The college football bowl season begins on December 17 in the Bahamas on Friday afternoon. The Bahamas Bowl gets us started, and then the National Championship on January 10 will close out college football until next year.
It’s a bittersweet time of the year, with college football nearly every day throughout the holiday season and the College Football Playoff coming up. However, it’s a long time until kick-off for the next season at the end of August.
All of the #BowlSeason matchups are set! Which #bowlgame are you most excited for? ?? pic.twitter.com/UafnAdwpNW
— Bowl Season (@BowlSeason) December 6, 2021
If you are somebody who only bets college football, then it can be an especially long offseason. In any case, there is a lot of football to get to over the next month. Most bowl games are largely exhibitions, but there’s still room to handicap and make money. Check out our top tips for betting on college football bowl games.
Some teams are going to get smashed against superior competition, while the dogs are going to be barking during bowl season. Find the right underdogs and you can win a lot of money on the bowl circuit. TheSportsGeek will attempt to locate the best underdog bets.
Head below for our best college football bowl season underdog bets for 2021-22. For a complete write up for bowl games, check out our betting picks page at TheSportsGeek.
Utah State Aggies vs. Oregon State Beavers – Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl
Date and Time: December 18, 7:30 p.m. EST
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State Aggies | +7.5 (-113) | +227 | Over 66.5 (-110) |
| Oregon State Beavers | -7.5 (-107) | -267 | Under 66.5 (-110) |
Utah State put forth a production season and ended the year with a statement in the Mountain West Championship.
Up against it as 6.5-point underdogs, the Aggies were the far superior team, as they torched the San Diego State Aztecs by a score of 46-13.
It was the fifth time in their last six attempts that Utah State scored at least 35 points. They have a sneaky good offense with Logan Bonner at the controls. Blowing San Diego State up for 46 points isn’t easy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
? @JimmyKimmelLive#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/1oDQxnYMq5
— USU Football (@USUFootball) December 16, 2021
Booner made it look easy with 318 yards and 4 touchdowns. When the Aztecs made a stop on the ground, Bonner would load up and deliver a big pass.
He finished with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 61.2% completions going into the LA Bowl. Oregon State hasn’t been the best at defending the pass this season, so there’s going to be room.
The Beavers were 87th in the FBS with 241.1 yards allowed per game through the air. Oregon State had a pretty good season in the Pac 12 with a record of 7-5, but lost the Civil War to close out the regular season, 38-29.
This should be a tight game, with the more motivated Aggies looking to prove something probably the better bet.
Utah State Aggies vs. Oregon State Beavers Betting Trends:
Utah State
- 6-1 ATS in their previous seven games
- 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games as an underdog
- 10-4 ATS in their previous 14 games versus non-conference
- 10-4 ATS in their previous 14 games after a win by more than 20 points
- 9-3 ATS in their previous 12 games after allowing less than 20 points
Oregon State
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games versus non-conference
- 6-1 ATS in their previous seven games versus the Mountain West Conference
- 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games at a neutral site
- 11-3 ATS in their previous 14 game after a loss
- UNDER is 7-1 in their previous eight games
Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners vs. San Diego State Aztecs – Frisco Bowl
Date and Time: December 21, 7:30 p.m. EST
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTSA Roadrunners | -2.5 (-115) | -137 | Over 49 (-112) |
| San Diego State Aztecs | +2.5 (-105) | +117 | Under 49 (-108) |
The San Diego Aztecs will look to bounce back after an ugly performance in the Mountain West Championship. They were favorites on paper going into the game, but had nothing to offer on the field.
The Aztecs were blasted in a 46-13 final to Utah State as 6.5-point favorites. Going into the conference championship, San Diego State were coming off an impressive 27-16 win over the Boise State Broncos and three straight wins.
THE UTSA ROADRUNNERS ARE CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY #MEEPMEEP ?pic.twitter.com/bKyj40BIER
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) December 4, 2021
San Diego State is going into the Frisco Bowl with a record of 11-2. They beat Boise State and then just thought it was going to be easy versus Utah State. That was just not the right approach, though San Diego State is a much better team than we saw in that one.
UTSA booked a Conference USA Championship with a 49-41 win in a fun matchup versus Western Kentucky. They responded nicely after dropping their first loss of the season against North Texas, 49-41.
I had UTSA to win the C-USA, so kudos to the Roadrunners. What kind of effort are we going to see from there here? I’m confident in San Diego State showing up after doing nothing in the Mountain West Championship. And when they’re motivated, their 14th ranked defense can be tough.
