It can be quite challenging to place bets on college football bowl games. With players choosing to opt out and uncertainties about team motivation, most games are surrounded by numerous unanswered questions.
However, we have a comprehensive guide available for individuals seeking to inject some excitement into the heartwarming games of the Holiday season.
Best Online Sportsbooks to Bet College Bowl Games
Latest odds on 2023 college bowl games
During college bowl season, sportsbooks experience high betting activity, leading to frequent changes in odds and lines. Keeping track of these fluctuations is crucial for handicapping, but our live Michigan odds feed eliminates any concerns in this regard.
To view the complete list of current bowl odds, simply choose “Bowls” from the dropdown menu provided.
2022-23 college football bowl game schedule
Once again, the bowl game schedule is filled to the brim. Anticipate over 40 postseason contests from late December to early January.
| Date | Bowl | Location | Matchup | Time/TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Dec. 16 | Hometown Lenders Bahamas Bowl | Nassau, Bahamas | Miami (Ohio) vs. UAB | 11:30 a.m., ESPN |
| Friday, Dec. 16 | Duluth Trading Cure Bowl | Orlando, Fla. | UTSA vs. Troy | 3 p.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | Wasabi Fenway Bowl | Boston, Mass. | Cincinnati vs. Louisville | 11 a.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | Cricket Celebration Bowl | Atlanta, Ga. | Jackson State vs. North Carolina Central | Noon, ABC |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | New Mexico Bowl | Albuquerque, NM | SMU vs. BYU | 2:15 p.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl | Inglewood, Calif. | Washington State vs. Fresno State | 3:30 p.m., ABC |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | LendingTree Bowl | Mobile, Ala. | Rice vs. Southern Miss | 5:45 p.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl | Las Vegas, Nev. | Florida vs. Oregon State | 7:30 p.m., ABC |
| Saturday, Dec. 17 | Frisco Bowl | Frisco, Texas | North Texas vs. Boise State | 9:15 p.m., ESPN |
| Monday, Dec. 19 | Myrtle Beach Bowl | Conway, SC | Marshall vs. UConn | 2:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Tuesday, Dec. 20 | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl | Boise, Idaho | Eastern Michigan vs. San Jose State | 3:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Tuesday, Dec. 20 | RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl | Boca Raton, Fla. | Liberty vs. Toledo | 7:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Wednesday, Dec. 21 | R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl | New Orleans, La. | Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama | 9 p.m., ESPN |
| Thursday, Dec. 22 | Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl | Fort Worth, Texas | Baylor vs. Air Force | 7:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Friday, Dec. 23 | Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl | Shreveport, La. | Louisiana vs. Houston | 3 p.m., ESPN |
| Friday, Dec. 23 | Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl | Tampa, Fla. | Wake Forest vs. Missouri | 6:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 24 | EasyPost Hawaii Bowl | Honolulu, Haw. | Middle Tennessee State vs. San Diego State | 8 p.m., ESPN |
| Monday, Dec. 26 | Quick Lane Bowl | Detroit, Mich. | New Mexico State vs. Bowling Green | 2:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Tuesday, Dec. 27 | Camellia Bowl | Montgomery, Ala. | Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo | Noon, ESPN |
| Tuesday, Dec. 27 | SERVPRO First Responder Bowl | Dallas, Texas | Memphis vs. Utah State | 3:15 p.m., ESPN |
| Tuesday, Dec. 27 | TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl | Birmingham, Ala. | Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina | 6:45 p.m., ESPN |
| Tuesday, Dec. 27 | Guaranteed Rate Bowl | Phoenix, Az. | Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State | 10:15 p.m., ESPN |
| Wednesday, Dec. 28 | Military Bowl | Annapolis, Md. | UCF vs. Duke | 2 p.m., ESPN |
| Wednesday, Dec. 28 | AutoZone Liberty Bowl | Memphis, Tenn. | Kansas vs. Arkansas | 5:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Wednesday, Dec. 28 | San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl | San Diego, Calif. | Oregon vs. North Carolina | 8 p.m., FOX |
| Wednesday, Dec. 28 | TaxAct Texas Bowl | Houston, Texas | Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss | 9 p.m., ESPN |
