The 2024 Bowl Season is coming to a close soon but there’s still money to be made. Georgia let us down, although had it not been for Notre Dame’s 17 points in 56 seconds, it may have been a different game. Ole Miss pulled through for us with their big win. Let’s sweep today’s bowl games’ best bets for Friday, January 3rd to extend our 32-17 record. Check out all the staff picks here.
2024 Bowl Season – Bowl Games Best Bets – Friday, January 3rd
First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State (-13.5)
The first bowl game to look at for best bets on Friday, January 3rd for the First Responder’s Bowl. A Texas battle will go down between North Texas and Texas State. North Texas will be without their starting quarterback from the 2024 season. Texas State is also missing some pieces, including its leading running back and top linebacker. Both these teams will have to insert backup players
North Texas finished the year 6-6 straight up and 4-8 against the spread (ATS). Their offense scored an average of 34 points per game, 322 passing yards, and 165 rushing yards. Will they be able to keep up that pace with a backup quarterback? Their defense allowed an average of 34 points, 261 passing yards, and 195 rushing yards.
Texas State finished the year just slightly better at 7-5 straight up and 6-6 ATS. Their offense scored an average of 37 points per game, 265 passing yards, and 201 rushing yards. Can their rush attack perform as well without their top running back? Their defense held teams to an average of 24 points, 199 passing yards, and 148 rushing yards.
These teams will put in quite the battle, but missing out on a starting running back doesn’t hurt as much as a starting quarterback. This game opened at 7.5 and has since gone to -13.5. Does missing their quarterback swing 6 points?
Bowl Games Best Bets: Texas State (-13.5): Their starting running back may be out, but I think they run all over North Texas either way.
Mayo Bowl: Minnesota (-8.5) vs. Virginia Tech
The second to last non-CFP games to take place, the second game on Friday, December 3rd bowl game bets list is the Duke’s Mayo Bowl! The infamous Mayo Bowl will have eyes on it as viewers wait to see which coach gets to wear a bucket of mayonnaise, Minnesota or Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech will be without 31 players due to the transfer portal, including their starting quarterback. Minnesota will be without 10.
The Golden Gophers had a good year this year and played some scrappy football. They finished 7-5 straight up and 9-2-1 ATS. Their offense averaged 26 points per game, 221 passing yards, and 111 rushing yards. Their defense held opponents to 17 points per game, 178 passing yards, and 112 rushing yards.
The Hokies finished the year 6-6 straight up and 6-6 ATS. Their offense averaged 29 points per game, 192 passing yards, and 187 rushing yards. Their defense held opponents to an average of 22 points per game, 214 passing yards, and 145 rushing yards. Missing some pieces on offense and defense will hurt their performance and opportunity to match numbers like these.
If these two teams were whole, I’d still ride with Minnesota. They have had a great year and a great culture change recently and I think they go out on a high note. Row the boat!
Bowl Games Best Bets: Minnesota (-8.5) – They cap their nice season by winning and covering.
