On Friday, the first of the 41 bowl games of the 2019-20 season will get underway, when Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau will host the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl between the Buffalo Bulls and the UNC-Charlotte 49ers. That game begins a march of contests that will culminate in the national championship. In the first week of bowl games, a lot of oddities can take place, as mid-majors get to take on Group of Five schools and Group of Five Schools get to take on Power Five schools, which can lead to upsets. Coaching changes can leave some teams without much in the way of motivation, which is something else to consider in your sports betting. We have a list of the first week’s of the 2019 College Football Bowl games, with point spreads and suggestions for you to consider.
2019 College Football Bowl Week 1 Betting Preview
Friday, December 20th
Buffalo vs UNC-Charlotte 2019 Makers Wanted Bahama Bowl
- When: 2:00 pm ET
- Where: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, Nassau
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: Buffalo -6.5
Did you know that Ledarius Mack (the younger brother of defensive stalwart Khalil Mack) plays for the Buffalo Bulls? Both of these teams are riding in on hot streaks, as the Bulls have won five of six and the 49ers have won five in a row. However, Buffalo not only has the younger Mack delivering heat on defenese but also has tailback Jaret Patterson to pound the ball. Bulls to win and cover.
Utah State vs Kent State 2019 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl
- When: 7:30 pm ET
- Where: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
- TV: ESPN2
- College Football Odds: Utah State -7.5
Kent State is bowling for the first time in seven years. Dustin Crum can throw the ball down the field or take off and run. However, Utah State is just more talented on both sides of the ball and should pull away late. Utah State to win and cover.
Saturday, December 21st
Alcorn State (NL) vs North Carolina A&T 2019 Celebration Bowl
- When: 12:00 pm ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- TV: ABC
- College Football Odds: NL
It can be hard to find a book that will give action on this game. These two met in a bowl game last year, and North Carolina A&T won by two. The two teams should be close again, but the Aggies should win again as their pass rush should control the rhythm. North Carolina A&T to win.
Central Michigan vs San Diego State 2019 New Mexico Bowl
- When: 2:00 pm ET
- Where: Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: San Diego State -3.5
The Aztecs are slight favorites here because of their ironclad defense. They like to slow the game to a grinding pace, and their front seven should contain Central Michigan here. San Diego State to win and cover.
Liberty vs Georgia Southern 2019 Cure Bowl
- When: 2:30 pm ET, CBS Sports,
- Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
- TV: CBS Sports
- College Football Odds: Georgia Southern -4.5
Hugh Freeze is bowling again for the first time since the 2016 Sugar Bowl, and Liberty makes its first bowl appearance ever. Georgia Southern did beat Appalachian State this season and romped over Georgia State by 18 points. The Eagles have the #8 rushing offense in the nation and should wear down Liberty. Georgia Southern to win and cover.
Southern Methodist vs Florida Atlantic 2019 Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl
- When: 3:30 pm ET
- Where: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
- TV: ABC
- College Football Odds: Southern Methodist -2.5
Lane Kiffin has left the Owls for Ole Miss, and FAU doesn’t even get to travel to a bowl game. This game should feature a lot of offense, as quarterbacks Shane Buechele (for SMU) and Chris Robison (for FAU) will pick up yards. SMU’s pass rush should get enough pressure to stop FAU enough times for a Mustang win. SMU to win and cover.
Florida International vs Arkansas State 2019 Camellia Bowl
- When: 5:30 pm ET
- Where: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: Arkansas State -2.5
Arkansas State is much better on the road than is FIU, who did not win any road games this season. Arkansas State to win and cover.
Boise State vs Washington 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
- When:7:30 pm ET, ABC,
- Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas
- TV: ABC
- College Football Odds: Washington -4
Chris Petersen will coach Washington one last time, but Boise State has the better team, and Washington had higher bowl aspirations than the Las Vegas Bowl. Boise State to cover.
Appalachian State vs UAB 2019 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
- When: 9:00 pm ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: Appalachian State -16.5
This is a huge point spread, but Appalachian State will hopefully look to deliver a statement win, as their record earned them a shot a lower tier Power Five school. Appalachian State to win and cover.
Monday, December 23rd
UCF (-17.5) vs Marshall 2019 Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl- When: 2:30 pm ET, ESPN
- Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: UCF -17.5
UCF has quarterback Dillon Gabriel to help them stack up points, with top target Gabriel Davis likely to light up the scoreboard. Marshall has a nice defense, but this isn’t Conference USA. UCF to win and cover.
Tuesday, December 24th
Hawai’i (+2) vs BYU 2019 SoFi Hawai’i Bowl- When: 8:00 pm ET
- Where: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: BYU -2
BYU’s roster is much more decorated, and their schedule was significantly tougher. However, Hawai’i can move the ball through the air and on the run — but their ball security is a problem. BYU to win and cover.
Thursday, December 26th
Louisiana Tech vs Miami (FL) 2019 Walk-On’s Independence Bowl
- When: 4:00 pm ET
- Where: Independence Stadium, Shreveport
- TV: ESPN
- College Football Odds: Miami -6
Miami is bowl eligible? Well, they did fall apart down the stretch in the ACC part of their schedule, and they have lost eight of nine bowl games. Last year, Wisconsin throttled them in a bowl game, 35-3. This game is in Louisiana. Louisiana Tech to cover.
Pitt vs Eastern Michigan 2019 Quick Lane Bowl
- When: 8:00 pm ET
- Where: Ford Field, Detroit
- TV: ESPN
- College Footall Odds: Pitt -11
Pitt has the talent, but they finished poorly down the stretch. Eastern Michigan basically gets a home game, and they have quarterback Mike Glass III to move the ball down the field. Eastern Michigan to cover.
