2017 Walk On’s Independence Bowl Odds And Prediction

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Cam Akers
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Cam Akers /
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Walk On's Independence Bowl
SHREVEPORT, LA – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Steve Spurrier of the South Carolina Gamecocks raises the trophy with Jonathan Walton #28 following a victory over the Miami Hurricanes at the Duck Commander Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium on December 27, 2014 in Shreveport, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2017 Walk On’s Independence Bowl Odds And Prediction

Bowl season is really ramping up with 17 games between now and Saturday. I will be here giving you all of the info you need to make an educated pick against the spread if you so choose. Bowl season got off to a tough start, but I have improved lately. Next up is the Walk On’s Independence Bowl.

More from College Football Odds

For the rest of the bowl season, you will get my picks against the spread and point wagers just like I did all season long. I had a solid regular season, but I can make it look a whole lot better with a strong bowl season!

Just in case you missed any:
R+L Carriers New Mexico Bowl
Autonation Cure Bowl
Las Vegas Bowl
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Raycom Camellia Bowl
Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl
DXL Frisco Bowl
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
Bahamas Bowl
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Birmingham Bowl
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Dollar General Bowl
Hawaii Bowl
Zaxby’s Heart Of Dallas Bowl
Quick Lane Bowl
Cactus Bowl

Walk On's Independence Bowl
LEXINGTON, KY – SEPTEMBER 03:Ito Smith #25 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles runs the ball as Kobie Walker #8 of the Kentucky Wildcats tries to make the tackle at Commonwealth Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. Southern Mississippi defeated Kentucky 44-35. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Southern Mississippi vs. Florida State(-15.5) at Shreveport, LA(3):

Southern Mississippi 8-4, 6-2(t-3rd CUSA):

Wins: vs.Southern(45-0), at Louisiana-Monroe(28-17), at UTSA(31-29), vs. UTEP(24-0), at Louisiana Tech(34-27), at Rice(43-34), vs. Charlotte(66-21), at Marshall(28-27)

Losses: vs. Kentucky(17-24), vs. North Texas(28-43), vs. UAB(12-30), at Tennessee(10-24)

Record vs. bowl teams: 2-3

The Eagles took off once Kwadra Griggs took over the quarterback job full time. Griggs threw for seven touchdowns and no interceptions over the last three games when not splitting time with Keon Howard. However, this team will go as Ito Smith goes. This is the senior’s final game of an illustrious career in Hattiesburg. Smith ran for 453 yards and six touchdowns in the last three games as well. However, they have not faced a defense like Florida State’s.

Florida State 6-6, 3-5 (t-9th ACC):

Wins: at Wake Forest(26-19), at Duke(17-10), vs. Syracuse(27-24), vs. Delaware State(77-6), at Florida(38-22), vs. Louisiana-Monroe(42-10)

Losses: vs. Alabama(7-24), vs. North Carolina State(21-27), vs. (13)Miami(FL)(20-24), vs. Louisville(28-31), at Boston College(3-35), at (4)Clemson(14-31)

Record vs. bowl teams: 2-6

The Seminoles closed the season strong, and it had everything to do with the competition. James Blackman came into his own in those games, and Cam Akers topped off a strong freshman campaign. Which Florida State team will we get here? The extra practices could only help this young squad who lost their leader in Deondre Francois in the opener.

Prediction:

I think this is going to be a lower scoring game than the experts predict. The over/under is firmly planted at 49, and I’m still inclined to take the under. Florida  State’s defense is solid, but not elite. If Southern Miss can take care of the ball, they can hang around. The Eagles are going to be well represented in Shreveport, and they finally have a chance to make a statement. I have no delusions that Southern Miss will win this game. That loss to Tennessee was far worse than anything Florida State did. However, I do think that the Eagles show up to play and keep it within two touchdowns.

Pick: Southern Mississippi

Next: 2017 Capital One Bowl Mania Picks

Stay tuned for the rest of the bowl picks against the spread, and our DFS picks for the NBA, NFL, and even some NHL action! We have something for everyone