In a small upset pick, I’m going with San Diego State to make an effort here in an attempt to finish strong after a disaster in the conference championship.
UTSA Roadrunners vs. San Diego State Aztecs Betting Trends:
UTSA
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games versus non-conference
- 11-4 ATS in their previous 15 games
- 7-1 ATS in their previous eight games versus a team with a winning record
- 7-2 ATS in their previous nine games after covering the spread
- OVER is 5-1 in their previous six games
San Diego State
- 5-1-1 ATS in their previous seven games after a loss
- 4-1-1 ATS in their previous six games after failing to cover the spread
- 8-2 ATS in their previous ten games versus non-conference
- 5-1 ATS in their previous six games as an underdog
- UNDER is 7-0 after a double-digit loss at home
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines – Orange Bowl (College Football Playoff)
Date and Time: December 31, 7:30 p.m. EST
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Bulldogs | -8.5 (-110) | -293 | Over 45 (-110) |
| Michigan Wolverines | +8.5 (-110) | +248 | Under 45 (-110) |
The Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines meet in the Orange Bowl with a trip to the National Championship up for grabs. Georgia failed to win the SEC Championship following a disappointing 41-24 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Bulldogs were perfect to that point and jumped all over the competition. It wasn’t close except a 10-7 win over the Clemson Tigers in Week 1.
That looked like a great win at the time, but as time went by and Clemson continued to look bad, maybe it wasn’t that much of a good win after all. Georgia wouldn’t see a test until the SEC Championship.
HUGE interception ?@AlabamaFTBL picks off Stetson Bennett in the red zone. pic.twitter.com/DFmALxxtGi
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 4, 2021
Stetson Bennett didn’t look so hot after the Alabama defense adjusted. Bennett passed for 340 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the game.
He took the starting job away from JT Daniels while Daniels was on the sideline nursing an injury. Daniels is healthy, but they’ve stuck with the hot hand.
Now with a stout Michigan defense in front of them in the Orange Bowl, Kirby Smart has a tough decision to make. Michigan is 12th in the nation with 315.8 yards allowed per game. They gave up only 16.1 points per game this season.
Aidan Hutchinson reminding CJ Stroud at the Heisman ceremony ?
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) December 12, 2021
Just like he did to CJ Stroud in a big game, Aidan Hutchinson could be a problem for Georgia on New Year’s Eve. If Hutchinson disrupts Georgia’s rhythm, and believe he will, the Wolverines are going to have a chance.
Both defenses are going to make plays in this one, it’s not like the Michigan offense isn’t going to run into issues versus the Bulldogs. However, laying more than 8 points with the Wolverines’ defense isn’t something I want to do.
Nobody believed in Michigan to beat Ohio State, and then no one expected a 42-3 win in the Big Ten Championship. The same goes for the College Football Playoff.
Having said that, I have confidence in Michigan playing to the final whistle and making a game out of the Orange Bowl.
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends:
Georgia
- 6-2 ATS in their previous eight bowl games
- 10-4 ATS in their previous 14 games as a favorite
- 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games versus non-conference
- 11-5 ATS in their previous 16 games at a neutral site
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games after a loss
Michigan
- 5-0 ATS in their previous five games
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games versus non-conference
- 5-1 ATS in their previous six games after allowing less than 20 points
- 6-0 ATS in their previous six games after generating more than 450 yards
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Arkansas Razorbacks – Outback Bowl
Date and Time: January 1, 12:00 p.m. EST
The following odds are courtesy of BetUS:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State Nittany Lions | -2.5 (-110) | -135 | Over 47 (-110) |
| Arkansas Razorbacks | +2.5 (-110) | +115 | Under 47 (-110) |
The Arkansas Razorbacks fought to get respect this season, and I think they got it with a record of 8-4 and a close call against Alabama. Three of their four losses this season were by a touchdown or less, with a 42-35 loss to the Crimson Tide a good attempt despite the final score.
KJ Jefferson is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the country. He doesn’t get the most attention, but is a dangerous quarterback for any defense. Alabama found that much out, as Jefferson passed for 326 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Do you think KJ has what it takes to compete for the Heisman Trophy next season?
One major media outlet has put him in their watch list for next season! #WPS #Razorbacks https://t.co/6N3mMysJBs
— Razorbackers (@RazorbackersFS) December 14, 2021
He finished in the regular season with 21 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 66.9% completions. Jefferson can run, too, as he gained 554 yards and 5 touchdowns on 4.4 yards an attempt. The Arkansas’ offense is tough to prepare for.
