Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Clemson, D.J. Uiagalelei
Clemson Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) /

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: UCLA vs. NC State (Dec. 28, 8 p.m.)

There were certainly points this season when I would’ve taken the Bruins in a heartbeat. But with NC State getting a bit healthier with the layoff and with how UCLA performed down the stretch, this is as simple as seeing the Wolfpack as the better team in what is basically a pick ’em.

Pick: NC State -1.0

Guaranteed Rate Bowl: West Virginia vs. Minnesota (Dec. 28, 10:15 p.m.)

Maybe this is just a bit too simplistic, but when West Virginia hasn’t been playing at home, they’ve been subpar for most of the season. Minnesota climbed out of some early holes they dug to finish strong and I think they have enough to overmatch a hapless Mountaineers offense.

Pick: Minnesota -3.5

Wasabi Fenway Bowl: SMU vs. Virginia (Dec. 29, 11 a.m.)

My best advice is to take the over (currently at 71.0). These two offenses are the story and they’re going to have their way against subpar defenses. With that being said, my lean in these games is to always take the dog as it could go either way.

Pick: SMU +2.5

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Maryland vs. Virginia Tech (Dec. 29, 2:15 p.m.)

Truth be told, the Pinstripe Bowl isn’t really moving the needle for me. It’s fitting the line is a pick ’em because it feels like a toss-up. I prefer the explosiveness of the Terrapins offense, though, which is why I’m taking Maryland to get the win here.

Pick: Maryland – Pick ‘Em

Cheez-It Bowl: Clemson vs. Iowa State (Dec. 29, 5:45 p.m.)

Matt Campbell has traditionally had the Cyclones ready for postseason bowl games but they also aren’t used to seeing a team with the talent of Clemson in the Cheez-It Bowl. The Tigers have some hardships, particularly on the coaching staff, to overcome, but I believe they can.

Pick: Clemson +1.5

Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs. Oklahoma (Dec. 29, 9:15 p.m.)

Might as well call this one the opt-out bowl. Many of the key players that would’ve been present for this game are now done with the program and we also have a battle between interim head coaches. That feels like a coin flip, so the Ducks getting 4.5 points becomes appealing in that sense.

Pick: Oregon +4.5

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina vs. South Carolina (Dec. 30, 11:30 a.m.)

Based on the way they played throughout the season, North Carolina laying this many points is not comforting in the slightest. While true, the Tar Heels explosiveness (and having Sam Howell for this game) feels like too much for the Gamecocks to hope to contend with.

Pick: North Carolina -9.0

Home/College Football