| Thursday, Dec. 29 | Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl | New York, NY | Syracuse vs. Minnesota | 2 p.m., ESPN |
| Thursday, Dec. 29 | Cheez-It Bowl | Orlando, Fla. | Oklahoma vs. Florida State | 5:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Thursday, Dec. 29 | Valero Alamo Bowl | San Antonio, Texas | Texas vs. Washington | 9 p.m., ESPN |
| Friday, Dec. 30 | Duke’s Mayo Bowl | Charlotte, NC | Maryland vs. NC State | Noon, ESPN |
| Friday, Dec. 30 | Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl | El Paso, Texas | Pittsburgh vs. UCLA | 2 p.m., CBS |
| Friday, Dec. 30 | TaxSlayer Gator Bowl | Jacksonville, Fla. | Notre Dame vs. South Carolina | 3:30 p.m., ESPN |
| Friday, Dec. 30 | Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl | Tucson, Az. | Ohio vs. Wyoming | 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 30 | Capital One Orange Bowl | Miami Gardens, Fla. | Tennessee vs. Clemson | 8 p.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 31 | TransPerfect Music City Bowl | Nashville, Tenn. | Iowa vs. Kentucky | Noon, ABC |
| Saturday, Dec. 31 | Allstate Sugar Bowl | New Orleans, La. | Alabama vs. Kansas State | Noon, ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 31 | CFP Semifinal (Fiesta Bowl) | Glendale, Az. | Michigan vs. TCU | 4 p.m., ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec. 31 | CFP Semifinal (Peach Bowl) | Atlanta, Ga. | Georgia vs. Ohio State | 8 p.m., ESPN |
| Monday, Jan. 2 | ReliaQuest Bowl | Tampa, Fla. | Mississippi State vs. Illinois | Noon, ESPN2 |
| Monday, Jan. 2 | Citrus Bowl | Orlando, Fla. | LSU vs. Purdue | 1 p.m., ABC |
| Monday, Jan. 2 | Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic | Arlington, Texas | USC vs. Tulane | 1 p.m., ESPN |
| Monday, Jan. 2 | Rose Bowl | Pasadena, Calif. | Utah vs. Penn State | 5 p.m., ESPN |
Can I bet on college sports in Michigan?
Certainly. With the legalization of sports betting in Michigan, concerns have arisen regarding the permissibility of betting on college sports. To illustrate, in New Jersey, although wagering on NCAA events has been approved, bettors are prohibited from placing bets on games that involve teams from New Jersey.
In Michigan, there is no longer any concern. The passing of sports betting legislation in 2019 paved the way for its official launch in the subsequent year through physical establishments. As for online gambling, it commenced in 2021.
Fans of Michigan and Michigan State, along with all the other programs based in the state, can rejoice as betting on college sports, even those held within the state, is permitted.
College bowl betting lines & odds explained
Once the college football bowl game matchups are revealed, the sportsbooks promptly disclose the betting lines for each game to the general public. Bettors swiftly express their opinions, and the level of engagement remains high until the very moment the games begin.
At an online betting site like PointsBet Sportsbook Michigan, the default listing for the game primarily focuses on the three bet types that receive the highest number of wagers. However, there are various other ways to place bets on the games, which we will discuss shortly. Here is an example of a random line you might come across.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | +3.5 (-110) | +150 | O 52.5 (-110) |
| Michigan | -3.5 (-110) | -130 | U 52.5 (-110) |
In this imaginary face-off between the Ducks and Wolverines, the game schedule displays both team names alongside a set of numerical values. These numbers, arranged from left to right, signify the point spread, moneyline, and total odds for each respective team.
By merely looking at the line, we can gather that Michigan is favored by 3.5 points and is considered the overall favorite. Additionally, the game is expected to witness a good amount of scoring, with the projected total set at 52.5 points.
Once the public starts expressing their opinions, it is not unusual for bowl game odds and lines to undergo changes. For instance, if there is a sudden influx of point spread bets favoring Oregon with a 3.5 point advantage, the spread may be adjusted by half a point or even more. Additionally, the odds connected to that particular bet may also shift depending on the betting activity.
The moneyline and total follow the same principle. To illustrate this, consider the example of a significant amount of betting activity favoring Oregon, which could prompt an adjustment in the moneyline odds to something similar to the following.
