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College football bowl games 2021: ATS expert picks for every bowl game

By Cody Williams

Nov 13, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sincere McCormick, UTSA Roadrunners. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Sincere McCormick, UTSA Roadrunners. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Louisiana vs. Marshall (Dec. 18, 9:15 p.m.)

Some people might fade Louisiana in this game because Billy Napier is gone. However, my gut says that the Ragin’ Cajuns aren’t bothered by that but, rather, might be packing it in after winning the Sun Belt. Marshall, on the other hand, had a disappointing year and could want to end on a high note.

Pick: Marshall +5.0

Myrtle Beach Bowl: Old Dominion vs. Tulsa (Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m.)

Tulsa being favored by this many points is definitely scary as the Golden Hurricane have been more enticing when they’re an underdog. All told, though, ODU just isn’t that good of a football team, which reluctantly leads to me picking the favorite.

Pick: Tulsa -9.5

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Kent State vs. Wyoming (Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m.)

Wyoming is the more complete and consistent team, even if the Cowboys aren’t all that special. With that said, Kent State has the higher ceiling and I can’t shake that feeling. As such, they’re the pick to hoise the trophy full of taters after 60 minutes, winning outright.

Pick: Kent State +3.0

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: UTSA vs. San Diego State (Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.)

I totally get that San Diego State has a good matchup against a run-heavy team like UTSA. But I refuse to trust the Aztecs offense and, meanwhile, the Roadrunners have a little juice through the air. It might be ugly, but give me Meep Meep one last time this season.

Pick: UTSA -2.0

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Missouri vs. Army (Dec. 22, 8 p.m.)

This line is definitely telling about Missouri, an SEC team, getting four points against Army. While the Tigers can have some success on the ground, their own rush defense is terrible and I can’t shake that thought when considering them playing a service academy.

Pick: Army -4.0

Frisco Football Classic: North Texas vs. Miami (OH) (Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m.)

On paper, this should be a game to take Miami (OH). The Redhawks were the better team for much of the season. But my gut won’t take me off North Texas who earned bowl eligibility beating UTSA to end the regular season. Give me the Mean Green to continue finishing strong.

Pick: North Texas +3.0

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: UCF vs. Florida (Dec. 23, 7 p.m.)

This feels absolutely dirty after the season that Florida just had but the fact of the matter is that the Gators are more talented at every level. Moreover, UCF has struggled quite a bit since Dillon Gabriel went out to find consistent offense, so give me UF to get the touchdown win.

Pick: Florida -6.5

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