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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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Mike Leach, Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Leach, Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl: Memphis vs. Hawai’i (Dec. 24, 8 p.m.)

Considering that we already have reports out that a good portion of the Hawai’i team hates their coach and with several transfers already out the door, I don’t know how you take the Rainbow Warriors here. Memphis doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence but we’re laying the points still.

Pick: Memphis -7.5

TaxAct Camellia Bowl: Georgia State vs. Ball State (Dec. 25, 2:30 p.m.)

Honestly, I was shocked to realize Ball State was actually bowl eligible. This team is experienced but the results on the field have been highly underwhelming. Georgia State is far from a juggernaut but I still have the Panthers covering as favorites on Christmas Day.

Pick: Georgia State -4.5

Quick Lane Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Nevada (Dec. 27, 11 a.m.)

Carson Strong deciding to opt out of this bowl game and declare for the draft is quite literally the basis for this pick. Nevada without Strong at quarterback is pedestrian on their best day and, as such, a feisty Western Michigan team feels like the right play.

Pick: Western Michigan -6.0

Military Bowl: Boston College vs. East Carolina (Dec. 27, 2:30 p.m.)

One thing that I tend to always take note of for bowl season is when a truly important quarterback either doesn’t opt out or, in the case of Phil Jurkovic, says he’s staying. I think we get a dose of a healthy Boston College passing attack that ECU simply can’t match for 60 minutes.

Pick: Boston College -3.0

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl: Houston vs. Auburn (Dec. 28, Noon)

Point blank, give me Houston outright in this matchup. Auburn has done nothing that should inspire confidence for much of the year and they’ve already lost several players to the portal. Houston may not be as good as their record but they have enough talent to win this one.

Pick: Houston +2.5

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: Air Force vs. Louisville (Dec. 28, 3:15 p.m.)

This goes against the returning quarterback theory, but I simply refuse to bet on the hot-and-cold Louisville team. At their best, they look unstoppable. But with a shaky defense still, Air Force should be able to impose their will and come away on top in this matchup.

Pick: Air Force +1.5

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Texas Tech (Dec. 28, 6:45 p.m.)

The Mike Leach Liberty Bowl! Frankly, Leach has no love lost for his former employer and I think we see that on the field. Mississippi State has plenty of warts but the Bulldogs are a better team and have a coach that is going to want to put a hurting on the Red Raiders.

Pick: Mississippi State -8.5

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