- Oregon +130
- Michigan -110
In response to the public’s perception of the game, oddsmakers have made adjustments to the odds. Specifically, the attractiveness of the Ducks’ side has decreased, while the odds for Michigan have become more appealing in terms of potential returns for successful bets.
The intention behind this is to balance the activity in a way that aligns more with the preferences of the sportsbooks. If they become too heavily favored towards one side in a game, it increases their potential risks. As the operators are driven by profits, measures are implemented to prevent such scenarios.
Monitoring the shifts in college bowl odds and lines can provide valuable insights into public opinion on a game, thus warranting attention. Additionally, it is important to note that the figures may vary across different sportsbooks. As a part of your handicapping strategy, it is recommended to assess the options available at various operators in order to secure the most favorable prices for the games.
Most popular college bowl bets
There are various options to consider for each game listed. The primary bet types will attract a lot of attention, and exploring the “more wagers” option in an app’s game listings will present even more possibilities.
Let’s begin with the big three as we explore the most popular bet types.
Moneyline
The moneyline bet is a simple wager where you choose between the favorite and underdog, indicated by negative and positive odds. Your goal is to pick the winner.
- USC +125
- Michigan State -115
Point spread
In a spread wager, oddsmakers set a specific number of points that must be considered. You have the option to select the favorite team and subtract the points, or choose the underdog and add the specified number. To win the bet, your chosen side must successfully cover the spread.
- Appalachian State +2.5 (-110)
- Western Michigan -2.5 (-110)
Point Totals
The basis of this bet relies on the cumulative points scored by both teams in the competition. When sportsbooks first release the lines, they establish a reference number, and it is up to the bettors to predict the final total score.
- Over 54.5 (-110)
- Under 54.5 (-110)
As previously stated, there are numerous additional bets to take into account. Here are three alternative wager types that attract substantial activity at the betting window.
Parlays
A parlay bet involves combining multiple outcomes on a single betting slip, offering potentially lucrative rewards but also increasing the risk as more selections are added. As an illustration, you can place a parlay wager on three moneyline picks.
- Eastern Michigan +170
- Wisconsin -122
- Georgia -194
- The overall parlay odds amount to +645.
Same-game parlays are gaining popularity on prominent Michigan sportsbook apps as well. However, their payouts are typically slightly lower compared to traditional multi-game parlays.
Prop bets
You can usually find props by clicking on the “more wagers” link within the game listings. These are additional bets related to events or milestones that may occur during or after the game. Take a look at a few examples below.
- Will Central Michigan or Louisville have more passing yards?
- Is a defensive or special teams touchdown expected in the game? Yes or no?
- Will the total rushing yards for Ohio State in the game be more or less than 194.5?
How do college football teams qualify for bowl games?
Being invited to a bowl game is a recognition of a successful performance. Consequently, teams are required to meet specific criteria to become eligible. In the case of a typical NCAAF season with a 12-game schedule, teams must achieve a minimum number of victories equal to their number of defeats.
Therefore, achieving six victories is the key requirement. Typically, a 6-6 record is sufficient. Additionally, teams cannot solely rely on defeating weaker opponents to meet this criterion. Generally, only one victory against an FCS school is considered for bowl eligibility.
In addition to the bowls, another significant aspect to consider is the College Football Playoff. This prestigious event features the top four teams in the country, as determined by the CFP selection committee. The semifinal games occur during two highly anticipated bowl games, while the ultimate showdown takes place in a separate and exclusive final.
From the commencement of the NCAA football season till its conclusion, polls play a significant role, extending to the playoffs as well. As the regular season reaches its midpoint, the CFP poll begins to be unveiled on a weekly basis.
After the conference championship games, the final poll determines the top four teams that earn a spot in the CFP. Additionally, this poll also influences the selection of teams for the highly prestigious New Year’s Six Bowls, which are the most significant games in the postseason lineup.
What are the best college football bowl game matchups?
Every bowl game has its own significance, but some hold more prestige than others. This is particularly evident now, with two of the most important bowls also serving as CFP games.
The New Year’s Six, widely regarded as the most eagerly awaited bowl games, boast a rich history that has endured for decades. Let’s briefly delve into their significance.
