College football bowl betting: Picks for OU-Navy, BYU-Colorado and more
Another week of bowl games is here. From the grit of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl featuring Oklahoma and Navy, to the high-octane potential of the Valero Alamo Bowl between BYU and Colorado, each game offers its own intrigue. However, in today’s college football landscape, one thing is certain — what we know now may look very different by kickoff.
The transfer portal, coaching changes and opt-outs have turned the postseason into a constantly shifting puzzle. With key players entering the portal and others opting out to prepare for the NFL draft, predicting how these games will play out requires not only research and analysis, but also the ability to adapt as new information comes in.
For now, here’s a breakdown of what we know about these marquee matchups, with the understanding that the picture could change dramatically by the time the teams take the field.
All odds accurate as of publication time. For the latest odds, go to ESPN BET.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Oklahoma (-3, 43.5) vs. Navy
Friday, Noon ET on ESPN
Oklahoma, already languishing at 127th in total offense, has been decimated by the transfer portal. The Sooners have seen an exodus of talent, including starting quarterback Jackson Arnold, two of their top three wide receivers, their leading tight end and most productive running back. Together, these departures accounted for 22 of Oklahoma’s 28 touchdowns this season, leaving their offense in shambles.
On the flip side, Navy brings its signature, methodical ground game to the table. The Midshipmen are fifth in the nation in rushing yards but a near-last 133rd in plays per game, taking a slow and steady approach that grinds down the clock and keeps scoring opportunities at a premium. Quarterback Blake Horvath is the engine of this offense, recently putting on a show with a jaw-dropping 204-yard rushing performance against Army.
This clash of styles plays directly into the under. Navy’s run-heavy attack will chew up time and limit possessions, while Oklahoma’s patchwork offense faces a steep uphill battle to establish any rhythm. The Sooners’ inexperienced replacements will be tested against a disciplined and physical Navy defense that thrives on creating chaos for opponents.
With Oklahoma’s offensive struggles and Navy’s clock-dominating strategy, expect a slugfest where every yard is hard-earned. The under feels like the smart play in what looks to be a grind-it-out Armed Forces Bowl classic.
Pam’s pick: Total points UNDER 43.5
DirecTV Holiday Bowl
No. 21 Syracuse (-16.5, 59.5) vs. Washington State
Friday, 8 p.m. ET on FOX
This could be a lopsided affair, with dramatic line movements reflecting the chaos surrounding Washington State. Once a modest -6, the spread has ballooned to Syracuse -16.5, while the total has dipped from 62 to 59.5. These shifts perfectly capture the stark contrast between two programs moving in opposite directions in the postseason.
Washington State enters the bowl game in complete disarray. The Cougars are reeling from the departure of head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest, along with exits by their offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and running backs coach. This mass coaching exodus has left the program rudderless at the worst possible time.
The disruption doesn’t end there. The transfer portal has ravaged WSU’s roster, with key players abandoning ship. Chief among them is starting quarterback John Mateer, the heart and soul of the Cougars’ offense. Mateer’s departure is devastating; he ranked 18th nationally in passing yards, fifth in touchdown passes (29) and also led the team in rushing. His staggering 44 total touchdowns accounted for 77% of WSU’s scoring this season. Add to that the losses of RB1 Wayshawn Parker and WR2 Kris Hutson, and it’s hard to see where the Cougars will generate any offensive spark.
In stark contrast, Syracuse arrives in San Diego at full strength. Head coach Fran Brown’s bold declaration, “We don’t opt out around here,” underscores the Orange’s unity and commitment. Quarterback Kyle McCord and the rest of the roster are expected to suit up, giving Syracuse a major advantage against a depleted WSU squad.
Given the Cougars’ coaching vacuum and decimated roster, Syracuse may not need to push the tempo offensively, especially with such a massive spread. On the other side, WSU’s offensive struggles are all but guaranteed, making the under an enticing play. Expect a one-sided affair where points are at a premium in what could be a sobering end to Washington State’s season.
Pam’s pick: Total points UNDER 59.5
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Louisiana vs. TCU (-13, 57.5)
Saturday, 2:15 p.m.ET on ESPN
While the line has widened in TCU’s favor, the depth chart leaves serious doubt on the Horned Frogs’ ability to cover.
For Louisiana, there’s hope on the horizon with quarterback Ben Wooldridge making strides in his recovery. His inclusion on the bowl depth chart signals a potential return to the lineup. A healthy Wooldridge could ignite the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offense, bringing a dynamic dimension that has been sorely missed.
Meanwhile, TCU is facing significant hurdles. Leading rusher Cam Cook, responsible for nine of the team’s 26 rushing touchdowns, has entered the transfer portal. The hits keep coming with wide receivers Jack Bech and Savion Williams opting out. These two accounted for over a third of TCU’s receptions, 43% of their receiving yards and 15 of the Frogs’ 25 receiving touchdowns. Such losses are a major blow to TCU’s passing attack, leaving a massive void in offensive firepower.
Louisiana’s opportunistic defense can capitalize on these vulnerabilities. The Ragin’ Cajuns thrive on creating turnovers and tied for the fifth-most interceptions (15) in the nation. Coupled with TCU’s shaky red-zone defense that is allowing scores on 90% of trips and ranking 101st in red-zone touchdown defense (67%), the Horned Frogs could be in for a long day.
The 13-point spread feels overly generous to TCU under these circumstances.
Pam’s pick: Louisiana +13
Valero Alamo Bowl
No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado (-4, 54.5)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.ET on ABC
This game has all the makings of an electrifying shootout, provided there are no significant opt-outs. Both teams bring dynamic, high-powered offenses to the table, setting the stage for a thrilling spectacle in San Antonio.
Colorado, led by the ever-charismatic Deion Sanders, has been an offensive juggernaut in the Big 12. Averaging 35 points per game, the Buffaloes’ aerial attack is nothing short of lethal. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been a revelation, ranking seventh nationally with 316 passing yards per game and second with 35 touchdown passes. His connection with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is pure magic. Hunter’s season has been one for the ages, a constant nightmare for secondaries with his unmatched ability to turn any play into a highlight reel moment.
BYU, meanwhile, brings its own impressive arsenal to the matchup. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is the Cougars’ ultimate dual-threat weapon, blending dynamic playmaking with precision passing. His chemistry with standout receivers Chase Roberts and Darius Lassiter gives BYU the ability to strike quickly and from anywhere on the field, ensuring defenses are always on their heels.
Both teams are no strangers to lighting up the scoreboard. BYU’s offense has been on fire, topping 34 points in six consecutive games this season — a streak unmatched by the program since 1996. On the other side, Colorado’s offense led the Big 12 in efficiency, churning out 6.1 yards per play, while also looking for the big play.
Defensively, the cracks are evident. BYU has struggled on third downs, but its opportunistic defense has been a force in creating chaos, ranking second in the nation in turnovers forced. Colorado has shown vulnerability in containing explosive plays, leaving the door wide open for the Cougars to capitalize.
Taking the over here feels less like a gamble and more like an expectation. With solid quarterback play, playmakers galore and defenses prone to lapses, this game has all the ingredients for fireworks. If Sanders and Retzlaff take the stage at full strength, the Alamo Bowl could be one of the most entertaining games of the entire bowl season.
Pam’s pick: Total points OVER 54.5