponent. Yes, the Mountaineers were lit up by Miami earlier in the year, but App State nearly beat Tennessee on the road and only a close-fought loss to Troy sits as a black mark on an otherwise strong profile.

On the flip side, Toledo is pretty good in its own right, but I don’t trust the Rockets on defense. Moreover, the entire world will be on Toledo in this spot and that, of course, makes me want to take Appalachian State even more and that is exactly what we will do. Join if you dare.

Next: New Orleans Bowl

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