Sugar Bowl
Every year, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans hosts the Sugar Bowl. This bowl game has a rich history dating back to 1935, making it one of the longest-running bowl games. In the most recent edition, Ohio State emerged victorious over Clemson with a score of 49-28 during a College Football Playoff semifinal match.
The most recent game featuring the local team was in 2012, where Michigan defeated Virginia Tech with a final score of 23 to 20.
Fiesta Bowl
In 1971, the Fiesta Bowl made its debut and has since found a permanent residence at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It replaced Sun Devil Stadium as its venue in 2006. The most recent edition witnessed Iowa State’s triumphant victory over Oregon with a final score of 34-17.
Local team’s most recent appearance: 1986 game resulted in Michigan defeating Nebraska with a score of 27-23.
Orange Bowl
With its first game held in 1935, the Orange Bowl remains one of the longest-standing traditions in the world of sports. The Hard Rock Stadium located in Miami Gardens, Florida, serves as the present venue for this renowned event. In the previous season, Texas A&M emerged victorious over North Carolina, securing a notable 41-27 triumph.
The local team’s most recent appearance was in 2021 when Michigan faced off against Georgia in the College Football Playoff.
Peach Bowl
Since 1968, the Peach Bowl has been an annual event in Atlanta. The Georgia Dome used to be the venue until 2016 when it was replaced by Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In the most recent bowl, Georgia emerged victorious with a score of 24-21 against Cincinnati.
The local team’s most recent appearance was in 2021 when Michigan State played against Pittsburgh in the New Year’s Six.
Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, fondly called ‘The Granddaddy of Them All,’ has been a yearly event since 1916. Typically held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, it has become the traditional venue. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic protocols, the recent College Football Playoff semifinal game between Alabama and Notre Dame took place in Arlington, Texas, resulting in Alabama’s victory of 31-14.
The local team’s most recent appearance was in 2014, where they triumphed over Stanford with a score of 24 to 20.
Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl, which dates back to 1937, is an annual event held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Previously hosted at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas until 2009, the event has a rich history. In the latest match, Oklahoma emerged victorious with a convincing 55-20 win over Florida.
Local team’s most recent appearance: In 2017, Wisconsin emerged victorious with a score of 24-16 against Western Michigan.
College football bowl game betting strategy
When handicapping bowl games, you can utilize similar principles as you would for assessing the NCAAF regular season. It’s important to thoroughly analyze the matchup, taking into account performance against common opponents throughout the season.
Additionally, as you analyze the bowl games, it is crucial to closely monitor a few specific aspects.
- Make sure to thoroughly analyze the line movements, especially when it comes to bowl games. It is crucial to pay attention to this aspect, as the lines can experience significant changes from the moment they are first released until the game starts, which can span a few weeks. Take note of the initial opening lines and compare them with the current numbers to stay updated.
- Keep an eye on player news, especially during bowl season, as it becomes increasingly crucial. It is not unusual for players to opt out of bowl games to prevent injuries that may impact their prospects in the NFL Draft. When a significant contributor withdraws, it can significantly alter the gameplan and overall performance, so stay vigilant.
- Assessing the collective motivation of the team is crucial. It is important to consider the team’s expectations coming into the season and determine whether the bowl game they have been invited to is a major achievement or a disappointment compared to their initial goals. This piece of information is extremely valuable as it can reveal the varying levels of enthusiasm among teams, with some being more prepared and eager for the upcoming game than others.
Biggest bowl game rivalries for Michigan teams
Michigan and Michigan State, the leading programs in our home state, have impressive histories in bowl season. The Wolverines have participated in 48 postseason games, accumulating a record of 21 wins and 27 losses. On the other hand, the Spartans have competed in 29 bowls, with a record of 13 victories and 16 defeats.
Over the years, the two programs have engaged in numerous noteworthy games, with certain ones leaving a lasting impression. Additionally, both programs have also competed against other prominent teams on occasion. Now, let’s delve into the details.
Michigan Wolverines bowl game rivals
Alabama
- 4 Bowls: 2-2
- The final score of the 2020 Citrus Bowl was Alabama 35, Michigan 16.
Florida
- 4 Bowls: 3-1
- Florida dominated Michigan in the 2018 Peach Bowl, emerging victorious with a score of 41-15.
USC
- 8 Bowls: 2-6
- The final score of the 2007 Rose Bowl game was USC 32, Michigan 18.