They can run and pass with good success. Arkansas were 17th in the country with 217.8 yards gained per game on the ground. Jefferson has an arm as well, so the Razorbacks aren’t the easiest offense to prepare for.
Penn State had a mediocre season at 7-5 on the year. The Nittany Lions beat the teams they should have beaten, kind of, but couldn’t win against a formidable opponent. They were losers in overtime to Illinois, 20-18, so that’s where that kind of comes into play.
The Nittany Lions finished off the season with a 30-27 loss to the Michigan State Spartans. It was another disappointing loss, this time as 3.5-point favorites.
Arkansas is better than their record of 8-4 suggests. It’s hard not to like them plus the points in the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Trends:
Penn State
- 1-5 ATS in their previous six games versus the SEC
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games in January
- 11-5 ATS in their previous 16 games
- 9-3 ATS in their previous 12 games as a favorite
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games at a neutral site
Arkansas
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games as an underdog
- 10-4 ATS in their previous 14 games after covering the spread
- 4-1 overall in their previous five games
- UNDER is 8-1 in their previous nine bowl games
- UNDER is 5-1 in their previous six games at a neutral site
Utah Utes vs. Ohio State Buckeyes – Rose Bowl
Date and Time: January 1, 5:00 p.m. EST
The following odds are courtesy of BetUS:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Utes | +6.5 (-110) | +210 | Over 66 (-110) |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | -6.5 (-110) | -250 | Under 66 (-110) |
The Utah Utes and Ohio State Buckeyes meet in the Granddaddy of Them All at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. This is the most highly anticipated matchup that isn’t in the College Football Playoff. That said, Ohio State had much higher aspirations than the Rose Bowl.
The Buckeyes were anticipating receiving an invite to the College Football Playoff, but a loss to the Michigan Wolverines bumped them out of the Big Ten Championship and CFP. It ended up being an easy decision for their four teams in the playoff.
⁉️ Inactive for Rose Bowl ⁉️
The @OhioStateFB Buckeyes star receivers ?????? and ????? may skip this years Bowl visit for the team.
??????? ???????? ?? ?????? says he wants his teammates to do what’s best for them. ? pic.twitter.com/TbAouIgyJ5
— BCSN (@BCSNsports) December 10, 2021
It’s the Rose Bowl, but motivation and drop outs could be a problem for Ohio State. They may be without their trifecta of dangerous wide receivers in the Rose Bowl. Garrett Wilson is currently undecided on playing in the bowl or opting to prepare for the NFL Draft early.
Along with the loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes slipped up early in the year at home by a score of 35-28 to the Oregon Ducks. They had several close calls this season and could have had more than 2 losses if Ohio State wasn’t so fortunate.
The Buckeyes had a 33-24 win over a mediocre Penn State team on a Saturday night at home, and a 26-17 win over Nebraska in another close one. If motivation is what you’re looking at in this one, then the edge is probably going to be with Utah.
The Utes have to be thrilled with going to the Rose Bowl. They capped off a successful season with a 38-10 win in the Pac 12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium. It was the second time in three games that Utah beat Oregon to get to 10-3.
And THAT’S how you close out the half. ?
@brit_covey2’s incredible punt return touchdown brings @Utah_Football to 28-0.? ABC
?https://t.co/MqcOSj8xAc#GoUtes | #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/x9Sxyyzdki— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) November 21, 2021
Utah enters on a six-game winning streak and have a lot of confidence going into the Rose Bowl. Their defense has allowed 13 points or less in four of their last five outings, and just 30 points in their last three outings combined.
Ohio State beat up and inflated their numbers against bad teams this season, but found themselves in battles when they had a willing opponent. Utah is going to be willing and eager on New Year’s Day.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham is one of the best in the business in bowl games, as he goes into this one with a record of 11-3. No doubt he will have his team prepared. I’m fading the public and taking the points on Utah.
Utah Utes vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends:
Utah
- 5-1 ATS in their previous six games versus a team with a winning record
- 4-1 ATS in their previous five games as an underdog
- 6-2 ATS in their previous eight games versus the Big Ten
- 14-5 ATS in their previous 19 games after a win
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games at a neutral site
Ohio State
- 12-3-2 ATS in their previous 16 games versus the Pac 12
- 6-2 ATS in their previous eight bowl games
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games at a neutral site
- 1-4 ATS in their previous five games after a loss