Michigan State Spartans bowl game rivals
Alabama
- 2 Bowls: 0-2
- Final score of the 2015 Cotton Bowl: Alabama dominates Michigan State with a 38-0 victory.
Georgia
- 3 Bowls: 1-2
- The most recent Outback Bowl game was in 2012, where Michigan State emerged victorious over Georgia with a final score of 33-30.
UCLA
- 3 Bowls: 2-1
- In the 1966 Rose Bowl, UCLA emerged victorious with a score of 14, defeating Michigan State by a close margin of 12.
History of college football in Michigan
Dating back to the late 1800s, college football in Michigan has a rich history. While the focus often gravitates towards the two prominent programs, there exist three smaller schools that boast a considerable following. Here, we present some essential information about each of these institutions.
Michigan Wolverines
- Established: 1879
- Stadium: Michigan Stadium
- Location: Ann Arbor
- Record: 964-350-36
- Bowl game record: 21-27
- The most recent national title was achieved in 1997, bringing the total number of national titles won to 11.
- In 2021, the team achieved its 43rd conference title.
Michigan State Spartans
- Established: 1896
- Stadium: Spartan Stadium
- Location: East Lansing
- Record: 710-470-44
- Bowl game record: 13-16
- The last time the team won a national title was in 1966, making it a total of six national titles.
- The team has won a total of 11 conference titles, with the most recent one being in 2015.
Eastern Michigan Eagles
- Established: 1891
- Stadium: Rynearson Stadium
- Location: Ypsilanti
- Record: 433-534-47
- Bowl game record: 1-3
- The last conference title was won in 1987, making it a total of 10 titles.
Central Michigan Chippewas
- Established: 1896
- Stadium: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
- Location: Mount Pleasant
- Record: 630-431-36
- Bowl game record: 3-9
- The team has won 16 conference titles, with their most recent victory occurring in 2009.
Western Michigan Broncos
- Established: 1906
- Stadium: Waldo Stadium
- Location: Kalamazoo
- Record: 576-458-24
- Bowl game record: 1-9
- There have been four conference titles won, with the most recent one achieved in 2016.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
FAQ
In 2015, Jim Harbaugh assumed the role of head coach for the Michigan team. Despite the team’s competitiveness during his tenure, they have struggled to secure victories in the Big Ten. Additionally, their performance in bowl games has been disappointing. Since their triumph over Florida in the Citrus Bowl in 2016, the Wolverines have suffered four consecutive losses in bowl games, including a defeat against Alabama in the 2020 Citrus Bowl. Harbaugh’s postseason record at Michigan stands at a mere 1-4.
The Wolverines’ historical record in the Rose Bowl stands at 8-12. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, the team frequently participated in ‘The Granddaddy of Them All’, but it has been quite some time since their last visit. Their most recent appearance occurred in 2007, where Michigan suffered a 32-18 defeat against USC.
It has been a while since either program has achieved this feat, but the Spartans were the most recent team to do so. Michigan State secured the crown in 2015, concluding the season with a record of 12-2 and a 7-1 conference play record. They faced off against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl during the College Football Playoff semifinals, but unfortunately lost with a score of 38-0. On the other hand, Michigan’s last championship victory occurred in 2004, when they tied with Iowa with a Big Ten play record of 7-1. The Wolverines ended their season with an overall record of 9-3, falling short to Texas in the Rose Bowl with a score of 38-37.
Over the years, the number of bowl games has consistently increased and has skyrocketed since the beginning of the 21st century. A staggering total of 44 bowl games, including the national title game, are scheduled for the 2021 campaign. These games are highly popular, attracting viewers both through television broadcasts and from a gambling standpoint. Furthermore, with the expanding legalization of sports betting in various states, the interest in bowl games is anticipated to further surge in the upcoming years.
The highly esteemed New Year’s Six bowl games, namely the Cotton, Fiesta, Rose, Orange, Peach, and Sugar bowls, are widely regarded as the most significant and sought-after events. In recent times, these games have also doubled as semifinal matches for the College Football Playoff (CFP), further boosting their popularity. As for the 2021 season, the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl have been bestowed with the privilege of hosting the CFP semifinals. Mark your calendars for December 31, 2021, as these two matchups promise to be the main highlights.